FRIENDS - Revision history

CrimsonDragon at 23:06, 14 January 2018

2018-01-14T23:06:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:06, 14 January 2018
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	The mini album would be the band's first venture into "adult-oriented rock" music when it hit shelves in December of 1992. It stood in stark contrast to their fall album ''[[RUN]]'' that contained hard rock numbers such as "[[ZERO]]" and "[[RUN\|Out Of Control]]" and aided in demonstrating their versatility. [[Tak Matsumoto]] noted that the genesis of the project was that, "I wanted to make an album that was like a movie's soundtrack." The songs' connected lyrics were all written in the course of one flight, according to [[Koshi Inaba]]. The vocal tracks are thus represented by four themes: "Recollections", "Reunion", "Conflict", and "Resolution". The title of the album, "FRIENDS", is meant to encompass the overall theme of the narrative as the protagonists are not romantically linked at the time of the story.		The mini album would be the band's first venture into "adult-oriented rock" music when it hit shelves in December of 1992. It stood in stark contrast to their fall album ''[[RUN]]'' that contained hard rock numbers such as "[[ZERO]]" and "[[RUN\|Out Of Control]]" and aided in demonstrating their versatility. [[Tak Matsumoto]] noted that the genesis of the project was that, "I wanted to make an album that was like a movie's soundtrack." The songs' connected lyrics were all written in the course of one flight, according to [[Koshi Inaba]]. The vocal tracks are thus represented by four themes: "Recollections", "Reunion", "Conflict", and "Resolution". The title of the album, "FRIENDS", is meant to encompass the overall theme of the narrative as the protagonists are not romantically linked at the time of the story.

	The album's opening vocal song "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" has proven one of the band's most popular songs of any sort. It has been downloaded over 500,000 times as a ringtone according to the Recording Industry Association of Japan, and has sold more than 100,000 in the form of a full-length download for cell phones alone. It has been collected numerous times on compilations, beginning with 1998's ''[[B'z The Best "Treasure"]]'' and followed by ''[[The Ballads ~Love & B'z~]]'' which opened with the song and featured a hidden dance-oriented version as a hidden track, ''[[B'z The Best "Pleasure II"]]'' in 2005 which featured an acoustic rendition, and lastly ''[[B'z The Best "ULTRA Pleasure"]]'' in 2008. To date, decades later, the song is often requested and played in Japan during the holiday season and is the subject of frequent covers on numerous television programs, including a popular cover performed by fellow Japanese artists Gackt and Ayumi Hamasaki as a duet in 2001. B'z themselves have only performed the song [[B'z Television Appearances\|on television]] ~~three~~ times: in 1994, 2002, and ~~2005~~.		The album's opening vocal song "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" has proven one of the band's most popular songs of any sort. It has been downloaded over 500,000 times as a ringtone according to the Recording Industry Association of Japan, and has sold more than 100,000 in the form of a full-length download for cell phones alone. It has been collected numerous times on compilations, beginning with 1998's ''[[B'z The Best "Treasure"]]'' and followed by ''[[The Ballads ~Love & B'z~]]'' which opened with the song and featured a hidden dance-oriented version as a hidden track, ''[[B'z The Best "Pleasure II"]]'' in 2005 which featured an acoustic rendition, and lastly ''[[B'z The Best "ULTRA Pleasure"]]'' in 2008. To date, decades later, the song is often requested and played in Japan during the holiday season and is the subject of frequent covers on numerous television programs, including a popular cover performed by fellow Japanese artists Gackt and Ayumi Hamasaki as a duet in 2001. B'z themselves have only performed the song [[B'z Television Appearances\|on television]] four times: in 1994, 2002, 2005, and 2017.

	Despite its enduring popularity, "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" is suitably only performed at [[LIVE-GYM]] concerts when the band's tour schedule runs into winter months. Fellow album track "Boku no Tsumi" has [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live\|never been performed live]], with "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi" and "Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai" being performed only during [[B'z LIVE-GYM '93 "RUN"]].		Despite its enduring popularity, "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" is suitably only performed at [[LIVE-GYM]] concerts when the band's tour schedule runs into winter months. Fellow album track "Boku no Tsumi" has [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live\|never been performed live]], with "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi" and "Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai" being performed only during [[B'z LIVE-GYM '93 "RUN"]].

Jd-: /* Track listing */

2017-12-10T11:00:15Z

Track listing

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:00, 10 December 2017
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	:<small>PROLOGUE:</small> '''Friends'''		:<small>PROLOGUE:</small> '''Friends'''
	::::[[File:m04_01.ogg]] An instrumental song, ''Friends'' lacks even guitar with its arrangement being performed entirely with strings instead.		::::[[File:m04_01.ogg]] An instrumental song, "Friends" lacks even guitar with its arrangement being performed entirely with strings instead.
	:<small>SCENE 1:</small> '''[[Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Lyrics)\|Itsuka no Merry Christmas]]''' — ''A Merry Christmas Once Upon A Time'', いつかのメリークリスマス		:<small>SCENE 1:</small> '''[[Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Lyrics)\|Itsuka no Merry Christmas]]''' — ''A Merry Christmas Once Upon A Time'', いつかのメリークリスマス
	:::[[File:m04_02.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Recollections:''' ''The titular "FRIENDS" spoken of in the album's title were once romantically involved but no longer. It is now their first December apart as the protagonist describes the festive mood that only reminds him of their past relationship. He laments the loss ("I felt we were always going to be together, my hands forever holding yours"). A past Christmas spent together spent in happiness is recounted, until it's revealed he now walks the streets alone, watching smiling couples pass by arm in arm.''</font>		:::[[File:m04_02.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Recollections:''' ''The titular "FRIENDS" spoken of in the album's title were once romantically involved but no longer. It is now their first December apart as the protagonist describes the festive mood that only reminds him of their past relationship. He laments the loss ("I felt we were always going to be together, my hands forever holding yours"). A past Christmas spent together spent in happiness is recounted, until it's revealed he now walks the streets alone, watching smiling couples pass by arm in arm.''</font>

