allmusic Album Review

[buyme-arashi.livejournal.com]

Still flailing over Boku no Miteiru Fukei? Lets step backward a bit with All the Best! 1999-2009 review by allmusic.



So ubiquitous had Japanese boy band Arashi become by the end of 2009, with 24 number one singles (and the group carpet-bombing the TV schedules thanks to what appeared to be a law stating there must be at least one member of the group on TV on at least one Japanese TV channel at any given time) (LOL), that the phenomenal success of this bumper three-CD compilation was guaranteed to a level where it could simply bludgeon any critical appraisal of its contents aside. With the first two discs comprised of all Arashi's singles to date and the third containing a selection supposedly chosen by the group members (more likely by their notoriously controlling management company, Johnny's Jimusho, in accordance with the members' carefully stage-managed personae), listening to it all at once is like being blinded by the light from a revolving sushi bar of gold, platinum, and double-platinum discs. The songs are devastatingly effective slabs of earnest, undeniably catchy, blandly feel-good boy band pop, and even a dedicated hater of the group would be forced to admit that, taken on their own terms, songs like "Sunrise Nippon" and "Pikanchi" are good pop music. Obviously, however, given the kind of band Arashi are, anyone seeking something a bit more nutritious would be well advised to steer clear, since despite the eagerness of songs like "Hadashi no Mirai" to rock out, their music invariably comes across every bit as glassy-eyed, airbrushed, and sexually non-threatening as the boys themselves. Of the three CDs, disc one, containing the group's earlier singles, is the most fun, with the second disc seeming to be taking aim at courting a more mature (read: "bland") image. The third disc, containing "Arashi's selection," is a curious collection of tracks that certainly adds variety to the compilation, although its occasional flirtations with '90s Eurobeat demonstrate questionable musical taste from at least one member. (Aiba!)

by Ian Martin
source

Related links:
- Arashi allmusic page
- Wikipedia: All The Best! 1999-2009
- Wikipedia: Allmusic
- allmusic Dream Alive review
Kudos to the lovely people who updates Arashi wiki page regularly.

I love reading honest reviews. Drop a comment if you want to share a review of any of their albums.

Comments

[xoxo-mcdreamy.livejournal.com]

Bahaha so true
Johnnys pop is lovable trash
But they definitely have a few really good songs here and there?

[musosuru.livejournal.com]

sorry, this became long XD

my best friend hates all their music (except Sakura Sake and even then she only likes the Sakurap). I don't know...i have to admit it hit me where it hurts...because it's true XDD I just kind of ignore it and enjoy it. Some people can't stand it though. (which i can understand...i can't stand BSB but my mom still listens to them here and there). Actually, BSB is still kind of going on, but there are those classics i grew up with (and hear almost every day on the music track selected to play at work). It's a love-hate relationship. As for Arashi, i guess they do kinda' dip into other genres but still infuse it with their distinct style so it doesn't sound 'new'. I'd like to hear something completely different, even though they are already established as a boy-band/J-pop group. Sometimes i hear other music from completely different genres and wonder 'how would Arashi sound singing something like this?' or 'Arashi should try this!', just to shake things up. Unfortunately, boy-bands are way past dead here. Like the article says (or was it the Dream A Live article?) many grow up with them and that's way they 'tolerate' it. I grew up with boy bands such as BSBS, N'Sync, 98 Degress, etc. so i guess i went back to that...? Although, honestly, nothing from here compels me to listen. It may be catchy as as a tune but heck, the lyrics? Absolute trash. I hate it.

That's way i like Arashi because the lyrics are a bit more meaningful then partying all night or getting laid or anything else getting released here. I'm not looking for love songs or anything, or ballads, but something i can sing along to and not feel embarrassed because it doesn't make sense/a bunch of swears/etc.

I'd like to see them as a bit more 'threatening' ('...as non-threatening as the boys themselves.') as they are growing up (are grown up) and don't have that innocent air about them anymore. They say their new album's a bit more 'mature' but i have yet to receive mine so i can't judge, but i'd like to see something a bit sexier or something in upcoming releases..? Although the dark stuff is KAT-TUN's thing, isn't it...? I kind of contradict myself there by saying that because that means singing about stuff that artists here are singing about. I'd like to see a nice balance though. If they could pull it off that'd be amazing XD (my mom saw some pics from the 2009-2010 calendar and was horrified saying 'they should think of the overseas fans' or 'this is embarrassing and won't sell here'...soemthing along those lines. I had to tell her that they aren't marketing for the rest of the world, but Japan, where it actually kind of accepted. If other people in the world accept it, then good for them. They won't change to get more fans, you like them as they are.)

[karened.livejournal.com]

The lyrics, yes yes! One major reason why I very very seldomly listen to Western music (the other being the over-use of heavy beats) is because of the lyrics. Crap. No meaning. Filled with swears. Filled with dirty thoughts. Not my cup of tea. Of course, I'm not saying that all songs like that. I enjoyed a few here and there, but there's nothing to keep me inside that zone.

