Do the A-side cover

Do the A-side

Do As Infinity · 2005

91 min · 21 tracks · J-pop

A vibrant blend of catchy melodies and emotive lyrics, encapsulating the essence of early 2000s J-pop.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Tangerine Dream Start here — The opening track sets an energetic tone for the album with its infectious beat and catchy chorus, effectively drawing listeners into the band's signature sound.
  • →
    Desire — Featuring introspective lyrics combined with a powerful vocal performance, this track highlights the emotional depth that characterizes much of the album.
  • →
    We Are. — This anthem-like song embodies themes of unity and resilience, making it a standout that resonates with audiences both lyrically and musically.

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

The album showcases strong melodies and varied tempos but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with three consecutive tracks that maintain an upbeat tempo, creating an energetic start.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the melodic appeal.
  • The last four tracks slow down significantly, introducing a more reflective tone as the album concludes.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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 mid-tempo sing-alongs
  • nostalgic anthems for sunny days
  • melodic warmth for gatherings
  • uplifting vibes for road trips
  • evening relaxation with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking intense, fast-paced tracks
  • prefer standalone singles over albums

Where this album fits

Themes
early 2000s J-pop· post-breakup reinvention· catchy melodies
Career context
In 2005, Do As Infinity was in a phase of reinvention following their breakup in 2005, which marked the end of their original run. 'Do the A-side' was released shortly after their reunion and served as a return to the music scene, showcasing their established sound while embracing new influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Namie Amuro· Miliyah Kato· Ayumi Hamasaki

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Heart

    The narrative shifts from personal reflection to a collective experience of love and longing, weaving together individual emotions with broader themes.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Tangerine Dream Start here 4:20
  • 2 Heart 4:07
  • 3 Oasis 4:44
  • 4 Yesterday & Today 5:02
  • 5 rumble fish 4:08
  • 6 We Are. 4:26
  • 7 Desire 4:31
  • 8 遠くまで 4:30
  • 9 Week! 4:18
  • 10 深い森 4:05
  • 11 冒険者たち 4:09

Disc 2

  • 1 陽のあたる坂道 4:26
  • 2 under the sun 4:08
  • 3 under the moon 4:28
  • 4 真実の詩 4:16
  • 5 魔法の言葉~Would you marry me?~ 4:25
  • 6 本日ハ晴天ナリ 3:16
  • 7 柊 4:32
  • 8 楽園 4:58
  • 9 For the future 4:20
  • 10 TAO 4:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata