Is Monster a good place to start with B'z?

Yes, Monster is recommended as a starting point for new B'z listeners. Dynamic rock anthems blend catchy melodies with powerful guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, showcasing B'z's signature style. Released in 2006, Monster was the tenth studio album by B'z, a band already well-established in Japan's rock scene since the late '80s. At this point, they were enjoying massive commercial success, following their record-breaking album The Circle from 2005. Monster continued to solidify their status as one of Japan's leading rock acts.

Monster works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, vibrant energy for active listening and for summer road trips.

How many songs are on Monster?

Monster has 14 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Monster

B'z · 2006

59 min · 14 tracks · hard rock

Dynamic rock anthems blend catchy melodies with powerful guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, showcasing B'z's signature style.

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Top tracks — play these first

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ALL-OUT ATTACK Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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衝動〜MONSTER MiX〜 — This track showcases B'z's hard rock roots while incorporating a pop sensibility, making it a standout example of their ability to cross genres.
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ゆるぎないものひとつ — With its emotionally charged lyrics and powerful instrumentation, this song encapsulates the album's thematic depth and musical sophistication.
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MONSTER — The title track serves as a quintessential representation of B'z's style, combining energetic rhythms with anthemic choruses that resonate with fans.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Monster showcases strong songwriting and production but follows familiar hard rock templates.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and high-energy vocals, establishing a powerful opening.
Several tracks incorporate dynamic tempo shifts, such as '衝動〜MONSTER MiX〜', which transitions from a slower verse to an explosive chorus.
The last three tracks slow down the pace significantly, creating a reflective conclusion to the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

dynamic journey with emotional peaks
vibrant energy for active listening
for summer road trips
engaging mix of upbeat tracks
cathartic release through varied tempos

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
avoid lengthy album experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its dynamic sound and strong melodies, though not the most accessible entry.
Themes: Japanese rock dominance· anxiety in modern life· dynamic pop-rock anthems
Moods: Energetic· Uplifting
Career context: Released in 2006, Monster was the tenth studio album by B'z, a band already well-established in Japan's rock scene since the late '80s. At this point, they were enjoying massive commercial success, following their record-breaking album The Circle from 2005. Monster continued to solidify their status as one of Japan's leading rock acts.
Stylistic neighbors: X Japan· Asian Kung-Fu Generation· Buck-Tick