1. teki wa doko da? (where is my enemy?)
This song starts off loud with lots of crunching guitars and percussion, then brings in some synthesized sounds. Akihito's voice flies through the first verse very casually; one reason I like this band is because Aki-san's singing is always very natural. Then there is a short bridge with more guitar and that incessant beat. The second verse features some interesting synth-y voice that sounds filtered, if you know what I mean. This song doesn't have a real clear chorus, but it doesn't take away from the song. The end has a really nice brass section. Overall, I like this song a lot. It won't be to everyone's taste though. It's very, um, groovy.
Rating: 8

2. Last of Hero
Wouldn't "Last Hero" have made more sense? Oh well. It also starts with guitars and drums, and the 70's synth sounds, but the beat is slower and somewhat more serious. Akihito sings in a hushed kind of way, then gradually gets stronger. I love the little "ah-ah" before the chorus. The chorus itself is a bit brighter, and a little less restrained. My only complaint is that weird synth sound. That's all I can think to call it. It seems out of place. The melody of the chorus might be a bit simple for some people, but I really enjoy it. There is a very nice guitar solo in the middle of the song. This song is pretty similar to "teki wa doko da," which makes me think they should have arranged the album differently. I still like it, though.
Rating: 7

3. Agehachou (Swallowtail)
This was one of the singles from the album. The title refers to a butterfly, in case you were wondering. This song has kind of a Latin beat, with some neat ethnic wooden flute to make it unique. It is extremely upbeat, even though the lyrics are a bit melancholy. The chorus, however, is sheer joy to listen to, with Akihito flying though the lyrics. In a way, the short, quick notes really remind me of the fluttering of a butterfly's wings. I can imagine this song playing at some kind of summer festival. This is definitely a song you can dance to. Even though it's not rock, it's definitely one of my favorite tracks on the album. Highly recommended, especially if you've heard and enjoyed "Sauda-ji" from their past album.
Rating: 9

4. HEART
Finally, we come to a slower song. This is, in fact, a ballad. The instrumentation is piano and very minimalistic percussion. Akihito's voice is very quite at first, then builds toward the chorus. He is so skilled at evoking emotion, and this song is no exception. The chorus isn't exactly sweeping, but it very strong and moving. It's actually a bit more upbeat than I expected. The bridge is mid-tempo and really pulls the song together. Porno Graffitti has a way of making songs that seem very simple at first, and then become more complex as you listen to them. Oh, there is another nice guitar solo that leads into the chorus toward the end of the song. The final chorus is even a little stronger and gives me a feeling of hope. An excellent song.
Rating: 9

5. Aokage
If anyone knows a good translation of the title, let me know. For now, I simply refer to it as "Blue Shadow." This song has kind of a laid back, 70's jazz feel to it (I think). It's mid-tempo, with keyboards and percussion. It really doesn't feel very exciting at first. The chorus is much better, with nice harmonies and a faster pace. Unfortunately, this is followed by another boring verse. I hate the word "boring" but it really is. On the plus side, Akihito's voice fits in with the style very well. I'm not saying this is a bad song, and I don't usually skip it, but it's not Porno Graffitti's best work.
Rating: 6

6. CHRISTINA
Next, we go from the sublime to the... loud. That's the best word for this song. It sounds like a classic rock song, the kind with Jerry Lee Lewis banging on a piano. There IS lots of piano here, as well as percussion and guitar. Akihito sings a bit harsher, and there is a point where he screams "Oh, yeah!" in a way that is frankly very sexy. This is such a rollicking song; it just hurtles along. This is a totally new side of P.G., and one that I really like. Too bad this song is so short. However, it is a welcome addition to the album.
Rating: 9

