J-Pop: Ado - Kyougen (2022)

73 / 100

Kyougen bursts with Ado’s signature energy, blending jazzy flourishes, emotional alt-rock, and pop-rock firepower. Her slightly raspy, dynamic vocals shine brightest in the album’s stronger second half.

Ado. No need for lengthy introductions about this Japanese utaite (a singer known for covering songs without revealing their identity) I think, especially if you're an anime fan or follow J-pop trends. Notably, she also contributed to the original soundtrack for the One Piece: Red movie.

Ado’s debut studio album, Kyougen showcases energetic and upbeat pop, particularly in its earlier tracks, although the opener “Readymade” takes a jazzy turn with its saxophone elements. “Aitakute” offers a pause with emotional alternative rock, reminiscent of LiSA. It serves as a transition into the album’s more pop-rock-centered material, with “Ashura-chan” being the most intense track. While primarily pop, Ado delivers energetic, slightly raspy vocals with some powerful screams—at times reminiscent of Minami (known for the Domestic na Kanojo opening)—and even pulls off solid rap-singing segments.

In short, Ado places her strongest material in the second half of the album, not frontloading it as many pop records do. The most memorable track? Definitely “Aitakute.”

Outstanding Tracks: "Odo," "Hanabi," "Aitakute," "Kokoro to Iu na no Fukakai," "Motherland," "Yoru no Pierrot."

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