tokyo skies (stylized in all lowercase) is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Donovan Music, released on March 28, 2024. The album blends pop rock and introspective storytelling, capturing themes of love, heartbreak, self-reflection, and youthful disillusionment. Spanning 47 minutes in its standard edition and 59 minutes in its deluxe edition, tokyo skies marked a significant milestone in Donovan’s career, transitioning from the raw experimentation of life EP to a more polished and cohesive sound.
The album was supported by two lead singles, “what could've been” and “the morning after i killed myself," both released on October 30, 2024. A deluxe edition, featuring four additional tracks, is set for release on March 28, 2025.
Background and Release
Donovan began working on tokyo skies shortly after the release of life EP. Inspired by personal experiences and cinematic storytelling, the album reflects a deeply introspective yet relatable narrative. The project balances energetic, guitar-driven anthems with softer, emotional ballads, showcasing Donovan’s versatility as both a writer and performer.
The title track, “tokyo skies,” serves as the album’s centerpiece, symbolizing escapism, longing, and the search for love amid chaos. Donovan has described the album as “a soundtrack to the highs and lows of young adulthood.”
A notable complication arose with the track “i can’t hear you!”, which was removed from streaming platforms due to label disputes with Amuse. After switching to RouteNote, Donovan announced that the track will return alongside the deluxe edition as its fifth track.
Singles
• “what could've been” and “the morning after i killed myself” were released simultaneously on October 30, 2024, as the album’s lead singles. Both tracks were praised for their emotionally raw lyrics and dynamic production, with “what could've been” focusing on heartbreak and regret, and “the morning after i killed myself” delving into themes of self-perception and resilience.
• “miss sunshine” was released on January 1, 2025, as the second single, promoting the deluxe edition of the album. The track’s upbeat and infectious energy contrasts with the heavier emotional themes of the standard edition.
Track Listing
Standard Edition (47 minutes)
1. bad thing good cause (promotional single)
2. ballad of a hopeless romantic
3. a star is born
4. tokyo skies
5. i can’t hear you! (to be re-released with deluxe)
6. play pretend
7. what could’ve been
8. true love doesn’t exist
9. february moon
10. delusional
11. the morning after i killed myself
12. teenage dream
Deluxe Edition (59 minutes)
13. miss sunshine
14. scream
15. stranger
16. problems with me
“problems with me” draws inspiration from Sabrina Carpenter’s “Lonesome” and Taylor Swift’s “ME!”, incorporating clever wordplay to explore themes of self-awareness and insecurity.
Themes and Style
tokyo skies is a pop rock album characterized by its introspective lyrics, dynamic instrumentation, and accessible melodies. Despite its emotionally charged content, the album remains inexplicit, ensuring its accessibility to a wide audience. Tracks like “february moon” and “ballad of a hopeless romantic” explore vulnerability and youthful longing, while songs like “delusional” and “play pretend” deliver energetic hooks with a sense of rebellion.
Reception and Legacy
tokyo skies received critical acclaim for its balance of heartfelt storytelling and polished production. Critics praised Donovan’s ability to craft songs that feel personal yet universally resonant. The dual release of “What Could’ve Been” and “The Morning After I Killed Myself” highlighted the album’s thematic range, earning Donovan widespread recognition.
With the release of the deluxe edition in 2025, Donovan plans to revisit the album’s themes while paving the way for his next project, hinting at a darker and more experimental direction.