Picking up after Ken, we’re another month into 2021 and we at OTY would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms with Apple Music featured on this site.

“JUST ONE KISS” by AISHA

The first time I heard “JUST ONE KISS,” I was hooked instantly as it starts out with this funky beat that has an 80s vibe to it. The chorus is very catchy from the lyrics to the composition. “JUST ONE KISS” is one of those tracks that makes you want to move around and dance to. AISHA’s ability to switch between English and Japanese in this track is so fluid and makes for a fun, cute song for anyone to enjoy. Despite summer being over, “JUST ONE KISS” will remain on repeat as it brings a great vibe all year round.

Check out “JUST ONE KISS” here and the music video below!

“IN THE MIDDLE” feat. Daichi Miura by AI

When I saw that AI and Daichi Miura were doing a collaboration song, I was very excited, and it did not disappoint. “IN THE MIDDLE” is a powerful track that is hard to describe as some parts of it has this power ballad momentum and some parts of it is a mid-tempo track. I love how the composition works and follows with how this track changes throughout. AI and Daichi’s voices work together so well with their back in forth and when they harmonize. You can hear the rhythm, blues, and soul in “IN THE MIDDLE.”

Check out “IN THE MIDDLE” here and the music video below!

“Hana no Youni” by eill

eill has been proving herself to becoming one of my favorite singer-songwriters as of late. “Hana no Youni” is another outstanding track that shows off eill’s vocal capabilities along with her songwriting skills. This track is different from “hikari” as it is more of a mid-tempo style ballad. The composition is very beautiful and sticks with you as do the lyrics. The opening piano pull you in immediately and it continues throughout the song and makes you enjoy the beauty.

Check out “Hana no Youni” here and the music video below!

“GO” by Ai Otsuka

When I saw Ai Otsuka released a new track, I was excited to say the least. “GO” has exceeded my expectations and became one of my favorite tracks of the month. The composition is fantastic; it starts off slower with a piano as its opening base and when it gets to the chorus it picks up. From there on, it maintains a consistent tempo for most of the track. Ai Otsuka’s voice shines in “GO”, which is one of the reasons I gravitated toward it immediately. She resonates powerful vocals as she does in her ballads but with an upbeat poppy style sound.

Check out “GO” here and the music video below!

“CHU-HI” by MIYACHI

This is easily my track of the month as it has been on repeat since it dropped on August 20th. “CHU-HI” is a drinking song, hence the name (CHU-HI is a mixed beverage with over 9% alcohol in it). This song reminds me of my time in Japan and going to the Famima (Family Marts) and Maru-K (Circle-K)’s. To me, this brings back good memories with friends and fun times. The lyrics are explicit, however, I find them fun and extremely catchy. The chorus is one of my favorite parts, but the verses are also easy to sing along with as well. The opening is a little hard for those who don’t like Western rap to get into, however, it fits so well with the composition and MIYACHI knows how to make English and Japanese blend so perfectly together, it is flawless.

Check out “CHU-HI” here and the music video below!