Prema

I’ve mixed feelings about Kaze’s new album. It’s his third studio album, first one sung mostly in English, and an obvious push into the Western market. Other than Hachiko, I have to say he’s letting the side down a little. His vocals are as lovely as ever, and the musical accompaniment is fantastic, but a lot of the flair is missing. It’s an album about love and togetherness, and while I don’t mind that in principle, the finished album felt a little like a product of the idol industry. I understand the marketing and promotion more or less consists of him opening for Billie Eilish, which says all you need to know. No offense for either artist, but Kaze is hardly an organic fit for Eilish’ sound or vibe, but, again, this is a piece meant to break out of his quirky, Jpop pond, and I guess I can only be happy that the final product is as good as it is, with that in mind.