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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Diverse album, new and exciting for Laruku fans., December 15, 2005
I just bought this CD recently and already I'm in love with it. I've been a Laruku fan for about 5 or 6 years due to Rurouni Kenshin, GTO, DNA2 etc. I've been in love with Hyde's voice since. <3 Through the years I've come to get to know the band, their albums and songs, and on every album there are at least 3 songs that blow me away. Of course only having been a fan for 5 years, I had to go through the long absence which was alleviated by SMILE. I was not excited about SMILE for the most part, but once again 3 songs, + Ready Steady Go became my absolute favorites, and after purchasing their concert DVD from the Otakon show in 2004, which sadly, devastatingly, I missed ;_; I was hyped about them again and was anxiously waiting for the release of AWAKE. I had heard the first single Poem~JOJOUSHI, soon after it was released, a beautiful song, that was very traditional L'Arc~en~Ciel, but refined. It made me excited for the entire album. Long story short, I can't find a song I actively dislike on this album, I love listening to all of the songs, all of them. Very rarely does that happen with me and a CD, American, Japanese or otherwise. I certainly didn't with SMILE. L'Arc~en~Ciel to me, has proven themselves a very dynamic and talented band that has the potential to appeal to a wider international audience. This album proves that.
1. New World - 4/5 - A very upbeat song, with a resemblance to the style of a lot of American rock songs, but the heart of L'Arc~en~Ciel. Fans may understand what I mean by that. :D
2. LOST HEAVEN - 4/5 - I don't know what it is about this song, it's not my absolute favorite (yet) but I just love listening to it. The feeling of this song, although it has an English chorus, transcends language barriers, and it's catchy! Did I mention how much Hyde's English has improved?
3. Poem~Jojoushi - 5/5 - A ballad to an orchestra of many violins, violas, cellos and more. (Read the notes in the booklet to see) This song is so dreamy, I guess that's the way to put it, it makes you feel different, puts you in another mood. As I said above, traditional Laruku, but refined.
4. TRUST - 3/5 - I only give a 3 of 5, because while this song is very good, it doesn't stick as well as the others, but it's still beautiful. Knowing me, I'll probably end up liking it more later. But don't get me wrong, this is not a bad song AT ALL, just not as memorable to me as some of the others.
5. Killing Me - 3/5 - Similar feelings with this one as with TRUST. I love the music in this song, but it's not a song I skip to, but not one I skip over either, if that makes sense ^_^;
6. AS ONE - 5/5 - NOW this is a song I skip to. When I first heard this song I was blown away, I couldn't believe it was L'Arc~en~Ciel. The playing was just awesome, the lyrics, in English for the most part, EXCELLENT. Hyde really went all out for this one, either that or he has been practicing hard, the same with the rest of the band, this song was similar to the American music I listen to, I was shocked. But don't despair if you don't want a conversion (neither do I), it's the only song like it on the album, but I was very pleased nontheless. What a great treat! The album was worth buying for this song alone, just to hear it. XD
7. My Dear - 4/5 - This song, again, I like this song so much and I don't know why, if the English parts are any indication of what this song is about, then I want to know more! But I'm a sucker for songs like that. The music is so good. =D
8. EXISTENCE - 4/5 - I like this song too, very upbeat, I like Yukihiro's drumming! Did I mention how great it was in 6 also? >_> This is very catchy, gets you a little hyped. Someone mentioned they didn't like the talking at the end, but I've already enjoyed the song too much to care by then. Besides, I liked Anata Dake Mitsumeteru from Slam Dunk, and the talking was worse in that one. XD Spicy Your Momma
9. Invitation to Freedom - Jiyuu Eno Shoutai - 3/5 - I might've enjoyed this song if it was closer to the begining, because I loved the earlier songs so much I kept skipping back to them. XD Traditional Laruku, which may be why the fans like it so much. Kinda makes me want to listen to Haruku Kanata when I hear it though, dunno why. ^_^;
10. Ophelia - 3/5 - I don't give this song a high rating, but I like it. It's just overshadowed by the other great songs. It conveys a certain mood, like in a bar with a piano player, ooh nice, and Hyde's singing is great, he did the words and music, so maybe that's why it's a little special to me. ^_^;
11. Stars - Hoshizora - 4/5 - This song gets a high rating, on the feeling of it alone. Such a serious song, it makes me feel hmm.. not quite sad, definitely not depressed, but just serious. It's a beautiful song to boot. I have a feeling, based on the English lyrics and some hear say, or type read, that it's about the sadness of War.
12. twinkle, twinkle - 2/5 - This song isn't anything special to me, it's like the second to last song at a awesome concert, or maybe the last, depending on the band. The it's time to go home song. But after such a great album with so many great songs, I really don't mind, I couldn't take it if every song was good. 90% good is crazy enough, it's probably more that that too.
The bonus US track was a nice treat too. All and all, one of the best CDs I've bought since A Perfect Circle - 13th Step. This CD will get lots of wear, which means I should put it on iTunes before it starts skipping. ^_^; I hope, as long as this review is, it convinces someone to buy the CD and support L'Arc~en~Ciel, my favorite Japanese band, and a great one at that.
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17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rejoice! "Awake" is here!, December 22, 2005
I have heard many people say about L'Arc~en~Ciel's comeback album "Smile" (it was the album before this one) that it wasn't the Laruku they remembered or that they missed the "good ol' days." To those who think that rejoice for "Awake" is here!
On this album Laruku's going back to some of their roots while still moving forward. Also this album is more Rock then "Smile", thank you Hyde and Yukihiro for that! If Ken and Tetsu had had their way with this album it'd be Popidy-Pop-Pop (examples: "TRUST" by Tetsu, and "twinkle, twinkle" by Ken). Hyde wrote the music for a whopping 5 songs on this album and he and Yukihiro co-wrote one song together. Effectively giving this album a much harder feel after the darned near Poppy-ness of "Smile" it's like a breath of fresh air. Thank you Hyde and Yukihiro!
