BoA celebrates 21st anniversary of her Japan debut! Latest album ‘The Greatest’ enters Oricon Daily Album Ranking at No.3!

BoA made a huge impact with her debut release in Japan, ‘ID; Peace B’, on May 30, 2001. Her first album ‘LISTEN TO MY HEART’ went straight to No.1 on the Oricon Album Chart and became a million seller. She went on to top the charts with six consecutive original albums, securing her position as one of Japan’s top recording artists. In March 2009, she made her North American debut with the self-titled album ‘BoA’, expanding her arena of activity from Asia to the world. In 2014, she released the long-anticipated ‘WHO’S BACK?’, her first new original album in four and a half years, and began a nationwide tour the same month, eagerly awaited by her fans in Japan. Next, BoA continued to expand her career as an actress and served as a judge on an audition show with huge viewership in her home country of South Korea, further cementing her position as a genuine artist. In 2021, she celebrated the 20th anniversary of her debut in Japan and released a new digital single ‘My Dear’ on November 5, her birthday. Following the ‘BoA 20th Anniversary FILM LIVE ~BoA THE LIVE EDITION~’ concert tour held in December 2021, BoA continues to draw attention as her career goes from strength to strength.

As the excitement from her incredible, emotional 20th anniversary concert the previous day lingered, BoA released her 20th anniversary album The Greatest on May 30 – just as she entered the 21st year since her debut in Japan. The album hit No.3 on the Oricon Daily Album Ranking on its first day, as well as taking the No.1 spot on AWA’s real-time chart, proving BoA’s enduring power in both the physical and digital markets.

BoA recently marked the climax of her 20th anniversary with a one-off concert titled ‘BoA 20th Anniversary Special Live -The Greatest-’, held at the Yoyogi National Stadium 1st Gymnasium in Japan. The concert brought together around 7,000 fans, as BoA was joined on stage by VERBAL (m-flo), Crystal Kay and Yunho from TVXQ for an unforgettable show.

The Greatest includes 10 self-covers that were originally released over 10 consecutive weeks, as well as the title track ‘The Greatest’, BoA’s latest dance track whose music video set the internet alight. It’s an album that captures the essence of BoA as she is today, so don’t miss it.

As she enters her 21st year, BoA continues to shine – keep an eye out for more! In the meantime, check out the track listing for The Greatest below along with purchase and download/streaming links, and the music video for “The Greatest”!

CD -Limited Edition version

CD-only Standard Edition

Download/Streaming

CD version (supports Sumapura) <first pressing limited edition>

Specifications: Double-face sleeve, changeable jacket

*Tall case size

CD tracklist: 

○ The Greatest

○ Dakishimeru -The Greatest Ver.-

○ make a secret -The Greatest Ver.-

○ Kono Yo no Shirushi -The Greatest Ver.-

○ AGGRESSIVE -The Greatest Ver.-

○ Sweet Impact -The Greatest Ver.-

○ Every Heart -Minna no Kimochi- -The Greatest Ver.-

○ LISTEN TO MY HEART -The Greatest Ver.-

○ DO THE MOTION -The Greatest Ver.-

○ LOVE LETTER -The Greatest Ver.-

○ QUINCY -The Greatest Ver.-

○ My Dear

CD version (supports Sumapura) <regular edition>

CD tracklist: 

○ The Greatest

○ Dakishimeru -The Greatest Ver.-

○ make a secret -The Greatest Ver.-

○ Kono Yo no Shirushi -The Greatest Ver.-

○ AGGRESSIVE -The Greatest Ver.-

○ Sweet Impact -The Greatest Ver.-

○ Every Heart -Minna no Kimochi- -The Greatest Ver.-

○ LISTEN TO MY HEART -The Greatest Ver.-

○ DO THE MOTION -The Greatest Ver.-

○ LOVE LETTER -The Greatest Ver.-

○ QUINCY -The Greatest Ver.-

○ My Dear

Ken's Ongaku Go for May 2022!

Following up from Luna as the heat fills, the summer months are coming up and that means another 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.

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“1mm (Jazz Version)” by showmore

I’ve been honestly loving the Jazz Attitude series that showmore has been doing this year. One of things that I was actually surprised by is how much Jazz influence the track had compared to prior Jazz versions of their track from this series as it was more swing and upbeat style. While I do hope showmore goes back to their traditional style fusion and city pop melody, I wouldn’t honestly mind when a full album version of the Jazz Attitude tracks are released.

Be sure to check out 1mm (Jazz Version) here!

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“You Are Beautiful” by Mime

The last two years have been really big for Mime, and I’m all for it. With their release of the single “You Are Beautiful”, the nuances of the track made me fall in love with Hikari’s vocals even more than I had did beforehand. The composition blended so well that I was taken back by it and just let the melody take over. While I do hope for more releases like this one, I know for a fact that Mime will evolve and change their styles and I can’t wait to see what that will be.

Check out the track here!

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“Rozen Horizon” by Roselia

Long time listeners and followers shouldn’t be surprised by this addition. As a huge BanG Dream!!/ Aina Aiba fan, this was an instant add upon first listen. While I have some gripes with the EP overall, “Rozen Horizon” really brings out the “Fire Bird” energy that I had loved with this band, which they had honestly needed to bring them apart from the 6 other bands that are in the franchise. Aiba’s vocals are on point along with everything that Yuki Nakashima, Megu Sakuragawa, Haruka Kudo, and Kanon Shizaki brings with their back up vocals and compositions. While I do hope to see them live again, this EP will have to do for the time being.

Be sure to check out “Rozen Horizon” here!

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“S.O.S” by BUPPON, ZEN, & Kojoe

This was a very different track than I thought it would be just by looking at the artist that produced it. Its very slow and chill composition is one of the things that really drew me in. The whole album that this is a part of, Scent, is great in it’s own right, none of the other songs had really stuck to them like “S.O.S” did. While I do understand that all three artist have a different feel on their own, this release, along with the album as a whole, really made me look forward to all of their upcoming releases.

Check out “S.O.S” here!

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“Ash in the Sky” by BURNABLE/UNBURNABLE

BURNABLE/UNBURNABLE has been an artist that has been on my eye for the last 5 or so months now, and she is going to be a vocalist that people will need to watch as well. Her vocal as a solo act is absolutely incredible and “Ash in the Sky” is only a slight sample of what she can do. The wonderment that is in place with the track had really drew me in and kept it in my rotation a tad bit more then I would like to admit. While this is only her second single of the year, I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her, and low key hoping for an album within the year as well.

Be sure to check out “Ash in the Sky” here!

NOILION Gives Off Their Energy with Latest Release!

Emerging Tokyo based group NOILION premieres a new music video for their recently released track “3”. Since appearing as the opening theme song of the Netflix anime series ULTRAMAN, their energetic inspirational song has been gaining popularity around the globe.  

Through the production work of TeddyLoid and the vocals of singer LIO, “3” captures many themes within the story of ULTRAMAN including facing conflicts, hardships and loneliness.

The new music video that accompanies the song, directed by Keita “Konnie” Aoki, centers around singer LIO surrounded by dancers and an array of effects and lights which capture the energy of “3”.  In the video the other members of NOILION, KILLIT and REAK, can be seen in flashes but remain mysterious figures.

About the song, NOILION states: “There are struggles that must be challenged in order to live, yet we must find the answer in our hearts, believe it, and move forward. While resisting adversity, we made the song "3" with the determination to aim for further heights and have courage when creating the sound. We are honored to help ULTRAMAN Season 2 to become a work that gives hope to people living in the present age.”

Be sure to watch the music video below with the streaming link here!

Zeke Deux Advances to A New Path with Latest Release!

Advance to Glory Jacket Cover

Visual Kei band Zeke Deux released the mini-album Advance to Glory which is out now at stores and on major digital platforms. Advance to Glory”\ is a work packed with high spirits and intense melodies that will resonate with heavy-metal enthusiasts.

Since Zeke Deux demo songs were distributed in non-conventional cassette format, a CD and digital release were highly anticipated by fans.

Advance to Glory compiles in a CD the symphonic power metal-infused songs “Zero”, “Awake～From The Darkness～”, “Dragon Heart”, and “Phantom Pain”.  It also presents new ones, like the promotional title track and “Forbidden Chain”. The mini-album includes seven tracks in total, plus a DVD featuring four music videos.

