It’s a bit bleak over right here, girls and gents. Through the years there have been many instances the place I’ve been extra enamored with the standard of J-pop’s output than Okay-pop, however 2025 isn’t a type of years. In reality, there are fewer highlights than I can ever keep in mind right now of the 12 months — so little that I needed to forgo itemizing “high albums” fully. Of the songs listed beneath, there are possibly two that I may see conceivably reaching my year-end high ten. In different phrases, the business has loads of catching as much as do!
What have been your high singles and albums throughout the first half of 2025?
Ado x Jax Jones – Keep Gold
A gathering of J-pop’s main voice and a celebrated international DJ, Keep Gold pulls the most effective from each artists.
Fujii Kaze – Hachiko
Although I’m not as enamored as I used to be on the primary few listens, this groovy, shimmering spotlight reinvents Kaze’s music with a satisfying pop sheen. (full evaluation)
Genic – It’s Showtime
An actual showstopping burst of thrilling power delivered by certainly one of Japan’s most dependable co-ed teams. The dynamic vocal efficiency alone is value celebrating. (full evaluation)
Kep1er – Yum
A bit fractured in its execution, however when Yum hits it hits laborious. Its explosive refrain is such a second. (full evaluation)
Kis-My-Ft2 – Glory Days
My J-pop favorites lastly returned with a tune I can totally get behind. This model of anthemic rock matches them like a glove and remembers the numerous previous glories of their discography. (full evaluation)
TWS – Hajimemashite (Good To See You Once more)
I don’t know what the producers put in these melodies to make them so sticky, however like most TWS singles this adheres to your mind for the long term. (full evaluation)
Wild Blue – POP
An effervescent blast of funky pop that fits Wild Blue’s youthful power so nicely. There are numerous songs of this model in each J-pop and Okay-pop, however this one simply works so nicely.
&TEAM – Deer Hunter
A slinky, horny sound that grew to become extra addictive with every pay attention. It’s not the model I instantly think about when considering of &TEAM, however they pull it off flawlessly. (full evaluation)