Jd- at 19:45, 12 November 2017

2017-11-12T19:45:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:45, 12 November 2017
Line 21:		Line 21:
	The mini album would be the band's first venture into "adult-oriented rock" music when it hit shelves in December of 1992. It stood in stark contrast to their fall album ''[[RUN]]'' that contained hard rock numbers such as "[[ZERO]]" and "[[RUN\|Out Of Control]]" and aided in demonstrating their versatility. [[Tak Matsumoto]] noted that the genesis of the project was that, "I wanted to make an album that was like a movie's soundtrack." The songs' connected lyrics were all written in the course of one flight, according to [[Koshi Inaba]]. The vocal tracks are thus represented by four themes: "Recollections", "Reunion", "Conflict", and "Resolution". The title of the album, "FRIENDS", is meant to encompass the overall theme of the narrative as the protagonists are not romantically linked at the time of the story.		The mini album would be the band's first venture into "adult-oriented rock" music when it hit shelves in December of 1992. It stood in stark contrast to their fall album ''[[RUN]]'' that contained hard rock numbers such as "[[ZERO]]" and "[[RUN\|Out Of Control]]" and aided in demonstrating their versatility. [[Tak Matsumoto]] noted that the genesis of the project was that, "I wanted to make an album that was like a movie's soundtrack." The songs' connected lyrics were all written in the course of one flight, according to [[Koshi Inaba]]. The vocal tracks are thus represented by four themes: "Recollections", "Reunion", "Conflict", and "Resolution". The title of the album, "FRIENDS", is meant to encompass the overall theme of the narrative as the protagonists are not romantically linked at the time of the story.

	The album's opening vocal song "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" has proven one of the band's most popular songs of any sort. It has been downloaded over 500,000 times as a ringtone according to the Recording Industry Association of Japan, and has sold more than 100,000 in the form of a full-length download for cell phones alone. To date, decades later, the song is often requested and played in Japan during the holiday season and is the subject of frequent covers on numerous television programs, including a popular cover performed by fellow Japanese artists Gackt and Ayumi Hamasaki as a duet in 2001. B'z themselves have only performed the song [[B'z Television Appearances\|on television]] three times: in 1994, 2002, and ~~2005. The song would also be the subject of two reversions on two separate winter compilations, with the releases of ''[[The Ballads ~Love & B'z~]]'' in 2002 and ''[[B'z The Best "Pleasure II"]]'' in~~ 2005.		The album's opening vocal song "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" has proven one of the band's most popular songs of any sort. It has been downloaded over 500,000 times as a ringtone according to the Recording Industry Association of Japan, and has sold more than 100,000 in the form of a full-length download for cell phones alone. It has been collected numerous times on compilations, beginning with 1998's ''[[B'z The Best "Treasure"]]'' and followed by ''[[The Ballads ~Love & B'z~]]'' which opened with the song and featured a hidden dance-oriented version as a hidden track, ''[[B'z The Best "Pleasure II"]]'' in 2005 which featured an acoustic rendition, and lastly ''[[B'z The Best "ULTRA Pleasure"]]'' in 2008. To date, decades later, the song is often requested and played in Japan during the holiday season and is the subject of frequent covers on numerous television programs, including a popular cover performed by fellow Japanese artists Gackt and Ayumi Hamasaki as a duet in 2001. B'z themselves have only performed the song [[B'z Television Appearances\|on television]] three times: in 1994, 2002, and 2005.

	Despite its enduring popularity, "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" is suitably only performed at [[LIVE-GYM]] concerts when the band's tour schedule runs into winter months. Fellow album track "Boku no Tsumi" has [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live\|never been performed live]], with "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi" and "Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai" being performed only during [[B'z LIVE-GYM '93 "RUN"]].		Despite its enduring popularity, "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" is suitably only performed at [[LIVE-GYM]] concerts when the band's tour schedule runs into winter months. Fellow album track "Boku no Tsumi" has [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live\|never been performed live]], with "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi" and "Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai" being performed only during [[B'z LIVE-GYM '93 "RUN"]].

Jd-: /* Track listing */

2017-11-12T19:32:53Z

Track listing

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:32, 12 November 2017
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	::::Not only the foremost song on the album, "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" quickly became one of the band's signature songs—a distinction it carries to this day decades later. Although never a single, it rivals many in the band's catalogue in terms of popularity and remains a Christmas staple in Japan.		::::Not only the foremost song on the album, "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" quickly became one of the band's signature songs—a distinction it carries to this day decades later. Although never a single, it rivals many in the band's catalogue in terms of popularity and remains a Christmas staple in Japan.
	:<small>SCENE 2-1:</small> '''[[Boku no Tsumi (Lyrics)\|Boku no Tsumi]]''' — ''My Sin'', 僕の罪		:<small>SCENE 2-1:</small> '''[[Boku no Tsumi (Lyrics)\|Boku no Tsumi]]''' — ''My Sin'', 僕の罪
	:::[[File:m04_03.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Reunion:''' ''~~Time continues to pass.~~ Reaching for cigarettes he put aside long ago, he feels compelled to finally call her again. Hearing her voice, everything changes ("While sewing up the hole in my heart, the words came bursting out: 'I want to see you'"). The title, "My Sin", refers to his inability to let go or even let enough time pass before trying again ("I know, I know, I understand; Not yet, not yet, not enough time has passed yet"). When they decide to meet, he sees that her hairstyle has changed but "the smile I've become accustomed to is just the same". The song ends as he oscillates between trying to win her back and accepting the realization that time is slowly forgetting their time together.''</font>		:::[[File:m04_03.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Reunion:''' ''Reaching for cigarettes he put aside long ago, he feels compelled to finally call her again. Hearing her voice, everything changes ("While sewing up the hole in my heart, the words came bursting out: 'I want to see you'"). The title, "My Sin", refers to his inability to let go or even let enough time pass before trying again ("I know, I know, I understand; Not yet, not yet, not enough time has passed yet"). When they decide to meet, he sees that her hairstyle has changed but "the smile I've become accustomed to is just the same". The song ends as he oscillates between trying to win her back and accepting the realization that time is slowly forgetting their time together.''</font>
	::::The most upbeat of the album's tracks, "Boku no Tsumi" is the only song from the work to [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live\|never be performed live]] apart from the instrumentals. The song begins with somber guitar prior to the shattering of glass. The prominent female chorus vocals are provided by famed Japanese pop singer [[Maki Ohguro]].		::::The most upbeat of the album's tracks, "Boku no Tsumi" is the only song from the work to [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live\|never be performed live]] apart from the instrumentals. The song begins with somber guitar prior to the shattering of glass. The prominent female chorus vocals are provided by famed Japanese pop singer [[Maki Ohguro]].
	:<small>SCENE 2-2:</small> '''Love Is...'''		:<small>SCENE 2-2:</small> '''Love Is...'''

Jd-: /* Track listing */

2017-11-12T19:31:14Z

Track listing

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:31, 12 November 2017
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	::::[[File:m04_01.ogg]] An instrumental song, ''Friends'' lacks even guitar with its arrangement being performed entirely with strings instead.		::::[[File:m04_01.ogg]] An instrumental song, ''Friends'' lacks even guitar with its arrangement being performed entirely with strings instead.
	:<small>SCENE 1:</small> '''[[Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Lyrics)\|Itsuka no Merry Christmas]]''' — ''A Merry Christmas Once Upon A Time'', いつかのメリークリスマス		:<small>SCENE 1:</small> '''[[Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Lyrics)\|Itsuka no Merry Christmas]]''' — ''A Merry Christmas Once Upon A Time'', いつかのメリークリスマス
	:::[[File:m04_02.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Recollections:''' ''The titular "FRIENDS" spoken of in the album's title were once romantically involved but no longer. It is now December as the ~~male~~ protagonist describes the festive mood that only reminds him of their past relationship. He laments the loss ("I felt we were always going to be together, my hands forever holding yours"). A past Christmas spent together spent in happiness is recounted, until it's revealed he now walks the streets alone, watching smiling couples pass by arm in arm.''</font>		:::[[File:m04_02.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Recollections:''' ''The titular "FRIENDS" spoken of in the album's title were once romantically involved but no longer. It is now their first December apart as the protagonist describes the festive mood that only reminds him of their past relationship. He laments the loss ("I felt we were always going to be together, my hands forever holding yours"). A past Christmas spent together spent in happiness is recounted, until it's revealed he now walks the streets alone, watching smiling couples pass by arm in arm.''</font>
	::::Not only the foremost song on the album, "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" quickly became one of the band's signature songs—a distinction it carries to this day decades later. Although never a single, it rivals many in the band's catalogue in terms of popularity and remains a Christmas staple in Japan.		::::Not only the foremost song on the album, "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" quickly became one of the band's signature songs—a distinction it carries to this day decades later. Although never a single, it rivals many in the band's catalogue in terms of popularity and remains a Christmas staple in Japan.
	:<small>SCENE 2-1:</small> '''[[Boku no Tsumi (Lyrics)\|Boku no Tsumi]]''' — ''My Sin'', 僕の罪		:<small>SCENE 2-1:</small> '''[[Boku no Tsumi (Lyrics)\|Boku no Tsumi]]''' — ''My Sin'', 僕の罪

Jd-: /* Track listing */

2017-11-12T19:28:10Z

Track listing

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:28, 12 November 2017
Line 47:		Line 47:
	::::Recorded only here on this album, "SEASONS" is used to bridge the time between the third and fifth scenes on the album. It is performed solely by Tak on an acoustic guitar.		::::Recorded only here on this album, "SEASONS" is used to bridge the time between the third and fifth scenes on the album. It is performed solely by Tak on an acoustic guitar.
	:<small>SCENE 5:</small> '''[[Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai (Lyrics)\|Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai]]''' — ''No Matter What, I Don't Want to Lose You'', どうしても君を失いたくない		:<small>SCENE 5:</small> '''[[Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai (Lyrics)\|Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai]]''' — ''No Matter What, I Don't Want to Lose You'', どうしても君を失いたくない
	:::[[File:m04_07.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Resolution''': ''A new winter has arrived and a year has passed since their reunion. In a daydream brought on by the season, he thinks of "nostalgic days long past" and considers whether he was wrong to walk away ("'No matter what, I don't want to lose you!' I scream that from the deepest recesses of my chest"). From his car, he notices a couple walking closely, arm in arm. He again considers the cost of love to those involved ("When love ceases to be, is it considered a betrayal to the other person?"). He decides that it may be best if they go on living after closing that chapter, and if they could forget the animosity between them, there may still be a place for them. The story ~~ends with~~ a reversal of roles ~~but with~~ a new perspective ("After you wake up, you'll be going out to join the crowd of people on this unchanged street")~~. Their time together would not be meaningless, he concludes, as there is something after love in the form of "FRIENDS"~~.''</font>		:::[[File:m04_07.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Resolution''': ''A new winter has arrived and a year has passed since their reunion. In a daydream brought on by the season, he thinks of "nostalgic days long past" and considers whether he was wrong to walk away ("'No matter what, I don't want to lose you!' I scream that from the deepest recesses of my chest"). From his car, he notices a couple walking closely, arm in arm. He again considers the cost of love to those involved ("When love ceases to be, is it considered a betrayal to the other person?"). He decides that it may be best if they go on living after closing that chapter, and if they could forget the animosity between them, there may still be a place for them. Envisioning a return to the seaside someday and dancing on the sands as they had before, he imagines the two of them waving goodbye to the days that are now behind them. The story of the two "FRIENDS" is left open-ended as he relays a reversal of roles from a new perspective ("After you wake up, you'll be going out to join the crowd of people on this unchanged street").''</font>
	::::Running at over six minutes long, "Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai" is the longest song on the album by a considerable difference. It's the only true power ballad included as well and is driven by both guitar and keyboards. Though it should come as no surprise given all of the songs are connected, the album contains a direct reference to the song from the third scene, "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi". Interestingly, an unreleased instrumental version of the song served as the ending theme to ''[[Music Station]]'' from 1992 through 2002 until another composition by Tak Matsumoto took over in the form of "[[Hana\|#1090 [Sen Mu Ichiya]]]".		::::Running at over six minutes long, "Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai" is the longest song on the album by a considerable difference. It's the only true power ballad included as well and is driven by both guitar and keyboards. Though it should come as no surprise given all of the songs are connected, the album contains a direct reference to the song from the third scene, "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi". Interestingly, an unreleased instrumental version of the song served as the ending theme to ''[[Music Station]]'' from 1992 through 2002 until another composition by Tak Matsumoto took over in the form of "[[Hana\|#1090 [Sen Mu Ichiya]]]".
	:<small>SCENE 6:</small> '''[[Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Lyrics)\|Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Reprise)]]''' — ''A Merry Christmas Once Upon A Time'', いつかのメリークリスマス		:<small>SCENE 6:</small> '''[[Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Lyrics)\|Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Reprise)]]''' — ''A Merry Christmas Once Upon A Time'', いつかのメリークリスマス
	:::[[File:m04_08.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''~~Conclusion~~''': ''Christmas has come around once again as it all returns to the beginning.''</font>		:::[[File:m04_08.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Future''': ''Christmas has come around once again as it all returns to the beginning, the future left to be decided.''</font>
	::::To close the album, this piano-only reprise of "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" brings the story back to the where it began.		::::To close the album, this piano-only reprise of "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" brings the story back to the where it began.

Jd-: /* Track listing */

2017-11-12T19:20:30Z

Track listing

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:20, 12 November 2017
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	::::Apart from the first vocal track present, "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi" is undoubtedly the second most popular song from the mini album. Although it has not been performed since [[B'z LIVE-GYM '93 "RUN"]], it was voted to tenth place for the fan-slected compilation ''[[B'z The Best "ULTRA Treasure"]]'' and included on its first disc. In a 2014 fan club poll asking which songs fans would like to hear as part of [[B'z LIVE-GYM 2015 -EPIC NIGHT-]], the song finished third but ultimately was not performed.		::::Apart from the first vocal track present, "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi" is undoubtedly the second most popular song from the mini album. Although it has not been performed since [[B'z LIVE-GYM '93 "RUN"]], it was voted to tenth place for the fan-slected compilation ''[[B'z The Best "ULTRA Treasure"]]'' and included on its first disc. In a 2014 fan club poll asking which songs fans would like to hear as part of [[B'z LIVE-GYM 2015 -EPIC NIGHT-]], the song finished third but ultimately was not performed.
	:<small>SCENE 4:</small> '''SEASONS'''		:<small>SCENE 4:</small> '''SEASONS'''
	:::[[File:m04_06.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Seasons:''' ''The passage of time.''</font>		:::[[File:m04_06.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Seasons:''' ''The passage of time, with the two having parted after the meeting prior with the intention of parting for good. Spring comes, summer is forgotten, and fall passes, until...''</font>
	::::Recorded only here on this album, "SEASONS" is used to bridge the time between the third and fifth scenes on the album. It is performed solely by Tak on an acoustic guitar.		::::Recorded only here on this album, "SEASONS" is used to bridge the time between the third and fifth scenes on the album. It is performed solely by Tak on an acoustic guitar.
	:<small>SCENE 5:</small> '''[[Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai (Lyrics)\|Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai]]''' — ''No Matter What, I Don't Want to Lose You'', どうしても君を失いたくない		:<small>SCENE 5:</small> '''[[Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai (Lyrics)\|Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai]]''' — ''No Matter What, I Don't Want to Lose You'', どうしても君を失いたくない

