Airi's Most Loved Singles of 2020 ♡

I'm still alive bitches and I'm back at it again with my end of year rankings! ♡

Yes, I know I'm late. However, it's better to be late than never right? 

We can all agree that 2020 has been.. quite a year. It's gone to shxt and we're all ready for a brand new year. With the pandemic, many of us have been in quarantine for months. For me, with quarantine, I was able to have more free time to actually sit down and listen to more music. I branched out of my usual bubble of artists and groups; I fell back in love with certain groups and artists. When I tried to write up my yearly ranking, there were so many songs that I wanted to mention. So I decided to do things a little bit differently this year. I'm doing best singles, best albums, and then best songs overall. ♡

In this post, as stated by the banner, I will be talking about my favorite singles of 2020. Speaking of my banner, please tell me if it looks good. My laptop got shattered this year so I finally upgraded to the newest model of the Macbook Air with Retina display. However, now my 540px banners and every other images look super pixelated and low quality even though they look fine on my cellphone... Photoshop is hard and this is going to bug me forever. 

Before we begin, here are a few notes to share about my ranking: 

1. I have to like a majority of the songs on single unless specified otherwise. For example, if a single has five tracks, I need to enjoy at least three tracks.

2. For singles with more than three tracks, I will be sharing my favorites to listen to. These are my go-to's essentially. I hope to share at least two tracks with everyone.  

Now, let's get into my favorite J-pop singles of 2020! ♡

18. 灼熱のミステリーアイ/ 絶世クレオパトラ

by 放課後プリンセス 

– released July 29th, 2020 – 

I'm going to be very honest. There is still a part of me that is still shocked and trying to process the fact that this will be Maika's last single and that she is graduating from Houkago Princess. When I first became interested in the group years ago, it was around the same time that Maika had just joined the group. From that moment, she became one of my favorite members from the group and it's going to be really hard to imagine Houkago Princess without her. She had a really strong presence and she carried the group in terms of vocals. Okay, enough about Maika. Let's talk about the single, which is themed around Cleopatra. It's a very fun summer single if you're craving that bubblegum pop. Shakunetsu no Mystery Eye features a bit of an Egyptian flare to the instrumental. Meanwhile, Zessei Cleopatra has the typical Houkago Princess sound. Despite how different these tracks are, I love both of them and can't choose one over the other. They've become one of my most favorite tracks from the group so far.

17. ダーリン

by FAKY

– released August 26th, 2020 – 

FAKY has been around for seven years, so many people has heard of them. However, compared to others that I have interacted with, I'm not that big of a fan of the group. Rather, I'm more a casual listener. The group's music style can be considered as very powerful, retro, and fun. It was purely by chance that i stumbled upon Darling and I was very surprised. In comparison to their other tracks, the song was very mellow and calming. This type of sound was directly up in my alley and I couldn't stop listening to it. The track has become my most favorite track from the group so far. 

16. DADDY! DADDY! DO! ft. 鈴木愛理

鈴木雅之

– released April 15th, 2020 –

I came here for Suzuki Airi; I stayed for Suzuki Masayuki (and for Airi). When I first saw the title of the song, I remembered being very confused. I'm personally not a huge fan of the band sound so I initially thought that this song wasn't my cup of tea. However, after giving the song a few more listens, it really grew on me and I ended up loving the song. It's super catchy and fun to listen to. Without realizing it, I ended up remembering the dance as well. In regards to the vocals, we all know that Airi's a stellar vocalist. However, she is only here as a backing vocal. Masayuki was the real star; his voice is so smooth and charismatic. The harmonies were so good, their voices complement each other well. I hope that they would collaborate together again on another jazzy, retro song. Maybe for the third opening of Kaguya-sama: Love is War?~

15. Still in Love

by EINSHTEIN

– released May 20th, 2020 – 

When looking for new songs to listen to during the summer season, I found this song through a YouTube video created by theDX3 (which I recommend if you're looking for new songs being released). After hearing a small part of it, I immediately fell in love and sought out to listen to the full song. Still in Love has that tropical house vibe which I really like. I'm a fan of the general edm; however, tropical house is one of my favorite subgenres. It's very mellow song that has me daydreaming and giving me inspiration for some of my creative writing. Furthermore, if you're a fan of Shaun's Way Back Home (which I also love) then you might like this song too as it has a very similar vibe. 

14. Imitation Rain

by SixTONES

– released January 22nd, 2020 – 

SixTONES FINALLY DEBUTED! THEY FINALLY DEBUTED! AFTER FOLLOWING THEM FOR SO MANY YEARS, THEY FINALLY MADE THEIR DEBUT AND I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. Produced by Yoshiki, Imitation Rain is a very emotional and strong debut song. It's a rock ballad which suits the group's overall sound and image so well. Watching the live performance of the song, watching the music video, listening to the single had me in tears. I'm just so happy that SixTONES finally made their debut. However,  because this is a single, Imitation Rain isn't the only track. Their B-sides are equally amazing as well. NEW WORLD is a more upbeat and cheerful song which shows off their vocals and makes me feel warm and bubbly on the inside. Telephone is the complete opposite, being a typical EDM track. However, I love it just as much and I think it's great that SixTONES is able to showcase so many different sounds in their first single. 

𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗢: All of it! Just listen to all of it! 

13. カラクリだらけのテンダネス / すっぴんKISS

by Sexy Zone 

– released December 5th, 2018 – 

When the single was first released, I did not care much for it. Actually, I think I even have this single a fair chance. All I remembered was listening to maybe a one minute preview of each song and thinking "Yeah, no." However, as I had more time to actually sit down and listen to each song thoroughly, I would like to give my most sincerest apologies for this single. I am so sorry. I did not give you a chance or appreciated you enough, because this single is an absolute bop. Karakuri Darake no Tenderness features the well-known Sexy Zone band sound with a bit of a jazzy touch, which is perfect for a classic Detective film (Hey, shout out to Kento's drama DoroKei). Suppin Kiss, on the other hand, is very cute and upbeat tone that just makes me very happy. I fell in love with this single and the b-sides are great too – especially Wagamama Lady. I cannot stop listening to it. It's one of my most favorite B-sides from the group and I cannot believe that I have been sleeping on it. I demand a live performance o this!

𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗢: Karakuri Darake no Tenderness, Suppin Kiss, Spark Light, and Wagamama Lady ♡

12. 麒麟の子 / Honey Honey

by Sexy Zone

– released October 23rd, 2019 – 

Another single that I did not appreciate enough last year. When I first listened to it, I thought that it was a decent single. I like the tracks but I did not consider it among the top favorites for that year. Now that I had the chance to listen to the single more, it really grew on me and I love it. Kirin no Ko continues to be a very catchy tone and I love the emphasis on the guitar. Honey Honey is a very cute song and I love the use of the yellow inside of the music video. It's very bright and vibrant, without it being too overbearing. However, I think the main star of the single is not the A-sides but a certain B-side: BON BON TONIGHT. It's become one of my most favorite B-sides from the group. It's an addictive tune which features the band sound that Sexy Zone is known for. This single is only ranked higher than Karakuri / Suppin Kiss because I listened to this single more. However, depending on my mood, those two rankings can be switched. 

𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗢: Kirin no Ko, Honey Honey, BON BON TONIGHT

11. ハルジオン

by YOASOBI

– released May 11th, 2020 – 

YOASOBI took the entire J-pop scene by storm and dominated. However, I did not discover the group until May. I never quite understood just how big the duo was at the moment. I discovered them the day before the music video for Halzion was released actually. It begin with me becoming interested in Ayase because of his song Cynical Night Plan. Then, the very next day, Halzion was recommended to me as it was just released. I listened to it once and I haven't look back since. I loved everything about the song: the vocals, the instrumental, the visuals for the music video. To me, it's a very pretty song and I loved the piano used in it. This was the first YOASOBI song that I listened to and it will have a special place in my heart. 

10. 紅蓮華

by LiSA

– released July 3rd, 2019 – 

It wasn't until this year that I finally got onto the Kimetsu no Yaiba train (edit: I just realized now that this is sorta a pun because of the latest movie). Yes, I know. I'm late to it. However, now that I had more time at home, I was able to really get into a few anime and manga. I have listened to Gurenge a few times last year as it was getting really popular; however, I never really got into it until this year. This is a single where I don't particularly care about the other songs because the title track outshines it. It's a very strong and powerful track, as expected of it being an anime opening. It's become one of the most iconic anime songs within the past decade and I don't see it going away any time soon. LiSA did such a great job with the vocals to portray the hope and strength from the lyrics. I'm glad that she finally got a push into the spotlight after so many years.

9. 炎

by LiSA

– released October 14th, 2020 – 

Another single that in which I did not particularly care for the B-sides because the A-side practically outshines it. This is ranked higher than Gurenge based on my current mood. I'm just listening to this song a lot more, but the ranks can be switched vice versa. I'll admit that I didn't like it as much when I first listened to it. However, over time, Homura really did grow on me. Similarly, it's also another powerful track though much more melancholic. I'm personally not that much of a pop ballads in general but LiSA did a really great job with this track. I recommend listening to her cover on THE FIRST TAKE. It's absolutely magnificent. 

8. さよならの今日に

by あいみょん

– released February 14th, 2020 – 

This year, I've been trying to get into Aimyon a bit more. I wouldn't consider myself the biggest fan of her yet; however, I have been getting into a few songs. Though, the song that really stuck to me the most was Sayonara no Kyou ni. It's a very melancholic tone that I didn't expect to like so much. The first few times that I listened to it, I thought that it was really nice song and didn't have any other thoughts beside that. However, over and over, I just kept coming back to it. It lived in my head rent-free and now I really do love the song! Maybe 2021 will be the year that I become an Aimyon stan?~

7. NEW ERA

by SixTONES

– released November 11th, 2020 – 

2020 is SixTONES' year. ♡ After a strong debut single, all of their subsequent releases have been truly top-notched and I'm always so hyped to see what they would release next for the fans. I was very surprised to know that they would be releasing a third single; maybe this is just me being used to having a few releases per year from my groups. Nevertheless, as expected, it was great and solid single. NEW ERA as a whole was very fun to listen to. I absolutely love the title track and how it shows off a more traditional Japanese sound combined with a rock influence, as expected of it being the opening theme of Hanyou no Yashahime. The music video was spectacular and my personal favorite by far. The B-sides were also very trendy as well~ 

𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗢: NEW ERA, Lemonade, So Addicted

6. Angel

by ちゃんみな

– released September 9th, 2020 – 

Chanmina is also another artist that I've been getting into this year. I'll admit that I wasn't the biggest fan of her earlier works. However, after having a chance to listen to her other works, I actually really like her! One of her singles from this year, Angel, has become one of my most favorite songs from her. I love the use of guitars within the instrumental mixed with her usual EDM sound. My favorite part of the song has to be chorus. It's a great song for the summer time, perfect background music for watching the sunset on the beach. In regards to her B-sides, I'm not as much of a fan yet. I still think they can grow onto me though; I just need to listen to them more but that's gonna be hard considering Angel is a stellar bop.

5. 正しくなれない

by ずっと真夜中でいいのに。

– released December 17th, 2020 – 

ZUTOMAYO is also another group that I've gotten into this past year. Although they weren't my favorite in comparison to others like YOASOBI or Yorushika, they were still very good and I have gone back to listen to their tracks every now and then. However, Tadashiku Narenai was a completely unexpected surprise and a last-minute addition to my rankings. Me, being late to everyone, didn't even know the song was released until I watched the trailer for the Yakusoku no Neverland live-action. It sounded very different compared to their previous works, which the best way I could described it is rock with a bit of a retro flare. Tadashiku Narenai is an extremely pretty yet bittersweet song which complements Yakusoku no Neverland so well. It's become my most favorite song from the group so far. I love it so much.

