Ken's Ongaku Go for April 2022!

Following Luna, 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.

---

FOREVER by SIRUP & Shin Sakiura

Honestly this was a very solid and much needed back to basic release for SIRUP. While I don’t mind his current style of smooth R&B, the vocal and rap power of SIRUP has been missed. The amazing composition that is set up from Shin Sakiura is absolutely breathtaking and I would love a standalone instrumental version of this release as well. I have no doubt that SIRUP will have a quiet 2022, but if his subsequent releases are anything like “FOREVER”, then we are all in for a treat. 

Be sure to check out the music video for “FOREVER” along with the track here!

---

“See you again” by Asian Kung-fu Generation 

I was caught by surprise with the release of Planet Folks as I had missed the initial release of it, but overall a very solid album. The one track that had me going back to it’s penultimate song is “See you again” and upon first listen is classic AJIKAN which I had very much missed during their usual breaks that they take. Gotoh’s vocals as always were on point with this haunting composition that I had preferred be the final song on the album, as it gave this lasting impression on the listeners a tad more then “Be Alright”. While I don’t expect anti other releases done by Asian Kung-fu Generation this year, with tracks like “See you again” still having the same energy and flair as AJIKAN did during the peak of their career, I have no doubt in my mind they are still here to stay. 

Be sure to check out the song here!

---

“Comedy” by Gen Hoshino

While not far from the more emotional style of releases that Hoshino did last year, “Comedy” is still a track that needs a listen. Its flair and Hoshinoisms that I absolutely love is on full blast and is such and enjoyable tune that I couldnt help but add this into my rotation within the first 20 secs upon first listen. While I don’t think all of Hoshino’s release will be similar (thank goodness), I can appreciate that he tries to do a release that feels right to him and not what a label says. I can’t wait to see what he is cooking up for the rest of the year. 

Check out the zany music video below with the song here!

---

“No Reason” by Daichi Yamamoto & Qunimune

Yamamoto is one of those artist that keeps surprising me upon every release. As every time I try to put him in a box to label, in he just comes out with songs like “No Reason” that makes me rethink how I should label him. This is a more smooth and luxurious style of vocal range that Yamamoto puts on the forefront and I absolutely love it and the way it just melts with the composition; it is masterful work in it of itself. While I don’t know if he’ll be continuing this style as I think he feels more natural as a fast pace lyricist, I sure will be looking forward to more styles like “No Reason”.

Be sure to check out the song here!

---

“Bitter!” By LUCKY TAPES

I had really missed LUCKY TAPES and “Bitter!” had really gave me that goodness that I had needed. One of the things that really pulled me into adding this into my rotation is the out of this world composition that kept on having me just get lost into its beats. While I’m not sure what 2022 has in store for LUCKY TAPES, I for one can’t wait to hear every release.

Check out lyric video below along with the song here!

Luna's Ongaku Go for April 2022!

With Spring here that means its that time of the month for April’s Ongaku Go! 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.

---

“Mirai yo, Watashi wo Oikakero” by moumoon

In March, moumoon released their latest single, “Mirai yo, Watashi wo Oikakero”, which immediately caught my ear with its upbeat tempo. This track is perfect for the spring season with its pitch perfect tone in not only composition but also with YUUKA’s voice filling the air with happiness. “Mirai yo, Watashi wo Oikakero” adds a sweet happy spot in your day with its catchy melody and chorus plus the uplifiting beats. This track brings a freshness to moumoon’s music, bringing in new fans as well as keeping current fans.

Check out “Mirai yo, Watashi wo Oikakero” here and the music video below!

---

“Mamotte Agetai” by JUJU

With the release of JUJU’s newest album, Yuumin wo Meguru Monogatari, the track “Mamotte Agetai” attracted me immediately with its simple jazz composition, meaningful lyrics, and JUJU’s elegant voice stringing you along word for word. The composition is the perfect melody as it plays it simple with the piano, the trumpets, and sax chiming in ever so lightly in the right parts. “Mamotte Agetai” has a nice relaxing charm that takes you for a calming ride with its simplicity and wonderful sound.

Check out “Mamotte Agetai” here and the music video below!

