..and that's all for this video!
I hope you were pleased with my choices, but if you're not, please forgive me 🙏  These are all just my personal choices, and if you like you can share your faves from 'Ambitions' by commenting them down below. Thank you very much for taking your time to watch this :)
Keep rockin' you guys! \m/


'till next post! - k*



Read my "Ambitions" review: http://everything-randombykim.blogspot.com/2017/02/one-ok-rock-and-their-ambitions.html

Buy 'Ambitions' Japanese version limited edition
-> http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/AZZS-56
Buy 'Ambitions' Japanese version regular edition
-> http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/AZCS-1062
Buy 'Ambitions' International version
-> http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/NEOIMP-12974
Buy 'Ambitions' on iTunes
-> https://itunes.apple.com/ph/album/ambitions/id1176157333
Stream 'Ambitions' on Spotify for free:
-> https://open.spotify.com/album/0p1YL9nzIuKTonZH6Gq58i

Yes it's 2017 and you do know what that means right?
The most awaited new album of ONE OK ROCK is finally here!

screenshot from the MV of "We Are"

'Ambitions' is the eighth (8th) full length studio album of ONE OK ROCK and it comes in two (2) versions: the Japanese version (released on January 11, 2017 under A-Sketch), and the international version (released on January 13, 2017 under Fueled By Ramen). This album was produced by Colin Brittain, Dan Lancaster, and John Feldmann who produced the band's previous album '35XXXV'.  Also this time, they worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry for this album such as Tyler Carter from ISSUES and Mark Shinoda from Linkin Park.
.. I'm stoked as hell!

Ambitions Japanese version limited edition CD + DVD.

FIRST IMPRESSION/S: I was quite curious about the title, written in black ink with a small pink 'x' mark at the center of a yellow cover. Out of all the ONE OK ROCK albums I've encountered, this is definitely the brightest one in appearance. If you're unfamiliar with the band, you'd probably think it's an all-girl group, or worse, a boy band. But music-wise, it couldn't be that bad or shocking right? Since they've already released a couple of music videos of some tracks included in this album, and I'm excited to listen to it once I finally got my hands on my own copy 😀

Ambitions Japanese version limited edition CD + DVD

So as mentioned earlier, 'Ambitions' comes in two (2) versions. Most songs are included in both versions, however there are about 2 or more tracks that are exclusive in each of them. The international version's tracks are all in English and it features Alex of All Time Low in one of the exclusive tracks. While in the Japanese version, all songs have Japanese lyrics and they had Avril Lavigne featured in the Japanese version of the song "Listen".

Ambitions International CD

• Ambitions (intro) – And now the journey begins. So get ready to listen to the ambitious side of ONE OK ROCK as they take you to a whole different level of musicality and versatility. 

• Bombs Away – As expected in every ONE OK ROCK album, the first track is always an upbeat one. Prior to the intro, this is where they are supposed to be now. The verses of the song kinda reminds me of Avril Lavigne’s song “Sk8er boi”, in the bridge part of it though. Seems like Avril is a huge influence in making this album too. Everyone can tell this song is opt to gather more audience in the west, but what I love about this one is that a part of this song shows that 'Niche Syndrome' roots of the band and they want to share that to their fans all over the world. Nice one, ONE OK ROCK! First track – totally nailed it!

• Taking Off – This song was used as an OST for the Japanese movie “Museum”. To be honest I’m not a huge fan of this track. Not even that outstanding for me. In my own opinion, there’s not much of the song that I can really relate to as of the moment I’m listening. BUT what really caught my full attention is the beats and how it is wonderfully produced. It’s clever they put this song as the third one for the album. Fits well for its heavy timbre.

• We Are – THIS! I could totally declare that ONE OK ROCK slayed Ambitions with this track. I adore every part of it! What really touched me is that the fact they're bringing their brand to the whole world. We as fans know that OOR is known for its strong beats and emotional lyrics, and now they are letting each and every person in this planet experience that. Their songs have powerful messages that could move the hearts of many. I could never be more proud that they’ve made it this far already. My dream for them is to touch more people just like what they did to me, and this song is the key. I’m pretty confident that “We Are” could push barriers for them as a band. It’s a song that everybody needs to listen. 

• Bedroom Warfare – One word: SEXY. I don’t understand why a lot of fans are dissing this track. Maybe it’s just me, or I’m just into dancing too much. Honestly it was on loop for days. I think OOR did a great job of exploring what they can do with their music. "Bedroom Warfare" is one of those songs where I can envision remixes by today’s famous DJs and produce a sick dance/club track. What do you guys think? You may or may not disagree with me but hey! It’s all about ambitions this time, and I must say this song is way too ambitious in good way.

• I Was King - Definitely a power track. The whole song itself is majestic which just makes it as one of the unforgettable songs that OOR will ever have. The song’s all about you’ll never know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone and now you’re fighting to retrieve everything you’ve got and letting go of all the regrets you had. 

• Listen – A song about friendship. Another winner from this album indeed! Not that much of a fave of mine, but its lyrics is so heavy, especially on the part where it says “I wish I could save you from the pain you’ve been through, and all I can tell you is the best thing to do.” But cheers to ONE OK ROCK for achieving another milestone. I know these guys are huge fans of Avril Lavigne, and now they finally have a collab with her. How cool is that?

• One Way Ticket – Bittersweet. Why Taka? WHY??? YES it is a pop track, but not trashy one. I’m surprised that it blends well with OOR. Once I listened to it and got the lyrics by heart, God I fell in love! I could listen to it all day. Still not convinced? We’re used to OOR having ballads from their previous albums right? Consider this song as one, but mixed in a way that could fit into the western audience and you won’t get disappointed. A song about missing someone and longs to see that person, and desperately needs that one-way ticket home. If I were to choose between the two versions, I'd say the Japanese one is the best.

• Bon Voyage - Supposedly a French phrase that means "have a nice trip", but it's total sarcasm as I listen to this. A bad break up I presume? haha. It was said in one of ONE OK ROCK’s radio interviews that this song is what Toru’s most excited about, and I can see why. The riffs are heavy on the bridge part which proves that this band is more than what the mainstream audience would expect of them to be. 

• Start Again - This track is a silent killer! Trust me, this is the second most relatable song in this album, or could be the first for some. Just when you thought this album will be in all-out pop rock genre, then think again. A bit of it song kinda reminds me of "Nobody's Home" though and I don't know why lml. I love the part where Taka passionately screams the line "I won't say I'm sorry for being who I AAAAAAAAAAAM!!! Is the EEEEEND a chance to start again?"

• Take What You Want (feat. 5 Seconds Of Summer) - If you're a fan of 5SOS and reading his review, well first let me apologize because I'm never a fan of them to be honest. OOR having a collab with them is a total shocker for me, but what I find more shocking is that how beautiful this song turned out to be and I meant that.

• Jaded (feat. Alex from All Time Low) - As I'm listening to this song and writing this review, there's something about it that's deja vu. The song's kinda familiar to me. I just couldn't get the gist of it. If you guys feel the same way as I do now, please do leave a comment below so that I'd know I'm not the only one losing my mind here lml.

• Hard To Love - A heartfelt song written by Taka for his father. See? I told you guys it's 'Niche Syndrome' 2.0 happening here. In that album, they had the song "Nobody's Home" that taka wrote about his relationship with his parents during his teenage years. This became a massive hit in Japan, and now the frontman of the band can't wait to share it to the fans from the west, but this song is a lot mellow compared to "Nobody's Home" consider that it's an acoustic one. This song was performed during the SLFL tour with 5SOS. Ryota used the ViolaFon during their live shows in the US. I was really amazed on how skilled Ryota was. He started with nothing, and now he plays not just the bass but also the cello, guitar, and the keyboard.

• American Girls - I hate this. I REALLY HATE THIS!!! I DESPISE IT LIKE I COULD TURN MY BACK AWAY FROM THIS BAND FOR LIFE!!! But not until I put it on loop and got some major LSS issues with it. I learned to love it because it's catchy AF! I'm pretty surprised ONE OK ROCK was able to pull off with a song like this one. The ambiance of its tunes resembles a mixture of 50's music and this generation's pop-rock genre. But honestly speaking, this song gives me that 'Uptown Girl' vibe and it got me hooked. (BTW the MV for this song is badass!)

It is now 00:56 and as I listen to Taking Back Sunday's "Divine Intervention", all I can think about is this one particular day: tomorrow.



Wanna know why?



Because it has something to do with your existence.



First of all I want to thank you for everything.
I know this may sound weird, but have you ever asked this question to yourself: What if I never lived in this day and never existed in this world today? Would it be any different?



Well mister, let me answer that question for you :)



If you never lived and existed, I'd probably be lost and may never find my way back to my first love which is music. I keep on tracking back of everything and recalling each time how you, your band, and your music saved me so many times. So yes! Your existence does matter to me. I couldn't be more proud of what you have achieved so far through your music this past 11 years. You were able to gather fans from all around the world. There's Asia, Europe, America, and all of them are dreaming, wanting to go to Japan just to see you guys live on your special concerts just like what happened last September in Nagisaen. All of them made special bonds and friendships just because they love your band and your music, and I certainly think that's the best thing ever since I was able to experience exact same thing. Not only I get to discover such good music, but I also met a lot of interesting people along the way.

this birthday card I made for your birthday last year. I hope you got it though

So if you were not to exist, do you think your fans would experience the same thing as what they have now? In reality they could have, but it would be totally different you know. You see, your music moves hearts. The hearts of people who can't be touched in such empty promises. That's all I can feel through your craft, they're full of hope. I believe no other person in this earth can do that except for you, and that's why I am truly thankful for your existence.





"Where words fail, music speaks"
You hold on to those words right? Despite of the language barrier we have, I can easily understand everything in just a single strum that you do with your guitar.
My wish for you is that I hope you'd continue to do what you love most. I believe that you can reach more people of all ages and touch their hearts with your music. Whatever you're doing now is a beautiful thing and truly the highlight of my existence. Well not only mine, but for many of your fans. I also wish you good health, more cars, more success and more WINE! (though I do hope to share one with you someday)




Gosh it's already 2:21 here in my country and I have to crash.

Happy birthday Toru! You may or may not read this..but I do hope it'll still reach out to you so that you can know that this annoying fan here in Davao appreciates your existence.
Have a great one and enjoy this day with your friends and the boys of ONE OK ROCK, Ryota, Tomoya, and Taka.
I love you! 😘

photo by Gus Black

In the year 2007, ONE OK ROCK released 3 singles before they had their first major album 'Zeitakubyou'. The singles were 'Naihi Shinsho' (April 25, 2007), 'Yume Yume' (July 7, 2007), and 'Et Cetera' (October 24, 2007). The tracks in 'Naihi Shinsho' included "Naihi Shinsho" (内秘心書) and "Kako wa Kyōkasho ni Mirai wa Shukudai" (過去は教科書に未来は宿題). 'Yume Yume' has
"Yume Yume" and "Karasu" (カラス). And finally 'Et Cetera' with "Et Cetera" and "Koukai Yaku ni Tatazu" (後悔役に立たず).
*the bold texts are part of the Zeitakubyou album
*click here for the "Yume Yume" PV

Now these singles shaped up the band's distinct sound we know today: It's J-rock with a western inspiration behind it. We can still feel that they're still trying to explore their genre, but there's just something in all these tracks that every time we hear it out of nowhere, we can easily guess "Oh! That's totally ONE OK ROCK!" from the beginning of each song. Is it because of the rap? The riffs? or must be Tomoya's powerful beat? Hmm...

Prior to the success of their album 'Niche Syndrome' and their first ever show in Budokan, in the year 2011, ONE OK ROCK released two singles. The first one was released in February 16. 'Answer is Near' includes the tracks "Answer is Near", "Silent World", "Answer is Clear" (acoustic version of Answer is Near), and a cover of as Stevie Wonder hit "To Feel The Fire".
Their sixth single, 'Re:make/NO SCARED', was released in July 20 which includes the two songs from the title and "Rock, Scissors and Paper".
At the very same year, they also released their fifth album 'Zankyou Reference'. And based on my observation this was the time where the band started to garner a lot of attention to international fans, and their story of success goes on...

release date: July 30, 2014

And now we move on to the present - 2016.

photo by Cazrow Aoki