Matsushita Makoto – First Light (Clear Lime Yellow Vinyl)

Released in 1981, First Light is a pristine gem of Japanese city pop, blending silky jazz-funk, soft rock, and smooth soul with immaculate production and musicianship. Matsushita Makoto, a guitarist and member of AB’s and later fusion group Paradigm Shift, delivers a record that’s both breezy and sophisticated. The album feels like a sunlit drive along a coastal highway—layered with shimmering guitars, mellow synths, and lush vocal harmonies. Tracks like “First Light,” “September Rain,” and “Love Was Really Gone” highlight the tight arrangements and Matsushita’s refined sense of melody and rhythm.

Reviews

“One of the definitive city pop albums—effortlessly cool and endlessly replayable.” – TimeOut Tokyo

“First Light captures that golden era of Japanese pop-fusion with elegance and taste.” – The Vinyl Factory

“A smooth ride from start to finish... brimming with class, charm, and AOR warmth.” – Spectrum Culture

“Matsushita’s guitar work is subtle but stunning—this is city pop at its most refined.” – Tokyo Weekender