Now that we’ve obtained Ok-pop ranked for the yr, it’s time to show the weblog’s consideration to different music markets. First up is J-pop — a scene I write about each week on Sundays (and sometimes different days if a observe catches my consideration). In comparison with final yr’s wonderful slate of music, I discovered J-pop fairly underwhelming general this yr. As with Ok-pop, there are a number of persistent developments I’m not significantly keen on for the time being. Nevertheless, whereas compiling this listing I spotted simply what number of nice tracks got here out in 2024. My listing feels extra rock-focused than regular, with even lots of the pop tracks having robust guitar affect. I hope you’ll browse the choices and discover one thing new to obsess over!
SONGS 50-31
SONGS 30-11
SONGS 10-1
2024 YEAR-END MASTERPOST
30. Travis Japan – T.G.I. Friday Night time
These guys are at their finest when delivering enjoyable, don’t-think-too-hard curler rink pop music good for late summer season afternoons.
29. Shinjiro Atae – Upside Down
Shinjiro Atae launched some wonderful dance music this yr (Enjoyable Eternally can be excellent), however the addictive synth tones on Upside Down is likely to be his finest work but.
28. &TEAM – Aoarashi
Aoarashi is all in regards to the energy of its refrain. Each the melody and manufacturing sweep you off your ft and provide carry simply when the track wants it. (full overview)
27. Snow Man – Empire
Snow Man have a diminished function on this yr’s countdown, however the orchestral pomp of Empire gave them their largest 2024 spotlight.
26. &TEAM – Yukiakari
Despite the fact that Yukiakari is just a few days outdated on my playlist, I’m discovering myself an increasing number of gained over by its rock-influenced drive and sense of emotional catharsis. (full overview)
25. One Or Eight – Don’t Inform No person
One Or Eight burst out of the gate with this internationally-targeted banger. The brisk refrain crackles with pleasure and teases an important future forward of them.
24. ONE OK ROCK – Dystopia
I’m so excited for ONE OK ROCK’s upcoming album as a result of each pre-release single has been a monstrous hit. This one has a singalong refrain so huge you can get misplaced in it.
23. Miyavi – Operating In My Head
Miyavi launched a good quantity of music this yr however not as many music movies. Fortunately, he saved the cinematic remedy for his finest 2024 hit. The refrain has such satisfying depth. (full overview)
22. Galileo Galilei – Spin!
Indie rock doesn’t get extra serotonin-boosting than Spin. It’s a whirlwind of power, punctuated by an optimistic hook that’s like lightning in a bottle.
21. Takanori Nishikawa with T.Komuro – Freedom
Two J-pop legends meet on the OST for a legendary Japanese franchise. Takanori Nishikawa (aka: T.M.Revolution)’s vocals sound completely immense in opposition to the theatrical Komuro manufacturing.
20. Genic – I’ll Be There
Genic’s finest 2024 materials wasn’t promoted as a single, however they did promote I’ll Be There early within the yr. This can be a boilerplate J-pop sound however pulled off with panache. It hung round my playlist for a lot of months.
19. Ryugujo – Urashima
Given its quick two-minute size, I spent a very good whereas side-eying Urashima earlier than rapidly falling into its offbeat charms. As normal with Ryugujo, it’s their unhinged efficiency that sells the fabric. (full overview)
18. Sakurazaka46 – Jigoujitoku
The vocal breakdowns (is {that a} pattern?) that open and punctuate this observe are a number of the most thrilling musical moments I heard all yr. The track sometimes has bother measuring as much as the manufacturing, however when every thing comes collectively that is complete magic.
17. Fragrance – Cosmic Deal with
I’ve been an off-the-cuff Fragrance fan for a few years however by no means fell in love with them the best way so many different followers have. 2024 could have modified that as a result of their newest album (and this single) are pure celestial synthpop bliss.
16. Qwami – By no means Cease
I hold ready for the world (or no less than Japan) to get up and notice that this is without doubt one of the most addictive songs launched all yr. The beat is past funky and the melodies completely match that groove. By the point we get to the MJ-esque outro, I’m past smitten.
15. Number_i – INZM
On the entire, I’m not a fan of Number_i’s music. Nevertheless, INZM is so bizarre and wild (and rocky!) that I discovered myself taking part in it again and again. The bombastic finale is super-charged enjoyable.
14. Child Phenomenon – Present U Gentle
I haven’t related to any of LDH’s new-gen acts the identical manner as I’ve their seniors, however this tropical-tinged, belt-it-from-the-rafters anthem is pure boyband perfection. Seize your hairbrush and sing into it like your life relied on it.
13. Wild Blue – Wild Blue
Wild Blue had been a few of my favourite J-pop rookies of the yr and that’s due largely to this optimistic debut. It’s like a blast of heat summer season air, transporting you to journey.
12. SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]: TXT – LeveL
I’d have by no means anticipated one in every of my favourite J-pop producers to group with one in every of Ok-pop’s main acts. TXT make an important foil for Hiroyuki Sawano’s grand, beat-driven sound. (full overview)
11. OCTPATH – Enjoyable
In case you’re going to launch a track titled “Enjoyable,” you higher make rattling certain it truly is. Fortunately, OCTPATH don’t have to hold their heads in disgrace as a result of their Enjoyable is tacky stadium rock goodness — like one thing One Course would have concocted at their peak.