MONGOL800 - Message

By jam.bot

Message

Artist: MONGOL800
Type: Album
Release Date: 09/16/2001
Price: 2000 yen

My Rating

Sound Quality - 10/10
Length - 9/10
Transitions - 9/10
Songs - 10/10
Overall Score - 9.5/10!

Overview

One can describe the material of MONGOL800 as poetry put to punk rock music. The Okinawan trio’s 2001 release, "Message" is the epitome of this artful combination.

The album conveys many emotions not often merged in punk rock. Most notable are themes that range from adolescence to love. Surprisingly complex arrangements and catchy melodies are what define MONGOL800’s sound. Most importantly though is the constant use of powerful vocal harmonies. Every song, almost every chorus on "Message" takes advantage of this great synthesis. While the lead singer’s voice may not be something that professional lessons would produce, the use of harmony and pure emotion make that observation irrelevant. The band’s lyrics usually navigate between Japanese and English.

The album progresses through many subjects, emotions, and sounds. It does all this while remaining starkly consistent. There are extremes on each side of the aforementioned traits but everything seems to meet in the middle at some point making for a pleasant transition. The length of the songs and this album also stand out. Surely the average punk rock song does not average five minutes long. MONGOL800 puts a unique spin on things to say the least.

"Message" is a great, diverse, and enjoyable album not to be enjoyed exclusively by punk rock fans. Honestly, many of the noted elements may be a turn-off for hardcore punk rockers. In that case, any fan of poetic and/or high-energy music is advised to check out MONGOL800’s album "Message".

Track Listing

1. Anata Ni
This is an opening song for an album. It really sets the initial mood which is actually quite intense. It’s very fast paced and gives us our first opportunity to hear some great vocal harmony.
Rating: 8/10

2. Song For You
This is an almost stereotypical punk rock jam until we hit the chorus. It’s the first song in English. A nice, quick solo and melodic vocals are this song’s highlights.
Rating: 9/10

3. Chiisa na koi no uta
When translated from Japanese, this is a beautiful love song. It is about falling in love as a kid. It’s a ‘little love song’. Vocally, the song begins in a very low tone and progresses into a harmonious and addictive chorus.
Rating: 10/10

4. Melody
Starting off simple and slow, this song gives us our first chance to catch our breaths before going into a rolling instrumental. A playful sound combines with lyrics which are not quite so much.
Rating: 9/10

5. Gatsu Akari no Shita de
This song is very mellow and slow. In whole, it is a nice change of pace. Guitar chords are nice and crisp. Everything progresses into a faster pace towards the end though.
Rating: 8/10

6. For Life
Here we have a very nice, positive-sounding song. There is a lot of vocal harmony and the memorable chorus illustrates that best.
Rating: 9/10

7. Oya shirazu - Summer Again
A powerful bass line shines trough on this track. Later in the song, the guitar’s role gains some significance. The use of the word "yeah" comprises the catchy part of this song.
Rating: 8/10

8. Hey Mommy
This is a nice, short, and funny track. This always puts a smile on my face. The ‘Engrish’ lyrics really add to the humor as well as juvenile requests stated in this song. "Hey Mommy where is-a my shoes?"
Rating: 10/10

9. Marriage Blue
Surprisingly, the most beautiful and profound song proceeds the least of which. The English lyrics are very romantic. It’s a very effective love song. It’s even brought tears to my eyes.
Rating: 10/10

10. Mujun saku hana
Upon hearing this song, the intro is reminiscent to something by The Offspring. The percussion here really adds to the whole punk sound as well.
Rating: 8/10

11. Ryuukyuu Aika
The song begins with a nice, mellow guitar before gaining some steam. The rest of the song is very much a jam. A powerful and pumping guitar part is the most notable.
Rating: 8/10

12. Dear My Lovers
Once again, this is a beautifully composed song. The message within the lyrics is very positive. The comparatively complex structure of the musical progression is also fresh. Every element of this song is pleasing to the ears.
Rating: 10/10

13. Noa
This is really the last high energy track of "Message". The various uses of vocal harmony are a strong point of the track. Halfway through, there’s a bit of a guitar solo and then it busts in with a refreshing ska strum before returning to normal.
Rating: 9/10

14. Dandelion
The final track starts out a lot like "Melody", slow and solemn. A nice and light composition makes this an ideal note to end on. The song continues for almost 13 minutes to reveal a hidden track that really seals the envelope on this great album.
Rating: 9/10

Where Can You Buy the CD?

YesAsia

CD Japan

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