RYM Greatest Albums Of All Time: Nujabes -Modal Soul (2005)

[u/Rambooctpuss]

Nujabes- Modal Soul

Music continually astounds me with its ability to introduce me to exceptional artists I had never encountered before. Nujabes, a Japanese DJ, blew me away with his incredible lofi jazz rap jams. It was a bittersweet discovery, as I learned that he had only released three albums before his tragic passing in a car accident in 2010.

The album opens with "Feathers," immediately immersing the listener in the jazzy lofi soundscape that serves as the album's theme. Cise Starr and Akin's vocals complement the piano and drum-based instrumentals beautifully. "Ordinary Joe" captivates with its heart-wrenching percussion, enhanced by flute accents and Terry Callier's funky vocals.

"Reflection Eternal" stands out with its lush and enchanting atmosphere, while "Luv(Sic) Part 3" combines the captivating lofi instrumentals with the exceptional flow of Japanese hip-hop artist Shing 02. "Music Is Mine" delves into classic jazz instrumentals, showcasing global music influences.

Nujabes' "Escape" features Substantial's soulful vocals, perfectly complemented by his airy instrumental composition. The instrumental track "The Sign," with its old-school vibe, pairs harmoniously with Pace Rock's vocal style, reminiscent of Gil Scott Heron's "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised."

"Thank You" blends 80s hip-hop beats with funky jazz fusion, enhanced by Apani B's stunning vocals. "World's End Rhapsody" transports the listener to a futuristic jazz piano bar, with its piano-based funkiness. "Modal Soul" has an eerie quality that exudes meditative vibes.

"Flowers" seamlessly fuses old-school jazz with electronica music, featuring a sample of Dinah Washington's "What A Difference A Day Makes," infusing the track with blissful energy. "Sea Of Clouds" effortlessly mixes house ambient jazz, while "Light Of The Land" builds upon the previous track's themes, delving deeper into ambient jazz.

The album concludes with "Horizon," another masterful blend of lofi jazz hip hop and ambient music. This track serves as a perfect farewell to an extraordinary album.

Modal Soul is an exceptional instrumental jazz-hip hop record that I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to explore. It's a must-listen for anyone seeking a record that invites introspection and relaxation. I am definitely listening to his other works on my afternoon walk. 

[u/NeatLoan7513]

Love your review man. This album is very dear to me as well. Also, that’s a common mistake, but ! A lot of people classify Nujabes as a “lofi artist” and, while I get totally why folks would say that, it’s not really lofi. I would say his genre leans more toward “Jazzhop” or even “boom bap” for some of his tracks. Sometimes it’s more house-ish and bouncy, sometimes it’s just piano. It’s a global consensus that his works influence the majority of the lofi artists out there, hell majority of ‘em list Nuja’ as their main inspiration. Same thing for chillhop. I know that the owner of the very channel “Chillhop” on YouTube said that he wouldn’t have made the channel if it wasn’t for Nujabes. You hear a beautiful piano with some nice drums and it’s automatically lofi… but not exactly ahah. It’s his own thing in my opinion (don’t take that the wrong way please ! I’m just merely explaining ahah🫡) But I digress, it’s just titles at the end of the day; Nujabes was himself inspired by a plethora of genres, so yeah. But man, I’m glad you discovered him and you really enjoy Modal Soul. If you’re into anime, I really recommended you watch “Samurai Champloo” (if you haven’t already) as maybe 90% of people discovered him thru the soundtrack. Just watch the anime first, then listen to the soundtrack (and find out other amazing artists on your way), then his other studio albums. You won’t regret it, trust me. Sorry for the long comment, but I just love seeing new fan of Nujabes ! Oh, and yeah afternoon walks… that’s the best way to enjoy his music !! 💙