Gray's Ongaku Go For April 2024

Spring is in the air and April is finally behind us. We at Ongaku to You are here to share some of our favorite songs that we’ve been listening to this past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms, with Apple Music featured on this site, along with our Spotify playlist here!

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“Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” by Creepy Nuts

“Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” has been on repeat since covering it for our latest episode discussing the Winter Anime season. This song grows on me even more, each time I listen to it. I’m surprised by how much this track gets stuck in my head and I’m constantly going back to it. 

Check out “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” here and in the video below.

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“BANDAGE” by Ayumu Imazu

Ayumu Imazu is a Music Corner alumni from last year and I still find myself listening consistently listening to his music. Ayumu’s music style is catchy and fun that I keep going back for more. “BANDAGE” is his latest release and like the rest of his music, it has this weird ability to stick with you.

Check out “BANDAGE” here and in the video below.

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“Frozen Butterfly” by WOLF HOWL HARMONY from EXILE TRIBE

WOLF HOWL HARMONY, one of the newer additions of the EXILE TRIBE family has been a force to be reckoned with and this is only their second release. It’s difficult to believe these guys are just getting started in the industry as both of their releases thus far have been fantastic. 

Check out “Frozen Butterfly” here and in the video below.

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“hikari” by Awesome City Club

It has been hard to stay on top of all the Music Corners we have covered in the past. but I do my best to keep up with my favorites. I was pleasantly surprised by Awesome City Club with the release of their “close:to” EP. The release as a whole is solid but the first track, “hikari” pulls you into the EP, showcasing that Awesome City Club decided to lead with the best track first.

Check out “hikari” here and in the video below.

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“Ikutsu no koro ni Modoritai tainoka?” by Sakurazaka46

I was surprised that ‘Ikutsu no koro ni Modoritai tainoka?’ made it into my top five for the month, however, I’ve been listening to this while headed into work each morning. Originally, this release was one I wasn’t too keen on and to be fair my feelings on this are still a bit mixed but I keep finding myself pulled into listening to this track. I’ve noticed Sakurazaka46 does seem to be discovering their sound with their past two releases being pretty good. I’m waiting to see how long this song will stay in my rotation. I’m happy to see that Sakurazaka46 is beginning to pave their own way with their newer music and hope it continues on that way with future releases. 

Check out “Ikutsu no koro ni Modoritai tainoka?” here and in the video below.

Luna's Ongaku Go for April 2024!

The spring days of March have arrived, which means it’s time for this months Ongaku Go! 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, along with our Spotify playlist here!

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“Almost 20” by LANA

LANA dropped her 19.5 - EP on March 6th, which I had been anticipating for some time. It already included the hits “99” and “27/7 YOU”, and I fell in love with them instantly. “Almost 20” was a surprising treat as it is a different style than LANA’s usual songs with its dance vibe and obvious 80’s style composition. LANA also shows that she’s no one trick pony as you hear her vocal range more developed in this track versus’ her more hip-hop side. I love hearing “Almost 20” as it shows a different side of LANA that we haven’t quite heard yet.

Check out “Almost 20” by LANA here and the music video below!

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“Picky” by CREAM

I wasn’t expecting CREAM to release another single so soon, “Picky” was a pleasant surprise. “Picky” was written by Minami of CREAM in relation to talking about being “Picky” when choosing her next boyfriend. “Picky” relies heavily on Minami’s vocals more than Staxx-T’s rap, which I love as it’s a personal track for her. Staxx-T’s rap is placed perfectly and gives me some VERBAL (m-flo) vibes with his cadence. The composition is upbeat where you can easily dance to it or just a type of song to enjoy and take in. I’m looking forward to what else CREAM has for us in 2024.

Check out “Picky” here and the music clip below!

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“lonely girl’ by AYANE

AYANE has become a favorite since Ken introduced me to her track “Karappo” last year. AYANE has a smooth voice that fits in both the pop and R&B genres with ease. AYANE’s latest track “lonely girl” immediately caught up ears with its mixture of poppy beats but AYANE brings her sultry vocals that are more fitting to the R&B style. The chorus for “lonely girl” is catchy and addictive, leaving you wanting more. The only turn off is the little bit of auto tuning that is heard in the beginning of the track, however, it can easily be overlooked as it does help with the flow that eases you into this song.

Check out “lonely girl” here and the lyric video below!

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“Reborn” by Nami Tamaki

Its obvious, I’m still on the Gundam SEED kick as Nami Tamai ended up on my OG this month. Nami Tamaki has been a staple in the Gundam SEED franchise with her tracks “Realize”, “Believe”, “Result”, and “Reason”. “Reborn” follows on this same path being used in conjunction with Gundam Freedom and it fits with her other tracks with ease. “Reborn” keeps a similiar composition to her previous tracks with the electronic futuristic style. This track has some See-Saw influence in it as well, whom has also been a staple with the franchise. I love how it feels like a throwback but “Reborn” adds new flavor, especially in the instrumental part of the track, bringing a different feel. Nami Tamaki also shows that her vocals have gained range and matured since her last Gundam SEED franchise songs, which I love hearing the evolution in her music.

