Artist: Dj Krush Album: Kakusei

Year: 1998
Duration: 0:0-1

A critical review of the Album Kakusei by DJ Krush

Music has the ability to transport us to a different place and time. Whether we need to unwind after a long day or feel rejuvenated after an intense workout, there is always something for everyone. One such musician who has captured the hearts and minds of music lovers is DJ Krush. Recently, he released an album titled Kakusei, which has garnered a lot of attention. Today, we are going to take a closer look at this album, the genre of music it represents, the most innovative aspects of it, and some of the best songs from it.

DJ Krush is a legendary musician, composer, and producer from Japan who is considered one of the pioneers of instrumental hip-hop. He has had a long and successful career spanning over three decades, and his work has influenced countless musicians across various genres. His music is known for its blend of Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Electronic music, and the same is reflected in this album, Kakusei. The album's title roughly translates to Awakening, and that is what DJ Krush intends to do with his music - take the listener through different soundscapes and awaken their senses.

The genre of music that DJ Krush represents is best described as instrumental hip-hop, which essentially means using music samples as musical instruments for creating a beat. This is different from traditional hip-hop, where the focus is on the lyrics and not the music. The most significant difference in DJ Krush's music is his use of samples. He has an incredible ear for finding the right sound and seamlessly blending them into his tracks. The music on Kakusei is no different, and the listener can expect to hear a lot of funky Jazz and soulful music samples.

One of the most innovative aspects of the album is DJ Krush's use of live instruments in conjunction with samples. This approach gives the music a more organic and human feel, and it's evident in tracks like My Light and Escapee. This is a departure from his earlier work, which was more sample-based, and it shows growth and exploration in his style. Additionally, the album is a good representation of how technology has evolved in music production. The sound quality of each track is superb, and it's a testament to DJ Krush's dedication to his craft.

Some of the best songs from the album include My Light and Escapee, as previously mentioned. Another excellent track is Strange Light, which features Tetsuro Kawashima on the Shakuahuchi (a Japanese bamboo flute). The track has a hypnotic quality to it, and the combination of the flute and beats is mesmerizing. The final track on the album, Probability, is another standout track. It features a haunting piano melody and some atmospheric synth pads that make for a powerful and moving track.

While there is a lot to like about the album, it's not without its flaws. One of the primary criticisms is the lack of variation in the album. The songs tend to blend into each other, and there isn't enough contrast to make them stand out. Additionally, some tracks can sound repetitive, and it can be challenging to distinguish them from one another. That being said, it's important to keep in mind that this is just a minor criticism, and it doesn't detract from the overall quality of the album.

All in all, Kakusei is an excellent album that showcases DJ Krush's talents and serves as a testament to his growth and evolution as an artist. While it may not be perfect, it's still an innovative and moving listening experience, and it's certainly worth a listen for anyone who enjoys instrumental hip-hop, Jazz, or electronic music. Whether you're a die-hard fan of DJ Krush or a new listener, this album is definitely worth checking out.