Final verdict: 10/10 ★★★★★
A few months ago I had a manic episode. Rough times, man, I don’t even want to think about it. But to review this album, I kind of have to. So, “好き好き大好き”. This album was all I would ever listen to during my manic spell. Anything that wasn’t a song off “好き好き大好き” would be instantly rejected by my brain, and that went on for several weeks. I swear to God, with how much I’ve listened to this album, it’s forever etched into my brain. It haunts me in my sleep. Within only a few months, it’s become an integral part of my personal lore. I experienced a radical personality change after discovering it. And none of the above is an exaggeration – but you may believe what you want.
Here’s the thing with Jun Togawa. She’s technically an idol singer, but at the same time she’s nothing like one. Or… anything, really. You can’t really explain her to someone, they are going to have to listen to her to really get it. Maybe watch a couple of live performances too, to get a taste for just how eccentric a personality she is. And as for her second solo album, “好き好き大好き”, it’s the single best exhibit of what Jun Togawa is. It really showcases her voice in all its colors and exudes the same chaotic energy that is characteristic of most of Togawa’s discography. Plus, the songwriting is great.
“好き好き大好き” is a plenty varied project. First and foremost, it’s a new wave record that has absolutely zero chill. It goes by faster than one is able to process it. But it packs quite a punch; you get a bunch of overly enthusiastic songs (“ヘリクツBoy”, “好き好き大好き”, “図形の恋”), “Angel Baby”, which is the most unhinged ballad known to man (just listen to that detuned guitar), and also a cover of the Rosie and the Originals song of the same name, and “遅咲きGirl”, which is just about the best song of all time.
Regarding the lyrical content (which isn’t something I usually pay particular attention to, but on this album, it’s quite interesting), Togawa appears to be preoccupied with themes of love in all its forms. For instance, the album’s namesake, “好き好き大好き” speaks of a love so intense it borders on violence; “Kiss me, as if you’re punching me, until my lips bleed. Hold me, until my ribs make a cracking sound as they break”. “図形の恋”, on the other hand, appears to deal with the fact that love is a complex emotion, likening it to a three-dimensional shape; “Shape, love as a shape is three-dimensional, and with a geometric dance, you’re my prisoner”.
And as for the sound of the record, this whole thing is drenched in those giant 80s synths and drum machines we all know and hate. I do, at least. If the songs weren’t so good and Togawa didn’t completely dominate the recording with her eccentric vocal delivery, it would suck major ass. But luckily, it’s great. Aural 80s cheese just works on this album, man, I don’t know.
“好き好き大好き” is an excellent album. Unfortunately, it was the final great release Jun Togawa would put out, but still. I’m going to give it a 9/10, though I fear it could climb up to a 10/10 at some point.
EDIT (July 2024): Yeah no this is a 10/10. Clearly.
Silia 
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