Jd-: /* Track listing */

2017-11-12T19:18:59Z

Track listing

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:18, 12 November 2017
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	:<small>SCENE 5:</small> '''[[Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai (Lyrics)\|Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai]]''' — ''No Matter What, I Don't Want to Lose You'', どうしても君を失いたくない		:<small>SCENE 5:</small> '''[[Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai (Lyrics)\|Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai]]''' — ''No Matter What, I Don't Want to Lose You'', どうしても君を失いたくない
	:::[[File:m04_07.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Resolution''': ''A new winter has arrived and a year has passed since their reunion. In a daydream brought on by the season, he thinks of "nostalgic days long past" and considers whether he was wrong to walk away ("'No matter what, I don't want to lose you!' I scream that from the deepest recesses of my chest"). From his car, he notices a couple walking closely, arm in arm. He again considers the cost of love to those involved ("When love ceases to be, is it considered a betrayal to the other person?"). He decides that it may be best if they go on living after closing that chapter, and if they could forget the animosity between them, there may still be a place for them. The story ends with a reversal of roles but with a new perspective ("After you wake up, you'll be going out to join the crowd of people on this unchanged street"). Their time together would not be meaningless, he concludes, as there is something after love in the form of "FRIENDS".''</font>		:::[[File:m04_07.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Resolution''': ''A new winter has arrived and a year has passed since their reunion. In a daydream brought on by the season, he thinks of "nostalgic days long past" and considers whether he was wrong to walk away ("'No matter what, I don't want to lose you!' I scream that from the deepest recesses of my chest"). From his car, he notices a couple walking closely, arm in arm. He again considers the cost of love to those involved ("When love ceases to be, is it considered a betrayal to the other person?"). He decides that it may be best if they go on living after closing that chapter, and if they could forget the animosity between them, there may still be a place for them. The story ends with a reversal of roles but with a new perspective ("After you wake up, you'll be going out to join the crowd of people on this unchanged street"). Their time together would not be meaningless, he concludes, as there is something after love in the form of "FRIENDS".''</font>
	::::Running at over six minutes long, "Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai" is the longest song on the album by a considerable difference. It's the only true power ballad included as well and is driven by both guitar and keyboards. Interestingly, an unreleased instrumental version of the song served as the ending theme to ''[[Music Station]]'' from 1992 through 2002 until another composition by Tak Matsumoto took over in the form of "[[Hana\|#1090 [Sen Mu Ichiya]]]".		::::Running at over six minutes long, "Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai" is the longest song on the album by a considerable difference. It's the only true power ballad included as well and is driven by both guitar and keyboards. Though it should come as no surprise given all of the songs are connected, the album contains a direct reference to the song from the third scene, "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi". Interestingly, an unreleased instrumental version of the song served as the ending theme to ''[[Music Station]]'' from 1992 through 2002 until another composition by Tak Matsumoto took over in the form of "[[Hana\|#1090 [Sen Mu Ichiya]]]".
	:<small>SCENE 6:</small> '''[[Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Lyrics)\|Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Reprise)]]''' — ''A Merry Christmas Once Upon A Time'', いつかのメリークリスマス		:<small>SCENE 6:</small> '''[[Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Lyrics)\|Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Reprise)]]''' — ''A Merry Christmas Once Upon A Time'', いつかのメリークリスマス
	:::[[File:m04_08.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Conclusion''': ''Christmas has come around once again as it all returns to the beginning.''</font>		:::[[File:m04_08.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Conclusion''': ''Christmas has come around once again as it all returns to the beginning.''</font>

Jd- at 19:17, 12 November 2017

2017-11-12T19:17:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:17, 12 November 2017
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			{{Ready}}
	{{Infobox Album \|		{{Infobox Album \|
	\| Name = FRIENDS		\| Name = FRIENDS

Jd-: /* Track listing */

2017-11-12T19:17:46Z

Track listing

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:06, 14 January 2018
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	The mini album would be the band's first venture into "adult-oriented rock" music when it hit shelves in December of 1992. It stood in stark contrast to their fall album ''[[RUN]]'' that contained hard rock numbers such as "[[ZERO]]" and "[[RUN\|Out Of Control]]" and aided in demonstrating their versatility. [[Tak Matsumoto]] noted that the genesis of the project was that, "I wanted to make an album that was like a movie's soundtrack." The songs' connected lyrics were all written in the course of one flight, according to [[Koshi Inaba]]. The vocal tracks are thus represented by four themes: "Recollections", "Reunion", "Conflict", and "Resolution". The title of the album, "FRIENDS", is meant to encompass the overall theme of the narrative as the protagonists are not romantically linked at the time of the story.		The mini album would be the band's first venture into "adult-oriented rock" music when it hit shelves in December of 1992. It stood in stark contrast to their fall album ''[[RUN]]'' that contained hard rock numbers such as "[[ZERO]]" and "[[RUN\|Out Of Control]]" and aided in demonstrating their versatility. [[Tak Matsumoto]] noted that the genesis of the project was that, "I wanted to make an album that was like a movie's soundtrack." The songs' connected lyrics were all written in the course of one flight, according to [[Koshi Inaba]]. The vocal tracks are thus represented by four themes: "Recollections", "Reunion", "Conflict", and "Resolution". The title of the album, "FRIENDS", is meant to encompass the overall theme of the narrative as the protagonists are not romantically linked at the time of the story.

