Hello!
So for this post, I’ll be writing my thoughts
about ONE OK ROCK’s Heartache. I’ve been a fan for many years now and I listen
to all of their songs so I am also aware of
how their music changes from one album to another. It’s true that ONE OK ROCK
continues to evolve its music especially now that they are reaching for a wider
global audience, but anything is fine with me.
As a fan, I will stay supportive to whatever
they plan to do with their music but of course, I hope that they will still
incorporate their own Japanese rock/ONE OK ROCK signature style to their
upcoming music. In all honesty, they write great songs even before they became
affiliated with American producers or labels. There’s this vibe or formula that
when you hear it, you know it’s ONE OK ROCK. I cannot pin-point to what aspect
of their music shows their distinct style though.
Anyway, I choose to write a music review about Heartache
mainly because it’s Valentines…and their slow rock love songs really tugs the
heartstrings. (AND THIS IS MY CURRENT MOOD LOL). In totality, ONE OK ROCK’s
slow love songs are over flowing with emotion, love, pain and other
feelings (OMG IS THIS KANJOU EFFECT? HAHA) that every time I listen to it, I
just can’t help but pick up the emotion from the song. I guess that’s a sign
that music does transcend cultural barriers. I can feel and understand the
message just by listening to the song…or maybe it’s just that they are that
good. I think I’m straying away from the topic…lol.
I am no professional but I’ll TRY to do well with my review. So read on :--)
Heartache
Ah, this is probably one of the most
heart-wrenching songs I’ve ever heard. Lyrics wise, the song really shows
heartache. The choice of words and how it is sung really makes my heart heavy
every time I play it. The first stanza is very strong for me: “So they say that
time takes away the pain, but I’m still the same.” From the moment I heard it,
I was like “dang. I wanna cry.”
For me, the message is well shown with the
quality of the lyrics. I also like the fact that the musical arrangement is very
light from the beginning up to the middle part because it created a good
build-up until the song is accompanied with heavy drum beats, guitar strums and
bass lines up to the end; like an escalator wherein the first few parts of the
songs tells you to prepare for a very intense middle part and an energy-maintained
end. The progressive instrumental yet Taka’s singing creates a contrast,
emphasizing the “I can’t help but feel the pain” vibe of the song, especially
with the way Taka sang it with the middle part.
Taka’s voice is well-controlled, Toru’s guitar
lines are placed well and Ryota’s bass lines complements Tomoya’s drumming. I
remember the first time I heard it from Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends
trailer, it made me tear up a bit because even though it speaks about a broken
heart from a failed relationship, it somewhat connected to the film.
Overall,
it leaves me temporarily broken with every single play although I must say, the
acoustic version is A-W-E-S-O-M-E. The feeling seems raw, and it’s more
sentimental with Tomoya playing the lyre. It is not the usual Japanese sound as
it sounds more Westernized but it’s one of those songs that you can recommend
to a non-fan who’s interested to listen to the band for the first time. Somehow, it kind of
reminds me of Wherever You Are and Pierce. Nevertheless, this song is of
quality in terms of technical and emotional effect to its listeners.
Heartache lyric video (fan made):
Heartache acoustic version:
So, that’s my review! I don’t know if I make
any sense at all. LOL. But if you have any suggestions as to how I can improve
my writing skills, please do comment on this post. All the views here are just my opinion.
Thank you!
