This is the one and only A-side compilation that Do As Infinity has. It was released September 29, 2005, prior to their official disbandment 6 year after their debut. It was released in two editions, a limited 2CD+DVD edition and a regular 2CD edition. The DVD contains all of the PV they have released.
This album started with acoustic sound of Tangerine Dream, Do As Infinity's debut single. The acoustic arrangement of this song is really beautiful. Tomiko Van's voice puts that dreamy emotion successfully. Not to mention, I find the addition electric guitar 'sparks' which played by Ryo Owatari really fits the song. Not too much, Not too little. This song gives dreamy and relaxing effect whenever i listen to this song. Nonetheless, excellent debut a-side.
Arrangement: A | Music: A | Vocal: A
Oasis, DAI's second single, is quite different than their first one. This song is more rock-oriented. The BGM of this song dominated by Ryo's rocking guitar riffs. He really shows his guitar skill in this song, especially at the bridge. He really knows how to use right effect on his electric guitar. I really appreciate that Tomiko sings in higher register in the choruses. But, I'm disturbed by her mediocre vocal showed at the intro. Since that problem solved by Nagao Dai's vocal backing at the choruses, this song has no other problem, even the minor one. I really like the vocal distortions at the bridge. It's just very cool.
Arrangement: A- | Music: A | Vocal: B+
One of the most unique song that released by DAI, Heart, has mysterious ethnic feeling. I really love the arrangement. This song has heavy Latin influences. Not to mention, synthetic sounds were added to create that atmosphere. Tomiko's vocal were also improved; it's better than the previous ones.
Arrangement: A | Music: A | Vocal: A+
My first DAI song ever, Yesterday & Today (I was still 11 at that time so i didn't know how to hunt this song), chilled down my spine when listening to it as an insert song in a famous TV drama 'LOVE 2000'. Thanks
for the beautiful orchestral instruments, gentle percussion and acoustics and ahh.... Tomiko's voice. Her voice was very very beautiful. Her voice gives life to this song. I also feel the song transcended slowly yet surely to give a thrilling conclusion.Arrangement: A | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+
rumble fish marks the NEW WORLD era. This is an odd song. You can see it directly at the title ^^. Despite of its odd title, instruments are also in a weird side. This song starts by only acoustic guitar and Van's voice, similar to Oasis, but in the better side. To tell you, i don't like the chorus of this song. Unlike the verses that used thick layers of instrumentals, the choruses just feel 'empty'. The backing vocal there also annoys me. But, the peaceful bridge is more than enough to save the flow of this song.
Arrangement: B- | Music: A- | Vocal: A
After a long acoustic parade, we come to an upbeat winter themed track, We are.. Once more again, Nagao Dai showed his arranging skill by writing this fantastic percussion-strings hybrid song. Don't get me wrong, percussion that i mean aren't just drums, but also bells, chimes, glockenspiel, etc. (i don't know how to say that >.<). Everything, plus electric guitar sparks were blended perfectly. The vocal has nothing to worry about. Plus, i was impressed by the drums, so soft and fast. Absolutely one of their best a-side. Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A-
Their fast-paced pop rock song, Desire has the heaviest synth arrangement compared with their other a-side. Thick layer of orchestral synth combined with mysterious synth beats here and there just prove it. Nice acoustic arrangement is also added to this song. This song is as complex as we are.. The differences were only at the rocking guitar and addictive bass lines. The drums are so soft. So does Tomiko's vocal, it's very soothing, despite its heavy arrangement. I always thought that if this song uses acoustic instrumentals, the strings especially, this song will beat the goodness of we are..
Arrangement: A | Music: A | Vocal: A
Now, we come to first a-side on DEEP FOREST era, Tooku Made. This song has an awesome mysterious intro which flows seamlessly to the rocking verse. Instrumentally, this song is similar to Desire, although it has difference on the volume level. Compared to Desire, this song has less dynamics. Transition after the choruses didn't flow very well. However, the vocals were flawless as usual.
