Released 40 years ago
Raspberry Wind
Yōko Oginome · 1986
44 min · 11 tracks
A vibrant blend of pop and city pop with infectious melodies and rhythmic grooves that evoke the essence of 1980s Japan.
Top tracks — play these first
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ダンシング・ヒーロー（Eat You Up）—Special English Version— — This track exemplifies Oginome's signature sound, combining an upbeat tempo with playful lyrics that capture the carefree spirit of the 1980s. Its international appeal helped bridge cultural gaps, making it a classic beyond Japan.
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涙はスピード揺らすから — The song showcases Oginome's emotive vocal delivery and intricate melodies, reflecting the album’s thematic exploration of love and longing. Its catchy chorus makes it an unforgettable highlight.
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フラミンゴ in パラダイス — With its tropical instrumentation and whimsical lyrics, this track encapsulates the carefree summer vibes that define much of city pop music. It serves as a testament to Oginome's versatility as an artist.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong melodies and production typical of city pop, with varied tempos enhancing its appeal.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a lively tone, while the subsequent songs maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and prominent synthesizer lines, characteristic of the city pop genre.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo, providing a contrast to the earlier upbeat songs and creating a more reflective atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo dance vibes
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- upbeat rhythms for sunny days
- vibrant sounds for cheerful moods
- for nostalgic afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of slow, contemplative music
- prefer intense, heavy soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 1986, Raspberry Wind marked Yōko Oginome's third studio album following her breakthrough with the hit single 'Dancing Hero' in 1985. At this point, she was solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the city pop genre, known for its fusion of Western influences and Japanese sensibilities.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Akiko Yano· Miki Matsubara· Kumi Koda
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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涙しか見えない
The bridge shifts perspective, contrasting feelings of despair with a momentary glimpse of hope through vivid imagery.
This structural choice adds depth to the song’s narrative, allowing listeners to experience a poignant transition from melancholy to a subtle sense of resilience.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 涙はスピード揺らすから 4:01
- 2 フラミンゴ in パラダイス 3:56
- 3 1・2・3, レット・ミー・ダンス 3:43
- 4 黄昏のネイバーフッド 3:21
- 5 スロープに天気雨 4:23
- 6 ダンシング・ヒーロー（Eat You Up）—Special English Version— 3:44
- 7 LAZY DANCE 4:32
- 8 ビーチボーイズを止めないで 3:51
- 9 涙しか見えない 4:20
- 10 真夜中のストレンジャー 3:51
- 11 夏のステージ・ライト 4:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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