Is Kiss from the Darkness a good place to start with Scandal?

Yes, Kiss from the Darkness is recommended as a starting point for new Scandal listeners. A vibrant fusion of pop rock and catchy melodies, layered with introspective lyrics and high-energy instrumentation. Released on February 12, 2020, 'Kiss from the Darkness' is Scandal's sixth studio album, following their successful 2018 release 'Honey.' At this point in their career, the band had solidified their presence in the Japanese pop-rock scene, leveraging a blend of youthful exuberance and mature themes in their songwriting.

Who is Kiss from the Darkness for?

Kiss from the Darkness works well if you're into steady mid-tempo engagement, for upbeat gatherings and catchy melodies for sing-alongs.

How many songs are on Kiss from the Darkness?

Kiss from the Darkness has 12 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Kiss from the Darkness

Scandal · 2020

51 min · 12 tracks · pop rock

A vibrant fusion of pop rock and catchy melodies, layered with introspective lyrics and high-energy instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tonight Start here — Opening with a pulsating beat, this track sets the tone for the album, blending infectious hooks with energetic instrumentals that highlight the band's signature sound.
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Masterpiece — With its introspective lyrics and strong melodic structure, this song captures the essence of personal struggle and artistic aspiration, reflecting Scandal's maturity.
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YOU GO GIRL! — An empowering anthem that blends upbeat rhythms with encouraging lyrics, this track exemplifies Scandal's ability to evoke positivity while addressing societal challenges.

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 blends energetic pop rock with introspective lyrics but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a consistent upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a contrast in energy.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the melodic hooks, particularly in the choruses.

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 mid-tempo engagement
for upbeat gatherings
catchy melodies for sing-alongs
vibrant energy for road trips

Maybe skip if you

prefer slower, introspective music
seek experimental, genre-bending sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and evolution in sound at a mature stage of their career.
Themes: neon-lit adventure· self-acceptance journey
Career context: Released on February 12, 2020, 'Kiss from the Darkness' is Scandal's sixth studio album, following their successful 2018 release 'Honey.' At this point in their career, the band had solidified their presence in the Japanese pop-rock scene, leveraging a blend of youthful exuberance and mature themes in their songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors: The Go-Go's· Paramore· No Doubt