Be cover

Be

Casiopea · 1998

59 min · 12 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of jazz fusion and funk that dances between intricate melodies and rhythmic grooves.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dream Maker Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its complex rhythms and melodic interplay, showcasing the band’s virtuosic musicianship right from the start.
  • →
    Treasure — The track features a catchy hook combined with intricate guitar solos, encapsulating the essence of Casiopea's joyful yet technical approach to jazz fusion.
  • →
    Inner Child — Closing the album, this piece combines reflective melodies with a rich arrangement, leaving listeners with a sense of introspection that resonates long after the final note.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album displays intricate compositions and strong musicianship, with a mix of energetic and reflective tracks.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a high energy level, while the second half introduces more melodic and contemplative pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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
6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady melodic exploration
  • infectious groove for dancing
  • thoughtful background listening
  • intricate details for headphone use
  • uplifting vibes throughout

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification
  • seek standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Casiopea's presence in the jazz fusion genre after their hiatus.
Themes
sophisticated harmonies· dynamic arrangements· infectious grooves
Moods
Chill· Energetic
Career context
By the time 'Be' was released in 1998, Casiopea had already established themselves as a prominent force in the jazz fusion scene since their formation in 1976. This album marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing their ability to adapt to contemporary influences while retaining their signature complexity.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Weather Report· Pat Metheny Group

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Yours Lovingly

    The lyrical content shifts from longing to acceptance as it explores emotional vulnerability through metaphorical imagery.

    This transition reflects a maturity in songwriting that reveals layers of personal experience, enhancing both depth and relatability.

Tracklist

  • 1 Dream Maker Start here 5:45
  • 2 The Purple Bird 4:51
  • 3 Hole Heartedly 4:35
  • 4 Treasure 5:16
  • 5 Yours Lovingly 4:18
  • 6 All the Time 4:59
  • 7 Third Possibility 4:45
  • 8 Final Matter 3:39
  • 9 Night Breeze 5:13
  • 10 The Day of Selection 4:12
  • 11 Let It Rain 5:22
  • 12 Inner Child 6:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata