TOSHI with T-EARTH Harukanaru Toki Wo Koete Review

Released: 2008-11-26

I was excited to hear this album, as I had heard bits and pieces of TOSHI with T-EARTH's previous works. And of course, as a fan of TOSHI and X Japan, I had high expectations and hopes for all his works with T-EARTH. I was not disappointed. If I had to describe this album in just a few words, they would most definitely be: Epic, beautiful, calming and exciting!

This album has a mix of so many genres of music, emotions and instruments in it, that if you can't find a song you like on this album, you're just not listening.

01-なげきのHEART: (Nageki no HEART)

This song starts out very smooth, almost like an inspirational CD meant to create the perfect calm required for meditation. TOSHI's clear vocalization blends and at the same time stands out from the instrumentals, creating an instant feeling of relaxation and calm. The electric guitar starts smoothly, and then without missing a beat; TOSHI's beautiful scream and the heavier drums joins the brilliant guitars and brings out the full feeling of heavy rock. Without loosing the feeling gained at the beginning of the song, it continues at the faster and heavier beats, but never leaves you wanting. This is a very well rounded song, showcasing everyone's talents well and giving the listener an excitement and high hopes for the rest of the album.

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02-悲しみの果て: (Kanashimi no hate)

I am a big fan of violin music, and violin in rock music is beyond beautiful to me, so this song caught my attention immediately. The violins were more background atmosphere in the beginning, adding to the breathtaking quality of TOSHI's vocals during the song itself. There is such a mix of instruments in this song, they blend together so well, it was hard to listen and write at the same time. The music draws you in so fully, so completely that you don't even realized you've stopped what your doing and just listening.

 TOKI　
03-世界の果てに: (Toki no hate ni)

Another beautiful song, reminding me of old rock ballads when they were still slow and lovely. TOSHI's whispering lyrics feel very intimate, like he's singing just for the listener, trying to convince the listener of his sincerity. The guitars are simply beautiful and a lovely compliment TOSHI's vocals.

 04-抱きしめて: (Dakishimete)

This song starts out very 'adult contemporary', but TOSHI's vocals make it feel more powerful once they start. The piano is very beautiful and blends well with the other instruments in the song, adding strength and harmony when needed. The mix of instruments is hard to place other than piano, drums and violins once again, but all together it is a very beautiful, relaxing song that makes you feel very good when you listen to it. I really like how the electric guitars in it blend and stand out at the same time in the song.

05-暗くなってる場合じゃない: (Kuraku natteru baai janai)

This song is reminiscent of old school punk with a strong impression of classic 80's rock. It makes you move and showcases the electric guitar and again, TOSHI's strong vocals very well. If the previous tracks were too 'slow' for you, this song may be more your style. It's a very fun song, 'heavier' in beat than the others before it. Regardless of this, they don't lose the overall feeling the songs before it created.

06-Greatest World:

To say this song is any less than beautiful 'feel good' rock n roll is like saying Death Valley is a 'bit warm'. The guitars and drum are quite playful, strong and amazing! Again, everything blends together so well it's hard to not hold your breath and wait for what comes next. Again, it's very reminiscent of their heavier roots in Rock n roll, but even with the electric guitars and strong drums, it's a very beautiful song. The mix of emotions this song brings out will leave anyone smiling, even if rock isn't your thing.

 あした
07-未来の君へ: (Ashita no kimi he)

From the moment TOSHI starts singing you want to join him. This song is very smooth, again blending the instruments skillfully with TOSHI's vocals. It gives off the feeling of being a good opening theme for an anime or drama about young love. It is very catchy tune, and like the others so far, inspires strong emotions, regardless of whether you know the meanings of lyrics or not. It's hard to listen to this song and not be moved by it, or try to sing along!

08-海になりたい: (Umi ni naritai)

海になりたい is another beautiful heartfelt ballad. I especially like the way it begins. This song would be great for slow dancing with the one you love, or good background music when you need something to help calm you at the end of a hectic day.

09-大切なもの: (Taisetsu na mono)

Again, I really like the instrumentals in this song. All together, it is another lovely ballad that showcases everyone's talents extremely well and harmonizes beautifully with TOSHI's strong vocals. It reminded me a lot of the old ballads of X Japan. The overall feeling of the album is very well summed up in this song: beautiful, intense and exciting yet relaxing.

 Harukanaru Toki Wo Koete on sale at CD Baby now! http://cdbaby.com/cd/toshi8

TOSHI with T-EARTH Official MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/toshiwithtearth

TOSHI with T-EARTH Official Website: http://t-earth-official.com/

TOSHI Official Website: http://www.toshi-official.com/

TOSHI Official MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/toshioffice

TOSHI Official YouTube Channel: http://jp.youtube.com/user/ToshiEarthHealing

Be sure to go to TOSHI with T-EARTH's Official MySpace page and listen to clips from the new album, you can also hear the beautiful ballad "Earth in the Dark" posted there!