17 songs, 3 Guys, 2 countries, 3 languages, 1 haircut, 7 styles, SiX SeCoNDS 'TiL SuNSHiNE.
by
Desireé (London K Music., UK)
Quite a smashing electic set from a power-pop band definietely for those who like to savour more nuanced yet still jamming catchy pop tunes.
Quick song-by-song rundown:
"The Happiest Day Of My Life" is a English language take on the nouveau cool J-POP sound. (I slightly prefer the bonus remix myself)
"Smile" is bump and grind 80's rocker with horns. Perhaps dated to some, a morning jolt for others.
"A Million Things" a bit deeper emotional turn with this climatic acoustic rocker.
"You You You!" should have been on a James Brown album... funky dunky.
"Mont Saint Michel" the gem in the crown as far as pop sensibility with an Euro refrain that will stick in your head like super glue.
"Just Say The Word" another J-Pop rocker with that uber catchy Beatle-ly 60s groove.
"Little Pumpkin Girl" ... what can I say... acoustic pop masterpiece ... my personal favorite. Also check out the re-mix! Whoa!
"When You Stay" gorgeous ballad with a slight asian sensibility.
"Voice Of Reason" Dark Beatle-esque sound... but not the albums strongest track.
"Adachi-san" ... a guilty pleasure.. a most amusing big band number which tickles my fancy.
"Love Is So Freakin' Cool" ... "kwel" would be more accurate.. cutting guitar and a band track which parts your hair... climbs inside and sticks!
"Tomorrow Is Another Day" ... a really effectively smooth change of gears for the closer.... Full circle albums!... that's what I'm talkin' about.
To summarize: Favorite songs here are: the Beatle-esque harmonies of "Little Pumpkin Girl" and the epic "Mont Saint Michel". The off-the-chart rocker "Love iS So FreaKiN' CooL" that could wake a hibernating rhino.... and the lovely atmospheric ballad, the mesmerizing "WHeN You STaY".
As an ALBUM ... every album of The OBViOUS has been cross-cultural.
This one is no different.
Recorded in both the US and Japan. It seems some material will be appreciated more by some people in one culture and others will be preferred by people from a different cultural perspective.
A running album theme throughout appears to be about building bridges. The songs running themes are quite universal... as everyone on the planet has had defeats and victories, has won and lost, has daydreamed, has sought hope, and has fallen in love (damn, those pretty eyes...). While the expression is unique, this is again, truly an album of shared experiences.
It's also interesting to consider that this was made over the last 5 years, on both sides of the earth. These 17 songs were taken from the estimated 40 songs written. 17 were actually used however 3 are not available on iTunes (check their "the-obvious" site for a slew of "extras")... and with no fewer than 7 styles of music on this album, you can see, not only is there truly something for everyone... this is a wild ride to be experienced by all.
Sound good? It takes just 6 seconds to power up, put it in drive, and go....... s u n s h i n e.
PS: Would have given 5 stars, but I didn't like the bass players hair. That thing is scary, sir!
So, musically, 4.5 SOLID!
Smashing job, boys!
["15 November 2010" - Desireé Dawn (London Kong Music Ltd., UK)]
