B'z The Best "Pleasure II" cover

Released 21 years ago this November

B'z The Best "Pleasure II"

B'z · 2005

71 min · 16 tracks · hard rock

Explosive guitar riffs and soaring melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, creating anthems that define Japanese rock's mainstream appeal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    ultra soul — This track exemplifies B'z's signature hard rock sound, featuring driving rhythms and catchy hooks that resonate with fans. Its explosive energy and memorable chorus make it a quintessential anthem for live performances.
  • →
    OCEAN Start here — With its uplifting melody and evocative lyrics about longing and connection, this song showcases B'z's ability to blend rock with emotional depth. It stands out as one of their most beloved ballads.
  • →
    BANZAI — The infectious energy of this track captures the spirit of celebration, making it a fan favorite at concerts. Its upbeat tempo and engaging lyrics promote an atmosphere of joy and unity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album showcases B'z's signature sound with strong hooks but lacks the cohesive flow of a studio album.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks utilize layered harmonies and call-and-response vocals, enhancing the anthemic quality of the songs.
  • The running time is extended with 16 tracks, but many are shorter, keeping the pace brisk and engaging.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. 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 flow with energetic peaks
  • sing-along melodies for gatherings
  • uplifting anthems for road trips
  • nostalgic vibes for celebrations

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, introspective music
  • seek minimalist soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This compilation solidified B'z's status in Japanese music and showcased their most beloved tracks.
Themes
Japanese rock anthems· emotional gratitude· energetic live performances
Career context
Released in 2005, B'z The Best 'Pleasure II' is a compilation that follows the band's commercial peak during the late '90s and early 2000s. By this time, B'z had solidified their status as one of Japan's most successful rock acts, having already amassed numerous hit singles and albums. This collection showcases their evolution while highlighting fan favorites from their extensive discography.
Stylistic neighbors
X Japan· Asian Kung-Fu Generation· Buck-Tick

Tracklist

  • 1 OCEAN Start here 5:27
  • 2 今夜月の見える丘に 4:12
  • 3 愛のバクダン 4:24
  • 4 ultra soul 3:44
  • 5 HOME 4:21
  • 6 いつかのメリークリスマス〜「恋するハニカミ!」バージョン〜 5:18
  • 7 熱き鼓動の果て 4:08
  • 8 野性のENERGY 4:40
  • 9 IT’S SHOWTIME!! 4:00
  • 10 juice 4:03
  • 11 May 4:21
  • 12 ギリギリchop 4:01
  • 13 RING 4:02
  • 14 BANZAI 3:51
  • 15 ARIGATO 5:05
  • 16 GOLD 5:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata