With sweet vocals and heart-fluttering melodies reminiscent of the ’90s and ’00s, combined with warm ’70s-style funk and soul instrumentation and production, this album richly reflects Blake Rhein’s recent sound. I even think it could be credited as a joint effort with Blake Rhein. Additionally, Paul Cherry—a Chicago-based AOR/pop craftsman and close collaborator of Blake Rhein—handled the production. The slow disco track “Walking Away” (sample_1), with its irresistible strings inspired by Evelyn King’s “I’m In Love,” and the mid-tempo track “If You Want Me” (sample_2)—featuring a mellow synth phrase that’s quintessentially ’90s and a hook that sticks in your head—are absolutely fantastic. The album also features a collaborative track with labelmate Gabriel da Rosa, a melancholic bossa nova track titled “Memmy (Recuerdo),” and closes with “Way I Do” (sample_3), a poignant mid-tempo track with Kiefer. A high-quality album that blends soul and R&B from various eras. This is exactly what I’ve been wanting to hear!! Highly recommended. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)