What makes Jojoushi by L'Arc-en-Ciel notable?

Jojoushi was significant for its innovative reworkings of earlier hits, particularly 'HEAVEN'S DRIVE', which was revitalized for this release. The album solidified L'Arc-en-Ciel's presence in the J-Rock scene by introducing fresh interpretations of their classic tracks, further expanding their influence on subsequent artists. Released in 2005, Jojoushi marked a transitional phase for L'Arc-en-Ciel as they shifted from their earlier sound into a more polished alternative rock style. This album came after their commercial peak with the successful albums like Ark and Ray, showcasing their ability to evolve while maintaining their fanbase.

How many songs are on Jojoushi?

Jojoushi has 4 tracks, running approximately 17 minutes.

Jojoushi

L'Arc-en-Ciel · 2005

17 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A seamless blend of emotive rock melodies and introspective lyrics, encapsulating L'Arc-en-Ciel's evolving sound.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
叙情詩 — '叙情詩' serves as the emotional centerpiece of the album, combining lush instrumentation with heartfelt lyrics that reflect on nostalgia and longing.
→
HEAVEN'S DRIVE 2005 — This revamped version of a beloved classic showcases the band's growth and adaptability, breathing new life into a fan-favorite anthem.
→
叙情詩 (hydeless version) — The hydeless version strips down the original's layers, highlighting the raw emotional power of the melody and vocal delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases varied interpretations but lacks strong cohesion as a standalone work.

What we noticed

The first track, 叙情詩, features a gradual build-up with layered instrumentation that peaks before transitioning into the more upbeat HEAVEN'S DRIVE 2005.
The hydeless version of 叙情詩 strips back the arrangement to focus on vocal delivery and lyrical content, contrasting with the original's richness.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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.