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Author: ShiroiYozora 01.09.2024

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Level Up Your Playlist: Our Top 10 Japanese Music Albums That'll Blow Your Mind

Are you ready to embark on a musical journey through the Land of the Rising Sun? Whether you're a dedicated Japanese learner, a passionate music enthusiast, or simply someone who loves all things Japan, this blog post is your ticket to discovering some of the most incredible Japanese music albums out there. We've curated a list of ten mind-blowing albums that will not only entertain you but also help you dive deeper into the rich world of Japanese culture and language. So, let's turn up the volume and explore these fantastic Japanese music albums that are sure to become staples in your playlist!

1. "First Love" by Utada Hikaru

Utada Hikaru is a name that needs no introduction in the world of Japanese music. Her debut album, "First Love," released in 1999, remains the best-selling album in Japanese history. This pop masterpiece showcases Utada's powerful vocals and songwriting skills, with tracks that blend R&B, pop, and electronic elements.

• Key Tracks: "Automatic," "First Love," "Time Will Tell"
• Perfect for: Those who love emotional ballads and catchy pop tunes

"First Love" is not just an album; it's a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation of Japanese music lovers.

Here is the tracklist from Utada Hikaru's album "First Love"

1. Automatic
2. Movin' on without you
3. In My Room
4. First Love
5. Amai Wana (甘いワナ) [Sweet Trap]
6. Time Will Tell
7. Never Let Go
8. B&C
9. Another Chance
10. Interlude
11. Give Me a Reason

2. "GAME" by Perfume

If you're into electropop and dance music, Perfume's "GAME" is a must-listen. Released in 2008, this album marked Perfume's major label debut and catapulted them to stardom. The futuristic sound and catchy melodies make it an instant mood-lifter.

• Key Tracks: "Polyrhythm," "Baby Cruising Love," "Chocolate Disco"
• Perfect for: Electronic music fans and those who love upbeat, danceable tunes

Here is the tracklist from Perfume's album "GAME" (released in 2008):

1. Polyrhythm
2. Plastic Smile
3. Game
4. Baby Cruising Love
5. Chocolate Disco
6. Macaroni
7. Ceramic Girl
8. Take Me Take Me
9. Secret Secret
10. Butterfly
11. Twinkle Snow Powdery Snow
12. Puppy Love

3. "BOOTLEG" by Kenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu is one of the most innovative artists in contemporary Japanese music. His 2017 album "BOOTLEG" showcases his unique style, blending pop, rock, and electronic elements with thoughtful lyrics. This album is a great entry point for those looking to explore modern Japanese music.

• Key Tracks: "Loser," "Peace Sign," "Orion"
• Perfect for: Indie music lovers and those who appreciate introspective lyrics

Here is the tracklist from Kenshi Yonezu's album "BOOTLEG" (released in 2017):

1. Atom
2. Koi no Hana (恋の花)
3. Loser
4. Peace Sign
5. Sand Planet (砂の惑星) feat. Hatsune Miku
6. Spring Thunder (春雷)
7. Fogbound feat. Utada Hikaru
8. Shunrai (春雷)
9. Number Nine
10. Orion
11. Neon Sign
12. Nighthawks
13. Moonlight
14. Fissures (Cracks in the World)
15. 灰色と青 (Haiiro to Ao) feat. Masaki Suda

4. "Batsu to Maru to Tsumi to" by RADWIMPS

RADWIMPS gained international recognition for their work on the "Your Name" anime soundtrack, but their 2013 album "Batsu to Maru to Tsumi to" is a testament to their versatility as a rock band. This album offers a mix of energetic rock anthems and softer, more introspective tracks.

