Kingo HAMADA
Midnight Cruisin' (Deluxe Edition)
Warner Music Japan
Rel: 4 May 26
Funk/Rare Groove
| Side 1 - Track 1. Dakareni Kita Onna |
| Side 1 - Track 2. Yokogao No Taxi Driver |
| Side 1 - Track 3. So, I Love You |
| Side 2 - Track 1. Machi No Dolphin |
| Side 2 - Track 2. Honokana Illusion |
| Side 2 - Track 3. Midnight Cruisin' |
| Side 3 - Track 1. Semete Karari To Harete Kure |
| Side 3 - Track 2. Shower Room No Aru Fuukei |
| Side 3 - Track 3. Mayonaka No Tennis Court |
| Side 4 - Track 1. Midnight Cruisin' (2002 version - 2025 Remaster) |
| Side 4 - Track 2. Dear Song (2025 Remaster) |
Tokyo-based Kingo Hamada occupies a very specific hour here: city lights thinning, streets half-empty, emotion held just below the surface. Cut during his Alpha Moon period, the music moves with this late-night composure, built from muted rhythm guitar, soft-focus synths and melodies that drift forward on confidence alone. Longtime collaborator Makoto Matsushita also helps anchor the sound, his playing sleek and unforced, guiding the songs through neon-lit restraint. Tracks like 'Dakare ni Kita Onna' and 'Yokogao no Taxi Driver' settle into motion immediately, while 'Machi no Dolphin' and the title cut stretch the mood into something suspended and inward. The bonus 'Midnight Cruisin' (2002 version)' and 'Dear Song' arrive as reflective codas, extending the same nocturnal language without breaking its spell. This is Japanese AOR at full maturity - unhurried and quietly resolute.