[album review] CHAIN -an unbiased input-
Good afternoon :) I am making this today while eating a nice almost-melted bowl of ice cream because of the incoming pre-summer heat ROFL, it'll be a delectable ice cream shake drink in a few more minutes, like a second dessert♥.
Anyhow, I shall give you an unbiased review and then my own p.o.v. on this year's album, entitled [CHAIN]. The logo gives a nice meaning too :D Both the logo for KAT-TUN and the logo for CHAIN. I approve! I will be writing the review while the song I am writing on would be on loop, I have listened to the album for a few times, so you should be rest assured that I have listened to them wholly and have not immediately jump to conclusions♥. I have and did listen to them fully. *does the LOCK ON dance* ROFL
Let's get on with the show~!
========
LOCK ON
========
The track itself is well done, the way they harmonize in a continuous singing of a line, reminds you of their recent single Ultimate Wheels (which by the way is also included in this year's album and is one of SUZUKI SOLIO's CM theme, along with RUN FOR YOU and &FOREVER) The chorus part is really catchy and along with the beat, you would realize that you'll be bobbing your head along.
It's a good dance track and is really upbeat. The kind where it's more used on exhibition styles because some parts have this longer and somewhat steady pace of music. This track will be very welcomed by listeners who likes upbeat-y catchy tracks. It's a good energy booster track too.
::imho.::
I really like this track, the first time I have listened to this fully, I found myself practically dancing with it. The intro music is kinda futuristic and it gives you a few solid idea of what might appear on the PV itself. The PV itself was a nice touch, albeit the set reminded me of MJ's and JJ's "SCREAM" PV, it was nonetheless enjoyable♥ I want a robot too :}♥
========
ONE DAY
========
This track opens up with a poppish intro, the strings are lovely and go well with the whole score, the likes that reminds you of US/EU boybands in the 90s. It's very light to the ear, it's a perky song, by the time you reach the chorus, you'll find yourself singing along with the "YOU" part. The ending part is lovely as well.
This song will be well received by any listener as it is a light pop song.
::imho.::
This is one catchy song♥ I really love this one. The lightness of this and how cheerful it is... it's been added on my loop playlist, if this was played through a CD player, the CD would be crying right about now. ROFL
======
BIRTH
======
This track starts with a slightly rock-ish feel and the way they start with a line from the chorus part, makes it the more appealing, like a tiny preview of a song from the song. As it moves through, there's a smooth rendition where it changes from Rock towards a Jazz-y faster paced sound coming from the addition of the trumpet-y sound. (This song was used as the Ending Theme song for the drama manga adaptation Youkai Ningen Bemu.)
It's a track that even the older generation can enjoy and is welcomed by the newer generation as well. It's a compliment of trends.
::imho.::
The first time I've heard of this, the intro part reminded me of a melody that I've heard before, after much looking up through my hard drives, I found the resemblance with kame's DBS -BAD DREAM- solo, but the resemblance of course was only the part with the "TAN TAN TAN TANAN" which I don't know if you would be able to know which I am referring to... I'm sorry. LOL.
=================
ULTIMATE WHEELS
=================
The track starts up with an orchestrated intro that will remind you of their previous album NO MORE PAIN. The melody of this song is positively appealing to people who have a heart for more contemporary music, the composition of the score is a good mash-up, even the playful piano on the background is amazingly perky albeit it would be missed if you don't listen much on the background itself.
The way the song was sang, like a relay, was a rather nice touch. While they sing in duets as the song moves, the harmonizing was done really nice too. The way they sang as a group is better than their earlier albums, there's a good balance now and their voice "supports" each other.
::imho.::
I love this song, 'nuff said. ROFL. Nah~ this song is a bit heavier than other songs, but even though it is, the song itself is a good track and I enjoy singing it very much.♥
==========================
FINALE -Taguchi Junnosuke solo-
==========================
This track is more on electro-pop. It have the same genre as W-inds dance tracks and K-pop. The chorus is quite catchy and the over-all song is good. Meanwhile, using autotune but not overdoing it makes it the more enjoyable. The way he sang has improved too.
==============================
STEP BY STEP -Nakamaru Yuichi solo-
==============================
This track, like a few of his previous solos, is catchy and light. The melody is easy on the ears and the singing compliments the music nicely.
=============
RUN FOR YOU
=============
The track is somewhat heavier in a sense that it's on a more "manly" type. As opposed to their other tracks that are more upbeat and catchy, this track have somewhat a limited space to move in. Although the chorus is quite catchy, the background song that comprises most of heavy beats and electric piano elements makes it a bit difficult to embrace.
On the otherhand, once you've arrived at the bridge part, it becomes a bit lighter and is easier on the ear, a playful beat, like the song's "breather". The techno part interlude gives off a nice touch as well.
::imho.::
ran~ ran~ ra-ra-ran for you♫♪~~ ←monomane-ing junno for KT Style in a melody of Nausica's Requiem ROFL♫
==============
ANO HI NO YOU NI
==============
The track starts up with a relaxing intro and moves on to a slower theme, a love song. If you're in for a slow pace light songs with a hint of 90's boyband nostalgic harmonization, then this is suitable for you.
::imho.::
The chorus is very very nice. :D
=========================
ZUTTO -Kamenashi Kazuya solo-
=========================
This track is more on a relax pace, the melody is easy on the ears and the singing suits the whole as a complete song. The song resembles the same style as Soulja's "Koko ni Iru yo". As the music starts, it gives off a nostalgic feeling, the music itself gives you an idea or feel of being under a sky filled with stars. A very relaxing song.
==============
SMILE FOR YOU
==============
This track opens up with an upbeat electro-poppish intro, being a track coupled with a short anime "Ai wa KAT-TUN" (a promotional stunt for ENTAG!'s mobile gaming website) cm, it's a song focusing more on females and a promising warm welcome by anime enthusiasts.
The song itself is really light and catchy, it's pop and bubbly. It's the type of song where you could hum along happily.
::imho::
I like it! ROFL I listen to this whenever I need a happy boost~♫ and even though i'm not watching the anime, it plays in my head as long as I hear the song itself LOL :P
================
HAKANAI YUBISAKI
================
Another light track song with a lovely guitar strumming included. The way it was sang compliments the melody spot on, the way it suddenly changes slower on the bridge part and then goes back to a much upbeat-y pace, makes the contrast more desirable. It's a good song for light listening.
::imho::
definitely on my loop playlist♥ :3
======================
~AGAIN -Ueda Tatsuya solo-
======================
This track starts with a faster pacing but with a bit of "resemblance" to his previous solo "Ai no Hana" (which is a ballad), the song's rendition is nicely done. The music doesn't overtake each other and thus harmonize fluidly, the way he softly sings it naturally makes it the more likable.
=================
CHANGE UR WORLD
=================
This track comprised more of a rock-ish feel than pop gives the image of "power". Its catchy beat and drums are molded together nicely. The bass parts along with the drums makes it the more enjoyable. A very good song and is not the bit least tiresome to repeat.
Even though it's rock, it's not at all hard on the ears.
::imho::
It's one of my favorites♥ the whole composition is nice and like I said, even though it's rock, it's not that hard on the ears, so you can loop it for eternity xD
===========================================
DANGEROUS CAT ~MAKE ME WET~ -Tanaka Koki solo-
===========================================
This track, like his previous solo "Make you wet chapter 2", have almost the same tempo with additional cat and dog sounds. The melody itself is quite catchy, the lyrics implications are for adults.
============
HODOUKYOU
============
Like "Zutto" this track is relaxing, the song itself is calming and is very easy on the ears. The harmonizing itself is beautiful and the pacing is just right.
::imho::
Just lovely♥ :D
======
WHITE
======
This track opens up with a cheery intro and is upbeat. It's one of those "feel good" pop songs you could loop. (This song was also used as the cm song for SOFIA.) The music is really catchy, it's a song that the general public would like. Like "CUW", the accompaniment isn't loud, so it's easy on the ears.
::imho::
kimi ga hikaru kagayaku kokoro♫♪~ *dances*
========
SOLDIER
========
This track is on a heavier side in terms of music and have more edge. It's not on a rock genre nor it is on pop. The track itself leans on more towards a sort of "prelude" or for an "opening" for something, like a reprise of sorts.
::imho::
When I first heard it, the accompaniment made my brow twitch LOL but after giving it a few more tries (and like I said above I loop the song while making my review) it grew on me. The singing itself is good from the very first time I heard it, the accompaniment was the one that made my brow twitch ROFL.
=============
CHAIN OF LOVE
=============
The hidden track that's linked with the previous song, have this 80s to 90s feel. It starts off with an intro that resembles a Macross Frontier's song. It also reminds you of their old song (that they performed during Minna no Terebi) "Miracle".