[musosuru.livejournal.com]

that's the thing! my mom listens to quite a few catchy songs and I'm like 'yeah, this is pretty good...' but once i actually listen, that's when i have a problem. Like Kessha.....Unfortunately, here, sex sells. And so, that's all we ever see/hear. I want Arashi to be a bit sexier in their songs or a bit more hardcore with their tunes to somewhat appeal to this side of the world. That means change though, and i just don't know XD And because i am sued to that 'sexiness' that they have to promote here that's what i am kind of looking for, but i love most of their stuff anyways >< Even dark sounding songs are quite powerful in lyrics in Japanese music (at times). So it works.

Plus, again, this is geared to Japan. It only so happened that other people like them in other countries, but my mom firmly believes they will never get popular here, which i can agree on if looking from her point of view.

[karened.livejournal.com]

I second her opinion too. They're too rainbow-sparkly for the West.

[musosuru.livejournal.com]

so true. Everyone who sees them says 1)they look like girls and 2) hey are fags :( i wish all the best to Jin though. Maybe he can open up the way...?

[karened.livejournal.com]

*shrugs* I'm very skeptical about Jin...because, look at Rain. Basically, the chances of an Asian singer making it big in the West is slim. Mainly those who make it are actors (like Ken Watanabe) or action stars (like Jet Li).

[musosuru.livejournal.com]

I don't know much Kpop...i didn't know he went to the States.

it is quite slim. Miyavi came but he isn't huge or anything....if he was i wouldn't have had to go to another province to seer him XD And i would be abl;e to buy his CDs here...waiting for that. Utada 'debuted again' or something but only has one english album that is never re-stocked. Tokio Hotel was popular last year but that died down fast. As mult-cultural as Canada (and maybe the States? ) is, people aren't very open to foreign musicians.

[ecyojn.livejournal.com]

But Tokio Hotel is German.

[musosuru.livejournal.com]

yeah, i know lol. I meant to say that other foreign artists that i like have come but haven't really 'made it' here. Their music was a bit more suited here but still, as far as i can tell the hype is gone. Utada never made a big impression here when she 're-debuted' either

long!

[clara-maria.livejournal.com]

I really like this review.
to be honest: I'm an earnest boyband-hater! and ever was...
but, I did seriously grow attached to Arashi, in the beginning through films and dramas, then the displayed "stage-managed personae" (he made a good point with that! I think they able to show more of themself recently...the over-clean-image is also going to crumble with the new lyrics O_O ^-^). At first I didn't like their tune (the first ones I heard were "One Love" and stuff), and there are still songs I don't like (like "One love" and stuff ^-^), but some of their songs are really great, esp. those un-Arashi-tunes! I really like many of their new song, because of this un-Arashiness and also older once which are not boyband-typical-lovey-dovey-nothing-to-say-thingys. even if the lyric sometimes didn't catch me, the music or arrangements are often great, in new and also older songs.
I'm in a real pinch, regarding the Jimushu and Johnny Kitagawa...until now, I'm not sure how to handle my refusal of this person and the whole system at the same time with my passion for the guys...I'm a little bit afraid, how things will going on for them, regarding "to be free" or to get enough sleep or privacy or a love life (!) - since they are promoted to be the next-SMAP and super-duper-Idols
hm, we will see...
sorry, it's my usual rampaging...O_o

Re: long!

[musosuru.livejournal.com]

ah the love life issue xD I think with their recent super-idol image it'll be even harder to move into a family-like image. As in, these guys are allowed to date/marry. It is inevitable after all. That's horrible, to be deprived of that. Isn't the only reason one of the other Johnny's allowed to marry because he got his girlfriend pregnant? It seems that's the only way they can escape that one golden rule is to go that route :( I mean come one! They are reaching their thirties! :( I know Ohno isn't interested in marriage now (or, at least, that's what he said in an interview...) but the fact still remains that they are growing older and family is going to be on their mind or something in the next few years...

Re: long!

[clara-maria.livejournal.com]

hm, it will or maybe is...I'm not afraid, they wont be allowed and even when , I think they are quite stubborn, all of them ^-^
but I'm a bit scared about the press (and what about scary fan-girls? I can't imagine those going crazy, but I heard it happens...)
and JE isn't only problematic because of those family-/girl-friend-matters...
but nevertheless, I really like Arashi and I wish them the best they could get, in every matter!
and maybe someday Aiba will also change from eurodance to music *grin* (ichiban daisuki!!)

Re: long!

[musosuru.livejournal.com]

ah yes, the press :( and crazy fans >< i imagine a bit and hope for them to stay togetehr forever, but i know thta is unrealistic. I won't be devastated if they move on because that's life. Unfortunately., some people don't see it that way...

Re: long!

[novemberbaby.livejournal.com]

I agree. It's harder for them to consider getting married now since they're so popular. And Kimura Takuya, the one who impregnated his girlfriend and married her, was (and still is) popular back then, and since everyone made a big deal about what happened, I guess JE just wants to prevent history from repeating itself. It is kind of justifiable, but you are right about them being deprived of getting married and dating. The only thing is, these boys do date (as do the rest of the JE boys) and they may not be open about it since they're not allowed to talk about their girlfriends, but they do it anyway. Getting married...who knows? Maybe they will get married once their popularity dies down a little. It's a dilemma.

Re: long!

[musosuru.livejournal.com]

they are liable to get killed (or their gf's) if they made it public :S crazy fans can get pretty crazy. I know they can't continue this way for much longer (let them sleep at least!), even though i want them to be 'Arashi' forever. It is unrealistic. So i hold on to that 'dream' and i know one day that bubble willl pop. I accept it and support them in any way I can :D Especially if they get married ^^

Re: long!

[karened.livejournal.com]

In fact, I noticed that Nino has been mentioning a lot in interviews about children. Like "If I had a kid...", "I like kids but I don't want to get married" and stuff...it's even in his solo lyrics!

Re: long!

[musosuru.livejournal.com]

yeah, i noticed that too :O

[swingerino.livejournal.com]

I don't typically pay much attention to critics, but to read about the boys from the perspective of a professional critic outside of Asia (at least, I am assuming) was fascinating - thanks for sharing!

[agentduckiechan.livejournal.com]

I kinda like this guy's writing style. lol. Even if he's strongly critical of the whole boyband machine, he can't deny that Arashi's made some good, fun music, and that's really what Arashi's about. Most boyband reviewers get caught up in the hype of hating on the entire concept of boybands that they don't really stop to listen and acknowledge the good parts of pop. (Also, I like his imagery about the sushi bar with gold and platinum discs. hahahaha.)

I have to disagree with one point, though - Arashi is anything but bland. They may be factory-produced, but they're fun, cracktastic, fanservicey, and altogether quite entertaining if you're willing to look past the whole "boyband" thing (which is, ironically, the thing that got me into them). Plus, as this is a chronological compendium of singles, I don't think the songs on the second disc were meant so much to "court a more mature image" than they were just products of their time; this is what J-music sounded like in the late 2000s. Also, the singles on the second disc are what sucked me into the fandom... but to each their own. lol.

A final note - Eurobeat is AWESOME. I disagree that liking Eurobeat demonstrates questional musical taste XD

[zelskeet.livejournal.com]

Me too. I got into Arashi because of their music. Then fell in love of their dorkiness.. I don't really like to read the translations of Arashi songs. I just listen them without understanding the lyrics and feel happy.. The beat alone makes me happy ^_^ Though I know that compared to Western lyrics, Arashi's lyrics are much better; more meaningful.

[scribblyness-x.livejournal.com]

sexually non-threatening
This made me lol.

[meenutrust.livejournal.com]

Thanks very much for sharing this =)

I love reading articles by 'outsiders', or just people who don't know about the jimusho.

I was a boyband lover as a kid, mostly those from America and Europe. I THOUGHT I outgrew boybands when I was 16 XD Then I turned 24 and so came the ever fateful meeting with Arashi.... =P I still can't explain why i like them.... Not even to myself.

The songs are nothing great, as the review says. Rather I think many Arashi fans like the songs BECAUSE they are delivered by Arashi. Everytime I read about the top sales, I go "What?!!! Why?!"

Ah... possibly the most mind boggling mystery of the century, why, why, why does Arashi sell like they do? XD

Anyways, thanks again for sharing the review! =D

[currycroquette.livejournal.com]

A fair review from a westerner's and neutral point of view. Keep in mind someone else is writing and composing their songs, but how the songs get picked and how much say the boys get to have in this process is beyond me (with the exception of Sakurap and Nino's songs). Because they are idols and not just music artists, I think of music as their side jobs and that Johnny's image and reputation proceeds them and take priority first.

[musosuru.livejournal.com]

it is a good review, hitting on both good and bad points ^^ which is what makes it so interesting.

that's the thing, is it what they want to sing?? My mom makes fun of 'random' English but i point out they don't write the songs :s

[melonz139.livejournal.com]

The reason I listen to Arashi is somehow their songs makes me happy; and if the critics listen to all the singles and the rest of the albums; I am sure he can conclude that Arashi has more variable sound then any other singers (pop, technopop, rock, jazz, contemporary folk song, etc); for eg. he needs to listen to mou ippo, super fresh, gori muchu, kimi wo sukoshi mo warukunai that are not in the All the Best album.

I agree with everyone regarding the lyrics. I, myself too, am tired of listening lyrics such as you're my whore, let's get down, WTF, I am the best and most famous (all those partying, let's have sex, oneself bragging lyrics - if you know what I mean~)

I also agree that I need them to be a bit upbeat, sexy and dark as well

Thank you for posting the review. I do not know that there is someone in the West that thinking of reviewing Arashi. The fact that Arashi is being reviewed, show that Arashi's name has reached certain entertainment crowd. I think; for Arashi can only be famous in USA through their variety shows especially A no Arashi, Aiba Sugoroku, rather than music. However in Europe, we still able to tolerate those eye-candy songs.

[mystika387.livejournal.com]

funny, thanks for sharing!