Suga Shikao - FUNKASTiC

After a decade and a half of dominating the pop charts, singer-songwriter Suga Shikao shows us he still has plenty left in the tank with his newest offering. He appears to be continuing from where he left off, giving his disco-heavy follow up to the 2008 album FUNKAHOLiC the apt title FUNKASTiC.

There's no better way to get the party started than with Party People, his 25th single release. There is an abundance of great rhythmic and syncopated bass lines throughout the album, and it is demonstrated well here. It is highly infectious funk rock with a catchy chorus and "la la la" sing-a-long moments that won't fail to get everyone fired up. After this warm up comes 91ji91pun, a fun disco-inspired track. It is opened with an almighty yowl from the man himself before filling out with a plethora of brass, sax, jazzy organ keyboard and bright percussion. The simple but memorable chorus consists solely of the song title repeated four times, allowing everyone to join in enthusiastically regardless of Japanese fluency, as they no doubt would at a live performance.

His 27th single SAYONARA HOMERUN has an air of familiarity with its electric guitar intro. Fans will enjoy this track as it harks back to his earlier work as a piece of classic pop. The basic rock instrument ensemble is joined by a synth string backing and running beat, into which Shikao's instantly recognisable voice fits like a glove. Kizashi is a more sedate piece, with Shikao's soft acoustic guitar dominating and accompanied sparsely by brush drumming. Shades of his other slower songs such as Happy Birthday and Kimagure are noticeable. His distinctive vocals are as soothing and reassuring as ever and make this a gentle interlude in the midst of all the disco tracks.

It's back to more 70's-style, guilty-pleasure disco with DOCUMENT 2010 ~Singer VS. Rapper~, the rapper being guest musician Mummy-D. The singer and rapper have an enjoyable musical interchange like a more laidback Run DMC and Aerosmith in the head-bopping chorus. The groovy FUNKAGERION reinstates the funk sound. With its combination of synth melding with soulful vocals, it is an understated piece of funk jam. The feel is carried over into the hip-hop flavoured TOMATO to uso to sentouki, which - although not bad - is one of the more forgettable tunes on the album. Other funk fusion tracks include the more interesting electro funk Taifuu wa hokuhokutou ni shinro wo kae..., the joyful funk/jazz fusion of Natsuiro TIME and the slightly cheeky Keibetsu.

There is a sense of déjà vu in the chorus of the mellow Ameagari no asa ni - it's not a little unlike that of SAYONARA HOMERUN, but is pleasant nonetheless. It is simply constructed around Shikao's guitar work and contemplative vocals and has a relaxed feel and a solid 4/4 bass line beat. It would accompany a rainy morning walk as described in the song to a tee. The album is rounded off with his 26th single and the opening theme to anime "Tegami Bachi," Hajimari no hi. It again features the guest rapper Mummy-D. It is a good tune to finish with and contains a very well written verse and chorus. It is much more of a dance-driven pop track with its off-beat percussion, vibrant guitar riffs and driving bass. The rap section mixes things up, but doesn't really add much to track overall and probably wouldn't be missed if omitted.

This release has enough to please fans and newcomers alike and more. Those already familiar with Shikao's music will have some 'heard it before' moments, which isn't surprising given that this is his ninth studio album. He surely can't be accused of not giving everyone what they know and love, however. Crammed full of tunes that will remain with you long after the CD is over and with the quality songwriting we've all come to expect, it delivers what it says on the tin and is pure funk-tastic Suga Shikao.


The limited edition of the album includes a DVD featuring his one-off 2009 concert at the London Institute of Contemporary Arts and documentary footage leading up to the event: SUGA SHIKAO IN LONDON LIVE and DOCUMENT.