My Random Reality

Tateyama~ ONE OK ROCK's Zankyo Reference

Hi guys! So, here's another review of one of the ONE OK ROCK albums, the Zankyo Reference

(残響リファレンス).

Zankyo Reference was released last October 5, 2011. I know it has been like more or less four years since this album was released, but it did had a great effect on the band's success nowadays. Some songs from this album are still performed by the band whenever they have concerts and live houses.

This is actually another second favorite of mine, along with their previous album, Niche Syndrome. You gotta listen to the tracks from this one. They are pretty amazing.

The Tracks:

Coda - For me, the intro for this album was calming, but heavy to the feeling too. I can hear there's a lot more electronic influence to it, like it's vibe was more futuristic. The kind of giving you the feeling of looking forward into the future, excited but scared at the same time. Things may start slow, but it will be promising to the end.
LOST AND FOUND - Wow! Just like the previous album, they kicked it off with another pure English track. Again, I'm very proud for this one. I love this one. When you listen to this one, you can definitely say that ONE OK ROCK is ready for anything whatever waits for them in the future.
アンサイズニア (Answer is Near) - This was a hit, right? Another one of my favorites from this album. Truly one of the most meaningful songs that I've heard in my whole existence, though most lyrics are in Japanese (Well, Google translate's gonna take care of that for me). The melody is catchy, but trust me, it's gonna be more than that.

NO SCARED - AAAAAHHHHH!!! I love NO SCARED!!! I get a lot of feedback like "What the hell's NO SCARED?!", but I don't mind those people who don't wanna get it. I know this track sells to the teenage crowd, but if you ever feel like you just wanna keep your head bangin' the whole day, this is the song that you must listen to.

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. - They are slowing it down now. When you hear this song, the start was a bit of a mellow-rock, but there is a transition when it goes to chorus. It gets louder and back to the rock that we love. This is another meaningful song for the band, as Taka wrote this one for his friends, his bandmates. I can say it's a must-listen track.

Mr.現代Speaker (Mr. Gendai Speaker/Mr. Modern-day Speaker) - When I first listened to this, I was hoping from the bottom of my gut that OOR didn't change their genre, but I definitely relaxed when the chorus came. Yay! They are still a rock band after all. I thought they were aiming for that electro-pop-rock shit that I get to hear everyday. This is something new from the band. It's definitely one of the powerful tracks from this album.
世間知らずの宇宙飛行士(Seken Shirazu no Uchuu Hikoushi/Naive Astronaut) - Now I can really sense that they are definitely aiming for something different. Why? The title is in Japanese, but the song's in English! and also, must be because these guys are maturing, and their tastes are changing. This track gave me a futuristic feel to it. I thought it's another one of that electro-rock shit, but it's not. This is another English track from the album. It's actually good, but not really one of my favorites.
Re:make - This is one of my favorites. I'd never get tired listening to this over and over again. After that futuristic-inspired track, they followed it up with this rock track and they're back! This song kinda gives me the "I-wanna-move-on-from-this-break-up-'coz-you're-not-worth-grieving-for" feeling. Plus the tune makes my feet stomp, and Taka's vocals makes me wanna scream so loud.

Pierce - Grieving over a break up? Then this track is for you. It's this album's ballad. Pierce starts with that mellow piano, but the feeling is heavy. I thought that this would be a piano song all through out, but it's an acoustic one. I love it how the song was well-constructed. Since the lyrics were sad, the whole arrangement just simply goes with it, which will make you melodramatic by the end of the day. They inserted violins in this track, and that kinda reminded me a bit of Yellowcard. Pierce actually is a song that's heavy on the feeling, but towards the ending after Taka sang "...we always wish tonight could last forever!", it's about time to let go of that feeling.
Let's Take It Someday - Again, another one of my favorites. Why? It's give you that positive feeling toward life. I love listening to this one whenever I'm on doubt with the decisions I make, big or small. And this song is one of the band's legacy to the fans, since the message of the song is very inspiring and a lot of people can relate to it even if you're not a ONE OK ROCK fan. They still play this song live, and I'm hoping I could hear this one live too. I would really jump so high while singing.
キミシダイ列車 (Kimishidai Ressha/Your own train) - I guess this is my ultimate fave from the album. I love every part of the song. The intro simply moves me in any way. I love it how well it is written by Taka. This song gives a positive vibe to people of all ages. These lyrics really moved me: "Yes try to try, keep moving on, sou demo shinakya, can't see the light, moto mo ko mo nakunatte hontouni tada itai me miru dake...Just hold on tight it can be alright.." (Yes, try to try, keep moving on, I have to, I can’t see the light, losing everything really makes you focus only on painful experience... Just hold on tight, it can be all right..) AAAAHHH!!! I can't get over it!

Overall: 9/10. I know it's the same as Niche Syndrome, but I think I have a fair share of faves from this album, and that includes Answer is Near, NO SCARED, C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h., Re:make, Pierce, Let's Take It Someday, and Kimishidai Ressha.

From their MV "Re:make"

I've noticed three things from this album.

First, ONE OK ROCK wants to try something different and they want to share that to their fans. They have included tracks such as Mr. Gendai Speaker and Seken Shirazu no Uchuu Hikoushi that brought a different flavor to their music. I'm not against it really. I just love the fact that they took the risk and it got a really good feedback.
Also, I've noticed that the lyrics of the songs have matured. It's not that the youngsters of this generation can no longer relate to them, but their maturity took them in a whole different level. The songs that Taka wrote were able to gather more audience than expected. I mean, people of all ages can definitely relate to them now and that's what really amazed me with this album.
And lastly, they included not just one pure English track this time, but three. They can't help it! Taka's English is the best ever among all of the Japanese rock bands I've listened. So, it's obvious that the main theme of this album is about the band's future. That they want to be known for their diversity in music, and that they are ready to make a breakthrough in the international music scene.

...and that's it!

You may have noticed I included some MVs and a live performance of ONE OK ROCK. If you like you can also check them out. They're awesome!

Stay tuned for my next ONE OK ROCK album review!

'till next post! - k*

Thursday, April 16, 2015
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THIS IS MY OWN JUDGEMENT! ONE OK ROCK's Niche Syndrome

JRock

Hi everyone! Here's another post related to one of the best rock albums in history - ONE OK ROCK's Niche Syndrome.

This is the 4th full-length studio album of ONE OK ROCK released last June 9, 2010.

This album was made after Alex Onizawa left the band. After such controversy, the band never gave up and they decided to keep their music going even though there were only four of them left.

Niche Syndrome is definitely top 2 on my list, along with Zankyo Reference. I have my very own personal favorites in this album which I know most OOR fans loved too.

The Tracks:

Introduction - So this was definitely new. I'm sure the band really thought hard about making an introduction for their album since they were only four of them left. It seemed like they were reborn or something. And this intro was perfect for the next track.
Never Let This Go - An angry Taka will welcome you with "WE HAVE TO CARRY ON!!! WE HAVE TO MAKE IT FOR US!!!". I'm definitely proud with this track. This is a treat not only to the Japanese fans, but also for the non-Japanese fans because the whole song's in English. With this song, you can really tell that OOR really took their music into a whole new level.
Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer (完全感覚 Dreamer) - This!...This!...THIS!!! I have listened to all OOR songs but nothing will ever compare to this song! The very first time I heard this one, I find the intro very catchy. There's a bit of a history in this song according to some sources, and whenever I hear this one, I can really feel the band's effort in continuing their music. The emotion, the melody, the lyrics, the music, and everything on it is perfection. Most of the lyrics are in English also and I guess they really put a lot of effort on that just to relate to fans all over the world, because this song is all about taking the dream. The words "This is my own judgement! Got nothing to say!" is just - umm...a lot!
Konzatsu Communication (混雑コミュニケーション) - Like a high school rebel. That's the best way to describe this track. And whenever I hear this, that's all on my mind haha!
Yes I Am - I like this track. The tune is very cheerful, but kinda like an anthem, and cheesy, especially on the chorus: "Say my name, I'm gonna take my chance to change your heart.."
Shake It Down - Not a fan of this track really. But it's an upbeat track which makes OOR so irresistible.
Jibun Rock (じぶんROCK) - This song is one of their popular tracks in this album, but not really one of my favorites. Anyways, the musicality is really good with this track. Kinda like OOR's own version of rock.
Liar - The whole song's about expressing your anger and hate about that certain person who lies to you. I really like this track. Gotta keep those heads bangin' while listening to this.
Wherever You Are - This album's ballad. A classic to all OOR fans. This one's really popular to non-Japanese fans because it's about 3/4 of the song is in English. It will definitely give you an LSS. Taka really knows how to move people's hearts through his lyrics. I really find this one very touching, romantic, and sweet. A must-played song on a wedding, after all this song was written for Taka's friend who was about to get married at that time.
Riot!!! - Riot!? Isn't that an album of Paramore? LOL XD I'm also a die-hard Parawhore haha! This track will really make you get up and dance. The song's almost an English track of the album. The pre-chorus parts are in Japanese. Riot!!! is one of my faves and it did kinda remind me a bit of Paramore.
Adult Suit (アダルトスーツ) - I'm not really a fan of this song, but whenever I hear this one I always find myself singing to the lyrics to the point of giving me an LSS.
Mikansei Kokyokyoku (未完成交響曲) - A pure Japanese track of this album. The title is translated as Incomplete Symphony. It's a song about life living it to the fullest everyday and that's what I really like about it. This is one of the album's must-listen tracks.
Nobody's Home - This song's very personal to Taka, but it seems like a lot of the band's fans can relate to it. The very first time I heard this one was kinda embarrassing gaaaaah. I was riding a jeepney that time, but as I listen to the track I can really feel the emotion and that almost made me brought to tears, but I realized that I have to pull myself together haha! I know most people would call it overreacting, but whatever! XD

From the MV 'Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer'

Overall: 9/10. This album is indeed my second favorite. For me, this album really made ONE OK ROCK very popular on the Japanese Rock music scene, especially with their song 'Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer'. Based from what I've read all over the internet, it was that song that really made them a one-hit-wonder.

...and that's it for this post! It might be a bit late because it has been 5 years since Niche Syndrome was released. But this post is not solely intended for the die-hard fans of the band, but also for those who find ONE OK ROCK interesting. So, if you ever find them interesting, gotta listen to these tracks like...NOW!

stay tuned for more reviews of ONE OK ROCK albums!

'till next post! - k*

Monday, April 13, 2015
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ONE OK ROCK albums: Zeitakubyou, Beam of Light, and Kanjou Effect

JRock

Hi guys! As promised, I'm gonna post reviews about ONE OK ROCK's albums.

So, first off is their first three albums namely Zeitakubyou (2007), Beam of Light (2008), and Kanjou Effect (2008).

From left to right: Toru Yamashita, Ryota Kohama, Taka Morita, Tomoya Kanki, and Alex Onizawa

The reason why I had it all three in one post is that all of these albums were made during that time when OOR still had 5 members. Alex, their former lead guitarist, left the band last 2009.

Zeitakubyou was the very first full-length album that OOR released last November 21, 2007. Some of their singles that were released before this album were also included on the list, such as Naihi Shinsho, Yume Yume, and Etcetera.

