Before I write this review, you should be aware of one or two little things. One, I am a huge hide fan, to the point that I am unable to objective about his music. He just enthralls me that much. Two, hide (as you may or may not know) has been dead since his presumed suicide in 1998. I have a hard time saying anything bad about the music of an artist who is dead. Also, this is a greatest hits CD, so all the tracks were chosen for a particular reason. Therefore, I will not be giving any of these songs or the entire album a rating. I am simply going to share my thoughts and let you decide for yourself. And yes, I'm done rambling now.

hide... He was just amazing.

1. ROCKET DIVE
This song opens with some great guitars and the words "Come and go, let me show my rocket/Come and go, baby blow my rocket." If you've never heard hide's music, be prepared for more lyrics like this. Anyway, this song hurtles along at a great pace, with electric guitars being the main instrument. hide's vocals are a little less nasal than some of his songs, but still have that undeniable hide attitude. Toward the middle of this song, there is a strange guitar rendition of "Ode to Joy" that brings to mind Jimi Hendrix. hide was a genius with a guitar, and it shows in this song. Truly, a joyous experience, and a j-rock classic.

2. DICE
Another fast paced song, but more reminiscent of traditional j-rock. The lyrics are really fast, but more subdued in the verses. hide's singing is uncommonly good and really pushes the song forward. The percussion is more prevalent in this track, but there's still a great guitar solo in the middle. I love the hard edge hide's voice takes at the end of some lines; he's both singing and shouting at the same time. The song closes with the line "Once and for all, dice away." This is a great rock song.

3. genkai haretsu
"genkai haretsu" is a phrase hide literally invented. It means "limit burst." Cool title, huh? This is one of my favorite hide songs. His voice has its distinct nasal quality that somehow makes his music even more enjoyable. This is a medium-to-fast paced song, with some screaming guitar sections. However, hide really is the star of this song. The familiar refrain of "Take you any way you want" becomes the trademark of the song, and will get stuck in your head at the oddest times. (For me, it was Communications Media class. Don't ask.) I love the quieter section near the end that leads into the faster chorus. It's a nice little touch. This song can play over and over and I never get sick of it.

4. 50% & 50%
Oh, hide's voice is nasal in this one. Sometimes it sounds like he's just sneering into the microphone. It gives his work an edge that few other performers have. This is a rocking song, with the usual guitars and percussion. It's also kind of bouncy. The chorus is insanely addictive, and leading into the guitar solo is this cool little guitar sound. It's just a little blip, but it makes me laugh. Above all else, this is a FUN song. hide sounds like he's having a great time.

5. EYES LOVE YOU
We come to the first slow paced song on the album. hide isn't known much for his slow stuff, but this is really good song. It has the feel of some of L'Arc~en~Ciel's works. hide's voice is noticeably lower and more serious here, and he does a good job proving he can sing as well as play the guitar. Even though this song still has a hard edge, it is still very touching. It also is 6 minutes long, which is a change from the shorter, fast paced songs before this. More than anything else, I like the 80's feel to this song and hide's insane guitar playing in the middle.

6. FLAME
"FLAME" is actually a mirror image of a later song, "MISERY." They share many of the same lyrics. However, whereas "MISERY" is a hopeful song, "FLAME" is full of sadness. This is actually a middle-paced song, but the lyrics speak of a deep inner pain. While the guitars and percussion are relatively loud, hide sings in a subdued way that makes the song really effective. This is one of hide's greatest works, with a hypnotic yet simple melody and beautiful lyrics. A masterpiece.

7. pink spider
People have called this hide's anthem. X-Japan leader Yoshiki have hide the nickname "pink spider" for his outrageous hair. This is the last song hide released before his death, and the lyrics talk about him "wanting to fly." It's rather haunting to think about now. However, the song itself really rocks. I can't descibe hide's voice, you just have to hear it. Lots of great guitars and percussion here, and of course the "pink spider!!" chorus. I particularly like the slower-paced bridge that sort of floats along above all the rock stuff. If you have to hear only one hide song, make it this one.

8. LEMONed I Scream
This song starts with a wonderful orchestra intro. However, don't expect a ballad. This is kind of a disco-rock song with crazy english lyrics. It really reminds me of a late Beatles' song. hide's voice is muted and of course very nasal, but in this case it seems cute. "Ah-ah-ah-ah I've got a sweet poison cake, take me higher, higher... Oh, I've got a sweet creature song, it's a lemon lemon lemoned I scream!" For some reason, it just makes me laugh. Oh, and make sure you let this song play all the way through so you can hear the ADORABLE voice at the end.

