For this weeks Blog activity, I listened to the top grossing singles of all time(by physical copies sold) as well as the top selling digital single, そばにいるね. It was very interesting to see the tastes of Japan in terms of music and lasting appeal.
Starting off the list was およげ!たいやきくん, a childrens song that held the top sales for over 11 consecutive weeks. Oddly enough, I thought this was one of the best sounding songs though one of the most simplistic in lyrics- with the song featuring lyrics depicting the taiyaki's journey as he swims.
Oddly enough the fifth ranking song was also from a children's tv show, Dango 3 Kyodai- an intro of sorts that establishes the three brother dango and their different character traits.
I also found the third ranking song to be quite fun,世界に一つだけの花, especially in comparison to other boy bands at the time- specifically that of NSYNC and Backstreet boys three years prior. This song was arguably the easiest to understand with the lyrics surrounding the idea of being the "prettiest flower in the world"- utilize a lot of ichiban terms as well as the hito identity for humanity.
Though I found the top grossing songs to be fun, it was interesting to see how popular music in japan has changed, as well as been influenced by other pop cultural standards- like that of the US. This was seen not only in 世界に一つだけの花, but also the R&B atmosphere ofそばにいるね, but I am unlikely to add any of these songs into my daily playlists.
Ooooh these songs sound pretty interesting! I kinda want to check them out! Children's songs are always hilarious to me.
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