Album Review - “E-Side 4” by Yoasobi

For those unfamiliar, I am a big fan of J-pop and J-Rock artists such as Yoasobi, Zutomayo, Attarashi Gatto, Polkadot Stingray, and Ado (Trust me, there are many many many more). However, one thing that I have always believed gave Yoasobi (undoubtedly the most popular of the group) the edge because of their E-side series, a tape of their latest albums sung exclusively in English. In musical terms, this series allows non-Japanese speakers to enjoy the breadth of their musical experience, eliminating the language barrier without sacrificing quality. It’s the audio equivalent of receiving more food than you actually paid for. 

Yoasobi as a group is brilliant at getting the most emotional bang for your buck. Every song is packed with the emotional weight of either the reflection of a post-argument with a life partner or the bliss of nailing an important job interview. While there is more often than not a severe lack of balance between the two weights, this has been the central focus of Yoasobi’s career, and in turn, the beauty of Yoasobi’s career, giving you the formula before the album begins.  

The album is nine songs, comprised of tracks from their stray singles made over the years, such as the 2023 “Heart Beat,” a track featuring 1000 Japanese youths singing about the trials of trying new adventures despite the battle of anxiety, or their 2024 song “Undead,” which served as the opening track for the anime Monogatari: Off & Monster Season. None of these songs is particularly album material, yet the project feels nothing like a mixtape, which is often a hodgepodge of music existing through forceful cohabitation.

Titled the “Novel Into Music,” Yoasobi’s E-side is a treat for English speakers. It’s a reminder that the songs fans have enjoyed, despite the language barrier, for the better part of the past two to three years, have actually had more relatability than listeners could ever have imagined. Imagine discovering that every time your puppy barked, they were saying various ways of “I love you.” It's sweet in the best way possible. 

For new curious listeners or longtime enjoyers, I highly recommend listening to this project. It’s worth every moment.