{"product_id":"samurai-champloo-music-record-departure-original-soundtrack-iconic","title":"Samurai Champloo Music Record: Departure Original Soundtrack - Iconic","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the Samurai Champloo Music Record: Departure is evaluated as a soundtrack for listeners who appreciate a blend of hip-hop, jazz, and atmospheric beats tied to strong narrative visuals. This release, produced primarily by Nujabes and Fat Jon and originally issued on June 23, 2004, stands out because of its memorable lead track and cohesive production that shaped the series sound. For fans of soundtrack albums and beat-driven instrumental music, the album's distinct mood and collaborations make it the single biggest reason to pick up this record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduced by acclaimed artists:\u003c\/strong\u003e The album benefits from the distinct production voices of Nujabes and Fat Jon, delivering layered hip-hop beats and rich textures throughout.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNotable vocal collaborations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Opening and closing tracks feature performances from Shing02 and MINMI, adding lyrical focus and melodic contrast to instrumental pieces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeries-defining track:\u003c\/strong\u003e The well-known \"Battlecry\" is a standout piece that anchors the soundtrack and demonstrates the fusion of rap and cinematic arrangement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCohesive atmosphere:\u003c\/strong\u003e The album maintains a consistent mood that mirrors the anime's blend of period setting and contemporary musical language, useful for focused listening or background ambiance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassic release date:\u003c\/strong\u003e Originally released June 23, 2004, the album represents an early and influential entry in anime soundtrack production that collectors value.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Departure soundtrack is ideal for listeners who enjoy instrumental hip-hop with cinematic touches, fans of the Samurai Champloo series who want a concentrated musical experience, and collectors of influential anime soundtracks seeking historically notable releases. Its production credits and standout tracks appeal to those who follow producers like Nujabes and Fat Jon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListeners seeking orchestral scores, modern electronic dance music, or vocal pop albums should look elsewhere; while the album includes vocal contributions, its core is beat-driven and mood-focused rather than song-oriented pop. Those expecting a multi-genre compilation beyond hip-hop and jazz-inflected instrumentals may be disappointed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDistinctive production by Nujabes and Fat Jon gives the album a signature, cohesive sound.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMemorable opening and closing vocal tracks add emotional and lyrical resonance to the record.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\"Battlecry\" and other pieces have lasting replay value for fans of beat-driven cinematic music.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eServes as a cultural touchstone for anime soundtracks from the early 2000s.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe album is stylistically focused on hip-hop and may not satisfy listeners seeking orchestral or mainstream pop arrangements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAs a soundtrack, it prioritizes mood and atmosphere over conventional, radio-style song structures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSamurai Champloo Music Record: Departure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoundtrack album (CD \/ vinyl implied by category)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProducers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNujabes, Fat Jon (with contributions from Tsutchie and others)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFeatured Artists\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShing02, MINMI\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOriginal Release Date\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJune 23, 2004\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeries\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecond of four Samurai Champloo soundtrack albums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeparture is a worthwhile purchase for anime soundtrack collectors and fans of instrumental hip-hop because it captures a unique fusion of beats and atmosphere produced by notable artists. Its standout tracks and cohesive production make it good value for listeners who appreciate mood-driven records and historically significant releases in the anime music space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this the original 2004 release?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the album was originally released on June 23, 2004 and is the second soundtrack for the series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho produced the music on this soundtrack?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe record was produced primarily by Nujabes and Fat Jon, with contributions from other producers associated with the series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre there vocal tracks on the album?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the album features vocal performances including opening and closing tracks by Shing02 and MINMI.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Flyingdog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48204424184027,"sku":"B09P8Z1WGV","price":84.7,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61_2RvLsJjL._SL1500.jpg?v=1770308194","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/samurai-champloo-music-record-departure-original-soundtrack-iconic","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}