About

The world renowned artist, composer, lyricist, and producer AnriI debuted in 1978 with the top hit song "Olivia wo Kikinagara" (Listening to Olivia) from her debut album Apricot Jam. This was the start of her becoming one of Japan's most popular and influential songwriters, performers, and musical icon. She could scarcely have imagined that she would one day become not only one of Japan's most popular and influential songwriters, performers and musical icons, but a vibrant cultural ambassador for her homeland as well.

Infusing elements of American R&B, rock and jazz into her energetic J-pop style, she revolutionized Japanese pop music, scoring enduring hits with numerous songs that have become standards, including the theme song to "Cat's Eye" from the NTV animation series (which debuted at #1 on Countdown Japan) and the romantic ballads "Summer Candles" and "Dolphin Ring," which years later remain popular staples at wedding ceremonies throughout the country. Inspired by the American breakdancing film "Breakin'," Anri brought the popular dance moves to the stage for the first time during her national tour in 1988; her shows included two of the performers from the movie. Thanks to her unique influence, the traditionally reserved Japanese culture opened up to the very Western concept of incorporating dance with music in live performances. To this day, dance is a major part of the Japanese concert experience. An equally innovative force in the worlds of fashion, makeup and hair styles, Anri brought her music and elegant sophistication to a global audience for the first time by performing the official theme song for the 1998 Winter Olympics at Nagano.

Since then she has released 40 albums and 40 singles in the span of over 40 years. Other hit songs include: "Summer Candles" and "Dolphin Ring", both of which became standard songs played at Japanese weddings and receptions. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Anri's albums were bestsellers. With the renewed popularity of city pop, and her songs having been sampled by many new artists of the vaporwave and future funk genres, Anri has enjoyed new success and popularity outside of Japan. She was brought to record her next album in L.A. with producer, Toshiki Kadomatsu. From dance tracks to mellow tunes, the colorful and vivid songs on this album are truly the culmination of the Kadomatsu trilogy, and a prologue to the dance-ability of Anri of the late 80’s. — (via Label)

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Label: For Life Music Entertainment
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo, Transparent Turquoise
Reissued: 2023 / Original Release: 1984
Genre: Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Boogie, City Pop, Disco, Funk, Soul

File under: Japanese Pop
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