Arrangement: B+ | Music: A | Vocal: A
Week! brings us back to their classical acoustic sound. This song is surely a good summer-feeling track. Gladly, no more heavy synth! Everything sounds so natural. This song relies on its percussion and acoustic guitars which have a great presence here. Tomiko's voice was also in a relaxing side, it wasn't rough like in their rock-based songs. However, this is a perfect mood lifter.
Arrangement: A- | Music: B+ | Vocal: A
The most popular song that DAI ever released as an ending song in popular anime Inuyasha, Fukai Mori, comes this time. So, it's their second song that i listen. I think you were also knew what this is like. This is also one of my favorite. However, this song incorporates beautiful strings, acoustic guitar and soft percussion plus traditional woodwind instrument to give that deep-forest effect. We may give a standing applause for Nagao Dai for composing this beautiful song. Everything in this song blended perfectly, although Tomiko's vocal didn't blend very well in the verses. It was just a bit too strong in my opinion.
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A-
I wasn't really interested at the first time i hear Boukensha Tachi. Although by this far this is their most aggressive song, i need to hear the bridge part to get the pace of this song. To tell you, the choruses are the main problem of this song. Actually, those choruses have addictive bass lines, but those basses forget their main task as the base of the song. Plus, Tomiko's vocal isn't as good as usual. So, i really recommend to tweak your equalizer when listening to this song.
Arrangement: B- | Music: B | Vocal: B+
Hi no Ataru Sakamichi, one of the single that wasn't included to any of their studio albums, is a synth ballad. Feel something strange? Yes, it's synth that rules in this song. I only feel little presence of real strings that usually used by a normal ballad. This is one of their memorable singles. It's heartwarming yet nostalgic.
Arrangement: A | Music: A- | Vocal: A
Right now, we are under the sun ^^. Unlike their usual dark rock songs, this song feels so bright. You can see it on the title. Tomiko's vocal is excellent this time. Despite of heavy rock instruments played, her voice still stood out. This song gives me energy whenever i listen to it. Not to mention, the phrase “i walk under the sun/ i don't look back again” is very catchy. Still, the bass has exactly the same problem as Boukensha Tachi, but it doesn't really bother me.
Arrangement: B+| Music: A- | Vocal: A+
Feel hot? Don't worry, because we are under the moon right now. This track is a complete opposite to under the sun. This song has dark, sad, yet soothing atmosphere. Again, Tomiko's voice gave a life to this track. Well, after knowing that she wrote the lyrics by herself, I'm not surprised that she could sing this song emotionally. The percussion's part on the bridge is just awesome. I suggest you turn off the lights to get a better sensation.
Arrangement: A | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+
Another Inuyasha ending song, Shinjitsu no Uta,
follows the sadness and mysteriousness of the previous track. Instrumentally, this song has similarities to Fukai Mori, not counting the woodwind. However, thanks to the traditional strings instruments for making this song sounds so dramatic. Plus, Tomiko has solved the problem she did in Fukai Mori. So, she sung this song flawlessly. Since this is their best song for me, words aren't enough to describe the beauty of this song. I swear!
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+
Mahou no Kotoba ~Would you marry me?~ will instantly lift you up from the sadness. This is the most unique a-side they ever released. The excess use of brass section, high-pitched string arrangement, plus the wedding theme just prove that. Tomiko's
vocal was also at the fun side, as well as other instruments did. I'll probably sing this song on my wedding. I really love the cute childish voice saying “would you marry me?” at the intro.
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A
Again, DAI will rock you when Honjitsu wa Seiten Nari starts. This song is also unique. DAI's songs were dominated by pop-rock songs. As for this one, it's pure rock instrumentally, even vocally. We knew that Tomiko's voice rocks. Here, you'll hear that she rocks than she has ever done. This is an infectious rock song. Recommended for someone who loves rock.
