Luna's Ongaku Go For October 2020!

Continuing from Ken’s lead, we at Ongaku to You would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms with Apple Music being featured on this site.

---

“Laundry Laundry” by SCANDAL

With the upcoming release of SCANDAL’s live concert in November and the special episode we recorded, I was brought back to the Kiss from the darkness album that released in February. “Laundry Laundry” is a cute, catchy, and simple track that is written by TOMOMI. Not only did she write this song, her vocals are the main attraction for it as well. This track will leave you with a catchy tune that you will constantly be singing and humming along too, especially when you are doing laundry.

Check out “Laundry Laundry” here along with the YouTube audio below!

---

“FUTURE WAVE” by eill

With the impending release of eill’s second mini album LOVE/LIKE/HATE that will be released on November 4th, I was brought back to the first song I heard by her. “FUTURE WAVE” is a delight to listen to as it features a dance chorus with eill’s soothing voice. The verse keeps the upbeat vibe rolling and leads into the chorus with a perfect flow. “FUTURE WAVE” has a fantastic composition that works well with eill’s vocals, combined with a dance and R&B mash that make for the perfect track.

Check it out “FUTURE WAVE” here and the music video below!

---

“oath sign” by LiSA

With the release of LiSA’s newest album LEO NINE and her new single “homura”, it brought me back to the first track I heard by LiSA. “oath sign” is the opening to the anime Fate/Zero and is a song that made an impact on me immensely. I fell in love with her voice, the lyrics, the mixing - just everything about it pulled me in. Despite being able to tell it is an anime track based on the composition and how orchestrated it feels, it’s a track that is an easy listen but also keeps you on the edge of your seat. Every time I hear “oath sign” I fall into its radiance and lose myself in it.

Check out “oath sign” here and the music video below!

---

“Makenna” by Yayoi Daimon

Yayoi Daimon started October off strong with her latest digital single “Makenna”. This dance track made a big impression on me as it talks about “Never Giving Up” aka “Makenna”. The dance beat along with Yayoi Daimon’s rapping flows perfectly with the composition. This is the first release by her since her 3GIRLS EP release from March of this year. “Makenna” is not just a dance and rap song but it is also a fight song about never giving up. It gives you the energy to hold your head up and keep going. This month, it has influenced me heavily and gives me energy upon every listen.

Check out “Makenna” here and the music video below!

---

“Shook Shook” by Awich

As Awich released her first major debut release “Partition”, I went back and began listening to it again. “Shook Shook” has been the track of hers that has been in my ears constantly. It starts of with an interesting slow beat as it leads up to a big intro with Awich’s slammin rap. The verse is hardcore and you can either dance to or bop your head back and forth. The chorus is catchy as Awich is good at making slow raps and get caught in your head. “Shook Shook” was produced by Chaki Zulu who has produced many of Awich’s tracks such as “Poison feat. NENE”, “WHORU? feat. ANARCHY”, “Remember feat. YOUNG JUJU”, and “SENNO feat. DOGMA&CHINZA DOPENESS”. When Chaki Zulu and Awich collaborate in any song, you know you are in for a dope track. *Note - This track does contain Explicit lyrics.

Check out “Shook Shook” here and music video below!

---

Ken’s Ongaku Go for October 2020

Another month down from 2020 and we at Ongaku to You would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms with Apple Music being featured on this site.

---

“Clover Wish” by ChamJam

With the new season of anime underway in Fall 2020, I brought myself back to anime that I had watched and “Clover Wish” had butted its head in. While a simple and by the number idol track, it brings me that nostalgic feeling that I had when I was obsessed with the genre. With everything going on it was good to have that base to go back to and be able to think of the good memories from the past. Although it was a very late addition to my list, I had gone back to it almost every day. 

Be sure to check out the anime preview for “Clover Wish” along with the track here!

---

“Horizontal Oath” by RONDO

Continuing on the anime trend, with the premiere of the D4DJ First Mix this month and with the anticipating release of the upcoming app, I had went back in-depth with Bushiorad’s latest multimedia franchise. Out of all the groups that were available, RONDO had stood out to me the most as it had one of the more rare member line ups by including a guitarist in the mix. While it it might sounds like an overflow of the senses at first, I had fallen in love with it at first listen and while their cover of “Killing Me” from SiM is absolutely amazing, “Horizontal Oath” is their best original track. Riho Kato’s vocals with the mixture of Haurna Momono’s harmonization is something that has to be heard. DJ Tsunko’s composition and Sae Otsuka’s guitar work takes it to eleven. This was something that I was missing as of late and while I’m a fan of Bushiroad’s franchises, D4DJ with the help of RONDO jumped up to my second of all time. 

