What does Murdered by the Music sound like?

A vibrant fusion of J-pop melodies and electronic experimentation wrapped in rock sensibilities. Rooted in J-pop and electronic. Start with "School of Thought".

Is Murdered by the Music a good place to start with Yukihiro Takahashi?

Yes, Murdered by the Music is recommended as a starting point for new Yukihiro Takahashi listeners. A vibrant fusion of J-pop melodies and electronic experimentation wrapped in rock sensibilities. Released in 1980, 'Murdered by the Music' is Yukihiro Takahashi's debut solo album following his tenure with the influential band Yellow Magic Orchestra. This album marked a significant step in establishing his identity as a solo artist while exploring new musical territories beyond the confines of his earlier work.

Who is Murdered by the Music for?

Murdered by the Music works well if you're into steady pacing with vibrant energy, consistent flow with gradual climax and engaging headphone detail exploration.

How many songs are on Murdered by the Music?

Murdered by the Music has 11 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Murdered by the Music

Yukihiro Takahashi · 1980

42 min · 11 tracks · J-pop

A vibrant fusion of J-pop melodies and electronic experimentation wrapped in rock sensibilities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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School of Thought Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Murdered by the Music — The title track encapsulates the album's theme, juxtaposing catchy hooks with introspective lyrics that address the complexities of artistic expression.
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Radioactivist — This track showcases Takahashi's ability to merge political commentary with infectious rhythms, reflecting both personal and societal struggles.
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The Core of Eden — The closing track offers an expansive sonic landscape that highlights Takahashi's layered production techniques and leaves listeners with a sense of introspection.

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

The album showcases innovative compositions and strong production, blending J-pop with electronic elements effectively.

What we noticed

The album opens with a punchy synth line in 'School of Thought' that sets a brisk pace, which is maintained through the first half.
Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as the transition from the upbeat 'I-Kasu!' to the more reflective 'Bijin-Kyoshi at the Swimming School'.
The final track, 'The Core of Eden', concludes with an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, creating a sense of closure.

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 6/10

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

steady pacing with vibrant energy
consistent flow with gradual climax
engaging headphone detail exploration
dynamic tracks for active listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification tracks
prefer standalone singles only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This debut solo album established Takahashi's reputation post-YMO.
Themes: artistic isolation· Tokyo nightlife· political commentary
Career context: Released in 1980, 'Murdered by the Music' is Yukihiro Takahashi's debut solo album following his tenure with the influential band Yellow Magic Orchestra. This album marked a significant step in establishing his identity as a solo artist while exploring new musical territories beyond the confines of his earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors: Ryuichi Sakamoto· Cornelius· Towa Tei