pure soul ALBUM REVIEW
This album has a futuristic feel to it and Glay specially tailored the style to be such in accordance with the approaching millennium. This album is a tad disappointing because some of the songs in it are outright nonsense. The melodies of some of the songs are forgettable, especially the ballads, which start to sound the same after a while. Most of the songs, though, have good lyrics. Also, there are a few good songs in this album worth noting. Jiro takes on an additional role in this album, providing the backup vocals besides playing the bass.
Recommendations : Biri Biri Crushmen, pure soul, Yuuwaku, FRIEDCHICKEN & BEER.
YOU MAY DREAM
I don't like this song at all because the lyrics are plain silly. Also, Teru's pronunciation of the English lyrics here cracks me up and I don't like laughing at him because I think it's pretty brave of him to try. The guitars are the only redeeming quality to this song. Enough said.
Biri Biri Crushmen
An upbeat rock song written by Jiro. The chorus is very catchy and the lyrics reflect a social consciousness that reveals Glay's depth. Jiro provides the backup vocals for this song and it's a refreshing change since his voice has a sexy twang to it. The guitars and the bass here sound really great. I love the sound effects (by the guitars?) because they remind me of Hisashi's toy laser gun. A great song by Jiro once again.
May Fair
This song sounds very much like the next two songs below and I am apt to mix them up. Thus, it does not hold much attraction for me. It's soothing and slow and the lyrics are tender, perfect for a night of easy-listening tunes. However, I expect more from Glay than this.
SOUL LOVE
The melody of this song sounds HAPPY to me but I can't quite make out if the lyrics are similarly meant to be so even though I understand what they mean. This is one song that fits the term "filler material", like a song in the interim to fill up the time, thus, I almost always skip this track whenever I come to it.
Deatte Shimatta Futari
The lyrics are tender and touching but to be honest, there is nothing else much to this song. It's a mid-tempo song and for Glay's usual standard, it's unimpressive at best and boring at worst.
pure soul
My favourite song in this album. A Teru song because he sang so forcefully and emotionally that the song seems to come alive, dancing in my ears. I love this song too for its sensitive and encouraging lyrics, being an accurate portrayal of life. Whenever I am disappointed with Teru, I just have to listen to this song and my faith in him would be restored, at least partially. Together with the gentle organ tinklings by Takuro and strong showings by the guitars and the bass, this song stands the test of time, showing why Glay deserves to stay at the no. 1 in Japan.
Yuuwaku
An energetic and catchy rock song, it's no wonder that this song is such a hit with many Glay fans. Teru's energetic singing coupled with the guitars makes me wanna jump out and dance to this song. A good rock song by Glay - the energy conveyed through this song is infectious!
COME ON!!
This song seriously goes down as one of the worst rock songs in Glay's history - everything here, from the guitars to the lyrics are, as the lyrics say - CRAP! The guitars are a mess, Teru doesn't bother to sing here but he's just screaming out the nonsensical lyrics. If this song is an attempt at punk rock, Glay has failed terribly.
FRIEDCHICKEN & BEER
Chika told me that Takuro wrote this song when he was drunk but I like it. It's a crazy song laden with Hindu and Buddhist nuances yet it reflects the truth of the crazy 20th Century sociey we all live in today. Like Biri Biri Crushmen, it's a song of social awareness. The participation of Sugizo (of Luna Sea) in the guitars adds an interesting dimension to Glay's guitar play. Overall, a crazy song with an equally enjoyable crazy melody and some fantastic guitar play.
San Nen Go
I read in Aciel's BBS that this song is a rip-off of one of Mr. Children's songs. Well, I haven't heard that song by Mr. Children but I sure like this song by Glay. A slow song which Teru sounds sexy in with the use of a voice distorter/synthesizer, it's a nostalgic song singing of the memories of yesteryear which gives me a poignant and tender feeling. Don't expect too much from the guitars and the bass though, there isn't much variation to the chords and guitar enthusiasts may be bored by this.
I'm in Love
Another cheesy song by Glay. However, I do enjoy this song though I think it's way corny for Takuro to write a song for the fans. This is predominantly because I can feel Glay having fun with this song with the background laughter and applause, so the joy and enthusiasium is infectious. The only thing maybe is that Takuro could change the lyrics just a little from "I'm just in Love oh Singin' my life" to "I'm just in Love once in my life". It would sound smoother and more logical then.
* Review dated on 20.05.00