Lily of da Valley cover

Lily of da Valley

Dragon Ash · 2001

74 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

A dynamic fusion of rap, rock, and reggae that captures the vibrant energy of early 2000s Japanese music culture.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    21st Century Riot — This track opens the album with an energetic mix of punk and hip-hop elements, setting the tone for the fusion style that defines Dragon Ash's sound.
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    My Friends' Anthem — An uplifting anthem celebrating camaraderie, this track combines catchy melodies with a rhythmic flow that showcases the band's ability to unite different musical styles.
  • →
    Lily of da Valley — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its introspective lyrics and a blend of melodic rock and hip-hop beats, illustrating Dragon Ash's unique approach to genre merging.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a strong blend of genres with varied tempos, creating an engaging yet cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief intro that sets a tone before launching into high-energy tracks that blend rap verses with rock choruses.
  • Several tracks feature shifts in tempo and style, such as '百合の咲く場所で', which introduces a slower, more melodic section amidst the upbeat songs.
  • The last three tracks include a gradual decrease in tempo, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album's dynamic energy.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • dynamic journey with varied pacing
  • vibrant energy for social settings
  • reflective moments amidst lively tracks
  • extended outro for thoughtful closure

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer immediate gratification tracks
  • avoid long, cohesive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Showcases innovative sound and cultural significance in J-Rock, marking a high point.
Career context
Released on March 14, 2001, 'Lily of da Valley' was Dragon Ash's third studio album, following their breakthrough record 'Viva la Revolution.' At this point in their career, the band had solidified their status as pioneers of the Japanese alternative and rap rock scene, blending diverse influences and gaining widespread popularity.
Stylistic neighbors
Linkin Park· Rage Against the Machine· P.O.D.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Intro 1:06
  • 2 21st Century Riot 2:35
  • 3 Glory 4:59
  • 4 Amploud 4:16
  • 5 Bring It 4:32
  • 6 Sunset Beach 5:22
  • 7 My Friends' Anthem 3:09
  • 8 百合の咲く場所で 3:54
  • 9 Aim High 3:40
  • 10 Revolater 3:24
  • 11 Deep Impact 4:31
  • 12 静かな日々の階段を 4:29
  • 13 Lily of da Valley 5:50
  • 14 Outro 1:15
  • 15 Episode 2 (Album Version) / 花言葉 20:52

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata