What makes Hush by Asobi Seksu notable?

Hush received positive reviews from critics, with publications like Pitchfork praising its expansive sound and emotional depth. The album helped solidify Asobi Seksu’s presence in the alternative rock scene and contributed to the resurgence of shoegaze influences in indie music during the late 2000s. Released in January 2009, Hush is Asobi Seksu's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed self-titled debut and the more subdued Citrus. At this point, the band was exploring a richer sonic palette and refining their signature blend of atmospheric melodies and layered instrumentation.

Hush works well if you're into steady melodic flow for reflection, dreamy soundscapes for introspection and gentle layers inviting daydreaming.

How many songs are on Hush?

Hush has 12 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Hush

Asobi Seksu · 2009

43 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A shimmering blend of dream pop and shoegaze that envelops the listener in lush, ethereal soundscapes.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Familiar Light — This track captures the album's dreamy essence with its swirling guitars and ethereal vocals, embodying the band's signature style while pushing their sound further.
→
Gliss — Gliss stands out for its dynamic contrast between delicate verses and an explosive chorus, showcasing the band's ability to blend soft and powerful elements seamlessly.
→
Me & Mary — With its introspective lyrics and gentle instrumentation, this track highlights a more personal side of the band, offering a moment of vulnerability amidst the lush arrangements.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Hush showcases rich soundscapes and layered melodies, marking a strong entry in alternative rock.

What we noticed

The first three tracks build a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more ambient texture that shifts the album's dynamic.
Several songs feature layered instrumentation with overlapping melodies, creating a dense soundscape that envelops the listener.
The final track fades out slowly, leaving an echoing sense of space that contrasts with the more structured earlier pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 flow for reflection
dreamy soundscapes for introspection
gentle layers inviting daydreaming
for quiet afternoons

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tracks
prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 2009, Hush is Asobi Seksu's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed self-titled debut and the more subdued Citrus. At this point, the band was exploring a richer sonic palette and refining their signature blend of atmospheric melodies and layered instrumentation.
Stylistic neighbors: M83· The Radio Dept.· Beach House