Vol.43 - 4 X 4 on #TUNESTALKSG

"4 X 4 on #TUNESTALKSG" is a ongoing serial feature (started in 2025) where I showcased/share 4+ tracks / MVs from 4 Random Albums I have in my eclectic collection ... some might get their own Full Album Listens, most might not, cheers.

---

Honestly, I had such a hard-on for the soundscapes of Japanese R&B singer Toshinobu Kubota, that scoring CD albums from the shops was a challenge back when (I refused to buy any online :p), but was apart of the joy of the hunt as well, innit?

"The Best of Kubota Toshinobu" is the 4th album in a series of greatest hits compilations, released in 1999 in Taiwan on the Sony Music Entertainment Taiwan recording label (which explains the accessibility on my end :p).

His discography goes beyond "La La La Love Song", with the above MV for "Just The Two Of Us" (ft. Caron Wheeler), and I reckon I purchased this album due to "Messenger's Rhyme-Rakushow, It's my show!", from one of my fav J-Films during that era, "The Messengers"...!

---

"Full Bloom (年華)" by Taiwanese Rene Liu (nicknamed "Milk Tea" for her bitter yet sweet persona) was released circa 2001 by Rock Records. Seen/heard below is "成全 (Full Bloom)". Admittedly, I might have been crushing on 劉若英 for a brief time in my life... *blush*

---

This 2000 debut studio album "Jay" by Taiwanese singer Jay Chou is undoubtably my fave, and exuded a Mandopop which appealed to me greatly ... alas subsequent releases turned me off quite a bit, especially with his "mumbling" lol

But you cannot deny "可愛女人 Cute Girl" (feat.徐若瑄Vivian)... and heard/seen below is "龍捲風 (Tornado)".

---

"Rice" by Singaporean singer-songwriter Dick Lee was released in 2003, and features music influenced by jazz and bossa nova. Being a huge fan of Dick Lee's work, this album turned out to be a surprise, with it showcasing ethereal soundscapes rather than literal "songs", which delved deeper into the artist's "musical"-roots.

Above: Celadon
Below: Rice