I’ve been riding hard for One Love One Heart ever since their debut in 2022. I truly think their first album LOVE1 is one of the best J-pop albums… ever? It’s been more of a mixed bag since then, but even their most generic J-pop sounds have been buoyed by the natural charm of the members. I’ve always loved the concept of mixed-gender groups and One Love One Heart’s young age makes for a more musically interesting concept than the swaggy nature of Korea’s counterparts (KARD, ALLDAY PROJECT).

One of my biggest issues with the group’s more recent work is their over-reliance on two or three vocalists. The strength of a group like this lies in the diverse number of vocal tones available to the songwriters/producers. My favorite One Love One Heart songs give every member time to shine and that blend of voices lends the music a theatrical sound that feels fresh. New single Anone, Zutto Suki Deshita (You Know, I’ve Always Liked You) is generous in its line distribution, even pairing male and female vocals together for great texture. The song is a bounding summer track, unfolding over rhythmic guitar that snowballs into greater climaxes as the track goes on. Handclaps soon join the mix and from here the chorus blossoms with a widescreen appeal.

This song may not immediately hit you over the head, but multiple listens over the course of a few weeks have proven its durability. The track is just a surging beam of sunlight, so peppy and uplifting that it’s difficult to resist. Interestingly, the just-released music video pairs the members off into couples, doing the kind of “shipping” usually prodded along by rabid fan bases. I’m not sure how the members feel about it, but I suppose this is another embedded benefit of a co-ed group!

Grade: B+