4. NOT FOUND

by Sexy Zone

– released November 4th, 2020 – 

I feel very e m o t io n a l about this single because this is the first 5nin single in over two years. Sou finally felt comfortable enough to resume his activities and I'm just proud of him. Then, Marius went on hiatus because of burnout and I sincerely hope that he's getting the rest that he deserves. Sentimental emotions aside, I do really love this single. NOT FOUND took awhile to grow on me as a song, but I did end up falling in love with it. It does feature the signature Sexy Zone band-song with a strong emphasis on the brass, but I really like how the song builds up. The rap, the bridge, and that final chorus together is *chef's kiss.* The b-sides are also quite strong as well. In truth, this has become one of my most favorite Sexy Zone singles of all time. 

𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗢: NOT FOUND, Sugar Step, Arms Around Me, Bad Girl

3. NAVIGATOR

by SixTONES

– released July 22nd, 2020 – 

There was so much hype around this single and I believe that SixTONES deserved it because this is their best single by far. This is their second single and the first to be tied to an anime (Fugou Keiji Balance: UNLIMITED). I love the use of strings in the instrumental for NAVIGATOR as it gives a sort of mystery, horror vibe to the song and just adds to the build-up. Juri's rap is one of the iconic parts of the song and he stands out the most for this era. Juri's pink hair against the entire wave of blue for this single is beautiful. With a very strong title track, all of the B-sides are equally strong as well. We got some of the best songs from the Junior days as B-sides (Hysteria & Hikaru, Kizashi). We got a studio version of JAPONICA STYLE. Then, their new tracks are so fucking good. I am obsessed with every track on this single. Bravo, SixTONES! Bravo!

𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗢:  Fucking everything! Listen to all of it!

2. RUN

by Sexy Zone

– released August 5th, 2020 – 

This is Sexy Zone best A-side to date and one of my most ultimate favorite songs from the group of all time. RUN, to me, is a very jam-packed song that has you wanting more. It's a song that builds-up, hypes you up, and has a very satisfying end. In regards to the lyrics, it's also very motivating as well. With Sou's return, I was so happy to see them perform this as five and I hope that one day that they'll record a 5nin version of the song. RUN is one of those title tracks where it completely outshines the other songs on the single; however, they are very strong on their own too. I want to give a special shout out to Small Love Song as, not only is the entire song in English, it's a song about them singing to their child. If you followed Sexy Zone twitter, a lot of fans have become "pregnant" haha. I ranked this higher than NAVIGATOR because of the sentimental value. It's such a special single for me. 

𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗢: Just listen to everything, especially RUN. ♡

1. 夜に駆ける

by YOASOBI

– released December 19th, 2019 – 

Are we really surprised? This is perhaps the biggest mainstream hit of the year and my most favorite song from YOASOBI. I've discovered this song just minutes after Halzion, and I immediately fall in love with this song as well. Aside from having a catchy tone to it, one of the things that I really love is that YOASOBI's lyrics is based off of Japanese short stories. In case of Yoru ga Kakeru, it's based off of Thanatos no Yuuwaku. I love how, in contrast to a very fast-paced instrumental, the lyrics are sad and bittersweet. It's so addicting to listen to and I can't stop myself. My only regret is that I didn't notice them in December of last year. I am so sorry for not noticing you sooner, YOASOBI. 

Here are also some of my most honorable mentions for other great singles this year!

• Say So -Japanese Version- by Rainych

• Night Diver by 三浦春馬

• Mazy Night by King & Prince

• Dreamed a Dream by 浜崎あゆみ

• Asayake by 超特急

• 勘ぐれい by ずっと真夜中でいいのに。

• 春はゆく / marie by Aimer

• I LOVE... by Official髭男dism

• 怪物さん feat.あいみょん by 平井堅

• the rest of YOASOBI's singles from 2020

What were your favorite singles from 2020?~ Please let me know in the comments! Also, stay tuned for part two in which I talk about my favorite J-pop albums of 2020! 

Until next time, jyaa ne~ ♡