TAKAKO MAMIYA レコード& CD

Review: Releasing just one album, this little known mysterious Japanese singer left a legacy that has only grown over time, especially with the recent resurgence of interest in 'city pop'. That 1982 LP stands as a masterpiece of the genre, blending smooth jazz, funk and pop into a warm, sophisticated sound that this reissue celebrates. The title track, 'Love Trip', sets the tone immediately with breezy guitars, mellow synths and Mamiya's effortlessly cool vocal delivery. Songs like 'Midnight Joke' and 'Tasogare' show her skill in crafting lush, sunset-soaked atmospheres, each melody gliding with a relaxed elegance. 'All Or Nothing' brings a touch of funkier basslines and tighter grooves, while 'What A Broken Heart Can Do' leans into bittersweet ballad territory without losing the album's polished, air-light touch. Throughout, Mamiya's voice is pure yet emotive, always serving the sleek, gliding arrangements that define the record. Love Trip is filled with shimmering keys, silky guitar riffs and impeccably tight rhythm sections i a dreamy slice of escapism that feels both timeless and nostalgic. Even with just one album to her name, Takako Mamiya captured the spirit of city pop at its most luxurious and enduring.