BREAKERZ – RUSTY HEARTS January 19, 2013

Track Listing

1. RUSTY HEARTS
2. CHALLENGERZ
3. Kimi no Koe ga Kikoeru ~Acoustic Version~

1. RUSTY HEARTS

I don’t know what it is, but I’m loving BREAKERZ’ recent dwellings with the more epic and dark tracks like “LAST†PRAY” and now we’ve got RUSTY HEARTS which while isn’t as dark, it still is a pretty powerful and great song to listen to.  I’m still unsure which of the two is better, but I think this is scoring high on me right now!

2. CHALLENGERZ

Getting into the main B-side, CHALLENGERZ is a bit more of going back to what BREAKERZ does best and it’s just rockin’ out with no real style but just hitting hard and having a good ole time.  I really like the riffs during the verses and how it opens up in the chorus and same can be said about DAIGO who sounds so good in the song!!!  Very cool track and surprised it was only a B-side!

3. Kimi no Koe ga Kikoeru ~Acoustic Version~

I guess this is cemented as the normal thing now huh?  Well, BREAKERZ of course did a new acoustic take and this time, Kimi no Koe ga Kikoeru” from “Ao no Mirai” gets the treatment.  Like the others, it’s pleasant and this actually sounds like something I would hear on a beach or something.  It’s just that relaxing to listen to.  Not bad here either.

 

 

It hasn’t felt that it’s been that long since they’ve released their best album and now they came back with RUSTY HEARTS and while I’m not sure if it’s the first of the era or not, it’s still a pretty great single from them.  RUSTY HEARTS might sound a little like “LAST†PRAY” a little bit, but that’s not such a bad thing because I love both of them.  CHALLENGERZ is straightforward, but did very well for themselves and even the acoustic version of Kimi no Koe ga Kikoeru was really sweet and a pleasant listen.  *RECOMMENDED*

HALLOWEEN JUNKY ORCHESTRA – HALLOWEEN PARTY October 15, 2012

Track Listing

1. HALLOWEEN PARTY
2. Penalty Waltz

1. HALLOWEEN PARTY

Wow, what a cast of people chosen for this song!  I mean you have both members of VAMPS, Anna Tsuchiya, Kanon Wakeshima, Tomoko Kawase in both her solo monikers, yasu, DAIGO, KYO, Tatsurou, Aoki and various other musicians (which I’ll talk about in the next track).  This track is just dark and fitting for the occasion for sure.  A lot of different vocals and tones that it is messy but in the way that only Halloween would deem it perfectly fitting.  Now seeing as hyde has the most vocals, it was great hearing familiar voices as well like all of the above (especially the female singers).  The hook/chorus of the song eerily sounds like Tomoko’s own “Lollipop Candy♥BAD♥girl” but still this song is a great song and everyone that took part (even the secondary guys in the PV should get a pat on their back for this awesomeness). 

2. Penalty Waltz

So for K.A.Z, Hitsugi, RINA, Aki, and whoever else plays instruments in the group, they get their own instrumental track and it’s a pretty interesting waltz.  It’s funny to see how it moves and then get interrupted by sounds of monsters breaking things and making sounds.  I mean it doesn’t stick as strong as “HALLOWEEN PARTY” did, but I guess it was to make up for the people that didn’t sing on the main track so I can understand why this is here.

 

 

Wow, HALLOWEEN JUNKY ORCHESTRA is a unique and quite awesome of a group filled with known stars in the rock field.  This single was pretty awesome and definitely is colorful and bizarre and just all kinds of random.  I think another song would’ve been a lot better than Penelty Waltz, but I understand why it’s there….I hope they can do something in the future and not be a one-time thing.

BREAKERZ – Overwrite/Nounai Survivor June 19, 2012

Track Listing

1. Overwrite
2. Nounai Survivor
3. EMILY ~Acoustic Version~
4. Miss Mystery ~”Meitantei Conan” TV size~ (Regular only)

1. Overwrite

It’s been a while since we’ve seen a light BREAKERZ track be an A-side, “Hikari” I think?  Overwrite is a pleasant tune from them and I like hearing DAIGO and Akihide throughout the song.  It’s a moving track since I also hear strings playing a major role as well behind the trio’s playing and singing.  It’s quite a dramatic tune especially DAIGO’s vocals in the choruses.  It’s a really good song overall and brought many good things.  They should do more of these kind of songs more often.

2. Nounai Survivor

If you liked “GRAND FINALE”, then you found your song in the other A-side of the single.  Nounai Survivor is energetic but also has a certain anime-esque feeling like SPYAIR.  It’s energetic but I felt DAIGO gave a stronger performance in “Overwrite”.  However, I liked the energy overall and the guitar solos as well.  It’s a solid rock track from the trio, but they do have more explosive songs that are styled like this as well.

3. EMILY ~Acoustic Version~

Originally from the trio’s second album. “CRASH & BUILD”.  EMILY is the fourth song from that album that gets the acoustic treatment on a single.  I never heard the original of course so no comparisons.  This version of it though is kind of creepy in a way but also nice to listen to.  Very simplistic and light before it gets into a more up-tempo fashion and I’m kind of impressed at both the guitarists and DAIGO’s vocal performance.  Edgy, creepy, and strong…this is probably their best acoustic version track yet.  Though it’s hard not to chuckle at ~emiriiiiiiieeeee~

 

 

Second single in and I kind of like this single more than “Miss Mystery”.  I like their rock ballads and Overwrite is nothing different and I enjoyed DAIGO’s dramatic sound against the arrangement of the tune…so epic.  Nounai Survivor reminds me of “GRAND FINALE” but not as awesome if that makes sense.  Still a good song overall.  However, the single once again won because of its acoustic rendition of EMILY.  It was short but still powerful!  Let’s keep the ball rolling!

BREAKERZ – Miss Mystery January 26, 2012

Track Listing

1. Miss Mystery
2. Mr. Yes Man
3. Sekai wa Odoru ~Acoustic Version~

1. Miss Mystery

BREAKERZ has been gradually getting more exciting and better with their A-sides and I’m really enjoying the hell out of Miss Mystery.  It doesn’t have a straightforward style which is good for them and stops from blandness.  It does seem like it’s a lighter version of “LAST†PRAY” with it’s darker-tinged atmosphere.  The chorus is a bit more poppier than it which is the biggest difference.  I thought a lot of the song sound great and so does DAIGO.  Solid start for a new era, I’ll say ^_^

2. Mr. Yes Man

The B-side lets the energy move a little more freely and it reminds me of their more older songs plus “GRAND FINALE”.  It’s actually pretty good and DAIGO doesn’t stress his vocals here, but I will say the verses are going to take a little time to get used to since DAIGO’s vocals sound a little unusual being more quiet and deeper.  What’s with the chanting of ~yes we can~?  This isn’t Bob the Builder guys…..All in all, it’s a fun song to listen to but not one of their better songs.

3. Sekai wa Odoru ~Acoustic Version~

Last but not least, we get an acoustic version of their 2nd A-side in Sekai wa Odoru.  Since we had two singles without an acoustic take of any song, seeing a new one on Miss Mystery was nice.  I actually like this version even though I haven’t heard the original.  It’s just super pleasant to listen to and AKIHIDE (I think….maybe SHUNPEI) played the guitars quite well against DAIGO’s vocals.  Impressive and is one of their best acoustic renditions yet.

 

 

BREAKERZ begins their 6th era with a pretty good single in Miss Mystery.  The leading song is energetic and a tad dark but enough to make it pop out and that’s why I liked about it.  However, the main star of the single has to be the acoustic take of Sekai wa Odoru…that was just pretty!  Mr. Yes Man is the weakest but makes sense since it’s just B-side material…Overall good start!

BREAKERZ – GO September 25, 2011

Track Listing

1. GO
2. Gekijou
3. Tsukiyo no Itazura no Mahou (GO Version)
4. CHANGE THE WORLD
5. CLIMBER×CLIMBER
6. Present
7. Zettai! I LOVE YOU
8. Smile 100%
9. Sabishii Gari ya
10. BUNNY LOVE
11. LAST†PRAY
12. Hoshi no Tabibito
13. Orange Iro no Sora
14. Destruction

1. GO

Oh, I found it funny that BREAKERZ would begin their album with piano playing a cute melody before the band comes in.  I kind of like this track already because it mixes BREAKERZ’ style and strings/piano to make this kind of happy tune but has a bit of serious tweak to it.  DAIGO sounds pretty damn good not gonna lie either.  I’d say this is a great way to begin an album!

2. Gekijou

So the first A-side released in the era, Gekijou is one of the hardest songs I’ve heard since listening to BREAKERZ but I liked this change because it brings out much more energy than I would’ve thought.  I love DAIGO is channeling his inner T.M.R. for this one XD.  Like I said before, it feels so short…but it’s 3:44…it’s kind of a weird feeling…I guess it’s because I liked it!

3. Tsukiyo no Itazura no Mahou (GO Version)

A lot of the tracks back on “FIGHTERZ” were changed a little bit (meaning the A-sides).  On GO, there was only one track that has been edited and it’s the part of 3rd single.  I immediately took notice that the opening has been changed quite a bit (and the song is a little longer).  I must say that the new opening was really pretty and I get a much stronger feel in the instrumentation.  I’d say it made the song better ^_^.

4. CHANGE THE WORLD

I wasn’t sure what to expect in the new songs for the album, but so far I’m impressed and I think CHANGE THE WORLD might be my favorite of the new tunes.  It’s powerful, loud, and in your face and it does remind me of “GRAND FINALE” which is always a good thing.  Still, it’s one of the album’s strongest tunes!

5. CLIMBER×CLIMBER

Which is unfortunate because on the single review I said the same thing with the secondary A-side off their 3rd single of the era.  I will continue to say that I’m not very fond of it because while it has strings added to make a slight difference, it is still kind of typical compared what the trio has released in the era otherwise.  It’s not the worst but close enough IMO.

6. Present

After all those electric guitar-based tunes, we get Present which is a bit of the album’s sore thumb here because it’s mainly acoustics and light pop.  I like how fluffy and soft the song comes off and DAIGO does a pretty good job keeping his vocals from being much.  It’s different, but did it have to be in between “CLIMBER×CLIMBER” and “Zettai! I LOVE YOU”? 

7. Zettai! I LOVE YOU

Yeah, this continues to be my least favorite A-side of the era.  I don’t know why but this song didn’t work with poor DAIGO and everything didn’t connect and that chorus was just a mess for me.  I really don’t know why they had to make a song that was just all over messy…it doesn’t add up…

8. Smile 100%

After that, I was happy to have a happy song come next and Smile 100% is definitely a track that’ll leave you smiling.  It’s really strange though that in the song, there’s a lot of chanting and the other members actually have their own solo lines but DAIGO is still leading this.  I’m a little surprised that a song like this would be on the album (given the fact there’s so many serious songs).  Pretty interesting song though XD

9. Samishii Gari ya

I guess it was made to slide into this song a little better.  Samishii Gari ya is another acoustic tune and it’s pretty odd actually.  First off, DAIGO is under some kind of filter and there’s this rush of this percussion thing.  While the chorus opens up to electric guitars and such.  It’s a little strange, but it does make it stand out which is great to be honest.  Nice tune, but a little weird with the filter.

