Iconic City Pop Songs

City Pop, as a genre, is characterized by numerous standout tracks that have come to define its sound and cultural impact. This article focuses on some of the most iconic City Pop songs, analyzing their themes, composition, and cultural significance.

“Plastic Love” by Mariya Takeuchi

“Plastic Love” is perhaps the most internationally recognized City Pop song, having experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity decades after its initial release.

Analysis of Themes, Composition, and Cultural Impact

1. Themes:

• The song explores themes of fleeting romance and using nightlife as an escape from heartbreak.
• Lyrics like “I’m just playing games, I know that’s plastic love” reflect a sense of emotional detachment common in City Pop.

1. Composition:

• The track features a catchy disco-influenced beat, funk guitar riffs, and lush string arrangements.
• Takeuchi’s smooth, emotive vocals perfectly complement the sophisticated instrumental backdrop.
• The extended instrumental breaks are characteristic of City Pop’s emphasis on musicianship.

1. Cultural Impact:

• While moderately successful upon release, “Plastic Love” gained international fame in the 2010s through YouTube algorithms and vaporwave remixes.
• The song has become emblematic of City Pop as a whole for many international listeners.
• Its resurgence has sparked renewed interest in City Pop and 1980s Japanese culture.

Reception Upon Release Versus Contemporary Rediscovery

• Original Reception:
• Released in 1984, “Plastic Love” was well-received but not an immediate smash hit.
• It was featured on Takeuchi’s album “VARIETY,” which performed well on Japanese charts.
• Contemporary Rediscovery:
• In 2017, a YouTube upload of an extended mix of “Plastic Love” gained millions of views, introducing the song to a new generation.
• The song’s rediscovery led to numerous remixes, covers, and analysis videos, cementing its status as a City Pop classic.
• Mariya Takeuchi herself has acknowledged and embraced the song’s renewed popularity.

“Stay With Me” by Miki Matsubara

“Stay With Me” is another City Pop track that has found new life in the digital age, becoming a favorite among both longtime fans and new discoverers of the genre.

Overview of its Significance Within the Genre

1. Musical Characteristics:

• The song features a driving rhythm, catchy melody, and Matsubara’s powerful vocals.
• Its blend of pop, jazz, and funk elements is quintessential City Pop.

1. Lyrical Content:

• The lyrics express a desire for a lasting relationship, contrasting with the often more fleeting romances depicted in City Pop.
• The mix of Japanese and English lyrics is characteristic of the genre.

1. Cultural Impact:

• Originally released in 1979, “Stay With Me” was a hit in Japan but gained international recognition decades later.
• The song has become particularly popular on social media platforms like TikTok, introducing City Pop to younger audiences.

Discussion on its Role in Modern Remixes and Covers

• Remixes:
• Numerous remixes of “Stay With Me” have emerged, often slowing down or chopping up the original to create a more atmospheric sound.
• These remixes have played a crucial role in the song’s rediscovery, appealing to fans of genres like vaporwave and future funk.
• Covers:
• The song has been covered by both Japanese and international artists, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal.
• Many covers maintain the original’s City Pop feel while adding contemporary production touches.

Other Notable Tracks

While “Plastic Love” and “Stay With Me” have gained particular international recognition, many other City Pop tracks are considered classics within the genre.

Compilation of Essential Songs Defining City Pop

1. “Ride on Time” by Tatsuro Yamashita (1980)

• Often considered the quintessential City Pop album opener.
• Features Yamashita’s signature blend of funk, pop, and AOR influences.

1. “Midnight Pretenders” by Tomoko Aran (1983)

• A sultry, atmospheric track that embodies the nocturnal urban themes of City Pop.

1. “Dress Down” by Kaoru Akimoto (1986)

• Showcases the genre’s disco influences with its driving beat and lush production.

1. “Telephone Number” by Junko Ohashi (1984)

• A funk-infused track with an instantly recognizable chorus.

1. “Sparkle” by Tatsuro Yamashita (1982)

• A upbeat, tropical-influenced song that demonstrates City Pop’s more cheerful side.

Brief Analysis of Each Track’s Contribution to the Genre

• “Ride on Time”:
• Exemplifies the polished production and sophisticated arrangements of City Pop.
• Its upbeat, optimistic tone captures the mood of Japan’s bubble economy era.
• “Midnight Pretenders”:
• Showcases the genre’s nocturnal, slightly melancholic side.
• Its atmospheric production and emotive vocals demonstrate City Pop’s capacity for depth and nuance.
• “Dress Down”:
• Highlights the genre’s dance-oriented elements and its connection to disco.
• The track’s sleek production and catchy hooks are quintessential City Pop.
• “Telephone Number”:
• Its fusion of funk and pop elements is archetypal of the City Pop sound.
• The song’s use of English lyrics in the chorus exemplifies the genre’s cosmopolitan aspirations.
• “Sparkle”:
• Demonstrates City Pop’s incorporation of tropical and AOR influences.
• The track’s technical musicianship and complex arrangement showcase the high level of craft in City Pop production.

These iconic City Pop songs, along with many others, form the core of the genre’s identity. They showcase the musical sophistication, cultural context, and emotional resonance that made City Pop a beloved genre in Japan and, decades later, around the world.

The recent rediscovery and reappreciation of these tracks demonstrate the enduring appeal of City Pop’s sound and aesthetic. As new listeners continue to discover these classics, they serve as gateways to the broader world of City Pop and Japanese popular music of the 1970s and 1980s.

Moreover, the influence of these iconic tracks can be heard in contemporary music across various genres, from J-pop to Western indie and electronic music. Their legacy ensures that the spirit of City Pop continues to live on, evolving and adapting to new contexts while remaining true to its original charm.