Ado
Ado's Best Adobum, Vol. 1 and 2 (Virgin Music)
There's no much about these two double "greatest hits" releases that's bonkers, the temptation to spent some time with Ado was frankly too much for us to resist.
Japanese singer Ado never shows her face, so we're left to enjoy anime images, Gorillaz-style. Her career began as an utaite, which is a sort of web-based cover song singer. Ado is 22 years old, yet what we have here is a two-volume, double LP greatest hits package. That's four "best of" LPs. At 22!
We weren't familiar with Ado's work before diving headfirst into these, so we have no context for how "greatest" these "hits" are. But it's all an absolute joy.
"This special LP edition features brand-new cover art by renowned illustrator ORIHARA," reads a statement. "The LP edition of Ado’s Best Adobum will be released in two volumes—Vol. 1 and Vol. 2—each featuring 20 of the album’s 40 total tracks. Each volume consists of two LPs. Vol. 1 includes Ado’s sensational debut single 'Usseewa,' fan favorites like 'Show' and 'New Genesis,' as well as her latest track 'ROCKSTAR.' Vol. 2 features hit songs such as 'Odo' and 'I’m Invincible,' the brand-new 'Bouquet for Me,' and the dream collaboration 'Sakura Biyori and Time Machine (with Hatsune Miku).' Both volumes come with exclusive new cover art by ORIHARA, making these vinyl editions a must-have for fans and collectors alike."
It's the seamless blend of genres that's most impressive. It feels like metal and post-hardcore musicians have gatecrashed a swanky opera event, and the results have been fed through a video game console and turned into a musical. Ado's vocal range is stunning, and the Japanese-language tunes hit all the feels.
The aforementioned art by ORIHARA and the entire packaging is stunning, and the weighty vinyl is gorgeous. We're Ado fans now!
