Released 30 years ago
Cosmos
Buck-Tick · 1996
49 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of gothic rock and new wave textures infused with an avant-garde spirit, reflecting the band's artistic evolution.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Maria — The opening track sets an atmospheric tone with haunting melodies and cryptic lyrics that encapsulate the album's themes of longing and existential exploration.
-
→
SANE — This track seamlessly blends rock elements with electronic influences, showcasing the band's ability to innovate while maintaining their signature sound.
-
→
COSMOS — The title track serves as a culmination of the album's explorations, featuring intricate arrangements and profound lyrical depth that reflects on human existence.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends gothic rock with experimental elements, showcasing varied structures and production techniques.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong, driving beat in 'Maria', establishing a high-energy tone that persists through the first half.
- Tracks like 'Living on the Net' incorporate electronic elements, creating a contrast with the more traditional rock instrumentation found earlier.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes and shifts in dynamics, particularly evident in 'SANE' and 'Tight Rope', which disrupt conventional song structures.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 progression with reflective moments
- atmospheric soundscapes for introspection
- balanced energy for focused listening
- kaleidoscopic textures inviting exploration
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on June 21, 1996, 'Cosmos' is Buck-Tick's seventh studio album, following their successful record 'Six/Nine'. This album marked a shift in their sound towards a more experimental approach, integrating electronic elements that showcased their growth as musicians and solidified their status in the Japanese rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- the GazettE· Dir En Grey· X Japan
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Maria 3:48
- 2 キャンディ 4:24
- 3 チョコレート 3:59
- 4 SANE 4:35
- 5 Tight Rope 5:15
- 6 idol 4:57
- 7 Living on the Net 4:07
- 8 Foolish 3:57
- 9 IN 4:32
- 10 Ash-ra 5:09
- 11 COSMOS 5:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.