Smile
Artist: L’Arc~en~Ciel
Album: Smile
Musicians: Hyde (vocals), Ken (guitar), Tetsu (Bass), Yukihiro (drums).
Composer/Lyricist:
Release Date: 31 Mar 2004
| Smile – L’Arc~en~Ciel Tracklisting  01. Kiss-Kuchizuke *Bold titles–Recommended listening |
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OVERVIEW
Whether you’ve heard of them via anime or through j-rock interest, L’Arc~en~Ciel is unavoidable (especially after performing at Otakon 2004). This 4-man group brilliantly mixes talent and looks together. “Smile,” which includes the ever popular Fullmetal Alchemist opening, is a great album overall. While there are a couple of flaws along the way, this is an album that will, nonetheless, guarantee enjoyment.
THE GOOD
Ready Steady Go
Fullmetal Alchemist fans will recognize this track instantly as one of the opening songs to their beloved series. Teeming with energy, “Ready Steady Go” is a fantastic example of a vocal and instrumental harmonic wonder. The brilliant performances by Ken, Tetsu, and Yukihiro matched with Hyde’s vocals produce top-notch quality that makes this song soar from “ordinary anime theme” to a memorable j-rock smash. And if the instrumental tune particularly appealed to you (as it did to me), then the “Hydeless version” is a brilliant showcase of this aspect of the song.
Lover Boy
The hits just keep on coming. To start, Hyde’s vocals are smooth with none of those annoying attempts at high pitch vocals (which plague some of the other songs on this album). The only minor flaw in this otherwise flawless song is the slightly awkward English lyrics part way through. But, nevertheless, this is a wonderful song with an instrumental performance that is an amazing accompaniment to Hyde’s vocals.
Feeling Fine
Gaining only more momentum from the past two songs, “Feeling Fine” is just that, fine. It charges on and has almost a happy-go-lucky feel to it that is evident in a slight lightness that radiates from the song. The song has an upbeat, casual tune and is almost reminiscent of one of their earlier songs, “Fourth Avenue Café.” All in all, the song is great and the casual atmosphere evoked through the melody and vocals left a good taste in my mouth.
THE BAD
Forever-Eien
Unlike “Feeling Fine,” there is a certain heaviness to this song. But while this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, the song is like a heavy drone-on; Hyde’s vocals sound like he’s crying into the microphone at the studio. I’m also a bit ambivalent about the melody. The instrumental portion is fairly good; however, the overall song seems like one big clash (vocals and instrumental work). Then towards the end, there’s this random melody that contrasts with practically everything.
Revelation
To describe “Revelation,” simply, would be to call it heavy and overpowering (almost gritty because of it). It’s repetitive and is yet another “drone-on”-like song. The beginning is slightly catchy but that wears thin as the song degenerates as it continues. For the most part, the song sounds quite tired and weak. In the end, this song is forgettable. It isn’t all that memorable, especially with what I refer to as its hard “heaviness” and “droning” effect.
The Rating: 7
Reviewed by: GenkiSakura
