Your Premium J-Pop Star, age 31

Namie Amuro
60s 70s 80s
Avex Trax
March 12 2008

Your Premium J-Pop Star, age 31

I’ve been listening to Namie Amuro for a while, but I never got around to reviewing any of her music, probably because I didn’t know where to start. I have STYLE, Queen of Hip-Pop and PLAY, all of which are exceptionally good quality J-Pop. On good days, she surpasses even my love for Ayu, which, you may or may not know, is a HUGE DEAL.

As a general rule in the J-Pop business, when you hit 30, you’re out of the scene, or at least the mainstream scene. Hordes of teen pop stars rise from the ashes of the 30+ old J-Pop stars, either picking up where they left off, or creating something totally different for the new generation to appreciate. In Namie Amuro’s case, despite her age, she still sees mainstream success, and all credit goes to her incredible knack for recording good pop music. Triple a-side 60s 70s 80s, a concept single that pays homage to the respective eras of music, is simply… wow.

“NEW LOOK” samples The Supremes’ “Baby Love,” and though it may sound impossible and stupid at first, listening and be in awe. The cheery pop anthem to girlishness is adorable and catchy, a total contrast to the other two songs. “ROCK STEADY” is the more retro of the three, sampling Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady.” Very urban andd tough, it’s kind of a rough-around-the-edges hot chick style, very suitable for Amuro. The banging “WHAT A FEELING” samples Irene Cara’s “Flashdance,” producing a beat-heavy techno-dance club anthem, kind of like a sleek, girlier Daft Punk. I believe you, Namie! Everybody call her dancing queen!

These are the times when age really is just a number. Colour me impressed, very very impressed.

ONE WORD: …WOW.

~ by JJ on March 22, 2008.