Mr. Moonlight (Ai no Big Band)

"Mr. Moonlight (Ai no Big Band)" (Mr.Moonlight ～愛のビッグバンド～, Misutā Mūnraito Ai no Biggu Bando, Mr. Moonlight (Love's Big Band)) is the thirteenth single of J-pop idol group Morning Musume and was released October 31, 2001.

"Mr. Moonlight (Ai no Big Band)"
Single by Morning Musume
from the album 4th Ikimashoi!
Released	October 31, 2001 (JP)
Recorded	2001
Genre	J-pop big band
Length	12:54
Label	Zetima
Songwriter(s)	Tsunku
Producer(s)	Tsunku
Morning Musume singles chronology
"The Peace!" (2001) "Mr. Moonlight (Ai no Big Band)" (2001) "Sōda! We're Alive" (2002)
Music video
"Mr. Moonlight (Ai no Big Band)" on YouTube

Overview

It sold a total of 513,340 copies and reached number one on the Oricon Charts. This single also marked the debut of the fifth generation members Ai Takahashi, Risa Niigaki, Makoto Ogawa, and Asami Konno. The song exhibits heavy swing-style music influence, and the video featured the group dressed in outfits reminiscent of swing's peak era. Lead vocals are Hitomi Yoshizawa, Maki Goto, and Natsumi Abe.

Inspiration for the cross-dressing costumes, theatrical style, and trademark staircase dancing appears to have been taken from Japan's Takarazuka Revue, an all-female musical theater troupe famous for its gender-bending performances.

Legacy

In 2002, an English-language cover ("Mr. Moonlight") was recorded by Elisa Fiorillo for the album Cover Morning Musume Hello! Project!.

Track listing

All lyrics and composition by Tsunku.

1. "Mr. Moonlight (Ai no Big Band)" (Mr.Moonlight 〜愛のビッグバンド〜)
2. "Popcorn Love!" (ポップコーンラブ!)
3. "Mr. Moonlight (Ai no Big Band)" (Instrumental)

Members at the time of single

• 1st generation: Kaori Iida, Natsumi Abe
• 2nd generation: Kei Yasuda, Mari Yaguchi
• 3rd generation: Maki Goto
• 4th generation: Rika Ishikawa, Hitomi Yoshizawa, Nozomi Tsuji, Ai Kago
• 5th generation (debut): Ai Takahashi, Asami Konno, Makoto Ogawa, Risa Niigaki

External links

• Mr. Moonlight (Ai no Big Band) entry at Up-Front Works Official Website