Album Review: WWMR 1 by wai wai music resort
Alright, let’s talk about WWMR 1 by wai wai music resort. Released in 2019 under Local Visions, this Japanese album is a chill blend of Pop and J-Pop vibes with that unmistakable J-Pop style we all secretly vibe to when no one's watching. It’s got this dreamy yet grounded feel, like driving through neon-lit streets at night or staring out of a train window on a rainy day. You know what I mean?
Now, there are some real gems here, but two tracks stuck with me for different reasons. First up, “ホエールウォッチャー” (Whale Watcher). Man, this one feels like floating in the ocean at sunset—peaceful but kinda mysterious too. The melody builds so gently it almost sneaks up on ya, and before you realize it, you’re lost in its vibe. It’s not overly flashy, but sometimes simple works best, right? Plus, who doesn’t love whales? They’re basically nature’s OG rockstars.
Then there’s “For Lonely Drivers (F.l.d),” which hits different depending on your mood. On a quiet evening, it’s perfect background music to zone out to. But if you’re actually cruising alone late at night, it becomes the soundtrack to those reflective moments where life just sorta makes sense for a second. There’s something about the rhythm—it’s steady, almost hypnotic, like the hum of tires on asphalt. And yeah, they threw in a remix version (“F.L.D (Sunset Drive Mix)”), which adds a little extra spice without losing the original charm.
The rest of the album has its highlights too—“大圏航路” (Great Circle Route) gives off serious wanderlust vibes, while “光の束” (The Luminous Flux) feels like walking into a beam of sunlight after being stuck inside forever. But honestly, every track brings its own flavor without trying too hard, which makes the whole thing flow super smoothly.
Here’s the random thought I ended up with though: Listening to WWMR 1 feels like flipping through an old photo album someone left behind. Not because it’s nostalgic exactly, but because each song feels like a snapshot of a specific moment or feeling. Like, did these guys intentionally make music that feels like memories? Or am I reading way too much into this? Either way, it’s good stuff.
So yeah, give WWMR 1 a spin if you’re into mellow J-Pop vibes with a dash of introspection. Just don’t blame me if you start zoning out mid-conversation ‘cause you’re busy imagining yourself as the protagonist in some artsy indie film.
