Traumatic is often celebrated as a vibrant, under-appreciated gem in Masayoshi Takanaka’s discography that successfully captures the energetic, synth-driven spirit of the mid-80s Japanese fusion scene. Recorded largely in New York City, the album sees Takanaka trade his earlier orchestral flourishes for a more electronic, "urban" sound, blending jazz-funk and synth-pop with playful collaborations from rappers and iconic vocalists like Yumi Matsutoya. While some listeners find the era-specific vocal "cheese" a bit cloying, tracks like the iconic "Nagisa Moderato" and the guest-heavy "China" stand as phenomenal high points that showcase his restrained yet virtuosic guitar work. Ultimately, the record is a joyous, melodic journey that remains a essential listen for those looking to explore the more "City Pop" side of Takanaka’s legendary career.
