Makoto Matsushita – First Light

Guitarist Makoto Matsushita, later a member of the fusion band AB'S, made this 1981 solo album, and it is the closest city pop gets to American West Coast AOR. Smooth jazz chords, soft vocal harmonies and electric piano dominate. Love Was Really Gone is the track to start with. Choose it if you like Steely Dan or Michael McDonald-era Doobie Brothers.