With the album Variety, her voice overflows from the computer screen, melodically transporting listeners all at once to the magical bliss of Japan in the year 1984.Īsk any Japanese listener, whether or not they directly bear memories of the time, and they will immediately recognise her as the iconic singer-songwriter that produced radiant city-pop classics next to her husband, Tatsuro Yamashita. The music of singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi has a way of captivating digital explorers in dazzling realms within a single, curious click. Kenshi Yonezu – Pale Blue (Limited Edition Puzzle Version)ĭavid: Most creative packaging of the year goes to Kenshi Yonezu, who gives you the chance to piece together the album art while enjoying the music.Cover of Mariya Takeuchi's ‘Variety’ (1984). Greg: In November 2021, a new EP version of “Plastic Love” (best known as the gateway behind the modern City Pop movement) was released in Japan – this time using the photo from the “Sweetest Music” cover in place of the “Variety”- era images – cementing the relationship between the image and the song that made it a worldwide phenomenon.ĭavid: Japanese metal queens SHOW-YA are as bold and dangerous as ever on their latest album Showdown, and the fierce, regal presence on this jacket leaves no room for challengers. Mariya Takeuchi – Plastic Love (2021 Reissue)
#MARIYA TAKEUCHI PLASTIC LOVE OUTFIT FULL#
Nhu: While MISIA’s hair and the album cover filter has an American 60s retro girl-group vibe, there’s some modern twists within it: she’s wearing a sport-cut sweater and has her left arm around a hand sculpture that gives off the same delicate yet sassy nature as her right hand.ĭavid: The playful chaos of underground dance idols Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders is on full display in the cover of “Snacktime”. One of the reasons for LiSA’s international success is her ability to fully embody the emotions connected to her various theme songs, and the small details on her multi-layered outfit are symbols of her readiness to jump into any role. Nhu: The cover does look like a ‘curse’, the single’s title, as black water ink swirls out from a dark body and mind up to the heavens.ĭavid: Released as the theme for the television drama Promise Cinderella, “Hadashi no Step” presents a simple, powerful portrait of the energetic performer in a state of transformation. The “collage” of the five members’ fingers on the cover creates an unsettling image from ordinary appendages. Featuring relentless tempos on songs like “Warning!” and “BLACK HOLE” coupled with guitarist Kanami’s furious riffage on every track, the LP is a hard rock assault that leaves you exhausted yet satisfied. Marc: BAND-MAID seems to up the musical aggression with every album and Unseen World is no exception. This shot captures the pure emotional force of this multi-talented artist. She looks soul-less with bleak eyes and grey skin, as butterflies flutter around her like the last bit of life flying out of her.ĭavid: Anyone who ever seen MIYAVI perform live on stage can testify to his unbridled intensity. Nhu: I’m pulled into the sadness of the girl illustrated on the cover. Concentrating on the theme of darkness underneath Tokyo glossy exterior, she conjures a femme fatale vibe reminiscent of cinematographer Christopher Doyle’s work with famed director Wong Kar-Wai. The cover artwork reflects this duality, as it’s not clear if the images are purely geometric or drawn from nature.ĭavid: Chanmina carries her personal motto of “Pain is Beauty” to the next level in her 2021 release Harenchi. The effect on the listener is somehow both invigorating and restful. Marc: On Nova Naturo, recording veteran Haco blends found sounds, piano, percussion, and various electronic instruments and then layers her ethereal singing on top to create a mysterious yet involving sonic palette. Nhu: The crimson from a female’s lips turns a flower from white to red, seemingly suggesting that love gives color to life - some would agree, depending on who you talk to! Check out J-Generation′s best J-Pop and J-Rock album/single jackets of 2021, chosen by David Cirone, Marc Bowie, Greg Hignight, and Nhu Nguyen.ĭavid: Kizu isn’t pulling any punches on “Strawberry Blue”, and the twisted symbolism of the cover portrait hints at the mind-bending experience waiting when you press play.
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