Back in stock: Pop

Review: Japanese city-pop starlet Anri was a fixture of the late 1970s to early 80s, and renewed interest in her work has sparked something of a reissues incentive. Now her 1984, early-to-mid career album Coool sees a reissue via For Life alongside Bi Ki Ni, and further hammers home her romantic vision in disco. Unlike the aforementioned album, Coool is slightly more electronic and dancey, and meditates more on appreciating nature than romance, with standout track 'Gone With The Sadness' reflecting Anri's experience of getting away from the city and leaving the sadness that comes with urbanity by the door.

Review: In around 2013, artists like Yung Bae pioneered the genre of future funk, which took elements from early Japanese city pop and funk from the 1980s, and turned it into hyper-compressed, dull and nostalgic explosions of sampledelic sound. But in turn, it reinvigorated interest in the particular brand of city pop that had been sampled - and those already in the know about it will know it was already danceable and driving enough. ANRI, the singer hailing from Kanagawa, was a central artist in this early J-pop sound, and unwittingly paved the way for this decades-to-come cultural routing. Funky live horns, dynamic vocal jumps and an optimistic feel cut across her 1982 opus Heaven Beach - a more laid-back and relaxed album compared to her other projects, and only her fourth. Emblematic of the Sino-nostalgia that has taken the vaporwave and future funk community by storm, it was one of her four earliest albums to be released with the timeless Japanese music trademark - the obi-strip.

Review: Porter Robinson's third LP, Smile shows his evolution from EDM prodigy to a multifaceted artist blending singer-songwriter sensibilities with early 2000s synth pop, pop rock, and pop punk. This album features vibrant, nostalgic elements reminiscent of M83, early MGMT, and the Postal Service, delivering a sound that is both upbeat and introspective. The singles, including 'Cheerleader,' reveal Robinson's playful yet earnest approach, responding to contemporary music memes with a nod to emo pop rock. Tracks like 'Knock Yourself Out,' 'Mona Lisa,' and 'Russian Roulette' highlight his knack for crafting catchy melodies and poignant lyrics. 'Kitsune Maison Freestyle' adds an 8-bit synth pop twist, while 'Easier to Love You' offers emotional depth. Opening with 'Knock Yourself Out,' Robinson blends humor and vulnerability, reflecting on his journey and the support system that bolsters his success. The album's bright, fuzzy synthesizers and soaring choruses create a cohesive, life-affirming experience, underpinned by personal and clever songwriting. Smile will not disappoint fans looking for some pop dance music.