Nanako Sato - SWEET SWINGIN’ (2006)

Sato Nanako effortlessly broke away from the previous formula of competing on vocal ability or instrumental skill, showcasing a new set of values ​​and worldview that set her apart from the City Pop created around the same time by Yoshida Minako and Onuki Taeko, with her unique vocal texture and a sound approach that could be described as Japanese Western music (later inherited by artists like Kahimi Karie and the "Shibuya-kei" and "Whisper-kei" genres). On her second album, completed with jazz guitarist Yokouchi Shoji as arranger, following her debut album, she further expanded her musical tastes with collaborative numbers with her close friend Sano Motoharu, resulting in a collection of intensely dense tracks that leave the listener no time to waver, blending bossa nova, soul, boogie, and swinging styles. Just listening to the mellow bossa nova "Farewell Party" is enough to make you sigh in awe.