9. Hi-Ho
Whoo, this one is bouncy! It has kind of a jungle beat, and hide raps the verses. Well, it's more like half-raps, half-sings. This is definitely still a rock song. And it's so happy! This is the kind of song you can sing along with even if you've only heard it once or twice. In the middle is a classic guitar solo accompanied with these jungle drum-beats. There's also a touch of disco here and there. There is also a great section at the end where hide answers back and forth with the backup singers. Did I mention it's nearly 6 minutes long? Overall, a totally wonderful song that's sure to bring a smile to your face.

10. Beauty & Stupid
I wasn't sure if I liked this song the first time I heard it. Now, I absolutely love it. hide's voice is at its most mocking, and the lyrics are somewhat...suggestive. This is a more traditional rock song, but hide's voice really makes it something special. (Plus, hearing him sing "Zuki-zuki, Shakin' Shakin'" just kills me.) The chorus carries the famous line, "Baby love you, love you like an animal." This whole song just feels like hide is making fun of the world. Plus, it's nice and upbeat. It's quickly become one of my favorites.

11. DOUBT
If you've been waiting for a REALLY hard song, this is the one for you. This is more metal than rock (I think. Not a big metal fan here). hide's voice is filtered, making it sound ever rougher, and the song has a really steady beat. You need to blare it to really appreciate it. The guitar playing is amazing in places, but you need to listen closely to realize just how good it is. This song just rocks, and it great when you want to lose yourself in pure sound.

12. Goodbye
This is hide's quietest song and the most moving. It sounds a LOT like a Beatles' song, complete with major chord progressions and all that. hide's voice is perfect as he sings "Goodbye, only Goodbye," sounding so hopeful and yet so sad. This song more than any other makes me want to cry, because it reminds me of the beautiful person we lost when hide died. He may have been a rock star and an alcoholic, but he was also a kind man with a soft heart who tried to help people and cheer them up. Sometimes though it seems like he was doing so partially to mask his own pain.

13. ever free
The song that everyone names their hide memorial shrines after. That might make you think this is a ballad, but no, it is a rock song in the spirit of ROCKET DIVE. This song has a great, memorable melody in both the verses and the chorus. The guitars and percussion fly along, accompanied with hide's singing. The middle has a horn section that somehow seems to belong completely. This song is a great example of how hide was able to make each song sound special and unique, with its own quirks. I love this song to death. "Fu Fu, ever free!"

14. D.O.D (Drink or Die)
This is the hide drinking song. It is unabashedly punkish, and hide sings about... alcohol! This song flashes by, with a dozen references to different drinks and the "Fuckin' it's my way" response to hide's drinking habit. The song is only a little over 2 minutes long, but it provides a bit of insight into hide's personality. In a way, he's attacking both himself and his critics. Oh yeah, at the end, there is the sound of a bottle breaking. ^_^

15. POSE
This song opens with the coolest ping-pong sound effect. If you have a good sound system or headphones on, it really sounds like a ping-pong ball going back and forth. This song is harder, more like DOUBT, with really harsh vocals by hide. If you pay attention though, there is some piano in the background that contrasts to the heavy sound of the guitars. More than anything else, this song shows how versatile hide was. He could go from pop to rock to punk and heavy metal. Few artists are willing to do that.

16. TELL ME
This was one of hide's last singles. It has a more polished sound than many of the previous songs, but still has that distinct hide flavor. It's got a nice medium-to-fast pace, and more understated guitars. It also has more serious vocals by hide, and an instantly recognizable chorus. Oh, there's also a neat reggae section in the middle. hide was always throwing little things like that into his songs. This was the first hide song I ever heard, so I have a soft spot for it, but I do think it's one of his best. "Singin' my song for me, singin' your song for you..."

17. BREEDING
This is probably my least favorite song on the album. It's a hard rock song similar to some of the others, but it just doesn't have anything to really set it apart. I like the verses, but the chorus is kinda blah. I still like the song, I just wouldn't put it in my top ten favorite hide songs list.

18. MISERY
"Hallelujah, les miserables! Do you wanna show me how low & low?" This is probably my very favorite song. It has a joyous, hopeful sound that is the complete antithesis to "FLAME." You will, however, notice many of the same themes and lyrics. This is an upbeat song, with some of the best lyrics and singing in hide's career. I listen to this song when I am upset, and it always cheers me up. If you want to hear what a modern rock masterpiece sounds like, look no further. From the guitar playing to the vocals, it is perfect. And it reminds us all to "kiss your misery."

I hope you enjoyed this review and that you will support and honor hide's memory by buying one of his cds. Don't waste his music on mp3s. I recommend this Cd, but as long as you keep hide in your heart and mind, anything will do.

matsumoto hideto 1964~1998