It is like a late-night taxi ride through Tokyo when the rain has just stopped.
A sophisticated and serene journey through urban romanticism and quiet late-night reflection.
Released in 2015, The Sense of Strings is a pivotal release for the Japanese musical project MUSE (Music Unit Sound Effect), often confused with the British rock band of the same name. This album represents a sophisticated blend of smooth jazz, nu-jazz, and adult contemporary pop, characterized by its high production values and melodic accessibility. Unlike the experimental or avant-garde leanings of some contemporary Japanese jazz, this record prioritizes atmosphere and emotional resonance. The tracklist features a mix of mid-tempo 'swing' influences and slower, more contemplative ballads like 'Waltz' and 'Dream.' Critical reception within the niche J-Jazz community highlights the album's ability to bridge the gap between background lounge music and engaging instrumental performance. It stands as a testament to the 'Music Unit' philosophy, focusing on the collective sound effect of the ensemble rather than individual virtuosity, resulting in a cohesive, immersive listening experience that remains a cult favorite for fans of high-fidelity jazz production.
Put this on for
wine glass half-empty and the city lights blurring through the windowearly morning sunlight hitting the steam of your first coffeedriving through a coastal town with the windows down just enoughreading a thick novel while the rain taps against the glassdinner for two where the conversation is quiet and easyhotel bar at midnight when you are the last one thereSunday morning chores that feel more like a meditation
Moments worth waiting for
The transition from the upbeat swing of the opener into the hazy, atmospheric piano layers of Dream.
The extended saxophone solo in Summer Winds that feels like a warm breeze through an open window.
The delicate, brief closing waltz that strips away the percussion for a purely melodic farewell.
Sounds like
2015s production with a 2010s soul
Sits beside
Casiopea - Casiopea, Mint Jams - Casiopea, A Long Vacation - Eiichi Ohtaki, Variety - Mariya Takeuchi
Lyrical territory
love_romantic, nostalgia, nature
03Deviation
The Sense of Strings · vs · Muse
Artist
This Album
Low Energy
Energy · ↓ −58% less than usual
On this album, low energy sits about 58% less prominent than across the rest of the artist's catalogue.