[Album] J-Pop: An Introduction (and discussion)

I'm glad to see this thread back up.

The latest J-Pop album I've listened to was ayumi hamasaki's "(miss)understood." Also, I was surprised with the 12 singles that Koda Kumi released within a short period of time. Some were memorable, while others were a bit dull.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I'm mainly looking forward to Tomiko Van's album as well. I was impressed with her latest PV, and I'm very interested in hearing what her other songs will be like.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

That's strangely how I felt about YUI's album. I didn't think too much of it when I heard the whole thing for the first time. I later appreciated the songs when going through it a second time, and I like her style. There are many tracks I enjoyed from her album, and I don't find it necessary to skip songs like I might do on others.

How ya doing, buddy?

It seems like everyone enjoys YUI's album. I have yet to speak to someone who doesn't. =p

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Lee-chan

(I know this is a bit off-topic,) but since you mentioned Park Jung Hyun, do a lot of you guys listen to any K-pop?

SE7EN's a pretty popular Korean R&B artist. He had two new albums was released earlier this month. One Korean release, and one Japanese ("First Seven"). I've been liking a lot of this Japanese stuff more lately... it's typically more pop-y.

I have a nice selection of K-Pop albums as well. You mentioned SE7EN, and I actually first learned about him a little over a year ago when I heard his two Korean albums. I also listened to his two latest albums (Japanese and Korean), and I still prefer the Korean releases. I find that his Japanese album left something to be desired.

I was speaking idiomatically.

I was a bit startled with the 12 Weeks PV release by Koda Kumi. Like you, I also realized that several were related to each other. I downloaded all PVs at the same time and just recently found the time to watch them.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Weeklan

Can somebody name me some GOOD J-RnB, J-HipHop and J-ROCK artists? (or maybe some good non-mainstream J-Pop artists)

From what you've listed, a recent album comes to mind. It's relatively new, but you may be interested in LISA's new album, "God Sista." Another one you might try out is EXILE's "ASIA" album.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by vemp

- Amano Tsukiko

I first learned about her after hearing "Chou" from the Fatal Frame II PS2 game. It took me some time before I managed to find the song, and then I heard her full album, "Tenryu."

I can't say that I've heard her recent releases, but the Tenryu album was enjoyable.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Flara

Yamashita Tomohisa (aka Yamapi) "Daite Senorita" is Yamapi's FIRST solo single. The PV isn't that too impressive... it's more of a "Im a pretty boy and girls love me" kinda PV. And I don't really understand why there's fighting in this PV.... it's actually kinda strange...

I've seen a few episodes from his new drama, "Kurosagi," and the fighting element in the PV didn't seem fitting to me either. Perhaps the lyrics may suggest something more, but I haven't bothered to look them up.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Rollins

Just get rid of that creepy white guy o_o

I was a little surprised that they decided to use him as well. I thought the PV fit the song well. It seems like a good one for the summer.

Flara, you should listen to Emi Hinouchi's "Dramatiques" album. I just recently listened to it for the first time and found it enjoyable. Maybe I can upload it for you later this week.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I'm not sure what J-Drama you're talking about, but this site lists the dramas that he was in with names of theme songs used in the shows. Hope it helps you a bit.

http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Dohmoto_Tsuyoshi

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Ultima

Check his journal.

Also has anyone heard of BACK-ON? I love their debut single, "CHAIN." Probably because it's pretty relevant to my manga lyrically.

I managed to listen to the "Chain" single a few months ago. I assume they're a relatively new band since I don't recall seeing an album by them yet.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Hudson Hawk

Koda Kumi eh? Never really liked her stuff.

Anyway, I downloaded the new Mika Nakashima album "The End". Well, I loved all of Nakashima's previous albums, but there's something about this one that I don't really like. I mean, not that they're bad songs, but all the songs in this album are in alt-rock, and I dunno, I kinda prefer her type of voice for ballads (the nasal/soft kind of voice).

Is that the album where she plays the role of Nana from the movie?

I was speaking idiomatically.