Arrangement: A | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+
DAI never failed to give me creative songs, as this song, Hiiragi did. This is a string ballad. Although this song reminds me to Yesterday & Today, it was different. While Yesterday & Today relied on the acoustic guitar, Hiiragi relied on the strings and some mysterious beats. Yet again, Tomiko's vocal was flawless. It sounded very pure. If you love Yesterday & Today, you'll find this song as a great treat. Not to mention, you should notice Ryo's acoustic guitar play.
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A | Vocal: A+
Yet another unique song, Rakuen, as an insert song in Inuyasha movie, shows up this time. This song has peaceful verses with the play of cello & contrabass in the BGM, and seamlessly flows to a rocking chorus. The bridge here is their best one. This is also my favorite.
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+
For the future is just a stereotypical DAI pop-rock song. I didn't find something special here. The instruments were very ordinary. Instead of excellent vocal performance, this song doesn't stand out toward another a-side. One of the weakest track in album.
Arrangement: B- | Music: B- | Vocal: A-
Finally, we come to the last a-side in DAI's career as a band, TAO. As for the genre is DAI's typical pop-rock, the piano in this song wasn't that typical. The piano arrangement here was in complicated side. The same thing also went to Tomiko's vocal. Verses were in the low pitch (lowest within this compilation), yet the choruses were in the high pitch. This song also has excellent bridge. This is an elegant a-side prior to their disbandment. You can see the lyrics for that.
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+
Favorite song: Shinjitsu no Uta, Rakuen, and TAO
Conclusion:
This compilation is a great treat for me, as one of their fan. Everything here exceeded my expectation for them. This is a best way to mark a disbandment. By this compilation, their versatility and creativity as a band really proved. Not to mention, the price of this compilation almost the same as an ordinary album. This compilation is a must for any J-Pop/J-Rock lover. Also, Hi no Ataru Sakamichi and under the moon are both excellent bonus since they didn't appear in any of their studio album.
Overall, I give the score [97/A+] for this compilation.
PS. It's not easy to get that score!
Arrangement: B+ | Music: A | Vocal: A
Week! brings us back to their classical acoustic sound. This song is surely a good summer-feeling track. Gladly, no more heavy synth! Everything sounds so natural. This song relies on its percussion and acoustic guitars which have a great presence here. Tomiko's voice was also in a relaxing side, it wasn't rough like in their rock-based songs. However, this is a perfect mood lifter.
Arrangement: A- | Music: B+ | Vocal: A
The most popular song that DAI ever released as an ending song in popular anime Inuyasha, Fukai Mori, comes this time. So, it's their second song that i listen. I think you were also knew what this is like. This is also one of my favorite. However, this song incorporates beautiful strings, acoustic guitar and soft percussion plus traditional woodwind instrument to give that deep-forest effect. We may give a standing applause for Nagao Dai for composing this beautiful song. Everything in this song blended perfectly, although Tomiko's vocal didn't blend very well in the verses. It was just a bit too strong in my opinion.
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A-
I wasn't really interested at the first time i hear Boukensha Tachi. Although by this far this is their most aggressive song, i need to hear the bridge part to get the pace of this song. To tell you, the choruses are the main problem of this song. Actually, those choruses have addictive bass lines, but those basses forget their main task as the base of the song. Plus, Tomiko's vocal isn't as good as usual. So, i really recommend to tweak your equalizer when listening to this song.
Arrangement: B- | Music: B | Vocal: B+
Hi no Ataru Sakamichi, one of the single that wasn't included to any of their studio albums, is a synth ballad. Feel something strange? Yes, it's synth that rules in this song. I only feel little presence of real strings that usually used by a normal ballad. This is one of their memorable singles. It's heartwarming yet nostalgic.
Arrangement: A | Music: A- | Vocal: A
Right now, we are under the sun ^^. Unlike their usual dark rock songs, this song feels so bright. You can see it on the title. Tomiko's vocal is excellent this time. Despite of heavy rock instruments played, her voice still stood out. This song gives me energy whenever i listen to it. Not to mention, the phrase “i walk under the sun/ i don't look back again” is very catchy. Still, the bass has exactly the same problem as Boukensha Tachi, but it doesn't really bother me.