	The album's opening vocal song "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" has proven one of the band's most popular songs of any sort. It has been downloaded over 500,000 times as a ringtone according to the Recording Industry Association of Japan, and has sold more than 100,000 in the form of a full-length download for cell phones alone. It has been collected numerous times on compilations, beginning with 1998's ''[[B'z The Best "Treasure"]]'' and followed by ''[[The Ballads ~Love & B'z~]]'' which opened with the song and featured a hidden dance-oriented version as a hidden track, ''[[B'z The Best "Pleasure II"]]'' in 2005 which featured an acoustic rendition, and lastly ''[[B'z The Best "ULTRA Pleasure"]]'' in 2008. To date, decades later, the song is often requested and played in Japan during the holiday season and is the subject of frequent covers on numerous television programs, including a popular cover performed by fellow Japanese artists Gackt and Ayumi Hamasaki as a duet in 2001. B'z themselves have only performed the song [[B'z Television Appearances\|on television]] ~~three~~ times: in 1994, 2002, and ~~2005~~.		The album's opening vocal song "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" has proven one of the band's most popular songs of any sort. It has been downloaded over 500,000 times as a ringtone according to the Recording Industry Association of Japan, and has sold more than 100,000 in the form of a full-length download for cell phones alone. It has been collected numerous times on compilations, beginning with 1998's ''[[B'z The Best "Treasure"]]'' and followed by ''[[The Ballads ~Love & B'z~]]'' which opened with the song and featured a hidden dance-oriented version as a hidden track, ''[[B'z The Best "Pleasure II"]]'' in 2005 which featured an acoustic rendition, and lastly ''[[B'z The Best "ULTRA Pleasure"]]'' in 2008. To date, decades later, the song is often requested and played in Japan during the holiday season and is the subject of frequent covers on numerous television programs, including a popular cover performed by fellow Japanese artists Gackt and Ayumi Hamasaki as a duet in 2001. B'z themselves have only performed the song [[B'z Television Appearances\|on television]] four times: in 1994, 2002, 2005, and 2017.

	Despite its enduring popularity, "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" is suitably only performed at [[LIVE-GYM]] concerts when the band's tour schedule runs into winter months. Fellow album track "Boku no Tsumi" has [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live\|never been performed live]], with "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi" and "Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai" being performed only during [[B'z LIVE-GYM '93 "RUN"]].		Despite its enduring popularity, "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" is suitably only performed at [[LIVE-GYM]] concerts when the band's tour schedule runs into winter months. Fellow album track "Boku no Tsumi" has [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live\|never been performed live]], with "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi" and "Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai" being performed only during [[B'z LIVE-GYM '93 "RUN"]].

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:45, 12 November 2017
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	The mini album would be the band's first venture into "adult-oriented rock" music when it hit shelves in December of 1992. It stood in stark contrast to their fall album ''[[RUN]]'' that contained hard rock numbers such as "[[ZERO]]" and "[[RUN\|Out Of Control]]" and aided in demonstrating their versatility. [[Tak Matsumoto]] noted that the genesis of the project was that, "I wanted to make an album that was like a movie's soundtrack." The songs' connected lyrics were all written in the course of one flight, according to [[Koshi Inaba]]. The vocal tracks are thus represented by four themes: "Recollections", "Reunion", "Conflict", and "Resolution". The title of the album, "FRIENDS", is meant to encompass the overall theme of the narrative as the protagonists are not romantically linked at the time of the story.		The mini album would be the band's first venture into "adult-oriented rock" music when it hit shelves in December of 1992. It stood in stark contrast to their fall album ''[[RUN]]'' that contained hard rock numbers such as "[[ZERO]]" and "[[RUN\|Out Of Control]]" and aided in demonstrating their versatility. [[Tak Matsumoto]] noted that the genesis of the project was that, "I wanted to make an album that was like a movie's soundtrack." The songs' connected lyrics were all written in the course of one flight, according to [[Koshi Inaba]]. The vocal tracks are thus represented by four themes: "Recollections", "Reunion", "Conflict", and "Resolution". The title of the album, "FRIENDS", is meant to encompass the overall theme of the narrative as the protagonists are not romantically linked at the time of the story.

	The album's opening vocal song "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" has proven one of the band's most popular songs of any sort. It has been downloaded over 500,000 times as a ringtone according to the Recording Industry Association of Japan, and has sold more than 100,000 in the form of a full-length download for cell phones alone. To date, decades later, the song is often requested and played in Japan during the holiday season and is the subject of frequent covers on numerous television programs, including a popular cover performed by fellow Japanese artists Gackt and Ayumi Hamasaki as a duet in 2001. B'z themselves have only performed the song [[B'z Television Appearances\|on television]] three times: in 1994, 2002, and ~~2005. The song would also be the subject of two reversions on two separate winter compilations, with the releases of ''[[The Ballads ~Love & B'z~]]'' in 2002 and ''[[B'z The Best "Pleasure II"]]'' in~~ 2005.		The album's opening vocal song "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" has proven one of the band's most popular songs of any sort. It has been downloaded over 500,000 times as a ringtone according to the Recording Industry Association of Japan, and has sold more than 100,000 in the form of a full-length download for cell phones alone. It has been collected numerous times on compilations, beginning with 1998's ''[[B'z The Best "Treasure"]]'' and followed by ''[[The Ballads ~Love & B'z~]]'' which opened with the song and featured a hidden dance-oriented version as a hidden track, ''[[B'z The Best "Pleasure II"]]'' in 2005 which featured an acoustic rendition, and lastly ''[[B'z The Best "ULTRA Pleasure"]]'' in 2008. To date, decades later, the song is often requested and played in Japan during the holiday season and is the subject of frequent covers on numerous television programs, including a popular cover performed by fellow Japanese artists Gackt and Ayumi Hamasaki as a duet in 2001. B'z themselves have only performed the song [[B'z Television Appearances\|on television]] three times: in 1994, 2002, and 2005.

	Despite its enduring popularity, "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" is suitably only performed at [[LIVE-GYM]] concerts when the band's tour schedule runs into winter months. Fellow album track "Boku no Tsumi" has [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live\|never been performed live]], with "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi" and "Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai" being performed only during [[B'z LIVE-GYM '93 "RUN"]].		Despite its enduring popularity, "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" is suitably only performed at [[LIVE-GYM]] concerts when the band's tour schedule runs into winter months. Fellow album track "Boku no Tsumi" has [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live\|never been performed live]], with "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi" and "Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai" being performed only during [[B'z LIVE-GYM '93 "RUN"]].

