Sanada Naoki's Double A-Side New Single "Before the Sun Sets... / Plumeria Rhapsody" Out Today! A Fan's Must-Read Buying Guide | In-Depth Review
Sorry to keep you waiting. Today, April 8. The day has finally arrived. Sanada Naoki's highly anticipated double A-side single, "Before the Sun Sets... / Plumeria Rhapsody", is now hitting CD stores and streaming platforms nationwide. If you're a fan, you've probably already pre-ordered. But if you haven't, don't worry – reading this won't put you behind. I'm going to give you the full Sanada Naoki review, so stick with me to the end.
"Before the Sun Sets..." and "Plumeria Rhapsody": The Real Deal from a Man with Two Sides
The biggest draw here is that both tracks are proper lead material. Forget the old A-side/B-side mindset – it doesn't apply. Coming straight from the record label, the quality speaks for itself.
- "Before the Sun Sets...": A classic mid-tempo ballad that still feels fresh. The melancholy of dusk and the strength to move forward blend together perfectly. The first time I heard it, I knew straight away – "yep, this is it."
- "Plumeria Rhapsody": This one's a bit different. It has an exotic, tropical vibe with a unique arrangement. It's a track that shows off Sanada Naoki's depth, reaching beyond the usual enka boundaries.
- Purchase Bonuses & Tips for Events: Check out the different postcards and live photos exclusive to each CD shop. And try your luck with the "Sanada Lottery" to score signed merchandise!
Will the guitar melodies hit you in the feels, or will the rhythm get your body moving? If you need a proper Sanada Naoki guide, start by comparing these two tracks over and over. The contrast between his looks and that voice will knock you out every time.
Release Events & YouTube Live Stream: No Excuse to Miss Out
Just buying the CD and calling it a day? That's boring, and these days you can do better. Sanada Naoki has been running hot events since yesterday, April 7. First thing to check: the YouTube live stream from yesterday. If you missed it, don't stress – the archive should still be up, so head to his channel now. And today, the 8th, there's a music video premiere coming up as well.
If you want something in the flesh, don't sleep on the "Sanada Lottery" challenge. It's running at authorised Sanada Naoki stores nationwide. Get lucky and you might score rare goods or an autograph. If you're around Tokyo, be sure to check each store's schedule.
Ever since he grabbed #1 on the Oricon Enka Kayokyoku chart in 2020 with "Ebisu", this guy hasn't slowed down. This year marks exactly a decade since his debut. The newbie who debuted in 2016 with "Reiko" now has a regular slot on USEN's "Shigure Yokocho" and over 100k YouTube subscribers. This bloke from Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, was never going to be just another enka singer.
If I had to sum up how to use Sanada Naoki in one line, it's this: pop the CD in the player, turn up the volume. Then give yourself over to that "knockout voice". A voice forged by yelling at the sea, eating chillies, and wrecking his throat with booze – once you hear it, you'll never forget it. Experience the real thing with his new single, out today.