that pays artists well, like TIDAL. Also, if anyone knows more about this artist or his work, please do let me know!
(4/4)

Link: tidal.com/album/253742...

MAKEDA steals the show on the title track! I generally prefer vocal music, but Kamijo's guitar work is full of soul and expression on the many instrumental passages on this album. While I can't find a physical release to point you to, I can only ask you give this album a listen on a service-
(3/4)

Discogs doesn't know it, lastfm notes 6 entire streams, and I've yet to find any other work that I'm certain is by the featured artists. Still, I think this take of a Japanese guitarist on historically black music to be really nice! "The Music Place" is an infectiously groovy bop, and singer-
(2/4)

and danceable pop sound, and the dreamy and washy "Wellness" never ceases to hit for me when those wowey synth chords come in 2/3 of the way through. It's not some obscure jam to my knowledge, but do still check it out if you haven't already!
(3/3)

Link: www.discogs.com/master/87712...

There's a certain energy to it that evokes an overhead sun, a clear sky, and a wide, open road. The stuttering drum fill of "Karma" leading to these blown out, chorused guitars has a peculiar warmth to it that's both fresh and nostalgic. "Evie" strikes a nice balance between a warm indie-
(2/3)

of Mendelssohn's Wedding March), "Mizu to Anata to Taiyo to" has some Bossa Nova to it, and country, rock 'n roll, and Beach Boys influences are hard to miss. If life's getting too stagnant, do give "Variety" a listen!
(4/4)

Link: www.discogs.com/master/606606-Mariya-Takeuchi-Variety-ヴァラエティ

other song on this album sounds like that. What it is, is a collection of songs I can only describe as Takeuchi( and her husband Tatsuro Yamashita)'s take on many styles of music from the US. "Let's Get Married" sounds like a riff on a typical doo-wop song (after a frankly hilarious quotation-
(3/4)

a summary of its contents. My love for the genre often called "city pop" —a loose descriptor of 70's and 80's Japanese pop music— started with "Plastic Love", a track I can only describe as 'perfect in every way to my tastes'. It shouldn't have been a surprise, given the album title, that no-
(2/4)

Link: www.discogs.com/master/19258...

P.S.: The deluxe version is even better, so I highly recommend that one!

track on this album, the sequencing, and a whole lot more, I'll close with a special mention of the closer "Machine Love"; Everything about it struck a special chord with me, and its themes resonate like few other songs do. Please check this album out!
(4/4)

Link: www.discogs.com/master/39064...

That is nothing to say of the excellent lyricism exemplified by "Cadmium Colors". One thing that came as a pleasant surprise with this album was the opening, "Dyad", which has all these qualities *and* features an excellent vocal performance by Jamie herself! While I could talk about every-
(3/4)

into the usual labels, but with Paige's love for recurring themes and motifs it's quite safe to call this a concept album. Her talent for writing catchy pop-hooks, and wrapping them in a style not quite like conventional pop, shines on tracks like "Liaison", whose chorus is a true ear-worm.
(2/4)

things I've heard in pop music. I was somewhat torn on which of her albums to cover, but these two tracks might be the highlight of her discography for me. Also, this album has some straight-up bangers like "Comme Des Garçons". Please give it a listen!

Link: www.discogs.com/master/17202...
(3/3)

does this song a disservice; It is a full song on the singer's frustrations and anxieties around climate change in a way I really resonate with. If that was the hook, then "Bad Friend" was both the line *and* sinker. The vocoder-like stack and harmonies on the chorus are one of the best-
(2/3)

attempt to 1-up Charlie Puth, and the title track is a wonderful retro journey with a great feature from Rufus Wainwright. Please do give this album -by another early 2010's pop star that deserves more credit- a listen!
(3/3)

Link: www.discogs.com/master/2831843-Carly-Rae-Jepsen-The-Loneliest-Time

TikTok, of all places; "The Loneliest Time" features the strong pop hooks I've long since come to expect from her, maybe even her best ones yet! "Shooting Star" in an infectious dance-pop song that I find myself pressing repeat on all the time, "Joshua Tree" I can only imagine is the singer's-
(2/3)