ZAQ - NO RULE MY RULE

When westerners think J-pop, they often think anime. Anime openings, anime endings, anime music in general. In recent years, one of the most prominent artists in that area of J-pop has been ZAQ. Breaking onto the scene with the opening theme to 'Sasami-san@Ganbaranai', ZAQ quickly solidified her place as one of the best in the game with her debut album "NOISY Lab." and single "OVERDRIVER". It's been two years, and ZAQ is back with a bright and explosive reminder of why it is we fell in love with her in the first place.

ZAQ's latest album "NO RULE MY RULE" is full of singles released between now and 2014. There's the incredible 'Rail Wars' ending theme "OVERDRIVER", the triumphant "Philosophy of Dear World", and "Katararezutomo", which served as the opening to last year's first season of 'Concrete Revolutio'.

Exploring further into the album, there's the sweet love songs "Koi wa Saku no Ka" and "Ayumu Hito", the intense snotty hip-hop of "Glitch", and the infinitely hyperactive "Ikitai Event Kasanari Sugite Comp Dekinair Otaku Sousou Kyoku". ZAQ shows off her varied skills in all manner of styles, never sticking to one genre for too long. Even in the fairly predictable world of clean-cut J-pop, ZAQ is somewhat of a rebel. 

The eponymous closing song is bright, led by a triumphant horn section and leading into ska-infused pop rock. While clearly fitting all the tropes of a genre associated with anime openings, it's still an explosive finisher to an explosive album. ZAQ isn't doing anything new on "NO RULE MY RULE", but rather reminding us that she's one of the most consistently talented singers in the modern J-pop scene.

This neon-soaked pop album is the perfect uplifting combination of sweetness and attitude, and serves as a wonderful addition to ZAQ's promising career.

​-Justin

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ZAQ

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