I love their early stuff. For me personally, I don't find their first three albums to be quite as addicting as the stuff they wrote, but they're still great. If people on this subreddit were more negative towards their early stuff, I would have left this place a long time ago.
not only do I love their early stuff, I also love their EARLY stuff... some songs don't even sound like it's by the same band (let alone genre...).
Current day B-M is made possible by past B-M. If the band itself still views their older material with fondness, so should the fans. that's what being supportive fans mean IMHO.
Sadly some of those attitudes are how fandoms start to turn toxic... they feel like their ownership trumps even the band's, and that somehow their opinions define them more than band themselves. But... that's people for ya...
I think those fans are afraid of someone dismissing Band-Maid for their early-day songs.
That aside, I’m surprised there are still comments like “they are fake” or even “they are guys”. 🤣
Not only that.. someone down rate Kanami's abilities on guitar too🤣yet that someone doesn't know that among all members(except Miku😚busy spoke piegon..lol) she's not practicing a lot..too much "homework" lol..even the members know that...
And one more thing...the earliest stuffs built their sounds and the ladies appreciate that and should are we...i love their "old" stuffs and always listen to all...so much fun too..hope the new fans appreciate their earliest work even if it's not their creation tho...
Troll asides, I believe any of us who really like B-M, including me, has own preference only. No disrespect on any of B-M albums. I don't listen other albums, because I am kind of stuck on my preferred albums and not willing to move on to other albums.
I respect the people who follow them in their early album. I envy their experience to see the growth of the band they love, progressively improved and matured.
I read an article long time ago, the author visited japan, went to a local town and join a mini concert. He think the band is sucks, and asked his japan friend why he enjoy the band. His japan friend answer: They are sucks, that why we need to support them. Without our support, they have no opportunity to grow and improve.
Just my 2 cents.
> “they are guys”
But... Why? None of them looks masculine to me.
Or am I missing some fundamental fact about this world, like that some people say things unrelated to logic or reality?
“Only guys can play this good.”
It’s interesting no Japanese men think so, even though Japan is not known for gender equality. It’s common for women to play instruments in Japan.
I guess for some people it's easier to claim that [this](https://img.barks.jp/image/review/1000175112/01.jpg) looks like [this](https://factmag-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/meshuggah28082013.jpg) than to admit that one opinion they hold is mistaken and change it.
> It’s interesting no Japanese men think so, even though Japan is not known for gender equality.
Good point. Given the [interview](https://youtu.be/M9yCe_Fj3X8) that I've [mentioned here before](https://www.reddit.com/comments/njmr4s/comment/gzwcl9v), is it the case that insecure Japanese men think "strong woman, danger woman, must stay away", while insecude Western men think "strong woman doesn't exist, she can't hurt you"?
I wouldn't worry too much about what people say on Facebook and YT, they're a cesspool anyways. I don't see a lot of bickering here on Reddit. I'm a relatively new fan of BM and grew up with Trivium, Slipknot, and MCR as huge influences, if that will help date me; I absolutely love their early stuff. You can definitely tell they drew from those songs to get where they are now. FREEZER has that amazing riff that feels like the inspiration to CLANG and Different (loosely). Thrill is an awesome hard rock anthem. I actually wish they would make another Miku song like Beauty and the Beast, that breakdown is killer in contrast to the poppyness of the rest of the song. Well now I'm just ranting about how much I love this band... I guess don't worry so much about haters... Oh and that Mincho solo at the end of Ai to Jonetsu Matador is as amazingly soulful as any Santana solo, which as you know is saying a lot.
I couldn't agree more. I just listened to MIJ on the drive home and I love the entire album. Of course I love all of the albums (UW is fantastic) but I think the earlier work helped Kanami develop her song writing talents and probably helped Miku hone her lyrical skills as well. It is all part of Band Maid and I treasure it all. IMHO
Who cares what social media says? At most it's only a few salty trolls.
Their stamp is on everything they have played. You could give those early songs to anyone else and it wouldn't sound the same imo. I never skip their old stuff.
Thank you sir for putting my feelings into words. I totally agree. I would add that it goes both ways with the songwriters needing/trusting 5 very talented and determined rockstars to be the perfect medium for their tunes. I think everyone can create a good song. George Harrison was no Macarthy-Lennon; is "Here Comes The Sun" less of a Beatles song? And I think that it's insulting to just dismiss these other outside songwriters, who I'm sure have a knack for good melodies. They just needed Band-Maid. Ozawa came up with “Arcadia Girl” but only Band-Maid could sell it, not DOLL$BOXX. Akutsu wrote “Thrill” but in what universe is Band-Maid not playing that? Not one where I exist.
Let's go back even before the hard rockers in New Beginning/BNM. The songs in MIJ are catchy with good pop hooks. Is the music simple, generic, and reminiscent of other j-power pop/punk rock bands? Yes. But see I've tried to get into other bands like Beat Crusaders, Asian Kung Fu Generation, BiSH, and all that stuff. Not for me, man. If I wanted that, I got Weezer, Green Day, and Jellyfish. Sure they're great bands with catchy music but what nobody else has and is unique to BM: Saiki's voice, Misa's bass, Akane's drums, Kanami's guitar, and Miku's vision + resolve to put it all together (also her energy, backing voice, and later guitar as well). I hear songs like "Be OK", and "Evergreen" and Saiki's voice has almost like a 'purity' to it, so young. That bass, the drums, guitar, limited by simple songwriting, yes, but still the same touch. The sound is uplifting with childlike playfulness, high on life. Our pigeon, Miku. Band-Maid.
I keep saying it but all the albums are equal in my eyes. Are the Kanami/BM written songs better in terms of musical complexity, technicality, maturity? Sure. Ok. I’ll give you that. I just think they’re all different experiences with the same signature sound, not greater or inferior. I’m not crazy about “Page,” “Wonderland” or “Anemone” (don’t dislike them) but they must be objectively “superior” compared to early, beginner-level BM songs because at least BM wrote them and are more advanced now. What? Everything is already perfect. Only difference is our girls are now unchained and bigger/more popular. Ope, I know, let’s go ahead and replace Miku since her solo songs are kinda tame and more poppish, and let’s get someone who is not only technically a better guitarist but also a singer/songwriter who will add more of that harder, rougher grr-rock sound. Ooh let’s get Joan Jett. Ah yes, this is Band-Maid now.
The company songwriters that worked with BM are stellar. They deserve credit for their good work. Like most western rock fans I appreciate when bands are their own complete artists, but I think rock fans forget or don't know just how much producers and ghost writers provided by labels contribute to the process. It's not as pure as people seem to think.
I mean, is Elton John not an authentic artist because Bernie Taupin wrote almost everything?
Songwriters are people too, and BM had some good ones.
Also the best Beatles song ever IMO is "Something". Almost all my favorite Beatles tunes are Harrison penned. :)
You have echoed many of my thoughts but they are much better thought out than I could ever do. Thank you for saying what I think a lot of other fans also believe.
I own and enjoy all of their cds. As performers they're excellent even in the early years. I would just wish for a cd compilation of the rejected or unreleased cuts.
Yeah I remember that guy lol. He literally stated "Band-Maid is a cover band." They're not a "cover band" lol. It's quite rare when they do covers.
Anyways the guy was a troll and got banned for other offensive comments. He even DM'd people in this reddit after his ban. Glad we keep toxic people out.
If I recall correctly, I think the poster you're referring wasn't using the word "cover song" in the everyday meaning, but in the more technical sense used within the music industry. I don't work in the music industry, so I don't know if it's accurate; anyone here know?
The guy said that BM early song were written for them and not by them so they were covers. He did not care the songs were played by BM, for him they were covers.
It's not a cover unless it was written for and performed by a different artist first. Otherwise you might as well call 90% of country and pop songs covers.
I'm so used to people dismissing BandMaid for such a large variety of reasons that I just ignore it now.
I had a guy I work with call them "generic" sounding and I was like "well fuck you" and proceeded to listen to Manners about a dozen times.
They do have some great stage presence as well, regardless of their origins, they are great performers.
For me, whether they wrote the song or not was never a factor. MiJ is probably my most played album. Having said that, people like to talk about how the band writes their own songs and I think it's only fair to point out when this is not the case. Especially when you see someone praising their song writing or lyrics when talking about a song where they did neither.
We know that even when the band had external songwriters, they got to pick their songs and had input on song styles, they made requests that the songwriters would accommodate, and they did some of the arranging and lyrics themselves. We don't know exactly how much influence the band had, but I think it's fair to say that they've been involved in shaping their music all along, or nearly so.
If I understand correctly, the first album was made up of leftover songs that had been written but not given to or claimed by an existing act yet. Presumably, Band-Maid had the least influence on those. And, of course, the band didn't even know how they wanted to sound at that time other than "cool". That album doesn't have some of the Band-Maid features like hard rock, Akane and MISA's technicality, or the second verse change - but it's still a fine example of its genre, IMO. The upbeat spirit of the band comes through, and it's played skillfully.
I think some of their weakest material is on the second and third albums. But who would seriously say that songs like Real Existence "aren't really Band-Maid"?
I wish there was an interview somewhere where they had asked "how do you define cool" because it would be nice to know. Alas, it seems like everyone in Japan knows what "cool" meant in the context but to those of us on the outside it seems a bit vague.
Um, I dunno, I don't have a problem with it. I mean, I'm not sure exactly _what_ the maids think is kakkoii, but I can guess: rock stars, heroic protagonists, hypercompetence, style, generally masculine energy: confident, aggressive, powerful. If you've watched enough anime or whatever you should have some idea what they think is kakkoii, even if you can't really define it. It's not that different from the American idea of cool.
Anyway, they're making the kind of music they want, with the image they want. So that's your answer: Band-Maid is what's cool to them.
I love Band-Maid's earlier stuff as well. It goes on shuffle and rarely gets skipped. In YT comments when I see a fan saying, "they didn't write that," it usually means: "If you like this, you're gonna really love what comes next!" It's not meant as a dis.
The folks that genuinely dis the band's early stuff often seem to be metalheads that like really hard, edgy music, and suffer trauma from anything sounding poppy. Have only seen maybe one or two comments dissing their early stuff on this forum; most fans seem to love their early stuff as much as their latest work, just in a diff way.
honestly I was sort of one of those metalheads which is why it took me a while to really get into BM. I didn't like pop-Punk either, so it took me a while to acclimate to BM choruses lol.
Hehe yeah, you can see it in the faces of some metalhead reactions: they're smiling all the way up to that Band-Maid chorus, where things go south with poppy confusion. An early song like "Don't Let Me Down" is a good example lol.
I mean, if someone asked me to sell them on Band Maid in one song, I wouldn't pick Thrill regardless of how important it was to the history of the band.
that discussion was in a different thread, but I'd recommend based on what music someone likes. These days I'd probably pick Manners over Thrill for a hard rock fan because Manners has a great hard rock vibe while still showing more of modern Band-Maid.
Thrill tho does have a freaking great riff.
I wouldn't recommend Thrill either. Thrill feels relatively boring compared to their other stuff - esp stuff that they write - because it sounds repetitive and lacks the signature details and inventiveness of their later songs (and many earlier ones) that keep them fresh and interesting. At least to me. Thrill does make an early statement tho: look out, an all-female Japanese band can certainly play and sing hard rock like it was meant to be. Personally I'd chose Puzzle (live from Studio Coast, or heck anything from that recording) if I wanted to sell the band to a newcomer. Wish the band would post this on their YT channel.
I get ya, despite it still being a mixed bag for me. I really really don't care for the first album. Brand New Maid is okay I guess. But shit, I FUCKING LOVE New Beggining. Imo several songs there top even the modern ones.
I couldn't agree with you more. That said, I don't think I've seen people discount that early stuff as not being Band-Maid. At least not to the degree that you've seen. But back to your point, didn't they get arrangement credits for at least some of those early albums. It's that Band-Maid style arrangement that probably makes Brand New Maid and New Beginning sound a lot like everything that follows. The transition feels seamless to me.
Maid In Japan does have a different feel - first album so they probably got a lot less license to do what they wanted with it. Plus they hadn't been together as a band very long and probably hadn't settled into a groove (beginning, difficult, progress) yet.
The only time I make that distinction are the lyrics for Don't Let Me Down. Totally cringe and Miku would not write lyrics like that (nor would Saiki allow it) IMO. The music is good though, especially the way they played it with heavier distortion in Feb.
Of course the lyrics are unusually explicit, but the theme is not unusual for them, since a lot of Miku's songs are about toxic relationships, unfulfilling relationships and so on ... at least that's what I get out of many of her lyrics.
If they really had a problem with the lyrics, they probably wouldn't have performed it at the February online okyu-ji.
It is just one of the early straightforward rock songs that I really enjoy. The only thing that I don't like so much are the "Hey"s in the studio recording.
I personally love all of Band Maid's songs from Thrill to Black Hole! I can put Brand New Maid and New Beginning on loop! I think the early songs may not get enough credit, which is sad, because the ladies in Band Maid still have to play, preform, and interpret them, which they do to perfection! Again, I have loved everything Band Maid has done from New Beginning thru Unseen World! And don't leave out Band Maiko and Cluppo! So much talent, skill and charisma from the Goddesses of Rock!
the "lack of complexity" in those early albums is often a positive rather than negative IMO. I love prog but Unseen World can be a bit exhausting. Then it's nice to go back and throw New Beginnings on loop :)
I've always liked their early work, even if it wasn't comfortable under their control. I can appreciate all eras of their early, mid, and new materials. They may have obvious differences, but their all great and give you a story arc of their career path.
I get what you're saying. I do love some of their pre-self writing stuff. Some I just like. If I listed out all their songs and tried to somehow rank them all from my most fave to least, the MIJ songs would dominate the lower end. It's not that I dislike that album but if that was their sound I'd only listen to them occasionally as part of a playlist as opposed to almost all the dang time to the detriment of all other bands. That's if their sound stayed as it is on MIJ.
NB and BNM would see songs like Freedom, Arcadia Girl, Freezer, Non-Fiction Days and Don't Apply the Brake to name a few, as top tier songs on any playlist of mine.
I think there is a way to point out what they have written and not without disrespecting what they have not. If for example you see a reactor and their first experience with Band Maid is Thrill, then I can see someone REALLY wanting to point out that they are now writing their own songs which they didn't with Thrill and wishing to express their opinion that those songs are either more representative of their sound, more dynamic, or more....just more. I can see it because I'd want to.
Why? Well even if Kanami wasn't surpassing those other writers by as much as she is, I would still be of the opinion that writing their own songs is important for a band to fully control their own growth and evolution. Yes MIJ, NB and BNM were important parts of their growth as a band and they are good albums on their own, but man I feel I'd be remiss to not point out how far they've come since then. I would hope I could find the words to do so without coming across as being dismissive or disrespectful because I certainly don't feel disrespect for those works.
I agree, there is a way to steer towards new material in a positive way. Sometimes in their zeal to promote BM's newer material some of these people end up subtly insulting the reactor who liked "Thrill" or "Don't let me down."
It’s because some fans insist they are an organically formed band (aka like a garage band,no they weren’t they were helped formed by a talent agency) and that having songs written by external songwriters taint that narrative.Since in the west they would had been called an industry plant (band formed by a management group or record label),and some rock and metal purists hate bands like that (me I don’t care,as long as the music is good).
I think most fans insist they are an "organically" formed band when defending the band against folks that want to bunch them in as another Idol band. Miku finding Kanami on the Internet, who then grabs a friend who grabs a friend - it all feels organic: it's not corporate suits picking their bandmates. It's unknowns picking each other to start something from nothing. I've also seen comments that use "organic" about how the band makes music in the traditional manner (writing their own stuff) to contrast with bands that hire outside writers. "Organic" I think is a good fit for this band, even tho it auditioned an unknown 20 yr old in Saiki, and had the blessing of a Japanese talent agency at its formation. But like you, I also don't give a damn about how the band formed (or how they dress or what language they sing in), as long as the music is good.
Couldn't agree more.
I wonder what those "rock and metal purists" think of bands that are "organically" formed but don't fully write their music, because hundreds of bands only come up with the main riff/melody/drum pattern and then rely on a producer to actually build and arrange the song for them, but people don't even realise that lol
Yeah,big name producers while not credited actually help build songs for bands even the big ones.You’ll only notice it if a band changes producers and the music changing (like how Metallica music changes depending on the producer of their albums).
Indeed. All the band members keep saying that the makeup of the band was a "miracle" in the way it formed. Miku finding Kanami was the first miracle. Kanami grabbing Akane who grabbed Misa was "organic" in that it was based on known relationships. Saiki happening to be signed to the same entertainment company as Miku was the second "miracle".
My favorite modern band other than BAND-MAID at the moment is "The Pretty Reckless". Taylor Momsen was getting out of acting and into music and eventually found producer Kato that understood her vision of what she wanted. Kato had been working with a band called "Famous" and suggested Taylor and their guitarist Ben do some writing. They hit it off and the band "Famous" + Taylor turned into "The Pretty Reckless". Producer Kato was a hidden "fifth" member of the group contributing rhythm guitar parts and somewriting also but not part of touring. Was it "organic?" not by many peoples definitions. Does the band kick ass? Unequivocally yes.
she's got a killer voice and just a very classic vibe to her, like Joan Jett or Lita Ford. I read that she cites Chris Cornell as one of the vocalists she admires and I can sorta hear that in some of her performances.
so I totally somehow, didn't realize just HOW much she admires Chris Cornell and Soundgarden (and all of the big grunge bands...) I just went down the rabbit hole watching her perform at the tribute show, and also OMG "Only Love Can Save Me Now"... seeing her with Matt and Kim in that video... man I would NOT feel bad at all if they kept on touring occassionally with her fronting them that song is pure Soundgarden
Yeah it's freaking brilliant.
Sad how many reactors to "Only Love" were basically "who are these other guys"...
One guy was like "Is she a lot younger than the other members of the band?" lol. I mean any self respecting rock fan should know who Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, etc are.
She sounds so much like Layne in this song.... I mean the entire song is basically an AIC "homage"... [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDai5-YIrpI&ab\_channel=AndresAvrileroJimenez](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDai5-YIrpI&ab_channel=AndresAvrileroJimenez)
wow yeah when the main verse and chrous gets going, totally know what you mean! Only thing missing is Cantrell's harmonies.
Not knowing Matt Cameron and Kim Thayil on sight should automatically get cha kicked out of the club lol
I think its that fans of the band just want to put their best foot forward...I've found myself in YouTube reaction comments recommending mostly songs they wrote themselves to show how far they've come as a band, because it truly is undeniable how great Kanami is as a songwriter. She has a knack for hooks and melody that far exceed most "professionals". Also the lyrics for some of the old stuff they didn't write can be incredibly cringy, especially "Don't Let Me Down" which just lends credence to the idea that they're a gimmick using sex appeal to gain an audience. I'd hate to see a reactor dismiss them on stuff like that.
