MUCC - Best of MUCC

Best of MUCC is the first release of its kind from the band, and while definitely a treat for many fans, it's also an excellent buy for people who are new to the band. This album comes in two versions; this is a review of the regular version.

Utagoe is known for being one of MUCC's most fun and energetic singles to date and is a great way to kick off a best-of album. Though only released last year, many of their fans already consider it a favorite. Next comes Ryuusei, representing MUCC's softer but still rock-tinged style. The chorus can win just about anyone over as its powerful melody immediately pulls you in.

The third track, Saishuu Ressha, begins with the funky main guitar riff instead of its usual intro. Satochi's drumming mixes it up and, combined with Yukke's always quirky bassline, this song is clearly an excellent choice for the album. Next is the ever catchy Kokoro no Naimachi, followed by the Gokusai version of Gerbera which starts off with a full volume, guitar-heavy intro as opposed to the muted version from the original. Aside from that, this is the same enjoyable song it began as.

Ware, Arubeki Basho almost seems like a blast from the past when one considers MUCC's impressive release catalogue since the time of this single. This is the hard, fast paced style that drew in so many of the band’s fans. In a bit of a twist, Ame no Orchestra follows to showcase an unexpected side of MUCC. This song is recorded with a full orchestra ensemble alongside the band. This combination results in a sound that can only be described as modern-classical, but stays true to the MUCC style with its passionate vocals and even a guitar solo. Meanwhile, Monokuro no Keshiki is a prime example of the sound that is MUCC. It ranges from soft, deep, and slow to powerful and guitar driven, just as the band themselves often do. Tatsuro ends the song showing just how intense his voice can be.

In Rojiura boku to kimi e, each instrument is played hard and heavy and are only complimented by the growls and screams that erupt from Tatsuro's throat. Namonamuki Yume is energetic and fast paced, and from merely listening, anyone can tell that this must be a crowd favorite at lives. Surely some will have to stifle the urge to jump up and down to the beat. MUCC explored a whole new, almost renaissance-like style with Horizont, and mixes it up again with the next track, Libra -Best Hold It Remix-. This is a new, slightly revamped but still dark and enchanting version of MUCC's first single of 2007.

9gatsu 3ka no Kokuin is very moving, and often it’s just Tatsuro's light voice with Miya's guitar softly in the background. By far the most emotional part of the song is the ending, where Tatsuro's screams, even when muted, can bring a tear to the eye. Almost as an apology for the moving track before it, is Yuukure; 9gatsu 3ka no Kokuin's polar opposite. This song is a great example of the usually upbeat style found whenever Satochi is behind writing the music. If 9gatsu 3ka no Kokuin brought you down, Yuubeni will pick you back up.

Yasashii Uta is an enjoyable song that could very well make anyone sing along with it. Miya's guitar style is slightly reminiscent of reggae in the verse, and overall the song has a very easy going feel. The last song, Flight -Best Hold It Ver- is still the catchy, upbeat song that won over many of the fans anticipating another single from MUCC, as well as new fans getting their first taste of the band.

This album is an excellent showcase of MUCC's ability and mastery over many types of music. Most tracks have already been released as singles and snatched up by fans everywhere. A few are songs that refused to blend in to the albums that contained them. All throughout this release, listeners are treated to an impossibly wide range of styles. Best of MUCC is definitely the appropriate name for this album.