10. BUNNY LOVE

Out of the A-side I reviewed, I could barely remember what BUNNY LOVE sounded like (given this was the primary A-side off the second single of the era).  Then I start listening to it and already I’m shocked I forgot this song because on GO, this actually has a lot of synths compared to the other songs.  I love the mysterious glow of the songs verses and then exploding in the chorus with DAIGO.  I can’t believe I forget how this one turned out…

11. LAST†PRAY

It could be possibly be because of the fact that “Tsukiyo no Itazura no Mahou” and this song came after which made me forget things.  LAST†PRAY is just friggin amazing and I wonder why they chose to go towards a gothic-rock route with this one because I seriously felt this was their best A-side in the era.  It’s dark, dramatic, and just feels right.  It’s definitely ranked up there in favorites from this band along with “BAMBINO” and “LOVE FIGHTER ~Koi no Battle~”.

12. Hoshi no Tabibito

After the excitement of the last two tracks, it comes to me that the rest of the album is new songs.  Hoshi no Tabibito is another one of those songs that don’t fit into the normal BREAKERZ mold, but I felt that I enjoyed this quite a bit even though it’s more mid-tempo of a song.  Synth-strings are definitely one of the main components of the song and as bad as that sounds…it isn’t.  It works in a strange way XD.  Not my favorite, but it’s passable!

13. Orange Iro no Sora

Yeah, Orange Iro no Sora is also coming off as a little strange for me, but since it is slower than “Hoshi no Tabibito”, I must say that it moves nicely I guess.  The mood of the song is more laidback and pleasant than anything else but kind of strong in its own merits I think.  I’m a little surprised that I heard harmonica in this song…I’m not sure what to make of this one, but it’s not an offensive tune.

14. Destruction

Funny how an energetic and fast-paced song makes for the final track of the album.  I was seriously surprised to see one of these again and I was strongly disappointed with the other uber fast song in “Zettai! I LOVE YOU”.  Destruction is very destructive and has an edge the other songs don’t have.  I’m not too big of a fan of this one either but I think it’s the filters and DAIGO’s pronunciation of the title that bothers me…and it’s said A LOT in this song.

Tracks Recommended

• LAST†PRAY
• Tsukiyo no Itazura no Mahou (GO Version)
• CHANGE THE WORLD
• GO
• BUNNY LOVE

Song of Avoidance

• Zettai! I LOVE YOU

First off, GO is definitely BREAKERZ’ strongest album to date!  There was only really two or three songs that didn’t impress me (two of them were previous released anyway) but I have to say this was a much more colorful album from the trio and each song really did bring something new to the table (even the meh ones).  Definitely another album contending for best of the year ^_^ *RECOMMENDED*

BREAKERZ – LAST†PRAY/Zettai! I LOVE YOU July 14, 2011

Track Listing

1. LAST†PRAY
2. Zettai! I LOVE YOU
3. Sore wa Yasashii Kimochi

1. LAST†PRAY

Hmmm, BREAKERZ and gothic rock?!?  I’m very surprised that the trio went in this direction for LAST†PRAY but I enjoyed this song a lot since it was totally different from other A-sides and DAIGO sounded perfect in this style since he sounds like either someone from LM.C or SuG.  I must say that this song is my favorite A-side of the entire era!

2. Zettai! I LOVE YOU

At least things get lighter with the other A-side from this single.  When I first started the song, I felt that the strings felt like it was making the song an upbeat to opposite “LAST†PRAY”.  I like the move either way, but that chorus is just super messy and kind of feels pretty bad to listen to for some reason.  I don’t know, the rock arrangement and DAIGO just didn’t add up for me and might be my least favorite A-side of the era.

3. Sore wa Yasashii Kimochi

Closing the single out is the lone B-side.  Sore wa Yasashii Kimochi like the last single is a ballad from the band and while I prefer “Arigatou ~Beautiful day~”, this isn’t a bad song either since it’s acoustic guitar, piano, and strings with DAIGO fronting.  I guess it’s alright, but like I said last single’s ballad stood out more.