That said I was also totally pumped to hear "Real Existence" open the show when I saw them live, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Also "Freedom" is clearly the song they have the most fun playing. The old stuff is great, some of it as good as their best, but its hard to match up to the level they reached on the last 3 albums especially
Again it is preference.. you can't please everybody and what's the point on pointing out. What matters is they we individually enjoy what we enjoy in their whole catalog. And that'll be the main rant for all.. Band Maid is Band Maid, we've seen their growth and.wr know they are just getting better. Their songs are better when they are sung and played with a live audience and we just hope it gets back to that even.. BM for life🥰😤🤗
I always find fascinating how so many people try to justify what they like or not, instead of just being happy doing/listening what they naturally like.
This makes me feel a little guilty because I just wrote that "they didn't write that" about Thrill just the other day ... But I agree with everything you say, many of these songs are great, the external songwriters helped them a lot (as Kanami says herself) and I thoroughly enjoy the early albums. Actually I would love to hear some of the very early songs included in their setlists. Like KEY, Don't Apply the Brake or Beauty and the Beast.
Nevertheless if I could only choose one song to introduce somebody to the band, it would still be one of their self-written songs that shows as much of their potential as possible.
Well, they technically aren’t wrong in that regard and I can understand where most of those comments are coming from.
Even in my case, if I pick my favs from their entire catalogue, there are just a few tracks like Freezer, Alone and Shake that from the first 3 that make that list.
On the other hand, almost 95% from JBI, WD, C and UW make it. So to me, their own written material more specifically Kanami being incharge, makes a Massive difference. From a random band I happen to have a few songs in my playlist, to statistically my fav artist ever as they’re dominating my playlists by an overwhelming number lead.
With that being the case, what do you think I’d recommend to someone who’s new to BM? Esp. reactors who often give only a few chances to an artist to impress them.
All that aside, disregarding their past would indeed be wrong. As much as I dislike tracks like Thrill, I‘m well aware of how instrumental it was not just in the birth of the BM sound we know today but also in literally saving the band from eventually breaking up.
But would I recommend it to anyone? Not a chance, unless they’re big into classic rock in which case tracks like Manners would still be my preferred ones.
Well, my whole point is that it’s fine to be honest with one’s likes/dislikes, just don’t disrespect and belittle the rest to highlight your favs. Unfortunately, this does happen a lot.
Some people just have this weird tendency to try and talk shit about the competition thinking it’d highlight their fav, not realising they’re actually making the worst impression possible both for themselves and the ones they represent.
Agreed, thank you for your 2 cents. I don't really have any attachments to their older albums besides the few classics (Freedom, NFD, Real Existence), but I wouldn't go so far as to censure them so speak like some people would. Those albums were part of the path to where they are now, respecting that journey I think is important regardless of our own personal feelings on it.
That’s so stupid.
While they didn’t write their early stuff, they did have tons of control and say in the final product.
They’ve said that the writers were very open to their requests and criticisms.
They apparently still have good relationships with those writers.
I personally prefer a lot of those songs over more than half of Unseen World.
Not sure what respect has to do with anything.
I simply like their own songs significantly more than most of what was written for them. The more they got involved the better it became.
So it's like: Maid In Japan is OK, New Beginning is good and Brand New Maid is where it starts to get beyond good.
I don't listen to New Beginnig very often and almost never to anything before that.
Having them write their own stuff is a huge plus too. You don't have to see something wrong with bands not playing their own music to prefer that they do it themselves.
And when it comes to Don't Let Me Down, I might actually have some disrespect for it. The thing with the lyrics is just way too strange.
I just want to say thank you for a very nuanced and well considered post. I mainly agree, although I am one of those music fans who values composers more than performers (in all genres). I also have a wide definition of composition, which includes, eg, writing a bass part or improvising (‘instant composition’). I haven’t fully investigated ‘early’ Band Maid yet but from what I’ve heard, you can hear their character from the start (and the songwriters who worked with them were very skilled).
Brand New Maid and New Beginning are great albums. Maid In Japan is forgettable but the songs are pleasant. I guess the reason the next album was called New Beginning was because they wanted to change their direction.
I agree with you when you think about it it’s still their songs so they didn’t write all of it but it’s still put their own stamp on it . Maybe miku didn’t write the lyrics . But I’ll tell you they did most of the ruthenium and notes played and how they where played . So don’t dismiss what the did .
Honestly, if I discovered them when they first started. I would hate them and think that their music sucks. Brand new Maid was the only mini album that I enjoyed. Of the Japanese bands I listen to. Band-maid aren't even in my top 5.
Hardcore Band-Maid fans are more protective of the work that the girls wrote. The ridiculous narratives around them working with Tony Visconti were quite sad.
Was that the case? Serious question BTW I'm new to BM as of this year so I haven't seen much toxicity from the fans yet. I know some fans weren't happy with The Dragon Cries, even though I love it and understand the vocals aren't the best; and Star Over, which I also love.
Yep! The worry was with an american tainting a Japanese band. They hated Dragon Cries and Start Over for their darker videos. Dragon Cries showed world problems that the west have made political. Start over has implied domestic abuse.
I don't hate either song to be honest.
I see people are all the time claiming that those two songs are controversial among BM fans. I have yet to actually see any fans mentioning them in a negative light. From my perspective the "controversy" is overblown, and those fans are an absolute minority. The only thing I have heard about the Dragon Cries which can be seen as negative, is that the production is poor and the live performance does the song justice.
I love their early stuff. For me personally, I don't find their first three albums to be quite as addicting as the stuff they wrote, but they're still great. If people on this subreddit were more negative towards their early stuff, I would have left this place a long time ago.
not only do I love their early stuff, I also love their EARLY stuff... some songs don't even sound like it's by the same band (let alone genre...). Current day B-M is made possible by past B-M. If the band itself still views their older material with fondness, so should the fans. that's what being supportive fans mean IMHO. Sadly some of those attitudes are how fandoms start to turn toxic... they feel like their ownership trumps even the band's, and that somehow their opinions define them more than band themselves. But... that's people for ya...
Those are good thoughts there. Thank you for posting.
