So keeping with the tradition, I figured I'd do a track-by-track review.
1. Queens are trumps (9.5/10) 
Wow! I've said before that I'm usually a fan of kicking off a rock album with a real scorcher of an up-tempo track, but I have no complaints about opening with this groovy monster! This really sounds like a B'z song, and that is certainly not a bad thing. The only thing wrong with it is that's it too damn short. Normally I would have wanted a blistering guitar solo in the middle, though I can't fault Mami for not being a world class shredder just yet.
2. 太陽スキャンダラス (9/10)I've become quite addicted to this track since it was released as a single. The song has such a catchy melody, along with a really fun and playful vibe (which is also accentuated by the music video, although I could have done without all the half-naked dudes in speedos).
3. ピンヒールサーファー (9/10)The fun continues with this funky little number. I certainly don't mind these kinda tracks when they're as memorable as this. If I were to nitpick, it would be about that last part of the chorus melody being clearly too high for Haruna, but it's no biggie (at least not on the studio version).
4. Rock’n Roll (8/10)Pretty good and fairly straightforward melodic rock track. As with a lot of their non-single album tracks the production takes a hit, but it's not nearly as bad as some tracks from past albums.
5. ビターチョコレート (7/10)A little more of a cutesy and mellow track, and it's one of those unremarkable yet still pretty decent tunes. Supposedly Rina composed this one, so props to her and hopefully we'll get to hear more from her in the future.
6. Kill the virgin (
/10)Oh boy, here we go. It's not that I mind them playing around with different genres, but to take up 5 minutes on an album with this kinda stuff... this is better left for B-sides of a single. Oh well, at least it's miles better than Shoujo M.
7. 声 (7.5/10)Speaking of which, it's nice to hear Mami doing lead vocals on an entire track that doesn't suck. The song itself is pretty standard fare, but it has a nice indie sound to it.
8. Rising Star (8.5/10)Turning the tempo up a notch, I really like this one. No frills rock, oozing with energy.
9. Bright (7/10)Another rather unremarkable track, but the sweet and pleasant melody helps keep the song from being a total filler.
10. Welcome home (8/10)A previous B-side, but this one certainly deserves a place on the album. Another solid, catchy up-tempo track.
11. HARUKAZE (9/10)The last of the singles, this one has also had quite some time to grow on me. Basically the «anthem» track of the album. Really good song.
12. Right Here (9/10)Closing out the album, this track brings back the playfulness of the first 3 songs and leaves me bobbing along with a big smile on my face. Love it!
---
So overall I was quite happy with the fourth album, with only one song that I would rate as a filler track. The album as a whole has a really fun rocking vibe to it, and while it needs a little time before I can rank it properly amongst the other three, I do have a feeling it's gonna be a strong contender for a top spot.
Topic: (Band) SCANDAL (Read 401311 times)