Neo Soul - A review of Tofu Records' J-R&B and J-Hip Hop Music Compilation

Leading Japanese artists to the domestic music market, Tofu Records releases their newest compilation album "Neo Soul" from their Neo Japan album series. Unlike Tofu Records' previous releases, "Neo Soul" moves alway from the typical J-pop and features a variety of J-R&B and J-Hip Hop tunes from popular artists in the Japanese music industry. This album contains 13 tracks that will please both Japanese music fans and domestic fans of this genre of music. New listeners of Japanese music will be surprised by the unique flavor that Japanese artists bring to this genre.

Track 1: No Lights... Candle Light by Toshi Kubota

Dim the lights and set a romantic mood with this smooth ballad. Toshi Kubota has been one of the leaders in the J-R&B music genre since his debut in 1985. Releasing a number of both Japanese and American R&B albums, he is known for his souful voice and R&B sound. Many Japanese TV drama fans will remember him for his song "La La La Love Song" with supermodel Naomi Campbell, which was the theme song for the TV 1996 hit "Long Vacation." He continues his music success with "No Lights... Candle Light" featured on "Neo Soul."

Track 2: Fortune by Sowelu

The album takes a new direction with track 2, "Fortune" by 19 year-old Sowelu. Although born and bred in Tokyo, Sowelu's name means "Sun" in lunar letters used in ancient Ireland and traces back to her Irish roots from her grandfather. "Fortune" is an upbeat R&B tune that can also appeal to traditional Jpop fans as well. Both R&B and Jpop fans will find her vocals refreshing and enjoy the energetic melody in "Fortune."

Track 3: Song of Happiness by amon

The title of this song seems to fit musical arrangment of this song perfectly. "Song of Happiness" is the type of tune you would play while cruising in your car after the rain clears. The lyrics of the song are almost performed as if the singer were rapping, yet the smooth chorus sung in English adds variety to the song.

Track 4: Point of No Return by Chemistry

One of the hottest male duo groups in Japan now, "Point of No Return" is an soulful ballad that sky-rocketed up the music charts after its release in Japan. Chemistry, known for their harmonizing R&B flavor, can be compared to the styles of Boyz II Men. "Point of No Return" has a slow tempo, but speeds up with the chorus. One of the better songs on the CD, they music, lyrics, and the sauve singing talents of Chemistry will definitely be a hit with both Japanese music fans and domestic listeners experienceing Chemistry for the first time.

Track 5: Candy by Crystal Kay

Crystal Kay's music brings an international and fresh flavor to this album. With diverse background (her father is an NY born african-american bassist and korea-born mother) and attending an American school, she brings something new to the Japanese music industry. "Candy" has a similar upbeat to Sowelu's track, yet has more of a dance track to it. Fans of Hikaru Utada's music may like Crystal Kay, as she seems to have the same type of vocal range and style.

Track 6: Step to the New World by Soulhead

"Step to the New World" has a tune that resembles American R&B music. Similar to Chemistry, this is a duo of two sisters from Hokkaido. This song has a funky beat and would be perfect for those who enjoy clubbing music or smooth tunes . The music is mixed well and provides variety by featuring both singing and rapping.

Track 7: Curious by Miss Monday

Changing gears, "Curious" gives listeners a taste of Japanese hip hop and rap. Miss Monday shows that the Japanese rap industry is not only limited to male rappers. Known for adding a bit of reggae style to her rap, "Curious" has a catchy chorus in between verses. Although this song may only be favored by a limited audience who listen to Japanese rap, Miss Monday does display her rapping abilities in this song.

Track 8: I Shut You Down by Goku

Goku's "I Shut You Down" is another pure Japanese hip hop and rap song featured on this album. Fans of earlier domestic releases of Japanese music may remember him from the "Japan for Sale Vol. 3" album and his song "Time." He continues to display his rapping skills with "I Shut You Down," which begins with a slow and mysterious music mix. As the song continues the speed of tempo begins to speed up and displays a slight jazz sound in the mix. "I Shut You Down" gives the listener an exciting musical ride.

Track 9: Jump by Michico

"Jump" by Michico is one of the most unique songs on this album. This song begins with what sounds like traditional Japanese music, however it transforms into a powerful R&B tune that could rival any R&B song on the American market. Now living in Alanta, Michico's music mixed the best of both the American and Japanese R&B music sound. One of the better R&B tunes on this album, Michico proves that her music can appeal to all musical audiences despite their background.

Track 10: Y.E.N Zoku Gennama Ni Karadawo Hare by Rhymester

Rhymster has been a leading rap group in the Japanese hip hop music scene for quite awhile and are well-known by J-rap audiences and industry throughout Japan. "Y.E.N." refers to Japanese money, a common topic known by both Japanese and domestic rappers. Unlike the other rap songs featured on this album, "Y.E.N. Zoku Gennama ni Karadawa Hare" moves away from the R&B tempo and is a pretty straightforward rap tune. The chorus is pretty catchy and is a good contrast to some of the other rap songs.

Track 11: Dream Drive by Soul'd Out

This song has an old school flavor of funk and groove from the 80's. The vocals are not that strong musically, but for those who like disco or the those disco songs from virtual dance games such as "Dance Dance Revolution" or "Bust-A-Groove" will probably like this song. The melody of the music and the mix with the drums and piano give the song a nice musical track.

Track 12: My Life by Loop Junktion

Similar to Goku, Loop Junktion was also featured on "Japan For Sale Volume 3." "My Life" has is an easy song to groove to and sometimes the rapping goes rather fast in contrast to the easygoing musical track. Loop Junktion's rapping style isn't as hardcore as Rhymster or Goku, but gives a variety of some of the different flavors of Japanese rapping.

Track 13: Life is...another story by Ken Hirai

After listening to the previous rap tracks, the album cools you down with the sweet ballad "Life Is... another story" by popular R&B artists Ken Hirai. This slow ballad displays the vocal range of Ken Hirai and his ability to utilize his emotions in the song to reach the listener. For those manga fans out there, "Life Is...another story" was the theme song to the live-action TV version of "Blackjack ni YOroshiku" which was based upon an original manga title.

Overall, "Neo Soul" is one of the better Japanese music compilation CDs available in the domestic music market. I hope it is sucessful in the domestic market because I would like more albums in the Neo Japan series released. For vetran listners of Japanese music, you will find the tunes unique from the usual Jpop popular in America. However, for those newbies of Japanese music, this would be a great album to start off with because it has a good mix of song styles find in western market, yet with an origianl twist that only the Japanese artists can provide.

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