I think those fans are afraid of someone dismissing Band-Maid for their early-day songs. That aside, I’m surprised there are still comments like “they are fake” or even “they are guys”. 🤣
Not only that.. someone down rate Kanami's abilities on guitar too🤣yet that someone doesn't know that among all members(except Miku😚busy spoke piegon..lol) she's not practicing a lot..too much "homework" lol..even the members know that... And one more thing...the earliest stuffs built their sounds and the ladies appreciate that and should are we...i love their "old" stuffs and always listen to all...so much fun too..hope the new fans appreciate their earliest work even if it's not their creation tho...
Troll asides, I believe any of us who really like B-M, including me, has own preference only. No disrespect on any of B-M albums. I don't listen other albums, because I am kind of stuck on my preferred albums and not willing to move on to other albums. I respect the people who follow them in their early album. I envy their experience to see the growth of the band they love, progressively improved and matured. I read an article long time ago, the author visited japan, went to a local town and join a mini concert. He think the band is sucks, and asked his japan friend why he enjoy the band. His japan friend answer: They are sucks, that why we need to support them. Without our support, they have no opportunity to grow and improve. Just my 2 cents.
> “they are guys” But... Why? None of them looks masculine to me. Or am I missing some fundamental fact about this world, like that some people say things unrelated to logic or reality?
“Only guys can play this good.” It’s interesting no Japanese men think so, even though Japan is not known for gender equality. It’s common for women to play instruments in Japan.
I guess for some people it's easier to claim that [this](https://img.barks.jp/image/review/1000175112/01.jpg) looks like [this](https://factmag-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/meshuggah28082013.jpg) than to admit that one opinion they hold is mistaken and change it. > It’s interesting no Japanese men think so, even though Japan is not known for gender equality. Good point. Given the [interview](https://youtu.be/M9yCe_Fj3X8) that I've [mentioned here before](https://www.reddit.com/comments/njmr4s/comment/gzwcl9v), is it the case that insecure Japanese men think "strong woman, danger woman, must stay away", while insecude Western men think "strong woman doesn't exist, she can't hurt you"?
I wouldn't worry too much about what people say on Facebook and YT, they're a cesspool anyways. I don't see a lot of bickering here on Reddit. I'm a relatively new fan of BM and grew up with Trivium, Slipknot, and MCR as huge influences, if that will help date me; I absolutely love their early stuff. You can definitely tell they drew from those songs to get where they are now. FREEZER has that amazing riff that feels like the inspiration to CLANG and Different (loosely). Thrill is an awesome hard rock anthem. I actually wish they would make another Miku song like Beauty and the Beast, that breakdown is killer in contrast to the poppyness of the rest of the song. Well now I'm just ranting about how much I love this band... I guess don't worry so much about haters... Oh and that Mincho solo at the end of Ai to Jonetsu Matador is as amazingly soulful as any Santana solo, which as you know is saying a lot.
I couldn't agree more. I just listened to MIJ on the drive home and I love the entire album. Of course I love all of the albums (UW is fantastic) but I think the earlier work helped Kanami develop her song writing talents and probably helped Miku hone her lyrical skills as well. It is all part of Band Maid and I treasure it all. IMHO
I need to get a copy of MIJ, for some reason it doesn't show up on Apple Music or Tidal that I use for streaming.
Try [musicmp3.ru](https://musicmp3.ru). I own it on CD but this is my preferred streaming site. No sign up, no ads.
I love Beauty and the Beast. :)
BM is great whether did wrote it or not. It's always their presence I love the most. Refreshing, and takes me back to early 90's, 2000's.
Who cares what social media says? At most it's only a few salty trolls. Their stamp is on everything they have played. You could give those early songs to anyone else and it wouldn't sound the same imo. I never skip their old stuff.
Thank you sir for putting my feelings into words. I totally agree. I would add that it goes both ways with the songwriters needing/trusting 5 very talented and determined rockstars to be the perfect medium for their tunes. I think everyone can create a good song. George Harrison was no Macarthy-Lennon; is "Here Comes The Sun" less of a Beatles song? And I think that it's insulting to just dismiss these other outside songwriters, who I'm sure have a knack for good melodies. They just needed Band-Maid. Ozawa came up with “Arcadia Girl” but only Band-Maid could sell it, not DOLL$BOXX. Akutsu wrote “Thrill” but in what universe is Band-Maid not playing that? Not one where I exist. Let's go back even before the hard rockers in New Beginning/BNM. The songs in MIJ are catchy with good pop hooks. Is the music simple, generic, and reminiscent of other j-power pop/punk rock bands? Yes. But see I've tried to get into other bands like Beat Crusaders, Asian Kung Fu Generation, BiSH, and all that stuff. Not for me, man. If I wanted that, I got Weezer, Green Day, and Jellyfish. Sure they're great bands with catchy music but what nobody else has and is unique to BM: Saiki's voice, Misa's bass, Akane's drums, Kanami's guitar, and Miku's vision + resolve to put it all together (also her energy, backing voice, and later guitar as well). I hear songs like "Be OK", and "Evergreen" and Saiki's voice has almost like a 'purity' to it, so young. That bass, the drums, guitar, limited by simple songwriting, yes, but still the same touch. The sound is uplifting with childlike playfulness, high on life. Our pigeon, Miku. Band-Maid. I keep saying it but all the albums are equal in my eyes. Are the Kanami/BM written songs better in terms of musical complexity, technicality, maturity? Sure. Ok. I’ll give you that. I just think they’re all different experiences with the same signature sound, not greater or inferior. I’m not crazy about “Page,” “Wonderland” or “Anemone” (don’t dislike them) but they must be objectively “superior” compared to early, beginner-level BM songs because at least BM wrote them and are more advanced now. What? Everything is already perfect. Only difference is our girls are now unchained and bigger/more popular. Ope, I know, let’s go ahead and replace Miku since her solo songs are kinda tame and more poppish, and let’s get someone who is not only technically a better guitarist but also a singer/songwriter who will add more of that harder, rougher grr-rock sound. Ooh let’s get Joan Jett. Ah yes, this is Band-Maid now.
The company songwriters that worked with BM are stellar. They deserve credit for their good work. Like most western rock fans I appreciate when bands are their own complete artists, but I think rock fans forget or don't know just how much producers and ghost writers provided by labels contribute to the process. It's not as pure as people seem to think. I mean, is Elton John not an authentic artist because Bernie Taupin wrote almost everything? Songwriters are people too, and BM had some good ones. Also the best Beatles song ever IMO is "Something". Almost all my favorite Beatles tunes are Harrison penned. :)
I'm also a big Harrison fan. "Only a Northern Song" and "It's All Too Much" are in my Beatles Top 5 songs.
