Track Listing
-
Coda
-
LOST AND FOUND
-
Answer is Near
-
NO SCARED
-
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.
-
Mr. Gendai Speaker
-
Sekan Shirazu no Uchuu Hikoushi
-
Re:make
-
Pierce
-
Let’s take it someday
-
Kimishidai Ressha
1. Coda
I’m a little surprised that ONE OK ROCK began the album with something that doesn’t sound like them since the intro is only plucked strings and synths but it does lead into the next track quite smoothly.
2. LOST AND FOUND
It’s great that the band decided to kick things off pretty quickly with the first vocal track. I like Taka’s vocals since they’re consistent and powerful and has a great tone to it. I can’t tell if the song is fully English or half with Japanese since his vocals do make things somewhat muddled. I liked it and it’s quite a punch to the listener. Great way to kick the album off.
3. Answer is Near
Getting into the first A-side released in the era, Answer is Near is prolly the brightest and the one that has fun written throughout. There’s just something about the song that actually pulls me in…a lot easier than “NO SCARED” but isn’t as jaw-dropping as “Re:make” so this song kind of sits in between the two in favorites. At least it’s pretty good otherwise and backup vocals are pretty sweet too!
4. NO SCARED
The secondary A-side of the second single pops up next and I’m kind of not liking as much as the other A-sides because I’m not used to Taka’s yelling in the song since it’s kind of more of a hinderance more than anything else until the chorus where it kind of gets stronger. Still I don’t think it ranks well considering the previous tracks.
5. C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.
Then we’re led to the promotional tune for the album and knowing the previous tracks I’ve heard prior to the album this was a strange choice since it’s slow-paced and focuses more and the smooth arrangement from the band. I was hoping for something super awesome, but was sorely disappointed with this track. I will say the chorus is good, but not enough to save the song.
6. Mr. Gendai Speaker
Now this would’ve been pretty awesome to have been a promotional song because this is hard and in your face but not as fast-paced as “Re:make”. Taka sounds really good and the backup vocals really are nice at supporting him. Dang, I’m pretty impressed with this song for sure where are more of these songs?
7. Sekan Shirazu no Uchuu Hikoushi
To me, I think Sekan Shirazu no Uchuu Hikoushi is one of the album’s more darker songs with an evil arrangement and some of the lyrics are even moreso. Sadly, the chorus is kind of bleh and pretty forgetful. Taka doesn’t seem to be really interested in the song until the chorus which I said was forgetful to me. It’s a bit better than “C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.” though I will say.
8. Re:make
Finally, we get into the most epic A-side I’ve heard from a rock group this year. Re:make is just everything I wanted in a song from gripping vocals to a powerful arrangement and even more. I especially love the part before the first chorus where Taka goes quiet to screaming with the whole ~you can…feel IIIIIT!~ I just love that line and it’s led into the chorus which is loud and proud. Yeah it’s still the album’s pride and joy and I love to pieces.
9. Pierce
Then it just stops when our next song begins which is giant red light since it begins with only piano and Taka. It’s a bit random like “C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.” but the biggest difference is that the song has an acoustic background and Taka sounds clear and his vocals are a bit more confident here. I liked the simplicity of the song the most for sure and the later added strings gave it a nice homely touch. Pretty good tune!
10. Let’s take it someday
To me it felt so weird having placed “Pierce” in between two fast rock tracks but it’s whatever. Let’s take it someday has a hard time finding a way to stand out on this album since it’s pure rock and it kind of reminds me of “LOST AND FOUND” but seriously I can’t remember this even though it’s in your face like the other harder songs.
11. Kimishidai Ressha
Closing the album, Kimishidai Ressha is quite awesome since it’s more like American Rock ala Paramore in this one and I’m kind of loving the sound of this one. Taka also gives a good vocal performance as well and it’s just a good following ^_^. Different kind of rock, but suited them well.
If you were curious, the entire track is a little over 8 minutes long, but it’s not all of Kimishidai Ressha. There’s a hidden track at 6:09 and it’s essentially Taka and Toru singing a little tune against some clapping and acoustic guitar. Simple and made for a clean-cut ending to the album.
Tracks Recommended
-
Re:make
-
Mr. Gendai Speaker
-
Pierce
-
LOST AND FOUND
-
Answer is Near
Song of Avoidance
I must say for the most part I did enjoy ONE OK ROCK’s fifth album quite a bit since it shows a lot of power from the group with most of the songs (minus a couple bummer tunes). Taka and Toru really have such good vocals and I wanna hear more epicness from them in the future!
