[YMO] Revisiting the classic songs of YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA!

M-16Yellow Magic Orchestra

M16 – YMO

This track is a piece included in the film A Y.M.O.

FILM PROPAGANDA, which was created using material from YMO’s “Sankai” (disbanding) concert.

It was later featured on the best-of album UC YMO.

Its story-like sound, which hints that something continues even after it’s over, leaves listeners with a bittersweet yet blissful feeling.

Cosmic SurfingYellow Magic Orchestra

YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA “COSMIC SURFIN” LIVE AT THE GREEK THEATRE 1979 (Official Video)

A piece by bassist Haruomi Hosono.

This track, said to be a fusion of the Ventures and techno, is a fun one with its twangy “teke-teke” guitar tone.

As it unfolds, the melody shifts dramatically, making those changes part of the enjoyment—one of the greats.

Yukihiro Takahashi’s tight drumming really stands out in this masterpiece.

My pockets are full of rainbows.Yellow Magic Orchestra

Pocketful Of Rainbows (Japanese Version)

Among YMO’s tracks—which laid the foundation of Japanese techno—the one I especially recommend is “Pocket Ni Niji Ga Ippai.” As you’d expect from a group with a strong instrumental focus, this piece features many vocal parts yet keeps the vocals themselves very understated.

There are no complex vocal lines, and the range is extremely narrow, making it an exceptionally easy song to sing.

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gymnasticsYellow Magic Orchestra

YMO gymnastics

The sixth single.

A very minimal track built around the piano.

The shouts scattered throughout the song are exactly what the title says.

During the “Winter Live 1981” concert tour, Ryuichi Sakamoto even performed by giving instructions to the audience through a megaphone.

Chaos PanicYellow Magic Orchestra

Chaos Panic – YMO

A track included as the B-side to YMO’s signature song “Kimi ni, Mune Kyun.” With its catchy melody and sound, it’s the kind of song you’ll find yourself humming after just one listen.

Brimming with euphoria, it’s a tune you’ll want to play with the windows wide open on a sunny Sunday morning.

telepathyYellow Magic Orchestra

[HD] YOU'VE GOT TO HELP YOURSELF – Telepathy (After Service 1983) - YMO

Released on September 28, 1983 as their ninth single, it was created as the theme song for the United Nations’ “World Communications Year.” Among their songs, it has a relatively bright and positive vibe, with a good tempo that’s easy to groove to.

Behind the MaskYellow Magic Orchestra

Yellow Magic Orchestra – Behind the Mask (1979)

Compared to typical techno, this track has a slower tempo and is characterized by a relaxed rhythm.

Although they often used complex chord progressions, this song features a simple progression and a singable melody, which has helped make it particularly popular overseas.