MUSIC DIRECTOR REACTS | Taeko Ohnuki - 4AM

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

⏩ Video Question: Who is your favorite City Pop artist? For live content catch me on Twitch. www.twitch.tv/drumrolltony

[@LionOfJudah613]

Takako Mamiya and her album Love Trip. Sadly, she only released one album before fading into obscurity, but it's become a classic thanks to online streaming. Some other artists of note are Tatsuro Yamashita, Mariya Takeuchi, ANRI, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Junko Ohashi, Junko Yagami, Mioko Yamaguchi, Minako Yoshida, Tomoko Aran, Kikuchi Momoko, and of course Taeko Ohnuki.I love Citypop and I'm glad to see new fans being made thanks to your videos!

[@Bobbias]

Hako Yamasaki and her album Ningen Magai, although to be honest, she's not exactly City Pop. She's technically Japanese New Music, which is essentially the era right before City Pop. Ningen Magai came out in 1979, before City Pop really started to appear on the scene. But this album, coming out relatively close to the beginning of City Pop I think actually really shows the direction music was going. I think you can hear a lot of the musical development of you were to listen to this, and then to a proper City Pop album. Similarly, my next favorite Japanese artist from roughly this time is Yoshiko Sai. Her album Mikkou is an absolutely mesmerizing psychedelic pop/folk album from 1976. It features Sitar and Tabla in it's opening piece, before dropping into a cool jazz fusion-esque groove. It's hard to put into words just how cool this album is. I think both albums really do a good job of showing the Japanese music scene just before City Pop came into it's own. You can hear many of the same sort of influences from psychedelia, rock, folk, country, blues, etc. with perhaps jazz fusion being the one style not really represented yet.

[@thecyanpuppet8153]

ANRI! her album "Timely!" is one of my all time favorites!

[@user-vq8fq1ty7c]

Mariya Takeuchi has to take the cake. Sooner or later, all City Pop roads lead to Plastic Love.

[@stevemiiqueen]

You should definitely check out the husband of legendary Mariya Takeuchi: Tatsuro Yamashita, who is also a City Pop musician and produced her song "Plastic Love". Other than this classic I'd recommend his song "Sparkle".

[@daenopher]

Japanese City Pop is something else. There are some big known songs like Plastic Love or 4AM, but the trench is deep and there are loads of great artists to discover.

[@aarongutierrez7705]

82’ Love Trip is my favorite city pop album

[@damienbreslin5781]

Stay with me is my favourite 80s song of all time

[@undercoverspy123]

Not city pop but Maki Askawa makes some of the most haunting moving blues songs in the world.

[@Phiiiiiiiiiiiii]

@@undercoverspy123 You should check out Morita Doji

[@mattanderson6457]

For real. Not that it’s obscure but I’m in love with her sunshower album. Front to back yo

[@anonisnoone6125]

Man is dripped up. Fits the vibe of the song perfectly ngl. I've heard the chorus for this song many times in videos but I never realised it was from this song. I need to explore city pop more.

[@certifiedboylover8829]

bro got the city pop drip

[@Salvador-312]

It is an amazing genre. Check out Bay City by Junko Yagami and Plastic Love by Mariya Takeuchi. Absolute bangers.

[@Dara-po3dd]

Taeko's 4AM is so legendary. I highly recommend Plastic Love by Mariya Takeuchi :)

[@andrewaviado1330]

Yes Sir !!! It got one of the most funkiest and great baseline and guitar riffs.

[@t0ph]

this.

[@Ellynnaluxy2013]

Lol i I had Plastic Love, Bay City, 4AM and Love Space and suddenly Ikanaide side by side on my playlist idk why 🤧👍 Maybe its because the youtube recommmendation. I should dive more into these genres.

[@aagrbpp]

Don't forget Good Bye Boogie Dance from Anri

[@arcturionblade1077]

Plastic Love is a banger, true!

[@angelicalmusicvinniearchangel]

"LORD GIVE ME ONE MORE CHANCE!!!" IS THE BEST PART EVER! CHILLSSS

[@itsFJoppa]

What is more a vibe than listening to City Pop ? Watching a knowledgeable person genuinely enjoy and highlight what made that era in music so damn special Amazing react !

[@rehamanshaik4550]

I so agree with this. There's a lot of reaction channels out there but as a musician myself I like it when the reactor adds something to the conversation to better make me understand the music.

[@BOLDcast]

This song got me through so many all nighters writing essays in university. Eternal Banger.

