Akiko Yano

Akiko Yano’s wild vocal style, adventurous compositions on the synthesizer, and integration of global music traditions set her apart from her contemporaries. Her third album, Iroha Ni Nonperitou, cemented her place as a hitmaker. Haruomi Hosono contributes bass here, and it’s important to note that this was just one year before he would go on to start Yellow Magic Orchestra. Yano would later join YMO as a member of their touring band and years later marry Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Ni Nonperitou opens with the short 1-minute “Kawaji” which prepares listeners for the psychedelic sonic themes that are about to unfold. The nostalgic A3 A Long Wait features trills from the jazz-funk great and former Happy End member Shigeru Suzuki on guitar. The most endearing part of the song is a melodic breakdown that opens up into a loose and expansive jam reminiscent of the peak of a psychedelic trip. B1 Ai Ai Gasi is another favorite, an upbeat bluesy tune written by Haruomi  Hosono. The album as a whole is playful, not derivative of any other global pop movements, and enjoyable in its entirety.

– Tana Yonas

Recommended – A3 A Long Wait, B1 Ai Ai Gasi, and Iroha Ni Konpeitou