Iri -- Matenrou（摩天楼）

 

One of the key phrases or words that I target when it comes to finding City Pop tunes that I have yet to listen to is matenrou or skyscrapers. For obvious reasons, if I see that word in a song title, I automatically assume that there is something urban contemporary and cool with the song.

I am not wrong here, either. "Matenrou" by singer-songwriter iri can be debated on whether it's Neo-City Pop or not, but as with the previous two songs that I've written about the Zushi-raised singer, there are some mighty fine beats and contemporary funk here. The song was released as a single in January 2022, the same time that its source album "neon" was put onto the shelves. Along with the arrangement, the other winning thing is that voice of hers with that lower thrum. The lyrics and the video seem to illustrate a mildly debauched night in Tokyo with plenty of tobacco and alcohol as rocket fuel, and that's not including the cool car that iri drives.

Iri -- Sparkle

 

Making do with another water shutoff day because of pipe replacement nearby so not completely in the greatest of moods. But that's partially why I have a blog...to get my ya-yas out until the water does return.

A few years ago, I wrote about the singer-songwriter Iri from Kanagawa Prefecture who came up with her March 2019 "Wonderland". Brought back some good old-fashioned m-flo vibes. Plus, there is also that distinctive voice of hers.

Well, I've also found the title track from her March 2020 4th album "Sparkle", and it's not to be mistaken for another very different "Sparkle". This one, created by Iri and Kan Sano, has some spacey and nocturnal funk dance beats going for it melody-wise while the lyrics talk of what the future holds. Face reality or burrow into those happier yet false dreams? The album reached No. 39 on Oricon and tomorrow, Iri's newest album will come out, "Private".

Iri -- Wonderland

Saw this "Wonderland" by singer-songwriter Iri a few months ago, and liked it so much that it got my bookmark. It's a track on her 3rd album "Shade" which came out back in March this year. According to her J-Wiki file, Iri focuses on the following genres: alternative R&B, hip-hop, reggae, soul, club music, and beat music.

What stood out to me in "Wonderland" is Iri's lower voice and how she uses it to trip the groovy music fantastic, and speaking about the music, there's something about it that reminds me of good ol' m-flo. It would be nice to see some of that soul music return to the mainstream in Japan. Perhaps it already is, and I'm not aware of it. If that's the case, let me know.

Iri hails from Zushi in Kanagawa Prefecture, and she decided on pursuing a music career since high school as she listened to singers such as Pushim, Toshinobu Kubota（久保田利伸）and Alicia Keys. After studying overseas in New York City, she returned to Japan in early 2015, and following appearances at a number of summer music festivals, she released her first album "Groove It" in October 2016.