A J-pop act’s single isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of J-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
JO1’s strongest work this year hasn’t been the material chosen for music video promotion. The mighty Move The Soul remains their 2022 high water mark – an aural sequel to last year’s dazzling Born To Be Wild. Thankfully, that track was given a glossy performance video, meaning the agency must have seen its potential. Now, JO1’s second-best 2022 track also has its own visual. It may not be an official single, but Rose is much stronger than the recently-released SuperCali.
Much of this is due to the producer involved. Rose is an e.one production. I’ll never understand why the e.one team gets so few title tracks when they reliably craft excellent b-side after excellent b-side. That’s a huge waste of talent. Almost every song under the e.one banner is a total banger. Rose has its generic moments (the second verse slowdown is a bummer), but when its industrial drop of a chorus hits you’ll have trouble sitting still.
As usual, JO1’s vocalists give an excellent performance. That’s one of the ingredients that made Born To Be Wild and Move The Soul such a rush. Following Rose’s sledgehammer drop-chorus, the song is buoyed by a catchy vocal hook that’s slick and powerful. This recipe is simple but potent, and has a way of pulling you in despite its predictable structure. I love driving, sinuous grooves like this. Even better, Rose’s instrumental finds a rebellious streak during its experimental climax. I wish the entire track surrendered to this fitful, electronic chaos.
Hooks 8 Production 9 Longevity 9 Bias 9 RATING 8.75
