Ken's Ongaku Go For January 2022

Springboarding into 2022, it’s that time of the month: January’s Ongaku Go! We at OTY would like our readers to know what was filling our ears the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms, with Apple Music featured on this site.

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“PAINT” by I Don’t Like Mondays.

I haven’t been keeping in touch with IDLM as much I have wanted to, so to my surprise I was really thrown aback when “PAINT” came out. The funny thing that I absolutely love about this work is how un-IDLM it is; it doesn’t really have a hook, so to speak, which they usually do. But I found myself going back to it throughout the month since it came out. Its earwormability either due to the fact that Yu’s vocals really don’t overextend the composition, or Choji’s guitar work throughout, “PAINT” became that nice rock tune I needed this month. 

Be sure to check out the music video for “PAINT” below, along with the song here!

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“unitbath (Jazz Version)” by showmore

Honestly, this group is one the ones that I will always keep championing till their disbandment. This new mood they have adopted throughout 2021 and now 2022, of updating what it means to be a neo-jazz singer, has really captured me. Nothing really exemplifies this like their new Jazz Attitude series, and they came out swinging with Vol. 1 velvet, which was released in December. While I think the release as a whole is absolutely solid, “unitbath” really takes the cake. While it might be a tad on the long side, as a whole it absolutely works and cannot wait for the next volume of this new series.

Be sure to check out the track here!

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“Good bye Claire” by Kaho Nakamura

Honestly, Kaho Nakamura was one of the surprises I found this month, and a vocalist who isn’t afraid of breaking the boundaries to explore something new. The electronica synth throughout this number is fresh and I absolutely love it; alongside Nakamura’s vocals, it just works. After listening to just this one slice of her discography I can’t wait to explore the rest of her work and do a deep dive eventually.

Be sure to check out the lyric video below, along with the track here!

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“Life still goes on” by Awesome City Club

While people might have “Wasurena” hangover from Awesome City Club, I love the new direction they’ve gone and how they’ve stuck to their morals to not follow a same style or feeling as their previous hit. While I do think it’s not entirely rewriting anything about their style, “Life still goes on” still really flaunts how solid they are as a band. I can’t wait to see what 2022 has in store for them and I hope they’ll have more solid releases just like this one.

Check out the lyric video for “Life still goes on” below, along with the song here!

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“You Raise Me Up” by EXILE ATSUSHI

Originally sung by Josh Groban back in 2003, “You Raise Me Up” was again given a new spin, this time by EXILE ATSUSHI. With this work, ASTUSHI goes above and beyond what he’s typically been doing with his solo covers. It woulda been simple to just do an English cover of this, but, like with his previous covers, he translates it into Japanese and adds his own flare to make it his own. This is something I absolutely love. I honestly cannot wait for the full release of his solo best-of album which will drop later in the year. 

Be sure to check out the music video for “You Raise Me Up” below, along with the track here!

Ongaku To You's Songs, Artists, and New Artists of the Year for 2021!

2021 was a very interesting year for the Japanese music industry and we at Ongaku to You would like to praise the songs and artists that helped us traverse this amazing year. Each member broke down the year in three categories; Song of the Year, New Artist We Discovered in 2021, and lastly our Artist of the Year. We hope that 2022 will bring many surprises to the Japanese music industry like we received in 2021!

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Luna’s Top Song and Artists of 2021!

Song of the Year: “JOYRIDE” by Miliyah Kato

When I first heard 'JOYRIDE', I was immediately pulled in by the lyrics as they are sad, emotional, and make a tremendous impact. Miliyah's vocals fit 'JOYRIDE' perfect in every aspect; she knows how to hit each note matching with the melody of the song. Miliyah's vocals, lyrics, the melody all come together making it a song that makes an impact. 'JOYRIDE' has personally made that impact moving me to tears and it has made its way onto my playlist on repeat.

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New Artist of the Year: BRIDEAR

BRIDEAR was a pleasant surprise finding out about this year. They were recommended to me by several people in the JME music group and also popped up on my Apple Music recommendations. I started listening to their Baryte album, which pulled me into checking out more of their music. The tracks "Ghoul" and "Mirror" made the biggest impacts on me. I enjoy metal but I don't listen to it as often, however, when I do, BRIDEAR is the type of band I enjoy listening too. Vocals, compositions, lyrics - all the members blend so good together when creating music. Ever since I did MC on them, I've add them in my rotation.

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Artist of the Year: CREAM

This year, I dived deep into the Hip-Hop/R&B fusiion scene and CREAM became a huge part of my playlist this year. In 2019, "Banana" got me into the group, my MC got me further. This year, I took a turn of going through their whole discography again and appreciating it to no end. CREAM has four songs and all four are in my top 10 on Apple Music Replay for most played. On top of that, I've listened to CREAM the most this year. Not only has CREAM released several new digital singles this year that are on many of my playlists but their older songs such as "Change", "Wonderland", "Playboy", "Girl LIke Me", "Banana", and "#nofilter" have been the most played for me. 2021 has consisted of CREAM and Yayoi Daimon, however, CREAM has reigned supreme.