[@ignacioaraneda3628]

X2 bro💣

[@thoru4367]

hey Carson

[@BOLDcast]

@@thoru4367

[@thoru4367]

@@BOLDcast You are 100% weeb just as me 🥰🥰

[@Harmonia96]

7:43 My absolute favorite moment of the song where the backup vocals are mimicking the horns, going "Chu-ru, chuchu-ru, chuchu-ru, chu-chu"

[@boomboom418]

I discovered City Pop, or New Music as the natives called it, after getting caught in the Plastic Love algorithm on KZbin. It sent me down a rabbit hole of incredible music. I think all the Japanese artists would be tickled to know a whole new generation discovered their music decades later and are enjoying it.

[@Vithedel]

Life in big city in recent decade has been so chaotic and stressful that I think thats why people love city pop so much since it potraits such wonderful life and romantic individualism still shines through modern city life.

[@eva1das103]

Plastic love was on everyone yt algorithm

[@prismhelm]

hell yeah same

[@napodyna6981]

Words and music by Ōnuki, and included in her third album _MIGNONNE_ (1978). As in the previous two albums, Ryūichi Sakamoto participated as arranger and keyboardist, and similarly, there was a great lineup of musicians, including Harry Hosono on bass and other former members of Caramel Mama/Tin Pan Alley. On this track, in addition to Hosono and Sakamoto, a number of renowned jazz/studio musicians were featured: Tsunehide Matsuki on guitar, Yūichi Tokashiki on drums, Kayoko Ishū in the chorus, and others.

[@leosamahidesama7002]

Jpop is hidden jem🎉 (Japanese male singer) ☆Masayuki Suzuki ・Tatoe Kimiga Dokoni Ikouto kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5W3lHSfbdGNrqc ・Soredemo Futari ～ Soshite Aino Katachini kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ2UaKqLm5WAicU ・Midnight Traveler kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZfXoXqHh96hnNU ・Kimiga Kimide Arutameni kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqvPY6NrlNJ-d6c ・Futaride Iijyanai with Hitomi Shimatani kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGeZlp-fprCBirs ・Misty Mauve kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5ynaadnlJeegdk ・Private Hotel kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3a0pYNvos-sfNk ・Chigau Soujyanai kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn68eqqOj9GYotU ・So Long kzbin.info/www/bejne/qovXpH94hsx0oas ☆Tatsuya Ishii(from Kome Kome Club) ・Kimiga Irudakede kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYfTiqiQiamCntU ・Roman Hikou kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6a7q6ywi6l2hMU ・Sure Dance kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5_YY5eOiK1jbNE ※Covers ・Silhouette Romance kzbin.info/www/bejne/emWYknuum86lY5I ・Mizuiro no Ame kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHi4pWeibtCmfZY ・Ihoujin kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIXHmKmnlJeFo8U ・Kanashii Iro Yane kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqHKYWqopM-IaKM ・Koibitomo Nureru Machikado kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJWQpn2irbaCj5Y ☆Toshinobu Kubota ・Missing kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKGTl6aGmJqMrJY ・Saddle of Meteor kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGqwnqh9i5qEd7M ・You were mine kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2ewnXqGjZ2rjMU ・Indigo Waltzs with Atsushi kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHvRgWalh9J8opI ・Love Rain kzbin.info/www/bejne/fovRkmuOqq5je5I ☆Tetsuro Oda ・Itsumademo Kawaranu Aiwo(CM ver.) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGmkm4dje710jsU ・Bokuno Tsubasaniwa Hanegaaru kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnqsiqNnrr6Vgck ・Sakihokore Itoshisayo kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2G8k5h5is9rmcU😢

[@archablack5366]

I can't believe this song debut in 1978 INCREDIBLE !

[@mikelroa8719]

Why?

[@dirtbirb9852]

Yes, Never too much City Pop! I highly recommend anything by Tatsuro Yamashita or Mariya Takeuchi

[@John_Doe4269]

This is what first got me into City Pop, all those years ago. What a perfect album!

[@champ6436]

one thing that people never mention is that the great and late Ryuichi Sakamoto was the arranger, musical director and keyboard player of Taeko ohnuki during these time. from 1977 to 1985 at least ( credit are unreliable so i'm not sure for the rest). but one thing is certain, he was the arranger and director for the Sunshower and Mignonne album, in my opinion the 2 best album of taeko Ohnuki and so he played a really important part in the creation of 4AM.

[@Vithedel]

Oh wow. Sakamoto san is so diverse, such talent.

[@ChakoBass]

Oh, 4AM! Arranged by Ryuichi Sakamoto Bass played by Haruomi Hosono(They are YMO)

[@ykjo5613]

The flute with the guitar riff in the beginning had a real Isaac Hayes thing going. This song has so many elements of old black soul, my fave genre! Amazing how they manage to recreate that vibe 👍

[@alloallie]

I was going to say Bobbi Humphrey too, but yes. There's some slight samba too it too. If this were in English, I could say George Duke could do it and put it in the "Brazilian Love Affair" album.

[@chriskogaming]

I love your reactions because it's like guided listening. It helps me not exactly hear new things, but appreciate things I've already heard to a higher degree. I'm a drummer so I'm always listening to the drums and I love beautiful voices so that's second on my hearing list. Focusing in on the bass or the backing vocals or even the bright brass is so fascinating, hearing things I would never have grooved to if I hadn't watched your videos. Thank you for everything you put out, man.

[@julianjulianjulian380]

Flyday China Town is another classic citypop track, i love It

[@Blackfox2602]

Bay City by Junko Yagami is probably my favorite City Pop song but this is a close second for me.

[@UnlimitedUtopia]

Tasogare no bay city . Theres also another bay city

[@lolistoics]

​​@@UnlimitedUtopia Tasogare is also by Mai Yamane

[@UnlimitedUtopia]

@@lolistoics tasogare no bay city by junko yagami and bay city by Miki matsubara iirc

[@stevebrule7093]

​@@UnlimitedUtopia Miki Matsubara did Bay City Romance and Junko Yagami did Bay City. Names are close but not the same. Doesn't matter in the end though because it's all amazing.

[@samurainegrette]

Finally a creator that has real music experience!!! Your commentary is spot on! I LOVE CITY POP !!!!!!!!

[@thalysstuff8648]

He looks so much more comfortable in camera now hahhaha I love this music too, its dramatic and chill at the same time 'o'

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

When did I look uncomfortable?

[@steelyium]

@@DrumRollTonyReactsthey probably just mean you’ve really gotten the feel of youtube and your really getting into your own.

[@thalysstuff8648]

@@DrumRollTonyReacts It's not that you looked uncomfortable at all! I think that I perceived you as a more hmmm staid person in the previous videos. And now I think you're more playfull (o´▽`o) I guess It's like seeing your teacher out of school haahahhaa You kick hard in any form or way, tho! Love your videos!

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

@@thalysstuff8648 ... wow /ˈsteɪd/ adjective. Britannica Dictionary definition of STAID. [more staid; most staid] : serious, boring, or old-fashioned. LOL GTFO outta here 😂

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

@@thalysstuff8648 I understand why you would say that. 99% of reactors on KZbin put on a psuedo show of emotion for the camera. You have gotten used to that. That is just not real nor my style when actually listening and reflecting musically.

[@Amaling]

Taeko has a really good catalog in general as well. Bohemian is my favourite song of hers

[@Timmynator-9000]

This man looks like an absolute chad 24/7 it's insane (his rizz is through the roof).

[@3arezu]

mid

[@DefenestrateYourself]

@@3arezu your jealousy can be smelled from here 😂

[@jrzo735]

U gotta listen to flyday chinatown City pop just rocks

[@certifiedboylover8829]

that chorus is just too iconic

[@weirdkross9632]

been listeningto City Pop for 2 years straight now and they will not leave my playlist on spotify soon. like its very good music and makes me relax and reminisce a lot of the past . you can see the culture on how the era works just by listening to it.

[@MultiMikstar]

When I first heard this song last week, I knew I had to submit it to the patreon suggestions. Glad you loved it :)

[@xanderdaniels8284]

Taeko Onuki is among my top favorite artist of all time. Everything about her music is just exceptional. The melody, the instrumentation her incredible vocals. There’s just nothing like it.

[@world4saker]

even as we move into ai having a real person play an instrument cannot be beat the feeling of those people turn into something that can never be imitated

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

Real musicians will always be the better option

[@tantoro2453]

City Pop is the perfect 'Late Night Drive' music. Tatsuro Yamashita is one of my favorites. Ive been trying to find a vinyl his album For You for a while now, but they are all over $100. Its one of my all time favorites.

[@Mitsumitsuko10]

Thanks to your channel, I was able to find plenty of songs that blew my mind and thanks to you I began appreciating a borader variety of genres. Keep it up ^^

[@Hedpound]

My man took out the suit ! Looking good. City Pop is a S-Tier genre, no debate about it.

[@lunapsebennarok6309]

It was Taeko Ohnuki's bassist that inspired the bass line for Sonic the Hedgehog 2: Emerald Hill Zone.

