Sign In to rate and review
CRITIC REVIEWS
100
A record of endurance, struggle and the lingering ability to create something new. 12 shows a path can be made, even into that unknown.
11mo
90
‘12’ is not an album to take lightly. It is an album to listen to intently as often as you can. With each listen you learn something about what it takes to be a great artist, Ryuichi Sakamoto is a great artist, but it also teaches us not to take things too seriously because one day it could all be over.
10mo
80
Even if it’s less forceful in its execution, Sakamoto’s poetic, metaphysical approach—a paradoxically delicate yet fearless plunge into the unknown—is equally as daunting and devastating.
11mo
76
In a dozen somber, elegiac pieces for piano and electronics recorded in the wake of a cancer diagnosis, the Japanese composer reckons with his own mortality.
10mo
75
There is beauty in Sakamoto’s latest work, but will listeners have the patience for it?
10mo
70
Sakamoto died two months after 12 was released, and being aware that it was his final work adds emotional weight to music that appears fragile and delicate.
4mo
60
An album of instinct, habit and catharsis, these minimal, ambient, largely piano-led ruminations move in the subtlest of waves, so much so, at times it’s like they’re barely even there.
10mo
Sakamoto's "async" from 2017 was a gorgeous release I fell in love with that displayed a very emotional, fragile, and intimate vision from the composer. Much of this sound came from the painful feelings surrounding his cancer diagnosis, which has now worsened. "12" offers an even darker, colder, and more isolated sound representative of Sakamoto's recent hardships, a difficult wall of emotion to avoid while listening. Prepare yourself to fall somewhat into his shoes, and ... read more
Edit: Rest in fucking piece to Ryuichi Sakamoto. One of the greatest and most important figures in synthpop history.
Life is fragile.
If there's one thing that scares me the most, it's death. One minute you can be having the time of your life; the next, you are lying in a hospital bed, inches away from death. No matter what one does, death is an inescapable reality that everyone will face at some point. Worse than that, it can be so immediate and unexpected that people do not have the time to ... read more
keep fighting ryuichi. we’re supporting you no matter what.
EDIT: rest in peace. absolutely horrible loss.
what a tough listen. sonic rendering of taking in everything in the world around you while you know you are not only dying but your time will be up soon. beautiful and thoughtful. there is hardly a bargaining point on this album, only appreciation, love, and awareness are felt. death is always looming in every track, and sadness is defintiely felt, but you can tell this album was made as a thank you to a life lived by someone who appreciated it a lot. this album made me feel a lot of things. ... read more
Accompanied me when I was writing my math homework
Number:#449
First Listen:2023.11.27
Times I Have Full Listened To:1
First Re-Listen:
Lately Re-Listen:
Special Meaning:
Collection:
I have a several thousand word review on this album that I have been sitting on since June. This album and the whole of Sakamoto's work have really shaped itself into something much more important to me because of events that occurred these past few months. I don't think I have the mental fortitude to really come through with it, or if it's even worth because probably no one will read it, maybe some day I will.
But right now I can say this. This is a masterclass in ambient music. The cover, ... read more
Become a Donor
Donor badge, no ads + more benefits.
Donor badge, no ads + more benefits.
Advertisement
Track List
Year End Lists
| #20 | / | The Wire |
| #24 | / | Slant Magazine |
| #39 | / | RIFF |
| #40 | / | Pitchfork |
| #54 | / | Uncut |
Please stay on topic. To go off topic, head to the General Chat.
Sign in to comment
2w
such a peaceful closer to a great career. hearing him breathe throughout the record is a reminder that he may be gone but he is always with us musically. rest in peace
7mo
even though this album made it obvious that he would go soon, its still so sad
8mo
seeing the "deceased" tag on his artist page chokes me up every time now. RIP you legend
Added on: November 20, 2022