Heaven by Jaywalk: A Slice of 1999 Japanese Alt-Rock Magic
Let’s get one thing straight—Jaywalk’s Heaven isn’t just another album from the late '90s. It’s this weird, wonderful mashup of rock grit and pop sparkle that somehow feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Released in 1999 under Meldac Records, it straddles genres like a musical tightrope walker, blending Alternative Rock with J-Pop vibes so effortlessly you almost forget they’re two totally different worlds.
First off, let’s talk about “Heaven,” the title track. Man, does it slap. From the opening chords, it grabs you by the collar and pulls you into its world—a mix of soaring vocals (shoutout to Kentaro Nakagawa) and lush instrumentation. The guitar work by Mitsuyasu Tomohisa is pure fire here; it’s melodic but edgy enough to keep your ears hooked. And those lyrics? They hit hard without being overly dramatic, like staring up at the sky on a cold night, wondering if there’s something bigger out there. I remember listening to this track for the first time and thinking, "Whoa, this is what music should feel like." It’s anthemic yet intimate, which is no small feat.
Then there’s “もう一度、君に恋しよう” ("Fall In Love With You Again"). This one sneaks up on you. At first, it seems like a straightforward love song, all soft keys and gentle drums courtesy of Junichi Tagiri. But as it builds, oh boy, does it deliver. Suke-Rock Nakauchi’s basslines are subtle but pack a punch, giving the whole thing this heartbeat-like rhythm. By the time the chorus kicks in, you’re not just hearing the song—you’re living it. There’s something achingly real about how raw the emotion feels, like someone spilling their soul onto tape. Honestly, it’s the kind of track that makes you want to call an ex or hug whoever’s closest to you. Weirdly cathartic.
What really ties everything together is the production. Hats off to Suke-Rock Nakauchi again—he didn’t just play bass and handle backing vocals; he recorded and mixed most of the album too. That level of involvement gives Heaven a cohesive sound, even when jumping between styles. Plus, Hiroshi Sunto’s art direction and Hideo Canno’s photography give the whole package this dreamy, ethereal vibe that matches the music perfectly.
But here’s the kicker—the instrumental track, “Once Upon A Time.” No words, just vibes. It’s short, barely over a minute long, but damn, it sticks with you. Like a fleeting memory you can’t quite place but don’t want to forget. It reminds me of sitting alone in a quiet room, letting my thoughts wander. Maybe that’s why I keep coming back to it—it doesn’t tell you what to feel. It lets you figure it out yourself.
Looking back, Heaven feels like a hidden gem, buried deep in the sands of '90s Japanese music history. Sure, it might not have blown up globally like some Western albums did, but maybe that’s part of its charm. It’s unapologetically itself, flaws and all. And honestly? That’s kinda refreshing.
So yeah, if you stumble across Heaven, give it a spin. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming “もう一度、君に恋しよう” while grocery shopping. Or zoning out during “Once Upon A Time” and accidentally buying five jars of pickles instead of one. Hey, stranger things have happened.