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Gray’s Top Song and Artists of 2021

Song of the Year: “Ame ga Hajimari no Aizu” by 7ORDER

I love this song and while I've technically listened to "Seiyaku No Toushi" more, "Ame Ga Hajimari No Aizu" has my heart. I just love the melody and song composition. Everything works so well together. The vocal work at play here is super good. Every member does a standout job and the harmonization in the chorus is just spectacular.

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New Artist of the Year: White Jam

I've been obsessed with White Jam since I covered them for MC and I know I talked about them all the time on the show. I love Shirose and Niki's vocals plus you have Gashima's rap which is always done super well. White Jam doesn't release too often, but when they do they really make it something. Can't wait to see what these guys do next.

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Artist of the Year: Da-ICE

Becoming my consecutive artist of the year, Da-ICE started off the year really strong and stayed consistent throughout. Their latest release is their "CaITRUS" first take which is just phenomenal. Also I'm eagarly anticipating the release of their song "Live Devil" which is being used for the excellent Kamen Rider Revice. I know I haven't talking about them too much on the show but I'm still carrying the torch for these guys and I can't wait to see what they do next.

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Ken’s Top Song and Artist of 2021

Song of the Year: “Fushigi” by Gen Hoshino

This was one of the songs that upon first listen I knew that would be a part of my top songs of the year. However, to becoming number 1 is something of a surprise due to the fact that i didn’t know how much I would absolutely love it. While Hoshino might not be an artist that I’m a total fan of, I do respect the range of styles this man does. As the release before this “Create” was to my dismay, a track that did capture me like the mass have, but “Fushigi” more focus on Hoshino’s vocals with its slow to mid-tempo composition absolutely encompassed me like “Pop Virus” had years ago. While I might not like all of Hoshino’s releases, I cannot deny the influence “Fushigi” did to me throughout the year.

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New Artist of the Year: Rung Hyang

Rung Hyang is the breakout star for me in 2021 as she brings a unique taste as a "soul" writer who continues to evolve with an "omnivorous" style. They incorporate various genres such as Jazz, Hip Hop, Soul, and folk, with realistic lyric styles that anyone can relate to. Hyang is sure to have a work that fans can always jam to throughout her amazing and varied discography. While her solo work is phenomenal, her collaboration work is some of the best work I heard of in the pandemic era. 

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Artist of the Year: TENDRE

What more can I say about TENDRE that I haven’t said before in my prior Music Corners. I shall reiterate that I was really afraid of his signing to EMI RECORDS of Universal Music Japan, his style, while not bad per say, is very difficult to garner an audience in which studio tampering could happen. So to my present surprise, TENDRE’s style is still there and doesn’t skip a beat. While this major label debut was the biggest thing this year for him, it was also what he did behind the scenes as a composer and produces that proved more then enough to become my artist of the year for 2021.

Gray's Ongaku Go For November of 2021

Picking up after Ken and Luna, we’re another month down in 2021, and we at Ongaku to You would like our readers to know what has been 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.

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“Lost In Paradise” by ALI

Man, am I glad this is has been put back on digital platforms. This is one of my favorite songs of the year and I’m glad I get to enjoy it again. 

Check out “Lost In Paradise” here and the music video below!

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“A New Day” (feat. Phum Viphurit) by Nulbarich

I’m just a sucker for the sound of a synthesizer and this track has it in spades. I listen to this track and it takes me back to earlier days, which I find really enjoyable.

Check out “A New Day (feat. Phum Viphurit)” here and the music video below!

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“No.1” by DISH//

This is a song I wasn’t too high on when it first dropped, but I’ve come around and have been enjoying it as of late. I’m glad to see that DISH// is going to be performing at the Kohaku this year and I’m really hoping to hear this song.

Check out “No. 1” here and the music video below!

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“All Me” by IVVY

November has been a pretty slow month, so I’ve been going back and listening to tracks that came out earlier this year and reflecting on the year so far. “All Me” is a fun track that I just keep coming back to. So, even though I’ve already featured this number, I wanted to give it another shout-out.

Check out “All Me” here and the music video below!

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“Can’t Keep It Cool” by Akira Takano

Another track I’ve talked about here, but this is such a wonderful way to kick off his ENTER album, which is easily my favorite album of the year so far. There is a rush of life and energy in this track that keeps me coming back for more.

Check out “Can’t Keep It Cool” here and the music video below!

Luna's Ongaku Go For November 2021!

Picking up after Ken with another month down from 2021, we at OTY 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 featured on this site.

