JUNKO OHASHI - Magical 2xLP

Label: Universal

Magical, a 1984 compilation album by Junko Ohashi, is one of the most iconic and recognizable Japanese albums of the 1980s to Western audiences. It cohesively puts together many of Ohashi's best works, despite the fact that many of the songs on the album never became hits. What the album does, however, is combine a feeling of power (stemming from Ohashi's strong voice) and good songwriting without succumbing to the allure of 1980's synthpop. The album accurately pairs Ohashi's best examples of songwriting and singing together with no regard for her ultimate commercial success. Upon release in 1984, Ohashi's hit-making career was essentially over, with her largest hits coming from the late 1970's. And although she would continue to make more original albums through the 80's, Magical was somewhat of a "last hurrah" for the late 70's and early 80's sounds that she was best known for.

This elusive 1984 city pop fantasy finally gets a repress on Universal Japan after changing hands on Discogs for 300 quid for far too long. Two thirds compilation, one third original album, it functions as an excellent primer for Ohashi's saccharine, glistening city pop. 'A Love Affair' is a snappy slice of rolling neon funk with a pleasantly amoebic, squelchy breakdown, and 'I Love You So' plods a long on a daydreamy Nick Martinelli type beat, 'In Your Lovin'' is the one though, with springloaded guitar chugs and a lifted, meandering chorus bound to make the most discerning rare groove heads scramble for their wallets.