Whereas Ok-pop has been persistently above common this 12 months, my J-pop fortunes haven’t been so shiny. It’s an actual turnaround from this time final 12 months, once I was capable of function fifteen beloved tracks. The alternatives had been extra restricted this time, however it’s nonetheless price mentioning some stellar work from a couple of favorites.
What had been your high singles and albums throughout the first half of 2024?
Bullet Prepare (Choutokkyuu) – Steal A Kiss
I’ve been a fan of Bullet Prepare for almost a decade now, however my enjoyment of their music has waxed and waned all through the years. Steal A Kiss is an enormous spotlight and simply the perfect factor their new 9-member configuration has churned out but. (full evaluation)
NCT Want – Songbird
Blurring the strains between Ok-pop and J-pop, Songbird melds the strengths of each markets for an early summer time standout. I really like the vitality. (full evaluation)
One Love One Coronary heart – Aise, Shigoku Sanzan na Bokura no Hello wo
This can be a extra conventional J-pop sound for them, however nonetheless harnesses the sturdy melodies that make this method so satisfying. (full evaluation)
Queen Bee – Tremendous Memorial
Screw the boring, saccharine fan songs. This is the way you rejoice an anniversary! It’s alt-rock meets summer time dance pageant within the quirkiest manner. (full evaluation)
Ryugujo – Deep Wave
Ryugujo proceed their run as probably the most thrilling acts on the planet with this tempo-changing, genre-blending tackle dance music. (full evaluation)
SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:TOMORROW X TOGETHER – LeveL
I’m nonetheless flabbergasted that famed producer Sawano Hiroyuki collaborated with a big-name Ok-pop act. The result’s an exciting burst of anime-ready vitality. (full evaluation)
Bullet Prepare (Choutokkyuu) – Simply Like Bullet Prepare
A set of quirky, synth-powered bangers that retains the vitality excessive all through.
Genic – N_G
An all killer, no filler affair that sees the group taking much more inventive management than standard. So lots of the b-sides are stronger than most promoted singles and the vocals are stellar all through.
Miyavi – Misplaced In Love
What’s a “favourite albums” checklist with out a little Miyavi? He continues his successful streak with this taut assortment of highly effective rock tracks.
One Love One Coronary heart – Aise, Shigoku Sanzan na Bokura no Hello wo
Whereas a lot lighter and fluffier than their debut (convey again the theatrical rock sound, guys!), that is nonetheless an hermetic assortment of traditional idol materials.
Ryugujo – Deep Wave
This album blew me away on first hear and continues to be one among my favourite issues launched all 12 months. It’s a sprawling assortment of sounds, held collectively by producer Avu-chan’s bold imaginative and prescient and Ryugujo’s go-for-broke efficiency. All 5 tracks are completely epic. (full album evaluation)