In life, there are some individuals who seem to have a special ability or talent that sets them apart from others. They possess the magic touch, which allows them to excel in almost everything they do. It's as if they have a secret ingredient that brings success and achievement effortlessly. These individuals have a unique aura about them. They possess confidence, charisma, and an unparalleled drive to constantly improve and exceed expectations. They radiate positivity and optimism, and their passion for their work is infectious.
Computer and video game sounds can be heard in YMO's single "Firecracker." This laid one of the most critical foundations in Hip Hop music; Afrika Bambaataa would joke that YMO was singularly responsible for Hip Hop's birth. Yellow Magic Orchestra had become the most prominent musical act in Japan at the time - more so than even the Beatles. A rise in the R&B charts initiated their crossover to the American music market.
This laid one of the most critical foundations in Hip Hop music; Afrika Bambaataa would joke that YMO was singularly responsible for Hip Hop s birth. Japan has its answer to Jazz, simply called Japanese Jazz; its response to Pop music, called J-Pop not to be mistaken with K-Pop, from Korea ; there is also Japanese Rap, and now even Trap music.
They radiate positivity and optimism, and their passion for their work is infectious. They have an innate ability to motivate and inspire those around them, and people are naturally drawn to their energy and enthusiasm. The magic touch is not limited to a specific field or profession.
Firecracker
He was heavily involved in music, so much that he had been in at least several bands by his late 20s. The economic climate was ripe for an artist of any pursuit or discipline to thrive, and Haruomi was wise not to let the opportunity go to waste.
Japanese folk music was a major musical influence for Haruomi early in his youth. He played electric bass keyboards and sang. The cultural and social changes, at the time, going on in nearby China, were felt to some degree over in Japan. These and other elements would be the backdrop for Haruomi's artistry.
He got together two musicians from the local area - themselves occupied with other musical projects - and formed the Yellow Magic Orchestra in 1978. Like the rest of the world, Japan has followed American culture and trends.
With that, there is a close following of American music. Japan has its answer to Jazz, simply called Japanese Jazz; its response to Pop music, called J-Pop (not to be mistaken with K-Pop, from Korea); there is also Japanese Rap, and now even Trap music. This phenomenon is found in almost every country.
Haruomi loved a variety of musical styles and genres. This translated into the musical bodywork of the YMO or Yellow Magic Orchestra.
Admittedly, Hosono says his band was “heavily influenced” by Kraftwerk - an electronic dance group from West Germany at the time. After introducing the music to his bandmates, “they immediately became huge fans,” he says.
Kraftwerk is said to have significantly influenced Pop music, especially that of the 1980s era. This includes the familiar sounds made famous by musical acts such Eurythmics and their hit "Sweet Dreams" or Blondie's "Heart of Glass," amongst others.
Yellow Magic Orchestra would release their self-titled album in 1978. The first single was "Firecracker," it was a mega success in Japan, later conquering other parts of the world. The album leans considerably on the musical framework of Kraftwerk. YMO was not particularly prideful about this, but for purposes of some semblance of originality - and longevity - Yellow Magic Orchestra added other elements.
They explored themes of Asianness, Orientalism, and also Exoticism. The latter two are particularly interesting because they both entail Western perceptions of the East and the Pacific, respectively. Hosono characterized Kraftwerk's style as being "very German." By that, he may have meant not only of a different musical tradition but also serious in nature.
Kraftwerk's music and art were rather dystopian, likely reflective of their environment in West Germany. YMO's music departed from their idols - temperamentally - and created music that emphasized 'joy' and 'liberation.'
Japan is the land of classic video games - that many have known and loved growing up. Nintendo, originally from Japan, has dominated the global video game industry in terms of the highest of revenues. Super Mario, also a Japanese product, is recognizable in all corners of the world. The sounds of these beloved video games, or just video game sounds generally, were sampled into music by YMO, predating much of the sampling that's come to define today's many subgenres of electronic music, including Hip Hop.
