Shiggy Jr. - Koishitara Baby [Single]

Shiggy Jr. is a J-pop group who I've never heard of, but have been active since 2012. Despite this, they still have yet to release a full-length album. Shiggy Jr. released a couple of EPs on mona records before signing to UNIVERSAL SIGMA, where they have released only two singles. "Koishitara Baby" is the group's third single on UNIVERSAL SIGMA, and the striking cover art is the only reason I actually discovered this group in the first place. I hoped that the aesthetic on the cover would be reflected in the music, and I'm happy to report that it was a pretty safe bet.

"Koishitara Baby" is a brightly upbeat J-pop song, very reminiscent of 90s idol pop. It's catchy and bouncy with just the right amount of funky synths and guitar. A pretty solid and well-produced package. I can't get this song out of my head!

​If "Koishitara Baby" sounds like a return to 90s J-pop, then the first B-side "Still Love You" has its feet planted firmly in the 80s. A pure and innocent-sounding throwback to the golden age of J-Pop, this song has me absolutely hooked. There's some great disco-inspired beats and a lovely guitar solo which is absolutely shimmering. 

Just how versatile is this group? "key of life" is the second B-side, which is a much more modern synthpop song. The slightly chippy, almost 8-bit synths sound less like a throwback and more like a Kyary Pamyu Pamyu piece. It's super catchy, but the charm of the single so far has been all in the nostalgia for me. I like this song but I find myself forgetting about it pretty quickly, it really would have been better suited to KPP herself in my opinion.

The third and final B-side is "TOWN", which I'm happy to say is more of what I wanted. Pure golden age J-pop, complete with jazzy horns and funky beats. The bassline here is particularly thick. It's a charming and sweet little song brimming with nostalgia.

"Koishitara Baby" Music Video

I'm glad I found Shiggy Jr. when I did. "Koishitara Baby" is exactly what I needed in my life, and maybe it can be the same for you. I'm in love with this cute nostalgia trip, and I can say with certainty that I'm looking forward to hearing what Shiggy Jr. puts out next! I hope you enjoy this find as much as I do.

-Justin

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Shiggy Jr.

Tomoko Ikeda (Vocals)
Shigeyuki Harada (Guitar)
Natsuhiko Mori (Bass)
Moroishi Kazuma (Drums)

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