J-Pop Recommendations?

[Zebi]

Hi! ^_^ I've always loved the music from animes, but have never really checked out j-pop. I was wondering if anyone had recommendations on artists I should give a try. Thanks!

[Barb Gordon]

Yeah, I'm like you, i totally LOVE the music from animes. But I have friends you are heavy into J-pop. I have only skimmed the surface. I can give you a few names of groups the my two heavily crazed j-pop buds like. I can also ask them for some names, if you'd like!

Maaya Sakamoto
Luna Sea
Gackt
T.M. Revolution
Denda Mao
Nanase Aikawa
Yuki Kimura
Shiini Ringo
Yuko Saski
Crystal Kay
Kate Project
Hitomi Yaida
Norkio Mitose
M_Flo
Yuki Hsu
Siam Shade
Ayumi Hamasaki


Barb^-^

[Elven Moon]

Well, I'm no J-Pop expert, I'm just getting into it myself, but these are some groups that I have listened to and enjoyed:

The Brilliant Green

Folder 5 - Never actually heard any of their songs but have heard good things about them.

Morning Musume - really sugary sweet, though, so if you can't stomach cute, this may not be the group for you. I for one adore them :)

Dreams Come True

Hitomi Yaida - Her song My Darlin' is really, really catchy!

Maaya Sakamoto - Voice of Hitomi from Escaflowne and a beautiful singer! Check out her album, Dive. Great stuff!

There's more, I just can't recall their names at the moment.

[Bud 'n Lou]

Well, I don't think they're technically J-Pop, but I recommend Cibo Matto. Their sound is kinda quirky. Many times, they use traditional Japanese sounds, and combine them with a broad mix of other genres. I dunno. They're weird...in a different way than your average J-Pop. Their music is obviously influenced by some American music. My favorite song by them is "Apple." If you like them, I'd also recommend Buffalo Daughter.
Also, I like Takako Minekawa. She's probably closer to what you'd expect from a J-Pop artist, but she's got some cool songs. I have her album, Fun 9. My favorite song on it is "Tiger."
Hope that helps!

[nightwing_38116]

Bonnie Pink

SMAP

Two-Mix

Namie Amuro

Speed

These are some of my favs. If I think of more I'll clue you in.

[zero zero nine]

Hikaru Utada and enflow (sp?)

i LOVE JPOP!

[Batmex]

Don't Forget Megumi Hayashibara!

[Zebi]

Just wanted to say thanks for the recommendations! ^_^ At the moment, I'm trying to find songs by Yuki Kimura - I really liked her song "Love & Joy"!