About

Atsuko Nina's debut album, released in 1983 by Teichiku. All the tracks featured on Play Room are covers of english songs, with 9 songs featuring Japanese lyrics and only the 5th track featuring English lyrics. In recent years, the album's reputation has skyrocketed among city pop and Japanese jazz fans, and it has become a sought after item in the used market. Now, it has finally been reissued on clear vinyl!

Play Room covers bossa nova classics such as "One Note Samba," "The Girl from Ipanema," "Wave," and "Delicious Water," as well as American pop songs like "Mr. Bojangles" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and Latin classics such as "Quizás, Quizás, Quizás" and "Besame Mucho," all with Japanese lyrics. The sound production was handled by Jun Irie, who was active as part of Logic System, and the arrangements were shared with Hirotaka Izumi, who was a member of The Square at the time. And of course, The Square and guitarist Kenji Kitajima participated as the backing band. The album features high-quality city pop and fusion sounds throughout, with the standout track being the high-speed samba arrangement of "MAN OR BOY (The Girl from Ipanema)." It's a rare groove Japanese track that would still hold up in today's club jazz scene! Play Room allows you to enjoy Atsuko Nina's versatile vocals set against the more fresh and popular fusion sounds of the time. — (via HMV JP)

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Label: Teichiku Records
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Clear Vinyl
Reissued: 2025 / Originally Released: 1983
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Boogie, City Pop

File under: Japanese Pop
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