Mariya Takeuchi’s “Plastic Love”

When I wrote my article about Japanese “city pop” back in July, I sadly neglected to mention Mariya Takeuchi’s “Plastic Love.” Along with Toshiki Kadomatsu’s many compositions, this track from Takeuchi’s 1984 album Variety might very well be the pinnacle of “city pop.” Effortless arrangements, ultra-smooth jazz stylings and guitar riffs, funky rhythms that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Daft Punk album… it’s all there, and so much more. I love this song.