Take Off and Landing cover

Take Off and Landing

Yoshinori Sunahara · 1998

70 min · 14 tracks · techno

A vibrant blend of Shibuya-kei and techno, merging playful melodies with electronic textures that evoke nostalgic imagery.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Magic Sunset St — This track encapsulates the essence of the album with its dreamy synth layers and catchy rhythm, serving as a perfect representation of Shibuya-kei's playful spirit.
  • →
    Life and Space — An expansive piece that showcases Sunahara’s ability to create immersive soundscapes, blending intricate melodies with pulsating beats that invite listeners into a contemplative experience.
  • →
    SONY Romantic Electro Wave — This track stands out for its clever fusion of nostalgia and modernity, employing samples that evoke retro influences while maintaining an upbeat contemporary feel.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends vibrant melodies with electronic textures, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with playful melodies, while the second half shifts to more ambient and introspective soundscapes.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered electronic textures that create a sense of depth and nostalgia, particularly in 'Journey Beyond the Stars' and 'No Sun'.
  • The album maintains a consistent tempo throughout, rarely deviating from mid-tempo beats, which contributes to its cohesive feel.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • nostalgic melodies with playful vibes
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • smooth transitions between upbeat moments
  • for afternoon relaxation
  • exploratory soundscapes for daydreaming

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking intense emotional experiences
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Upon the release of 'Take Off and Landing' in 1998, Yoshinori Sunahara was transitioning from his earlier work in the influential group Fantastic Plastic Machine. This album marked his debut as a solo artist, presenting a unique sound that combined his background in electronic music with the burgeoning Shibuya-kei scene, establishing him as a prominent figure in Japanese pop culture.
Stylistic neighbors
Cornelius· Pizzicato Five· Takako Minekawa

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Information of TUA 2:49
  • 2 Magic Sunset St 5:52
  • 3 Sun Song 1980 5:33
  • 4 Count Down 1:21
  • 5 Life and Space 8:10
  • 6 Good Timing of the World of Love Song 2:40
  • 7 My Love Is Like a Red Red Rose 3:22
  • 8 Cross Wind Take Off 3:41
  • 9 SONY Romantic Electro Wave 4:35
  • 10 2300 Hawaii 7:17
  • 11 Journey Beyond the Stars 7:03
  • 12 No Sun 8:02
  • 13 Summer 5:05
  • 14 Welcome to Japan 4:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata