Released 20 years ago
Citrus
Asobi Seksu · 2006
50 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
Ethereal melodies blend with lush guitar layers, creating a dreamlike soundscape that oscillates between serenity and intensity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Strawberries — This track encapsulates the band's dreamy aesthetic with its shimmering guitars and layered vocals, making it a standout example of their unique sound.
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Goodbye — The emotional weight of this song is heightened by its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to balance vulnerability with sonic richness.
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New Years — With its upbeat tempo and infectious energy, this track illustrates a more jubilant side of the album while maintaining the ethereal qualities that define Asobi Seksu’s music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Citrus blends ethereal melodies and lush instrumentation, creating a distinctive dreamlike soundscape.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a layered guitar drone that gradually builds into a full band sound, setting a dreamy tone.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections where the vocals recede, allowing the instrumentation to create emotional peaks.
- The last three tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the more energetic earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- wave-like dynamic listening experience
- ethereal melodies for daydreaming
- shimmering soundscapes for introspection
- emotional peaks and valleys
- for late-night contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, punchy tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released as Asobi Seksu's third studio album, Citrus followed their self-titled debut and the critically acclaimed 'Hush'. By this point in their career, the band had established a signature sound characterized by shoegaze influences and Japanese lyrics, attracting a growing fanbase and critical attention.
- Stylistic neighbors
- M83· The Radio Dept.· Beach House
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Goodbye
The final verse shifts perspective dramatically, moving from reflection to an immediate address that creates a sense of urgency.
This shift amplifies the emotional stakes of the song, transforming a moment of farewell into an intimate connection that lingers.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Everything Is On 0:17
- 2 Strawberries 3:57
- 3 New Years 3:01
- 4 Thursday 4:17
- 5 Strings 5:27
- 6 Pink Cloud Tracing Paper 3:27
- 7 Red Sea 7:45
- 8 Goodbye 3:44
- 9 Lions and Tigers 4:08
- 10 Nefi + Girly 4:37
- 11 Exotic Animal Paradise 4:06
- 12 Mizu Asobi 2:45
- 13 All Through the Day 3:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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