I wouldn’t consider myself the biggest Travis Japan fan overall, but their single Candy Kiss was one of my favorite songs of last year. They excel when given old-school funk beats and an uncomplicated, upbeat sentiment. Someone in the agency must agree, because new single T.G.I. Friday Night feels like a natural extension of that energy.
In a very welcome turn of events, the group has recorded both an English and (mostly) Japanese version of this song. There’s only a music video for the English version at the moment, but I’ll be adding the Japanese track to my playlist because it negates most of the cheesy/bland lyrics in favor of a language I don’t understand as well! Both versions deliver the same sunny groove. It’s “roller rink ready,” as I like to say (despite the fact I haven’t visited an actual roller rink for decades). Hey, there’s always a roller rink spinning around my pop-obsessed brain!
This groovy goodwill carries T.G.I. Friday Night through its more generic moments and sounds great bumping out of car speakers. Neither the production nor the melodies are as strong or supple as Candy Kiss, but the vibe is very complimentary and will get your head nodding. There are classic nods to disco and funk with vocal filters and synth strings adding texture and character. Most importantly, this feels authentic to Travis Japan as idols, its goofy posturing tempered by an open-hearted earnestness that’s quite enjoyable.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
