From Urban to Resort

Light and mellow CITYPOP will lead you to the world of your dreams

City Pop has a very diverse range of musical genres ​and styles

This DJ mix focuses on “Light Mellow” songs among ​them.

Please enjoy this excellent CITYPOP MIX with a ​selection of medium-tempo mellow and urban sounds ​with BPM=80 to BPM=90.

We have avoided the citypop meme that is frequently ​seen on youtube, so even the most fanatical Citypop ​fans will enjoy the songs!

“Komugiiro no Mermaid” is Seiko Matsuda's 10th single, ​released in 1982.

After hearing “Komugiiro no Mermaid,” producer Muneo ​Wakamatsu requested that the chorus melody be more ​expansive, but the two composers/arrangers, Yumi Matsutoya & ​Masataka Matsutoya However, the two composers and ​arrangers, Yumi Matsutoya and Masataka Matsutoya, insisted on ​using the same melody. In the end, Matsutoya's opinion was ​adopted, and the song became a hit, according to Wakamatsu ​later.

And this song became an appropriate song for Seiko Matsuda, a ​teenager idol, to change her image to that of an adult woman.

"Last Summer Whisper” is a song from Anri's fourth album ​‘Heaven Beach’ released in 1982.

The recent popularity of city pop and analog vinyl has led to a ​reevaluation of each of Anri's original albums, and A-2 “Last ​Summer Whisper” was a big hit among overseas music fans due ​to the city pop boom .

Since there were only a few copies sold at the time of its release ​before “CAT'S EYE” became a big hit, both the cassette tape and ​the analog version were rare, and the album was sold at a ​premium price for a while.

The soaring price of the analog vinyl led to many requests for a ​re-release, and on July 19, 2023, a re-release of this popular work ​and four other works from the Kadomatsu trilogy, “Bi Ki Ni”, ​“Timely! and “COOOL” were released in a limited reissue analog ​edition.

Former wife of Yasunori Soryo, who was active in groups such ​as Sing Out and the Jim Rock Singers and leader of Brown Rice, ​Tomoko Soryo is known for her female dio “Tina Tina” with ​Mariko Takahashi, another former member of Brown Rice and a ​Japanese American.

"Penthouse Cocktail" is a song from his fourth solo album “IT'S ​ABOUT TIME” released in 1981.

"Penthouse Cocktail", an AOR style song that is more mature and ​urban contemporary than the TINNA era, is a great light mellow ​anthem.

The Jim Rock Singers' “City Lights By The Moonlights” is ​another light mellow classic that you should check out!

There's a saying among Japanese music fans, “There are no bad ​bread and butter.”

“second serenade” is a masterpiece album full of medium ​mellow grooves released in 1984.

Miracle Touch” on the album is, of course, a great light mellow ​song.

“Natsu no Klaxon” was his fifth single, released in 1983.

The song was used as a commercial song for Fujifilm's GT-I ​audio cassette tape for car stereos. The song is known for its ​remarkable feature in the way the chorus of the “Natsu no ​Klaxon” part of the lyrics is sung, which is not often seen in other ​songs. Inagaki stated in a fan club newsletter that the lyrics ​“Natsu no Klaxon” were proposed by Inagaki to Sono and were ​used as is. The recording of the song was done over a period of ​about a week, and more than 100 takes were sung to complete ​the song.

Inagaki himself made his only live appearance on the TBS music ​program “The Best Ten” on September 8, 1983, in the “This ​Week's Spotlight” corner with the same song.

songs lyrics by Masao Urino, music by Kyohei Tsutumi, ​arrangement by Akira Inoue

How could it not be a hit with these production members?

“Hoho ni Yoru No Akari” is a song from Minako Yoshida's ninth ​album ‘LIGHT'N UP’ released in 1982.

This album, like its predecessor “MONSTERS IN TOWN”, was ​produced in 1981. Recording was done in Tokyo and New York, ​and all songs were mixed down in New York by his brother ​Tamotsu Yoshida. During the recording session in New York, the ​horn section of the Brecker Brothers, which had already changed ​members at that time, was returned to the original members.

In the history of Japanese pop music, she ranks alongside Yumi ​Matsutoya, Taeko Onuki, and Akiko Yano, and while she is ​respected, she is perhaps the most “an acquired taste for the ​connoisseur” of the bunch.

Among Minako Yoshida's songs, “Hoho ni Yoru No Akari” is the ​pinnacle of Japanese CITY POP.

“Natsu no Koibito” is a song from Circus' second album ‘NEW ​HORIZON’ released in 1979.

