Japan has long been known as the final destination for many a collectible soul record. Yet, who suspected that some fine soul grooves were recorded for the domestic market, from ballads, to funk and disco? Strangely enough, some of the busiest writers and producers in this field came from a late 60s rock band, Happy End, but on listening to their collaborations, their rhythmic, soulful feel is immediately apparent. The bluesy funk of Lily; the soul-diva brilliance of Minako Yoshida – represented here in both slow-grind mode and epic disco; the maverick genius of Haruomi Hosono; the lively songstress Yasuko Agawa; and the sultry steaminess of Mari Natsuki, and more. This album finally plants a Japanese flag firmly on the global map of soul.