Arjuna: Into the Another World – Original Soundtrack cover

Arjuna: Into the Another World – Original Soundtrack

Yoko Kanno · 2001

66 min · 20 tracks · J-pop

A lush tapestry of orchestral arrangements and ethereal vocals, weaving a dreamlike journey through soundscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Awakening — This track encapsulates the album's thematic essence by blending tranquil melodies with dynamic orchestration, creating a sense of spiritual renewal that resonates throughout the series.
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    Feel the Circle — With its minimalistic yet hauntingly beautiful composition, this piece conveys a deep emotional weight that reflects the protagonist’s existential journey.
  • →
    Omega Blue — This track stands out for its rich layering of sounds and textures, effectively evoking feelings of introspection and mystery that are central to the narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

77 /100
Summit
Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate orchestration and vocal harmonies, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features a wide range of orchestral instrumentation, with strings and woodwinds frequently layered to create rich soundscapes.
  • Several tracks incorporate ethereal vocals that harmonize with the instrumental arrangements, enhancing the dreamlike quality of the music.
  • The pacing varies significantly; some tracks build gradually while others introduce sudden shifts in tempo and dynamics, creating a sense of movement.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dreamlike sonic exploration
  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • ethereal soundscapes for reflection
  • wave-like pacing for immersion
  • short tracks for varied moods

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking straightforward structures
  • prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2001, Yoko Kanno was already recognized for her groundbreaking work in anime soundtracks, particularly following her success with 'Cowboy Bebop'. 'Arjuna: Into the Another World' marked her continued evolution as a composer, showcasing her ability to merge diverse musical genres into cohesive narratives. This soundtrack solidified her status as a leading figure in the realm of anime music and ambient compositions.
Stylistic neighbors
Joe Hisaishi· Nobuo Uematsu· Ryuichi Sakamoto

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Prophet

    The moment shifts from contemplative instrumentals to a powerful climax where layers of sound converge, symbolizing an awakening realization.

    The transition marks a pivotal point in the story's emotional arc, emphasizing the character's transformation and resolution through a crescendo that envelops the listener.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Early Bird 2:09
  • 2 Awakening 7:58
  • 3 Clóe 3:20
  • 4 Time to Die 2:51
  • 5 2nd Life 3:05
  • 6 Diving 2:36
  • 7 The Clone 2:06
  • 8 Feel the Circle 1:36
  • 9 Aerobics 3:26
  • 10 Omega Blue 2:48
  • 11 A Drop of Time 0:53
  • 12 Resonance of the Earth 1:56
  • 13 Prophet 4:10
  • 14 Before Breakfast 1:15
  • 15 Bells for Her 2:04
  • 16 Motor Bike 5:12
  • 17 Diamond 1:25
  • 18 Mameshiba 6:11
  • 19 Air & Stars 1:09
  • 20 Aqua 10:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata