Whereas Ok-pop has been persistently above common this yr, my J-pop fortunes haven’t been so brilliant. It’s an actual turnaround from this time final yr, once I was in a position to characteristic fifteen beloved tracks. The alternatives had been extra restricted this time, but it surely’s nonetheless value mentioning some stellar work from a couple of favorites.
What had been your prime singles and albums throughout the first half of 2024?
Bullet Practice (Choutokkyuu) – Steal A Kiss
I’ve been a fan of Bullet Practice 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 overview)
NCT Want – Songbird
Blurring the traces between Ok-pop and J-pop, Songbird melds the strengths of each markets for an early summer time standout. I like the vitality. (full overview)
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 strong melodies that make this strategy so satisfying. (full overview)
Queen Bee – Tremendous Memorial
Screw the uninteresting, saccharine fan songs. This is the way you rejoice an anniversary! It’s alt-rock meets summer time dance competition within the quirkiest means. (full overview)
Ryugujo – Deep Wave
Ryugujo proceed their run as one of the crucial thrilling acts on the planet with this tempo-changing, genre-blending tackle dance music. (full overview)
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 exhilarating burst of anime-ready vitality. (full overview)
Bullet Practice (Choutokkyuu) – Simply Like Bullet Practice
A group 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 normal. So most 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 (carry again the theatrical rock sound, guys!), that is nonetheless an hermetic assortment of basic idol materials.
Ryugujo – Deep Wave
This album blew me away on first pay attention and continues to be one among my favourite issues launched all yr. It’s a sprawling assortment of sounds, held collectively by producer Avu-chan’s formidable imaginative and prescient and Ryugujo’s go-for-broke efficiency. All 5 tracks are completely epic. (full album overview)
