Akira Terao / Reflections (original 1981)

Of course it includes the iconic “Ruby no Yubiwa,” but don’t miss the hidden gems: the Japanese Latin rare-groove “Havana Express,” and the mellow, Latin/Brazilian–tinged “Yokisenu Dekigoto,” known for its catchy scat hook and appearance on Japanese AOR compilations.

Arranged entirely by Akira Inoue and featuring lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, the team crafts a uniquely Japanese take on a Steely Dan–style sophisticated pop world.