In reference to my need to totally sustain with the J-pop business, I’m planning on doing a weekly round-up of any new releases which have caught my ear. A few of these might have been coated on the weblog already, however my hope is that this may change into a one-stop store for anybody fascinated about what’s new in J-pop.
With that in thoughts, right here’s the place you are available in: I’m one particular person with one set of musical preferences, so please embed every other new J-pop tracks you’ve loved within the feedback so we will get a fuller spectrum every week.
*And identical to I do with my critiques, I’ll wait till full variations of songs can be found earlier than posting them on this round-up. This may principally apply to Johnny’s teams, who nonetheless restrict the vast majority of their YouTube uploads to shorter, edited variations.
2023 Index
2024 Index: Dec 24 – Jan 6 // Jan 7 – Jan 13 // Jan 14 – Jan 20 // Jan 21 – Jan 27 // Jan 28 – Feb 3 // Feb 4 – Feb 10 // Feb 11 – Feb 17 // Feb 18 – Feb 24 // Feb 25 – Mar 2 // Mar 3 – Mar 9 // Mar 10 – Mar 16 // Mar 17 – Mar 23 // Mar 24 – Mar 30 // Mar 31 – Apr 6 // Apr 7 – Apr 13 // Apr 14 – Apr 20 // Apr 21 – Apr 27 // Apr 28 – Might 4 // Might 5 – Might 11 // Might 12 – Might 18 // Might 19 – Might 25 // Might 26 – Jun 1 // Jun 2 – Jun 8 // Jun 9 – Jun 15 // Jun 16 – Jun 22 // Jun 23 – Jun 29 // Jun 30 – Jul 6 // Jul 7 – Jul 13 // Jul 14 – Jul 20
AiNA THE END – Love Sick (music of the week!)
Simply my favourite music from her since final yr’s spectacular Purple:birthmark. This one is sort of as over-the-top dramatic and has an analogous unhinged power and cathartic howl. It’s superb!
ALI – Past (ft. MaRI)
I have to do a deep dive into ALI’s music as a result of every new music that comes out impresses me. There’s such texture to this.
Da-iCE – Story
This music now has a music video. I nonetheless don’t assume it’s considered one of their strongest.
Daichi Miura – Shinpakuon (music of the week!)
Ooh, I hope that is getting a music video as a result of that is considered one of his finest songs in awhile. I really like the anthemic feeling.
East Of Eden – CROSS∞ROADS
This one brings the group’s violinist extra ahead within the combine, which is certainly appreciated.
Fantastics vs. Child Phenomenon – TurquoiseSun & PinkPurpleMoon (music of the week!)
That is the third launched monitor from the brand new Battle Of Tokyo collection. I see what they had been attempting to do structurally (the music really feels extra like a “battle”) however I’m undecided it fully works musically. Nonetheless, I like all the person items and love listening to Fantastics carry out on this type, so it’s general a win for me. The video can be entertaining as hell.
Fujii Kaze – Feelin’ Go(o)d
Groovy and understated. Just about what you’d count on from Fujii Kaze, I assume.
Golden Bomber – Line
That is enjoyable, goofy singalong rock from considered one of Japan’s hottest and beloved bands.
Hitogoto (Kento Nakajima) – Hitogoto
I’m a bit confused if Hitogoto is a everlasting alter ego for Kento Nakajima or simply for this music, but it surely’s an honest solo begin for him. It could positively match alongside materials on a Attractive Zone album.
iScream – Sorry Not Sorry
Nonetheless not feeling this one, but it surely now has a music video for individuals who have an interest.
Mamoru Miyano – Apollo
Mild and funky. It’s not dangerous!
MILLENNIUM PARADE – M4D
I actually like this monitor. The manufacturing is immaculate — all sweltering beats and scuzzy synths. It’s a vibe in the easiest way.
Miyavi – Eat Eat Eat (music of the week!)
I ordered the bodily model of this album when it was launched within the spring, however now it’s slowly turning into obtainable on streaming with single Eat Eat Eat rising first. I prefer it so much, although it’s not my favourite music from the challenge.
Naniwa Danshi – Koisuru Hikari
I at all times write about how a lot I really like when teams have a “signature sound,” however that additionally dangers their music turning into monotonous. Naniwa Danshi appear to be in that stage proper now. That is no worse than something they’ve launched these days, but it surely’s too acquainted and doesn’t make any satisfying strikes of its personal.
Official HIGE DANdism – Sharon
We now have a music video for this single. It’s just about Higedan-by-numbers, however does its job effectively and can virtually actually be an enormous hit.
THE PINK “H”CKET – Large Bang!
I do know nothing about this group they usually’ve bought a really unusual identify, however I just like the rock-fueled sound of this music.
Tasuku Hatanaka – It’s Time To Fly!
Tasuku Hatanaka’s music is strongest when it’s huge and dramatic. This mild summer season sound doesn’t do a lot for me.
Treasure – Reverse
That is fairly good. A bit disjointed right here and there, but it surely delivers a couple of new sounds for Treasure.
Tsubaki Manufacturing facility – Child Spider
It’s so fascinating to listen to a Howdy Challenge group tackle a vaguely reggaeton beat, particularly on a music referred to as… Child Spider. That is nice, if not notably thrilling.
UNICODE – Blur
I form of surprise if this group will find yourself focusing most of its consideration on Japan as time goes on. This music is totally forgettable, however sounds extra pure than their Korean work.
XG – One thing Ain’t Proper
I wrote about this right here. I preferred it!
Yoasobi – Butai ni tatte
That is extra of a simple rock monitor than I used to be anticipating. Not dangerous in any respect.
Faky – Sometime We’ll Know (2017)
Pop music’s late-2010’s tropical pattern resulted in some actual bangers, together with this spotlight from woman group Faky. The refrain is absolute magic.