Norio Maeda, who arranged the previous album, participated in ​only one song.

The album featured Ryuichi Sakamoto, Shigeru Suzuki, and ​Hiroshi Sato as arrangers and performers, backed by Haruomi ​Hosono of YMO, and eminent musicians such as Yukihiro ​Takahashi, Rei Ohara, Akira Okazawa, Kenji Takamizu, Murakami ​Ponta Shuichi, Masaki Matsubara, Nobu Saito, Motoya ​Hamaguchi, and Takeru Muraoka.

The result was a sound that was cutting edge for its time.

Of course, it became the best CITYPOP album.

“Natsu no Koibito” is one of the best mellow number songs on ​the album!

Theme song for the anime “Lupin the Third” ('79) by You & the ​Explosion Band led by Yuji Ohno

The song “Love Squall” was included on the B-SIDE.

Guest vocalist Sandra Hohn is a Sandii who is famous for her ​frequent use of aliases

Half American and half Japanese, she moved to Hawaii when she ​was 10 years old and began her career as a singer at the age of ​12 . She graduated from Kailua High School in Honolulu and ​made her record debut in 1974 under the name “Sandy Ai” with ​“Persian Cat wa Koidorobou” composed by Tony Araki (leader of ​the Tonys and father of Kumiko Araki). In Japan, she became ​active in earnest in 1975, making her debut as a singer under the ​name “Sandy Ai” with the song “Kuchizuke wa Yurushite"

In 1980, “Eating Pleasure”, the first album under the name ​“Sandy” produced by Haruomi Hosono, was released in Japan ​and the U.K. “Love Sick (cw/ Eating Pleasure)” was released as a ​single cut from the album.

"Party ni Furarete” is a song from the B-side of Naomi ​Miyanaga's second single ‘Heat Wave’ released in 1984.

This song also appears on her debut album “Moment,” which ​was produced by Fujimaru Yoshino and has an excellent sound!

“Party ni Furarete” was composed by Miki Matsubara, who is ​well known to CITYPOP fans for his work on “Mayonaka no ​Door”.

From a floating medium groove, the chorus develops into a ​swinging beat.

Fujimaru Yoshino joins not only on guitar but also on the chorus.

“Still I Love You” is a single cut(B-SIDE) from the 1983 debut ​album Hold Me Tight by Yasuhiro Abe, a male SSW/arranger ​known as the author of Junichi Inagaki's “Long Version”.

"Still I Love You" is a nice urban and soulful song with crisp ​guitar cuts and a bass that lends itself well to horns.

It is a pleasant piece of 80s city pop with a pop, mellow sound ​and fresh vocals.

Kaori Okui of Princess Princess released her first solo album, ​"Renaissance", in 1994 while still in the band.

The sound of this album is more pop oriented, perhaps with the ​intention of differentiating it from the band's music.

It is a kaleidoscope of well-made pop songs in the Okui style.

Masanori Sasaji has done a shrewd job in arranging the music. ​All compositions are from the pen of Kaori Okui.

“Anata ga Soba ni Iruwake” is a great AOR style song.

It is a sound that I would describe as the very 90's city pop that ​reminded me of the 80's and induced nostalgia.

It is not widely known that “Hiroyuki Sanada,” a key figure in ​“SHOGUN,” which won a record 18 Emmy Awards at the 76th ​Emmy Awards in 2024, released excellent CITYPOP album in ​Japan when he was a young man.

“Just Another Love” is a song from the album ‘FADED TOWN’ ​released in 1989.

“FADED TOWN” is a blend of dance music and AOR with an ​adult mood.

The timing of the release is linked to the footsteps of Hiroyuki ​Sanada, who was just beginning to expand the scope of his ​roles.

Starting in 1980, Hiroyuki Sanada began his career as a singer ​while working as an action actor.

However, the majority of the songs were rock-oriented, perhaps ​in an attempt to match their image with their acting careers.

This ALBUM overturns that image and “acts” the songs with a ​high degree of AOR.

“Just Another Love” is a medium groove that is the highlight of ​the album.

It is wonderful how the chords are replaced in the second half of ​the song and the quiet but dramatic development of the music.

Masami Yoshida debuted with Masashi Sada and the folk duo ​Grape.

After the breakup, he formed a band called “Tchabows” with ​Mami Kikuchi and others.

A single not included on the album, a mellow Japanese Brazilian ​bossa” masterpiece with vocals by a male-female duo. ​”Tasogareiro ni Kokoro wo Somete”

If you're a CITYPOP fan, you'll want to GET this vinyl when you ​find it before the price skyrockets!

