■ “I think it’s a playlist that everyone can enjoy.” (King & Prince Nagase Ren)
Apple Music has updated its special page “Summertime Sounds,” which introduces music perfect for this season. Aiko, King & Prince, and Dai Hirai from Japan have participated, and a playlist of songs with a summer theme has been released.
The introductions for each playlist also include comments from the artists, such as why they chose the songs and what they’re looking forward to this summer.
■“King & Prince: Summer Vibes”
The playlist, created by Nagase Ren and Takahashi Kaito (the official spelling of “Taka” is with a はしごだか), features a diverse range of songs that fit a variety of scenes.
The first 16 songs were selected by Nagase. The artists and songs are from a wide variety of genres, including Fujifabric’s “Young People All,” never young beach’s “Akarui Mirai,” BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Nanairo,” and I Don’t Like Mondays’ “LEMONADE.” The second half was selected by Takahashi, and in contrast to the first half, the selection is centered on Western music, including Usher’s “Kissing Strangers,” Ed Sheeran’s “2step (feat. Lil Baby),” Himi’s “365,” and even the Spanish-language “Exclusive.mp3” by Emilia.
The album is filled with pop, R&B, hip-hop and other songs that are perfect for a variety of summer situations, and her own songs include the fast-paced “SPOTLIGHT” and “Easy Go” with English lyrics, creating a sense of unity throughout.
■ Comment from King & Prince’s Ren Nagase
There are some calm songs, but there is also a good balance of exciting songs.
We’ve put together a wide variety of songs, mainly Japanese music. We think it’s a playlist that everyone can enjoy.
(The best place to listen to the playlist is) the seaside or beach.■ Comment from Kaito Takahashi of King & Prince
We’ve collected a lot of songs that will lift your spirits even when you’re alone.
Of course, these are songs that you can enjoy when you’re with others, but I also select songs that you can use to create your own mood even when you’re alone.
■ “Aiko: Great songs to listen to in the summer”
The playlist selected by aiko is filled with songs that reflect the summer days she has spent. The songs are selected from a wide range of genres such as hip hop, R&B, soul, pop, rock, and blues, such as The Pees’ “Experiment 4th”, The Searchers’ “Love Potion, No.9”, Kimyo Reitaro’s “Tamaranai Yokan”, and Typhoon Club’s “Hekireki”. Listening to the whole playlist will evoke nostalgia as well as the joy of summer.
■Aiko Comment
I chose songs that I like, songs that I want to listen to, songs that I want to get lost in, songs that lift my spirits.
While selecting the songs, memories from various eras came back to me and it was a lot of fun choosing the songs.
I want people to listen to it on the train, while driving, alone at night, at various times and in various places. (I’m happy anywhere ^^)
■ “Hirai Dai: SUMMER BAG”
Hirai Dai, who has participated in this feature in the past, has updated his playlist. This time, the playlist is packed with songs that will slowly release your mind and body and are necessary for the best summer. In addition to Hirai’s own songs, the playlist is full of songs worth listening to, such as Nickelback’s “High Time,” Olivia Rodrigo’s “Get Him Back!”, Aerosmith’s “What Could Have Been Love,” and Taylor Swift’s “Tim Mcgraw.”
Comment from Dai Hirai
The time I met my wife. The day we held hands and walked along the beach at sunset. The birthday we celebrated together.
And the birth of a new family member. This album is filled with songs that will make you feel the moments you spend with your loved one.
You can listen to it while relaxing on the beach and feeling the sea breeze, or you can use it as background music while driving.
I’m sure it will be a pleasant time. Especially since it’s summer, I’m looking forward to delivering my songs to everyone.
Many international artists are participating in this summer-themed playlist project, and many playlists selected by Apple Music editors and curators are also available.
Apple Music “Summertime Sounds”
https://music.apple.com/jp/curator/apple-musicSummertime-Sounds/1558257235
Click here for the playlist “aiko: Great songs to listen to in the summer”
apple.co/aikoSS
Click here for the playlist “King & Prince: Summer Vibes”
apple.co/KingPrinceSS
Click here for the playlist “Hirai Dai: SUMMER BAG”
apple.co/DaiHiraiSS
