What makes Hurry Up Mode by Buck-Tick notable?

The album helped establish Buck-Tick as pioneers of the visual kei movement, blending theatrical performance with diverse musical styles. It received critical acclaim and has been recognized for its innovative sound, influencing a generation of Japanese artists and bands that followed. Hurry Up Mode is Buck-Tick's debut album, released in January 1987, marking their entry into the Japanese rock scene. At this time, the band was still developing their identity, combining elements of goth and punk influences. The album set the stage for their subsequent evolution into one of Japan's most influential rock acts.

Who is Hurry Up Mode for?

Hurry Up Mode works well if you're into steady pacing with gradual peaks, atmospheric journey through rebellion and youthful angst and introspection.

How many songs are on Hurry Up Mode?

Hurry Up Mode has 11 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Hurry Up Mode

Buck-Tick · 1987

43 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A fusion of gothic rock and post-punk energy punctuated by synth lines and poetic lyricism that defines early Japanese alternative music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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HURRY UP MODE — The title track encapsulates the band's energetic ethos, featuring driving rhythms and a catchy chorus that showcases their signature blend of rock and new wave elements.
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TELEPHONE MURDER — This track stands out with its dark narrative and haunting instrumentation, reflecting the band's flair for theatricality within their songwriting.
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FLY HIGH — With an infectious melody and dynamic arrangement, this song highlights the band's ability to merge pop sensibilities with alternative rock aesthetics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a mix of gothic and punk influences with theatrical elements, marking its distinct place in early Japanese alternative music.

What we noticed

The album opens with a spoken-word prologue that sets a theatrical tone, followed by tracks that blend driving rhythms with atmospheric synths.
Several songs feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'HURRY UP MODE,' which shifts from a slow build to an energetic climax.
The lyrics often employ surreal imagery and poetic language, enhancing the gothic aesthetic throughout the record.

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

Influence 6/10

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 pacing with gradual peaks
atmospheric journey through rebellion
youthful angst and introspection
engaging narrative flow throughout

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
avoid cohesive storytelling albums

Where this album fits

Career context: Hurry Up Mode is Buck-Tick's debut album, released in January 1987, marking their entry into the Japanese rock scene. At this time, the band was still developing their identity, combining elements of goth and punk influences. The album set the stage for their subsequent evolution into one of Japan's most influential rock acts.
Stylistic neighbors: the GazettE· Dir En Grey· X Japan