UVERworld – 7th Trigger March 27, 2012

Track Listing

1. 7th Trigger
2. Barbell ~Koutei no Atarashii Fuku Ver.~
3. AWAYOKUBA-Kiru

1. 7th Trigger

I was definitely happy to see that UVERworld was going back to something heavy and synthy at the same time with 7th Trigger which is pretty badass…even with the random whistling going on hahaha.  I mean we haven’t had a pure rock song like this since the “LIFE 6 SENSE” album (not long ago…but in A-sides…there hasn’t been one since “NO.1″.  I’ve missed this side to UVERworld to be honest and seeing the energy with the band and fierce rush from TAKUYA really sets the tone.  I’m really enjoying this song a lot right now!

2. Barbell ~Koutei no Atarashii Fuku Ver.~

Yes, its an original song which means there’ll probably be a different version later down the road.  Barbell has a more controlled atmosphere when compared to “7th Trigger” but at the same time has the hardest hitting sound on the single.  It’s pretty angry and aggressive and just left me surprised they brought this power back.  I like the other vocals beside TAKUYA…gives a different view throughout too.  Powerful and just downright impressive!

3. AWAYOKUBA-Kiru

Well, with the word Kill in its title, I was expecting something even darker and harder than “Barbell” but AWAYOKUBA-Kiru is different in a good way.  It almost has this anime opening feel with the piano and strings being implemented along with the band’s powerful sound.  It has been a while since I’ve heard a song like this from them…but it’s so good!

 

 

It just seems UVERworld knows how to pull back the fans with something amazing like 7th Trigger.  Unlike the past couple of singles where saxophone was in some of their songs, they went back to basics and just rocked out with three great songs.  I loved Barbell the most of the three but damn is 7th Trigger and AWAYOKUBA-Kiru were just as good.  Definitely their best single in a long time ^_^ *RECOMMENDED*

UVERworld – BABY BORN & GO/KINJITO December 13, 2011

Track Listing

1. BABY BORN & GO
2. KINJITO
3. UVER Battle Royal ~5/L6S mix~

1. BABY BORN & GO

Recent days have seen UVERworld trying some new ideas and sounds and they come at a head with BABY BORN & GO which the most prominent feature is the amount of saxophone here.  I know it’s been used quite a bit in the “LIFE 6 SENSE” era, but this is pretty much making the sax important along with TAKUYA and the rest of the band.  I actually liked the song a lot and it’s so different yet the same from them, I think it makes a good formula for a good song! 

2. KINJITO

I was a little surprised that KINJITO in comparison to BABY BORN & GO is a bit brighter and spazzy when compared to their A-sides they’ve released so far.  It’s a little jazzy and a little rockin’ all thrown into a blender and we got this.  It also sounds like there’s a guest singer in the song (the female vocalist).  Though she isn’t there very much and TAKUYA takes over.  It’s pretty good and to me a little better than “BABY BORN & GO” to be honest.

3. UVER Battle Royal ~5/L6S mix~

So just like on “CORE PRIDE”, we get another one of these mixes which include various songs from UVERs collection.  Though they mixed the music up to where that you can only figure the songs just through the lyrics.  I hear “NO.1″ for sure which was the first one I caught.  Some of the song is a little messy, but the last one also was just a little bit as well. 

 

 

UVERworld begins their new era with a pretty strong double A-side in BABY BORN & GO/KINJITO.  The first really shows off the saxophone and mixes it with UVER’s J-rock style and it gave a lot of color to the song that “CORE PRIDE” wished it showed more of.  KINJITO is also kind of unique to the group throwing saxes and a female voice in the works was interesting.  I think the only song that brought the single down a little bit was the UVER Battle Royal because while it features muliple songs from UVER’s catalog, it was a tad messy in the arrangement.  Otherwise, great single from the band here!

UVERworld – LIFE 6 SENSE June 2, 2011

Track Listing

1. CORE PRIDE
2. Itsuka Kanarazu Shinu Koto wo Wasureru na
3. Isseki wo Toujiru Tokyo midnight sun
4. ace of ace
5. NO.1 (album ver.)
6. Qualia
7. Secret
8. Shousha Okubyoumono
9. Muttsu no Kaze (album ver.)
10. Ichiokubun no Ichi no Shousetsu
11. MONDO PIECE
12. Hakachuumu

1. CORE PRIDE

Beginning the album with the 4th and last A-side released in the era, CORE PRIDE hasn’t had enough time to sink into me, but I do know that out of the other 3, this is pretty much what everyone would typically say normal UVER rock.  Besides the addition of saxophone to make it sound like their old sound in Sangoku Road, CORE PRIDE is not a bad rock song and everything feels right.  I think there’s a battle of best A-side of the era between this and “NO.1″ but they flip-flop between which is better.

2. Itsuka Kanarazu Shinu Koto wa Wasureru na

After the awesomeness of “CORE PRIDE” it’s nice to have an edgy song from the band with this pretty long title of a song.  It’s even more like what UVER has been sounding like recently by making it rockin’ and quick-paced.  Add in TAKUYA’s unique vocals and they make the song fun and cool to listen to.  Fun track from the band and they’ve pretty much let themselves have fun as well.

3. Isseki wo Toujiru Tokyo midnight sun

What surprised me was our next song that began with some organ, saxes, and a lady ad-libbing at the start.  At least it didn’t last long, but this song is definitely one of those laidback enjoy life kind of songs.  TAKUYA isn’t really singing like he did in the last two tracks opting for a kind of rapping style for the song.  It’s different I’ll admit, but I think I like UVER when they are more epic with their songs TBH.

4. ace of ace

Ugh, I really hate the way TAKUYA opens up the next song by himself like that.  I know he has such energetic vocals but it’s pretty bad when he tries to REALLY stand out.  It’s pretty much all over the place with random lyrics and spelling in a 3:20 time limit.  I mean it’s not that bad, but it’s pretty much a weird song on the album and doesn’t exactly make a lot of sense to me. 

5. NO.1 (album ver.)

I loved the single version of NO.1 a lot there’s no doubt about that.  It was like the era’s “GOLD” for me.  Unfortunately, the new version of NO.1 changed quite a bit and it saddened me because I liked the synths of the song but was taken over the band instead.  It also sounds like TAKUYA did resing the song since there’s different places where notes felt more stronger and some different notes going on in the lyrics.  As for the song itself….it’s interesting and I still don’t get the whole ~love psychic~ addiction in the lyrics…but whatever.  I still prefer the single version though.

6. Qualia

Starting the era off, Qualia was always a strange one with me.  Then again any UVER ballad has been always tough for me.  I mean it has a bit more oomph than “MONDO PIECE” and “Kanashimi wa Kitto” which is a good sign.  Add in the GUNDAM tie-in and this also comes off as a little more epic than other UVER songs.  TAKUYA’s singing does come off as a little too wild, but he did a good job putting emotion to a song like this and I kind of like it, but not at the same fields as the upbeat songs.

7. Secret

After the dramatic “Qualia”, Secret does slightly lighten up on the dramatics and gives us a more fun atmosphere even though it’s more of a mid-tempo kind of song.  It’s kind of funky and catchy to be honest but sometimes drag in the verses.  It’s alright, but nothing jaw-dropping.

8. Shousha Okubyoumono

YAY!  I’m happy that we’re getting back into some edgy songs from the band starting with Shousha Okubyoumono.  The fact that synths play a bigger role again makes me smile and I found myself liking this song quite a bit because of the energy thrown into the song.  TAKUYA did a pretty awesome job keeping up with everything.  I will say that the chipmunk interlude made me laugh HARD.  Totally random, but still epic song!

9. Muttsu no Kaze (album ver.)

Unlike the new version of “NO.1″ where the differences were clear right from the start, Muttsu no Kaze (only B-side to make the cut) isn’t totally changed.  Some of the instrumentation felt like it was taken out and some of it stands out more this time.  It doesn’t feel like too much was changed.  I still love the song with it’s combination of synths and hard rock and the fact that TAKUYA was put into filters made this song even better.  Gotta say I was surprised that I would like a B-side so much.

10. Ichiokubun no Ichi no Shousetsu

Oh hey, something along the lines of their anime songs!!!  I must say Ichiokubun no Ichi no Shousetsu definitely reminds me of their BLEACH stuff and it must be from the upbeat sound and rockin’ atmosphere plus TAKUYA’s slightly smoother execution of the song.  To me, this song would’ve sounded more at home on “AwakEVE” and not on this album.

11. MONDO PIECE

Definitely acting as the least favorite of the era, 3rd A-side MONDO PIECE is a little like a mid-tempo track but could have the energy for something faster.  I don’t know why, but it feels like it’s lacking interest from TAKUYA and the strange chords really do bother me for some reason.  The thing that bothered me the most however was the fact that it was 5 and a half minutes long of a song and that didn’t suit me very well and just made me feel bored for this song after a while.

12. Hakachuumu

Finishing the album up is the acoustic track Hakachuumu.  It isn’t as emotional of a ballad like “Kanashimi wa Kitto”, but more upbeat??? I guess?  I love the fact that TAKUYA sings the song with a nice calming tone until the chorus where he just blares his vocals.  Now this is a ballad!!!  Good enough as a closing to LIFE 6 SENSE

Tracks Recommended

• CORE PRIDE
• Shousha Okubyoumono
• Muttsu no Kaze (album ver.)
• Hakachuumu
• Ichiokubun no Ichi no Shousetsu

Song of Avoidance

• MONDO PIECE

To me, I think LIFE 6 SENSE is one of their more straightforward albums since it seems to have focused on their rockin’ side more than their experiemental side like “LAST” did.  That being said, I prefer “LAST” since the songs on that album left a lot more of a prominent mark on me than the songs on here, but there’s good songs here no doubt.  Just not at the level of their last few albums.

UVERworld – CORE PRIDE May 8, 2011

Track Listing

1. CORE PRIDE
2. Kyouchi Mantra
3. UVER Battle Royal ~Ketahazure mix~
4. CORE PRIDE (Anime Version)

1. CORE PRIDE

Hey, UVERworld plus saxophones in their songs again?  Are we going back to Sangoku Road?  Besides that little surprise, I’m pretty much happy they returned to something simple to them like a rock song that isn’t as random as “GOLD” and “NO.1″ or slow like “Qualia” and “MONDO PIECE”.  This is basic UVER at its best and I really enjoyed the song a bit.  TAKUYA really sounds pretty damn epic here and I love the song from the saxes to the piano to the rest of the band exploding.  Best A-side for me this era.

2. Kyouchi Mantra

As the B-side of the single Kyouchi Mantra was surprising with a nice amount of synths and a pretty fund melody and arrangement from the band.  The thing that get me is that this is pretty much an instrumental with only a few lyrics found towards the end of the song….3 minutes just for this…talk bout salt to the wounds…I was expecting a little more (then again this was released pretty soon after “MONDO PIECE”) so it’s not surprising there’s no true lyrical value here.

3. UVER Battle Royal ~Ketahazure mix~

Closing the single out is this kind of mish-mash of two or three songs (at least from what I can tell) in the song.  I recognize only one of the songs which is “GOLD”, but the other songs pass over my head which sucks because I thought this was pretty cool of a song giving it a dance beat but not letting up on the guitar riffs from the band.  If someone helps me figure the other song or songs, I will love you XD….06/02 – Well it seems that Nitro from “Timeless” and “Corona” from “AwakEVE” were used as well.  Interesting mix since none of the songs would be normal choices but it works for some reason.

As UVERworld finishes the “Life 6 SENSE” era, I found CORE PRIDE to be the bands best A-side beating out “NO.1″ for sure.  While due to the short spread between this and “MONDO PIECE”, I can tell they weren’t really doing a lot on this single adding an instrumental piece and a mash-up.  Not exactly their best single, but not too bad either.

UVERworld – MONDO PIECE April 5, 2011

Track Listing

1. MONDO PIECE
2. Panic World
3. Chomimouryou March

1. MONDO PIECE

Eh, I can take UVERworld’s songs that come in a much slower package and at least this isn’t an acoustic failure like “Kanashimi wa Kitto”.  While it doesn’t seem to fit the ballad side to them, it’s a much softer affair after “NO.1″ let’s be honest.  Though I’m still not feeling much for it since I’m noticing TAKUYA’s weird way of singing this song to be very off pitch for a good portion of it and the chords just feel so….weird.  If you want a slower song, “Qualia” might be your better bet in the era.

2. Panic World

I was actually getting myself ready for the first B-side since it’s got a pretty strong arrangement and it fits with TAKUYA’s vocals a whole lot more than it did in “MONDO PIECE”.  It might feel like a mash-up of “NO.1″ and “GO-ON” (the latter more…listen to the chorus XD).  Either way, it’s got energy and hearing piano in the arrangement gave the song some interesting levels of melody.  I still don’t understand the middle interlude…so weird…

3. Chomimouryou March

I can’t believe the 2nd B-side adds even more energy to the band.  However, this sounds a bit more brighter in arrangement since the chords kind of give it that happy feel (like anime-ish).  TAKUYA’s vocals also jumped up on the scale so he’s doin his higher-pitched yell.  It’s actually not all that bad and it’s fun to listen to since it’s wild and uncontrolled….hmmmm.

As of A-sides, MONDO PIECE is my least favorite so far since it’s kind of a mess with both the arrangements and trying to make a melodic piece with TAKUYA’s vocals…it’s a hard listen for me at least.  Panic World and Chomimouryou March however made up for the lackluster A-side with a much powerful sound and a faster tempo…they’re fun rock songs from the band and they’ve been getting better with them for sure.  I hope “CORE PRIDE” fixes up with the A-side failed with.

UVERworld – NO.1 November 23, 2010

Track Listing

1. NO.1
2. Muttsu no Kaze
3. Choutaisaku+81

1. NO.1

After the kind of disappointing start to the era with “Qualia”, NO.1 brought me back to the fandom for the band with this song which sound so different than I’m used to.  The beginning does remind how “GO-ON” started out with slow synths and such while the main song moves as wild as “GOLD” which is starting to connect me.  I do love how this song sound though with the strings sections and the heavy band sound and the chorus…it’s another wild ride and TAKUYA does a great job keeping his vocals in check.

2. Muttsu no Kaze

As the first B-side, Muttsu no Kaze, does continue this interesting electronc + rock idea, but focuses more on the rock since it’s straightforward in the arrangement.  Likewise to “NO.1″, Muttsu no Kaze reminds me of “GO-ON” in the most odd ways, but I liked it just as much as the A-side.  Then again hearing TAKUYA under vocoder or some kind of vocal manipulation instrument gave it another level.

3. Choutaisaku+81

I really don’t understand why they began Choutaisaku+81 with static and playing some of UVER’s older songs which really was an interesting idea at the least (even though I didn’t know what was what).  Compared to the previous two songs though, Choutaisaku+81 is the weirdest song from the single since it’s mainly in a dance style and with TAKUYA’s vocals are like cut n’ paste and repeated…it was definitely an eye opener at the least.  After that phase of the song it stops and a girl talks and then moves to this stadium where this guy is yelling…I really don’t understand the moanin goin on when this different synth arrangement begins…by the end…I was left in confusion and wonder what were they smoking!

I was very happy to see that for the most part, NO.1 is so much better than “Qualia” (minus the pre-released songs that were on it), NO.1 is such an epic song and for me it’s considered the “GO-ON” of the era since it’s just that kickass of a song.  Same can be said for Muttsu no Kaze since it was just as hard-hitting and cool to listen to.  Choutaisaku+81 is pretty much what you don’t expect to hear from the band and kind of is just absurdly random…catchy…but weird.

UVERworld – Qualia September 14, 2010

Track Listing

1. Qualia
2. Wakasa Yue Entelecheia (CD only)
3. Ultimate (CD only)
4. Sparta (Limited bonus track CD only)
5. Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi (Gundam Edition only)
6. CHANGE (Gundam Edition only)
7. Qualia ~for Movie~ (Gundam Edition only)

1. Qualia

Well, I guess we’re going back to a more ballad-y side to UVERworld.  Their last one, “Kanashimi wa Kitto” wasn’t that big for me because I’m so used to their rock songs and anime themes that it was a surprise.  Qualia at least isn’t boring and has a strong side to it as well since it’s tied to GUNDAM and all.  GUNDAM ballads are hit and miss for me, but I think UVERworld handled it very well and TAKUYA’s vocals are great, if not a little shaky in the chorus.  Still better than “Kanashimi wa Kitto” though.

2. Yue no Entelecheia

There’s just something about that title that’s so odd and cool.  Yue no Entelecheia begins with some acoustic guitar and some synths before entering into the main song which is as odd as its title.  I felt a bit disconnected when TAKUYA was singing/speaking in the verses and chorus.  It’s a bit like how messy “GOLD” was when I first listened to it, but Yue no Entelecheia is just messy all over…then again UVERworld always have these kind of oddball songs in each era so it’s no surprise.

3. Ultimate

Ok, so I’m wondering why that Ultimate (being the first song known before the previous two tracks) wasn’t an A-side because this definitely beats out the other two new songs.  Even then, it’s funny that this isn’t tied to the GUNDAM series because it fits oddly better than “Qualia”.  Once again, I feel like TAKUYA’s vocals are a bit shaky in the chorus and all, but the rest of it is quite good.  Definitely one of the better B-sides they’ve had.

4. Sparta

The rest of the single has old songs.  I’m not sure why Sparta is featured on the single because it’s a bonus track that follows after “Ultimate”.  Coming from their last album, “LAST”, Sparta is one of the more harder tracks from the album and I can’t remember if I enjoyed it a lot because of its loud style and TAKUYA’s speak/sing style.  Well…from the album review I guess I disliked it a lot, but now I wonder why I didn’t enjoy it.  It’s still not the best, but I’ve grown to enjoy it a bit more.

5. Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi

The other two tracks are also old, but they are found on the GUNDAM edition of this single because…well they’re tied to the series as well as “Qualia”.  The oldest of the two comes from “AwakEVE” and was their 12th single.  It’s also their best selling single so this song had to be on the single of course.  I can see why this was huge since the song sounds amazing with the guitar chords and TAKUYA’s strong vocals.  It’s my favorite of the GUNDAM themes from UVERworld so that should tell you something.

6. CHANGE

Wow, my third time reviewing this song.  Originally coming off of “GOLD” as a B-side and an album track from “LAST”, CHANGE isn’t as grand as the last song, but it keeps the energy going and sometimes I like some parts of the song more than “Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi” which is a surprise, but other times this goes under so I keep switching between the two themes.  Love em!

 

 

Beginning a new era, Qualia is a bit of a surprise because of it’s ballad-like qualities but it’s not bad for a GUNDAM theme.  However, I think Ultimate should’ve been the A-side here just because it wasn’t slow or weird like Yue no Entelecheia.  The additional songs also gave a nice touch (even though I still have no idea why Sparta was included).  Pretty good single and the GUNDAM edition was just what it needed ^_^

UVERworld – Timeless April 28, 2010

Track Listing

1. CHANCE!
2. Toki no Namida
3. Rush
4. D-tecnoLife
5. Yasashisa no Shizuku
6. ai ta Kokoro (Album Version)
7. Burst
8. Nitro
9. just Melody (Album Version)
10. Lump Of Affection
11. Tobira
12. SE
13. D-tecnoLife (Album Version)

1. CHANCE!

Beginning the album off with the era’s middle single, CHANCE! was definitely the era’s best A-side and it’s just because it’s so relaxed for the band and didn’t really call for TAKUYA to overload on his vocals.  I like the upbeat J-rock from the band and it’s exciting in its own way and pretty epic.  I love CHANCE!

2. Toki no Namida

Getting into our first new track, Toki no Namida really pushes the energy levels high and while it does remind me of a more refined version of “D-tecnoLife”, Toki no Namida is a pretty awesome song from UVERworld and everything feels right and strong, no problems from me.

3. Rush

Turning the mood into a darker setting, Rush is heavier than the previous two songs featuring some rather loud yelping from TAKUYA.  I was so unsure what to think because while I love the dark stuff UVERworld releases, whenever they get more edgy it seems things get messy and vocally hard to handle as well.  Especially with the swervy wail we got in the chorus.  Not too bad, but it can get annoying after awhile.

4. D-tecnoLife

What began UVERworld’s career and beginning off with a song that was tied-in with Bleach, D-tecnoLife was a pretty good opening for the series that’s for sure, but the problem here is that the song got pwned by both “CHANCE!” and “just Melody”.  I’m not sure why I don’t enjoy the song as much as I used to when I first heard it through the anime.  It just feels empty and sadly just feels so iono…”Ichirin no Hana” fixed things up XD

5. Yasashisa no Shizuku

After getting through some of the louder stuff from the band, Yasashisa no Shizuku calms things down a little bit…well at least it did at the beginning.  I’ll admit that I love how it sounds and the more need of bass in the song.  I finally take notice at TAKUYA’s Engrish in the song and it’s sometimes hard to understand what he’s saying, but it’s still a good relaxing song from the band.

6. ai ta Kokoro (Album Version)

The only B-side found on the album, AI TA Kokoro from the “D-tecnoLife” single got changed and the caps was toned as well XD.  Actually shorter than its single counterpart, ai ta Kokoro’s changes don’t really pop into my mind, cept maybe a shortened ending and perhaps a little more involvement in the music.  I still enjoy it’s light side and is one of the more memorable songs from the singles. 

7. Burst

The shortest song off the album, Burst is definitely like what the title suggests.  It’s a powerful burst of energy after the last two songs and they fixed the problems that made “Rush” hard to listen through.  TAKUYA’s energy is just through the roof.  It’s these songs that really take me by surprise and I’m happy there’s at least a few of these here. 

8. Nitro

After such a fill with “Burst”, I was thinking Nitro was going to be just as hard hitting and I was right actually.  The opening doesn’t really sound like it would lead in, but it does and I like the aggressive arrangement.  TAKUYA’s vocals are more strict and deeper which is a nice change to the vocal work, but it sounds rather iono sloppy and his English also kind of fails a bit again as well.  The chorus is weird with that ~so sorry~ line hahaha.  Interesting song haha.

9. just Melody (Album Version)

Adding 34 seconds to the final single released in the era, just Melody’s additions only really are the extended guitar/synth opening which was a pleasant idea since it was one of the best parts of the song.  While it’s not the best of the era, just Melody reminds me of a more lightheated “GO-ON” since there’s parts that reminds me of it.  Not a bad song at all.

10. Lump Of Affection

I kind of like the more experimental side of this album, but I’m not really liking the song much.  I’m not sure why, but there’s just something about this song that rubs me the wrong way.  It’s a slower song, but I’m not finding anything that makes it stand out.

11. Tobira

Which we get into Tobira which is like a clone of “Lump Of Affection” but with edgier guitar parts and a whole lot more interest from TAKUYA.  That being said, it’s a little better than the last track, but there’s not much going for it still besdies the plus’s of the song.  So much for that I guess.

12. SE

After two meh songs, I think we make it into the home stretch with something good.  SE is totally different from anything on the album.  Especially with that weird solo opening turning into a pseudo electro track.  Then again, as this is the lone interlude of the album I was surprised UVERworld would actually supply an interlude that’s all trance and such…so random but it does make a nice transition into our final track.

13. D-tecnoLife (Album Version)

So we have two versions of D-tecnoLife on Timeless huh?  Whatever…the chances to their debut A-side was surprisingly major when compared to the changes on the other tracks.  They fixed the emptiness that plagued the original, but it still feels under both of the other singles.  It is the better version, but it’s definitely not a strong song still.

Tracks Recommended

• CHANCE!
• Burst
• ai ta Kokoro (Album Version)
• Toki no Namida
• Nitro

Song of Avoidance

• Lump Of Affection

UVERworld’s debut album was actually kind of nice.  I mean strong new songs mixed in with the pretty good singles representing it.  It did however start to wane near the end where things got too boring and outrageous…I mean does SE even make sense here?  Still, a pretty good start for the band!

UVERworld – LAST April 14, 2010

Track Listing

1. GOLD
2. world LOST world
3. Sparta
4. Kokoro to Kokoro
5. the truth
6. Barrel
7. Hi! Mondaisaku
8. closed POKER
9. Kanashimi wa Kitto (album ver.)
10. CHANGE
11. WANNA be BRILLIANT
12. Kimi no Mama
13. GO-ON (2nd mix)

1. GOLD

As the final A-side of the era, GOLD has only been out for a short time, but the time that was showed me that it still is a pretty messy track in arrangement, but the energy mixed with TAKUYA’s vocals were pretty exciting, but the pseudo-rapping needs to go because it’s not good here.  Otherwise it’s pretty exciting and kicks the album off on a good note.

2. world LOST world

I’m surprised that UVERworld didn’t begin the album with this song first because of the way it opens with TAKUYA by himself before the energetic arrangement from the band enters in.  I think after “GOLD” things cleared up and got more steady for the group and since it’s the album’s promotional song, this was a pretty good choice and feels like an anime tune hahaha.

3. Sparta

Hmmm…I can only where they got the title from…Sparta actually ups the ante, but I’m not a big fan of TAKUYA talking through the verses just to end up like T.M.R.  I like the band’s more aggressive sound since it’s harder than the previous two songs.  I’m not sure why though but there’s just something I don’t like about the song…I think it’s TAKUYA that I really don’t enjoy.

4. Kokoro to Kokoro

Coming into our next song, I thought this was going to slow things down a bit, but in way it did after “Sparta”.  Kokoro to Kokoro is back to some good UVERworld and I like whenever the band is more controlled over their sound as well as TAKUYA.  I think it’s the first drop dead serious song off the album and I thought they did pretty well!

5. the truth

Coming from “GO-ON”, the truth was a great choice to have added onto the album.  It’s a bit like its A-side brethren, but somehow a bit more edgier, but still together and pretty good.  I mean it is my favorite B-side of the era so that being said it’s rocking goodness.  Like I said before, this could’ve been a great song to an anime, but I think it’s great nonetheless.

6. Barrel

I really like how a latin-sounding guitar opens up Barrel before exploding into this really hard song from UVERworld.  Once again TAKUYA is speak-singing which annoys me a little bit and the vocals aren’t exactly at top-shape like the last two songs.  There’s also some rapping going on as well.  I think Barrel would sound a whole lot better in a live version moreso than studio.

7. Hi! Mondaisaku

I’m happy things at least picked up after that because Hi! Mondaisaku is more jolly and upbeat from the band which is surprising since I don’t think the band is known for their more livelier songs.  I like the overall mood switch here amd TAKUYA sounds alright, even though he talk-sings through some of it.  At least it’s passable for a track like this.

8. closed POKER

The opening for closed POKER was loud and in your face, I mean I didn’t expect something after that.  After that, the song gains some control and I actually enjoyed this song quite a bit, especially after hearing some bongos were included with the arrangement which totally makes sense.  It’s like a controlled version of “GOLD”  Good song to me.

9. Kanashimi wa Kitto (album ver.)

Adding about 20 seconds extra, the album version of their 2nd A-side still kind of flys over my head.  I mean besides the new opening with beautifully played strings (which that already makes this song the oddball song off the album), the song really feels outta place.  I mean yeah it’s a rock ballad from the group and focus on the acousitcs with parts with the entire band.  It’s just not what you expect, but I’ve grown to like it a bit more than the single version. 

