On January 21st, 1982, Tatsuro Yamashita released For You, a J-Pop album finishing off his “Air Records” Era, ending this time in his music career with his a colorful and vibrant album, cementing this era as his most creative and passionate with his other successful works such as (and only) “Ride On Time” and “Moonglow”. Around the time “For You” was released, portable music was gaining notoriety around the world. With car stereos, Walkman Cassette Players, and portable radios coming into the market, Yamashita created the album with these devices in mind, sort of like love songs on-the-go.
Years after it’s release, the album would regain popularity from the internet during spring of 2020 through the revival of Japanese Metroploitian pop music from the 1970’s to 1980’s that would be part of the loosely defined genre “City Pop.” In an interview with Yahoo! Japan in 2022, Yamashita shared his thoughts about the genre. “Even if someone asked me what I thought of City Pop, I can only reply “I don’t know”, honestly speaking. I can only say that everything was fate. A few years back in Shibuya, an American guy in his 20’s came up to me and asked me to autograph his copy of “GO AHEAD!”. When I asked him how he knew about the album, he told me that he found out online. It’s one weird age, I tell you, but I’m grateful.”
FAU
I regard “For You” as an infinitely timeless album. From front to back, Tatsuro Yamashita’s “For You” is a timeless swan-song album for his Air Records era. Each track is filled with love and life, from “Sparkle” to the interludes. It’s also incredibly varied, yet it stitches together nicely, from the funk of “Love Talkin’” to the heart-aching sound of “Futari.” If you haven’t listened to “For You” yet, look for an upload on Youtube, buy a CD or an overpriced record on Ebay, or do just whatever to listen to it.
ACARIO
Tatsuro Yamashita’s “For You” is an amazing album, and worth the deep dive required to listen to it. As someone who has not listened to him before, it was interesting to learn of his disliking of digital media for his music but that only made the adventure to listen to it even better. When I finally found a way to listen to the album, it was a breath of fresh air from what I’m used to listening to. It’s such an energetic, pleasant album, when first listening to it, it reminded me of a Saturday morning and waking up to the beautiful sunrise. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the album (besides Interlude B, Part 1) and I believe it was worth the journey to find this hidden gem.
TRACKS
Sparkle – 10/10
Music Book – 10/10
Morning Glory – 10/10
Futari – 10/10
Loveland Island – 9/10
Love Talkin’ (Honey It’s You) – 10/10
Hey Reporter! – 7.5/10
Your Eyes – 9/10
INTERLUDES
Interlude A Part I – 10/10
Interlude A Part II – 10/10
Interlude B Part I – 8/10
Interlude B Part II – 10/10
CD EXTRAS
Amaku Kiken Na Kaori (Sweet & Dangerous Scent) – 9/10
Every Night – 9/10
