Koroshi no Shirabe: This Is Not Greatest Hits
Buck-Tick · 1992
71 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
A bold fusion of alternative rock and theatricality, blending dark themes with infectious melodies and dynamic instrumentals.
Top tracks — play these first
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ICONOCLASM — The opening track sets the tone with its aggressive guitar riffs and anthemic chorus, embodying the band's bold sound and thematic intensity.
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VICTIMS OF LOVE — This track combines haunting melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing Buck-Tick's ability to blend emotional depth with a catchy pop-rock sensibility.
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TABOO — With its provocative lyrics and captivating instrumentation, TABOO exemplifies the album’s exploration of complex themes surrounding love and desire.
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, with a mix of energetic and dynamic tracks that reflect its visual kei roots.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, followed by several songs that maintain a similar tempo before slowing down in the latter half.
- Each track features layered instrumentation, often incorporating synthesizers and guitar riffs that create a rich soundscape.
- Several tracks include dramatic shifts in dynamics, with quiet verses leading into explosive choruses, enhancing the theatricality of the performance.
- 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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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- playful yet introspective vibes
- engaging two-halves listening experience
- wave-like pacing with surprises
- reflective moments amidst energetic bursts
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, single-focused albums
- seek instant gratification over depth
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 1992, Koroshi no Shirabe: This Is Not Greatest Hits marked Buck-Tick's transition from underground icons to mainstream success. Following their acclaimed album, Darker than Darkness, this compilation showcased the band's versatility and artistic evolution while solidifying their influence in the Japanese rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- the GazettE· Dir En Grey· X Japan
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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DO THE "I LOVE YOU"
The song features a playful repetition of its title phrase that shifts from earnestness to irony throughout the verses.
This structural choice creates a tension between sincerity and sarcasm, reflecting the complexities of modern relationships.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 ICONOCLASM 3:53
- 2 惡の華 4:19
- 3 DO THE "I LOVE YOU" 4:21
- 4 VICTIMS OF LOVE 7:24
- 5 M・A・D 4:03
- 6 ORIENTAL LOVE STORY 5:47
- 7 スピード 4:56
- 8 LOVE ME 5:13
- 9 JUPITER 6:00
- 10 ...IN HEAVEN... 4:06
- 11 MOON LIGHT 4:25
- 12 JUST ONE MORE KISS 5:30
- 13 TABOO 5:51
- 14 HYPER LOVE 5:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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