Bennie K - Dreamland

It can be difficult to know where to start with an artist you know absolutely nothing about; this is often the case with Bennie K. While they may be a popular group in Japan, they are often ignored by the western J-pop scene. But if you want some happy music, then Dreamland could be a single that is for you.

The single opens with the song Dreamland, a song which screams summer and definitely seems to fit the criteria of happy. The song makes good use of both girls with smooth vocals and rap sections. The lyrics are in both English and Japanese, often changing mid-sentence yet flowing almost seamlessly. The song is pretty non-offensive, and there is also something that is instantly loveable about it.

UNITY follows and shows a different side to the group. While the song is still summery, it is slower paced and offers a different feel. The song is backed by a slightly jittery background track, and while it simply repeats throughout the entirety of the track, it doesn’t get annoying or boring.

The single closes with Tabibito, a track with a very Spanish feel due to the use of Spanish guitars. Despite the incomprehensible lyrics, YUKI's voice is somewhat pained as she sings the verses beautifully. This is probably the strongest song on the single, so it’s a shame it was featured as a B-side.

While the entire single isn't full of happiness, it is definitely a good introduction to one of the many underrated pop artists out there. The single offers a good amount of diversity while offering a distinctive sound; it shows different sides of the group without losing focus.