What makes Song to Fly by Yoko Kanno notable?

Song to Fly is notable for its fusion of various musical styles, showcasing Kanno's versatility and creativity. The album received critical acclaim and has influenced numerous artists within the anime music scene and beyond, solidifying Kanno's reputation as a composer capable of transcending traditional genre boundaries. Released in 1998, Song to Fly is Yoko Kanno's first original album after her groundbreaking work on the Cowboy Bebop soundtrack. At this point in her career, Kanno was gaining recognition for her unique blend of genres and innovative compositions, establishing herself as a prominent figure in anime music and beyond.

Who is Song to Fly for?

Song to Fly works well if you're into steady mid-tempo emotional flow, cinematic soundscapes for daydreaming and thoughtful moments of reflection.

How many songs are on Song to Fly?

Song to Fly has 11 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Song to Fly

Yoko Kanno · 1998

46 min · 11 tracks · J-pop

A lush tapestry of ambient soundscapes intertwines with ethereal vocals and intricate melodies, creating a dreamlike auditory experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Atomic Bird — This opening track features a haunting melody paired with rich orchestration, setting the tone for the album's exploration of sound and emotion.
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Reunion — The track blends intricate harmonies with a sweeping orchestral arrangement, representing Kanno's ability to evoke deep feelings through her music.
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This EDEN — With its delicate piano lines and ethereal vocal layers, This EDEN captures the essence of tranquility and introspection that permeates the album.
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Hallelujah — This brief yet poignant piece showcases minimalist instrumentation combined with emotional vocal delivery, highlighting Kanno's skill in creating impactful moments.

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 blends intricate melodies with ambient soundscapes, showcasing Kanno's unique style and versatility.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature layered instrumentation that builds gradually, creating a sense of anticipation before the tempo shifts in track four.
Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside the ethereal vocals, adding texture and depth to the sound.
The album closes with a minimalist arrangement in 'Lydia', contrasting with the lush production of earlier tracks.

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 mid-tempo emotional flow
cinematic soundscapes for daydreaming
thoughtful moments of reflection
rich orchestral textures throughout

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
seek immediate, catchy hooks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1998, Song to Fly is Yoko Kanno's first original album after her groundbreaking work on the Cowboy Bebop soundtrack. At this point in her career, Kanno was gaining recognition for her unique blend of genres and innovative compositions, establishing herself as a prominent figure in anime music and beyond.
Stylistic neighbors: Joe Hisaishi· Nobuo Uematsu· Ryuichi Sakamoto