山口百恵 (Momoe Yamaguchi) - This Is My Trial

Released on August 21, 1980, This is My Trial is the 21st studio album by legendary Japanese singer Momoe Yamaguchi. Issued just months before her retirement announcement, the album marks a bold artistic statement—an emotionally charged and musically diverse work that underscores her maturity as both a vocalist and performer.

The album embraces a darker, more introspective tone, compared to Yamaguchi's earlier idol-era releases. It blends dramatic ballads, progressive pop, and subtle rock elements, creating a theatrical soundscape that matches the album’s introspective title. The lyrical content delves into themes of emotional struggle, love, self-examination, and vulnerability, making the title This is My Trial feel deeply personal and reflective.

Though not as commercially explosive as her earlier albums, This is My Trial was critically acclaimed for its artistic depth and stylistic ambition. It demonstrated Momoe’s growing desire to express herself beyond the confines of mainstream idol music, offering a deeply personal and theatrical experience.

As one of the final albums before her retirement at age 21, it holds a mythic status among fans—often viewed as a farewell letter that encapsulates her emotional and musical evolution.

Track List

• 輪廻
  
• あやつり人形館
  
• 想い出のストロベリーフィールズ
  
• 琥珀の季節
  
• 闇の薫り
  
• Crazy Love
  
• Jigsaw Puzzle
  
• 神様のおぼし召し
  
• 幕間の風景
  
• 恋は千里眼
  
• This Is My Trial (私の試練)