The tracks:

Naihi Shinsho (内秘心書) - I really love this one. The very first time I heard this song, truth is I fell in love with OOR a lot! It's up-beat and perfect to make it as the first single for this album. Just knowing the fact that this single is amazing, it would really make you crave to listen more of their songs.
Borderline - This song has a bit more English compared to Naihi Shinsho. It's also a good track. An upbeat song perfect to start the day.
(You can do) Everything - Absolutely one of my faves from this album, and it has more English compared to the first two tracks. This track for me is kinda old-school, but in a really good way. It really showcases OOR's humble beginnings.
Yoru ni Shika Mangetsu ( 夜にしか咲かない満月) - Also a good track but not really a fan of it. They seem to love performing this song live as what I've observed from watching their past lives and also up to now. Anyways, the musicality of this song is really good, which made me think that this band is really talented.
Yume Yume (努努 -ゆめゆめ) - Now okay... This song kinda reminds me of a TV show, but I can't really remember which TV show. Anyways, this is a "must-listen" track of the album because it showcases Toru's rapping, and he's really good at it.
Kagerou (カゲロウ) - Awwww... this song...awww... It's a bit nostalgic for me. Although the song is in Japanese, I really love it! It kinda gives that feeling like listening to some 90's songs. It's old-school, kinda like an Eraserheads track. When I researched the meaning of this lyrics, it's raw! Taka really gave me the feels of falling in love in high school haha! It's a sweet track, trust me.
Lujo - Not really a huge fan of this track, but this one certainly showcases the bands musicality when they were just starting.
Kemuri (ケムリ) - Again, not really a fan of this track, but it's also good.
Yokubou ni Michi ta Seinendan (欲望に満ちた青年団) - I heard this song for the very first time when they performed it during the Mighty Long Fall at Yokohama Stadium. They had it in acoustic version. I was really amazed with this song because the musicality, rhythm, and the lyrics all blended together for perfection. This track is really good. Trust me, it's gonna give an LSS (Last Song Syndrome).
Et cetera (エトセトラ) - Well, I don't really know how to describe this song. This is not even a ballad nor a mellow one, but it's a slow song with a touch of OOR style. This song is sad. It's all about breaking up and parting ways. But whatever, it's also included on my "must-listen" tracklist.
A new one for all, all for the new one - The last song in the album. It's also a slow track and a bit nostalgic for me. Perfect to listen whenever you feel like looking up in a starry sky at night.

Overall: 8/10. I really love this band's very first album. The whole album really speaks from the bottom of their hearts, and they really wanna let their fans hear what they can do as musicians. I'm amazed really. I mean at that point, they were just starting, but they already captured a lot of people through their music.

Okay, let's move on to their second album Beam of Light.

Beam of Light was released last May 28, 2008. The band didn't really consider this as an album because the tracks were more of an experiment for them. They never played any of the songs in this album during their lives.

The Tracks:

Hitsuzen Maker (必然メーカー)
Melody Line no Shibouritsu (Melody Lineの死亡率)
100%
Abduction-Interlude
San-san Dama ( 燦さん星)
Koubou (光芒)
Crazy Botch
Yap

When I listened to all of the tracks of this album, I wasn't really getting what they want to express since the tracks were full of variety and I'm really confused on how I'm gonna label the genre for it. I was about to rate this album actually, but when I found out that this one is an experimental album for the band, it's understandable. Anyways, I like the tracks 'Hitsuzen Maker', 'Melody Line no Shibouritsu', and 'Crazy Botch' for this album.

..and now, moving on to Kanjou Effect.

Kanjou Effect is the third album of ONE OK ROCK released last November 12, 2008. This is the last album where Alex was included. I've gotta say, it's this album where they were really labeled as a "Rock Band".

The Tracks:

Koi no Aibou Kokoro no Cupid (恋ノアイボウ心ノクピド) - It's one of my favorites from this album. What I really love is that whenever the band plays this song in their live performances, the crowd's really getting it.
Doppelgaﾌ・ger (どっぺるゲンガー) - Not exactly my fave, but it's worth listening to.
Kaimu (皆無) - This track is one of my faves. This song actually has pure Japanese lyrics. When I heard this song, it really made me thought about how the band are trying to make more mature sounds when it comes to rock music, 'cause even if I didn't understand totally the song, it hit me right straight to the heart. I think this is my ultimate fave from this album. When I found out about the meaning of the lyrics of this song, I fell hardly in love with it.
20 years old - A song that will really give you a great feeling when you listen to it.
Living Dolls - Again, one of my faves. It kinda reminds me of a Japanese drama with a slice of life theme to it. Not really a hard rock song in this album, but it's really good.
Break My Strings - It's one of those tracks in the album where you can say they really improved as a rock band.
Sonzai Shoumei (存在証明) - I'm not a huge fan of this song, however, I love the guitar here.
CONVINCING - Definitely one of my faves from this album.
My sweet baby - This is the ballad song on the album. It's a sweet song and one of my faves.
Reflection - Not really a fave of mine, but this track is indeed catchy.
Viva Violent Fellow ~Utsukushi Moshpit~ (Viva Violent Fellow ～美しきモッシュピット～) - Another upbeat rock song from this album. I'm so-so with this one. I love the musicality because it's kinda different from the other rock songs they have in this album, and I also love Taka's vocals here.
JUST - It's an okay song for me, and they did put a lot of effort inserting English lyrics on this track.
Bossa Nova - Well, okay. This is not really a track. I love the fact that the band includes like a BTS on their album. It really shows that they are having a great time making it all together.

Overall: 6/10. Probably because I don't really listen much to this album, but I have a few tracks that I really like. Anyways, what I really love about Kanjou Effect is that ONE OK ROCK, as a band, really want to be recognized as a rock band, and I guess they really succeed on that when this album came out, and aside from that, Taka was indeed recognized as the band's legendary vocalist. I've also noticed that they are starting to put more English lyrics to their tracks. Taka was already good at it ever since the first album was released.

..and that's it!

Whew! This is actually my first time to write a review/insights or whatever you call it about music albums. I know it's a bit late for me to write about it since these albums were like released ages ago, well not really ages, merely 7 to 8 years already since they released these 3 albums. While writing this blogpost, I was actually listening to the tracks, and I'll never get tired of them (-_-)v

Well everything that's been written here are just based on my personal opinions and such. If you're also a fan of the band, let me know what you think through comments.

Stay tuned for the rest of the album reviews!

'till next post - k*

Friday, April 10, 2015
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confessions of a ONE OK ROCKer

Inspirational

Hi guys! I know it's been a very long time since I haven't blogged anything. It's been what? almost 2 years!

I've been very busy with work lately and haven't got that much time to blog. But anyway, I'll try my best to update this life blog of mine from time to time.

So, let's move on... To be honest I'm currently obsessed with this Japanese rock band 'One OK Rock'.

from L-R: Tomoya (drums), Toru (guitar), Taka (vocals), and Ryota (bass)

Truly, I'm starting to regret about the fact why I discovered them just recently (this band is already 10 years in the business! fufu T.T) when I've already watched the "Rurouni Kenshin" film last 2012. They were the ones who sang the OST for that movie, and yeah I've already heard about them like 3 years ago, but now, after I heard their song 'Heartache', I got hooked like I don't know any bands aside from them...kinda overrated huh? Just joking!

In this blog post, I'm not gonna talk about their whole discography, okay? If you're interested, you can search them in Google or in Youtube so that you can check out their MVs and other live performances, or you can also visit their website (click here ).

What I'm gonna share to you guys are my simple thoughts about this awesome band that I'm currently into right now. So, here it goes...

Thanks to Takeru Sato, I'm in love with this band. Just right after I watched "Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends", the song 'Heartache' was played during the credits. I researched about the band via Google the very next day, and started to watch their videos in Youtube. The very first video I watched from OOR is 'Clock Strikes', the live version...and there it begins - MY OBSESSION!

I know the word obsessed is really negative for some, but I bet I'm just like any OOR fan out there, being obsessed about this band is NOT a bad thing after all!

So there I was, listening and watching the video and I don't wanna move. Like I don't wanna miss a single second of the song. I was deeply moved by Taka's voice and the way he performs and the way he connects with the audience is just different. The sound of Toru's guitar is just amazing, and I really think Ryota's bass is sexy, and the way Tomoya plays the drums is really energetic and powerful. OOR's chemistry is different compared from the other bands that I've watched and listened to. During my adolescence, I always listen to alternative, pop-rock, mainstream, alt-rock, post-hardcore, punk and whatever genre that relates to rock. But now, I'm almost in my mid-20's and rock music is fading, because in this generation a lot of people, whether teenagers or adults, listen to a lot of trashy songs. Real artists nowadays are really hard to find, and as for me, OOR is one of those very few real artists that are left in this generation.

After watching the live version of 'Clock Strikes', I couldn't stop watching their videos - from MVs to live performances to documentaries. And then, finally I got a copy of all of their songs and now my day is not complete if I don't listen to them! Their music is irresistible!

Almost all of their songs are written and composed by their vocalist, Taka. He's really good in writing songs. Trust me, when you start on listening to their songs, the next thing you'll know you'll be singing in Japanese, since most of their songs are in "Japlish" (Japanese/English). His English is really good and probably that's one of the reasons why they rise to fame not only in Asia, but also in America and Europe.

OOR's full discography album covers: albums and singles

So now, I'm just gonna share to you guys my top picks from OOR.

If I were to rate all of their albums from what I like most to the least, it would be:

My top fave album is Jinsei x Boku = (2013). I get a lot of feedback from my fellow OOR fans that this album is mainstream, which for me I really don't think so, This album according to OOR is really special for them since they really tried to portray much more of themselves in this album. I really love all of the songs in this album. My top tracks would include The Beginning, Deeper Deeper, Juvenile, Clock Strikes, Be The Light, and All Mine.

Niche Syndrome (L); Zankyo Reference (R)

Top 2 on my list is both Niche Syndrome(2010) and Zankyo Reference(2011). Must-listen tracks in Niche Syndrome would be: Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer ('Perfect Sense' Dreamer), Liar, Wherever You Are, Riot!!, and Nobody's Home. And from the Zankyo Reference album would be: Answer is near, NO SCARED, C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h., Re:make, Pierce, Let's Take it Someday, and Kimishidai Ressha (Your own train).

3rd on my list is their latest album which was release last February of this year, 3xxxv5. My top tracks would include: Cry Out, Mighty Long Fall, Heartache, Memories, Decision, Good Goodbye, and Fight the night.

4th on my list is OOR's very first album, Zeitakubyou (2007). The tracks in this album are really raw, and they're really good. Listening to their tracks on this album made me regret big time for not discovering them earlier. Must-listen tracks are: Naihi shinsho (I keep it inside), yume yume (Dream), Kagerou (Heat Haze), Yokubou ni michita seinendan (Youth full of desire), and Etcetera.

Top 5 is Kanjou Effect (2008). It's not that I don't like this album, I just happen not to listen really much from this album. But I have a few faves such as Kaimu (Nothingness), Living Dolls, and My Sweet Baby.

Don't worry guys 'cause if you really find this band interesting, I'm gonna post a detailed review on each of their album very soon :)

So, like I said I watched some of their live performances online, including the Mighty Long Fall in Yokohama Stadium last 2014. I so want a DVD copy of this haha. It's going to be on sale on April 29th but you can pre-order as early as NOW!

This is my fave live of them so far. Taka is sooo handsome!!! *fangirl scream*

Too bad OOR is not really well-known here in the Philippines. That's probably one of the reasons why they haven't been here yet. They have been to different places all around the world but not yet here! How I wish that I could see this band perform live! ...or maybe not just that, maybe share the same stage with this band one day... *dreaming here* haha
Anyways, I learned that being a fanatic on this rock band gave my life a dash of color. So from here on, I decided to follow this band for the rest of my life. Who says I'm too old for rock music? Nobody's too old to be a ONE OK ROCKer.

'till next post! - k*