Artist: Shota Shimizu
Album: “Snow Smile” EP
Label: Sony Music Records
Year: 2014

Intro

I came across the music of Shota Shimizu after leaving my JPop music streams to run. That’s actually how I discover some artists. I came across something I don’t hear much in JPop which is the element of soul and R&B. I decided to start with this EP because it’s what caught my ears first.

Good

The songs he had were really beautiful. There are three songs and an instrumental. I’ve heard Japanese R&B while usually were more ballad or had a hip-hop influence. This particular one had more of a soul vibe. I loved all of the songs.

Bad

When discovering new music and going towards an EP first, it makes me want more. In this case, I went toward an EP and wanted more music which I’ll definitely do moving forward. Any of the three songs could have been a promoted track, and I would have loved it. Shota doesn’t have the best voice, but what he has is the emotion belted into the music.

Overview

I’m glad when listening to streams, you’ll get some of the music you already know and love, and you’ll also get some music you should be listening to considering there wasn’t anything in the same ballpark I was listening to. I’m glad I came across the music of Shota Shimizu.

Overall rating: 4/5
Reviewed by: Timtastic