• Key Tracks: "Shiwakucha" "Batsu to Maru to Tsumi to"
• Perfect for: Rock enthusiasts and fans of anime soundtracks

Here is the tracklist from RADWIMPS' album "X X" (also known as "Batsu to Maru to Tsumi to") released in 2013:

1. Ienai (アイアンナイ)
2. Iron Bible
3. Perfect Baby
4. Dreamer's High
5. Kaiko (カイコ)
6. Gogatsu no Hae (五月の蝿)
7. DARMA GRAND PRIX
8. Tummy
9. Last Virgin
10. Sumire (スミレ)
11. Shiwakucha (シワチュア)
12. Kimi to Hitsuji to Ao (君と羊と青)
13. Doukei (胴体)
14. Buriki (ブリキ)
15. Tsurumaru
16. Batsu to Maru to Tsumi to (×と○と罪と)

5. "Fantôme" by Utada Hikaru

Yes, Utada Hikaru appears twice on our list, and for good reason. Her 2016 comeback album "Fantôme" showcases her growth as an artist, dealing with themes of loss, love, and resilience. The album's mature sound and emotional depth make it a standout in her discography.

• Key Tracks: "Michi," "Hanataba wo Kimi ni," "Manatsu no Tooriame"
• Perfect for: Those who appreciate introspective, emotionally rich music

Here is the tracklist from Utada Hikaru's album "Fantôme" (released in 2016):

1. Michi (道)
2. Ore no Kanojo (俺の彼女)
3. Hanataba wo Kimi ni (花束を君に)
4. Nijikan Dake no Vacance (二時間だけのバカンス) feat. Shiina Ringo
5. Ningyo (人魚)
6. Tomodachi (友達) feat. Nariaki Obukuro
7. Manatsu no Tooriame (真夏の通り雨)
8. Kouya no Ookami (荒野の狼)
9. Boukyaku (忘却) feat. KOHH
10. Jinsei Saikou no Hi (人生最高の日)
11. Sakura Nagashi (桜流し)

6. "YELLOW DANCER" by Gen Hoshino

Gen Hoshino is a multi-talented artist known for his work in music, acting, and comedy. His 2015 album "YELLOW DANCER" is a delightful mix of pop, funk, and soul influences. The album's catchy tunes and positive vibes make it an instant mood-booster.

• Key Tracks: "Sun," "Crazy Crazy," "Week End"
• Perfect for: Those who love feel-good music with a retro twist

Here is the tracklist from Gen Hoshino's album "YELLOW DANCER" (released in 2015):

1. Week End
2. Drinking Dance (Drinking Dance/Drunk)
3. SUN
4. Neko Janai (猫になりたい)
5. Soul
6. Koi (恋)
7. Madder Red (赤いサンゴ礁のように)
8. Snow Men
9. Nonsense (時よ)
10. Crazy Crazy
11. Friend Ship
12. My Dear Son
13. Yellow Dancer

7. "20132020" by KIRINJI

KIRINJI is a band that has been consistently pushing the boundaries of Japanese pop music. Their 2020 album "20132020" is a testament to their innovative spirit, blending elements of city pop, funk, and electronic music into a cohesive and highly enjoyable package.

• Key Tracks: "Killer Tune Kills Me,"
• Perfect for: Fans of city pop and those who appreciate genre-blending music

Here is the tracklist for KIRINJI's album:

1. Shin-Sui-Shiki
2. Wonton Girl
3. Fugitive
4. Dareka-San To Dareka-San Ga
5. Hibi Kore Kanko
6. Manatsuno Saga
7. The Great Journey [feat. Rhymester]
8. Mr. Boogieman
9. AI No Tohiko [feat. Charisma.com]
10. Jikanga Nai
11. Akumuwo Miru Cheese
12. Silver Girl
13. Killer Tune Kills Me [feat. YonYon]
14. Almond Eyes [feat. Chinza Dopeness]
15. Zatsumu

8. "ZIPANGU" by Wednesday CAMPANELLA

WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA, led by the charismatic KOM_I, offers a unique blend of electronic music and traditional Japanese elements. Their 2017 album "CEREMONIAL" is a sonic journey that combines catchy melodies with experimental sounds and thought-provoking lyrics.

