Grammy Nominated cover

Grammy Nominated

Kitarō · 2010

77 min · 13 tracks · electronica

A serene blend of ethereal melodies and rich textures that evoke the vastness of nature and introspective journeys.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Spirit of the West Lake Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its lush soundscapes, immediately immersing listeners into Kitarō's signature blend of nature-inspired melodies.
  • →
    A Passage of Life — The longest piece on the album, it showcases Kitarō's ability to create dynamic shifts in mood and atmosphere, reflecting life's journey through sound.
  • →
    Dance of Sarasvati — This track features intricate instrumentation that beautifully intertwines traditional motifs with modern electronic rhythms, exemplifying Kitarō's unique style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's serene soundscapes and thoughtful arrangements reflect Kitarō's established style in the genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features long, flowing tracks that often exceed five minutes, allowing for gradual development of themes.
  • Each piece typically begins with a soft introduction, layering instruments gradually to create a rich soundscape.
  • Several tracks incorporate traditional Japanese instruments alongside electronic elements, blending the two seamlessly.
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
8/10

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

  • transcendent soundscape exploration
  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • serene afternoon relaxation
  • meditative focus for deep thoughts
  • wave-like pacing inviting immersion

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Nominated for a Grammy, showcasing Kitarō's artistic merit and industry recognition.
Career context
In 2010, Kitarō was already an established figure in the new age music scene, known for his ability to fuse traditional Japanese sounds with modern electronic elements. 'Grammy Nominated' came after his Grammy win for Best New Age Album in 2001 with 'Thinking of You', marking a period of continued exploration and innovation in his sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Vangelis· Enya· Jean-Michel Jarre

Tracklist

  • 1 Spirit of the West Lake Start here 6:09
  • 2 Estrella 4:21
  • 3 Itonami 5:50
  • 4 As the Wind Blows 5:03
  • 5 The Field 4:54
  • 6 Koi 6:31
  • 7 Main Theme Nile (version II) 3:51
  • 8 A Passage of Life 8:05
  • 9 Into the Forest 5:45
  • 10 Dance of Sarasvati 6:44
  • 11 Kuu 5:06
  • 12 Misty 4:24
  • 13 Heaven and Earth 10:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata