The albums that define
city pop.
Our picks for where to start with city pop — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top city pop artists
Start with one of these.
The city pop essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Yumi Matsutoya
Toki no Nai Hotel
A lush tapestry of jazz-infused melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of wistful nostalgia.
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Yumi Matsutoya
Hikoukigumo
Charming melodies weave together folk rock and jazzy elements, creating a dreamy landscape of introspective storytelling.
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Anri
Timely!!
Anri's smooth vocals glide over lush arrangements, blending city pop with a nostalgic 80s sheen.
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Anri
Trouble in Paradise
Anri's vibrant blend of city pop and J-pop creates a colorful, upbeat soundscape filled with catchy melodies and playful lyrics.
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Tatsurō Yamashita
Melodies
A vibrant blend of smooth melodies and nostalgic grooves that encapsulates the essence of 80s Japanese pop.
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Tatsurō Yamashita
FOR YOU
A vibrant fusion of smooth jazz, R&B grooves, and sophisticated pop melodies that encapsulates the essence of city pop.
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Mariya Takeuchi
VARIETY
A vibrant blend of city pop and disco infused with soulful melodies and nostalgic grooves.
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Masayoshi Takanaka
Brasilian Skies
A vibrant blend of jazz-funk and city pop, infused with Brazilian rhythms and lush instrumental textures.
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Masayoshi Takanaka
Seychelles
A vibrant fusion of jazz-funk and city pop, enveloped in tropical rhythms and sun-soaked melodies.
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APO Hiking Society
DalawampunAPOsila
An engaging blend of Manila sound and easy listening, infused with lively live performances that capture the essence of Filipino music.
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APO Hiking Society
Twelve Years Together
Melodic harmonies blend with reflective lyrics, capturing the essence of Filipino easy listening in the early '80s.
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Eve
Smile
Eve's 'Smile' combines ethereal melodies with intricate rhythms, creating a vibrant tapestry of contemporary J-pop and city pop influences.
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Akira Terao
Reflections
A lush blend of smooth melodies and jazzy instrumentation, encapsulating the essence of early '80s city pop.
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Lola Amour
Don't Look Back
A vibrant blend of city pop and funk rock that radiates youthful energy and emotional introspection.
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