---

“Hit the Gym” by KIRA & Shimotaku

As Spring is here and Summer is almost upon us, “Hit the Gym” is the perfect track to help you get in shape for the summer. KIRA’s unique vocals, Shimotaku’s catchy beats, and the fun lyrics make for a fun tune. Near the end of the track, it brings back a 90s vibe and is reminiscence of the hit song “All I Have” by Jennifer Lopez (feat. LL Cool J) if you listen real close. “Hit the Gym” has helped me enjoy the beautiful days and give me the power to get in shape.

Check out “Hit the Gym” here and the music video below!

---

“New Moon” by BananaLemon

Seeing BananaLemon release a new track and the first one without Lety was very interesting. Even though I miss Lety, “New Moon” is a phenomenal track. The vocals by each of the girls is a powerhouse in every way. “New Moon” brings the 90s R&B fire not just vocally, but the rap fits perfectly with the style this track is displaying. The composition flows continuously and matches the fire of the vocals and rap brought by these girls leaving you wanting more of this style of tune.

Check out “New Moon” here and the music video below!

---

“to be free” by Koda Kumi

As Koda Kumi’s latest album heart releases in March, I’m finally getting around to listening to it as a full album. The tune, “to be free” is one that was so befitting this month and I gravitated toward it. “to be free” is a beautiful and simple melody that is easy to sway along too. While listening to “to be free”, I tend to get lost in the music and lyrics as I’m lead through this song like a story. For me, I can easily relate to this track, especially when so much is going on at once. I feel that I’m relieved from all my stress and worries whenever listening to “to be free” as it has a calming beat with a mid tempo melody.

Check out “to be free” here and the music video below!

---

Ken's Ongaku Go For March 2022

Picking it up after Luna and Gray, w e 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.

---

“Flannel” by Ghost like girlfriend

It was so good to see Ghost like girlfriend come back with this release. After the unceremonious release of his EP From the Window by 2020, back in 2020 I had really thought that this solo project was gone. So to my surprise this was a back to form and reintroduction to both Ghost like girlfriend’s and his style, which I had absolutely loved. The wonderment and enticement that he does with the composition is absolutely amazing and just made me miss him even more. I really hope that “Flannel” isn’t a one off and will have more releases by Ghost like girlfriend in the near future.

Be sure to check out the lyric video “Flannel” below along track here!

---

“Superpower” by SIRUP

SIRUP kicks off his 2022 with this amazing original track. Going back to his roots of having more of a rap feel with his releases, “Superpower” brings it back to basics so to speak and really shows off his skill as a vocalist and rapper. While the composition might not be the most original thing in his discography, it still shows off how he can appeal to the main stream crowd and still keep his hardcore fans as well. If this is the next step for SIRUP, I really can’t wait to see what is in store for him.

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

---

“Blue Star” by Mahiru

I honestly can’t believe that I missed this artist before this month. Mahiru is amazing vocalist with only two singles under her belt and is looking to be the new and upcoming star for this era. Her vocals are absolutely amazing. Mahiru is someone that I will definitely have to keep my eye on for a future music corner. “Blue Star” really brings out the best of her vocal range and with a more upbeat shift from her first single, “I Need You”, it is absolutely perfect. 

Check out the lyric video below with the track here!

---

“Gal” by OHAYO feat. Shake Pepper. and Yvngboi P

Honestly I really blame tiktok for this, because of how popular this song is on the platform for the Japan sphere. The rap is very impressive and once you hear that first chorus, you can’t help but sing along to it because of how infectious it is. While the lyrics are NOT SAFE at all, the style of rap is bound to make its way around. While I don’t expect this to be making any list at years end, I can’t deny on how popular the current trend for this song is. 

Be sure to check out the lyric video for “Gal” below along with the song here!

---

“SABOTEN” by Absolute area

In my struggles of trying to find rock this month, the lovely Apple algorithm lead me to Absolute area with their release of “SABOTEN”. Released back in July of last year, this is another song that I’m sad to have missed out on in the past months. Its composition is that sweet middle point of upbeat in pop-rock genre that I haven’t really felt since Polkadot Stingray. While I won’t say they are the male version of Shizuka’s style and vocals, it is a very close second. I honestly can’t wait for their next release and will look forward to their career with much promise. 

Check out the live version of the lyric video for “SABOTEN” below along with the track here!

Gray's Ongaku Go For March 2022

Picking up after Luna, we’re down another month in 2022, 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.

---

“Home” by White Jam

This is a fun and catchy track by White Jam. I haven’t gotten to listen to much lately, and this song helps put me in a better place, so I’ve been listening to it on repeat.