• Key Tracks: "Shakushain"
• Perfect for: Electronic music enthusiasts and those interested in modern interpretations of Japanese folklore

Here is the tracklist for Wednesday Campanella's album "Zipangu":

1. シャクシャイン (Shakushain)
2. 猪八戒 (Inohakkai)
3. メデューサ (Medusa)
4. ラー (Ra)
5. ツイッギー (Twiggy)
6. ウランちゃん (Uran-chan)
7. ライト兄弟 (Wright Brothers)
8. 小野妹子 (Ono no Imoko)
9. 西玉夫 (Nishi Tamotsu)
10. マッチ売りの少女 (The Little Match Girl)

9. "834.194" by Sakanaction

Sakanaction is known for their innovative approach to rock music, incorporating electronic elements and unconventional song structures. Their 2019 album "834,194" is a perfect example of their unique sound, offering a mix of energetic tracks and more introspective pieces.

• Key Tracks: "Shin Takarajima," "Sayonara wa Emotion," "Eureka"
• Perfect for: Those who enjoy experimental rock and electronic fusion

Here is the tracklist for Sakanaction's album "834.194" (released in 2019):

1. DISC-1 35 38 52 9000 / 139 41 39 3000
2. 1. Unforgettable
3. 2. Match and Peanuts
4. 3. Sunfire
5. 4.Perhaps wind.
6. 5. Shinborojima
7. 6.Moss
8. 7. "Dancing Music You Want to Listen to a Liquid Room"
9. 8. Shotaro Aoyama Remix
10. 9. September -Tokyo version-

1. DISC-2 43 03 18 9000 / 141 19 17 5000
2. 1.Good buy
3. 2. Lotus Flower
4. 3. Yurika
5. 4.Nylon thread
6. 5. Tea pillars
7. 6. Wonderland
8. 7. Goodbye Emotion
9. 8.834.194
10. 9. September -Sapporo version-

10. "STRAY SHEEP" by Kenshi Yonezu

Closing out our list is another entry from Kenshi Yonezu. His 2020 album "STRAY SHEEP" further cements his status as one of Japan's most talented and versatile artists. The album offers a mix of pop, rock, and folk influences, with Yonezu's distinctive vocals and songwriting shining throughout.

• Key Tracks: "Kanden," "Campanella," "Paprika"
• Perfect for: Those who appreciate storytelling through music and eclectic pop sounds

Here is the tracklist for Kenshi Yonezu's album "STRAY SHEEP" (2020):

1. Campanella (カムパネルラ "Bell")
2. Flamingo
3. Kanden (感電 "Electric Shock")
4. Placebo (featuring Yojiro Noda)
5. Paprika (パプリカ)
6. Uma to Shika (馬と鹿 "Horse and Deer")
7. Yasashii Hito (優しい人 "Kind Person")
8. Lemon
9. Machigai Sagashi (まちがいさがし "Spot the Difference"; rearrangement)
10. Himawari (ひまわり "Sunflower")
11. Stray Sheep (迷える羊)
12. Décolleté
13. Teenage Riot
14. Spirits of the Sea (海の幽霊)
15. Canary (カナリヤ)

The Impact of Japanese Music on Language Learning

For those learning Japanese, incorporating music into your study routine can be incredibly beneficial. Here's why:

• Improved listening skills: Listening to native speakers sing helps train your ear to the rhythms and intonations of the language.
• Expanded vocabulary: Song lyrics often use colloquial expressions and idioms that you might not encounter in textbooks.
• Cultural insights: Many songs reflect aspects of Japanese culture, offering you a deeper understanding of the society.
• Motivation boost: Enjoying Japanese music can increase your motivation to continue learning the language.

Conclusion: Your Journey into Japanese Music Starts Here

We've taken you on a whirlwind tour of some of the best Japanese music albums out there, spanning various genres and styles. Whether you're a Japanese learner looking to improve your skills, a music enthusiast seeking new sounds, or simply someone curious about Japanese culture, these albums offer something for everyone.

Remember, this list is just the beginning. The world of Japanese music is vast and diverse, with new artists and albums constantly emerging. Use these recommendations as a starting point to explore further and discover your own favorites.

So, what are you waiting for? It's time to level up your playlist with these mind-blowing Japanese music albums. Happy listening, and don't forget to share your thoughts and discoveries with fellow Japanese music lovers!

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