What makes Kiss Me Good-Bye by Angela Aki notable?

'Kiss Me Good-Bye' features the title track prominently in the video game FINAL FANTASY XII, which helped propel the song to mainstream acclaim. The album received positive reviews, emphasizing Aki's emotive vocal delivery and lyrical depth, contributing to her rise as a significant figure in J-Pop. Released on March 15, 2006, 'Kiss Me Good-Bye' marked Angela Aki's debut studio album following her transition from independent releases. At this point in her career, she had gained recognition through a handful of singles, but this album solidified her presence in the Japanese pop music scene, showcasing her unique voice and songwriting talents.

How many songs are on Kiss Me Good-Bye?

Kiss Me Good-Bye has 4 tracks, running approximately 20 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Kiss Me Good-Bye

Angela Aki · 2006

20 min · 4 tracks · pop music

A blend of heartfelt piano melodies and soaring vocals, weaving together themes of love and farewell.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Kiss Me Good-Bye — The title track encapsulates the album's emotional core with its poignant lyrics and powerful melody, becoming a fan favorite and a defining piece of Aki's repertoire.
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Santa Fé — This track stands out for its vibrant instrumentation and narrative-driven lyrics, reflecting themes of longing and adventure that resonate throughout the album.
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青い影 — The song showcases Aki's skillful piano work and delicate vocal phrasing, creating an atmospheric sound that highlights her artistic range and emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and emotional delivery, with varied tempos and instrumentation across its tracks.

What we noticed

The title track opens the album with a slow tempo and builds gradually, featuring layered piano and strings that enhance its emotional weight.
The second track shifts to a more upbeat tempo with rhythmic percussion, contrasting the mood established by the opener.
The third track features a prominent use of traditional Japanese instruments alongside modern pop elements, creating a unique sound texture.
The final track is a reprise of the title track, which reinforces its themes but does not introduce new material.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked Aki's transition to mainstream recognition with notable success.
Career context: Released on March 15, 2006, 'Kiss Me Good-Bye' marked Angela Aki's debut studio album following her transition from independent releases. At this point in her career, she had gained recognition through a handful of singles, but this album solidified her presence in the Japanese pop music scene, showcasing her unique voice and songwriting talents.
Stylistic neighbors: yuna· Norah Jones· Sara Bareilles