Album Review: Rightfully by Mili – A Genre-Bending Sonic Adventure
Alright, let’s talk about Rightfully, the 2018 album by Mili. If you’re into electronic music with a twist of drum n bass, abstract vibes, and soundtrack feels, this is your jam. Coming straight outta Japan via Saihate Records, it’s one of those albums that doesn’t just sit in one lane—it jumps around like a caffeinated squirrel. And honestly? That’s what makes it kinda unforgettable.
First off, let me say this: the tracklist reads like a playlist for an anime character's emotional rollercoaster montage. From live versions to instrumentals, there’s so much going on here, but two tracks stuck with me more than the rest—“Rightfully” and “Nine Point Eight -Special Edit- (Live).”
So, "Rightfully" hits different. It’s got Momocashew’s vocals floating over Yamato Kasai’s arrangement like clouds on a breezy day. The melody builds up slow at first, almost teasing you, then BAM—it slaps you with layers of intricate beats and synths. You know when a song feels like it’s telling a story without needing words all the time? Yeah, that’s this one. Plus, the instrumental version (“Rightfully (Inst)”) gives you space to really soak in the production details. Hats off to Kazutaka Sugimoto for producing something this lush.
Then there’s “Nine Point Eight -Special Edit- (Live).” This track is wild. Like, imagine being at a concert where everyone suddenly starts headbanging even though they didn’t plan to. Shoto Yoshida’s drums are insane here—they punch through the mix like they’ve got something to prove. And Ao Fujimori’s art direction? Let’s just say it matches the chaotic energy perfectly. Every time I listen to this track, I feel like I’m levitating slightly above my chair. Weird flex, but true.
What’s cool about Rightfully as a whole is how it blends genres seamlessly. Drum n bass meets soundtrack vibes, and somehow it works. Tracks like “Lemonade (Live)” and “Camelia (Live)” bring this raw, unfiltered energy while still feeling polished enough to vibe to. Oh, and props to Kimken Studio for mastering—everything sounds crisp as heck.
The credits read like a mini Who’s Who of talent too. Gyo Terauchi killing it with design AND photography? Raita Nakamura steering the art direction ship? Ame Yamaguchi adding illustrations? It’s like they all came together to create not just an album, but an experience.
But here’s the thing—while listening to Rightfully, I couldn’t help thinking: What if these songs were part of a video game or movie? Like, picture wandering through some neon-lit cyberpunk city while “Mob Mentality” plays in the background. Or maybe staring out of a spaceship window as “Though Our Paths May Diverge” loops softly. These tunes have that cinematic quality that begs for visuals.
Anyway, wrapping this up: Rightfully isn’t just another electronic album—it’s a vibe. It’s messy yet structured, chaotic yet soothing, and weirdly nostalgic even though it’s new. My only complaint? Now I wanna hear MORE live versions of their stuff. Maybe next time, Mili?
Final thought: Listening to this album feels like finding a secret door in your house you never noticed before. Except instead of leading to a dusty attic, it opens into a world full of color, sound, and endless possibilities. Go check it out—you won’t regret it.
