A hidden gem known only to those in the know. A great J-pop/Japanese song.

MottoAbe Mao

Abe Mao – Motto. (Official Music Video)

This is a motivational song by female singer-songwriter Mao Abe.

Her husky voice and piercing lyrics give you a push forward.

In today’s tough world, where we’re expected to care about appearances and values, this track offers answers to the worries many people carry.

Black ShoesBAHO

Black Shoes (PV) / BAHO Uma Baka

This is a signature song by BAHO, the duo of Char and the late Nagaoki Ishida, who sadly passed away two years ago.

They’re an acoustic guitar duo, and this track is really cool.

It seems Char also performed it at a memorial concert.

A DREAM GOES ON FOREVERCARNATION

Carnation – A Dream Goes On Forever

This is Carnation’s cover of Todd Rundgren.

Even though it’s almost a faithful rendition of the original, it strangely sounds like one of their own songs.

Todd and Carnation must have a lot of overlap in their worlds.

I like Carnation’s underdog vibe.

Lupin the Third ~ Theme of LoveEGO-WRAPPIN’

Lupin the Third: Theme of Love / EGO-WRAPPIN’ AND THE GOSSIP OF JAXX

This is an insert song from the TV anime Lupin the Third.

Yoshie Nakano’s delicate vocals are wonderful.

The effortless way she sings makes it all the more moving.

Alongside the Lupin theme, this number showcases composer Yuji Ohno’s talent brilliantly.

Suzhou SerenadeSANDII

"Suzhou Nocturne" Sandii

Sandi sings Suzhou Serenade, a Showa-era song composed by Ryoichi Hattori.

What’s remarkable is Dick Lee’s arrangement—it’s very innovative.

Pay close attention to the choral work, especially where the shakuhachi overlaps in the middle and the chorus at the end.

I get the feeling both Sandi and Dick Lee really love this song.

Out of officeSUPER BUTTER DOG

SUPER BUTTER DOG – Out and About

Super Butter Dog went on hiatus 10 years ago.

As time went on, they leaned more and more toward a funky style, but I preferred the more orthodox numbers like this one.

One of Butter Dog’s charms is Takashi Nagazumi’s vocals.

His voice is very soft and gentle.

ONLY FOR YOUSakura

SAKURA ONLY FOR YOU （Lyrics）

It’s a track produced by Hidetoshi Sakurai of Magokoro Brothers, finished as AOR with a hint of soul flavor, and the rich vocals are really great.

It’s a work from almost 20 years ago, and I let go of the CD, but I still feel like listening to it from time to time.