[@destineearceus]

Yes we just needed that Miami Vice fit awsome vid as always !

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

Thx

[@heatherchapasko2684]

The instrumental track on this song is just absolutely 🔥 Hottest flute solo I've ever encountered

[@seanconnors1613]

Masayoshi Takanaka is killer guitarist obsessed with Samba music. Big in the late 70s. Check out Penguin Dancer!

[@fastskipper777]

His name is Takanaka. ;-)

[@seanconnors1613]

@fastskipper777 Thank you, I will edit my response.

[@ngyuxin]

SO EXCITED FOR THIS !!!!!! Love your analysis, gives everything i listened to a new perspective. I really enjoy your content

[@rangelvictor5759]

Man, Japanese pop city just does something to you. Nostalgic, a longing, for memories you never had. There's Matsuko Mawatari, ANRI, Mariya Takeuchi, Miki Matsubara, Taeko Onuki, Tomoko Aran and many more greats! Try Sayonara Bye-bye • by Matsuko Mawatari.

[@sergioreyes298]

That nostalgia and longing for a time and place that wasn't even yours -- it has a name: anemoia. This concept and many others similarly odd you can find and read about in the dictionary of obscure sorrows. Look it up, it's eye-opening.

[@RobinsMusic]

@@sergioreyes298every Ghibli movie

[@cranci]

One could listen to this song 100 times and still discover precious details each time.. close to perfection

[@moisesarellano9205]

Who’s gonna tell him about legends like Mai Yamane? Songs like Tasogare(twilight) & wave are absolute bangers to listen to

[@gdrain]

tasogare is legendary

[@cheeseburgermayhem9726]

Tony looking good today!!

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

I had a gig

[@kentuckyfriedchildren5385]

I have been a huge fan of city pop, I have made it my singular goal in life to learn how to create and perform this style of music and bring it back to the forefront of music

[@V.F.D.DaleSalvador]

More city pop: Junky Ohashi: Telephone Number Tatsuro Yamashita: Ride On Time Miki Matsubara: Stay With Me Mariya Takeguchi: Plastic Love Meiko Nakahara: Dance In The Memories

[@arcan1st_]

i recommend you to listen midnight pretender, thats very awesome

[@nicow0]

Nothing of Anri?

[@cheke5647]

Meiko Nakahara debería ser Fantasy XD

[@nicholaslewis279]

Her voice is amazing and it goes so well with the melody

[@zacharyvega233]

You can imagine, everyone in the band is smiling and vibing together. It is undeniable

[@Stickguy101]

Another brilliant City Pop video is here. It may or may not be an underappreciated genre. So I'll always listen to these videos! Gives me a chance to hear these songs again but through a different lens.

[@pappapata]

Cool, thanks for making this reaction. Been looking for a place to request this song but you've already been there. Sorry for missing it until now.❤🙏

[@gabe_ed]

God bless the patreon who suggested this. More City Pop please!!!

[@AlekJoan]

The song was written by Ryuichi Sakamoto & Taeko Ohnuki. Arrangement from Sakamoto Ryuichi Sakamoto was a Japanese composer, pianist, record producer, and actor who pursued a diverse range of style: electronic, pop, world, film scores. Won several international awards. Died this year 2023. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryuichi_Sakamoto

[@USMCbrantley]

Yeahhh man lols Love Japanese city pop

[@joaquinandre4066]

Theres another song called jajauma musume also by Taeko Ohnuki that I LOVE.

[@seekittycat]

City pop is so comfy, made during a very stressful time with lots of change.

[@partydeer1640]

City pop and j-pop (theres plenty of variations in subgenre), as well as jazz fusion of this era, all have absolutely KILLER bass players. Casiopea, Naniwa Express, Anri. All of them had incredible bass players.

[@RockSolitude]

This is the original song to get me into City Pop. The intro flute and music composition in this is just something else. GOAT song.

[@tplambert]

I just hear how a bass player had those two guitar players right stuffed deep in his back pocket. So good.

[@Milnard]

THIS IS MY FAV J-POP SONG LETS GOOO!!!!

[@Ari-ft3lm]

Yoo thank you patreon. Lets more city pop!

[@bastiwen]

I highly recommend checking out Sweet Soul or Ai No Coda from the band Kirinji. It sometimes sounds a bit like city pop and a bit like a Japanese take on bossa nova

[@drayggenndraygenn7005]

I love city pop man I thought I was the only one. Would love so see more reactions from this category

[@drayggenndraygenn7005]

Hey Tony! Check out the album mystical composer by Momoko! You won't regret

[@arsenskavin130]

It's orgasmic. Taeko Onuki needs more recognition. She's awesome. Mysterious, magical, true... Brilliant.