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

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“NODO” by Daichi Miura

Daichi Miura just released his newest studio album, titled OVER and first original album since ‘Sphere’ in 2018. “NODO” has released last year as a digital single but somehow I had overlooked it until OVER had released. “NODO” is a very different type of track, the composition is very odd - its hip-hop but has a trap influence. It feels more on the experiental side. Daichi also showcases his rap skills in here in brief instances. He knows how to combine hip-hop, R&B, and pop in his style, making for an interesting listen. “NODO” might be off putting to some as its not your usual type of music you would expect from Daichi, but that is what I personally love about it.

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

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Ken's Ongaku Go for April 2024!

As the cherry blossom hit their full bloom that means it’s time for this months Ongaku Go! 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, along with our Spotify playlist here!

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Koi ni Ochitara feat sorane and Taku Takahashi. By Airi Suzuki

Honestly, this is one of my favorite songs that has been released in the last year. While I admit I haven’t paid too much attention to Suzuki’s work since her solo debut, but this track brought me back to my high school years. ‘Koi ni Ochitara’ has an absolutely amazing composition, which backs up both Suzuki’s and guest vocalist sorane’s vocals, this song easily becomes a track that I recommend everyone to listen to.

Check out the music video below, along with the song here!

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Roller coaster by SIRUP and SUMIN

After an amazing collaboration back in 2021 with “Keep In Touch”, SIRUP teams up with vocalist SUMIN once again for this release. While this track is a tad more laid back and a slower tempo the the last time they had worked together, ‘Roller Coaster’ brings that summer feel a bit earlier as its been in my ears for the last month. The spotlight vocals this time around makes me appreciate this track even more. I hope this isn’t the last that they will be working together as it feels like a special event each time they do.

Check out the lyric video below, with the song here!

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You’re Young feat Jolene by YOUR SONG IS GOOD

Honestly, this brings me back to Hawaii’s local style of music, with its easy going composition and the laid back feel throughout, I can’t help but just put a smile on my face while I’m listening to this. The saxophone is what really makes this song for me as it brings it together; I’m not sure I would love it as much as I do without it. Joelene's vocals in English also help make this song stand apart from anything in my rotation currently. While this is the last song they’ve released since October, I am looking forward to hearing more by them!

Be sure to check out the lyric video below, along with the track here!

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Tell me? By she said Horny

I came because I was interested in the name, I stayed because I really enjoyed on what I heard. While rock bands like this isn’t too earth shattering, it is the foundation of what they are building off from that really surprised me. Due to this reason, I ended up enjoying my ride with them overall. To me, they are just one breakout single away from making it into the big time. I hope that a breakout single will ultimately culminate into an official album so that I am able to talk about them more in a official capacity such as Music Corner.

Check out the music video below, along with the track here!

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Orange Night by Airflip

While stumbling upon them a couple weeks ago, Airflip made me believe that Pop Punk never died in Japan and I absolutely love that. Bringing back to what I always loved about rock, “Orange Night” brings that energy and urgency which I feel ended up becoming a lost art for our generation. I do hope to continue listening to them throughout the year, however, their last album Echoes will have to keep me company until they drop some new releases.

Check out the music video for Orange Night below, along with the track here!

Gray Ongaku Go For February 2024

February is already behind us and we here at OTY would like our readers to know what has been filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms, with Apple Music featured on this site, along with our Spotify playlist here!

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“SPECIALZ” by King Gnu

So I know this is a bit of an older track but as of late, I’ve had it on repeat due to it being the second opening to Jujutsu Kaisen season 2. When ‘SPECIALZ’ originally came out, I didn’t care for it and put it aside. Giving it a another chance, as it is very befitting to Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 and it has grown on me quite a bit. 

Check out “SPECIALZ” here and in the video below!

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“Monopoly” by Nogizaka46

Originally on the show, I was indifferent toward ‘Monopoly’ as I wasn’t sure on if this is a track, I’d go back and listen to multiple times. Surpringly though, it has ended up in my rotation quite a bit while I’ve been working. I think “Monopoly” is one of the strongest releases Nogizaka46 has had in a while but I’m not certain how much this trend will continue. 

Check out “Monopoly” here and in the video below!

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“N.E.X.T.” by BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE Tribe

BALLISTIK BOYZ have released their latest album, which I’ve been enjoying it quite a bit but I want to specifically highlight their song “N.E.X.T.” This track is the last song on the album but it is a wonderful ballad that shows off what makes these guys so great. I missed this release when it originally dropped but I’m glad I got the opportunity to finally check it out as its a track that needs some showcasing.

Check out “N.E.X.T.” here and in the video below!

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“Good Girl” by Sincere 

This release completely took me by surprise. I already have been enjoying Sincere’s music quite a bit, but I didn’t expect ‘Good Girl’ to be this good. I love the fun catchy beat that this song has and Sincere’s vocals are amazing. However, this number does have me wondering one question, “Who hurt Sincere?” 

