ALBUM: いきものがかり – あそび [MP3+RAR]

いきものがかり – あそび

Celebrated J-pop group Ikimono-gakari (いきものがかり) returned with their brand-new album 『あそび』 (Asobi), which translates to “Play,” on April 30, 2025. The duo, who are well-known for their upbeat pop sound and heartbreaking ballads, adopt a more experimental and free-spirited approach with this album while maintaining a strong foundation in emotional storytelling.

The album’s overall theme—living life with curiosity, spontaneity, and emotional honesty—is embodied by the title, which is more than just a play on words. Every song examines a different “mode of play,” ranging from amorous adventure and youthful delight to artistic freedom and wistful introspection. The band referred to the album as a “celebration of creativity and emotional color” in interviews conducted prior to its release, with the intention of reminding listeners to allow for happiness, creativity, and the unexpected in their life.

Here are just a few highlights from the album’s diverse 12-song tracklist: 「彩り」(Irodori) – A gentle, emotional ballad that was pre-released on April 28, capturing the colors of everyday life. 「パズル」(Puzzle) – A rhythmic, layered pop song about piecing together feelings and memories.

「プレイタイム」(Playtime) – The album’s upbeat centerpiece, filled with bouncy synths and playful vocals that live up to the album’s title. 「さよなら遊園地」(Goodbye Amusement Park) – A bittersweet track that blends nostalgia with poetic lyrics, evoking the end of a magical day. Musically, the album spans from acoustic ballads and anthemic J-pop to genre-blending tracks with hints of funk, electronic pop, and even lo-fi textures.

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The album cover for 『あそび』 features an abstract collage of primary colors, childlike doodles, and silhouettes of the band members surrounded by floating paper airplanes, crayons, and origami. It’s whimsical yet symbolic, aligning perfectly with the album’s blend of play and depth. The accompanying music videos continue this artistic vision, filled with bright visuals, animation, and storytelling that encourages imagination.

With 『あそび』, Ikimono-gakari (いきものがかり) delivers a musical experience that is light, free, and deeply human. It’s an album that encourages both emotional reflection and everyday joy—a perfect companion for fans navigating the complexity of modern life with a bit more color and heart. If you’re looking for music that’s both uplifting and thoughtfully crafted, 『あそび』 is a must-listen for 2025.

Tracklist: いきものがかり – あそび mp3

1. 彩り
2. ドラマティックおいでよ
3. 晴々！
4. 会いたい
5. 自画像
6. 運命ちゃん
7. あの日のこと
8. 夕焼けが生まれる街
9. 青のなかで
10. Challenger
11. うきうきぱんだ
12. 遠くへいけるよ
13. コイスルオトメ – From THE FIRST TAKE
14. 気まぐれロマンティック – From THE FIRST TAKE

It’s been a year and four months since their last album, “〇,” and this is their 11th major original album. As the title “Play” suggests, it’s a fun-filled work filled with the duo’s playfulness. The biggest point is that they actively collaborate with guest artists while maintaining their pop world. For example, “Yuyake Umareru Machi,” which was provided for a children’s program, has a nostalgic and warm feel, and “Tooku e Ikeru Yo” has a classical flavor with Nao Matsushita’s piano resonating brightly. In recent years, the two have been performing overseas and holding a solo concert at the Nippon Budokan, and their attitude of taking on new challenges has been noticeable, and this momentum is reflected in this work. The same is true for “Self-portrait” and “Ano Hi no Koto,” which invited guests to write the lyrics, and perhaps as a result of this, there is a fresh air throughout the album, and the group’s unique style and new aspects coexist in the best balance.