T.M.Revolution Releases THE FIRST TAKE Versions of Classic Hits
T.M.Revolution is riding a serious wave of momentum right now, and THE FIRST TAKE—the YouTube series known for capturing artists in single, unedited takes—just gave two of his most beloved tracks a stunning new life.
On August 17th, the legendary artist dropped two simultaneous streaming releases: “WHITE BREATH – From THE FIRST TAKE” and “THUNDERBIRD – From THE FIRST TAKE.” Both performances come from his recent appearance on the critically acclaimed channel, which has become a major catalyst for renewed interest in his catalog among both longtime fans and fresh listeners.
For context: T.M.Revolution (born Takanori Nishikawa, September 19, 1970) has been a cornerstone of Japanese rock and electronic music since his 1996 debut. Beyond the T.M.Revolution moniker, he’s also active as a solo artist under his real name, and his reach extends to acting, voice work, and television hosting. His 2024 single “FREEDOM” became a genuine chart phenomenon, while his live tours continue to pack venues across Japan.
“WHITE BREATH,” released nearly 30 years ago, remains a winter staple in Japan—the kind of song that refuses to age. On THE FIRST TAKE, that propulsive, high-energy arrangement hits even harder, with Nishikawa’s vocal power cutting straight through the arrangement with raw intensity.
“THUNDERBIRD,” a standout mid-tempo ballad from 1998, gets an entirely different treatment. Pianist Shinsuke Kiyotsuka’s delicate, refined piano lines weave through Nishikawa’s emotionally rich vocal delivery, creating a version that feels deeper and more introspective than the original—proof that even established classics can reveal new dimensions when stripped down to their essence.
Worth noting: Earlier this year, his THE FIRST TAKE performance of “HOT LIMIT” became the fastest video on the channel to reach 10 million views—a testament to just how much momentum he’s built. Currently, he’s running two parallel revival tours across Japan: “T.M.R. LIVE REVOLUTION ‘26-‘27 REWIND OF CLOUD NINE” and “T.M.R. LIVE REVOLUTION ‘26-‘27 REWIND OF Joker Type 2.”
Both tracks are available now on all major streaming platforms. Head to T.M.Revolution’s official site at tm-revolution.com for tour dates, merchandise, and more info on what’s next.