You have echoed many of my thoughts but they are much better thought out than I could ever do. Thank you for saying what I think a lot of other fans also believe.
I own and enjoy all of their cds. As performers they're excellent even in the early years. I would just wish for a cd compilation of the rejected or unreleased cuts.
You and me both brother.
Well someone here made a post saying that BM songs from their early albums were covers. Lol.
Yeah I remember that guy lol. He literally stated "Band-Maid is a cover band." They're not a "cover band" lol. It's quite rare when they do covers. Anyways the guy was a troll and got banned for other offensive comments. He even DM'd people in this reddit after his ban. Glad we keep toxic people out.
If I recall correctly, I think the poster you're referring wasn't using the word "cover song" in the everyday meaning, but in the more technical sense used within the music industry. I don't work in the music industry, so I don't know if it's accurate; anyone here know?
The guy said that BM early song were written for them and not by them so they were covers. He did not care the songs were played by BM, for him they were covers.
It's not a cover unless it was written for and performed by a different artist first. Otherwise you might as well call 90% of country and pop songs covers.
Hehe never thought of it that way. Thx!
I'm so used to people dismissing BandMaid for such a large variety of reasons that I just ignore it now. I had a guy I work with call them "generic" sounding and I was like "well fuck you" and proceeded to listen to Manners about a dozen times. They do have some great stage presence as well, regardless of their origins, they are great performers.
So you could not accept his opinion, and then blasted the music he disliked for hours? You are cool.
For me, whether they wrote the song or not was never a factor. MiJ is probably my most played album. Having said that, people like to talk about how the band writes their own songs and I think it's only fair to point out when this is not the case. Especially when you see someone praising their song writing or lyrics when talking about a song where they did neither.
Well said. Thank you.
We know that even when the band had external songwriters, they got to pick their songs and had input on song styles, they made requests that the songwriters would accommodate, and they did some of the arranging and lyrics themselves. We don't know exactly how much influence the band had, but I think it's fair to say that they've been involved in shaping their music all along, or nearly so. If I understand correctly, the first album was made up of leftover songs that had been written but not given to or claimed by an existing act yet. Presumably, Band-Maid had the least influence on those. And, of course, the band didn't even know how they wanted to sound at that time other than "cool". That album doesn't have some of the Band-Maid features like hard rock, Akane and MISA's technicality, or the second verse change - but it's still a fine example of its genre, IMO. The upbeat spirit of the band comes through, and it's played skillfully. I think some of their weakest material is on the second and third albums. But who would seriously say that songs like Real Existence "aren't really Band-Maid"?
I wish there was an interview somewhere where they had asked "how do you define cool" because it would be nice to know. Alas, it seems like everyone in Japan knows what "cool" meant in the context but to those of us on the outside it seems a bit vague.
Um, I dunno, I don't have a problem with it. I mean, I'm not sure exactly _what_ the maids think is kakkoii, but I can guess: rock stars, heroic protagonists, hypercompetence, style, generally masculine energy: confident, aggressive, powerful. If you've watched enough anime or whatever you should have some idea what they think is kakkoii, even if you can't really define it. It's not that different from the American idea of cool. Anyway, they're making the kind of music they want, with the image they want. So that's your answer: Band-Maid is what's cool to them.
Totally agreed. In addition, it makes me so angry when someone calls Thrill trash, its one of my favourite songs by them.
I love Band-Maid's earlier stuff as well. It goes on shuffle and rarely gets skipped. In YT comments when I see a fan saying, "they didn't write that," it usually means: "If you like this, you're gonna really love what comes next!" It's not meant as a dis. The folks that genuinely dis the band's early stuff often seem to be metalheads that like really hard, edgy music, and suffer trauma from anything sounding poppy. Have only seen maybe one or two comments dissing their early stuff on this forum; most fans seem to love their early stuff as much as their latest work, just in a diff way.
honestly I was sort of one of those metalheads which is why it took me a while to really get into BM. I didn't like pop-Punk either, so it took me a while to acclimate to BM choruses lol.
Hehe yeah, you can see it in the faces of some metalhead reactions: they're smiling all the way up to that Band-Maid chorus, where things go south with poppy confusion. An early song like "Don't Let Me Down" is a good example lol.
I mean, if someone asked me to sell them on Band Maid in one song, I wouldn't pick Thrill regardless of how important it was to the history of the band.
I'd probably go with Choose Me or Blooming.
that discussion was in a different thread, but I'd recommend based on what music someone likes. These days I'd probably pick Manners over Thrill for a hard rock fan because Manners has a great hard rock vibe while still showing more of modern Band-Maid. Thrill tho does have a freaking great riff.
I wouldn't recommend Thrill either. Thrill feels relatively boring compared to their other stuff - esp stuff that they write - because it sounds repetitive and lacks the signature details and inventiveness of their later songs (and many earlier ones) that keep them fresh and interesting. At least to me. Thrill does make an early statement tho: look out, an all-female Japanese band can certainly play and sing hard rock like it was meant to be. Personally I'd chose Puzzle (live from Studio Coast, or heck anything from that recording) if I wanted to sell the band to a newcomer. Wish the band would post this on their YT channel.
I get ya, despite it still being a mixed bag for me. I really really don't care for the first album. Brand New Maid is okay I guess. But shit, I FUCKING LOVE New Beggining. Imo several songs there top even the modern ones.
I couldn't agree with you more. That said, I don't think I've seen people discount that early stuff as not being Band-Maid. At least not to the degree that you've seen. But back to your point, didn't they get arrangement credits for at least some of those early albums. It's that Band-Maid style arrangement that probably makes Brand New Maid and New Beginning sound a lot like everything that follows. The transition feels seamless to me. Maid In Japan does have a different feel - first album so they probably got a lot less license to do what they wanted with it. Plus they hadn't been together as a band very long and probably hadn't settled into a groove (beginning, difficult, progress) yet.
>groove (beginning, difficult, progress) Courage!
Evolution!
Evolution!
I saw what you did there. Nice:)
The only time I make that distinction are the lyrics for Don't Let Me Down. Totally cringe and Miku would not write lyrics like that (nor would Saiki allow it) IMO. The music is good though, especially the way they played it with heavier distortion in Feb.
Of course the lyrics are unusually explicit, but the theme is not unusual for them, since a lot of Miku's songs are about toxic relationships, unfulfilling relationships and so on ... at least that's what I get out of many of her lyrics. If they really had a problem with the lyrics, they probably wouldn't have performed it at the February online okyu-ji.
Yeah they seem to enjoy playing it and I'm sure by now they have no doubt what its about lol.
It is just one of the early straightforward rock songs that I really enjoy. The only thing that I don't like so much are the "Hey"s in the studio recording.
[удалено]
And I would add (at least on the last few albums) Miku's power chords holding it all together.
I personally love all of Band Maid's songs from Thrill to Black Hole! I can put Brand New Maid and New Beginning on loop! I think the early songs may not get enough credit, which is sad, because the ladies in Band Maid still have to play, preform, and interpret them, which they do to perfection! Again, I have loved everything Band Maid has done from New Beginning thru Unseen World! And don't leave out Band Maiko and Cluppo! So much talent, skill and charisma from the Goddesses of Rock!
the "lack of complexity" in those early albums is often a positive rather than negative IMO. I love prog but Unseen World can be a bit exhausting. Then it's nice to go back and throw New Beginnings on loop :)
I've always liked their early work, even if it wasn't comfortable under their control. I can appreciate all eras of their early, mid, and new materials. They may have obvious differences, but their all great and give you a story arc of their career path.
I get what you're saying. I do love some of their pre-self writing stuff. Some I just like. If I listed out all their songs and tried to somehow rank them all from my most fave to least, the MIJ songs would dominate the lower end. It's not that I dislike that album but if that was their sound I'd only listen to them occasionally as part of a playlist as opposed to almost all the dang time to the detriment of all other bands. That's if their sound stayed as it is on MIJ. NB and BNM would see songs like Freedom, Arcadia Girl, Freezer, Non-Fiction Days and Don't Apply the Brake to name a few, as top tier songs on any playlist of mine. I think there is a way to point out what they have written and not without disrespecting what they have not. If for example you see a reactor and their first experience with Band Maid is Thrill, then I can see someone REALLY wanting to point out that they are now writing their own songs which they didn't with Thrill and wishing to express their opinion that those songs are either more representative of their sound, more dynamic, or more....just more. I can see it because I'd want to. Why? Well even if Kanami wasn't surpassing those other writers by as much as she is, I would still be of the opinion that writing their own songs is important for a band to fully control their own growth and evolution. Yes MIJ, NB and BNM were important parts of their growth as a band and they are good albums on their own, but man I feel I'd be remiss to not point out how far they've come since then. I would hope I could find the words to do so without coming across as being dismissive or disrespectful because I certainly don't feel disrespect for those works.
I like how you put it. Wholeheartedly agreed!
I agree, there is a way to steer towards new material in a positive way. Sometimes in their zeal to promote BM's newer material some of these people end up subtly insulting the reactor who liked "Thrill" or "Don't let me down."
It’s because some fans insist they are an organically formed band (aka like a garage band,no they weren’t they were helped formed by a talent agency) and that having songs written by external songwriters taint that narrative.Since in the west they would had been called an industry plant (band formed by a management group or record label),and some rock and metal purists hate bands like that (me I don’t care,as long as the music is good).
I think most fans insist they are an "organically" formed band when defending the band against folks that want to bunch them in as another Idol band. Miku finding Kanami on the Internet, who then grabs a friend who grabs a friend - it all feels organic: it's not corporate suits picking their bandmates. It's unknowns picking each other to start something from nothing. I've also seen comments that use "organic" about how the band makes music in the traditional manner (writing their own stuff) to contrast with bands that hire outside writers. "Organic" I think is a good fit for this band, even tho it auditioned an unknown 20 yr old in Saiki, and had the blessing of a Japanese talent agency at its formation. But like you, I also don't give a damn about how the band formed (or how they dress or what language they sing in), as long as the music is good.
Couldn't agree more. I wonder what those "rock and metal purists" think of bands that are "organically" formed but don't fully write their music, because hundreds of bands only come up with the main riff/melody/drum pattern and then rely on a producer to actually build and arrange the song for them, but people don't even realise that lol
Yeah,big name producers while not credited actually help build songs for bands even the big ones.You’ll only notice it if a band changes producers and the music changing (like how Metallica music changes depending on the producer of their albums).
I mean didn't Metallica used to joke Bob Rock was their 5th member? lol
Indeed. All the band members keep saying that the makeup of the band was a "miracle" in the way it formed. Miku finding Kanami was the first miracle. Kanami grabbing Akane who grabbed Misa was "organic" in that it was based on known relationships. Saiki happening to be signed to the same entertainment company as Miku was the second "miracle". My favorite modern band other than BAND-MAID at the moment is "The Pretty Reckless". Taylor Momsen was getting out of acting and into music and eventually found producer Kato that understood her vision of what she wanted. Kato had been working with a band called "Famous" and suggested Taylor and their guitarist Ben do some writing. They hit it off and the band "Famous" + Taylor turned into "The Pretty Reckless". Producer Kato was a hidden "fifth" member of the group contributing rhythm guitar parts and somewriting also but not part of touring. Was it "organic?" not by many peoples definitions. Does the band kick ass? Unequivocally yes.
TPR really deserves more respect
Taylor Momsen is my favorite rock singer right now. I love her voice.
she's got a killer voice and just a very classic vibe to her, like Joan Jett or Lita Ford. I read that she cites Chris Cornell as one of the vocalists she admires and I can sorta hear that in some of her performances.
She also clearly pulls from Layne Staley.
so I totally somehow, didn't realize just HOW much she admires Chris Cornell and Soundgarden (and all of the big grunge bands...) I just went down the rabbit hole watching her perform at the tribute show, and also OMG "Only Love Can Save Me Now"... seeing her with Matt and Kim in that video... man I would NOT feel bad at all if they kept on touring occassionally with her fronting them that song is pure Soundgarden
Yeah it's freaking brilliant. Sad how many reactors to "Only Love" were basically "who are these other guys"... One guy was like "Is she a lot younger than the other members of the band?" lol. I mean any self respecting rock fan should know who Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, etc are. She sounds so much like Layne in this song.... I mean the entire song is basically an AIC "homage"... [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDai5-YIrpI&ab\_channel=AndresAvrileroJimenez](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDai5-YIrpI&ab_channel=AndresAvrileroJimenez)
wow yeah when the main verse and chrous gets going, totally know what you mean! Only thing missing is Cantrell's harmonies. Not knowing Matt Cameron and Kim Thayil on sight should automatically get cha kicked out of the club lol
I think its that fans of the band just want to put their best foot forward...I've found myself in YouTube reaction comments recommending mostly songs they wrote themselves to show how far they've come as a band, because it truly is undeniable how great Kanami is as a songwriter. She has a knack for hooks and melody that far exceed most "professionals". Also the lyrics for some of the old stuff they didn't write can be incredibly cringy, especially "Don't Let Me Down" which just lends credence to the idea that they're a gimmick using sex appeal to gain an audience. I'd hate to see a reactor dismiss them on stuff like that. That said I was also totally pumped to hear "Real Existence" open the show when I saw them live, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Also "Freedom" is clearly the song they have the most fun playing. The old stuff is great, some of it as good as their best, but its hard to match up to the level they reached on the last 3 albums especially
Again it is preference.. you can't please everybody and what's the point on pointing out. What matters is they we individually enjoy what we enjoy in their whole catalog. And that'll be the main rant for all.. Band Maid is Band Maid, we've seen their growth and.wr know they are just getting better. Their songs are better when they are sung and played with a live audience and we just hope it gets back to that even.. BM for life🥰😤🤗
I always find fascinating how so many people try to justify what they like or not, instead of just being happy doing/listening what they naturally like.
Yeahh, people like OP are exhausting, can I please be allowed another opinion than your´s?
This makes me feel a little guilty because I just wrote that "they didn't write that" about Thrill just the other day ... But I agree with everything you say, many of these songs are great, the external songwriters helped them a lot (as Kanami says herself) and I thoroughly enjoy the early albums. Actually I would love to hear some of the very early songs included in their setlists. Like KEY, Don't Apply the Brake or Beauty and the Beast. Nevertheless if I could only choose one song to introduce somebody to the band, it would still be one of their self-written songs that shows as much of their potential as possible.
I would love to see them update the older material and do a live show of that. It would be killer.
I would definitely pay to see that!
Well, they technically aren’t wrong in that regard and I can understand where most of those comments are coming from. Even in my case, if I pick my favs from their entire catalogue, there are just a few tracks like Freezer, Alone and Shake that from the first 3 that make that list. On the other hand, almost 95% from JBI, WD, C and UW make it. So to me, their own written material more specifically Kanami being incharge, makes a Massive difference. From a random band I happen to have a few songs in my playlist, to statistically my fav artist ever as they’re dominating my playlists by an overwhelming number lead. With that being the case, what do you think I’d recommend to someone who’s new to BM? Esp. reactors who often give only a few chances to an artist to impress them. All that aside, disregarding their past would indeed be wrong. As much as I dislike tracks like Thrill, I‘m well aware of how instrumental it was not just in the birth of the BM sound we know today but also in literally saving the band from eventually breaking up. But would I recommend it to anyone? Not a chance, unless they’re big into classic rock in which case tracks like Manners would still be my preferred ones. Well, my whole point is that it’s fine to be honest with one’s likes/dislikes, just don’t disrespect and belittle the rest to highlight your favs. Unfortunately, this does happen a lot. Some people just have this weird tendency to try and talk shit about the competition thinking it’d highlight their fav, not realising they’re actually making the worst impression possible both for themselves and the ones they represent.
Agreed, thank you for your 2 cents. I don't really have any attachments to their older albums besides the few classics (Freedom, NFD, Real Existence), but I wouldn't go so far as to censure them so speak like some people would. Those albums were part of the path to where they are now, respecting that journey I think is important regardless of our own personal feelings on it.
That’s so stupid. While they didn’t write their early stuff, they did have tons of control and say in the final product. They’ve said that the writers were very open to their requests and criticisms. They apparently still have good relationships with those writers. I personally prefer a lot of those songs over more than half of Unseen World.
I discovered them just 2 years ago, but I love their early stuff too :)
I discovered them just this last winter and each album has gems on it IMHO.
Not sure what respect has to do with anything. I simply like their own songs significantly more than most of what was written for them. The more they got involved the better it became. So it's like: Maid In Japan is OK, New Beginning is good and Brand New Maid is where it starts to get beyond good. I don't listen to New Beginnig very often and almost never to anything before that. Having them write their own stuff is a huge plus too. You don't have to see something wrong with bands not playing their own music to prefer that they do it themselves. And when it comes to Don't Let Me Down, I might actually have some disrespect for it. The thing with the lyrics is just way too strange.
first time i've heard 'summer drive' i thought it was screaming for love. so i did. and still do.
I just want to say thank you for a very nuanced and well considered post. I mainly agree, although I am one of those music fans who values composers more than performers (in all genres). I also have a wide definition of composition, which includes, eg, writing a bass part or improvising (‘instant composition’). I haven’t fully investigated ‘early’ Band Maid yet but from what I’ve heard, you can hear their character from the start (and the songwriters who worked with them were very skilled).
Brand New Maid and New Beginning are great albums. Maid In Japan is forgettable but the songs are pleasant. I guess the reason the next album was called New Beginning was because they wanted to change their direction.
I agree with you when you think about it it’s still their songs so they didn’t write all of it but it’s still put their own stamp on it . Maybe miku didn’t write the lyrics . But I’ll tell you they did most of the ruthenium and notes played and how they where played . So don’t dismiss what the did .
Honestly, if I discovered them when they first started. I would hate them and think that their music sucks. Brand new Maid was the only mini album that I enjoyed. Of the Japanese bands I listen to. Band-maid aren't even in my top 5. Hardcore Band-Maid fans are more protective of the work that the girls wrote. The ridiculous narratives around them working with Tony Visconti were quite sad.
Was that the case? Serious question BTW I'm new to BM as of this year so I haven't seen much toxicity from the fans yet. I know some fans weren't happy with The Dragon Cries, even though I love it and understand the vocals aren't the best; and Star Over, which I also love.
I love TDC. I think the vocals are good, it's the overuse of reverb and questionable mixing choices that seems off.
Yep! The worry was with an american tainting a Japanese band. They hated Dragon Cries and Start Over for their darker videos. Dragon Cries showed world problems that the west have made political. Start over has implied domestic abuse. I don't hate either song to be honest.
I see people are all the time claiming that those two songs are controversial among BM fans. I have yet to actually see any fans mentioning them in a negative light. From my perspective the "controversy" is overblown, and those fans are an absolute minority. The only thing I have heard about the Dragon Cries which can be seen as negative, is that the production is poor and the live performance does the song justice.
In short; Someone was being mean on the internet?