HAYAKAWA, MEGUMI face to face WTP-90397

Polished Rock Debut: Megumi Hayakawa’s ‘Face To Face’ (WTP-90397)

Today’s entry highlights the debut album from Japanese female rock vocalist Megumi Hayakawa, titled “Face To Face,” released with the catalog number WTP-90397 with obi.

Issued in 1986 on the Eastworld label (Toshiba EMI), this 12-inch vinyl LP marked Hayakawa’s arrival on the Japanese rock scene. The album benefits significantly from the production expertise of Masanori Sasaji, a highly respected producer and arranger known for his work with numerous J-Rock acts, including the successful all-female band Show-Ya. His involvement ensures a polished, professional sound characteristic of major label releases from the era.

“Face To Face” delivers a potent blend of melodic hard rock and AOR (Adult Oriented Rock). Hayakawa’s strong vocals are backed by top-tier musicianship, thanks to an impressive roster of guest performers from Japan’s elite hard rock and heavy metal circles. Notably, the album features Kyoji Yamamoto (Bow Wow/Vow Wow) contributing his signature guitar skills, the legendary Munetaka Higuchi (Loudness) providing powerful drumming, and Rei Atsumi (Vow Wow) adding keyboard textures.

With its combination of strong vocals, expert production by Sasaji, and performances by renowned musicians, “Face To Face” (WTP-90397) stands as a high-quality example of mid-80s Japanese melodic hard rock. It’s an impressive debut showcasing Hayakawa’s talent within a polished, accessible rock framework.