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:17, 12 November 2017
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	::::[[File:m04_01.ogg]] An instrumental song, ''Friends'' lacks even guitar with its arrangement being performed entirely with strings instead.		::::[[File:m04_01.ogg]] An instrumental song, ''Friends'' lacks even guitar with its arrangement being performed entirely with strings instead.
	:<small>SCENE 1:</small> '''[[Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Lyrics)\|Itsuka no Merry Christmas]]''' — ''A Merry Christmas Once Upon A Time'', いつかのメリークリスマス		:<small>SCENE 1:</small> '''[[Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Lyrics)\|Itsuka no Merry Christmas]]''' — ''A Merry Christmas Once Upon A Time'', いつかのメリークリスマス
	:::[[File:m04_02.ogg]] '''Recollections:''' ''The titular "FRIENDS" spoken of in the album's title were once romantically involved but no longer. It is now December as the male protagonist describes the festive mood that only reminds him of their past relationship. He laments the loss ("I felt we were always going to be together, my hands forever holding yours"). A past Christmas spent together spent in happiness is recounted, until it's revealed he now walks the streets alone, watching smiling couples pass by arm in arm.''		:::[[File:m04_02.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Recollections:''' ''The titular "FRIENDS" spoken of in the album's title were once romantically involved but no longer. It is now December as the male protagonist describes the festive mood that only reminds him of their past relationship. He laments the loss ("I felt we were always going to be together, my hands forever holding yours"). A past Christmas spent together spent in happiness is recounted, until it's revealed he now walks the streets alone, watching smiling couples pass by arm in arm.''</font>
	::::Not only the foremost song on the album, "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" quickly became one of the band's signature songs—a distinction it carries to this day decades later. Although never a single, it rivals many in the band's catalogue in terms of popularity and remains a Christmas staple in Japan.		::::Not only the foremost song on the album, "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" quickly became one of the band's signature songs—a distinction it carries to this day decades later. Although never a single, it rivals many in the band's catalogue in terms of popularity and remains a Christmas staple in Japan.
	:<small>SCENE 2-1:</small> '''[[Boku no Tsumi (Lyrics)\|Boku no Tsumi]]''' — ''My Sin'', 僕の罪		:<small>SCENE 2-1:</small> '''[[Boku no Tsumi (Lyrics)\|Boku no Tsumi]]''' — ''My Sin'', 僕の罪
	:::[[File:m04_03.ogg]] '''Reunion:''' ''Time continues to pass ~~as he reaches~~ for cigarettes he ~~quit~~ long ago ~~and decides~~ to call her. Hearing her voice, everything changes ("While sewing up the hole in my heart, the words came bursting out: 'I want to see you'"). The title, "My Sin", refers to his inability to let go or even let enough time pass before trying again ("I know, I know, I understand; Not yet, not yet, not enough time has passed yet"). When they decide to meet, he sees that her hairstyle has changed but "the smile I've become accustomed to is just the same". The song ends as he oscillates between trying to win her back and accepting the realization that time is slowly forgetting their time together.''		:::[[File:m04_03.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Reunion:''' ''Time continues to pass. Reaching for cigarettes he put aside long ago, he feels compelled to finally call her again. Hearing her voice, everything changes ("While sewing up the hole in my heart, the words came bursting out: 'I want to see you'"). The title, "My Sin", refers to his inability to let go or even let enough time pass before trying again ("I know, I know, I understand; Not yet, not yet, not enough time has passed yet"). When they decide to meet, he sees that her hairstyle has changed but "the smile I've become accustomed to is just the same". The song ends as he oscillates between trying to win her back and accepting the realization that time is slowly forgetting their time together.''</font>
	::::~~<font color=~~"~~white~~">.~~</font>~~		::::The most upbeat of the album's tracks, "Boku no Tsumi" is the only song from the work to [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live\|never be performed live]] apart from the instrumentals. The song begins with somber guitar prior to the shattering of glass. The prominent female chorus vocals are provided by famed Japanese pop singer [[Maki Ohguro]].
	:<small>SCENE 2-2:</small> '''Love Is...'''		:<small>SCENE 2-2:</small> '''Love Is...'''
	::::[[File:m04_04.ogg]] As with other instrumentals on the album, "Love Is..." is performed by one instrument, in this case a keyboard. Its melody is sourced from the the next track, "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi", and is effected to sound akin to a music box.		::::[[File:m04_04.ogg]] As with other instrumentals on the album, "Love Is..." is performed by one instrument, in this case a keyboard. Its melody is sourced from the the next track, "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi", and is effected to sound akin to a music box.
	:<small>SCENE 3:</small> '''[[Koi Jyanakunaru Hi (Lyrics)\|Koi Jyanakunaru Hi]]''' — ''The Day Love Ceased to Be'', 恋じゃなくなる日		:<small>SCENE 3:</small> '''[[Koi Jyanakunaru Hi (Lyrics)\|Koi Jyanakunaru Hi]]''' — ''The Day Love Ceased to Be'', 恋じゃなくなる日
