When the vocals are done right and the instrumentals fade to black, you know have a cover done right. It’s then when you know that it’s not just about the artist, but the song and words and inspiration that only music can tap into.

That’s what it’s like listening to aozorafantasii’s cover of Replay, originally popularized by SHINee.  If not for her, I wouldn’t have learned the lyrics to the song and I probably wouldn’t be as obsessed with the English version as I am now.  Then again, it’s very hard not to remember the echoing chorus by the original’s boy band wonder, of course.

Since Lisa’s (aozorafantasii) hit the web with her English translation of Replay, tons of fans have been taking their time and making an effort to remix the Replay.  There’s my favorite notable performance by Asian Covers ~ who are adorable! ~ with their English version, with rap, of Replay.  Other than these two outstanding fan groups, let’s just say I’m glad that YouTube has a big server.

On a side note, Lisa is kind of inspiring. There’s no other way to put it. She recently graduated from Berkeley and now she’s traveled to Japan to work on her Japanese and her music.  It’s really inspiring to me because I’ve studied three years of formal Japanese, and I still don’t think I know anything. It would be great to be able to learn more and work on becoming fluent in Japanese, so I’m really envious of her but at the same time, I admire her very much.  Those who chase their dreams are meant for great things, so I don’t hold anything against her. Aja aja, aozora! ^^ We’re rooting for you!

If you have some time, I’d definitely take a moment to listen or download some of her music from her Wordpress blog.  I’m currently listening to You Don’t Know and Tabi.  Tabi is gorgeous =)