This blog is never going to be completely over the end of Especia, even if by their final formation they were basically an entirely different group (albeit with at least a few solid numbers). While we eternally pour one out for the project responsible for idol masterpiece Gusto though, let’s not nostalgia for…uhhhh, 2013 obscure the pure pop approach former Especia member Monari Wakita has grabbed. Initially, it looked like she’d lean into the whole city pop thing, but has expanded away from the waterfront in favor of something not tied to a specific time. Last year’s “Boy Friend” found Wakita hop-scotching over squiggly synth-pop to deliver a big confetti-burst of a hook, and now new single “Take It Lucky!!!!” boasts an equally bubbly (but not exclusively Bubbly) chorus. Elements of city pop do come through — words and music written by Toshiya Arai and UKO, and that early bridge, with its tight bass and keyboard noodling are lobby ready — but the song works best when Wakita just lets loose with her voice, best on the hook and even effective come the la la las at the end. Listen above.
