Alright, let’s dive into Heart Beat by Shozo Ise. This 1984 Japanese funk/soul and pop gem from the Canyon label is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s smooth, groovy, and packed with vibes that feel both retro and kinda timeless. If you’re into music that makes you wanna sway or just chill with a drink in hand, this might be your jam.
First off, let’s talk about “人魚の誘惑” (Mermaid’s Temptation). Man, this track is pure ear candy. The bassline slaps hard right from the start, and there’s this dreamy synth layer floating over it like a cloud. What really sticks with me is how the vocals just glide over everything—smooth as butter but still got that quirky edge to ‘em. You can tell Shozo was goin’ for something playful yet sultry here, and honestly? He nailed it. Every time this song comes on, I find myself zoning out, picturing some neon-lit Tokyo night back in the day. Like, yeah, I wasn’t even alive then, but this tune makes me feel like I was.
Another standout has gotta be “もう泣かないで” (Don’t Cry Anymore). Now, this one hits different—it’s slower, softer, almost like a warm hug after a rough day. The melody’s super simple, but dang if it doesn’t get stuck in your head for hours. There’s something about the way the piano chords linger—it feels bittersweet, like saying goodbye to someone you cared about but knowing they’ll always stay in your heart. And those backing harmonies? Chef’s kiss. Honestly, I didn’t expect to vibe so hard with a ballad, but here we are.
The rest of the album keeps things fresh too. Tracks like “Nakashibetsu” bring in these unexpected instrumental twists that keep you guessing, while “Are You Leav’in?” leans more into straight-up pop territory with hooks sharp enough to cut glass. Even when he dips into funkier stuff like “チャイナドレス” (Cheongsam), it never feels forced—it’s just fun without trying too hard, ya know?
What gets me thinking though is how underrated this album probably is outside Japan. Like, sure, City Pop blew up globally years later, but where’s the love for gems like Heart Beat? Maybe it’s because Shozo didn’t chase trends or maybe it’s just bad timing. Either way, it deserves more ears.
Anyway, listening to this album felt like finding an old mixtape at a thrift store—you press play not knowing what to expect, and suddenly you’re transported somewhere else entirely. Funny thing is, now every time I hear any kind of heartbeat sound effect in other songs, I think of this record. Weird, right? But hey, isn’t that what great music does? It sticks around in ways you don’t see coming.
