ONE OK ROCK - Ambitions Album Thoughts(J-Rock)

 

Japanese ver.

Ambitions -Introduction-
Bombs away
Taking Off
We are
20/20
Always coming back
Bedroom Warfare
Lost in Tonight
I was King
Listen (featuring Avril Lavigne)
One Way Ticket
Bon Voyage
Start Again
Take what you want (featuring 5 Seconds of Summer)

International ver.

Ambitions -Introduction-
Bombs away
Taking Off
We are
Jaded (featuring Alex Gaskarth)
Hard to Love
Bedroom Warfare
American Girls
I was King
Listen
One Way Ticket
Bon Voyage
Start Again
Take what you want (featuring 5 Seconds of Summer)

  ONE OK ROCK has been my number one favorite Japanese band since 2008 when they debuted. Yes, I've been a fan of these boys from day one all the way up to the present. Keep It Real was their very single that made me think, "This band is going to be huge.". Sure enough, They are now holding down a fanbase that includes people from all over the world. Most of East Asian Pop need to be thanking youtube all day and night for helping to expose foreigners to a bigger range of their music. I didn't think that ONE OK ROCK would go on constant sold out American tours or sign a record deal with Fueled by Ramen but someone is aiming high. Their newest album, Ambitions was released in two versions, The English and Japanese version. Both albums have a difference in tracklist depending on what version you get.

  Fans have been very divided when it comes to the bands recent style choices. Some fans like their new style while other feel that they are selling out to a more poppy sound. I'm a ride or die fan and I will say that ONE OK ROCK has always had a poppy side to their music. It might be that some people who are complaining have only listened to a select few songs. What I've noticed most about the newest releases are that they're more American influenced. This influenced was always somewhere deep in their music but as Taka's English continued to improve and more American producers began to take part in their production process, The American influence has overthrown their Japanese flavor. Not that this is a bad thing to me. Just don't get so cheesy with your artistry that your music sounds like something I would hear on High School musical. One OK Rock hasn't gotten that bad yet as this album has its ups and downs. Some of the best tracks on the album such as I Was King, Bombs Away, and Start Again, keep a fragment of the old familiar ONE OK ROCK burning bright and true. These tracks utilize their lyrical craft and the harmonized relationship between the instrumental music mixed with Taka's vocals. On the other hand, tracks like Bedroom Warfare sound nothing like a song that Taka would write. I'm not saying he didn't but someone was definitely looking over his shoulder to tweak a few lines. A few other tracks sound like they were copy and pasted from other bands like Fall Out Boy but at least they take these tracks and make them their own as much as possible. It was a little frustrating listening to the tracks that were clearly sell out tracks to get a bigger following. A moment ago I heard a ONE OK ROCK that I recognized then a pop electronic band with smartly produced keyboard arrangements. I feel the production of Ambitions is top notch but a majority of the songs don't fit my taste. The collaboration with Avril Lavigne was a nice addition. She seemed like she wanted to run away with the song vocally at some points against Taka's wishes. He held his own though.


   Taka is still one of the best frontmen that has led a band in this day and age. He can make his voice change to different dynamics. Screamo Taka comes on when he gets very emotional. Taka's soft vocals are his normal vocals that are so nice to listen to. He's come a long way and still has a way to go. With such a talented group of guys backing him up, How can he not be amazing? "Backing him up feels wrong to say when referring to these guys. Taka, Ryota, Tomo, and Toru are a family... Ok. With such a talented group of guys with him, how can Taka not be amazing? Better! right?

  New album comes with ONE OK ROCK opening a new chapter in their music. I respect that even if I'm outgrowing them a little bit. You will never see me completely stop listening to them.

UPDATE: I just saw that they got number one on the Oricon charts! CONGRATS BOYS!!!!!! FIRST NUMBER ONE ALBUM!!!!!