Customer Reviews

Faith

5 star:		(14)
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Hyde is one of those elite musicians that never seems to stop expanding his catalog's styles and genres. With Faith, he once again shows his audience that he can tackle practically any sound he puts his mind to. Not only aesthetically, but within each song's specific content as well.

In his newest album, Hyde takes on a very intimidating subject that a lot of modern rock/pop musicians don't quite delve this deeply into: Religion. I assume this is due to a desired avoidance of being labeled, but the thing here with Faith is, that despite nearly half the songs having a blatant religious drive to them, this album cannot be mistaken as "gospel music" of any sort. It's more of an admittance; self-expression without preaching.

The selection is solid rock, with the occasional trademark rock ballad, all the way through. Faith is definitely heavier as a whole than Hyde's previous solo releases, Roentgen and 666, but he manages to keep a familiar vibe intact that always reminds you it's Hyde you're hearing and it's quality work.

Hyde has been quite the artist to watch in the past few years because, in my opinion, what he's doing is remarkable. Here he is, a native-born Japanese, making a near-seamless solo transition into a very modern American rock sound. His English lyrics are insightful and honest, revealing and raw. Despite English being a foreign endeavor for the rocker, he shows a magnificent understanding of the language through his use of rhythm and phrasing. We saw this ever-emerging talent with his 666 album as well. The key is that, along with his increasingly western sound, he still remains loyal to a distinct Japanese flavor.

As far as the actual tracks go, Season's Call, Countdown, and Mission take the prize for most memorable and poppy. The album opener, Jesus Christ, is a jaw-dropping exploration of sound and vocals including sweeping piano and a heart-wrenching chorus. Perfect Moment is a more subtly beautiful (and much lighter) selection whereas songs like Dolly, Made In Heaven, and It's Sad showcase Hyde's darker and more aggressive abilities. It could be concluded, that as a whole, the album satisfies a wide spectrum of tastes.

Faith is not only musically impressive but also mentally refreshing in a time where such negative, in your face, and dictator-like works are filling the airwaves. With epic lyrics such as "Where music will guide us, guitars instead of guns" (Mission), Hyde expertly expresses that this is an album about truth, love, and death in a modern society, and it's definitely worth the buy.

First of all, this is Japanese Artist HYDE (L'arc~en~Ciel Vocal), not to be confused with American who is responsible for A Beautiful Nightmare. I have Japanese version and this review is based on it. After great album, 666, FAITH shows even more improvement. It sounds like FAITH delivers better sound quality compared to 666. Both HYDE and KAZ wrote great songs (5 each). As for HYDE, Jesus Christ, Countdown and Perfect Moment; KAZ, Faith and it's sad are my recommendation. Well, I recoment all 10 tracks... As I listen more, more I like all 10 tracks. Hyde seems to be better than ever in both singing and writing. If you haven't bought/pre-ordered this CD yet... You are missing one of the greatest CD in year 2006.

In this album, Hyde focuses on his concept of spiritual rock, superbly. His voice is as powerful as ever, and his musical composition skills just beam from the songs on here. Not only that, but his English has VASTLY improved, so the English and the Japanese can be easily interpreted.
In my opinion (and based on my own musical tastes), the best tracks are "Faith," "Perfect Moment," and "I Can Feel," but that doesn't mean the other songs aren't good. Honestly, I couldn't pick a favorite on here because they all have a fresh setup of sounds.
Hyde's voice just gets better as he continues, going from the rock-out screaming like in "Made in Heaven" to soft and melodic like in "Perfect Moment." Those that like his 666 album will DEFINITELY enjoy this.

The DVDs that come with the package are in superb quality. I just wish he made a vid for some of the other songs because you can just imagine what the scenery would be, based on his lyrics and the tone of the songs. To ANY Hyde fan, this is a must have.

hyde's fourth solo album faith is amazing!! he is my favorite japanese singer. not only is he pretty but his vocals are fantastic as well. this is a chance to support hyde and buy one of his cds for a reasonable price instead of the really expensive import one. i am buying this in hopes that he will sign it in anaheim. support hyde so that he knows he is loved in the U.S. as well as in japan. in addition, the majority of the songs are in english so you can understand what he is singing. on top of that, i'm pretty sure that the cd comes with romanized lyrics because tofurecords released it and they usually do so you can still sing along to the parts that aren't in english. the lyrics are really moving and my favorite new tracks are (even though i love all his songs): made in heaven, dolly, faith, & mission. plus the U.S. version comes with bonus stuff that the japanese release didn't have ^_^.

~<3christine

Do not be fooled into thinking this is another "pretty Japanese boy pop-rock" album. It is ambitious, impressive and original. Definitely a worth buy. It has a mix of hard rock songs and rock ballads, just like Hyde's previous releases.

This album has a more original sound compared to '666'. You will realise this as the album starts off with the first track 'Jesus Christ'. The lyrics alsot tackles more ambitious topics about religion and peace. The bass riffs are very very good too.

Some simple tracks intro:

Jesus Christ - A very good first track. Impressive vocals on here. It sounds creepy and 'heavy', but you will grow to like it. It is a song about the protagonist pleading Jesus to in save his/her child in exchange for his/her life.

Countdown, Made in Heaven, Dolly, It's Sad - The good hard rocking songs.

I can Feel, Season's Call, Perfect Moment - The rock ballads

Faith - This title track is very very good. My favourite song in this album. Impressive vocals, plus a good bass riff running in the background.

Mission - A light-hearted rock song about peace. "Where music will guide us, guitars instead of guns"

Hyde is one hell of an artist! not only he has the most incredible voice I've ever heard, but he makes music with the heart. He was born to be a musician, the lyrics have feelings, the melody is captivating, and each album he records on his solo projects shows a different side of him. Although my favorite album of him is Roentgen, Faith has an intense atmosphere, and a hard rock side of him. Get it! and you won't be disappointed!

Buying "Faith" was one of the best choices I've made since I first picked up a cd player. It is an excellent album and the song "Season's Call" is pure genius. Once you buy you'll understand exactly what I'am speaking of, support this cd. Two thumbs up!!!!!!!!Faith

I LOVE HYDE. This booklet is very fascinating and creative. Hyde always has great lyrics and anyone can relate to them. He is just one of the BEST artists I have ever heard of. I would recommend anyone to listen to hyde. The album and videos are awesome. HYDE ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!

This is so far the best album he has ever created. Faith is my favorite rock album in my whole collection of rock cds!!!!!!!!!!1

FAITH is full of inspired and meaningful lyrics paired with music ranging from heavy guitar, like IT'S SAD, to rock ballad, like PERFECT MOMENT. The title is aptly chosen, as most of the songs, if not all of them, are about faith (or lack thereof) in God, the world, and mankind.

An interesting choice on HYDE's part was having the song IT'S SAD at the end of his CD. The song immediately before it (MISSION) has a message of world peace and happiness, while IT'S SAD is about the atrocities of mankind. HYDE said in an interview that by choosing to put IT'S SAD at the end, he made the finish more interesting.

To summarize, all the songs on this CD are full of a range of emotions that I've come to expect from HYDE's music. I highly recommend this CD if you are a fan, if you like meaningful songs, or if you simply love rock. Enjoy!