Birthday cover

Birthday

ClariS · 2012

57 min · 12 tracks · J-pop

Bright synth melodies and harmonious vocals create an uplifting soundscape that encapsulates youthful exuberance and emotional depth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    コネクト — This track serves as a defining anthem for ClariS, showcasing their signature blend of catchy melodies and emotive lyrics alongside its prominent use in the anime 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica'.
  • →
    irony — With its intricate electronic production and relatable themes of youth and confusion, 'irony' captures the essence of adolescence while highlighting ClariS’s vocal harmonies beautifully.
  • →
    メモリー — 'Memory' stands out for its nostalgic lyrical content and melodic structure, allowing listeners to reflect on past moments, which resonates deeply within the overall theme of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Bright synths and harmonious vocals create an engaging J-pop experience, though it doesn't deeply explore its themes.

What we noticed

  • The album features bright synth melodies that dominate the arrangements, creating a vibrant sound throughout.
  • Vocals are layered harmoniously, with both singers often trading lines rather than verses, enhancing the sense of collaboration.
  • Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity, particularly noticeable in the transition from 'コネクト' to 'プロミス'.
  • The final track, 'zutto', serves as a reflective conclusion, slowing down the pace significantly compared to earlier songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady melodic progression throughout
  • uplifting vibes for celebrations
  • for youthful gatherings
  • consistent energy from start
  • joyful moments of nostalgia

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer darker, more serious tones
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on April 11, 2012, Birthday marked ClariS's second studio album, following their debut album, Clara. At this point in their career, the duo had already gained significant popularity in the J-pop scene due to their contributions to anime soundtracks, positioning them as prominent figures in the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Aimer· Lisa· Konomi Suzuki

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 サヨナラは言わない 4:54
  • 2 irony 4:18
  • 3 恋磁石 4:52
  • 4 メモリー 4:29
  • 5 nexus 4:51
  • 6 flowery 5:25
  • 7 コネクト 4:30
  • 8 プロミス 4:57
  • 9 graduation 5:46
  • 10 treasure 4:20
  • 11 ナイショの話 4:21
  • 12 zutto 4:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata