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Solid State Survivor cover

Voidfaller’s review of the albumSolid State Survivor

Yellow Magic Orchestra · 1979

absolutely loved Solid State Survivor. It’s a timeless synth-pop masterclass that deserves all the praise it gets, not just for being pioneering, but because it’s genuinely great to listen to. The production still sounds remarkably modern for 1979. Technopolis and Rydeen especially have deceptively simple surfaces, but the more you listen, the more layers you notice. Everything feels dense yet incredibly well-written. Day Tripper is also a highlight, turning the familiar original into something distinctly YMO through its groove and production. Despite its Western influences, the album has a distinctly Japanese character, particularly through its use of pentatonic melodies. The pacing is also excellent the slower track breaks up the album without feeling out of place. 4.5/5 not because I think it has any major flaws, but because I haven't developed many personal memories around it yet, nor had that extra mind-blowing moment that makes an album a 5/5 for me.

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