An Illustrated History cover

An Illustrated History

Puffy AmiYumi · 2002

65 min · 16 tracks · J-pop · indie pop · pop rock

A vibrant mix of J-pop and indie rock brimming with catchy hooks and playful energy.

Why this album works

The album achieved notable commercial success, peaking at number 4 on the Oricon charts and solidifying Puffy AmiYumi's status as J-pop icons. Its eclectic sound influenced future generations of artists within the genre and contributed to the global spread of J-pop in the early 2000s.
Best for
playful energy for sunny days steady pacing for casual listening catchy anthems for group sing-alongs
Context
When 'An Illustrated History' was released in 2002, Puffy AmiYumi were already established stars in Japan, following their breakthrough with the album 'Jet Pati' in 2001. This compilation showcased their unique blend of Shibuya-kei and pop-rock, cementing their position as influential figures in the J-pop scene during a time of growing international interest in Japanese music.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Love So Pure 3:56
  • 2 True Asia (Asia no Junshin) Standout 4:40
  • 3 That's The Way It Is (Kore ga Watashi no Ikirumichi) 3:19
  • 4 Electric Beach Fever (Nagisa ni Matsuwaru Et Cetera) Standout 3:53
  • 5 Wild Girls On Circuit (Circuit no Musume) 3:22
  • 6 Sign Of Love (Ai no Shirushi) (Captain Funk's Puffy de Samba mix) 5:38
  • 7 Puffy de Rumba 3:31
  • 8 Talalan 4:19
  • 9 Sunday Girls (Nichiyohbi no Musume) 3:35
  • 10 Friends (Tomodachi) 4:36
  • 11 Mother 3:40
  • 12 Neholina 4:22
  • 13 Brand New Days (Atarashii Hibi) Standout 3:31
  • 14 Stray Cats Fever 4:42
  • 15 Puffy's Rule (Puffy no Rule) 4:10
  • 16 Jet Police (Jet Keisatsu) 3:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata