ORANGE RANGE [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]

There is some juice left in the latest offering from Okinawa rap-rockers Orange Range - but not much. Three albums on, and after 2005's Natural cemented the group's shift to more populist hip-hop, the songs are starting to sound a tad tired. So, although this self-titled fourth album packs in Japan's World Cup theme song, Champione, and the hit single Sayonara, it sounds like droning after a while, with the band repeating the same gags and going through the same musical progression. Perhaps former foundin member Kitao Kazuhito, who left the group in mid-2005 before Natural due to creative differences, was right. Orange Range shouldn't pander too much to hip-hop.

This album totally surprised me! It's completly new and original! Probably the lightest album of them all, but I still recommend to all of those headbangers who like OR! Rythms, beats, sound effects, are all very singular and creative. This surely marks a new beggining for OR and from here, I'll expect a lot for their upcoming works! For those who are still not convinced, I recommend you to get it at least to "read" Naoto's special thanks! No kanji knowledge required whatsoever. Peace~

Rumors said that Sayonara was a farewell song from OR to their fans.You might also think that way when you listened to it and found out the meaning of its lyrics,, But when it comes to the whole album you'll agree that Sayonara is a farewell song to the old OR.Yes,in this 4th album,you'll feel they tried to develop a new style.Their songs now are more mature,not only from the sound but also the lyrics.Most of them were telling us to welcomed the new world.Unlike MusiQ or Natural,where we found a holiday-type song,here we'll find different ones. I didn't mean their songs has changed dramatically,but you'll hardly found a similarity between-for example- Sayonara and Kizuna..They both,are sad song,and we all know OR is the best at making song,but they've changed.Listen to "Walk on" or "Hello",they're all about going to a brand new world,say hello to what's waiting..In short,you won't regret having this 4th album!! Feel they transformed into a great(even more..!) band,that's why I'm 100% agree this 4th was a self-titled album!Listen to Miracle,Lights and Hello!Since I got the DVD,I can finally able to watch dancing-Ryo!!:p