Check out “Home” here and the music video below.

---

“Lonely” by GENERATIONS from Exile TRIBE

With my job I have to put in 10 plus hours days and they can take a bit of a toll on me. So I’m still listening to Up & Down by GENERATIONS from Exile TRIBE. When I hear this song at work I just think of my wife and how much I wish I was by her side. The last line of the song is “I’m lonely without you” and it gets me every time.

Check out “Lonely” here and the music video below.

---

“my bestie” by lol

lol had dropped two great songs so far this year, but I think this is my favorite of the two. This track has a charm to it and it's pretty catchy as well.

Check out “my bestie” here and the music video below.

---

“PARADE GOES ON” by GANG PARADE

It’s been a few years since I’ve heard a new track by these girls and I actually kind of forgot about them, so seeing this pop up on the Oricon was a nice surprise. Both songs on this release are fantastic, but “PARADE GOES ON” reminds me of why I liked this group in the first place, so I’m giving it the shout-out.

Check out “PARADE GOES ON” here and the music video below.

---

“Blue and others” by Genin Wa Jibun Ni Aru

Well, I think I’ve found a new group to obsess over. I really loved this release and I even went back to listen to more of their music. These guys are right up my alley. I love the vocal work done in this track and it’s got me excited to see what they do next.

Check out “Blue and others” here and the music video below.

Luna's Ongaku Go For March 2022!

With Spring blooming into action that means its that time of the month for March’s Ongaku Go! 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.

---

“Labyrinth” by Mime

Mime’s newest track “Labyrinth” has a chill vibe that pulls you in immediately; HIKARI’s vocals are smooth and enchanting. This track is a bit slower than other favorites such as “Caught in Shower” and “Headlight”, but the slow and heaviness of “Labyrinth” shows off Mime’s capabilities of doing a variety of tracks. Even though “Labyrinth” is still in their wheelhouse, the composition is a little heavier, the guitar solo is superb, and it gives off such a nice relaxing yet deep thought type of feel.

Check out “Labyrinth” here and the video below!

---

“Ikenai Baby” by eill

As eill released her major label debut album PALETTE in February, I finally got my copy to listen to. “Ikenai Baby” was a promotional track used for this and also the first track on the album. “Ikenai Baby” shows off eill’s vocals right from the start. The composition starts off a bit slower and transitions into a mid-tempo R&B-pop track. What makes “Ikenai Baby” such a great track for me is the lyrics, eill’s vocals, the guitar, and the last verses. This song flows so perfectly with eill’s vocals and style.

Check out “Ikenai Baby” here and the music video below!

---

“Chameleon” by King Gnu

I had the lovely introduction to “Chameleon” when we broke down the Oricon on our Podcast and fell in love with it immediately. King Gnu has always been hit or miss, but “Chameleon” does exactly what I wanted from it. The piano is absolutely gorgeous and King Gnu’s vocals are what does it. This track has the perfect harmony with composition and vocals. I also enjoy that the composition still remains unique to them without being too loud and is befitting of the vocals and lyrics. “Chameleon” is an the perfect experimental ballad as King Gnu knows how make their ballads stand out.

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

---

“Ice Cream” By Anna Takeuchi

With the release of Anna Takeuchi’s album TICKETS, I moved up Ice Cream to repeat on the my playlist. It’s such a cute song; I enjoy the lovey-dovey lyrics and Anna’s vocals fit with the composition perfectly. “Ice Cream” gives me the summer love vibe every time I listen to it; its a cute feel good track that should be on every summer or love song playlist. The composition is a poppy track with catchy lyrics and Anna’s vocals are what make this track special.

Check out “Ice Cream” here and the music video below!

---

“Sora no Aosa ni Miserarete” by I Don’t Like Mondays

First time I heard “Sora no Aosa ni Miserarete” I was hooked with its upbeat composition, catchy chorus, and how YU’s vocals stood out. The guitar solo near the end is fantastic; I love how in the middle of the track that everyone starts singing the chorus. This is such a fun track that you either want to jump around to or tap your foot consistently to. “Sora no Aosa ni Miserarete” also pulls in all the band members together vocal wise and gives you the sense in some parts of the song that it’s being performed live. I love everything about this track.

Check out “Sora no Aosa ni Miserarete” here and the lyrics video below!