Check out the live performance for “Horizontal Oath” along with the song here!

---

“A Stinging Spica” by Polkadot Stingray

With the announcement of their new album coming out later in the year, I had finally gone back to an earlier release done by the band. Originally released on their Shinseiki EP back in January, at first listen I had instantly fell in love with the track as vocalist Shuzuka made an impact on to me with her amazing vocals. Guitarist Harushi enticed me even more to listen to the track to the point that it was all I would listen to for the day. By summer, “A Stinging Spica” was already in the running for my #1 song of the year and with their album Nanimono on the horizon, it will absolutely be a top lock for the year. 

Check out the music video for “A Stinging Spica” along with the track here!

---

“Haruka” by Scandal

With our semi review of Scandal’s latest album Kiss from the darkness, I had the sudden urge to go through my top songs done by the band and “Haruka” instantly came into my rotation again. A soft but simple vocal composition by lead singer Haruna entices me to fall in love with everything about the track, and when the transition to the second verse happens, the alluring range of the bassist Tomomi encapsulates me even more. One thing that also stands out is the usage of a mid-tempo composition throughout the song and while listeners might think that a more ballad style would match the theme of the love much more. Scandal goes above and beyond to make everything work. While the recent singles and album done by the band haven’t met the same heights done by “Haruka”, I highly anticipate the next release. 

Be sure to check out the “Haruka” here!

---

“MR. CLEVER” by I Don’t Like Mondays. 

 What’s very interesting about IDLM is the genre changes MR. CLEVER brought going in and out since signing with avex. The track takes on a more R&B style of composition. Vocalist Yu makes an impressive showing by not only proving he can hang with the heavy hitters of the genre but at times goes above and beyond. Living up to their motto on “BE PLAY BOY”, the tune keeps the party going and is one that will be difficult for me to leave my rotation in the future. 

Check out “MR. CLEVER” along with the song here!

Gray's Ongaku Go For September 2020

Picking it up after Ken, and Luna, with another month down from 2020 and we at Ongaku to You would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms with Apple Music being featured on this site.

---

“Phoenix” By Da-iCE

This song is pure fire! I don’t know any other way to describe it. It’s the second track on their latest album Face which dropped back in April. The album as a whole is a lot of fun but I keep coming back to Da-iCE. A catchy tune that will stay with the listener long after hearing it.

Be sure to check out the official dance practice video below, along with the streaming link here!

---

“Whenever You Call” by ARASHI

This is such a catchy and fun song to listen to. My favorite type of track are cheesy love songs like these. I can listen to them forever. The listener can hear that Bruno Mars influence throughout the release but it work super well and ARASHI just kills this number with their years of experience. It’s hard to believe these guys are getting ready to go on a break but they are definitely trying to go out on a high note.

Be sure to check out the official music video below, along with the streaming link here!

---

“Nande Nande” by Color Creation

This is a wonderful and beautiful song. It saddens me this is might be the final farewell for these guys but to go out on this number feels like a fitting end. The vocals on display are fantastic, and the listener gets to hear a softer side of the boys’ vocals. I hope the band comes back together one day, but until then, this will be on repeat.

Be sure to check out the music video below, along with the streaming link here!

---

“Ashiato” by Little Glee Monster

It’s so nice to hear these girls dropping song after song with such amazing vocal performances. There aren’t too many girl groups who focus on vocals the way Little Glee Monster does and it’s that that makes these girls really stand out in a sea of endless idols. Ashiato is a wonderful performance that really should be heard. 

Be sure to check out the music video below, along with the streaming link here!

---

“Oh Yeah” by Boys and Men

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. It’s generic but done super well with good vocals. The melody has a good hook as well. This track is like junk food for me, it may not be healthy but its hard to resist.

Be sure to check out the music video below, along with the streaming link here!

Luna's Ongaku Go For September 2020

Continuing from Ken’s lead, we at Ongaku to You would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms with Apple Music being featured on this site.

---

“XXKK” by Koda Kumi

With Koda Kumi celebrating her 20th Anniversary this year, she does not disappoint. “XXKK” showcases who Koda Kumi is today and that this is her style. The queen is here to stay and is not slowing down anytime soon. “XXKK” is a hot dance track that brings in elements from Koda Kumi’s music throughout her career with a new sound that she will be utilizing in the future. The chorus is catchy, especially when you hear “Crown on top”. The composition and music makes you want to dance and celebrate her milestone career.

Check out “XXKK” here along with the music video below!

