Aya Shimazu / AYA's Soul Searchin' 〜Aretha Franklin〜 (LP)

Singing monster Aya Shimazu's Aretha Franklin cover album
To celebrate the first anniversary of its release, the long-awaited vinyl record has been released!

Shimazu Aya is known as the "singing monster" due to her overwhelming singing ability.
Aya Shimazu's cover album of songs by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, "AYA's Soul Searchin' -Aretha Franklin-", which she released last year in 2024, has been announced to be released as an analog record on Wednesday, July 16th.

Shimazu Aya made her major debut as an enka singer at the age of 15, being called a "prodigy girl" and "the child of enka." In recent years, her unparalleled vocal ability has earned her the nickname "singing monster." She has expanded her horizons across generations and genres, from enka to the latest pop and Western music. On March 17, 2024, Shimazu Aya made her world debut under the name "Aya Shimazu" with Aretha Franklin's classic "Think." When she subsequently performed "Think" on a music program, her powerful and stunning performance elicited numerous comments of surprise and praise from viewers across generations on social media, with comments such as "Amazing! So cool!", "Too awesome!" and "Aya Shimazu is seriously so cool," and it even became a trending topic!

After seeing the film "Respect," which depicts the life of Aretha Franklin, Shimazu's wish to "sing Aretha's songs one day" was revealed to him by Kiyoshi Matsuo, who became the general producer. The album was completed with the full participation of the band members, and with Ryo Nakata of Osaka Monorail, a leader in the Japanese soul/funk scene and renowned overseas, serving as sound producer.
Aya Shimazu's transcendent vocals and Osaka Monorail's soulful performance create a sound that beautifully blends the uplifting spirit of the 1960s soul scene, when Aretha Franklin was active, with the contemporary feel of Reiwa Japan.
The album contains eight carefully selected songs, including the classic "Think," "Respect," the song that got this project started, and the classic "A Natural Woman," written and composed by Carole King.
The album ends with the only original song, "Always Together."
"Always the Two of Us" is about Shimazu's beloved toy poodle, who he had lived with as if she were his own child, but who suddenly passes away from illness.
The song is inspired by Shimazu's feelings of deep pain, exhaustion, and being crushed by a sense of loss, and is about "carrying a sadness that cannot be easily healed, but still living on."

Aya Shimazu's soft and warm singing voice has resulted in a song that speaks directly to the listener's heart.
The album title, "Soul Searchin'," also has the connotation of "searching for oneself" and "a journey of the heart." The original Japanese song "Itsudemo Futari," which stands out on this album, is truly Aya Shimazu's "Soul Searchin'," and is a fitting song to conclude the album.
The cover photo for this album was taken by Matthew Jordan Smith, who has been Aretha Franklin's official photographer for many years and has also published her photo books. Aya Shimazu's natural smile gives a powerful impression.

Also, to celebrate the first anniversary of the release, on Thursday, July 31st, a joint live performance with the funk band "Osaka Monorail," led by sound producer Ryo Nakata, will be held at LINE CUBE Shibuya (Shibuya Public Hall)!!
Experience the soulful sound of Osaka Monorail and Aya Shimazu's one-of-a-kind singing voice on this vinyl record and at a live concert!

■Live Information Aya Shimazu with Osaka Monorail
July 31st (Thursday) LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (Shibuya Public Hall) Start time 18:00
For inquiries and applications: RO-ON Ticket TEL 047-365-9960
Homepage: https://x.gd/9XlXh

■Track list:
Side A
1. Think
2. Respect
3. I Say A Little Prayer
4. A Natural Woman
5. Amazing Grace

Side B
1. Chain Of Fools
2. Until You Come Back To Me
3. Spanish Harlem
4. Always Together

Artist: Aya Shimazu
Title: AYA's Soul Searchin' ~Aretha Franklin~
Label: Warner Music Japan / TUFF BEATS
Format: LP
Cat No.: TBV-0083
Barcode: 4580187181403
Price: 5,000 yen + tax
Release date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025