Check out “Good Girl” here and in the video below!

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“Snowin’” by DXTEEN

I can already hear everyone rolling their eyes on this but what can I say I’ve been enjoying “Snowin’”. I think this is a great release by DXTEEN, as “Snowin’” is a fun catchy number that gets caught in the listener’s head. 

Check out “Snowin’” here and in the video below!

Luna's Ongaku Go For February 2024!

The snow days of February have passed us by, that means it’s time for this months Ongaku Go! 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, along with our Spotify playlist here!

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“That Girl” by Crystal Kay

Crystal Kay started off 2024 with the banger “That Girl” in celebration of her 25th Anniversary in the industry. “That Girl” is composted and produced by Taku Takahashi (of m-flo). Crystal Kay has collaborated with Taku in the past, so it’s no surprise “That Girl” immediately went into my rotation and has been making its way around various SNS with its catchy chorus and adorable dance to go along with it. “That Girl” brings back the nostalgia sounds of late 90s/early 00s, which is playful and fun. It oozes a mixture of the pop R&B cross over genre, which Crystal Kay knows how to play on both of those perfectly. “That Girl” will capture you with its catchy chorus, nostalgia beats, fun lyrics, and fantastic vocals.

Check out “That Girl” by Crystal Kay here and the lyric video below!

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“Kono sekai no achikochi ni” by Angela Aki

February has been a month of my nostalgia artists releasing new music. Angela Aki was a big surprise as she stepped away from singing in 2014, but would come back to compose and write. “Kono sekai no achikochi ni” is the first single in over 10 years and it brings back the feels. Angela Aki is not only an excellent singer but a great composer as well. She knows how to bring the emotion to her music and its listeners, “Kono sekai no achikochi ni” is no different. This track will be used in her upcoming album that releases in April called Angela Aki sings Kono sekai no katasumi ni and will be the first studio album release in 12 years! “Kono sekai no achikochi ni” is currently being used as the title track for the musical “In the Corner of This World”. The song is beautifully crafted, not just by Angela Aki’s vocals but the composition which includes herself on piano and brings out a unique touch which she has brought to the Japanese music industry.

Check out “Kono sekai no achikochi ni” by Angela Aki here and the music video below!

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“Sarigiwa no Romantics” by See-Saw

With the release of Gundam SEED Freeom in Japanese theaters, the artists who were apart of the original Gundam SEED series released new songs specially for Gundam SEED Freedom. See-Saw is an duo that has not released any new music in over 15 years. When I heard “Sarigiwa no Romantics”, the nostalgia came over me and I was swept away. I had high hopes that “Sarigiwa no Romantics” would live up to my expectation, which it did and more. Yuki Kaijura’s composition is top notch as always and Chiaki Ishikawa shows her vocal skills have not gotten rusty. See-Saw is a treat to listen too; the emotions their songs make you feel while listening to them with their deep lyrics plus a composition and the vocals that fit perfectly together. “Sarigiwa no Romantics” is a mid tempo ballad, which is what See-Saw is more known for. Their music has that softer mellow tone but still captures the urgency and emotions of their creation. This is the perfect outro to the Gundam SEED Freedom movie music wise and as a throwback to the original show as they did some of the outro themes previously.

Check out “Sarigiwa no Romantics” by See-Saw here and the anime outro version below!

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“Good Girl” by Sincere

Sincere is an artist that jumped on my radar last year and she is already on my radar this year with her new single “Good Girl” which dropped on February 14. “Good Girl” instantly ended up in my rotation as it stuck out for all good reasons. Sincere’s vocals are top notch showing the sultry smooth side vocal wise but this track has lyrics that bite. “Good Girl” is a song about why she hates and loathes someone, giving all the reasons why. It’s such an honest track but with a catchy hook and amazing vocals that back it up. Sincere worked with composer Chocoholic, who has worked with artists such as SIRUP and Taichi Mukai in the past, which explains the R&B vibes and smoothness “Good Girl” gives.

Check out “Good Girl” by Sincere here and the music video below!

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LEveL by Sawano Hiroyuki [nZk] feat. TOMORROW X TOGETHER

Honestly, I never thought I’d have a song by or featuring TOMORROW X TOGETHER on my Ongaku Go. I do enjoy TxT’s music but I don’t listen to them often, however, “LEveL”, which Sawano Hiroyuki collaborated on them with changed that. LEveL is a upbeat track that has that electronic vibe with the pop genre feel. It’s a difficult track to describe, it is poppy but has EDM elements to it as well. Sawano Hiroyuki is an excellent composer, he brings out TxT’s vocals and rap in such a perfect way that it blends perfectly to his creation. “LEveL” is currently being used as the opening to the anime Solo Leveling and it’s definitely one that sticks with you. The chorus and the second versus’ of this track are so catchy, not to mention the subtle rap is a piece that I didn’t know I needed. “LEveL” has definitely put TxT on my radar.

Check out “LEveL” by Sawano Hiroyuki [nZk] feat. TOMORROW X TOGETHER here and the music video below!

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