A Tribute to Ryuichi Sakamoto
[ CD / Album ]

Ryuichi Sakamoto, the legendary Japanese composer and electronic pioneer, gets the royal treatment on this star-studded tribute album, "To The Moon And Back". From synth-pop to ambient drones, these tracks showcase Sakamoto's eclectic range and influence on the music scene. Opening with an ethereal cover of "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" by the enigmatic Björk, the album sets a dreamy tone that carries throughout. Kate Bush's haunting rendition of "Playing the Fricking Game" is a highlight, with her distinct vocals giving the track a new life. Experimental artist Arca takes a bold approach on "Solari" with glitchy beats and eerie vocal manipulations that push Sakamoto's sonic boundaries. Meanwhile, Oneohtrix Point Never offers a mesmerising reimagining of "The Sheltering Sky" that transports listeners to another dimension. However, not all tracks hit the mark. The collaboration between Brian Eno and John Foxx on "End of Asia" feels disjointed and lacks the cohesion found in other covers. Overall, "To The Moon And Back" is a fitting tribute to Sakamoto's groundbreaking work, with each artist bringing their own unique flair to his compositions. While some tracks may miss the mark, the album as a whole is a must-listen for any fan of electronic music. Sakamoto's legacy lives on in this diverse and captivating collection.