And we are back after  a long break because of school and an awfully short vacation. I noticed my viewership is about the same and I thought it was about time to start posting again. When thinking of my comeback post, I thought long and hard about what I should do. Should I introduce a new section or feature to the site, or should I try and bolster what I have? As you can see, I decided to go with the latter.

I’ve been a continual fan of GLAY for a couple of years now. Their music has always lifted my spirits and added variety to my mostly stagnant collection on my computer and iPod. For this review, I’m going to analyze GLAY’s “I am XXX” single. If you haven’t noticed, many of my reviews are based on my first listen through and I write what ever comes on my mind and what I like in the songs. I hope this single is as good as the other music I’ve heard from GLAY.

Instrumentals:

A bit heavy on the bass, but it added good instrumental effect. I liked the incorporation of the electronic effects on the instruments. There seem to be more personality in the music outside of what you typically hear from GLAY. Drums were loud, but solid.

Vocals:

Strong as ever and very clear.

01 I am XXX

This song introduces a bit more synthesized and effects driven instrumentals than what I’m used to with GLAY. “I am XXX” is also a bit heavier in the instrumentals as well. In a way, this song is more like art rock with plenty of experimentation with their sound. It doesn’t have the same rhythm as their past music, which makes “I am XXX” interesting. Good song, and worth a listen if not a couple more.

02 冬のエトランジェ (THE GREAT VACATION-extra- Live ver.)

Great melody and I love the effects done to the vocals. The song has a distinct beat that is heavy and slow, but it is fitting to the feel of this song. Again, a great experimentation with GLAY’s sound that doesn’t carry much of the familiar feel of their past ballads. The piano is very nice and complements the rest of the instruments and ends this song well.

03  I am xxx (Instrumental)

04 THE GREAT VACATION VOL.1 (予告編)

Blast from the past?

Overall:

Good experience overall. I like this single for how different it sounds from past GLAY works. There are some moments that I felt were a little slow or didn’t meld well in “I am XXX” but it was good in the whole sense. As for replay value, I’m peculiar and will let anything play again at least two or three times depending on what comes up on my computer. If you aren’t like me, you may want to take a step back before getting this single and consider how much you like GLAY. It’s a good single, but if you don’t like the difference or if you’re stuck on how GLAY sounded for the last two albums, reconsider.

Ratings:

Instrumentals: 8.9
Vocals: 9.0
Replay Value: 8.6
Quality: 9.0
Overall: 8.875 (out of 10, great single)