Japanese singer and actress Naoko Kawai released a couple of records in the first half of the eighties with the help of David Foster and the L.A. top session circle. We have already reviewed “Daydream Coast,” a good pop album that included duets with Chicago’s main man, Peter Cetera, and Foster himself in an occasional and very good vocal performance. “9 ½” was the follow-up album that was released in 1985. This second work was influenced by the success of Olivia Newton-John and includes songs and atmospheres very close to Newton-John hits like “Twist Of Fate.” On certain moments, the influence of the Australian superstar is also very evident in Naoko’s singing. Tom Keane, one of Foster’s most talented alumni, oversaw “9 ½” along with Foster’s long time engineer Humberto Gatica. It really doesn’t come as a surprise that the whole project sounds very “fosteresque.” The tasteful use of guitars, synths and the rhythm programming seem to come straight from Foster goodies like “Chicago 17” or “St. Elmo’s Fire.” Keane co-wrote four songs. Steve Kipner and Richard Marx wrote other compositions. The song selection is extremely pleasing with up-tempo items like “Happy Ever After” and “Turn It Up,” both with infectious refrains and cameo vocals by Keane. The centerpiece of this album is “Finding Each Other,” a sweet ballad co-written by David Foster with singer/songwriter Randy Goodrum and produced by Foster himself. It’s a beautiful love song performed by Naoko with Toto’s Steve Lukather. Luke’s not just one of the world’s best guitar players, he’s also a gifted singer as proven on hits like “Georgy Porgy,” “Rosanna” and “I’ll Be Over You.” Foster supports the singers with a carpet of keyboards and synth bass plus his typical break of synthesizers. This song and the whole “9 ½” album make a very good listen for those who still love the glorious sound of the 80s and appreciate good music.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/finding_each_other.mp3|titles=Finding each other|artists=Naoko Kawai & Steve Lukather]

Lead Vocals: Naoko Kawai & Steve Lukather
Keyboards & Synthesizers: David Foster & Tom Keane
Drums: John Robinson
Guitars: Mike Landau & Steve Lukather
Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

Look at me about to fall
For a perfect stranger
What is this that’s happening to me

Suddenly I’m not alone
I’m with a perfect stranger
But somehow I feel it’s meant to be

Heaven knows something I don’t know
Maybe we’ll find out together

If there’s an end to this
Let’s not get into this
Finding each other

And if it’s not paradise
Do we have time to change our minds
Cause we’re falling together or not at all

Something’s coming over me
I’m not sure I can handle
Or maybe I’m just losing my mind

It takes time for love to grow
From nothing to forever
I think that’s what you’re feeling…..so am I

All Alone, how can I be sure
We’ll have to find out together

If there’s an end to this
Let’s not get into this
Finding each other

And if it’s not paradise
Do we have time to change our minds
Cause we’re falling together or not at all

And if it’s not paradise
Do we have time to change our minds
Cause we’re falling together or not at all