5 City Pop Songs Perfect for Accompanying Your Drive

Kapanlagi.com - City pop has become a global phenomenon again, including in Indonesia. Legendary musicians from Indonesia such as Chrisye, Fariz RM, Vina Panduwinata, and others have actually incorporated elements from this genre. Some popular Indonesian city pop songs among the youth include "Katakan Saja" by Adikara and "Berharap Tak Berpisah" by Reza Artamevia. This genre, which originated in Japan in the late 1970s to the 1980s, offers a blend of pop, jazz, funk, disco, and R&B, wrapped in an elegant urban atmosphere. Its light and groovy music makes this genre a perfect travel companion. Here are five recommendations for city pop songs that are suitable for accompanying your journey according to the author, complete with the stories behind them.

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1. 'WINDY SUMMER' - Anri (1983)

Released in 1983 through the album Timely!!, Windy Summer became one of Anri's biggest hits. Combining light drum beats, a slapping bass that is catchy, and a fun saxophone melody makes this song feel as refreshing as a breeze on the beach. Windy Summer tells the story of the joy of summer vacation, making it the perfect choice to accompany your daytime travels. The album Timely!! itself became one of Anri's best-selling works with sales reaching over one million copies.

2. 'WASH' - Miki Matsubara (1982)

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Miki Matsubara, known for the song Stay With Me, showcases another phenomenal work through Wash in 1982. This song is adorned with a funky bassline, an energetic brass section, and a very strong disco rhythm. Although it has a cheerful vibe, the lyrics tell about healing wounds in the heart, creating a unique contrast between the rhythm and meaning. This song is perfect to play during your travels to uplift your spirits, especially for those who have been hurt by an ex.

3. 'KISS' - Original Love (1993)

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Released in 1993, Kiss by Original Love takes city pop towards a richer R&B and jazz sound. The song relies on soulful chords, clean guitar, and a soft bassline. It tells that one kiss can convey more than words. With a slow and elegant vibe, Kiss is perfect for accompanying a relaxed night journey in a quiet city. Original Love is often referred to as a pioneer of Shibuya-kei, a Tokyo music subgenre that blends jazz, pop, and electronic.

4. 'MIDNIGHT CRUISIN' - Kingo Hamada (1982)

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midnight cruisin' by Kingo Hamada, released in 1982, is a song created for nighttime driving. With a slow funk rhythm, smooth bass playing, strong vocals, and a touch of saxophone, this song builds an atmosphere of a city full of mystery. It narrates a nighttime journey filled with memories, making it a perfect companion for your night drives while reminiscing about various memories. Kingo Hamada is known as a musician who emphasizes atmosphere and groove in his music. Now, his album has become sought after by vinyl collectors due to its limited pressings.

5. 'TELEPHONE NUMBER' - Junko Ohashi (1976)

spotify.com/JunkoOhashi

Telephone Number is one of the city pop works from the album Magical by Junko Ohashi released in 1984. This song features a continuous bassline, soft vocals and backing vocals, and a jazzy brass section, giving the song a romantic feel. The lyrics of this song tell the story of someone's longing for their partner. This song is perfect to listen to in the evening after coming home from work, when you miss your partner.

(kpl/vaj)