Return to Myself cover

Return to Myself

Hamada Mari · 1989

43 min · 10 tracks · J-pop

An evocative blend of pop melodies and introspective lyrics that capture the essence of late '80s J-pop.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Return to Myself — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of self-discovery and emotional depth, featuring a captivating melody that showcases Hamada's vocal prowess.
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    Only in My Dreams — This song stands out for its dreamy instrumentation and poignant lyrics about longing and imagination, representing the emotional core of the album.
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    We Should Be So Lucky — With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, this track highlights Hamada's versatility while offering a contrast to the more introspective songs on the album.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for introspective moments
  • vibrant melodies for reflective afternoons
  • emotional ballads for quiet evenings
  • consistent flow with varied tempos

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced energy
  • prefer standalone hits over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1989, Return to Myself was Hamada Mari's third studio album, following her successful sophomore effort. At this point, she was solidifying her presence in the J-pop scene, transitioning from her initial breakthrough to becoming an established artist with a dedicated fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors
Aimer· Yuki Kajiura· Kenshi Yonezu

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Return to Myself 4:31
  • 2 Separate Lives 3:39
  • 3 Emotion in Motion 4:31
  • 4 Walking on the Borderline 3:51
  • 5 Second Wind 5:51
  • 6 Only in My Dreams 3:54
  • 7 Take Me To Your Heart 4:46
  • 8 We Should Be So Lucky 3:28
  • 9 With All My Love 4:35
  • 10 Restless Kind 4:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata