Japan – Quiet Life

I have the Test pressing of this version, white label signed by Steven Jansen. I have tried to add it to the master releases but obviously doing g something wrong as it won't let me.

I love this album! This Canadian pressing is the one I have. It sounds great! I don't have a UK pressing to compare it to, but I can't imagine it being much better. I pulled the album out to listen to again and decided I don't need the box set.

This album is pure brilliance. What an achievement. An amazing atmospheric lead into the big 80's new wave MTV era. My only complaint is that I would have preferred "European Son" (one of Japan's original songs recorded during the album sessions) on the album as opposed to their cover of Lou Reeds "All Tomorrow's Parties. No big deal. The album is fantastic nonetheless.

The crucial album in that Japan started responding to the nature of their very choice of name. Goodbye the roughness of the earlier work, hello oriental sophistication wrapped in electro-atmospherics, aided by lush orchestral arrangements - the calm that became more and more evident on each next album, with "Quiet Life" as a stunning turning point.

The closest a counterpart to one "Gentlemen Take Polaroids" (both were delivered in 1980), "Quiet Life" is very easily observed through the prism of a "third debut" album. The sound is finally nailed and fully in control - while the group's dispute with Ariola-Hansa sadly undermined the success, it didn't stop the group for gaining a deserved cult status ever after.

All 8 songs are plain gorgeous, but knowing the group nailed "All Tomorrow's Parties" with such vigour is worth alone possessing this album - and let be possessed.