Saudade

Masayoshi Takanaka’s Saudade (1982) is a vibrant blend of city pop, jazz fusion, funk, and disco, showcasing the guitarist’s signature melodic flair and polished production in collaboration with Narada Michael Walden. Featuring standout tracks like “A Fair Wind,” “Chill Me Out,” and “Breakin’ Loose,” the album captures the upbeat, cosmopolitan energy of early-’80s Japan, complete with lush arrangements, tight grooves, and virtuosic guitar work. Reaching #1 on Japan’s Oricon Albums Chart, Saudade remains a high point in Takanaka’s prolific career and a quintessential example of the golden era of city pop, beloved by longtime fans and rediscovered by new listeners during the genre’s modern revival.