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“PLAYBACK” by JUJU

With the release of JUJU’s newest single “KotaeAwase” coming out this month, I went back and listened to her whole discography. “PLAYBACK” has been my song of the month as it reminds me of summer memories and brings back the good days. “PLAYBACK” is an uptempo song that immediately grabs you with its beat and JUJU’s fun playful vocals. It gives you the swing feel vibe and is a track that makes you want to get up and dance. It’s catchy tune, upbeat pop tempo infused with jazz gives it a nice flair.

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

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“My Dear” by BoA

“My Dear” is BoA’s 20th Anniversary Digital Single and I absolutely love it. BoA has come so far in the industry and this track shows off BoA’s new style of music. “My Dear” is a more R&B-pop track as it has the western feel in the composition, however, her vocal’s are still nice on the ears. The versus and chorus flow perfectly with the composition. “My Dear” is a mid-tempo track with beautifully smooth vocals that showcase BoA’s talent and versatility.

Check out “My Dear” here and the official audio video below!

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“stay with me” by Thelma Aoyama

Thelma Aoyama released her newest album Scorpion Moon in October last month and “stay with me” immediately caught my ear. I absolutely love Thelma’s ballads and “stay with me” hits everything I want in a ballad. The piano throughout the song is beautiful, Thelma’s vocals are smooth, strong, and soft right where they need to be. The lyrics are moving, making it the perfect ballad as the composition matches it perfectly. I love that Thelma is able to showcase her vocal range in “stay with me” and keeps it a simple and lovely ballad.

Check out “stay with me” here and the music video below!

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“BETELGEUSE” by Yuuri

Music Corner alumni Yuuri has been an artist I have been following since his hit “Dry Flower” and has been continously releasing fanastic tracks, “BETELGEUSE” is no exception to that. I fell in love with this track on the first listen and have had it on repeat almost all month. Yuuri’s powerful vocals fit perfectly with his folk rock style that I adore. “BETELGEUSE” pulls you in with its beautiful arrangement and Yuuri’s powerful vocals and leads you through the track like a story. Its such a nice tune to listen and sing-a-long to as it has that easy listening style of music.

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

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“Natsugasumi” (THE FIRST TAKE) By Atarayo

I was not able to be on the episode featuring Music Corner alumni Atarayo, however, I absolutely fell in love with them. “Natsugasumi” is an absolutely beautiful track and THE FIRST TAKE version was what I heard first and was blown away by their vocals and music. The guitar, drums, and vocals all fit together perfectly. It’s the perfect pop-rock song as it has the touch of sadness which you hear in both Hitomi and MaaShii’s vocals as well as the lyrics themselves. The emotions that Atarayo express in their music seeps into your soul and that is exactly what “Natsugasumi” did to me.

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

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Ken's Ongaku Go For November 2021!

With the chills of winter upon us, that means a brand new Ongaku Go is here! We at OTY 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 featured on this site.

“Close to You” by ELAIZA

Hot off the press of her debut album Paradise Lost, ELAIZA is an upcoming vocalist that we should keep our eyes on. While “Ayayay” is the stand out track for the public, the smooth style and composition makes “Close to You” a must listen. With a very impressive debut, ELAIZA is an artist that I will be keeping my eye on in 2022. 

Be sure to check out the music video for “Close to You”, below along with the track here!

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“Natsune” by Yuuri

In preparation to his single “BETELGEUSE” I went back to Yuuri and was absolutely saddened that I had initially missed this release back in September, I made sure to fix that problem this month. Heading towards a more pop rock style of composition and vocal range, “Natsune” really shows Yuuri in a different light showing off a guitar styled persona. While I don’t know what the future has in store for this young artist, I for one can’t wait to see his upcoming work. 

Check out the music video for “Natsune” below, along with the song here!

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“KOE” by Harumi

Honestly I’m surprised by that I didn’t find out about Harumi sooner, as she is one of the strongest female vocalists I heard this year. Her vocal range in this track alone has made me a fan and no other vocalist has done this to me in a while. Harumi will be an artist I’ll be looking forward to seeing to in the future, especially with her upcoming album. 

Be sure to check out the music video for “KOE” below, and the track here!

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“Refill” by Soulflex

Hot off their More Vibrant EP that released earlier on the month, I’m quite happy to see a release done by this amazing super band. While “Refill” might be short and sweet, it gives me everything that I really want in this band showing off amazing sound and alluring compositions.  With their constant string of releases in 2021, I hope that Soulflex is able to give fans more work to look forward to in 2022.

Check out “Refill” here!

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“Gunjo (Cover)” by WITHDOM

Just by my first listen, I knew that WITHDOM had great talent. I absolutely loved “Gunjo” by Yoasobi and thought that it would be very difficult to do a cover of that particular song. However, they knocked it out of the park by changing the genre of the song as a whole to a more slower composition and works perfectly. Their vocal range is absolutely fantastic and would love to hear them cover more Yoasobi songs, and other work that they put out in the future. 

Be sure to check out their cover of “Gunjo” below, along with the song here!