Music: Yukihiro Takahashi – Saravah! (1978 Reissue)

In 1978, Japanese music legend Yukihiro Takahashi came through with what would be one the most exciting albums titled Saravah! It was at a time when the musician joined Yellow Magic Orchestra, a legendary electronic band that defined Japanese music back in the day.

On Saravah! Yukihiro Takahashi experimented and put together and album experimenting with Disco Funk, synth Pop, Ambient, French Exotica and Bossa Nova. The Italian and French influence on this record is what made it interesting to me, as songs like “Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu)” and “C’est Si Bon” have melodies and lyrics in both languages respectively. But it’s the layered instrumentation that’s the really captivating part of the project. Tracks like “La Rosa” and “Elastic Dummy” having smooth synths and keys, with the latter track being more of an upbeat disco track, with infectious drums and emphatic melodies perfect for the dancefloor. “Sunset” features groovy guitar rhythms and electronic effects throughout that give it a futuristic vibe. The heavy guitar leads on “Black Street Midnight Queen” are stellar, while “Present” is a slower paced ballad that closes the album out beautifully. Overall, this is an awesome discovery, and I hope to discover more stellar music like this from him.

Listen to Yukihiro Takahashi’s newly remastered 1978 album Saravah! below via Bandcamp and don’t forget to support! Released via WEWANTSOUNDS.