10. CHANGE

As the B-side from the recently released “GOLD”, CHANGE wasn’t a surprise for me to see it added because of the GUNDAM tie-in it had.  I thought of the song pretty highly and while it doesn’t beat “GO-ON” in epicness, CHANGE is a pretty awesome song and with the band acting less energetic than in some of the other wild hitters, this was straightforward and great. 

11. WANNA be BRILLIANT

After saying “CHANGE” was straightforward, I knew something that wasn’t was going to be right after but it wasn’t as wild as I thought it’d be because it’s energetic like how “the truth” was but in a anime-esque way.  It actually turned out to be one of the better songs on the album.  Actually this song really reminds me of “D-TecnoLife”, but not too much.

12. Kimi no Mama

I guess “Kanashimi wa Kitto” isn’t the only slow song off the album because this one is also type-casted as a rock ballad with strings included as well.  I think this one hit the spot quite more strongly than the one released as the single because it didn’t feel so disjointed and flowed quite a bit better.  Plus, something about it just screams epic.  I think it was great that our last new song came off so nicely.

13. GO-ON (2nd mix)

*tires screech* WHAT?!? a new version of GO-ON?  I’m sorry, but that right there started to worry me because things like this sometimes crash and burn.  The upgraded version of the best A-side they’ve had in a very long time, GO-ON’s changes were very minimal which calmed me down because I think they added some small guitar parts, some acoustic guitar parts in the bridge, and some electronic clicking in the chorus to sound like some gears and an stop effect right before the final chorus.  Actually, the acoustic and extra guitar parts were raised in volume to make it stand out more, I guess…basically, small changes but I think they made the song a bit more complex and cooler.  This is still one of my favorite UVERworld songs.

Tracks Recommended

• GO-ON (2nd mix)
• Kimi no Mama
• the truth
• WANNA be BRILLIANT
• closed POKER

Song of Avoidance

• Sparta

For my first UVERworld album, I think LAST showed off what they can do, but it seems from other people who’ve listened to their older album, this is actually on the lower side between the 5 released.  To me this was pretty good.  There were times that TAKUYA felt a little off with the songs like “GOLD” and “Sparta” but the band really helped out.  Good 5th album from the band!

UVERworld – GOLD March 30, 2010

Track Listing

1. GOLD
2. CHANGE
3. MINORI

1. GOLD

I actually didn’t like the opening to GOLD at all.  I’m not sure why, but it’s seemed like random ideas, but once the band fully entered my mind changed around and got better very quickly.  It’s still rather shockingly messy, but it’s not totally messed up and the parts with the synths and stings are pretty awesome.  TAKUYA sounds pretty good as well and hits some great notes and the solos are pretty epic too.  It’s no “GO-ON” but this is pretty good, even after the messy factor runs off.

2. CHANGE

So our first B-side actually has a tie-in for a GUNDAM movie and not surprisingly is a stronger song from UVERworld.  It doesn’t feel like many ideas strung together and TAKUYA is surprisingly more controlled in his vocals.  It’s not bad, but compared to the energetic performance from “GOLD”, this was surprising and kind of cool.  I commend this song.

3. MINORI

The 2nd B-side also shows a pretty interesting side to the group.  It’s actually a ballad ala “Kanashimi wa Kitto”.  It begins with a melancholic piano melody before TAKUYA comes in and his vocals are really stable and not squeaky like they usually are and singing with a lot of emotion.  After the first chorus, the rest of the band comes in and joins him.  It’s good since it’s a brutally honest slow song and gives em better view of what they have in their repetoire of songs.  TBH, I like this more than their last A-side.

 

 

Ending off the “LAST” era, UVERworld kind of gave me this mixed feeling of a single.  I’ll admit MINORI was a whole lot stronger of a ballad than “Kanashimi wa Kitto” and was the best of the single.  CHANGE was also pretty good, but maybe I’m just biased because of it’s tie-in.  GOLD however kind of comes off to me as a bit random in its execution.  Not bad, but I’m just not used to the different styles in this song.  I was worried that this was a start of a new era since they released “Neo SOUND BEST” at the end of last year and “Kanashimi wa Kitto” was on it and “GO-ON wasn’t, at least we have three singles represented now!