B’z – Magic

Tracklist

1. “Introduction”
2. “Dive”
3. “Time Flies”
4. “My Lonely Town”
5. “Long Time No See”
6. “Ichibu to Zenbu (イチブトゼンブ, One and All?)”
7. “Pray”
8. “Magic”
9. “Mayday!”
10. “Tiny Drops”
11. “Dare ni mo Ienē (だれにも言えねぇ, Can’t Tell No One?)”
12. “Yume no Naka de Aimashō (夢の中で逢いましょう, See You in My Dreams?)”
13. “Freedom Train”

This is Koshi Inaba and Tak Matsumoto’s 17th studio album and the successor to Action (2007). Magic which was released on the November 18, 2009, comprises of 13 tracks. A limited edition was released featuring a bonus DVD with the video “Magical Backstage Tour 2009″ (videos of recording sessions, live footage of their performance at Summer Sonic 09 and more).

Before the release of Magic, it was preceded by two singles: “Ichibu to Zenbu/Dive” and “My Lonely Town.” “Ichibu to Zenbu” was used as the Fuji Television drama Buzzer Beat’s theme song, and “Dive” was used as a CM song for the Suzuki Swift advertising campaign.

As Serge listen to this album, the flavor heavies itself on the Heavy Rock Ballad. Unlike the predecessor such as Ai no Bakudan or Konya Tsuki No Mieru Oka Ni; this album has a dark feel to it. It isn’t a sad album, but from the guitar playing from Tak Matsumoto; Serge can’t help but feel a kind of sadness. More so with the title track Tiny Drops.

One of the best tracks in this album is My Lonely Town. This particular song has a sentimental feel as it chronicles Hashima Island, an old deserted mining island in Nagasaki Prefecture which had been recently reopened to visitors after being closed off for 35 years. Hashima Island was used as the location for the filming of the music video. Photos for the CD cover and packaging were also shot there (My Lonely Town Single).

All in all this album is a good listen but not enough kick to it. Serge gives this album 3.5 stars out of a possible 5 and if you like the tracks (2&4), do purchase the original from CD Japan

Left Message:
Seriously! It’s MAGIC!! – Tak

Right Message:
This is an album that shows the awesomeness of the band. It was fun producing it!! Pump up the volume and listen to it☆
- Koshi Inaba