Now that we’ve got K-pop ranked for the year, it’s time to turn the blog’s attention to other music markets. First up is J-pop — a scene I write about every week on Sundays (and occasionally other days if a track catches my attention). Compared to last year’s excellent slate of music, I found J-pop pretty underwhelming overall this year. As with K-pop, there are a few persistent trends I’m not particularly fond of at the moment. However, while compiling this list I realized just how many great tracks came out in 2024. My list feels more rock-focused than normal, with even many of the pop tracks having strong guitar influence. I hope you’ll browse the selections and find something new to obsess over!
SONGS 50-31
SONGS 30-11
SONGS 10-1
2024 YEAR-END MASTERPOST
30. Travis Japan – T.G.I. Friday Night
These guys are at their best when delivering fun, don’t-think-too-hard roller rink pop music perfect for late summer afternoons.
29. Shinjiro Atae – Upside Down
Shinjiro Atae released some excellent dance music this year (Fun Forever is also very good), but the addictive synth tones on Upside Down might be his best work yet.
28. &TEAM – Aoarashi
Aoarashi is all about the power of its chorus. Both the melody and production sweep you off your feet and offer lift just when the song needs it. (full review)
27. Snow Man – Empire
Snow Man have a diminished role on this year’s countdown, but the orchestral pomp of Empire gave them their biggest 2024 highlight.
26. &TEAM – Yukiakari
Even though Yukiakari is only a few days old on my playlist, I’m finding myself more and more won over by its rock-influenced drive and sense of emotional catharsis. (full review)
25. One Or Eight – Don’t Tell Nobody
One Or Eight burst out of the gate with this internationally-targeted banger. The brisk chorus crackles with excitement and teases a great future ahead of them.
24. ONE OK ROCK – Dystopia
I’m so excited for ONE OK ROCK’s upcoming album because every pre-release single has been a monstrous hit. This one has a singalong chorus so big you could get lost in it.
23. Miyavi – Running In My Head
Miyavi released a fair amount of music this year but not as many music videos. Luckily, he saved the cinematic treatment for his best 2024 hit. The chorus has such satisfying intensity. (full review)
22. Galileo Galilei – Spin!
Indie rock doesn’t get more serotonin-boosting than Spin. It’s a whirlwind of energy, punctuated by an optimistic hook that’s like lightning in a bottle.
21. Takanori Nishikawa with T.Komuro – Freedom
Two J-pop legends meet on the OST for a legendary Japanese franchise. Takanori Nishikawa (aka: T.M.Revolution)’s vocals sound absolutely immense against the theatrical Komuro production.
20. Genic – I’ll Be There
Genic’s best 2024 material wasn’t promoted as a single, but they did promote I’ll Be There early in the year. This is a boilerplate J-pop sound but pulled off with panache. It hung around my playlist for many months.
19. Ryugujo – Urashima
Given its short two-minute length, I spent a good while side-eying Urashima before quickly falling into its offbeat charms. As usual with Ryugujo, it’s their unhinged performance that sells the material. (full review)
18. Sakurazaka46 – Jigoujitoku
The vocal breakdowns (is that a sample?) that open and punctuate this track are some of the most thrilling musical moments I heard all year. The song occasionally has trouble measuring up to the production, but when everything comes together this is total magic.
17. Perfume – Cosmic Treat
I’ve been a casual Perfume fan for many years but never fell in love with them the way so many other fans have. 2024 may have changed that because their latest album (and this single) are pure celestial synthpop bliss.
16. Qwami – Never Stop
I keep waiting for the world (or at least Japan) to wake up and realize that this is one of the most addictive songs released all year. The beat is beyond funky and the melodies perfectly match that groove. By the time we get to the MJ-esque outro, I’m beyond smitten.
15. Number_i – INZM
On the whole, I am not a fan of Number_i’s music. However, INZM is so weird and wild (and rocky!) that I found myself playing it over and over. The bombastic finale is super-charged fun.
14. Kid Phenomenon – Show U Light
I haven’t connected to any of LDH’s new-gen acts the same way as I have their seniors, but this tropical-tinged, belt-it-from-the-rafters anthem is pure boyband perfection. Grab your hairbrush and sing into it like your life depended on it.
13. Wild Blue – Wild Blue
Wild Blue were some of my favorite J-pop rookies of the year and that’s due in large part to this optimistic debut. It’s like a blast of warm summer air, transporting you to adventure.
12. SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]: TXT – LeveL
I would have never expected one of my favorite J-pop producers to team with one of K-pop’s leading acts. TXT make a great foil for Hiroyuki Sawano’s grand, beat-driven sound. (full review)
11. OCTPATH – Fun
If you’re going to release a song titled “Fun,” you better make damn sure it actually is. Luckily, OCTPATH don’t have to hang their heads in shame because their Fun is cheesy stadium rock goodness — like something One Direction would have concocted at their peak.