Chakra - さてこそ (1981)
[transliteration: satekoso | translation: That's Why]
Genre: art pop, progressive pop, new wave, zolo, techno kayō
Length: 44:38
If anyone asked me to pick an absolute all-time favorite album, I would be hard-pressed not to answer with this choice. さてこそ is an explosion of good energy and synthesized beauty. Through the years, it has never let me down or disappointed me to pick it up and listen to it again. The creativity behind each song on this masterpiece can't be overstated: Mishio Ogawa and producer Haruomi Hosono express a high degree of musical proficiency while keeping most of the songs light and fun.
It is difficult to choose a favorite on this album, as nearly every song has some variant magical quality about it. My legendary favorite has always been Free, with its periodic ascending synthesizer and orchestral scope. However, シュンシュン (myun myun | the whistling sound of a kettle), おちょーし者の行進曲 (o chō-shi-sha no kōshinkyoku | March of the Fools), and いとほに (itohoni | Two-strand) have recently been capturing my heart with how deliberately playful they are. Despite this playfulness, さてこそ retains a deep ethereality that might even render it psychedelic to some ears. This album earns my highest recommendation to anyone who wants to expand their listening palette, as I'm nearly certain everyone can find something charming about it.
Links: YouTube | Spotify
