In reference to my need to completely 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 lined on the weblog already, however my hope is that this can turn out to be a one-stop store for anybody keen on what’s new in J-pop.

With that in thoughts, right here’s the place you are available: 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 are able to get a fuller spectrum every week.

*And similar 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 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 – Could 4 // Could 5 – Could 11 // Could 12 – Could 18

Aimyon – Want I May See You, However

Not my factor, however lots of people love this.

Ayumi Hamasaki – Aurora

She sounds nice. I want the music was extra attention-grabbing.

BABYMETAL x Electrical Callboy – RATATATA (music of the week!)

Why does this sound like one thing Finland would ship to Eurovision? It’s obtained a bit an excessive amount of dying steel shouting in it, however general this collaboration is a ton of enjoyable and a complete burst of power.

Ballistik Boyz – Greater Ex

Simply terrible. I want J-pop would transfer on from this sound asap nevertheless it simply retains coming.

.BPM – Growth Growth Bee

I don’t know this group, however the music is form of charming and I like how a lot gusto they’re singing with.

BURNOUT SYNDROMES x Nao Toyama – Maoh

A really dramatic sound with distinctive vocals.

Doberman Infinity – Final Perpetually

Shrug.

King & Prince – Halfmoon / moooove!!

Halfmoon is typical J-drama slop. Moooove is healthier, and the drama it’s connected to is fairly good, too. I like its 90’s hip-hop sound nevertheless it wants a stronger hook.

Koto – Otoko No Kochan

That is such a bizarre little 80’s pastiche. I’m certain somebody will find it irresistible. Possibly that somebody is you!

Mrs. Inexperienced Apple – Pricey

I’m questioning if final yr’s Magic might need been a fluke as a result of none of their materials since has hit me in the identical manner. I just like the drama and driving percussion of this, however the melodies aren’t actually connecting with me.

NCT 127 – Colours

Very uninteresting.

NMB48 – Is This Love?

Nothing too totally different from their ordinary stuff…

Novelbright – Empire (ft. Novel Core) (music of the week!)

I actually like this. It’s an excellent mix of rock and rap with a ton of power.

OWV – Love Banditz

Enjoyable music video for a music I already loved final week.

Fragrance – The Mild

New Fragrance is at all times welcome. It is a bit subdued however fairly good.

PKCZ® – Put Your Hearts Up, All people Leap Up

Tacky membership music with a powerful 90’s Eurodance sound.

Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Yasai Ondo

I’m at all times impressed with this band’s versatility. This isn’t my favourite music from them, nevertheless it certain is totally different.

Timelesz – Anthem

Attractive Zone needed to die for this? Critically, that is terrible and so jarring after final yr’s unimaginable Chapter II album. I don’t know what’s happening with Starto Leisure this yr however after being an enormous fan over the previous decade I really feel like I’m dropping curiosity in nearly all their acts. (Additionally, I hate the title “Timelesz.” It’s so boring.)

XG – Woke Up

I wrote about this right here. I didn’t look after it.

7ORDER – However

Not unhealthy, however not near their greatest work from final yr.

King & Prince – Mazy Evening (2020)

A big chunk of King & Prince’s discography was made accessible on streaming platforms this week, however not considered one of my favourite b-sides are among the many choices. So as a substitute, I’ll characteristic the total model of an excellent single I wrote about again in 2020.