Crush 40, a fusion of Japanese and American rock talent, is a hard rock band that’s been leaving its indelible mark on the music scene. This electrifying duo comprises the immensely talented guitarist and composer, Jun Senoue, and the powerhouse vocalist, Johnny Gioeli.
Together, they’ve crafted a unique sound that’s best known for its exceptional contributions to the iconic Sonic the Hedgehog video game series.
Musical Mastery Meets Gaming Greatness
Jun Senoue, a musical maestro in his own right, has had a long-standing association with Sega, dating back to 1993 when he first joined as a composer and sound director. His musical genius took the Sonic Adventure game to new heights when he collaborated with Johnny Gioeli to record the game’s legendary main track, “Open Your Heart.” This track became an instant hit and cemented their partnership.
Their journey didn’t stop there. Together, they also recorded the soundtrack for NASCAR Arcade under the alias “Sons of Angels,” releasing it in Japan in 2000 as the album “Thrill of the Feel.” This marked the beginning of a musical partnership that would stand the test of time, with Senoue and Gioeli continuing to create new music for subsequent Sonic games and their original compositions. Their collaboration extended to live concerts, bringing their electrifying music to the stage.
A Discography That Rocks
Crush 40’s music can be best described as hard rock, a genre some say is a spiritual successor to glam rock. Over the years, they’ve built a remarkable discography that includes two studio albums, two live albums, two compilations, an EP, and individual tracks. Most of their work has been released under Sega’s Wave Master label. Their unique blend of rock has left a lasting impression on fans of the Sonic video game series and the music world alike.
The Genesis of a Rocking Journey
Jun Senoue’s career with Sega began in 1993, when he started composing music for video games. His first major project in the Sonic the Hedgehog series was Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles in 1994. He went on to contribute his musical talents to titles such as Dark Wizard, Sonic 3D Blast, and Sega Rally 2. Notably, during the recording of Daytona USA: Championship Circuit Edition, Senoue collaborated with Eric Martin of Mr. Big to create the game’s main theme, “Sons of Angels.” Senoue’s affinity for rock music infused a fresh energy into the games he worked on, especially in the Sonic the Hedgehog series.
In 1998, while working on Sonic Adventure, Senoue reached out to the exceptional vocalist, Johnny Gioeli. This collaboration led to the creation of their first iconic track, “Open Your Heart.” Senoue had previously recorded a demo of the song with Eizo Sakamoto on vocals, but he knew that Gioeli was the perfect fit. Their connection was initiated through Doug Aldrich, the guitarist for Whitesnake, Crush 40 Article, who introduced Senoue to Gioeli. The chemistry was undeniable, and this partnership blossomed into a lasting collaboration. Senoue and Gioeli’s creative synergy extended to tracks for NASCAR Arcade, with Naoto Shibata and Hirotsugu Homma of Loudness joining in on bass and drums. As a nod to their collaboration with Eric Martin, they adopted the name “Sons of Angels.” In 2000, they unveiled “Thrill of the Feel” in Japan, an album that featured the tracks created for NASCAR Arcade, including the timeless “Open Your Heart.”
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