Heaven by Rakurui: A J-Pop Electronica Joyride That’ll Leave You Buzzing
If you’re into music that feels like a fizzy soda for your ears, Heaven by Rakurui might just be the album you didn’t know you needed. Released in 2017 under the Not On Label banner, this Japanese gem is a wild mashup of electronic beats and sugary pop hooks with a solid J-pop backbone. It’s like if Harajuku fashion had a soundtrack—quirky, colorful, and kinda unforgettable.
Let’s dive into two tracks that really stuck with me because, honestly, remembering all twelve would make this review longer than my grocery list.
First up: "Like A Bubble." This track hits you right off the bat (pun intended) with its dreamy synths and lyrics that somehow manage to feel both weightless and meaningful. Rakurui’s voice glides over the melody like… well, like a bubble floating through the air. The production has this sparkling quality to it, as though someone sprinkled stardust on their DAW. And let’s not skip the little details—those tiny chimes? Perfection. If I ever float away tethered to balloons like in Up, this song better be playing in the background.
Then there’s "Cloud Nine," which sounds exactly how being on cloud nine should feel—light, euphoric, but also weirdly bittersweet. The arrangement builds slowly, teasing you with soft piano notes before exploding into an EDM drop that could wake up your grandma. But here’s the kicker—it never feels overwhelming. Instead, it wraps around you like a warm hug from an old friend who still owes you twenty bucks. You can tell Rakurui poured some serious soul into this one. Plus, the chorus is so catchy, I caught myself humming it while trying to parallel park—a true test of memorability.
What makes Heaven stand out isn’t just the music itself; it’s the collaborative spirit behind it. With multiple lyricists contributing, each track brings something fresh to the table. From お湯’s quirky penmanship on “Entropy” to アイロニー’s knack for heartfelt verses, the whole thing feels less like a solo project and more like a musical potluck where everyone brought their best dish.
But hey, here’s the twist—you won’t find any big-name label backing or flashy marketing campaigns for this album. Nope, Heaven floats purely on its own merits. It’s DIY done right, proving that sometimes the most heavenly things come without the bells and whistles.
So, should you give Heaven a spin? Absolutely. Just don’t blame me if you start daydreaming about Tokyo streetlights and karaoke nights after listening. Oh, and fun fact: I once read somewhere that bubbles last longer in cold weather. Maybe that explains why this album still feels refreshing years later. Or maybe I’m just rambling now. Either way, enjoy the ride!
