Best J-pop Artists?

Son Hakush · Jul 26, 2002, 09:12

What are, in your opinion. The best J-pop artists. If posible could you compare the artists to American ones? Thanks.

Harvey · Jul 26, 2002, 23:05

Shiina Ringo.

She's pretty Unique. I guess people try to compare her to Fionna Apple in the States. I think that is where she got her name.

Good stuff. Her new CD isn't all that, but her old CD's are definately cool.

Son Hakush · Jul 26, 2002, 23:13

Ok, thanks.

Twisted · Jul 27, 2002, 04:10

Hang on there, Harvey! Her new cd is really really good. Even though it's a cover album. She has really given all the song her own twist. And the fact that the songs are very diverse makes it truly brilliant.

Son Hakush · Jul 28, 2002, 00:57

Is there any Japanese rock bands? Just wondering.....

thomas · Jul 28, 2002, 03:40

Take a look at this thread, it mentions a few J-Rock groups.

Scott · Jul 28, 2002, 04:50

I'm a big fan of Utada Hikaru, her hit single, Hikari was the first j-pop song i ever listened too. She's hugely popular in Japan. Don't know who she would compare to in the US though. She kind of has a style all of her own. Check her out. She just released a brand new album which I bought myself, called Deep River.

Son Hakush · Jul 28, 2002, 05:55

Hmm. Thanks for the help everyone.

kinjo · Jul 29, 2002, 13:37

Hi All
How would you compare utada hikaru and ayumi hamasaki?
Does this new album of hikaru's, have a video in which shes cleaning plates etc in a kitchen ........:-/

how do they compare wrt to the following
voice (sweet/strong etc), musical instruments used,genre of music and popularity!!

Sankyu
Kinjo

moyashi · Jul 29, 2002, 15:12

Twisted probably can better sound up their differences but for the easier side: They both target different audiences and their sound is a bit different so it depends a lot on the song today.

Though, Hiki bucked the system and tried to cut out many of the middlemen who were taking a cut of her revenue. Actually, her father is her producer and her mother was once a popular singer.

I'd put Hiki with Kuraki Mai who was created by Sony? or what ever record company after Hiki split from the industry. The record company was p_ssed off so they put a new act, Kuraki Mai, who instantly hit the top of the charts.

Oh well, so much for creativity.

Scott · Jul 29, 2002, 15:31

Originally posted by kinjo

Does this new album of hikaru's, have a video in which shes cleaning plates etc in a kitchen ........:-/

Yes, that particular song is called Hikari, or light in English. It's one of my personal favorites.

Twisted · Jul 29, 2002, 20:25

Personally i hate comparing artists. Just listen to it and come to your own conclusions. I'll give it a try though.

Basicly, Hikaru started out with R&B, (but she's now more pop-oriented) whereas Ayumi started out with more dance-flavoured popmusic.
Vocally they're very distinguisable. The voice of Hikaru is quite low, while Ayumi sounds kinda like a typical idol with a more high-pitched voice. They both don't have an incredibly impressive vocal-range though. Especially live, Hikaru often goes too low and Ayumi often misses the high notes.

Hikaru is in the past produced by Jimmy Jam and Teri Lewis. I don't think Ayumi was ever produced by non-Japanese producers but she has been remixed by every big name in the business.

On Mai Kuraki: She's on Giza records and she has also released an album in the US under the name of Mai K. Neither Hikaru Utada or Ayumi Hamasaki have been able to do that yet, although Hikaru is getting there very soon.

Shinmeiryu · Jul 30, 2002, 11:59

Though on the groups category, my favorite are:

Do As Infinity
Garnet Crow
The Pillows

As for artists:

Utada Hikaru
BoA
Masami Okui
Aikawa Nanase

I'm surprised to hear that Mai Kuraki released an album in the states. I think Hikki has the best chance to make the total crossover to the states. If not her, then most likely Ayu.

katyachan · Aug 2, 2002, 00:37

I just LOVE Nanase Aikawa ! Even if I like a lot of others jpop artists ,this is the best !!!

Scott · Aug 2, 2002, 03:12

I've been getting into Rina Aiuchi lately. I think she's pretty good. You should check her out too.

Twisted · Aug 2, 2002, 03:22

Well, if you're still looking for a good rockband, check out the new single from Dir en Grey. It's called Child Prey and it's not for the faint hearted.
I'm going deaf right now, but it's so damn good. It is a bit of a Mad Capsule Markets imitation though.

Kimmy · Aug 4, 2002, 09:33

Personally I really enjoy Zard but then I am ****** for a ballad and Izumi Sakai has a voice that is without compare imho.

This is my 1st post so hi to all.

Kimmy

vinkee · Sep 2, 2002, 06:44

Best 2 JPop artists?
Well, for me, they have to be Zard and Amuro Namie.
I like almost ALL songs by Zard, and I love the old songs of Amuro.

Olivia · Sep 10, 2002, 22:29

hi, son hakush!

don't know if it interests you, but B'z is a good rockband. actually, a good rock duo, since it consists of two guys, tak matsumoto and koshi inaba.

there's also SPITZ, which is not exactly a rock band, but something like the wallflowers (a bit of ballad?). but as everybody else has said, it's not easy to compare bands/singers... so, all you gotta do is listen!

moyashi · Sep 11, 2002, 01:21

Yep, B'z is good.

I used to like Spitz. Yeah, they really are rock at all. Probably more standard Jpop as in MTV.

rhymester* · Sep 15, 2002, 00:06

hi everyone!

my fav japanese bands are:

DA PUMP [pop/rnb/hiphop]
Dragon Ash [rock/hiphop]
Glay [rock]
Chemistry [rnb]
Utada Hikaru [rnb/pop]
The Gospellers [rnb/...er gospel?]
Rip Slyme [hiphop]
Rhymester [hiphop]
Zeebra [hiphop]
Suiken [hiphop]

did i get any wrong?
and sorry i listen to more hiphop! but those are my favourites!

rirei · Nov 15, 2002, 19:00

Of course..........
UTADA HIKARU RULES

prettyboyalex · Jul 11, 2006, 13:07

Gackt's song, "fragrance", was the first one by him I heard. I'm doing what I can to sift through and appreciate some of his other works now.
Hikaru Utada was my first J-Pop obsession. Probably always will be. And for a good reason. She looks like a really sweet girl, with a warm and inviting smile. And her music's rarely anything but upbeat or emotional. I have at least 20 of her songs, maybe more.
Namie Amuro is good if you like the raw sexuality more. She's into club-bangers and sex-jams. Still haven't explored her works in detail yet.
Ayumi Hamasaki is more of a J-Rocker. I got into her through watching Inuyasha.
But the way I see it, Hikki is the Queen of J-Pop. Everybody loves her, and she can sing English just as well as she can sing japanese. Which does a lot for an American like me.

**Dutch Baka** · Jul 11, 2006, 14:59

Originally Posted by Scott

Yes, that particular song is called Hikari, or light in English. It's one of my personal favorites.

aaa I think the PV is so boring, all she is doing is doing the dishes.

I think that Utada is the best Jpop singer. But Koda Kumi is most populair in Japan at the moment ( I have to agree that she is .... SEXY)

Jul 26, 2002, 09:12	#1
Son Hakush Junior Member Join Date: Jul 26, 2002 Location: USA Posts: 9	Best J-pop Artists? What are, in your opinion. The best J-pop artists. If posible could you compare the artists to American ones? Thanks.

Jul 26, 2002, 23:05	#2
Harvey Regular Member Join Date: Jun 10, 2002 Location: Osaka Posts: 445	Shiina Ringo. She's pretty Unique. I guess people try to compare her to Fionna Apple in the States. I think that is where she got her name. Good stuff. Her new CD isn't all that, but her old CD's are definately cool. __________________ Help me I'm Harvey! http://www.japannewbie.com iPhone apps to learn Japanese! http://thejapanesepage.com/iphone Here as well http://www.japannewbie.com/iphone/

Jul 27, 2002, 04:10	#4
Twisted That man in the corner Join Date: Mar 15, 2002 Location: The Netherlands Age: 35 Posts: 1,456	Hang on there, Harvey! Her new cd is really really good. Even though it's a cover album. She has really given all the song her own twist. And the fact that the songs are very diverse makes it truly brilliant. __________________ ZenLog Earotic

Jul 28, 2002, 03:40	#6
thomas Decommissioned ex-admin Join Date: Mar 14, 2002 Posts: 4,209	Take a look at this thread, it mentions a few J-Rock groups. __________________ Remember what the dormouse said, feed your head, feed your head!

Jul 29, 2002, 13:37	#9
kinjo 心 Join Date: Mar 15, 2002 Location: currently in India Age: 30 Posts: 63	Comparison Hi All How would you compare utada hikaru and ayumi hamasaki? Does this new album of hikaru's, have a video in which shes cleaning plates etc in a kitchen ........:-/ how do they compare wrt to the following voice (sweet/strong etc), musical instruments used,genre of music and popularity!! Sankyu Kinjo

Jul 26, 2002, 23:13	#3
Son Hakush Junior Member Join Date: Jul 26, 2002 Location: USA Posts: 9	Ok, thanks.

Jul 28, 2002, 00:57	#5
Son Hakush Junior Member Join Date: Jul 26, 2002 Location: USA Posts: 9	Is there any Japanese rock bands? Just wondering.....

Jul 28, 2002, 04:50	#7
Scott Regular Member Join Date: Jun 25, 2002 Location: USA Age: 21 Posts: 123	I'm a big fan of Utada Hikaru, her hit single, Hikari was the first j-pop song i ever listened too. She's hugely popular in Japan. Don't know who she would compare to in the US though. She kind of has a style all of her own. Check her out. She just released a brand new album which I bought myself, called Deep River.

Jul 28, 2002, 05:55	#8
Son Hakush Junior Member Join Date: Jul 26, 2002 Location: USA Posts: 9	Hmm. Thanks for the help everyone.

Jul 29, 2002, 15:12	#10
moyashi Regular Member Join Date: Apr 15, 2002 Location: SonyLand Age: 40 Posts: 1,566	Twisted probably can better sound up their differences but for the easier side: They both target different audiences and their sound is a bit different so it depends a lot on the song today. Though, Hiki bucked the system and tried to cut out many of the middlemen who were taking a cut of her revenue. Actually, her father is her producer and her mother was once a popular singer. I'd put Hiki with Kuraki Mai who was created by Sony? or what ever record company after Hiki split from the industry. The record company was p_ssed off so they put a new act, Kuraki Mai, who instantly hit the top of the charts. Oh well, so much for creativity. __________________ crazy gonna crazy

Jul 29, 2002, 15:31	#11
Scott Regular Member Join Date: Jun 25, 2002 Location: USA Age: 21 Posts: 123	Re: Comparison Originally posted by kinjo Does this new album of hikaru's, have a video in which shes cleaning plates etc in a kitchen ........:-/ Yes, that particular song is called Hikari, or light in English. It's one of my personal favorites.

Jul 29, 2002, 20:25	#12
Twisted That man in the corner Join Date: Mar 15, 2002 Location: The Netherlands Age: 35 Posts: 1,456	Personally i hate comparing artists. Just listen to it and come to your own conclusions. I'll give it a try though. Basicly, Hikaru started out with R&B, (but she's now more pop-oriented) whereas Ayumi started out with more dance-flavoured popmusic. Vocally they're very distinguisable. The voice of Hikaru is quite low, while Ayumi sounds kinda like a typical idol with a more high-pitched voice. They both don't have an incredibly impressive vocal-range though. Especially live, Hikaru often goes too low and Ayumi often misses the high notes. Hikaru is in the past produced by Jimmy Jam and Teri Lewis. I don't think Ayumi was ever produced by non-Japanese producers but she has been remixed by every big name in the business. On Mai Kuraki: She's on Giza records and she has also released an album in the US under the name of Mai K. Neither Hikaru Utada or Ayumi Hamasaki have been able to do that yet, although Hikaru is getting there very soon.

Jul 30, 2002, 11:59	#13
Shinmeiryu SCAR Join Date: Jul 30, 2002 Location: Southern CA Age: 28 Posts: 201	Though on the groups category, my favorite are: Do As Infinity Garnet Crow The Pillows As for artists: Utada Hikaru BoA Masami Okui Aikawa Nanase I'm surprised to hear that Mai Kuraki released an album in the states. I think Hikki has the best chance to make the total crossover to the states. If not her, then most likely Ayu.

Aug 2, 2002, 00:37	#14
katyachan Junior Member Join Date: Aug 1, 2002 Posts: 2	I just LOVE Nanase Aikawa ! Even if I like a lot of others jpop artists ,this is the best !!!

Aug 2, 2002, 03:12	#15
Scott Regular Member Join Date: Jun 25, 2002 Location: USA Age: 21 Posts: 123	I've been getting into Rina Aiuchi lately. I think she's pretty good. You should check her out too.

Aug 2, 2002, 03:22	#16
Twisted That man in the corner Join Date: Mar 15, 2002 Location: The Netherlands Age: 35 Posts: 1,456	Well, if you're still looking for a good rockband, check out the new single from Dir en Grey. It's called Child Prey and it's not for the faint hearted. I'm going deaf right now, but it's so damn good. It is a bit of a Mad Capsule Markets imitation though.

Aug 4, 2002, 09:33	#17
Kimmy Junior Member Join Date: Apr 7, 2002 Location: Minnesota, USA Age: 33 Posts: 1	Personally I really enjoy Zard but then I am ****** for a ballad and Izumi Sakai has a voice that is without compare imho. This is my 1st post so hi to all. Kimmy

Sep 2, 2002, 06:44	#18
vinkee I'm a Canadian Join Date: Sep 2, 2002 Location: Vancouver / Victoria, Canada Age: 26 Posts: 4	Best 2 JPop artists? Well, for me, they have to be Zard and Amuro Namie. I like almost ALL songs by Zard, and I love the old songs of Amuro. __________________ Vincent Chow-Fan

Sep 10, 2002, 22:29	#19
Olivia Regular Member Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil Posts: 126	hi, son hakush! don't know if it interests you, but B'z is a good rockband. actually, a good rock duo, since it consists of two guys, tak matsumoto and koshi inaba. there's also SPITZ, which is not exactly a rock band, but something like the wallflowers (a bit of ballad?). but as everybody else has said, it's not easy to compare bands/singers... so, all you gotta do is listen!

Sep 11, 2002, 01:21	#20
moyashi Regular Member Join Date: Apr 15, 2002 Location: SonyLand Age: 40 Posts: 1,566	Yep, B'z is good. I used to like Spitz. Yeah, they really are rock at all. Probably more standard Jpop as in MTV.

Sep 15, 2002, 00:06	#21
rhymester* Regular Member Join Date: Sep 14, 2002 Location: Vice City Age: 26 Posts: 35	hi everyone! my fav japanese bands are: DA PUMP [pop/rnb/hiphop] Dragon Ash [rock/hiphop] Glay [rock] Chemistry [rnb] Utada Hikaru [rnb/pop] The Gospellers [rnb/...er gospel?] Rip Slyme [hiphop] Rhymester [hiphop] Zeebra [hiphop] Suiken [hiphop] did i get any wrong? and sorry i listen to more hiphop! but those are my favourites! __________________ -=ff crew=-

Nov 15, 2002, 19:00	#22
rirei Junior Member Join Date: Nov 14, 2002 Location: Bandung,Indonesia Age: 25 Posts: 5	Of course.......... UTADA HIKARU RULES

Jul 11, 2006, 13:07	#23
prettyboyalex Junior Member Join Date: Jul 11, 2006 Posts: 1	Gackt's song, "fragrance", was the first one by him I heard. I'm doing what I can to sift through and appreciate some of his other works now. Hikaru Utada was my first J-Pop obsession. Probably always will be. And for a good reason. She looks like a really sweet girl, with a warm and inviting smile. And her music's rarely anything but upbeat or emotional. I have at least 20 of her songs, maybe more. Namie Amuro is good if you like the raw sexuality more. She's into club-bangers and sex-jams. Still haven't explored her works in detail yet. Ayumi Hamasaki is more of a J-Rocker. I got into her through watching Inuyasha. But the way I see it, Hikki is the Queen of J-Pop. Everybody loves her, and she can sing English just as well as she can sing japanese. Which does a lot for an American like me.

Jul 11, 2006, 14:59	#24
Dutch Baka .... who cares? :( Join Date: Feb 5, 2005 Location: Kobe, Rokko Age: 24 Posts: 4,743 Blog Entries: 12	Originally Posted by Scott Yes, that particular song is called Hikari, or light in English. It's one of my personal favorites. aaa I think the PV is so boring, all she is doing is doing the dishes. I think that Utada is the best Jpop singer. But Koda Kumi is most populair in Japan at the moment ( I have to agree that she is .... SEXY) __________________ My website: Kobe city info and my PM Forum Rules - J-Music Forum Rules - FAQ - Calendar Write an article for Jref - Reputation points

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