Unlike every Johnnys group before them, Travis Japan’s debut year has been characterized by a stream of digital single releases. This is much more in line with Western pop roll-outs, and gives the group a chance to quickly display the various sides to their music. Luckily, Travis Japan’s singles keep getting stronger. Candy Kiss is their best work yet.

To be fair, this song hits me right in my nostalgic sweet spot. It’s the latest in a long line of 80’s throwbacks, drawing influence from classic Michael Jackson and New Edition with a healthy dose of bubblegum-coated, roller-rink-ready grooves thrown into the mix. It’s an ebullient joy bomb — the natural conclusion to a trend BTS’s Dynamite started in 2020.

With a song like this, you must get the groove right. Much of Candy Kiss feels lifted directly from Michael Jackson’s seminal hit Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough. But hey, if you’re going to mirror an existing hit, you might as well crib from the greatest to ever do it. Candy Kiss‘s rhythm is instantly addictive, and much of that is due to its familiarity.

To truly hit it out of the park, Candy Kiss must also deliver the melodies. Each phrase should be catchier than the next, and the song knows this. Yes, it’s pastiche. But, it’s lovingly-recreated pastiche with all the right ingredients in the right places. Add some goofy charm courtesy of Travis Japan and you have a giddy summer highlight that feels almost impossible to dislike.

Grade: A-