---

“Beautiful” by BENI

Earlier this month BENI released her mini-album Y/our song and last month she put out a slew of new digital singles. “Beautiful” was among both those releases and caught my ear immediately. It’s a powerful mid-tempo track that gave me empowerment and touched my heart. BENI’s vocals are on point and her voice matches perfectly with this song. Every time I hear her sing “You are so Beautiful”, it lights up my spirit. This song touched my soul with her lyrics, vocals, and composition. Everything about it speaks to me.

Check out “Beautiful” here along with the music video below!

“Love Story” by AISHA

“Love Story” is the newest digital single by AISHA and followes up her single “My Home” that released back in July. “Love Story” is exactly what the title sounds like and is also the perfect wedding song. The melody is beautiful and makes you melt when you listen closely to AISHA’s lyrics. The track is filled with love and makes me swoon. AISHA’s vocals are perfect as you can hear throughout the track and hits every note perfectly. The mixture of Japanese and English also adds a nice touch to it as well. When I hear “Will you marry me”, butterflies fill my stomach.

Check out “Love Story” here along with the music video below!

“Paralyzed” by Kat McDowell & MiChi

Earlier this year Kat McDowell & MiChi released a digital collaboration single and I immediately fell in love with the lyrics. The words used in this track brought me back to “Paralyzed” this month as they are very relatable and it helps you deal with hard times. The track is all in English, for those of you who don’t know Japanese. It’s about people struggling to get through difficulties in life and that’s something we all can relate to. This track gave me so much inspiration to get up and try and to never give up. Kat McDowell and MiChi make the perfect team with their harmonies matching perfectly and the composition is flawless. This is a great track to help get you through problems we all face.

Check out “Paralyzed” here along with the music video below!

“#Slapanese” by BananaLemon

As we recently revisited our past Music Corner, BananaLemon popped back up on my list. This time around “#Slapanese” caught my ear with its hip hop beat and fantastic rap skills. All the members get to showcase their skills at rapping with a hot bass that keeps your booty shaking. It does have some explicit lyrics, but don’t let that turn you off. Although this is a very western influcenced track, BananaLemon does a great job of adding in the Japanese music flavor and fusing both together. Not to mention, the lyrics are extremely catchy and it’s hard to get this one out of your head.

Check out “#Slapanese” here along with the music video below!

Ken's Ongaku Go For September 2020!

Another month down from 2020 and we at Ongaku to You would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms with Apple Music being featured on this site.

---

“Slow & Easy” by HIRAIDAI

With the summer season ending I find myself going back to this track every so often. As miserable as this season was for me with the ongoing crisis, putting “Slow & Easy” on my rotation helped me to take things one day at the time, and that’s most important with everything going on. While his latest releases “Sayonara” and “GIRL FRIEND” have been great, it doesn’t have one two punch of emotions that is attached with Hirai’s greatest hit.

Be sure to check out the music video below, along with the streaming link here!

---

“Life” by TENDRE

This one was a fairly recent addition as while it was originally dropped digitally back in April, and was featured on his latest mini-album Life Less Lonely. While not giving it any notice the first time around, having it on the latest release helped it out a whole lot more. This song featured a lot of what I just love about TENDRE, with his amazing vocals and outer-worldly composition. The hint of sax throughout its melody brings that added zest that had missed from other tracks from the mini-album which brought my love for it even more. 

Check out the streaming link for “LIFE” here along with the music video below!

---

“I’ll Go To The Moon” by Naz

Naz is an artist that I’ve kept my eye on for the longest time after her debut single, “Fare” last year, and she is an artist that changes her style with every release. Hitting a more grunge style with a splash of modern R&B might sound like a peanut butter and pickle situation in regard to compositions. This unusual blend ends up becoming a fresh of breath air with Naz’s luxurious vocal range. 

Be sure to check out the music video along with the streaming links here!

---

“Romance no Kamisama” by Kohmi Hirose

Occasionally I get a retro itch for songs that I heard when I was a kid or from an artist that I knew previously and “Romance no Kamisama” has filled that niche very nicely. It balances all that 90’s J-pop goodness with its high energy and simplistic composition that I can’t help but move to the beat. While I did drop it halfway through the month to prioritize other artists that I had found, I had enjoyed going through my nostalgic trip with it. 

Check out “Romance no Kamisama” on streaming platforms here along with a snippet of the music video below!

---

“Trouble” by LUCKY TAPES

After doing the Music Corner Round Up Episode a couple of weeks back, I’ve been on a huge LUCKY TAPES kick. Their latest track brings up a part of the band that I had loved when when I first had discovered them. The song brings up a relaxed and jam feel that guitarist Kensuke Takahashi just shreds on, with an amazing melody that listeners can’t help but get lost in.  

Check out the music video below along with the steaming link here!