Rising Suns: Sakurazaka46 "Shoninyokkyu"

    In honor of their invite to this year's NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, we will begin a new segment on this blog called "Rising Suns" where we talk about how singles, albums, and artists from Japan. If you don't know Sakurazaka46, you should! They're dynamic, exciting, and angsty. And it's awesome. Apparently, they're the first girl group to be reinvited back to Kohaku after being dropped. Which I found surprising, but Morning Musume was never brought back after they were dropped. Neither has AKB48 or any of their sister groups even though SKE48 had a good showing this year. 

    Sakurazaka46 had their start as Keyakizaka46, Nogizaka46's first sister group. After some turbulence in lineups and behind the scenes issues (seriously, what was up with the mass graduations, Hirate Yurina's departure, and the lack of a single for awhile), the group rebranded into what it is today. I think it took Sakurazaka46 awhile to find their footing again, but now that they have they're confident in proceeding. 

    This is blindingly apparent on their latest single, "Shoninyokkyu." Which is thumping right from the start. It's relentless right from the start, you guys. It hits hard. It's an electronic playground with the members singing like punches. As an idol single should be, it's a lot of fun. It's a lot of fun in Sakurazaka46's own shade of color. Their singles didn't let up this year and have all been impressive. Please check them out!

Rank: S Rank. Anything Akimoto touches turns to gold, really.

Recommendation: The soundtrack for when you feel angst.