Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) is a well-known Japanese electronic music group. Formed in 1978, they played a significant role in popularizing electronic music in Japan and influencing the global music scene. One of their most famous songs is "Tighten Up," released in 1980. It showcases YMO's unique blend of synth-pop, funk, and traditional Japanese music. The song became an instant hit and remains a classic to this day. "Tighten Up" begins with a catchy synth melody and a driving rhythm section.
Japanese gentleman stand up please, indeed.
After the performance, the show s host Don Cornelius said that if anyone out there was confused about what they just saw, well, he didn t know either. Hosono mimes Asian music tropes here with Jackson s lyrics equating dropping a nuclear bomb to being mad which are far more dark when it s being reflected back onto the West.
"Tighten Up" begins with a catchy synth melody and a driving rhythm section. The infectious grooves and upbeat tempo immediately draw the listener in and make it impossible not to move to the music. The use of synthesizers and drum machines gives the song a futuristic and innovative sound that was ahead of its time.
Let's Talk: Yellow Magic Orchestra and imaginary Asia
Something rather subversive I had noticed in the music of Yellow Magic Orchestra and its founding member Haruomi Hosono is riffing on the Westernized concept of Japan rather than the music of Japan itself. I first noticed this on Hosono's album Paraiso (which is essentially a YMO album in all but name) where Hosono covers Wanda Jackson's "Fujiyama Mama". Hosono mimes Asian music tropes here with Jackson's lyrics equating dropping a nuclear bomb to being mad which are far more dark when it's being reflected back onto the West.
Wanda Jackson "Fujiyama Mama" (1961): https://youtu.be/oVvbl8nsPck
Haruomi Hosono "Fujiyama Mama" (1978): https://youtu.be/qoGVBAitaOA
. and the more I thought about this concept in YMO's music, the more I found. One of YMO's breakout singles was the chirpy "Firecracker" that has a very stock Japanese sounding melody. But it's a cover! The original version is by composer Martin Denny whose career was making exotic sounding music for Western audiences (he's one of the major artists in the exotica subgenre). It's another fascinating mirror image; "this is how you think we sound".
Martin Denny "Firecracker" (1959): https://youtu.be/IPaBrlloEJw
Yellow Magic Orchestra "Firecracker" (1978): https://youtu.be/yqoWryBLmNI (this is a clip from YMO's infamous appearance on Soul Train in 1980)
. and that isn't all, there is more! Hosono made two interesting solo albums in the 70s that more directly play with these themes: Tropical Dandy and Bon Voyage Co., both riffing on the imagined concepts of exotica: pretty women, endless sunshine, pristine beaches. Another example of Hosono directly referencing a Westernized version of Japan is his cover of "The Japanese Farewell Song" from Bon Voyage Co.:
Kay Cee Jones "The Japanese Farewell Song" (1955): https://youtu.be/fUDqcnSuKWc
Haruomi Hosono "Sayonara (The Japanese Farewell Song)" (1976): https://youtu.be/mMEckaFqDWU
This is what I find endlessly fascinating about YMO. There is this underlying question of artistic and cultural identity but also this distorted echo of how we view Japan in the West. We are used to seeing misunderstandings traveling one way but it's rare that those misunderstandings are reflected back in a way where they are so obvious. And doing this is so sly that it almost flies under the radar. "Of course a Japanese band sounds Japanese" - that's the joke!
This is what I find endlessly fascinating about YMO. There is this underlying question of artistic and cultural identity but also this distorted echo of how we view Japan in the West. We are used to seeing misunderstandings traveling one way but it's rare that those misunderstandings are reflected back in a way where they are so obvious. And doing this is so sly that it almost flies under the radar. "Of course a Japanese band sounds Japanese" - that's the joke!
YMO's ability to fuse different musical genres is evident in "Tighten Up." They seamlessly combine elements of disco, funk, and traditional Japanese melodies to create a vibrant and energetic track. This eclectic approach to music became YMO's signature style and helped them gain a dedicated fanbase worldwide. The lyrics of "Tighten Up" are simple yet impactful. The song's title refers to the need to tighten up and focus on oneself amidst the chaos of the modern world. This message resonated with listeners, and the song quickly became an anthem for self-reflection and personal growth. In addition to its success in Japan, "Tighten Up" gained international recognition, particularly in the United States. The song's infectious melody and catchy hooks made it a favorite among DJs and clubgoers. Its influence can still be heard in electronic music today. Yellow Magic Orchestra's "Tighten Up" is a testament to the band's innovative and forward-thinking approach to music. It continues to inspire and captivate listeners with its infectious energy and timeless sound. YMO's contributions to the electronic music genre remain significant, and their influence is felt even decades after their formation..
Reviews for "The Social and Political Commentary in Yellow Magic Orchestra's Lyrics"
1. Jane Smith - 1/5 stars - The Yellow Magic Orchestra's "Tighten Up" was a huge letdown for me. I had heard so much hype about their music, but I found it to be repetitive and monotonous. The electronic beats were uninspiring, and the overall composition lacked depth and creativity. I struggled to connect with any of the tracks and was left feeling underwhelmed. Unfortunately, this album did not live up to my expectations.
2. John Doe - 2/5 stars - As a fan of electronic music, I was excited to listen to Yellow Magic Orchestra's "Tighten Up." However, I found the album to be lackluster and unoriginal. The songs all seemed to blend together, and I couldn't distinguish one track from another. The production quality was decent, but the compositions felt empty and repetitive. Overall, "Tighten Up" failed to capture my attention or leave a lasting impression.
3. Sarah Thompson - 2/5 stars - Yellow Magic Orchestra's "Tighten Up" left me feeling unimpressed. The album lacked innovation and failed to offer any surprises. The tracks were safe and predictable, and I found myself waiting for something to catch my interest, but it never happened. The overall sound felt dated and failed to stand out in a genre that is known for pushing boundaries. "Tighten Up" was a forgettable listening experience for me.