As their sixth studio album, AMENITY will be the first release not to feature all nine members on every song, and I’m going to be honest: I was a little nervous about Snow Man releasing anything without Meguro Ren.

However, while the velvet-voiced Meme is currently in Canada filming as a featured cast member in the second season of the American drama Shōgun—his first international role—the eight remaining members of the J-pop powerhouse still have contractual obligations to their record label for another album.

｢グッタイム｣ (English: “Good Time”) is the first pre-release track from the album, and even though I miss the sensual tones of Meguro’s baritone voice, as a song, it’s one of the best Snow Man have released in a while.

According to the label’s official website, ｢グッタイム｣ is a truly “premium” pop tune, built around a funky sound, a danceable beat, and incredibly catchy lyrics. And honestly? All of that is 100% true.

The music video, directed by YUANN (kidzfrmnowhere.), features choreography from Kensho Murakami (kEnkEn) and was filmed on a private estate in France, around 40 minutes outside of Paris. With dozens of background dancers, elaborate choreography, and an infectious sense of fun, everyone appears to have had the time of their lives.

This is the type of song that helped me fall in love with the group. It’s addictive, it’s sweet, and (above all else) it’s a lot of fun—as it should be, considering it’s a song about living in the moment and enjoying life with someone you love. It’s like ｢HELLO HELLO｣ and ｢ブラザービート｣ had a happy-go-lucky kid brother who just wanted to make everyone listening smile.

When Snow Man debuted the track, they quite literally lit up the sky, delivering the performance live as lightning flashed and thunder rolled overhead. The stream is just as memorable for its playful interactions with the supporting Juniors, including teasing exchanges with rising stars Taisei Nabeta and Noa Asai. It all culminates in a one-shot live performance that winds its way through the hotel, perfectly capturing the spirit of the album!

｢グッタイム｣ is available now for streaming / download and you can pre-order AMENITY wherever Japanese music and movies are sold.

As a personal note It will be the first Snow Man album I will be able to physically purchase after moving to Japan and in the words of the great Glinda, the Good… I couldn’t be happier!

There will be more Snow Man soon so… 

Stay Tuned!