In connection with my desire to fully keep up with the J-pop industry, I'm planning to do a weekly round-up of any new releases that have caught my ear. Some of these may have been covered on the blog already, but my hope is that this will become a one-stop shop for anyone interested in what's new in J-pop.
With that in mind, here's where you come in: I'm one person with one set of musical preferences, so please embed any other new J-pop tracks you've enjoyed in the comments so we can get a fuller spectrum each week.
*And just like I do with my reviews, I'll wait until full versions of songs are available before posting them in this round-up. This will mostly apply to Johnny's groups, who still limit the majority of their YouTube uploads to shorter, edited versions.
THIS WEEK: May 26 - June 1
Ado – Mirror
Ado continues to do Ado. This feels a bit predictable, but if you're a big fan you'll probably like it.
BRADIO – Stepper's Fight
This band has some bangers in their arsenal. This one's a bit more reserved. It's… fine.
Break Time Girls – Addict
Even though this is their third mini album, I'd never heard of this group before. The song is nothing to write home about, but I hear potential.
e5 – Paradigm (ft. Cyber Rui & Kotonohouse)
This is a bit different. I really like that scuzzy instrumental.
Fantastics – Break Line
I usually enjoy when LDH groups go rock, and I love Fantastics' music. This one isn't really hitting for me, though.
Glay x Jay (ENHYPEN) – whodunit (song of the week!)
What a strange collaboration! The pairing is more interesting than the music, but this is worth a listen if you enjoy either artist. It's probably the strongest track in this very underwhelming week.
IMP. - Ninnin Jack
Sigh. At this point, this style of song just depresses me. It's awful.
IVVY – Runners
A straightforward cheering song. Could be bigger and bolder, especially during the verses.
Kenshi Yonezu – Every Day
This is super popular already. It's not really my thing, but I appreciate the upbeat tempo.
Morisaki Win – U
Another upbeat track. I like the instrumental, but the melodies could be stickier.
Number_i – BON
Yeah… I'm not their target audience anymore. I guess I'm happy they're making the music they want, but I'm not a fan.
Show Chick Boy - I Wanna Be Your Lover (ft. SKRYU)
I'll always enjoy a new jack swing beat.
SixTONES – Gong
This isn't the full song, but there's enough here to render a verdict. I love the energy but I'm not quite sold on the track overall. It may grow on me, though.
Zipang Opera – Bangin'
Has potential if they weren't shouting their way through so much of it.
This week's old favorite:
MAA - Ghost Enemy (2010)
A little-known artist from that great 2010's-era EDM pop boom. She's got some solid material that I can imagine second-gen K-pop fans really enjoying.
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