Tokyo's Coolest Sound

World Standard, the solo unit of Suzuki Sōichirō that debuted 35 years ago on Hosono Haruomi's label Non-Standard, is releasing a brand new 12th album! Not only had it been 10 years since his previous full-length — "Silencio" (2010, Amazon, HMV) — this is also said to be his first vocal album ever. While production started in fall 2019, the world then turned into this pandemic situation which led the artist to want to sing. The song "Stella" is a cover of Sketch Show.

Album review:
Having found its shape as a vocal album in consequence of these troubled times, listening to it made me realize how a voice can especially feel most comforting. It feels good listening to "Shikisai Ongaku" on a gentle morning with sun rays peeking in, and it's an album I'll also want to go back to as the seasons take their course.

The CD album comes packaged with a 40-page booklet of B4 size which contains illustrations by graphic designer Yokoyama Yū, taking inspiration from the songs, along with text by the musician.

Also, just last month, World Standard has released a LP titled "Asagao", which is a remaster of an early cassette demo recorded before World Standard's official debut. You can read more about it and also order at pianola records (Shimokitazawa, Tokyo) or Far Side Music (UK).

World Standard "Shikisai Ongaku"
ワールドスタンダード 「色彩音楽」

1. monogatari no tobira
2. World Standard (Japanese title: sekai no hyōjun)
3. tsuki wa amaku nigaku
4. Lumia
5. A Rose is a Rose is a Rose
6. shikisai ongaku
7. yume no tsukikage
8. Lazio no hanax
9. Stella
10. saihate
11. tōi koe tōi heya

Stella SLIP-8509
Out 11/28, ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Promo short movie

"World Standard"

"shikisai ongaku"