Horn Again
The Pillows · 2009
38 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant blend of alternative rock and symphonic elements, creating an energetic yet introspective soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Limp tomorrow Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy hooks and reflective lyrics, perfectly encapsulating the band's signature sound.
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Sad Fad Love — A standout track that showcases emotional depth, blending upbeat instrumentation with poignant lyrics about heartache and longing.
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Brilliant Crown — This track features intricate arrangements and powerful vocals, making it a prime example of the band's ability to balance melody with complexity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing energetic rock with introspective moments.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a high energy level with driving rhythms and layered instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a softer, more melodic approach.
- Several tracks feature dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity, particularly noticeable in 'Sad Fad Love', which contrasts a gentle verse with a more explosive chorus.
- The album closes with 'Doggie Howl', which incorporates playful elements and a lighter tone, creating a distinct shift from the preceding tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- introspective lyrics for reflection
- energetic listening on commutes
- uplifting melodies for motivation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid reflective listening experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and creativity in their established sound.
- Themes
- Japanese rock evolution· heartbreak in neon lights· reflective energy
- Career context
- Horn Again is The Pillows' tenth studio album, released during a time when they were solidifying their legacy in the Japanese rock scene. Following a series of successful albums in the early 2000s, this release continued to showcase their evolution while maintaining their distinctive sound, marking a significant point in their ongoing career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Asian Kung-Fu Generation· Bump of Chicken· Radwimps
Tracklist
- 1 Limp tomorrow Start here 4:42
- 2 Give me up! 2:32
- 3 Movement 3:55
- 4 Lily, my sun 4:44
- 5 Biography 3:26
- 6 Sad Fad Love 3:47
- 7 Nobody Knows What Blooms 3:36
- 8 EMERALD CITY 3:02
- 9 Brilliant Crown 5:42
- 10 Doggie Howl 2:42
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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