Album Review: カルディアの海 by 越美晴 – A Funky Slice of 1979 Japan That’ll Make You Go “Whoa!”
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into カルディアの海 (Cardia no Umi), the groovy little gem from Miharu Koshi that dropped way back in ’79. If you’re into Boogie, Disco, and some good ol’ Japanese Funk/Soul vibes, this one’s gonna slap harder than a fish outta water.
First off, let me just say—this album is straight-up smooth. Like, butter-on-a-hot-pan smooth. It’s got that perfect mix of bouncy basslines, shimmering synths, and Miharu Koshi’s voice, which somehow manages to sound both sultry and playful at the same time. Oh, and props to Makoto Yano for composing this magic. Dude knew what he was doing when he sat down at the piano.
Now, onto the tracks. There are two standouts here that I can’t stop humming—even though my singing sounds like a dying walrus. First up, the title track “カルディアの海.” This song hits you with these lush, dreamy chords right away, like you’ve been transported to a neon-lit beach somewhere in Tokyo Bay circa 1979. The rhythm? Tight as your jeans after Thanksgiving dinner. And those strings? They’re so silky they could double as pajamas. But what really sticks with me is how it builds—it starts chill, then BAM! It kicks into high gear and suddenly you’re not just listening anymore; you’re feeling it. You might even catch yourself busting out moves you didn’t know you had. Don’t worry, I won’t judge… much.
Then there’s “ハーバー・ライト” (Harbor Light)—and oh boy, does this one have swagger. Imagine cruising through Yokohama at night with the windows down, wind messing up your hair, and this tune blasting on repeat. It’s got that funky bassline that makes your hips move before your brain catches up. Plus, the chorus is sticky-sweet without being cloying, kinda like candy floss at a summer festival. By the end, you’ll be shouting random bits of Japanese lyrics even if you only speak English. Trust me, it happens.
But here’s the kicker—the whole vibe of カルディアの海 feels timeless. Sure, it came out decades ago, but slap this baby on today, and it still slaps. Maybe it’s the retro charm or maybe it’s just proof that great music doesn’t age—it gets better, like fine wine or questionable tattoos.
So yeah, give this album a spin. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Japanese funk or just someone looking for something fresh yet nostalgic, カルディアの海 delivers. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself boogie-ing alone in your living room at 2 AM. Your neighbors will think you’ve lost it—but hey, isn’t that what great music’s all about?
Final thought: If aliens ever invade Earth, I’m playing this album during negotiations. Either they’ll dig it and spare us, or they’ll leave confused, wondering why humans invented such weirdly catchy noises. Either way, win-win.
