The sentiment that music possesses the ability to elevate the soul resonates deeply with me. City pop stands out among various genres as the enchanting force that effortlessly transports me to cloud nine. It is one of my favorite genres of music, and if you are not familiar with it, let me give you a quick rundown.
City pop is a musical genre that originated in Japan in the late 1970s. It’s defined by its fusion of various musical styles, including pop, jazz, funk, and soul. It features smooth melodies, catchy hooks, and sophisticated arrangements, giving it a distinctive and nostalgic sound. When you listen to city pop, it’s clear who influenced the artist while making the song. The sheer power of city pop lies not just in its sound but in its capacity to uplift the soul to a euphoric realm of musical bliss.
In the eclectic realm of city pop, where luminaries like Tatsuro Yamashita and Junko Ohashi shine, I unexpectedly stumbled upon my absolute favorite—Yukika (유키카). While immersed in cleaning my room, I let random city pop playlists on YouTube be my melodic companions. During this unassuming routine, a particular song, “Pung!,” grabbed me with its smooth melodies, funky bass riffs, and Yukika’s celestial vocals. The enchantment was immediate, compelling me to abandon my cleaning and be drawn to the TV screen.
I found myself repeatedly rewinding the video, eager to savor every nuance of the song while simultaneously launching a quest to discover more of Yukika’s work on Spotify. From that serendipitous moment, a profound connection was forged. Days turned into a continuous exploration of her discography, as Yukika’s artistry became a soundtrack to my daily life, resonating with a magnetic charm that transcended the confines of routine. What I love about Yukika’s music is whoever plays bass for her. The basslines in almost all her songs are so funky and fun that you can’t help but jam out to them. Her music videos combine a vintage pop feel with modern aesthetics.
In the realm of city pop, Yukika’s music has seamlessly integrated into my daily soundtrack. What started as a casual encounter with “Pung!” during a routine room cleanup quickly evolved into a delightful exploration of her discography. Yukika’s, with their soothing melodies and a touch of nostalgia, have found a permanent place in my musical repertoire. She has become more than an artist; she’s a pleasant companion in moments of reflection and a source of consistent musical enjoyment. In the world of city pop, Yukika isn’t just a name; she’s the artist whose tunes bring a subtle joy to my everyday experiences.
Here are some of my favorite songs (with links to their videos):
- “Soul Lady”
- “Lovemonth”
- “Orange Road”
- “Insomnia”
- “Space Science”
If you want to explore city pop on your own, here are two Spotify playlists to get you started: City Pop: シティ・ポップの今 – playlist by Spotify and City Pop Korea (한국 씨티팝) – playlist by Spotify
Jelly Teacher Writes 