Nakazawa Yuko Dai Isshou (中澤ゆうこ第一章; Nakazawa Yuko Chapter 1) is Nakazawa Yuko's first album. The album was released on December 12, 1998 and reached #59 on the weekly Oricon charts and charted for two weeks, selling 9,440 copies overall.
W also covered Osaka Rhapsody on their album, Duo U&U.
Horiuchi Takao released his own version of track #1, Karasu no Nyoubou,as a single.
Takayama Gen released his own version of track #2, Sutenaide yo, as a single.
When asked (upon the release of the album) what she thought when listening to the finished album, she answered: "I felt like, "Are you sure it's good enough?". [...] I don't have enough confidence in my vocal skill. Regardless, [...] many songs featured in the album are popular hit songs from the past, so it should be easier to get into and become familiar with the songs once again. I knew I wasn’t expected to imitate the original versions. But it’s hard because the original artists have already established each image of the song. Also, I didn’t want to ruin the original versions with my lack of vocal skills. I was worried if they'd be upset and tell me not to sing the song anymore...lol."
Nakazawa also said in another interview: "I love all songs that are featured in this album, and I feel honored to be given the opportunity to do the covers. That’s why, I felt as much pressure to do it right."
Sutenaide yo was used to promote the release of Nakazawa's first album. The song was later released as a single by enka singer Takayama Gen in 1999. Nakazawa said in an interview: "At first, I didn't know if this was enka or pop. So I had to ask Tsunku how I was supposed to approach this song. He simply said, "It doesn’t matter. Sing it exactly the way you like it." There are contrasts within the song, so I tried to express them as they were. Both "Sutenaide yo" and "Cosmos Biyori" are my original songs, so I felt more attached, excited and enthusiastic."
Nakazawa said in an interview: "[...] while watching the music video of "Odaiba Moonlight Serenade", there is a scene which I am supposed to expose my shoulder by sliding down a little bit of my yukata dress. Was it yukata or kimono? I can’t remember. Anyway, I was so awkward! During the filming of the music video, I was told to smoothly and gently remove the kimono. [...] It was impossible for me to feel relaxed, I mean, I am not an actress or anything. So I ended up doing it in a very clumsy way, and when I look back, I think this music video is very fun and interesting to watch."[1]
Nakazawa said in an interview: "The first song to be recorded was "Eki" by Takeuchi Mariya. Until then, I had been practicing all songs at home on my own, and I was prepared for the recording session except for "Eki", which I was still working on. When I walked into the studio, and was told that "Eki" was the first one to be recorded, I felt like I was facing a big obstacle. In any case, we did record the song then, but I was never satisfied. I asked if I could do it again on a different day, and I was able to try it again and again. I think it's inconsiderate to present an incomplete song to the fans because they are paying for it with their precious money."[1]