In addition to this new material, fans were greeted by the announcement of bassist Maya joining vocalist Kakeru and guitarist Haruka as an official member. Guitarist Satsuki and drummer Loa continue to be working in synergy with Zeke Deux as “Project members”.

Despite being a new act, Zeke Deux proves that they are seasoned musicians by delivering strong music after their debut in 2021. With a fierce sound filled with positive messages, Zeke Deux keeps forging ahead toward a glorious future.

Be sure to check out the music video for the track “Advance to Glory”, along with the purchase link for the album below and the streaming link for it here!

Standard edition

Luna's Ongaku Go for May 2022!

With Spring coming to an end and Summer beginning, it’s time for the May 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.

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“Mada Kimi wa Shiranai MY PRETTIEST GIRL” by Nissy

With the release of Nissy’s newest album “HOCUS POCUS 3”, I recently purchased his Nissy Entertainment 5th Anniversary Best album and have been listening to it non stop. “Mada Kimi wa Shiranai MY PRETTIEST GIRL” is my favorite song by him and I’ve had it on repeat for months. Not only does this track have a catchy fun beat to it that makes you want to get up and dance, but the lyrics pull you in as well. The lyrics are a big part of what did it for me as its a love song; if I would have heard this song before my wedding, I would have included this in my reception playlist. Nissy’s voice is sultry, smooth, and enticing, making you want to consistently listen to this track. “Mada Kimi wa Shiranai MY PRETTIEST GIRL” has been the highlight of my month and I am looking forward to listening to HOCUS POCUS 3 and basking in Nissy’s beautiful voice.

You can check out “Mada Kimi wa Shiranai MY PRETTIEST GIRL” here and the music video below!

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“Nonfiction” by Ayumi Hamasaki

Ayumi Hamasaki is back with a new digital single and such a perfect return. “Nonfiction” is a dance track with a electronic vibe to it, bringing back memories of her NEXT LEVEL and Colours days. Despite the composition having a more electronica feeling, Ayu incorporates her spin on it by adding a theatrical flare. Ayu’s vocals match perfectly with the beat and leaving you wanting more tracks like this. Not to mention, the lyrics are on point especially with everything going on in the media nowadays. “Nonfiction” is also the perfect track leading into summer with its upbeat style making for a great summer dance track.

You can check out “Nonfiction” here and the music video below!

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“Everything” by Happiness

It has been a bit since I’ve heard any new music from the dance and vocal unit, Happiness. The last new track I heard was “Chao Chao” in 2019; since then I’ve been re-listening to all their older music. I noticed that they released a new track called “Everything” in February and I have been addicted to it. It’s an upbeat dance track that is also very vocal heavy. The girls of Happiness come together and show they are a force to be reckoned with as “Everything” gives you exactly what you want and expect - everything and more. From strong vocals to a dance composition to a memorable chorus and lyrics. I’ve had the chorus stuck in my head for this past week, right now Happiness is my “Everything”. Looking forward to hearing what Happiness will release next.

You can check out “Everything” here and the dance music video below!

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“Psycho” by May J. feat. Yayoi Daimon

May' J’s latest album Silver Lining came out in December 2021, however, I’m finally getting around to listening to it. I was glad to see that “Psycho" feat. Yayoi Daimon got a music video that just released as this track deserves. “Psycho” reminds me of May J’s early days with her Baby Girl album as it has the R&B/Hip-hop feel to it. This is a track you can bop to on the dance floor or you can just relax and take it the vibes. The composition has a chill hip hop vibe to it and Yayoi Daimon’s rap fits perfectly right into this track. This track has a catchy beat, lyrics, and is a fun track. I’d love to see May J. and Yayoi Daimon do future collaborations.

Check out “Psycho” feat. Yayoi Daimon here and the music video below!

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Soleil feat. yonkey by Miyuna

Miyuna’s music has struck me for a while, especially after covering her for Music Corner recently. Miyuna’s track “Soleil” feat. yonkey is the perfect way to bring in the summer with its refreshing composition, flavorful vocals, and fun lyrics. “Soleil” feat yonkey has a nice summer vibe that makes you feel like you are sitting along the pooliside or basking in the beach sun. I’ve had this song on repeat since I heard it as its helped me get into the summer spirit; it just has this upbeat yet relaxing vibe that chills you out on a hot summer day.

Check out “Soleil” feat. yonkey here and the lyric video below!

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