The song “étranger” is from “Yugurekara...Hitori,” the highest-​selling album of Hiromi Iwasaki's career.

Lyrics by Masako Arikawa,

And the music was composed by CITYPOP maestro Tetsuji ​Hayashi.

The constant beat of the medium tempo, the small stylish ​European taste, and Hiromi's voice in the catchy chorus are ​GOOD!

The title “étranger” is a French word meaning “stranger or ​foreigner”.

An undisputed CITYPOP classic!

If you're a DJ, buy this vinyl as soon as you find it!

"Somewhere In The Night” is a song from Baker's Shop's 1980 ​album ‘Hot Line’.

Haruko Kuwana's vocals on “Somewhere In The Night” and ​“Don't Look Back” are highlights of the album!

Haruko Kuwana has never been a success on the major Japanese ​scene, but...

However, she left many excellent songs with excellent musicians ​through the connections made by her brother, Masahiro Kuwana.

She is an important figure in CITYPOP

Derringer is a song from Minako Ito's second original album ​“Yugyotou” released in 1984.

The album jacket is striking, and the background is a single light ​blue color. Minako Ito is standing on two lights on the floor.

Compared to the moist first “Tenderly,” this work is infused with ​a tangy, dry performance that reflects the winter air.

The songs themselves have been refined, and the city-pop ​elements have increased compared to the first album.

Highlight of this Vinyl. Whether it is percussion or a sound effect, ​the intro of the song is reminiscent of the sound of gunfire.

The smooth groove and Minako Ito's voice create tension in a ​relaxed atmosphere, making it a great listen.

This Vinyl is not available on subs, but it is one of the best city ​pop songs that should be heard more often.

David Foster, Steve Lukather, Jeff and Mike Porcaro (Toto), Peter ​Cetera, Nathan East and many other great players participated in ​this album “DAYDREAM COAST”.

The urban AOR mellow “Second Nature” is the highlight of the ​album!

After this album, she would awaken from being an idol singer to ​an artist, but she would also move away from the major scene.

A superb mellow groove tune composed and arranged by ​CITYPOP maestro Tetsuji Hayashi.

The record was discovered by DJs during the rare groove ​movement of the 1990s and gradually became more expensive.

The small number of copies released at the time of its release ​was probably one of the reasons for its high price.

In rare cases, you can find them at used vinyl stores in Japan for ​about $1 without knowing their value, so if you see one, you ​must buy it immediately!

“Yasashiikoe de Koroshite” is a song from Asami Kado's second ​album ‘SACHET’ released in 1980.

The album is best known for containing the smash hit “Lonely ​Lonely,” which was cut as a single.

However, “Yasashiikoe de Koroshite,” the last song on the B-​side of the album, was the most popular among fans.

As a CITYPOP DJ, “Yasashiikoe de Koroshite” is the must-have ​song on this album!

“Last Scene... Sayonara” is a song from Junko Hirotani's debut ​album ‘Sono Ai-ni’ released in 1979.

She wrote the lyrics herself, but the arrangement was done by ​Masataka Matsutoya.

There is no way that Masataka Matsutoya's arrangement of the ​songs at this time would not be CITYPOP.

Junko Hirotani continued to produce many quality CITYPOP ​songs, including “Day Dreamin,” but in 2020, she passed away ​from breast cancer.

Kyosuke Kusunoki works under a variety of aliases, but some of ​his quality 80s CITYPOP songs are not well known.

Began studying acting at a children's theater company and, in ​the fifth grade of elementary school, appeared in the movie ​“Three Samurai,” the TV program “G-Choki Pah,” and numerous ​dramas and stage productions.

Fascinated by the world of music, he made his debut in the ​entertainment industry as the leader of the idol group “Koofy” in ​his second year of high school. After releasing six singles on ​Polydor Records, he formed a new idol group, Leonardo (under ​the name Kyosuke Kusunoki). He also sang in several other ​bands.

After graduating from college, began a full-fledged musical ​career, forming the band “Camel Land” at the age of 25 and ​releasing the album “Camel Land” on CBS/Sony.

After the breakup of Camel Land, he joined THE WOOD as a ​replacement vocalist for George Yanagi of Rainy Wood.

Later, he joined the fusion band Cassiopeia as a special guest, ​and has participated in many guest works.

The first song on his first solo album “Just Tonight” is the ​CITYPOP classic “Sugar Dance”.