	:::[[File:m04_04.ogg]] '''Conflict:''' ''The two decide to meet again to rekindle what they once lost. Collecting shells along the winter beach, they continue to hang on despite the answer being obvious ("We can't just let go no matter how long it's dragged on, so we keep suppressing these dimming feelings the best we can"). All they once did together in happier times no longer feel the same as before ("Puzzled and meaningless smiles on our faces become replaced by yet another bewildered feeling"). Burying a shell on which they had painted their memories and hearing the echo of distant bells, it signalled "both the end and its beginning". After having tried again to no avail, he mutters to himself, "I don't need love anymore". On a paved street in the middle of the winter night, she slips her arm into his. Still, through his doubt, he looks to the sky, returning to the song's title with certainty: "It was the sky of the day when love ceased to be."''		:::[[File:m04_04.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Conflict:''' ''The two decide to meet again to rekindle what they once lost. Collecting shells along the winter beach, they continue to hang on despite the answer being obvious ("We can't just let go no matter how long it's dragged on, so we keep suppressing these dimming feelings the best we can"). All they once did together in happier times no longer feel the same as before ("Puzzled and meaningless smiles on our faces become replaced by yet another bewildered feeling"). Burying a shell on which they had painted their memories and hearing the echo of distant bells, it signalled "both the end and its beginning". After having tried again to no avail, he mutters to himself, "I don't need love anymore". On a paved street in the middle of the winter night, she slips her arm into his. Still, through his doubt, he looks to the sky, returning to the song's title with certainty: "It was the sky of the day when love ceased to be."''</font>
	::::~~<font color=~~"~~white~~">.~~</font>~~		::::Apart from the first vocal track present, "Koi Jyanakunaru Hi" is undoubtedly the second most popular song from the mini album. Although it has not been performed since [[B'z LIVE-GYM '93 "RUN"]], it was voted to tenth place for the fan-slected compilation ''[[B'z The Best "ULTRA Treasure"]]'' and included on its first disc. In a 2014 fan club poll asking which songs fans would like to hear as part of [[B'z LIVE-GYM 2015 -EPIC NIGHT-]], the song finished third but ultimately was not performed.
	:<small>SCENE 4:</small> '''SEASONS'''		:<small>SCENE 4:</small> '''SEASONS'''
	:::[[File:m04_06.ogg]] '''Seasons:''' ''The passage of time.''		:::[[File:m04_06.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Seasons:''' ''The passage of time.''</font>
	::::Recorded only here on this album, "SEASONS" is used to bridge the time between the third and fifth scenes on the album. It is performed solely by Tak on an acoustic guitar.		::::Recorded only here on this album, "SEASONS" is used to bridge the time between the third and fifth scenes on the album. It is performed solely by Tak on an acoustic guitar.
	:<small>SCENE 5:</small> '''[[Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai (Lyrics)\|Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai]]''' — ''No Matter What, I Don't Want to Lose You'', どうしても君を失いたくない		:<small>SCENE 5:</small> '''[[Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai (Lyrics)\|Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai]]''' — ''No Matter What, I Don't Want to Lose You'', どうしても君を失いたくない
	:::[[File:m04_07.ogg]] '''Resolution''': ''A new winter has arrived and a year has passed since their reunion. In a daydream brought on by the season, he thinks of "nostalgic days long past" and considers whether he was wrong to walk away ("'No matter what, I don't want to lose you!' I scream that from the deepest recesses of my chest"). From his car, he notices a couple walking closely, arm in arm. He again considers the cost of love to those involved ("When love ceases to be, is it considered a betrayal to the other person?"). He decides that it may be best if they go on living after closing that chapter, and if they could forget the animosity between them, there may still be a place for them. The story ends with a reversal of roles but with a new perspective ("After you wake up, you'll be going out to join the crowd of people on this unchanged street"). Their time together would not be meaningless, he concludes, as there is something after love in the form of "FRIENDS".''		:::[[File:m04_07.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Resolution''': ''A new winter has arrived and a year has passed since their reunion. In a daydream brought on by the season, he thinks of "nostalgic days long past" and considers whether he was wrong to walk away ("'No matter what, I don't want to lose you!' I scream that from the deepest recesses of my chest"). From his car, he notices a couple walking closely, arm in arm. He again considers the cost of love to those involved ("When love ceases to be, is it considered a betrayal to the other person?"). He decides that it may be best if they go on living after closing that chapter, and if they could forget the animosity between them, there may still be a place for them. The story ends with a reversal of roles but with a new perspective ("After you wake up, you'll be going out to join the crowd of people on this unchanged street"). Their time together would not be meaningless, he concludes, as there is something after love in the form of "FRIENDS".''</font>
	::::~~<font color=~~"~~white~~">.~~</font>~~		::::Running at over six minutes long, "Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai" is the longest song on the album by a considerable difference. It's the only true power ballad included as well and is driven by both guitar and keyboards. Interestingly, an unreleased instrumental version of the song served as the ending theme to ''[[Music Station]]'' from 1992 through 2002 until another composition by Tak Matsumoto took over in the form of "[[Hana\|#1090 [Sen Mu Ichiya]]]".
	:<small>SCENE 6:</small> '''[[Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Lyrics)\|Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Reprise)]]''' — ''A Merry Christmas Once Upon A Time'', いつかのメリークリスマス		:<small>SCENE 6:</small> '''[[Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Lyrics)\|Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Reprise)]]''' — ''A Merry Christmas Once Upon A Time'', いつかのメリークリスマス
	:::[[File:m04_08.ogg]] '''Conclusion''': ''Christmas has come around once again as it all returns to the beginning.''		:::[[File:m04_08.ogg]] <font color="Indigo">'''Conclusion''': ''Christmas has come around once again as it all returns to the beginning.''</font>
	::::To close the album, this piano-only reprise of "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" brings the story back to the where it began.		::::To close the album, this piano-only reprise of "Itsuka no Merry Christmas" brings the story back to the where it began.