What makes Laser Beam/Kasuka na Kaori by Perfume notable?

The single reached number three on the Oricon charts and was praised for its innovative sound, contributing to Perfume's influence on the modern J-pop scene. Its catchy melodies and polished production helped further establish them as pioneers within the genre, leading to subsequent international collaborations. Released in 2011, Laser Beam/Kasuka na Kaori was Perfume's first single after their critically acclaimed album JPN. This period marked their growing international recognition, following a series of successful albums and appearances that solidified their place in the J-pop landscape.

How many songs are on Laser Beam/Kasuka na Kaori?

Laser Beam/Kasuka na Kaori has 4 tracks, running approximately 16 minutes.

Laser Beam/Kasuka na Kaori

Perfume · 2011

16 min · 4 tracks · J-pop

A vibrant fusion of synth-pop and electropop, characterized by infectious hooks and futuristic production.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
レーザービーム — This title track showcases Perfume's signature blend of catchy melodies and intricate electronic production, setting a high standard for contemporary J-pop.
→
微かなカオリ — The B-side offers a more introspective vibe while still maintaining the group's electro-pop essence, demonstrating their versatility and emotional depth.
→
レーザービーム -Original Instrumental- — The instrumental version highlights the sophisticated production techniques and sonic layers that define Perfume's sound, appealing to fans of electronic music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong hooks and polished production, solidifying Perfume's place in J-pop.

What we noticed

The first track features a driving beat with layered synths that create a dynamic soundscape, while the second track shifts to a more subdued and atmospheric arrangement.
The instrumentals maintain the same melodic structure as their vocal counterparts but strip away the lyrics, allowing the production to take center stage.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single marked a key moment in Perfume's growing international recognition.
Themes: futuristic dance floors· neon-lit cityscapes
Career context: Released in 2011, Laser Beam/Kasuka na Kaori was Perfume's first single after their critically acclaimed album JPN. This period marked their growing international recognition, following a series of successful albums and appearances that solidified their place in the J-pop landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu· Aimer· NiziU