We update with 10 new J-Pop songs once each month, on the day first day of each month.
毎月1日に、新たに10曲紹介します。
RSS feed for our song reviews can be found at: https://jtop10.mymti.org/category/j-pop-song-reviews/feed
1. あいみょん – ハルノヒ
Amanda’s thoughts: This song has all of the aspects of Aimyon that I love. The gentle build of vocals and the complimentary guitar managed to grab me from the get-go, but it was the keyboard background that kept me locked in. It reminds me of some of the indie sounds coming out of SoundCloud right now a little bit. I think the fresh sound works really well with her. 8/10
iTunes download: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/harunohi-single/1455340999
2. いきものがかり – アイデンティティ
Amanda’s thoughts: I really enjoy the soft rock mixed with hints of trot feel to this song. Ikimonogakari has a strong sound that is so very much them, but I keep missing the boat on this group. The song isn’t bad, but to me it feels like it drags on a little bit and the slowness building up to the chorus just didn’t work. 5/10
iTunes download: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%87%E3%83%B3%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3-single/1457822585
3. Aimer – コイワズライ
Amanda’s thoughts: Another Aimer song that has wormed its way into my heart. Aimer’s softer voice and the more abrasive guitar and drum tracks struck a very pleasant balance in this song. Though maybe not as dancey as other spring/summer singles coming out, I think how upbeat this song is perfect for the season. 9/10
iTunes download: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/sun-dance/1455426204
4. GReeeeN – ミドリイロ (Midori-iro)
Amanda’s thoughts: The chorus in this song follows the lead of some of GReeeeN’s anthem-like songs. The light-hearted feeling of the rest of the song is very refreshing, especially following some of GReeeeN’s recent releases that were a little more heavy sounding. The lyric video is especially cute, highlighting how perfectly the song is as the theme song for グリーンランド遊園地 (Greenland Amusement Park). 8/10
iTunes download: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/midoriiro-single/1458304051
5. 凛として時雨 – laser beamer
Amanda’s thoughts: Ling tosite Sigure is a new group for me. The progression in this song is honestly so catching, and the guitar is fantastic. But, it’s just not totally for me. I feel like this song doesn’t have as much push-and-pull that this band’s previous singles “Chocolate Passion” and “DIE meets HARD” we able to achieve. With that said, Ling tosite Sigure was able to keep their sound while also making a totally different sounding song, and it sounds alright. 6/10
iTunes download: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/laser-beamer-single/1458584338
6. 足立佳奈 – little flower
Amanda’s thoughts: If you’re looking for an uplifting song that makes you feel ready for the day, Adachi Kana has made this song specifically for you. Although she doesn’t stray too far from the musical sound that she’s known for, I think that Kana manages to add a new freshness to this single that allows it to have a totally different feel compared to her other singles in the last two years. 7/10
iTunes download: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/little-flower-ep/1458602294
7. Da-iCE – FAKE ME FAKE ME OUT
Amanda’s thoughts: Prepare to have this song stuck in your head for a few days. Da-iCE have somehow created one of the catchiest songs of the year so far. The balance of jazz, pop, and funk have helped mature the group past their older pop-infused vibe. The music video is definitely worth checking out. 7/10
iTunes download: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/fake-me-fake-me-out-ep/1457549395
8. #HASHTAG – Deluxe!
Amanda’s thoughts: #HASHTAG definitely have all of the energy and cuteness that make a good boy group, and the dance moves for this single are so easy and fun. However, I’m a bit overwhelmed by everything that’s happening in this song and I’m getting the feeling that the group wanted to try a little bit of everything in their first single. Though I’m not a huge fan of this song, I’m eager to see what the group has in store for the future! 4/10
iTunes download: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/artist/%E3%83%8F%E3%83%83%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A5%E3%82%BF%E3%82%B0/1230303290
9. 9mm Parabellum Bullet – 名もなきヒーロー
Amanda’s thoughts: This is very much a 9mm Parabellum Bullet song in that it has such powerful vocals, drums, and guitar that doesn’t overpower each other, which for me makes almost a perfect rock song. The music video for this song is able to capture both simplicity and chaos in its constantly changing camera angles and frequent monochromatic scenes. Overall, 9mm Parabellum Bullet created a single that left me wanting more while also being happy with what I got. 7/10
iTunes download: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/namonaki-hero/1458844989
10. MELLOW MELLOW – Dear My Star
Amanda’s thoughts: “Dear My Star” immediately caught my attention with its disco vibe, with an undertone of funk that is so captivating coming from an idol group. It reminds me very much of the pop-disco ballads in the anime intros that I grew up with. This song specifically fits in with other songs in MELLOW MELLOW’s discography, but it does feel a little different in a fantastic way that makes me enjoy this idol group more. 9/10
iTunes download: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/dear-my-star-ep/1457939716