QUIET LIFE

"Quiet Life" is the third full-length studio album by UK pop/rock act Japan. The album was released through Hansa Records in December 1979 (their last album on the label before signing with Virgin Records). It´s the successor to "Obscure Alternatives" from october 1978 and the third Japan album released in little over one and a half years since the release of the band´s debut full-length studio album "Adolescent Sex" in March 1978.

"Quiet Life" marks a change in Japan´s sound from the first two albums, which featured a glam rock/art rock style with elements of funk, reggae, punk, pop, and electronic music. "Quiet Life" instead embrace a more synth oriented pop sound (although the funk and reggae influences still shine through in the rhythm patterns of the music). A sound that pre-dates and probably influenced many of the synth pop artists from the early- to mid-80s (artists like Depeche Mode, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, O.M.D., Talk Talk, and New Order). Japan´s David Bowie and Roxy Music influences aren´t as dominant on "Quiet Life" as they were on the first two albums, although they are still heard here and there.

One other major change in the soundscape is the way lead vocalist/guitarist David Sylvian sings. His snarling punk attitude of the first two albums is used less and he often sings in a lower register using his baritone voice (heard on tracks like "Despair" and the "In Vogue"). A change which makes the vocal part of the album a much more varied listen. "Quiet Life" is generally a pretty dark and melancholic release and it´s obvious that Japan went for a more atmospheric and less hard rocking sound. The album features a well sounding production job (courtesy of Roxy Music producer John Punter), and upon conclusion it´s the next logical step for Japan and a good quality release. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.