Kyoko (杏子) – Justess (a J!-ENT World Groove Music Review)

1. Wandering Boots
2. www. ～World Wide Wisteria～
3. 冬の花火
4. 青猫
5. 最後に愛を それはアナタに ～a swan song～
6. Gibier
7. ガールズトーク スイーツ ランジェリー
8. ちいさな旅

Kyoko is a Japanese vocalist who is best known for her being a member of the popular ’80s Japanese band BARBEE BOYS.  Known for her low, husky voice, she has been singing solo but is also a member of the group FUKUMIMI with Sukao Suga and Masayoshi Yamazaki.

Since 1991, Kyoko has released 19 CD Singles and in 2010, she released her tenth album “JUSTESS”.

Kyoko’s music can’t be put in any genre one listen to her music, especially with “JUSTESS”, you will hear her singing rock and then another would be pop.  But there is one thing that is consistent and that is her well-known husky voice.

In “Wandering Boots”, you get a rock track produced by SHAKALABBITS infused with traditional Japanese music shamisen.  In this track, while Kyoko sings the lower tone of the music, you have SHAKKALABBITS vocalist UKI singing the higher vocals.  It’s a pretty good song and both Kyoko and UKI’s voice compliment each other.

The second track “www. ～World Wide Wisteria～” features a collaboration with avex artist and former m-flo member LISA.  LISA lends her voice as background but the fact that the two are collaborating with each other is pretty cool as Kyoko sings a dance club upbeat pop track.

The third track “Fuyu no Hanabi” (Winter Fireworks) is classic Kyoko.  A rock ballad of sexual yearning and with Kyoko giving us that sensual, husky voice, the track turns out quite well.

The fourth track which translates to “Blue Cat” is a slower musical track with a hint of traditional Japan and cool beats.  An OK mellow track!

The fifth track which translates to “Love at last for you dear ~A swan song~” is a piano-driven slow ballad, while the sixth track “Gibier” features a a contemporary upbeat rock track and another solid track on the album.

The seventh track “Girls Talk Sweet Lingerie” is a pretty cool  track featuring a collaboration with Takki of GO!GO!7188.  And Takki’s percussion definitely highlights this track, especially the awesome guitar playing by Aya Tamaki.  While, the final track which translates to “Little Trip” has a hint of a country Irish melody.

The CD insert features lyrics and production credits for the album. A mini flyer for Augusta Records is also included with this album.  Also, a special 2011 calendar featuring sexy photos of Kyoko are included but the calendar only goes up to June 2011.

Overall, “Justess” is another cool release from Kyoko.  Featuring tracks with various styles of music but yet showcasing her well-known husky voice, fans of her solo work can definitely feel proud of her latest release as each track definitely keeps the album quite upbeat and enjoyable.

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