New J-pop group STARGLOW made their pre-debut last year with the excellent EDM banger Moonchaser. That song became one of my favorites of they year and made me hope for an official debut that followed a similar soundscape. With Star Wish, the guys have moved in a different direction but proven themselves just as adept at a lighter, funkier style.

I don’t often write full reviews for J-pop anymore, but this song has been stuck in my head all week so I figured it deserved a longer feature than what it’ll get in this week’s J-pop round-up. In many ways, Star Wish follows current trends. It has that same guitar led funk beat I always seem to trace back to Justin Timberlake’s Like I Love You (despite it not being unique to JT at all). What makes this song special is its series of indelible hooks. The chorus moves through several distinct moments, from a lilting melody to the impossibly catchy “Hold on to my wish to wish, Star wish to wish” post-chorus. (Side note: member Taiki has the most satisfying diction. If diction can be its own hook, he’s found a way to do it!)

Overall, this song is just boppy. Sometimes it’s as simple as that. The production doesn’t reinvent any wheels, but every moment hits with memorable force. The members’ diverse vocal tones add plenty of texture that keeps the track constantly interesting. I hope they don’t entirely abandon exciting EDM-pop, but I’m quite satisfied with this as a debut.

Grade: B+