 

 

I think the group is pretty much nearing their album, and LAST†PRAY/Zettai! I LOVE YOU wasn’t as great as some of the other singles released but I solely blame that on the second A-side being really messy and not together.  Sore wa Yasashii Kimochi was alright, but nothing we hadn’t heard on the last single so it’s a little disappointing.  LAST†PRAY though was amazing and showed experimentation through the trio by releasing something that’s goth-like ^_^….hope an album is next LOL

BREAKERZ – Tsukiyo no Itazura no Mahou/CLIMBER×CLIMBER April 29, 2011

Track Listing

1. Tsukiyo no Itazura no Mahou
2. CLIMBER×CLIMBER
3. Arigatou ~Beautiful day~

1. Tsukiyo no Itazura no Mahou

Just going by the art cover of the single, I was guessing there’d be some traditional Japanese strings used in the song to fit the mood of our first A-side.  I was surprised that after the other A-sides in the era, this is a bit more lighter at least until the chorus where the sound grows exponentially and DAIGO grows in power as well.  It’s pretty good and unique from other BREAKERZ’ songs so it’s a step up.

2. CLIMBER×CLIMBER

As for the A-side, it sounds like a couple of other BREAKERZ’ songs (“GRAND FINALE” but with more strings for me is what this track reminds me of).  It isn’t as unique as “Tsukiyo no Itazura no Mahou” is and seems kind of basic after the last few A-sides were released to be honest.  It’s alright, but not really A-side worthy IMO.

3. Arigatou ~Beautiful day~

Wow, a single that doesn’t end with an acoustic version of an old song!  However, the song compare to the other songs it is a bit more acoustically driven with light acoustic guitar and a bit more of piano and strings.  DAIGO sounds pretty good with the arrangement and while this isn’t rare to see BREAKERZ’ and ballads collide, this is a pretty good song here.

As it’s BREAKERZ’ 3rd single in the era, Tsukiyo no Itazura no Mahou/CLIMBER×CLIMBER isn’t too bad of a single, but it’s definitely not as good as the other two singles simply because CLIMBER×CLIMBER felt like a regular ole BREAKERZ tune.  The other two tracks were pretty good and brought even more of some experimentation out of the trio.

BREAKERZ – BUNNY LOVE/REAL LOVE 2010 November 4, 2010

Track Listing

1. BUNNY LOVE
2. REAL LOVE 2010
3. FAKE LOVE ~Acoustic Version~

1. BUNNY LOVE

It hasn’t been a while since we’ve seen BREAKERZ actually use synths in their songs and with BUNNY LOVE (yeah it’s that lulzy of a title), it’s pretty good but it’s definitely not as memorable as “LOVE FIGHTER ~Koi no Battle~”.  I do approve though that it’s a much harder hitting song and DAIGO sounds good with his usual stuffy vocals.  Otherwise another good A-side from the band.

2. REAL LOVE 2010

The other A-side is actually a new version of their original song from their debut album, “BREAKERZ”.  Now I haven’t heard the original to notice differences, but I’m guessing it was probably changed from the ground up to fit with how the trio sounds today.  I actually don’t mind this at all since REAL LOVE sounds good nowadays and is kind of like “BUNNY LOVE” just a bit more lighter.

3. FAKE LOVE ~Acoustic Version~

Yep another song getting the acoustic treatment, this time coming from their first mini-album, “Ao no Mirai”, FAKE LOVE was another song that I’ve never heard in original form, but the acoustic cut starts off well with accordion and light percussion.  For being more different than previous acoustic entries, FAKE LOVE’s stands out since it’s a little bit jazzy as well.  Iono but this was nice!

As the 2nd single of the era, BUNNY LOVE/REAL LOVE 2010 is just love in the air hahaha.  While FAKE LOVE’s acoustic version stood out the most on the single, the other two songs are good BREAKERZ tunes that’ll be good on the album.  Why change a good thing eh?

BREAKERZ – Gekijou/hEaVeN July 15, 2010

Track Listing

1. Gekijou
2. hEaVeN
3. SUMMER PARTY ~Acoustic Version~

1. Gekijou

How long was it since “FIGHTERZ” exactly?  Hahaha, Gekijou sounds definitely like something abingdon boys school would release especially since I’m getting Takanori vibes from DAIGO.  I’m happy the song is more of a power song and not like the last few singles where it was fun and partying.  Even the guitar solo in the song was pretty wicked and cool, but I thought the song for me went through pretty fast…

2. hEaVeN

Now we get into the more upbeat and fun song off the single and hEaVeN has a much stronger arrangement since there’s nothing the really sounds like it.  It might not be as fun as “BAMBINO” or even “LOVE FIGHTER ~Koi no Battle~”, but at least its got a little bit of a serious sound to it.  I do think the ad-libbing after the choruses are a bit meh, but still a fitting secondary A-side.

3. SUMMER PARTY ~Acoustic Version~

I thought we were actually going to be done with acoustic versions for right now since you know they just released an album full of em earlier this year.  Being an acoustic cut of one of the A-sides of their first single as a group, SUMMER PARTY is more convincing of an acoustic take than YUI’s “SUMMER SONG” if you catch my drift.  Now I like this acoustic mix, but it seems that it’s not as acoustic like the previous ones heard and it lost a lot of the energy the original had…maybe I don’t like it as much but w/e

 

 

After “FIGHTERZ” and “B.R.Z ACOUSTIC”, BREAKERZ finally returns with an actually strong single in Gekijou/hEaVeN.  I love both A-sides since they are what the trio sounds like when they get more serious.  The acoustic version of SUMMER PARTY is ok at best, but no more of these I’m kind of getting tired of them…

BREAKERZ – FIGHTERZ December 8, 2009

Track Listing

1. THEME OF FIGHTERZ
2. NEXT LEVEL
3. LOVE FIGHTER ~Koi no Battle~ (FIGHTERZ MIX)
4. SUPER-HI-TENSION!!
5. BAMBINO (FIGHTERZ Version)
6. Everlasting Luv
7. SECRET GIRL
8. Bokura
9. Hatsukoi Trampoline
10. Orion
11. Snow Rose
12. DEAR LIAR
13. GRAND FINALE
14. Hikari (FIGHTERZ Version)
15. Feel so good (B.R.Z Version) (bonus track)

1. THEME OF FIGHTERZ

A beautiful and epic opening…well opens up the album.  There’s a lot of strings and brass and a full orchestration.  It’s probably the most intriguing album opening I’ve heard this year since it’s so strong and in your face like some epic Final Fantasy boss theme.

2. NEXT LEVEL

The first new track off the album, NEXT LEVEL is more angsty than most of the songs they’ve released this era.  I really enjoyed DAIGO’s vocals in the song, but it feels a little throaty at points.  Still it is one of their harder hitting songs off the album so I kind of enjoyed it besides DAIGO’s vocals.  He did make up with the amazing chorus though, hmmm good start.

3. LOVE FIGHTER ~Koi no Battle~ (FIGHTERZ MIX)

Ok, so the song has a different opening than the version found on the single.  I honestly think this was the best song of the era because it’s amazingly catchy especially with the whole ~love, love, love fighter!~.  It’s the right amount of rock n’ roll and fun times.  It’s a song not to miss form the album period!

4. SUPER-HI-TENSION!!

I thought SUPER-HI-TENSION!! was going to be a kickass fast song from BREAKERZ and trust me they’ve done really hardcore songs.  I was a little disappointed that the song was more of pop-rock status, but since its a more stable track on its own, I can’t bag it too hard.  DAIGO sings good, but it feels like his vocals go nowhere at a lot of places.  It’s alright, but it’s no “LOVE FIGHTER”.

5. BAMBINO (FIGHTERZ Version)

I love the trumpet solo that opens up BAMBINO.  It’s also the new inclusion for the song so don’t expect anything more new here.  BAMBIMO falls with “LOVE FIGHTER” because of the damn catchy chorus.  There’s just something about these songs that get me excited and wanna rock out with them.  This song proves that having fun with rock is so much better than just singing about love or loss.

6. Everlasting Luv

One of two tracks that weren’t touched on making to the album, Everlasting Luv was the right fit on its single with “BAMBINO”.  Though having it after is a little weird, Everlasting Luv is still one of the better songs of the era with all 3 members singing together and sounding quite nice with the rock and orchestral mix.  The solos though were great here!

7. SECRET GIRL

Oh, SECRET GIRL is a strange track indeed.  Instead of the boys usual fare of rock n’ roll, they went with being a little jazzy.  DAIGO’s vocals are a little bit whiny here and it makes just kind of tune him out for most of the song.  I really like the verses with the string bass and little blips of the brass instruments.  It’s nice, but that chorus has to go IMO

8. Bokura

Bokura marks the first slowish song off the album.  DAIGO’s vocals are better off like this than back on “SECRET GIRL” and the whole rock ballad arrangement worked here.  Though what was with DAIGO’s fast singing in the 2nd verse….that was like so out of line.  Nice track, and it makes for a nice break from the energetic stuff.

9. Hatsukoi Trampoline

I kind of thought Hatsukoi Trampoline would’ve been the new giddy and fun song off the album, but it turns out to be a mid-tempo rock track from the trio.  It’s a lot easier to listen to DAIGO of course and there’s a nice hook to it which is great BTW.  It’s my favorite new track off the album.

10. Orion

Why are their so many “Orion’s” this year?  BREAKERZ’ Orion is of course a slow track so that’s not amazingly surprising, but there’s a stronger life flowing through this song.  I love the string, piano and band ensemble that fills the headphones.  It’s great and it’s the best Orion song I’ve heard.

11. Snow Rose

Another winter song on the album?  I guess I didn’t see this one coming, but this is a lot more towards BREAKERZ rock stuff rather than the balladish “Orion”.  It’s pretty epic as winter tracks go so I’m happy for that.

12. DEAR LIAR

DEAR LIAR is back to the harder sound from the band.  While it doesn’t have that punch the earlier tracks had, DAIGO’s vocals are great here and are a lot more stronger too.  Though once again it’s not as memorable as the other tracks it’s nice

13. GRAND FINALE

The other track that wasn’t touched on the album, the era’s first, GRAND FINALE feels more like something that should’ve ended the album altogether.  DAIGO’s vocals are kind of bothering me again in this song, but since SHINPEI and AKIHIDE did a great job with the song’s arrangement, it’s one of the stronger songs that doesn’t include synths.

14. Hikari (FIGHTERZ Version)

Like the other new versions, Hikari has a different opening this time around.  Starting with a nice strings solo and then DAIGO coming in with the opening.  It’s still my least favorite A-side of the era, but that’s not saying much because it’s a ballad and such.  I wish there was something to remember it by, but there really isn’t. 

15. Feel so good (B.R.Z Version)

Feel so good ends the album off in a more acoustic way.  While there’s no original cut of the song, I like this since it does feel like an album ending and DAIGO’s vocals are good.  It might not be for everyone since it is acoustic and strings together, but I think it fills the album out in the end.

Tracks Recommended

• LOVE FIGHTER ~Koi no Battle~ (BREAKERZ MIX)
• Hatsukoi Trampoline
• BAMBINO (BREAKERZ Version)
• Snow Rose
• Everlasting Luv

Song of Avoidance

• Hikari (FIGHTERZ Version)

Ahhh, FIGHTERZ is a nice album.  I did feel the singles did overpower the new songs by a long shot, yes even “Hikari”.  It wasn’t that the new songs were bad, but they felt a little short against the uber cool A-sides.  Good 4th album from the group.