Anri – Timely!! = タイムリー (Japanese import, Sky Blue Vinyl)

Released in 1983, Timely!! is one of the defining albums of Japanese city pop, capturing the glossy optimism and urban sophistication of early-1980s Tokyo. Produced by Toshiki Kadomatsu, the album blends breezy funk basslines, sparkling synthesizers, and sun-drenched guitar with Anri’s smooth, effortless vocals. The production is immaculate, balancing danceable grooves with a laid-back West Coast feel influenced by American AOR and yacht rock. Tracks like “Remember Summer Days” and the massive hit “Last Summer Whisper” showcase the genre’s signature combination of nostalgia, romance, and polished pop craftsmanship.

What makes Timely!! endure decades later is how perfectly it captures a mood: youthful freedom, warm nights, and the glamorous promise of the bubble-era Japanese city. Kadomatsu’s arrangements give the music a rich, cinematic sheen while still feeling intimate and melodic. In recent years the album has become one of the most sought-after city pop reissues worldwide, especially after “Remember Summer Days” went viral online, introducing Anri’s sophisticated pop to a new generation of listeners.

Reviews

“Timely!! is city pop perfection, full of sparkling production and effortless melodies that still sound fresh decades later.” Pitchfork

“Anri’s silky vocals glide over Toshiki Kadomatsu’s immaculate arrangements, creating one of the genre’s most beloved albums.” AllMusic

“A sun-soaked classic of Japanese pop that captures the polished, cosmopolitan sound of the 1980s Tokyo nightlife.” The Japan Times

“One of the essential city pop albums, with shimmering synths and grooves that evoke endless summer nights.” The Vinyl Factory