What makes Too by Fantastic Plastic Machine notable?

'Too' received critical acclaim for its innovative approach and was influential in shaping the sound of early 2000s electronic music, particularly within the Japanese pop landscape. Its blend of genres resonated with listeners and contributed to the broader acceptance of Shibuya-kei outside Japan, helping pave the way for future artists in the genre. When 'Too' was released in 2003, Fantastic Plastic Machine was already established as a key figure in the Shibuya-kei scene following their debut album 'Luxury' in 1997. This album marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing a more intricate production style and an exploration of varied genres that would define their subsequent works.

How many songs are on Too?

Too has 13 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Too

Fantastic Plastic Machine · 2003

55 min · 13 tracks · house music

A vibrant blend of electronic textures and lush melodies, merging Shibuya-kei with elements of downtempo and neo-psychedelia.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Reaching for the Stars — This track exemplifies the album's lush arrangements and catchy hooks, blending dreamy vocals with infectious rhythms that encapsulate the essence of Shibuya-kei.
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The King of Pleasure — A standout piece that combines slick production with a playful narrative, reflecting the hedonistic themes prevalent throughout the album.
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Philosophy (Full Spoken mix) — This track offers a unique spoken word element that contrasts with the musicality of the album, showcasing Fantastic Plastic Machine's experimental edge.
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Euphoria — With its expansive soundscapes and emotive build-up, this track serves as a high point on the album, illustrating the intricate layering characteristic of their style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends lush electronic textures with rhythmic elements, showcasing strong craft but varying cohesion.

What we noticed

The album opens with an orchestral introduction that sets a lush, atmospheric tone before transitioning into more rhythmic tracks.
Several tracks feature layered electronic textures that create a sense of depth and movement, particularly in 'Euphoria' and 'Days and Days'.
The use of spoken word elements in 'Philosophy (Full Spoken mix)' contrasts with the predominantly instrumental nature of the other 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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.