　Masaki Ueda, who captivated audiences with his authentic ​R&B vocals as the leader of the popular Kansai band "South to ​South," released his second solo album, PUSH & PULL, in 1978. ​In this playlist, we’re featuring a mellow masterpiece from this ​remarkable album, "Like A Samba."

　The lineup of musicians on this recording is fantastic! It ​features Masaki Matsubara on guitar, Keisuke Miyashita on bass, ​Goro Masaki on drums, Makiko Tashiro on keyboards, and ​Shigeo Fuchino on saxophone. This incredible album showcases ​these talented session musicians during their younger years, ​many of whom are still active today.

"Imagination" is a single from Kumiko Sawada's debut album, ​released in 1979, which was supported by Japan's top AOR band, ​Creation.

The mysterious saxophone intro and jazzy mellow groove blend ​seamlessly with Kumiko Sawada's husky voice, resulting in a ​captivating track.

"Misty" is a lead single from the 1983 album I am a Model. The ​track features members of The Doobie Brothers, with drums ​played by Jeff Porcaro. While it may surprise some Japanese ​listeners to see Eikichi Yazawa's name on a City Pop playlist, this ​song is a defining masterpiece of Japanese West Coast rock.

"Calandrie" is a track from Myself, the fourth album by Miki ​Matsubara, who is often regarded as a muse of City Pop.

The title "Calandrie" is French, meaning "calendar" in English. ​Composed by Fujimaru Yoshino, this is a track that would sound ​great with SHOGUN as the backing band. Unlike "His Woman," ​the track previously offered, this one seems to suit Miki ​Matsubara even more. The melody from the verse to the chorus, ​along with the bass, percussion, and rhythm guitar that groove ​together, is really cool. This track is a great example of how ​Fujimaru's composition takes on a new direction with Dr. Strut's ​arrangement.

"Kimagure" is a track from Kumi Nakamura's 1980 album Hiko-​Syoujo. Although she is primarily an actress, this album is her ​only release as a singer.

"Rainy Saturday & Coffee Break" is a track from the 1977 album ​Rainbow, released under the name Junko Ohashi & Minoya ​Central Station. This track is a perfect example of City Pop, ​crafted by the iconic City Pop diva Junko Ohashi and the maestro ​of City Pop, Tetsuji Hayashi.

Famous in Japan for her hit "IHOUJIN," Saki Kubota's track ​"Ennui," from her 1981 album Air Mail Special, is a hidden gem ​of City Pop.

"Kage Ni Natte" is a track from Yumi Matsutoya's 8th original ​album Kanashii Hodo Otenki, released in 1979.

During this period, Yumi Matsutoya left behind many great City ​Pop tracks. This is largely due to the musical influence of her ​husband, Masataka Matsutoya, who was also her producer and ​arranger.

Masataka Matsutoya mentioned in a radio interview that during ​this period, he listened to “Who Is This Bitch, Anyway?” by ​Marlena Shaw almost every day for years, using it as a reference ​for his arrangements.

"Asa wa Kimini" is a track from Minako Yoshida's third studio ​album FLAPPER, released in 1976.

This album is regarded as a masterpiece of City Pop, and "Asa ​wa Kimini" is a City Pop gem composed by Hiroshi Sato.

"Stranger In Kyoto," a cult-classic KAYO-POP single with heavy ​metal influences, was released by Anna Kurusu in 1981. It ​features the track "You're Not Alone" on its B-side, a masterpiece ​of light, mellow music.

The cover art of the promo single is really COOL!!! It's definitely ​worth adding to your collection!

"SAME" is a self-produced album recorded in 1986 by the City ​Pop band WINDY, formed by university students.

This album, featuring soulful AOR that exudes an infectious ​groove, was originally pressed in only 50 copies! Reissues are ​also scarce, so DJs should definitely grab it as soon as they find ​it!

A single from the 1981 album by the Japanese surf rock band ​Brute East Family.

The title track("Hitori Loneliness") is a lively acoustic rock song in ​Japanese, but the slow, mellow groove of B-SIDE. "Feeling Dull," ​with its electric piano intro and acoustic guitar cutting, is ​absolutely exquisite. Its smooth groove would surely shine on a ​late-night dancefloor.

Though not widely known, Hiromi Go, a popular idol in the ​KAYO-POP genre, has several albums from the late '70s to early ​'80s that feature a fair number of City Pop tracks.

The song "Irie Nite," included in his 1979 album SUPER DRIVE, ​is a perfect example, with its mellow vibe that embodies the City ​Pop style. Composed by City Pop maestro Tetsuji Hayashi, the ​track is backed by none other than The 24th Street Band! It really ​captures the essence of the New York sound.

Introducing "Shiroi Arcadia," a track from Yoshito Machida's ​1979 album YOU & ME. Known for his work with the GS group ​Zoo Nee Voo, best remembered for "Shiroi Sangosho," Machida ​also performed the theme songs for the Kadokawa film “Yasei no ​Shomei” and Sanrio's animal-themed movie “The Fox in the ​Quest of the Northern Sun”.

"Shiroi Arcadia," a tropical-flavored mid-tempo dancer, ​exemplifies the finest in light mellow City Pop!

This album is a true gem, featuring highlights like the reggae ​version of "Shiroi Sangosho," the cool and groovy "Hakugin no ​Venus," and the urban mellow mid-tempo "Mayonaka he 5 ​Miles." It's a treasure trove of City Pop classics.

For DJs, this is a must-have if you ever come across it!

“Suteki na Kimochi” is Hiromi Iwasaki’s 30th single, released in ​1983.

This single was the first to feature lyrics by Kanchinfa for one of ​Iwasaki's songs. The music was composed by Kyohei Tsutsumi, ​the maestro of KAYO-POP, marking his first composition for ​Iwasaki since her April 1980 release, “Joyu,” nearly four years ​prior.

The song is one of Iwasaki’s personal favorites and remains a ​staple in her concert performances to this day. It stands as a ​classic example of mellow City Pop.

Kingo Hamada’s sixth album, Heart Cocktail, released in 1985, is ​a standout work that highlights his exceptional songwriting and ​signature urban, mellow sound.

From this album, the featured track on this playlist is “Yokaze no ​Information,” the second song on Side A.

This mid-tempo, urban-mellow dancer is the epitome of City Pop​—a truly fantastic track!

Vintage is Yoshitaka Minami's 11th original album, released in ​1987.

The second song on Side A, "Sweet Charity," showcases his ​signature light mellow City Pop style with its jazzy and tropical ​vibe—a truly fantastic track!

The SADISTICS may not need an introduction anymore, but they ​were a band formed by Masayoshi Takanaka, Yukihiro Takahashi, ​Tsugutoshi Goto, and Yu Imai. Although their time together was ​brief, spanning only three years from 1976 to 1978, they released ​two original albums and a live album.

"This time, I'm featuring 'ON THE SEASHORE' from their second ​album, WE ARE JUST TAKING OFF, on the playlist."

"ON THE SEASHORE" / Lyrics: Yukihiro Takahashi, Music and ​Arrangement: Tsugutoshi Goto

Drums, Vocals: Yukihiro Takahashi

Bass, Vocals: Tsugutoshi Goto

Guitar, Vocals: Masayoshi Takanaka

Keyboards, Vocals: Yu Imai

Percussion: Shigeya Hamaguchi, Pecker, Nobu Saito

Chorus (Duet Vocals): Haruko Kuwana

Saxophone, Flute: Jake H. Conception

Anyone can tell just from the credits above that this is a classic ​City Pop track.

I'm featuring "Kaze ni Fukarete" from Yoko Nishigohri's 1980 ​debut album My Name Is YOKO on this playlist. (She currently ​performs under the name Kei Hoshino.)

With its groovy bassline, this track is a must-have vinyl for any ​City Pop DJ!

"SMILE" is a classic City Pop album released in 1980, featuring ​members of The AB'S, Makoto Matsushita, and Casiopea.

The track I'm introducing is the album's opening song, "Living In ​The City," a City Pop/mellow groove track that mixes English and ​Japanese lyrics.

Judy Anton, a singer born in New York, moved to Japan at the ​age of 13 and briefly pursued a career in entertainment there.

In this album, her silky voice is arranged by Makoto Matsushita ​and Minoru Mukaiya. The album also features a talented lineup ​of musicians, including Takeshi Ito and Akira Jimbo, making it an ​urban mellow masterpiece.

Kaoru Sudo, who began her career as a backing vocalist for Yumi ​Matsutoya, gained a cult following with her unique blend of ​American Oldies pop sensibility.

Her 4th album, PLANETARIUM, released in 1982, is a ​masterpiece of City Pop, created by lyricist Toshinobu Taguchi, ​composer Makoto Sugi, and producer/arranger Masataka ​Matsutoya.

The track I’m introducing is “Front Glass Goshini,” one of the ​standout City Pop classics from this album.

Sadly, Kaoru Sudo passed away in March 2013. May she rest in ​peace.

How was the 'CITYPOP Light Mellow MIX' for you?

If a song catches your interest, bookmark this page ​and enjoy it later at your leisure.