Arrangement: B+| Music: A- | Vocal: A+
Feel hot? Don't worry, because we are under the moon right now. This track is a complete opposite to under the sun. This song has dark, sad, yet soothing atmosphere. Again, Tomiko's voice gave a life to this track. Well, after knowing that she wrote the lyrics by herself, I'm not surprised that she could sing this song emotionally. The percussion's part on the bridge is just awesome. I suggest you turn off the lights to get a better sensation.Arrangement: A | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+
Another Inuyasha ending song, Shinjitsu no Uta,
follows the sadness and mysteriousness of the previous track. Instrumentally, this song has similarities to Fukai Mori, not counting the woodwind. However, thanks to the traditional strings instruments for making this song sounds so dramatic. Plus, Tomiko has solved the problem she did in Fukai Mori. So, she sung this song flawlessly. Since this is their best song for me, words aren't enough to describe the beauty of this song. I swear!Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+
Mahou no Kotoba ~Would you marry me?~ will instantly lift you up from the sadness. This is the most unique a-side they ever released. The excess use of brass section, high-pitched string arrangement, plus the wedding theme just prove that. Tomiko's
vocal was also at the fun side, as well as other instruments did. I'll probably sing this song on my wedding. I really love the cute childish voice saying “would you marry me?” at the intro.Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A
Again, DAI will rock you when Honjitsu wa Seiten Nari starts. This song is also unique. DAI's songs were dominated by pop-rock songs. As for this one, it's pure rock instrumentally, even vocally. We knew that Tomiko's voice rocks. Here, you'll hear that she rocks than she has ever done. This is an infectious rock song. Recommended for someone who loves rock.
Arrangement: A | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+
DAI never failed to give me creative songs, as this song, Hiiragi did. This is a string ballad. Although this song reminds me to Yesterday & Today, it was different. While Yesterday & Today relied on the acoustic guitar, Hiiragi relied on the strings and some mysterious beats. Yet again, Tomiko's vocal was flawless. It sounded very pure. If you love Yesterday & Today, you'll find this song as a great treat. Not to mention, you should notice Ryo's acoustic guitar play.Arrangement: A+ | Music: A | Vocal: A+
Yet another unique song, Rakuen, as an insert song in Inuyasha movie, shows up this time. This song has peaceful verses with the play of cello & contrabass in the BGM, and seamlessly flows to a rocking chorus. The bridge here is their best one. This is also my favorite.Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+
For the future is just a stereotypical DAI pop-rock song. I didn't find something special here. The instruments were very ordinary. Instead of excellent vocal performance, this song doesn't stand out toward another a-side. One of the weakest track in album.
Arrangement: B- | Music: B- | Vocal: A-
Finally, we come to the last a-side in DAI's career as a band, TAO. As for the genre is DAI's typical pop-rock, the piano in this song wasn't that typical. The piano arrangement here was in complicated side. The same thing also went to Tomiko's vocal. Verses were in the low pitch (lowest within this compilation), yet the choruses were in the high pitch. This song also has excellent bridge. This is an elegant a-side prior to their disbandment. You can see the lyrics for that.Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A+
Favorite song: Shinjitsu no Uta, Rakuen, and TAO
Conclusion:
This compilation is a great treat for me, as one of their fan. Everything here exceeded my expectation for them. This is a best way to mark a disbandment. By this compilation, their versatility and creativity as a band really proved. Not to mention, the price of this compilation almost the same as an ordinary album. This compilation is a must for any J-Pop/J-Rock lover. Also, Hi no Ataru Sakamichi and under the moon are both excellent bonus since they didn't appear in any of their studio album.
Overall, I give the score [97/A+] for this compilation.
PS. It's not easy to get that score!
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