Ah, what can I say? I've been waiting to review this single for lyke, evar! I JUST got my shiny new CD in the mail today from yesasia even though I've already listened to this song about a hundred times over. ;P I can't help it...L'Arc is going on a 3 year hiatus, and Hyde's solo project is the next best thing I can get.
Speaking of which, let me introduce you to Hyde's newly named band, VAMPS.
Right now, it's only him and Kaz who are the members, probably because they both took equal parts in creating Faith. Faith was such a beautiful album and remains as one of my top albums of all time. Anyways, even though it has been a couple of years since Hyde (now VAMPS) has released anything, this single didn't disappoint me in the slightest. It's upbeat, catchy, still has that grunge-y edge reminiscent of the music in Faith, but is still fresh and fun. I am reminded of how long both members have been in the music business and that, yes, they've still got it going on.
The PV shows off Love Addict's heavier side. A lot of head banging, breaking of instruments, throwing shit around...Hyde's gratuitous fanservice with the microphone...and then a Nosferatu-esque vampire dude lurking about with bats...on fire! A little silly, but really something you can rock to. And is that Ju-ken as the bassist or am I trippin'? o_O
One thing I was a bit surprised by, though, was Hyde's English. It isn't bad, no...not at all. At least the lyrics have some sort of coherency that you may not find in a lot of Japanese songs these days, but it seems to me that Hyde's pronunciation has fallen a little to the wayside. Maybe it's because he's been doing L'Arc for the past couple of years, or that he's got fancy braces, who knows? lol I'm not that upset by it, it's just that whenever I think of the songs on Faith and compare it to this one, I feel like it's gone down a little. Other than that, I love LOVE this song!
Time Goes By is a little slower, and more complete. It has a well-roundedness to it that is pleasing to hear. I am a bit at odds with these two songs because at times, with the lyrics and the catchy melodies, I am reminded a bit of his 666 days, and yet it still has that grundginess from his Faith days. I guess it's a sign that he is growing with his music, being able to fuse the two elements together.
I must admit, however, that I sorely miss his political undertones that were visible in 666, but blatantly apparent in Faith and Awake. :( I don't know...I guess I just found so much more meaning to the songs and his messages, plus it really showed off Hyde's lyrical compositions. Oh well, I guess it can't all be heavy and depressing topics all the time. In that sense, Love Addict's message also follows that of L'Arc's KISS. It's happier and has a more positive outlook on life.
I know that a lot of people are 50/50 when it comes to his voice, but I simply love it, so do give it a try.
Overall, I'd give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars, especially compared to how disappointed I was with D'espairsRay and the Meevs...
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Media!
Love Addict PV:
Time Goes By:
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And for you non-Jrockers out there, a random FOTD I did last weekend:
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7 comments:
I know I've said it before... You always bring me the most intersting new music to hear! I really liked the two songs! The guy in the back of the vid w/ the big hat kinda reminds me of Slash from GnR!
My fave part is when the band turns into vampires at the end. Very hot! And so are you with the subtle smokey purple eye! Lovin that too!
I only buy DvDs from yesasia.com for my KungFu, but I guess I should browse the music section as well!
I feel bad that i can't really comment on the review... im ashamed to say i dont really know them T_T
but i love your last pic!! the eye make up is so pretty!
Ohh if you ever needed makeup from Japan just give me a bell and I'll try and see what I can do ;)
You just reminded me I have a couple gigs worth of L'Arc's PV collection. IIRC, I've only heard of Ready, Stead y, Go and that was way back when FMA (anime) was released years ago. I used to love that song because of course it was FMA's opening.. but now, watching and listening to it from their PV, I absolutely love the song itself. Hmm.. is it weird I don't even know the lyrics, yet I love the songs?
I'm loving this song so far.. And for the english, I'm quite impressed. If you've heard High and Mighty Color's Yuusuke rap in English.. gaahhh.. I love em so much, I love their song Over.. but after 300th time listening to it.. it starts bugging me. I feel sooooo bad cos I can't blame him you know. If some US artist would start singing in Japanese, I bet they'd sound awfully funnier.
lovin' the fotd! lookin pretty in purple there. ^_^
oo i like the subtle look you did. Your brows look really nice :) do you fill them in and what do you use?
i don't know much about j-rock....wish i did. those guys look so cool though!
wuzzy: :D Glad I can spread the love. GnR roxxorZ. The part when they turn into vampires is my favorite too. Is the purple look really subtle? I always feel like I'm wearing a lot when I wear those colors, but glad to know that I don't look like it. :P Yesasia is great for a lot of products...:D
nic nic: It's okay, you don't have to feel bad, I guess with just the few amount of readers that I have, they are very mixed. Thanks about the makeup, I like it too. :) And, really??? OMG I will love you forever! I'll send you stuff from the US when you move...if you want anything. We should TOTALLY meet up in Japan, ya?
jie jie: You have L'Arc PVs? XD They are awesome, and so are you for having them. :) I remember when Ready Steady Go came out...it was after they went on a mini hiatus and a lot of people thought they broke up. I remember seeing it on FMA too one day on tv and was like, "oh hay! L'Arc WTF!"
arashi: You really think my brows look nice? I loathe my brows, next to how much I loathe my skin. They are too thin! I always have to fill them in. I don't even pluck them. :( I use an eyebrow pencil and then eyebrow powder. I use Armani's Brow Defining Pencil in 2 and Stila's brow set over that.
hey Chas!! I have loads left of that compressed mask.. I am happy to send you some if you like??
Of course it would be fab to meet up in Japan! ;)
i forgot to say, Emilee asked about Muji before.. they don't do online shopping for US for some reason, at the only muji shop around is in NY lol. anyway here's the link too:
http://www.muji.com/
I have about 4packs left, and that masks about 20 masks (with 5 each) I don't mind sending them to you if you like?
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