In reference to my need to completely sustain with the J-pop trade, I’m planning on doing a weekly round-up of any new releases which have caught my ear. A few of these could have been coated on the weblog already, however my hope is that this can turn out to be a one-stop store for anybody involved in what’s new in J-pop.
With that in thoughts, right here’s the place you are available: I’m one individual with one set of musical preferences, so please embed some other new J-pop tracks you’ve loved within the feedback so we are able to get a fuller spectrum every week.
*And similar to I do with my evaluations, I’ll wait till full variations of songs can be found earlier than posting them on this round-up. It will largely apply to Johnny’s teams, who nonetheless restrict nearly all 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 Pink:birthmark. This one is sort of as over-the-top dramatic and has an analogous unhinged power and cathartic howl. It’s excellent!
ALI – Past (ft. MaRI)
I must 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 one among their strongest.
Daichi Miura – Shinpakuon (music of the week!)
Ooh, I hope that is getting a music video as a result of that is one among his greatest 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 observe from the brand new Battle Of Tokyo collection. I see what they had been making an attempt to do structurally (the music really feels extra like a “battle”) however I’m unsure it fully works musically. Nonetheless, I like all the person items and love listening to Fantastics carry out on this model, so it’s general a win for me. The video can also be entertaining as hell.
Fujii Kaze – Feelin’ Go(o)d
Groovy and understated. Just about what you’d anticipate from Fujii Kaze, I suppose.
Golden Bomber – Line
That is enjoyable, goofy singalong rock from one among 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, however it’s a good solo begin for him. It could positively match alongside materials on a Attractive Zone album.
iScream – Sorry Not Sorry
Nonetheless not feeling this one, however it now has a music video for many who have an interest.
Mamoru Miyano – Apollo
Mild and funky. It’s not dangerous!
MILLENNIUM PARADE – M4D
I actually like this observe. The manufacturing is immaculate — all sweltering beats and scuzzy synths. It’s a vibe in one of the simplest ways.
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 loads, although it’s not my favourite music from the mission.
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, however it’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 properly and can virtually definitely be a large hit.
THE PINK “H”CKET – Huge Bang!
I do know nothing about this group and so they’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 large 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, however it delivers just a few 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 known as… Child Spider. That is nice, if not notably thrilling.
UNICODE – Blur
I form of marvel 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 favored it!
Yoasobi – Butai ni tatte
That is extra of a simple rock observe 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.