7. n.t.
It's worth noting that this song's lyrics are by Akihito, the vocalist, and not Haruichi, the usual lyricist. Haruichi's lyrics tend to be very melancholy, or at least bittersweet. This song, however serious and introspective is a bit happier. Kudos to Aki-san. It opens with some electric guitar, then adds some keyboards and percussion. This is a bit more rockish than, say, Agehachou. The verses are mid-tempo, but Akihito's voice has a nice edge to it. The chorus picks up the pace and has a wonderful melody. It's very memorable and catchy. One thing I have to say about P.G. is that their lyrical synchopation is very unique. You won't hear their kind of phrasing in any other group. This is certainly one of the best songs on the album.
Rating: 10

8. VOICE
This song was also a hit single for P.G. in 2002, and almost instantly you can tell why. It opens with some beautiful mid-tempo piano and strings, then drops out to just acoustic guitar and Akihito's singing. This is not a happy song by any stretch of the imagination, but nevertheless it is very addictive. The chorus is near-perfection, and Akihito's voice actually soars in places. The tone of the verses seems rather longing and wistful. However, it does make me worry about Haruichi-san. I've heard he can't find a girlfriend. I wish he'd write something happier; then at least I'd know he's okay. The final chorus, although almost a repeat, really drives this song home. I adore this song, and most pop/rock fans will probably enjoy it too.
Rating: 10

9. PALETTE
Time for something more light-hearted. This song actually begins rather like the theme for an 80's sitcom. I don't know why, but that's what it reminds me of. There are little chimes and things. There's nothing really special about the verses, but the chorus is pretty enjoyable. It clips along at a good pace, which serves to lighten the mood of the album. However, I can't help but feel that this song is a little cheesy sounding. Most of the time I don't bother to listen to it. I understand P.G.'s retro-stylings, but this one just doesn't succeed as the others do. Not a bad song, not a great one.
Rating: 7

10. Shiawase ni tsuite honki o dashite kangaete mita
Without a doubt, that is the longest title I have ever had to type. It means "I've seriously tried thinking about happiness". This is a very upbeat, HAPPY song by Haruichi-san. Well, some of the lyrics are less than happy, but for the most part it is a song that will make you smile. The verses are sung extremely fast, and you have to bop your head along. There is a bridge before the chorus, which slows things down a little bit, then the chorus explodes. It is so fast and catchy. There are some unexpected strings in this song that make it different from other songs of this type. There is also some piano if you listen. However, it really is all about the chorus, and Akihito's singing. I do, however, love the guitar solo (of course); it sounds almost X Japan-ish. This was also a single, and the quality really shows. If you like one song from this album, I'd bet it's this one.
Rating: 10

11. nisekanojo
From my limited Japanese, I think this title means "fake girlfriend." I told you Haruichi needs a woman. This is a bit of a harder song. Well, by Porno Graffitti standards, it's hard. The verses are kind of low and rough, which is a nice change. The chorus is brighter, but this is more closer to what most people think of as rock. The back-up singers are particularly effective in this song. Um, need I mention the guitar solo? This one is a bit wilder, but still too short. *sigh* Anyway, I really like this song more every time I listen to it. Porno Graffitti really knows how to write great choruses.
Rating: 8

12. bittersweet
This song opens with some neat sound effects and guitar, as well as what I believe might be a Hammond organ. The electric guitars are very raw in this song, which I enjoy. Thus, I was surprised when Akihito began singing in a very quiet, restrained voice. There is a very cool echo effect on some of his lines in the verses. The chorus is wonderful; this song more than any on the album ROCKS. (Well, except maybe CHRISTINA... can't decide.) I love the way Aki-san says "bittersweet" so that is actually sounds more like "beet-ah-sweet." It's kind of cute. Anyway, if you are a fan of lots of guitar, this is the song for you.
Rating: 9

13. yoru wa oshizuka ni
Sadly, I have no idea what the title means. Well, I know the word "night." Er... this is the most traditional ballad on the album. The arrangement is mostly piano and strings. Akihito uses his falsetto far more than ever before. He doesn't have the strongest voice, but it expresses sadness very well. There is a beautiful rain effect early in the song if you manage to catch it. This song is very short and simple, and I think the perfect way to end the album.
Rating: 9

Overall Rating: 8 out of 10