The Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) is a Japanese electronic music band that was formed in 1978. They are considered pioneers of electronic music and have had a significant impact on the genre. The band consisted of Haruomi Hosono, Yukihiro Takahashi, and Ryuichi Sakamoto. One of YMO's most popular albums is "Solid State Survivor," released in 1979. This album features a unique blend of electronic sounds and catchy pop melodies. It includes the hit singles "Technopolis" and "Rydeen," which helped popularize YMO's music not only in Japan but also internationally.
While I do think you reap what you sow, I simply cannot get behind the Threefold Law. That is not to say that everyone who follows the Rule of Three is bad, but it is just not something I personally believe in.
The Rule of Three, also called the Law of Threefold Return, is a caveat given to newly initiated witches in some magical traditions, primarily NeoWiccan ones. The Rule of Three, also called the Law of Threefold Return, is a caveat given to newly initiated witches in some magical traditions, primarily NeoWiccan ones.
It includes the hit singles "Technopolis" and "Rydeen," which helped popularize YMO's music not only in Japan but also internationally. "Solid State Survivor" showcases YMO's innovative use of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments. The album's production is clean and precise, creating a futuristic atmosphere that was ahead of its time.
Mystic Magic: The Rule of Three
For those that were not aware, I consider myself an eclectic witch. I draw from a number of different paths in order to practice my craft. One thing I do not subscribe to, though, is the Rule of Three.
The Law of the Threefold Return is generally attributed to Wicca. Basically, the Rule of Three decrees that whatever you put into the universe, magically or otherwise, will return to you threefold.
I believe that if you start slinging hexes and curses before you are ready, they might come back to bite you. If you throw something at someone who is well protected, that can also turn on you. I do not believe, though, that if I hex someone, something bad will happen to me threefold.
According to Learn Religions, one of the first instances of the Rule of Three appeared in a book of Gerald Gardner’s, the father of Wicca, where he stated that doing good would return the good to you three times over.
For the most part, it seems to be a rule to keep new Wiccans and witches on the straight and narrow. While not personally true for me, sometimes when people first get into Wicca and witchcraft, and especially in the age of WitchTok, they do not do their research first.
Beginners will jump right into things and think they are indestructible, all-magical forces of nature. I can see how the Rule of Three would help there, as a cautionary tale of throwing magic and intentions into the universe before you have done your research or thought out the consequences. However, there is a flip side to this coin.
I have done research into the so-called Left and Right Hand Paths, or two different approaches you can take on your magical journey. Firstly, the use of Left and Right Hand are biased terms, much like the use of white and black magic, but we can go into that in a later article.
Secondly, the main difference between the Left and Right Hand Paths that I could find was that the Right Hand was focused more on nature and community, less on the self. Left Hand focuses more on the self, working towards your own goals, and the rejection of social norms and authority, and is thus generally construed as “bad” or “black magic.”
I have the same problem with the Rule of Three that I do with the distinction between the Paths. To me, it seems more shaming than anything. For the Paths, it shames those who perform magic for themselves, rather than the community or nature as a whole. It shames the people who decide to use hexes in their craft.
The Rule of Three does the same thing. From what I have seen, it is mostly used to shame people who have incorporated hexes and the like into their craft. It does not sit right with me, because the basis of the rule is not correct either. Just because you do something good does not mean you will have good returned to you, and vice versa; the Rule of Three is not a universal law.
While I do think you reap what you sow, I simply cannot get behind the Threefold Law. That is not to say that everyone who follows the Rule of Three is bad, but it is just not something I personally believe in.
The use of computer-generated voices and robotic sounds further adds to the overall electronic aesthetic. YMO's music is influenced by various genres, including pop, funk, and classical music. They incorporate elements from these genres to create their unique sound. Their songs often feature complex arrangements and a combination of live instruments and electronic effects. The success of "Solid State Survivor" established YMO as one of the most important electronic music acts of the time. Their influence can be heard in the work of many artists who came after them. YMO's experimentation and fusion of different musical styles continue to be highly regarded by fans and critics alike. Despite their initial success, YMO disbanded in 1984, with its members pursuing solo careers. However, they reunited several times over the years, performing live shows and releasing new music. In conclusion, Yellow Magic Orchestra's album "Solid State Survivor" is a groundbreaking and influential work in the field of electronic music. Its innovative use of synthesizers and electronic effects, combined with catchy pop melodies, cemented YMO's status as pioneers of the genre. This album remains a classic and continues to inspire musicians and listeners worldwide..
Reviews for "The Yellow Magic Orchestra's Role in Shaping 80s Pop Culture"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - I had high expectations for Yellow Magic Orchestra's album "Solid State Survivor", but unfortunately, it didn't live up to them. The synthesizer-heavy sound felt repetitive and lacked creativity. The songs all seemed to blend together, making it difficult to distinguish one from another. Overall, I found it to be a monotonous and uninspiring listening experience.
2. Jane Smith - 1 star - I really tried to like "Solid State Survivor", but it just didn't resonate with me. The electronic elements felt forced and at times overwhelming. The vocals were flat and lacked emotion, failing to draw me in. I found myself losing interest in the songs quickly and struggling to stay engaged throughout the album. Overall, it was a disappointing and forgettable music experience.
3. Mark Johnson - 2 stars - As a fan of electronic music, I was excited to explore Yellow Magic Orchestra's "Solid State Survivor". However, I was left underwhelmed by the simplistic and repetitive nature of the tracks. The album lacked depth and failed to keep my attention. I found myself wanting more complexity and innovation in the compositions. While it may have been influential in its time, it didn't hold up well for me in the present day.
4. Emily Brown - 3 stars - "Solid State Survivor" by Yellow Magic Orchestra was an interesting experimentation with electronic music, but it fell short in some aspects for me. The sound design and production were impressive, but the songs felt disjointed and lacked a cohesive flow. I appreciated their attempt to blend different genres, but it sometimes resulted in a jarring listening experience. Overall, it was a mixed bag for me, with some songs standing out while others just didn't resonate.