[@DuePancho]

I love the ending of this song

[@AAA-xn1hl]

I love japanese city pop.

[@alexr6068]

I KNEW you would react to this eventually, so happy to be right!

[@kai0zen-669]

I discovered this song a little over a month ago and its been on repeat ever since👌🏾

[@danielduarte6802]

Oh I love this type of music

[@neggy2926]

Night drive through the city with city pop is bliss

[@antoniopatricio8760]

simply an everlasting masterpiece

[@MusicLyricsxy]

Can we talk about how goooood Tony looooks? Daddy's energgyyy 😆🗿🍷

[@gustavoribeiro8148]

You'd also love: Ride on time, Someday and Sparkle by Tatsuro Yamashita. He's the city pop goat

[@SumGuyWithNoLIfe]

listening to this at 4AM hits a different vibe

[@SFBL1]

I absolutely love her!

[@LaDeCR]

ooooooohhh this is a 70's musical genre from Japan I never knew I needed in my life! Reminds me of why I gravitated to B'z , this is beautiful.

[@thyageshnathan598]

And here we go again! Another step down the rabbit hole

[@medranowendy408]

No matter how many times I listen to this song I always am seduced by that intro! JUST ABSOLUTE BEAUTY IN MUSIC

[@コウタロウ-w3q]

Legendary Haruomi Hosono on bass

[@falsemcnuggethope]

What a beast!

[@Christopher._M]

I don't blame you. It's just good stuff

[@b0unce805]

Dressed extra fly for this reaction 😎 such a good groove

[@armynurseboy]

gotta love that late 70's early 80's vibe that City Pop has.....

[@ito909]

Looking good man .... Looking good

[@Omkar-lm5pe]

I can't stop the loneliness and plastic love are the pinnacle of Japanese city pop

[@selicia9696]

Jeff Satur is a Thai singer/actor/producer/songwriter....so many things lol. It would be cool to see your reaction to some of his music. A lot of his newer songs have both a Thai and an English version, but I would suggest to definitely listen to the Thai one first. His songs Hide, Loop, Fade, Comedy, and the live version of Why Don't You Stay are my top favs of his!

[@heavent883]

The sound with voice makes you so obsessed.

[@conwks]

You just landed in Japan, walking the streets listening to this and plastic love, transformative expereience.😂

[@nanp00p67]

YEESSS omg the best city pop, this is the one.

[@redstrat5976]

great analysis subbed

[@aladoristcg3769]

City Pop is a major vibe

[@ChokyoDK]

Absolute vibe 👌

[@Chaddingway]

What I love about this song is how the bass notes come through at just the right time, so even with an untrained ear, you can still clearly hear those notes spicing everything up from the background. It's not in your face or dominating the rest of the instruments, but the whole instrumentation would feel like it was lacking something if the bass wasn't there.

[@Tomekkplk]

Kiyotaka and the Omega Tribe is something you need to listen to if you haven’t already

[@spaceistheplace8376]

the vocal is ridiculous .its this good

[@ethman14]

Yasuha's Fly-day Chinatown is another banger. Cant count how many remixes and samples I've heard that use it because it is the epitome of funky Japanese disco vibes.

[@barriniho]

I've just got into City Pop but out all the other female artists, i like Taeko's voice the best.

[@Ash_Wen-li]

Try Love Space by Tatsuro Yamashita. The vocals will blow you away

[@willem8820]

You should check out Kevin Penkin, he's an anime composer from Australia and is amazing, first song you should listen to is 'hanzeve caradhina' from the made in abyss anime ost.

[@darvengames]

City Pop and Future Funk 💙

[@mostazezo]

was 13 when I fell in love now I'm 19 and I still love city pop

[@goobistgoobert7898]

You have to listen to some Tatsuro Yamashita. Sparkle and Love Space especially.

[@Christopher._M]

Definitely love space.

[@shadowroxili123]

so happy to finally see someone react to city pop some less popular city pop songs you could try truth hurts - junko yagami after you’ve gone - noriko miyamoto emmy angel - omega tribe (or literally anything theyve done bc the funk is off the charts) heartbeat - miho fujiwara (the most 80s song to ever 80s)

[@Clamp581]

Absolutely check out Anri, Mariya Takeuchi, and Tatsuro Yamashita. They are city pop Icons!