Japan - Quiet Life (12" Extended Version)

Japan - Quiet Life (Extended Version) / 12 Inch Extended Remix (HQ Audio)

Quiet Life was the first of a run of nine top 40 hits for Japan, though their label took almost two years to release it as a single.

The track first appeared on the band's 1979 album of the same name, but at the time, was only released as a single in (you guessed it!) Japan. It was issued in Germany and the Netherlands in 1980, to modest commercial success.

Meanwhile, in the UK, the label preferred to release a new non-album cover of the Smokey Robinson classic I Second That Emotion, with Quiet Life as the B-side. It was Japan’s sixth UK single, and all had failed to make the Top 40.

The lyrics of Quiet Life actually reflect the band's struggles for commercial success, including the loss of their U.S. record contract and pressure from their label, Hansa Records, to break into the UK charts. Lines like "Boys, the times are changing, the going could get rough," for example, help paint a picture of the dynamic they'd found themselves in.

The band had explored different avenues in search of a successful signature sound, starting with a glam-inspired image before collaborating with Giorgio Moroder on their 1979 single Life in Tokyo.

While they didn't seem to be able to crack the singles chart, the Quiet Life album had reached number 13, and when their fifth album, Tin Drum, charted one place higher in 1981, both record company and band were encouraged enough to put out a best-of album, Assemblage.

To promote the compilation, Quiet Life was finally released as a single in its own right, and became the band's breakthrough Top 40 hit. It spent seven weeks on the chart, peaking at number 19.

After Quiet Life dropped out of the chart, Japan enjoyed a run of eight Top 40 singles in just over 12 months, the most successful of which, Ghosts, reached number five.

They eventually racked up a total of nine Top 40 singles and four Top 40 albums.

Quiet Life was produced by John Punter, with a string arrangement by Ann Odell, both of whom were well known for their work with Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music.

By the time Quiet Life charted in 1981, its arpeggiated synth sounds aligned with the New Romantic/New Wave trend of the time - as did the band's look - though they generally disassociated themselves from the movement.

In 1983, Japan chose to go their separate ways. Frontman David Sylvian began what would prove to be a rich and successful solo career, with his debut solo album reaching number four in 1984.

The version of Quiet Life featured here is labelled an extended version but is, in fact, the album version. It’s simply a minute and a half longer than the new 7" edit that finally opened the door to chart success for the band.

Year: 1981 Label: Hansa Cat No: HANSA126