Awakening is an album by keyboardist Hiroshi Sato, released by Alfa Records in June 1982 and credited as “featuring Wendy Matthews”. Built largely on an early Linn LM-1 drum machine, it is prized by collectors as one of the most technically adventurous records of the city pop era.[1][2]
Recording
Sato made the album for Alfa after returning to Japan in 1982.[2] Most backing tracks were assembled through multitrack recording on a Linn LM-1; engineer Shuichi Murakami was reportedly astonished to learn that the drums on “You’re My Baby” had been programmed by Sato.[2] Tatsuro Yamashita is among the credited guitarists.[3]
Release
Discogs lists the original LP (ALR-28036) with a release date of 21 June 1982, while Wikipedia gives 25 June.[1][3] A remastered CD in September 2005 added extra chorus vocals to the intro of “It Isn’t Easy”.[2]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | “Awakening (覚醒)” | 2:29 | |
| 2. | “You’re My Baby” | 3:45 | |
| 3. | “Blue and Moody Music” | 4:32 | |
| 4. | “Only a Love Affair” | 4:47 | |
| 5. | “Love and Peace” | 4:23 | |
| 6. | “From Me to You” | 3:47 | |
| 7. | “I Can’t Wait” | 4:14 | |
| 8. | “It Isn’t Easy” | 4:17 | |
| 9. | “Awakening” | 3:36 | |
| 10. | “Say Goodbye” | 3:23 |
Personnel
- Hiroshi Sato – keyboards, drum programming, vocals
- Wendy Matthews – vocals
- Tatsuro Yamashita, Tsunehide Matsuki, Yuji Toriyama – electric guitar
References
- “Hiroshi Sato (musician)”. Wikipedia. Retrieved 11 October 2026.
- “佐藤博 (ミュージシャン)”. Wikipedia (Japanese). Retrieved 11 October 2026.
- “Hiroshi Sato featuring Wendy Matthews – Awakening”. Discogs. Retrieved 11 October 2026.
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