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

east windYellow Magic Orchestra

Yellow Magic Orchestra – Tong Poo (1978)

The sound image that gradually thickens from the intro captures your heart almost immediately.

The performance, which deftly manipulates rests and accents, is irresistible…! It’s a track from the B-side of the album “Yellow Magic Orchestra,” released in 1978 in two formats—LP record and cassette tape—and it remains one of the most popular pieces among YMO’s works.

TechnopolisYellow Magic Orchestra

Yellow Magic Orchestra – Technopolis (1979)

One of their signature songs, alongside “Rydeen.” Although it was released as a single from the album Solid State Survivor, it features a different arrangement from the album version.

It’s a classic that offers a glimpse of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s catchy side—he said he wrote it simply thinking, “Let’s make a song that sells.”

chance encounterYellow Magic Orchestra

Yellow Magic Orchestra – Kai-Koh

Among the tracks on the 1983 album “Uwakina Bokura,” this piece stands out for its distinctly introspective beauty.

Ryuichi Sakamoto wrote and composed it, with Yukihiro Takahashi on vocals.

The shimmering, bell-like timbre of the synthesizer is striking, and its sound—radiant yet tinged with melancholy—resonates deeply.

The lyrics depict the protagonist, who can no longer sing of ideal love, expressing both determination and anxiety as they bid farewell to their former self and take a new step forward.

Although it isn’t a flashy single, it remains a perennial favorite among fans.

firecrackerYellow Magic Orchestra

Yellow Magic Orchestra – Firecracker (1978)

The original song is a track included on Martin Denny’s album Quiet Village.

At first listen it may feel like it unfolds mechanically and matter‑of‑factly, but the subtle human fluctuations in the sound that you catch here and there make it an exceptionally pleasant piece.

Also, be sure to listen for Haruomi Hosono’s marimba.

RaideenYellow Magic Orchestra

Rydeen / YMO Covered by #KanakoHara #Kanako Hara

One of their signature songs alongside “Technopolis.” It’s a track whose exhilarating, fast-paced sound feels great.

There’s also a surprising anecdote: Ryuichi Sakamoto transcribed a melody that Yukihiro Takahashi happened to hum.

Haruomi Hosono’s curveball-like bass line is really interesting, too.

Radical ladyYellow Magic Orchestra

[HD] Radical Lady (2003 Remaster) - YMO

Among YMO’s works, this piece is renowned as a masterpiece of techno kayō.

There’s also a well-known anecdote that the melody was originally composed as a song to be offered to Akina Nakamori.

The mysterious urban woman portrayed by Takashi Matsumoto intertwines with refined electronic sounds, exuding a bewitching allure.

Released as a single in July 1983, it was also included on the soundtrack for the film A Y.M.O.

Film Propaganda.

Its balance of mechanical beats and human, emotive lyrics is exquisite, making it the perfect number when you want to soak in the glittering atmosphere of the ’80s.

I’m smitten with you.Yellow Magic Orchestra

My Heart Aches for You

This is a single released in 1983.

It’s YMO’s biggest hit and was also used in a Kanebo cosmetics commercial.

The term “mune-kyun” (heart-throbbing) became popular thanks to this song’s success.

The music video—created with the concept of “cute middle-aged men”—is also highly recommended.