Laruku also goes a bit political on this album which is nice, they don't let it rule the album like some artists (System of a Down, I'm looking at you) but it's definitely there. It seems even J-Rockers are ticked about the current "situation" in the Middle East. You go guys!
TRACK BREAK DOWN:
New World 10/10 - words: Yukihiro music: Yukihiro and Hyde. A very strong opener for an album. Wonderful "break free" type song.
LOST HEAVEN: 10/10 - words: Hyde music: Ken. This songs takes it down a bit from the pulsating opening of New World. Good bridge song.
Poem~JOJOUSHI 9/10 - words: Hyde music: Ken. This song is just beautiful. The orchestra adds some emotional oomph and Hyde's voice is spot on as always.
TRUST 8/10 - words: Hyde music: Tetsu. Eek! Popsville! This is probably one of my least favorite songs on the album. Although it is a wonderful thing to see Live I'm just not that found of it's Pop-ness. And I don't mean Bubble-Gum-Western-esque Pop so don't think Backstreet Boys when I say "Pop." Anyway, don't like the song but the lyrics are touching.
Killing Me 10/10 - words & music: Hyde. Thank you, Hyde, for getting us out of Popsville!!! Although this song does have a few lingering Pop tendencies for the most part it's not. I love the chorus to this song, it'll get stuck in your head for days and days.
AS ONE 11/10 - Words & music: Hyde. Toto, we're definitely not in Popsville anymore. This song is the hardest Rock song on the album and also the most political. Ooops, did I say "most political"? I meant it's ALL political. Honestly, how many artists are going to have to make songs like this before the world finally takes the hint?
My Dear 11/10 - words & music: Hyde. In stark contrast with AS ONE this song is a beautiful ballad. And Hyde manages to make it a ballad without going off into Popsville. This is probably one of my favorite ballads by Laruku. And the English lines in it are just beautiful, "Real love, my dear, is not for sale"
EXISTENCE 9/10 - words: Hyde music: Ken. My mom says this song reminds her of Nirvana and I can see her point, Hyde sounds very Kirk Cobane on this one. Although this song is a bit softer Rock it's still Rock not Pop, thank you God. This song also scares the crap out of me! A creepy woman saying, "You will not be able to sleep, so why don't you...just...stay awake" will do that to you. O.O
Invitation to Freedom~Jiyuu eno Shoutai 9/10 - words: Hyde music: Tetsu. This song is much better Live but that said it is still a very good song on the album. It has an infectious melody that you can't get out of your head and Hyde's amazing vocal range comes into play on this one.
Ophelia 10/10 - words & music: Hyde. This song is brilliant not just for it's subject ("Hamlet" by William Shakespeare) but for the fact that it blends all kinds of music. Jazz piano, Blues flugelhorn, and some Spanish air guitar all mixed into one song. It's simply brilliant.
Stars~Hoshizora 11/10 - words & music: Hyde. The most emotionally devastating song no the album...or maybe even in the whole world. It's too moving for tears. This song hits you right in the gut, rips out your heart and eats it.
twinkle, twinkle 7/10 - words & music: Ken. AGH, NO, WE'RE BACK IN POPSVILLE!!! Why, Ken, why? *sobs* This song is really out of place on this album too. It belongs on "Smile" but somehow it snuck its way onto "Awake." It's not a BAD song, it's just way, way, WAY too Pop for my taste and is so unbelievably out of place that it's almost funny. You can't go from heartbreaking Hoshizora to a bouncy song. Even if said bouncy song has somewhat sad lyrics that still doesn't work. This song also sounds a whole lot like "Girl" by Beck almost to the point that you're thinking, "hmmmmm"
(AMERICAN RELEASE ONLY CD BONUS TRACK) HEAVEN'S DRIVE Live - 9/10 - words & music: Hyde. Frankly, I'm just the tiniest bit sick of this song (and I bet the band is too). They play it way too much. But it's a good song and it's cool that it was recorded Live.
All and all this is a great album and much better then "Smile" (no disrespect "Smile" you are without doubt a very good album ^-^). If you're a die hard Laruku fan buy it and even if you're not you should still buy it. It'd be a good start for new fans of Laruku or complete new comers to J-Rock in gen. I love this album to death and it's been living in my stereo ever since I got it several months ago. So yeah, buy it. You won't regret it, I promise.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'm wide "Awake", February 15, 2006
And this CD is a blast to listen to. There isnt really a song on this one that i don't enjoy. So i cant say which one is my favorite because honestly. I'm really feeling all of them. But i guess if i had to pick one. It would be track 7 - "My Dear". It has a haunting feel to it. With some seriously solid lead vocals and background vocals are on point in a crazy way. The first time i heard this one, i immediately had to listen to it again. It's seriously hot.
This is the second L'arc cd that i have bought with the first being "Smile" which rocked as well. Trust me take the advice of the other reviews and give L'Arc en Ciel a chance. I doubt you will regret it. I'm wide awake now.
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~ L'Arc-En-Ciel
~ Hyde
DVD ~ Hideto Takarai; Gackt Camui; Lee-Hom Wang; Taro Yamamoto; Susumu Terajima; Zeny Kwok; Seiji Chihara; Kôji Chihara; Yosh; James H. Thomas; Anne Suzuki; Ryo Ishibashi; Etsushi Toyokawa; You Kurosaki; Kanata Hongô
DVD ~ L'Arc en Ciel
~ L'Arc-En-Ciel
by L'Arc~en~Ciel 
