Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Lady Brown — Featuring smooth vocals and lush instrumentals, this track exemplifies Nujabes' signature fusion of hip-hop rhythm with soulful melodies.
-
→
Highs 2 Lows — This track showcases Nujabes' ability to weave complex emotions into his music through intricate beats and melodic layers.
-
→
Beat Laments the World — This introspective piece highlights Nujabes' skill in creating reflective soundscapes that resonate deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's seamless blend of jazz and hip-hop creates a unique atmosphere that rewards repeated listens.
What we noticed
- Tracks often incorporate instrumental interludes that transition seamlessly into one another, enhancing the flow of the album.
- Several tracks feature vocal contributions that are integrated into the instrumentation rather than dominating the mix, maintaining an atmospheric quality.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
9/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- reflective urban atmospheres
- gradual builds and payoffs
- long, immersive listening sessions
- balanced flow with contemplation
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Metaphorical Music was released in 2003, marking Nujabes' second studio album following his debut, Modal Soul. At this point in his career, Nujabes had begun to solidify his unique sound within the hip-hop genre, combining elements of jazz and traditional Japanese music, which would later influence countless artists globally.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Highs 2 Lows
The lyrics shift from optimism to a stark acknowledgment of life's struggles reveals an emotional depth.
This transition not only captures the duality of human experience but also mirrors the album's overall exploration of contrasts.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Blessing It (remix) 3:23
- 2 Horn in the Middle 4:08
- 3 Lady Brown 3:18
- 4 Kumomi 3:53
- 5 Highs 2 Lows 4:38
- 6 Beat Laments the World 4:22
- 7 Letter From Yokosuka 3:10
- 8 Think Different 3:17
- 9 A Day by Atmosphere Supreme 3:59
- 10 Next View 4:35
- 11 Latitude (remix) 3:56
- 12 F.I.L.O. 3:31
- 13 Summer Gypsy 4:19
- 14 The Final View 3:34
- 15 Peaceland 8:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.