YMO
YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA
Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) is an electronic music band formed in Japan, Tokyo, way back in 1978 by Haruomi Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Yukihiro Takahashi, all playing various instruments and doing vocal work.
The band initially started as "Harry Hosono and the Yellow Magic Band," formed specifically for Haruomi Hosono's Paraiso album, but later would properly form into the Yellow Magic Orchestra as we know it.
With their never-heard-before electronic sound, they quickly rose to massive fame in their home country but also overseas (Europe, United States).
Their popularity reached a peak in 1980 with their iconic album "Solid State Survivor," which sold millions of copies worldwide. Many of their releases afterwards would break records regarding sales and chart placements.
After 9 studio albums and a finished contract the band got to finally call it quits in 1983 after a grand final tour and the release of their musical concert film "Propaganda."
The members went on to work on their own solo careers, sometimes collaborating but never returning to the YMO label outside of the one-off 1993 reunion.
Yellow Magic Orchestra's work was highly influential, affecting electronic music in general but also video game music and hip hop, with their sound still heard today from inspiration to sampling. They even performed on the American musical TV show "Soul Train."
The band will always be remembered as one of the pioneers of modern electronic music.
Haruomi Hosono
Bassist, keyboardist, sometimes vocalist.
Before forming, YMO was most well known for being part of Happy End, the first Japanese rock band to sing in Japanese.
Currently alive and well.
Yukihiro Takahashi
Drummer, main vocalist, sometimes keyboardist.
Before YMO, he was most well known for being the drummer for Sadistic Mika Band.
Passed away on the 11th of January, 2023, aged 70.
Ryuichi Sakamoto
Keyboardist, Vocalist.
After YMO went on to compose scores for many iconic award-winning films such as The Last Emperor and The Revenant.
Passed away on the 28th of March 2023, aged 71
Yellow Magic Orchestra - 1978
An iconic piece of early electronic music with samples from various arcade games. My introduction to the band, which was easy to fall in love with.
Solid State Survivor - 1979
YMO's most celebrated and recognized album for a very good reason. Are you even a music fan if you haven't seen the cover at least once? Amazing piece of art.
Public Pressure - 1980
Solid live album with an "unreleased" banger, Radio Junk.
Recorded during their world tour outside of Japan.
X∞Multiplies - 1980
A mini album with both songs and comedy sketches by The Snakeman Show.
The album is very clever with its overall theme. + Nice Age is a fantastic track.
BGM - 1981
One of the first albums to feature the Roland TR-808. An amazing album and, from what I've seen, very beloved in the community. Let's all love BGM!
Technodelic - 1981
YMO's venture into the more experimental. Heavy use of samples and loops, considered to be the first album to do this. + Taiso (the song on this page) lives here.
Naughty Boys - 1983
Could be seen as more pop-oriented than others, especially with the hit track "Kimi ni Mune Kyun."
Additionally had a fully instrumental release.
Service - 1983
Last studio album by YMO that has both songs and comedy sketches by S.E.T.
Perfect final album, and tragically overlooked.
After Service - 1984
YMO's second live album recorded during their final 1983 propaganda tour. Amazing live album for an unforgottable tour.. I will fight for Kageki na Shukujo.
Technodon - 1993
The true last studio album made during a swift reunion. More ambient techno than before, showing how much electronic music has changed in a decade.
Yellow Magic Orchestra is one of the few bands that had me in a chokehold for over a year and had such a large impact on me. Despite having silent months, my ride with YMO is nowhere near the station. Let's pick up the speed!
This band and the members' side projects (especially Haruomi Hosono's... heh) mean so much to me. I know I will never see them in a concert, but what they've done to me and how much they've changed my life is already enough. I mourn the departed members every day. I hope they're doing good, wherever they are now.
As for the members' side projects, the film Ryuichi Sakamoto acted in and composed for, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, is my favorite movie ever made, with my favorite film score too. The music makes me feel so strongly it hurts.
Despite my love for MCML, Haruomi Hosono has my favorite solo works out of all the three. As some of you already know, my character Twist is heavily inspired by Hosono's tropical trilogy albums, which are astounding pieces of art. Hosono is truly the GOAT, my favorite musician of all time.
I wish I could include a cool discovery story here, but the reality is I have no idea how I first heard about Yellow Magic Orchestra. Being a music fan, their name had somehow etched into my mind, and on the 21st of February of 2024, I randomly thought, "Why not give them a listen?" Pretty underwhelming, I know, but sometimes life is like that.
Lastly, thank you greatly, Yellow Magic Orchestra.
