Metaphorical Music

Nujabes - Metaphorical Music on Black Vinyl and CD

Metaphorical Music is the debut solo album from influential Japanese producer Nujabes. Originally released in 2003, the album brings together warm jazz samples, relaxed breakbeats, atmospheric instrumentals, and thoughtful guest performances to create one of the defining records in Nujabes’ catalog.

The album moves effortlessly between instrumental compositions and vocal tracks. Songs such as “Lady Brown,” “Highs 2 Lows,” and “Think Different” pair Nujabes’ melodic production with performances from Cise Starr and Substantial, while Shing02 appears on “F.I.L.O.” Pase Rock and Substantial open the album on the energetic “Blessing It (Remix).”

Quieter pieces including “Kumomi,” “Beat Laments the World,” “Letter from Yokosuka,” and the closing track “Peaceland” showcase the reflective sound that helped Nujabes earn an enduring following among listeners of jazz hip-hop, instrumental hip-hop, and atmospheric beat music. Uyama Hiroto also contributes to the album, producing “Letter from Yokosuka” and performing saxophone and additional keyboards on “Next View.”

Available as a Japanese import on double black vinyl or as a single-disc CD, Metaphorical Music is an essential addition to any Nujabes collection.

Format Details

• Artist: Nujabes
• Album: Metaphorical Music
• Original Release Year: 2003
• Label: Hydeout Productions
• Genre: Jazz Hip-Hop, Instrumental Hip-Hop, Downtempo
• Black Vinyl Edition: 2LP black vinyl in a gatefold jacket
• CD Edition: Single-disc CD
• Import: Japan

Metaphorical Music Tracklist

The CD edition contains the same 15-track program on one disc.