What makes Freedom by Dragon Ash notable?

'Freedom' was well-received, debuting at number two on the Oricon Albums Chart in Japan, showcasing Dragon Ash's sustained popularity. It also highlights the band's influence on the emerging Japanese alternative rock and rap rock scenes, bridging cultural gaps while attracting a broad audience. The album's exploration of social issues resonated with fans, contributing to its critical acclaim across various platforms. Released in 2009, 'Freedom' came after Dragon Ash's commercial peak with their previous album, 'Viva La Revolution,' which solidified their status in the Japanese music scene. This album marked their continued evolution as they experimented with diverse sounds while maintaining their signature genre-blending style. By this time, the band was also navigating changes in the music industry landscape, adapting to shifts in consumer preferences and digital distribution.

Freedom works well if you're into steady flow with gradual build, uplifting anthems for group settings and socially conscious themes throughout.

How many songs are on Freedom?

Freedom has 14 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Freedom

Dragon Ash · 2009

51 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant fusion of rap rock and alternative melodies that reflects a journey through personal and social themes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Freedom — The title track encapsulates the album's core message of liberation and self-expression, blending catchy hooks with introspective lyrics that invite listeners to reflect on their own freedoms.
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Desperado — This track showcases Dragon Ash's unique ability to merge rap verses with melodic choruses, exemplifying their genre-blurring approach while addressing themes of struggle and resilience.
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Velvet Touch — With its smooth instrumentation and evocative lyrics, this song stands out for its emotional depth and lyrical exploration of intimacy and connection in a modern context.

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 varied tempos and styles but lacks a strong cohesive narrative throughout.

What we noticed

The final three tracks slow down the pace significantly, allowing for introspective moments that contrast with the more energetic earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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 flow with gradual build
uplifting anthems for group settings
socially conscious themes throughout
vibrant energy for active listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
avoid extended listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows sustained popularity and influence after previous commercial peak.
Themes: personal liberation· digital age adaptation· intimacy in modernity
Career context: Released in 2009, 'Freedom' came after Dragon Ash's commercial peak with their previous album, 'Viva La Revolution,' which solidified their status in the Japanese music scene. This album marked their continued evolution as they experimented with diverse sounds while maintaining their signature genre-blending style. By this time, the band was also navigating changes in the music industry landscape, adapting to shifts in consumer preferences and digital distribution.
Stylistic neighbors: Linkin Park· Rage Against the Machine· P.O.D.