It’s a bit bleak over right here, girls and gents. Over time there have been many instances the place I’ve been extra enamored with the standard of J-pop’s output than Okay-pop, however 2025 isn’t a kind of years. In truth, there are fewer highlights than I can ever keep in mind at the moment of the 12 months — so little that I needed to forgo itemizing “prime albums” fully. Of the songs listed under, there are perhaps two that I might see conceivably reaching my year-end prime ten. In different phrases, the trade has numerous catching as much as do!
What have been your prime singles and albums in the course of the first half of 2025?
Ado x Jax Jones – Keep Gold
A gathering of J-pop’s main voice and a celebrated international DJ, Keep Gold pulls the most effective from each artists.
Fujii Kaze – Hachiko
Although I’m not as enamored as I used to be on the primary few listens, this groovy, shimmering spotlight reinvents Kaze’s music with a satisfying pop sheen. (full overview)
Genic – It’s Showtime
An actual showstopping burst of thrilling vitality delivered by one in all Japan’s most dependable co-ed teams. The dynamic vocal efficiency alone is price celebrating. (full overview)
Kep1er – Yum
A bit fractured in its execution, however when Yum hits it hits onerous. Its explosive refrain is such a second. (full overview)
Kis-My-Ft2 – Glory Days
My J-pop favorites lastly returned with a track I can absolutely get behind. This type of anthemic rock matches them like a glove and recollects the various previous glories of their discography. (full overview)
TWS – Hajimemashite (Good To See You Once more)
I don’t know what the producers put in these melodies to make them so sticky, however like most TWS singles this adheres to your mind for the long term. (full overview)
Wild Blue – POP
An effervescent blast of funky pop that fits Wild Blue’s youthful vitality so effectively. There are numerous songs of this type in each J-pop and Okay-pop, however this one simply works so effectively.
&TEAM – Deer Hunter
A slinky, attractive sound that grew to become extra addictive with every hear. It’s not the type I instantly think about when pondering of &TEAM, however they pull it off flawlessly. (full overview)
