What is the best Motoi Sakuraba album to start with?

The best album to start with is "After all…" (2011). It's the most representative of what makes Motoi Sakuraba worth hearing.

How many albums does Motoi Sakuraba have?

Motoi Sakuraba has 22 releases in their discography, including 20 albums.

Motoi Sakuraba

Q: Who is Motoi Sakuraba for?

If you're into progressive rock, Motoi Sakuraba is worth your time. His compositions dynamically alternate between tranquil passages and intense climaxes, utilizing rich layers and rhythmic complexity to create an engaging sonic journey.

His compositions dynamically alternate between tranquil passages and intense climaxes, utilizing rich layers and rhythmic complexity to create an engaging sonic journey.

progressive rock

Japan

Read about Motoi Sakuraba on Bookshop

Start here

The album

After all… (2011)

Showcases a range of dynamic compositions that blend tranquil and intense moments, providing a solid introduction to Sakuraba's style.

The song

“Forest of Glass” from Forest of glass

Features engaging melodies and intricate arrangements, making it an excellent standalone piece that captures Sakuraba's signature sound.

Where to go

Start here

After all…

2011

Features engaging melodies and intricate arrangements, making it an excellent standalone piece that captures Sakuraba's signature sound.

Play this

About Motoi Sakuraba

Motoi Sakuraba stands as a significant figure in modern instrumental music, bridging the worlds of video game soundtracks and progressive rock to create immersive soundscapes that resonate deeply with listeners.

His work invites an exploration of emotional landscapes, turning the act of listening into a journey through intricate aural narratives that often transcend traditional boundaries. Innovatively combining classical influences with electric instrumentation, Sakuraba's approach is characterized by both spontaneity and meticulous craft. He layers complex arrangements that oscillate between serene melodies and powerful crescendos, crafting a dynamic listening experience that keeps audiences engaged and emotionally invested. Each piece feels like a deliberate exploration of sound, where textures shift fluidly, enabling a sense of discovery throughout his compositions. In his songwriting, Sakuraba often delves into themes of nostalgia, adventure, and introspection, using instrumental storytelling to evoke specific moods rather than relying on lyrics. His tone varies from ethereal and dreamlike to forceful and dramatic, embodying a range of emotions that invite listeners to project their own experiences onto the music. This creates an intimate connection as the listener navigates through the evolving sonic tapestry he weaves.

20 studio albums· 22 total releases· 2 decades· Japan