Ame ga Furu cover

Ame ga Furu

Maaya Sakamoto · 2008

21 min · 4 tracks · J-pop

Ethereal melodies intertwine with delicate instrumentation, creating a dreamlike soundscape that reflects the beauty of fleeting moments.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    雨が降る — This title track embodies the album’s theme with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics about longing and the passing of time.
  • →
    プラリネ — The song blends whimsical elements with a jazzy undertone, showcasing Sakamoto's versatility and ability to create captivating narratives through music.
  • →
    雨が降る -without maaya- — This instrumental version highlights the orchestration and atmospheric qualities of the original track, inviting listeners to experience the emotional depth without vocals.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Ame ga Furu showcases sophisticated arrangements and strong melodies, though its cohesion is affected by the inclusion of alternate versions.

What we noticed

  • The title track features a slow build, layering strings and soft percussion that create a lush soundscape.
  • The second track introduces a more upbeat tempo with intricate vocal harmonies that contrast the first.
  • The two bonus tracks offer alternate versions of the main songs, providing different arrangements and vocal treatments.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A notable single that showcases Sakamoto's style but is not a primary entry point.
Career context
By the release of Ame ga Furu in 2008, Maaya Sakamoto had established herself as a prominent voice in J-pop and anime music, following her breakthrough album, Shounen Alice. This album marked her continued evolution as an artist, showcasing her growth as both a vocalist and songwriter after nearly a decade in the industry.
Stylistic neighbors
Yuki Kajiura· Hikaru Utada· Aimer

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • 雨が降る

    The imagery shifts from vivid descriptions of rain to reflections on personal memories, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

    This shift not only deepens the emotional impact but also illustrates how environmental elements can mirror inner feelings, enhancing the song's thematic complexity.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 雨が降る 5:19
  • 2 プラリネ 5:13
  • 3 雨が降る -without maaya- 5:19
  • 4 プラリネ (1+1) 5:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata