Heavy Gauge (***1/2) – This is the first in a line of rather British-sounding songs. To my knowledge, the album was recorded in England so this isn’t surprising. ‘Heavy Gauge’ sounds like a Bond theme with the prominent violins and dark sound and makes for an interesting listen. It has a very good chorus as well. Only problem is that it drags a bit in the beginning and in the middle. They should have shortened this one.

Fatsounds (****) – I used to dislike this song but now I love it! The opening verses have Teru making his voice very nasal and this combined with the hyperspeed tempo gives the impression of Oasis on speed! The chorus gains points for sheer energy rather than tune and this is why I prefer other songs to this. The best part is actually in the middle where everything suddenly goes slow.

Survival (****) – An absolutely cool tune that will force you to make repeat listens. This version is somewhat inferior to re-mixed one in ‘Glay Drive’ but it is still pretty awesome, especially when Teru sings really fast during the chorus. It also features some very nifty heavy guitar-work. They really should have also made this a conventional single, as it probably would have done extremely well.

Kokodewanai, dokokae (***1/2) – Like ‘Fatsounds’, this is another song that gradually grew on me. I’ve always liked the verses, which struck me as easy listening, pleasant fluff that one could hum along to. I’ve just recently started to like the chorus as well although it still strikes me as a poorer version of ‘Ikigai’. Not one of their greatest songs but good enough to warrant more than just the occasional listen.

Happiness (***1/2) – Supposedly the power ballad. If there is any flaw with this song, it’d have to be that it sounds a bit too ‘standard’. I like how they gave a rock edge to what is essentially a weepy pop epic but it just lacks any sort of ‘oomph’ that would propel it to brilliance. However, it is a very nice song nonetheless and for once, we can appreciate some fairly good English pronunciation from Teru. As good as it is though, I know they can do better.

Summer FM (***) – This will be remembered as one of Glay's near misses. It starts out brilliantly with the acoustic guitars and all and has good verses but then the choruses sound exactly the same. Why build up to something if there’s not going to be any payoff? In fact, the whole song is a bit on the monotonous side if you ask me. It really is a shame but at least it has really fantastic bookends and who couldn't say no to a slightly bland piece of relaxation music?

Level Devil (**) – Didn’t like this. The opening drums were bearable but it was the actual song that bored me. Like ‘Summer FM’, there didn’t seem to be any sort of payoff in the chorus department. In my opinion, a good chorus is one of the most important aspects of a song and the fact that this one is rather drab leaves it just on the borderline.

Be with You (****) – Like ‘Survival’, the remixed version in ‘Glay Drive’ is superior. Here, Teru sounds like he’s trying too hard to get rid of the rasp in his voice, but why? There are some songs that probably wouldn’t suit his voice but if you hear the ‘Glay Drive’ version, you will be much more impressed. Anyway, having said that, ‘Be with You’ is a lovely song that boasts one of the best-sounding tunes in any of their songs and just enough of a rock element to give it that unique Glay sound. This, not 'Happiness' is THE power ballad.

Winter, Again (****) – A classy song that perfectly paints out a cold, wintery image. 75% of all Glay fans would probably list either this or ‘However’ as the best Glay song. It is wonderful to hear, from the opening 'hoo...' to the frosty verses to the very powerfully sung chorus. This doesn’t appeal to me as much as ‘However’ but I must agree that this is one of their most outstanding tracks and it definitely deserves full marks.

Will Be King (**) – This is a rather weird track. It is actually two songs but I find neither particularly brilliant. I actually prefer the first one; the ‘days of the roses’ bits give it a strange, almost medieval feel. The second part is much faster than the low tempo first one but it really is so monotonous throughout that I could hardly be bothered to finish the whole song. Strange but listenable (albeit barely).

Ikigai (****) – ‘Ikigai’ just rocks! This is an absolutely magical song and I fell in love with it the first time I heard it. It is one of the most engaging pieces I’ve ever listened too and when you give it a try, you will be drawn in to a very enjoyable ride. This is the song ‘Kokodewanai…’ wants to be and it is the sort of pop-rock blend that is vintage Glay: a catchy tune, outstanding instrumental backing and a fine vocal performance. I also liked the ending verse, which was like an encore. Hmm… they really should do this kind of thing more often, you know. My pick for the best song in the album.

Saville Row ~Saville Row San banchi~ (****) – Now this is just so idyllic! It really is one of those songs you could listen to whilst lying on the couch and just move your feet to. Charming and catchy, this is a lot like ‘May Fair’ with its walk-in-the-park imagery. Yet again, they rightly choose not to use the usual assorted mix of electric guitars and prove yet again that Glay is fully capable of handling pretty much any genre that any fan could clamour for (with the exception of hip-hop obviously… please don’t go there).

COMBINED STAR SCORE: 41.5 AVERAGE: 3.46 (to 3 sig. Fig.)

SCORE: 86.5%