::imho::
It really does remind me of a Macross Frontier song xD one of Sheryl Nome's to be exact xD *starts singing what Junno sang on Music Lovers* MOTTEKE~!!!! *bricked* ROFL
-----
note:
ROFL, I can't believe making this took me 5 hours～(´ー｀～) in any case, I tried my best to be as unbiased as I could be and I didn't put in ::imho:: on the solos to leave the readers their own p.o.v. towards it, although i did put my own opinions on the group songs like a total nutcase/fan ROFL (ﾟ∀｡)ﾜﾋｬﾋｬﾋｬﾋｬﾋｬﾋｬ
Anyhow, I like the album as a whole, it was balanced well in terms of content. :)♥
Anyhow, I shall give you an unbiased review and then my own p.o.v. on this year's album, entitled [CHAIN]. The logo gives a nice meaning too :D Both the logo for KAT-TUN and the logo for CHAIN. I approve! I will be writing the review while the song I am writing on would be on loop, I have listened to the album for a few times, so you should be rest assured that I have listened to them wholly and have not immediately jump to conclusions♥. I have and did listen to them fully. *does the LOCK ON dance* ROFL
Let's get on with the show~!
========
LOCK ON
========
The track itself is well done, the way they harmonize in a continuous singing of a line, reminds you of their recent single Ultimate Wheels (which by the way is also included in this year's album and is one of SUZUKI SOLIO's CM theme, along with RUN FOR YOU and &FOREVER) The chorus part is really catchy and along with the beat, you would realize that you'll be bobbing your head along.
It's a good dance track and is really upbeat. The kind where it's more used on exhibition styles because some parts have this longer and somewhat steady pace of music. This track will be very welcomed by listeners who likes upbeat-y catchy tracks. It's a good energy booster track too.
::imho.::
I really like this track, the first time I have listened to this fully, I found myself practically dancing with it. The intro music is kinda futuristic and it gives you a few solid idea of what might appear on the PV itself. The PV itself was a nice touch, albeit the set reminded me of MJ's and JJ's "SCREAM" PV, it was nonetheless enjoyable♥ I want a robot too :}♥
========
ONE DAY
========
This track opens up with a poppish intro, the strings are lovely and go well with the whole score, the likes that reminds you of US/EU boybands in the 90s. It's very light to the ear, it's a perky song, by the time you reach the chorus, you'll find yourself singing along with the "YOU" part. The ending part is lovely as well.
This song will be well received by any listener as it is a light pop song.
::imho.::
This is one catchy song♥ I really love this one. The lightness of this and how cheerful it is... it's been added on my loop playlist, if this was played through a CD player, the CD would be crying right about now. ROFL
======
BIRTH
======
This track starts with a slightly rock-ish feel and the way they start with a line from the chorus part, makes it the more appealing, like a tiny preview of a song from the song. As it moves through, there's a smooth rendition where it changes from Rock towards a Jazz-y faster paced sound coming from the addition of the trumpet-y sound. (This song was used as the Ending Theme song for the drama manga adaptation Youkai Ningen Bemu.)
It's a track that even the older generation can enjoy and is welcomed by the newer generation as well. It's a compliment of trends.
::imho.::
The first time I've heard of this, the intro part reminded me of a melody that I've heard before, after much looking up through my hard drives, I found the resemblance with kame's DBS -BAD DREAM- solo, but the resemblance of course was only the part with the "TAN TAN TAN TANAN" which I don't know if you would be able to know which I am referring to... I'm sorry. LOL.
=================
ULTIMATE WHEELS
=================
The track starts up with an orchestrated intro that will remind you of their previous album NO MORE PAIN. The melody of this song is positively appealing to people who have a heart for more contemporary music, the composition of the score is a good mash-up, even the playful piano on the background is amazingly perky albeit it would be missed if you don't listen much on the background itself.
The way the song was sang, like a relay, was a rather nice touch. While they sing in duets as the song moves, the harmonizing was done really nice too. The way they sang as a group is better than their earlier albums, there's a good balance now and their voice "supports" each other.
::imho.::
I love this song, 'nuff said. ROFL. Nah~ this song is a bit heavier than other songs, but even though it is, the song itself is a good track and I enjoy singing it very much.♥
==========================
FINALE -Taguchi Junnosuke solo-
==========================
This track is more on electro-pop. It have the same genre as W-inds dance tracks and K-pop. The chorus is quite catchy and the over-all song is good. Meanwhile, using autotune but not overdoing it makes it the more enjoyable. The way he sang has improved too.
==============================
STEP BY STEP -Nakamaru Yuichi solo-
==============================
This track, like a few of his previous solos, is catchy and light. The melody is easy on the ears and the singing compliments the music nicely.
=============
RUN FOR YOU
=============
The track is somewhat heavier in a sense that it's on a more "manly" type. As opposed to their other tracks that are more upbeat and catchy, this track have somewhat a limited space to move in. Although the chorus is quite catchy, the background song that comprises most of heavy beats and electric piano elements makes it a bit difficult to embrace.
On the otherhand, once you've arrived at the bridge part, it becomes a bit lighter and is easier on the ear, a playful beat, like the song's "breather". The techno part interlude gives off a nice touch as well.