Computer and video game sounds can be heard in YMO's single "Firecracker." This laid one of the most critical foundations in Hip Hop music; Afrika Bambaataa would joke that YMO was singularly responsible for Hip Hop's birth. Yellow Magic Orchestra had become the most prominent musical act in Japan at the time - more so than even the Beatles. A rise in the R&B charts initiated their crossover to the American music market.
The band managed to secure a spot on the popular tv show Soul Train to perform in-studio in late 1980. They performed "Firecracker" before a very enthusiastic, dancing crowd that was predominantly African American.
"Firecracker" was later sampled by Afrika Bambaataa and popularly became known as a treasured Bronx - birthplace of Hip Hop - anthem. The song was later again sampled by Bronx native Jennifer Lopez, Hip Hop group De La Soul, and countless others.
Jason ‘Jsxn’ Nsinano is a multi-discipline artist who mainly works in the independent music industry as a music producer and writer. He is also a published recording artist. Jason is based in the culturally rich PNW (or the Pacific Northwest), encompassing the cities of Portland, OR, and Seattle, WA.
He is currently involved in a number of small film projects including short films and documentaries. Jason lists, among his heroes and influences, Michelangelo, Ray Charles, Prince, and writer Ernest Hemmingway.
The band managed to secure a spot on the popular tv show Soul Train to perform in-studio in late 1980. They performed "Firecracker" before a very enthusiastic, dancing crowd that was predominantly African American.
It can be seen in artists who can create masterpieces with a single stroke of a brush, musicians who can captivate an entire audience with their melodic voice or skilled fingers on an instrument, or athletes who effortlessly break records and outperform their competitors. It can also be observed in leaders who can rally their teams and lead them to victory, or entrepreneurs who can turn an idea into a booming business. What sets these individuals apart is not just their natural talent, but also their relentless dedication and hard work. They understand that talent alone is not enough and that constant practice and improvement are necessary to maintain their magic touch. They constantly seek knowledge, push their boundaries, and embrace challenges, which is why they continue to rise above others. The magic touch is not something that can be taught or acquired overnight. It is a combination of innate talent, hard work, and a genuine passion for what one does. However, everyone has the potential to develop their own version of the magic touch. It begins with self-belief and a determination to excel in whatever field one chooses. It requires stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing failure as a stepping stone towards success. So, if you ever encounter someone who seems to have the magic touch, don't be intimidated or discouraged. Instead, let their success inspire and motivate you. Learn from their dedication, their work ethic, and their ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Believe in your own potential and embrace the journey towards developing your unique magic touch. Face every endeavor with passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in yourself. You never know, one day, you might just discover that you too have the magic touch..
Reviews for "From Skeptic to Believer: Embracing the Magic Touch in a Scientific Age."
1. Emily - 2/5
I have to say, I was pretty disappointed with "You got the magic touch." The story was predictable and lacked any real depth or substance. The characters were one-dimensional and I found it hard to connect with any of them. The writing style was also quite basic and lacked any real creativity. Overall, I just didn't find this book to be engaging or memorable.
2. Mark - 3/5
I have mixed feelings about "You got the magic touch." While I appreciated the unique concept of the story, I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing was slow, and a lot of the scenes felt unnecessary and drawn out. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural at times. I think with some improvements in the storytelling and character development, this could have been a much stronger book.
3. Sarah - 2/5
Unfortunately, "You got the magic touch" didn't live up to my expectations. The plot felt cliché and unoriginal, and the characters were incredibly stereotypical. I found it hard to stay interested in the story, as it lacked any real surprises or twists. The writing itself was decent, but it couldn't save the overall lackluster experience of reading this book.
4. John - 1/5
I can honestly say that "You got the magic touch" was one of the worst books I've read in a long time. The plot was nonsensical and poorly developed, and the characters were flat and unrelatable. The writing was filled with grammatical errors and lacked any real descriptive power. I would not recommend wasting your time with this book.