Lush, mesmerising ambient.
Matt Jacques | Saskatchewan, Canada | 01/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was amazed after hearing this CD for the first time, and it certainly ranks among the best ambient of 2000. I will admit though, that I am only writing this review as a warning... Sakura is NOTHING like any of Susuma Yakota's other works. While they might be fine works within their own genre, much of the 'other' Susumu Yakota would best be classified as Jamiroquai's backup band having a summit meeting with the kings of japanese cheezy house club music. To each their own, but I was seriously dissapointed that Susuma Yakota has not made anything else along the lines of Sakura. Oh well, this makes me appreciate it all the more I guess... and Sakura is his most recent, so let's hope he continues to explore more ambient realms!A truly rewarding listening experience my top 'surprise' of the year so far..."
Best ambient album of 2000
Mike Brown | Denver, CO USA | 12/29/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yokota's Sakura is a collection of brilliant, warm chillout themes, opening like the latest Biosphere, navigating Apollo territory for a bit, melding into nectarine downtempo around 'Hisen', all the while becoming ever the more interesting as it is contemplative. It is hard to remember which tracks have beats, and in Yokota's world it doesn't matter. By the time 'Kodomotachi' arrives, the listener is reveling in the mercurial interplay of subtle melodies and refined reverb. With a welcome suddenness, the looping keys of 'Naminote' redefine nu-jazz, effortlessly matching Innerzone Orchestra's 'At Les' as an artful hybrid of IDM and acoustic jazz. More subdued themes shake out the remaining momentum, but by now the player is on repeat play, ready for another round of this underestimated bliss."
JAPANESE VERSION OF CRAIG ARMSTRONG
Dsc | New York City | 10/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Very cinematic soundscapes by Japan's premier techno artist/producer. Each song plunges into a different side of the human psyche and mines it for the right connection of nostalgia and optimism. It's not a dance album but rather a chill out album. Very few drum/dance beats flow on this album. It's good to relax and sit on the sofa to."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1