In honor of Kis-My-Ft2’s complete videography being uploaded to YouTube (in edited form, of course…), I can’t resist writing about each single. To put this in context for Bias List readers, Kis-My-Ft2 (or Kisumai, as they’re often known) are my J-pop version of Infinite. That’s how much I love them and their discography.

Yet, I rarely write about them because finding online links to their music was so hard… until now!

Sha La La☆Summer Time (2016)

After some time away from the roller skates, they’ve made a comeback for the buoyant fun of Sha La La☆Summer Time. I mean… the title pretty much says it all with this one. There’s even a star in it! You’re not going to get any angst or drama with a song that proudly puts its “Sha La La” right up front. This is pure pop sunshine, as catchy and bright as you can imagine.

I don’t imagine a song like this will be for everyone – especially at first. But, if you’re willing to let down your guard and succumb to unironically happy pop music, you’re in for a treat. As with many Johnny’s songs, Sha La La☆Summer Time feels as if it could have been ripped from any era. The melody has a throwback appeal, while the breezy instrumental recalls summer memories from years past. There’s an ethereal quality to the whole production that I really enjoy. The instrumental is densely-packed yet still manages to feel light as air. And the chorus? Let’s just say it will get stuck in your head for days. Possibly years.

The video is a ton of fun. Shot on a retro-themed soundstage, the guys skate around a drive-in restaurant (and eventually around a sign?). The color palette is so pleasing, which matches the uplifting vibes of the track itself. It’s a summertime staple for me.