Trending Music [August 2023]

DAY feat. PUNPEENulbarich

Nulbarich – DAY feat. PUNPEE (Official Music Video)

In Nulbarich’s track “DAY,” by the band centered around JQ, rapper and producer PUNPEE appears as a featured guest.

The song exudes Nulbarich’s signature urban, sophisticated vibe throughout, layered with PUNPEE’s sharp, precise rap.

Meanwhile, in the parts sung by JQ, the bouncy, rhythmic melodic lines stand out.

The vocal interplay between the two artists is well-balanced, resulting in a track that’s extremely easy on the ears.

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Hane Keisuke

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ChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Chessboard [Official Video]

Official Hige Dism, a four-piece piano pop band dominating the J-POP scene with an overwhelming pop sensibility that makes even complex arrangements feel effortless.

Chessboard, released as a double A-side with Nichijo, is their 6th single and was written as the set piece for the Junior High School division of the 90th NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition.

Its message—that with experience, your dreams and your path forward come into focus—will surely leave a strong impression on students with bright futures.

With a gently paced beat and a catchy melody that lingers in the ear, it’s a moving pop tune that stirs the heart.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Dreaming SupermanSaucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Dreaming Superman” Music Video (Theme song for the drama “I’m Curious About What’s in People’s Shopping Baskets”)

This song, which was used as the theme for the Chukyo TV drama series “I’m Curious About What’s in Your Shopping Basket,” is performed by Saucy Dog.

The band has been active since 2013 and, despite some member departures, released their seventh mini-album “But Really” in 2023, which includes this track.

Their unadorned three-piece sound hits you straight in the heart, doesn’t it? The music video, where the members appear in scenes from the show, is fun too.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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CREAKSixTONES

SixTONES – CREAK [YouTube ver.]

SixTONES is a six-member idol group whose members demonstrate high-level skills in TV dramas and variety shows.

Their 11th single, “CREAK,” was selected as the theme song for the TV drama “Knockin’ on Locked Door,” starring group member Hokuto Matsumura.

The contrast between the ensemble featuring weighty strings and the powerful yet catchy choral work is full of allure that draws you into its world.

It’s a mysterious dance tune with rapidly shifting beats that ramp up the tension.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Delusional scriptwriting activityasmi

Delusional Scriptwriting Activity – asmi (Official Music Video)

This song, brimming with the pop vibe characteristic of singer-songwriter asmi, was released in 2023.

It also drew attention because the lyrics and composition were handled by Hidefumi Kenmochi, known for his work with Wednesday Campanella.

The lyrics portray the feelings of a woman who has fallen for a man who already has a partner—something many listeners may find relatable.

While the words depict a rather complicated emotional state, the track itself is extremely poppy and approachable.

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Hane Keisuke

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With cranberry jam on topnishina

nishina – Pour Cranberry Jam [Official Video]

Nishina has been relentlessly active, with solo hall shows at Zepp Tokyo and in Tokyo and Osaka.

This track, “Pour Cranberry Jam on It,” is one that pierces the hearts of her listeners.

Cranberries—symbolic of a mix of frustration and anger—are brilliantly used as a metaphor to say, “Happiness isn’t something that simple.” The blunt, no-frills first verse and the short, sporadic guitar solos offer plenty of highlights.

If you haven’t heard of Nishina yet, this is a song you should definitely check out.

Enjoymei-chan

Enjoy / Mei-chan

Meichan’s spring 2023 live tour “Henachoko Forest” was a big success.

The track here, “Enjoy,” is a collaboration between Meichan and Yuzu’s Yujin Kitagawa.

Above all, this song gives you energy just by listening.

Many people will probably relate to the lyrics that say, “It’s about time I stop living for others and start living for myself!” Yujin Kitagawa’s brightness bursts forth, and Meichan’s vocals feel exhilarating—there’s no way a collab like this could turn into a downer.

It’s being used as the ending theme for Mezamashi 8, giving you a boost of energy from the morning!