With such a busy slate of Ok-pop releases, I don’t at all times have an opportunity to rave about a few of my favourite J-pop. This week, I’ll be giving an summary of a few of my favourite acts and songs. Hopefully you’ll discover a new obsession so as to add to your playlist!
Why I Love Kis-My-Ft2 (and you need to too)
You knew we weren’t going to succeed in the top of this J-pop characteristic with out visiting Kis-My-Ft2, proper?? I imply, I wrote about every one of their singles earlier in the year. They’re my favourite J-idol group and I’ve kinda made it my mission to unfold the phrase. Music apart, the members maintain a particular place in my coronary heart. I discover their interaction extra entertaining than nearly every other act. To see what I imply, search out any and all subbed content material you’ll find. However most significantly, their music simply matches my style to a tee. Even the songs that wouldn’t usually be my factor simply… work.
Past a improbable singles run (which I’ll revisit on this put up) Kis-My-Ft2’s discography is flush with glorious b-sides. Actually, oftentimes they’re stronger than the lead tracks! There are far more standouts than I can characteristic right here, however I’ve beefed up the b-sides part to 10 as an alternative of 5 for this put up.
What about different Johnny’s teams?
Belief me, I might love to do one among these options for teams like KAT-TUN, Information, Hey! Say! JUMP or Attractive Zone. However sadly, it’s near-impossible to seek out embeddable movies to incorporate in a approach that’s user-friendly. Perhaps in the future, when the company decides to make these songs extra accessible, I’ll be capable to rave about a few of my favourite music ever.
My High 5 Singles
5. Explode (2017)
Explode does precisely what its title states, constructing from a stirring collection of melodies to a galvanizing refrain that’s an absolute rush. (full review)
Score: 10
4. Tonight (2017)
Relating to sound and power, Tonight could be very a lot a companion piece to Explode. However over time, I’ve come round to this one being my most well-liked pomp-rocker from the blokes. (full review)
Score: 10
3. We By no means Give Up (2011)
This takes me proper again to my favourite schlocky “you are able to do it!” anthemic rock of the 80’s. The hooks are deadly. (full review)
Score: 10
2. Sure! I Scream (2016)
It’s not usually you hear a carnival-like marching music promoted as a single. Sure! I Scream is sunshine in a bottle, buoyed by joyous synth and pinwheeling melodies. (full review)
Score: 10
1. Gravity (2016)
Although I haven’t made it official, Gravity might very effectively be my favourite J-pop music of all-time. It’s a headrush of musical euphoria, good from starting to finish. (full review)
Score: 10
My High 5 B-sides
5. Model New Season (2013 – although it’s a pre-debut music)
That acapella intro braces you for the highly effective melodies to come back as spiraling sweeps of strings add ornamentation to the mighty refrain.
Score: 9.25
9. On Your Mark (2015)
It’s all in regards to the finale to every refrain, the place the vocal ascends and electrical guitar rushes in for the proper mix. So anthemic.
Score: 9.25
8. Liar World (2019)
Kis-My-Ft2 are at their finest when taking part in round with traditional rock tropes, and Liar World is a compelling late-career instance of this sound.
Score: 9.25
7. Dancing Star (2012)
That is each overwrought aspect of the 80’s merged to the hyper-maximalist EDM pop of the early 2010’s. In different phrases, it’s heaven.
Score: 9.25
6. Strawberry Dance (2013)
If ever there was a music designed for prancing by way of the springtime, this is able to be it. That funk synth is so mild on its toes.
Score: 9.5
5. Break The Chains (2018)
The ridiculous bluster that opens this monitor at all times kills me. However, the blokes ship on this promise. Break The Chains is a mammoth pop rocker, pushed by icy synth and surprisingly potent rap.
Score: 9.5
4. Dream On (2017)
Rousing, anthemic, emotional. The crashing guitar and chorused vocals are sheer perfection. This one will get me each time. It’s the model of pop/rock bombast I dwell for.
Score: 10
3. Summer time Breeze (2016)
That is a kind of stealth tracks that’s crept its approach up my listing over time. It’s excellent summer time driving music and a staple of the season. The right EDM banger with a whopper of a refrain.
Score: 10
2. Ima wa Mada Toku hateshinai Yume mo (2017)
I already wrote a ridiculously long review of this track. It’s actually particular — so cinematic and stirring. I’m in love with the nuances of its melody, particularly as we enter that hovering refrain.
Score: 10
1. Freeze (2018)
This music! The mix of Kis-My-Ft2 and Miyavi is a kind of fan goals you by no means suppose will truly come true. And when it does, the result’s even higher than you imagined.
I imply… that guitar riff! My fandom just about reached its peak after they carried out this with Miyavi himself on Shonen Membership Premium. And… fortunate you as a result of I discovered the video on-line in your viewing pleasure!
Score: 10
