Toshinobu Kubota has dominated the J-pop scene for the past decade or two. He produces regular chart-toppers and has collaborated with international stars like Naomi Campbell. His latest compilation, The Baddest - Hit Parade, features his best 32 singles of the past 25 years.
Known for his versatility, Kubota's double-disc album shows off a wide range of tunes in different genres from soul to pop to reggae.
A highlight is his rise-to-fame smash hit La La La Love Song, the theme song of the Japanese drama Long Vacation, which features Campbell.
There are also R&B-style soulful numbers on the album, such as Tomorrow Waltz, which will give you goose bumps with just enough beats to get you moving. As for upbeat songs, look no further than SUNshine, MOONlight to force you off your chair for some grooving.
The singer-songwriter's tracks come with sophisticated layers. Many songs are experiments in combining instruments in brand-new ways. Although the album is not, strictly speaking, a 'best of' collection, its eclectic song choices take you on an exciting journey into Kubota's musical world.
As an added bonus, the two CDs packed with goodies come at a reasonable price. It's the goodest of the baddest - a must-have for Kubota's old fans and for new J-pop aficionados alike.
