A masterpiece of Japanese black music. A noteworthy work embodying the soul of black music.
Black music originally refers to music genres with roots in Africa, encompassing a very wide range such as jazz, blues, funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop.
When we think of black music, we tend to picture songs by overseas artists, but in fact there are many cool tracks within Japan that have brilliantly incorporated black music.
In this article, we’ll showcase a selection of black music created by Japanese artists all at once!
From popular singer-songwriters to bands, we’ve gathered songs from a variety of artists, so take this opportunity to give them a listen!
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Masterpieces of Japanese black music. Featured works embodying the spirit of Black music (31–40)
ShakeDOUBLE
DOUBLE, the sister duo who enjoyed immense popularity with their classic R&B sound.
This track dates back to when the older sister, SACHIKO, was still with us, and its alluring charm lies in its comfortable groove.
Centered on the theme of nighttime liberation, it sings about the exhilaration of surrendering to the music and dancing, drawing you into a progression where the two sisters’ perfectly synchronized call-and-response gradually heats up.
Released as a single in March 1999, this song became their final work as a duo.
The album Crystal, which later included it, sold over 600,000 copies and left a strong impression on the music scene of the time.
It’s a perfect song for a nighttime drive through the city lights or for those evenings when you want to feel a bit more sophisticated.
EchoPAELLAS
PAELLAS is a four-piece band based in Tokyo.
This song is the lead track from their 2018 mini-album “Yours.” It sings of unwavering feelings for “you.” The stylish sound is pleasant to the ear.
Groovynightchilldspot
Chilldspot, a rising next-generation artist whose release “the youth night,” put out while all members were still in high school, drew widespread attention.
In 2021, they released “Groovynight” digitally.
Backed by a funky performance, vocalist Hiyune’s singing has a slightly dark, addictive quality.
In the middle section, the rhythm shifts to a swing feel, leading into a jazzy guitar solo that adds a stylish touch.
Cold DancerScoobie Do
This is a song by SCOOBIE DO, a band formed in 1995.
It’s included on their 2017 album “CRACKLACK.” The bouncy guitar riff in the intro really sticks in your ears.
The music video, which looks like they’re playing Red Light, Green Light (Daruma-san ga koronda), is unique.
Lonely Genius (So What)sakai yū feat Terrace Martin
Yu Sakai, who delivers authentic black music sounds honed at the source, included “Kodoku no Tensai” (“Genius of Solitude”) on his 2020 album Touch The World.
The song’s intro quotes a phrase from “So What,” the classic by Miles Davis, the jazz trumpeter whom Sakai deeply admires.
The recording features renowned American jazz musicians.
Although the tempo is relaxed, the forward-driving 16-beat groove makes it a very satisfying track.
Masterpieces of Japanese black music. Featured works embodying the spirit of black music (41–50)
Tokyo 2020Nao Yoshioka
Tokyo 2020 is a single released in 2022 by Nao Yoshioka, a soul singer from Osaka who is based in New York.
The song was created while she was temporarily staying in Tokyo after she was forced to put her activities in the U.S.
on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s a mellow, soulful track that lets you fully savor the voice of an artist active on the global stage.
The electric sitar tone used in the intro calls to mind the Stylistics, a group emblematic of Philly soul.
Fish bones, bird featherscero
They are a three-piece band active mainly in western Tokyo.
This song is included on the 2018 album “POLY LIFE MULTI SOUL.” Although the tones are intricately intertwined, the melody slips easily into your ears—it’s a curious song, isn’t it?