::imho.::
ran~ ran~ ra-ra-ran for you♫♪~~ ←monomane-ing junno for KT Style in a melody of Nausica's Requiem ROFL♫
==============
ANO HI NO YOU NI
==============
The track starts up with a relaxing intro and moves on to a slower theme, a love song. If you're in for a slow pace light songs with a hint of 90's boyband nostalgic harmonization, then this is suitable for you.
::imho.::
The chorus is very very nice. :D
=========================
ZUTTO -Kamenashi Kazuya solo-
=========================
This track is more on a relax pace, the melody is easy on the ears and the singing suits the whole as a complete song. The song resembles the same style as Soulja's "Koko ni Iru yo". As the music starts, it gives off a nostalgic feeling, the music itself gives you an idea or feel of being under a sky filled with stars. A very relaxing song.
==============
SMILE FOR YOU
==============
This track opens up with an upbeat electro-poppish intro, being a track coupled with a short anime "Ai wa KAT-TUN" (a promotional stunt for ENTAG!'s mobile gaming website) cm, it's a song focusing more on females and a promising warm welcome by anime enthusiasts.
The song itself is really light and catchy, it's pop and bubbly. It's the type of song where you could hum along happily.
::imho::
I like it! ROFL I listen to this whenever I need a happy boost~♫ and even though i'm not watching the anime, it plays in my head as long as I hear the song itself LOL :P
================
HAKANAI YUBISAKI
================
Another light track song with a lovely guitar strumming included. The way it was sang compliments the melody spot on, the way it suddenly changes slower on the bridge part and then goes back to a much upbeat-y pace, makes the contrast more desirable. It's a good song for light listening.
::imho::
definitely on my loop playlist♥ :3
======================
~AGAIN -Ueda Tatsuya solo-
======================
This track starts with a faster pacing but with a bit of "resemblance" to his previous solo "Ai no Hana" (which is a ballad), the song's rendition is nicely done. The music doesn't overtake each other and thus harmonize fluidly, the way he softly sings it naturally makes it the more likable.
=================
CHANGE UR WORLD
=================
This track comprised more of a rock-ish feel than pop gives the image of "power". Its catchy beat and drums are molded together nicely. The bass parts along with the drums makes it the more enjoyable. A very good song and is not the bit least tiresome to repeat.
Even though it's rock, it's not at all hard on the ears.
::imho::
It's one of my favorites♥ the whole composition is nice and like I said, even though it's rock, it's not that hard on the ears, so you can loop it for eternity xD
===========================================
DANGEROUS CAT ~MAKE ME WET~ -Tanaka Koki solo-
===========================================
This track, like his previous solo "Make you wet chapter 2", have almost the same tempo with additional cat and dog sounds. The melody itself is quite catchy, the lyrics implications are for adults.
============
HODOUKYOU
============
Like "Zutto" this track is relaxing, the song itself is calming and is very easy on the ears. The harmonizing itself is beautiful and the pacing is just right.
::imho::
Just lovely♥ :D
======
WHITE
======
This track opens up with a cheery intro and is upbeat. It's one of those "feel good" pop songs you could loop. (This song was also used as the cm song for SOFIA.) The music is really catchy, it's a song that the general public would like. Like "CUW", the accompaniment isn't loud, so it's easy on the ears.
::imho::
kimi ga hikaru kagayaku kokoro♫♪~ *dances*
========
SOLDIER
========
This track is on a heavier side in terms of music and have more edge. It's not on a rock genre nor it is on pop. The track itself leans on more towards a sort of "prelude" or for an "opening" for something, like a reprise of sorts.
::imho::
When I first heard it, the accompaniment made my brow twitch LOL but after giving it a few more tries (and like I said above I loop the song while making my review) it grew on me. The singing itself is good from the very first time I heard it, the accompaniment was the one that made my brow twitch ROFL.
=============
CHAIN OF LOVE
=============
The hidden track that's linked with the previous song, have this 80s to 90s feel. It starts off with an intro that resembles a Macross Frontier's song. It also reminds you of their old song (that they performed during Minna no Terebi) "Miracle".
::imho::
It really does remind me of a Macross Frontier song xD one of Sheryl Nome's to be exact xD *starts singing what Junno sang on Music Lovers* MOTTEKE~!!!! *bricked* ROFL
-----
note:
ROFL, I can't believe making this took me 5 hours～(´ー｀～) in any case, I tried my best to be as unbiased as I could be and I didn't put in ::imho:: on the solos to leave the readers their own p.o.v. towards it, although i did put my own opinions on the group songs like a total nutcase/fan ROFL (ﾟ∀｡)ﾜﾋｬﾋｬﾋｬﾋｬﾋｬﾋｬ
Anyhow, I like the album as a whole, it was balanced well in terms of content. :)♥