Newtral cover

Newtral

Ikimono-gakari · 2012

64 min · 12 tracks · J-pop

A vibrant blend of melodic pop rock infused with heartfelt lyrics and anthemic choruses that invite sing-alongs.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    歩いていこう — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its uplifting melody and message about perseverance, establishing a hopeful atmosphere that resonates throughout.
  • →
    KISS KISS BANG BANG — This energetic song stands out with its catchy chorus and playful lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to blend fun pop sensibilities with rock elements.
  • →
    愛言葉 — Featuring poignant lyrics and a beautiful arrangement, this track captures deep emotional longing and connection, making it a highlight for listeners seeking introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and varied themes but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and anthemic choruses, while the fourth track introduces a more varied arrangement with layered instrumentation.
  • Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the sing-along quality of the choruses.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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 emotional peaks throughout
  • uplifting melodies for optimism
  • heartfelt lyrics that resonate
  • for reflective afternoons

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced listening
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on February 29, 2012, 'Newtral' is Ikimono-gakari's fifth studio album, following their commercially successful record 'Sakura' (2009). At this point, the band had solidified their status in J-pop, merging their signature sound with broader themes of love and personal growth.
Stylistic neighbors
Aimer· Yuki Kajiura· Kana-Boon
New to Ikimono-gakari? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • いつだって僕らは

    The narrative shifts from collective experiences to intimate reflections creates a strong sense of unity intertwined with personal insight.

    This shift in perspective enhances the emotional weight of the song, allowing listeners to feel personally connected while still being part of a larger collective experience.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 歩いていこう 6:05
  • 2 笑ってたいんだ 6:10
  • 3 いつだって僕らは 4:24
  • 4 KISS KISS BANG BANG 4:35
  • 5 会いにいくよ 5:47
  • 6 地球 5:52
  • 7 センチメンタル・ボーイフレンド 5:52
  • 8 白いダイアリー 5:05
  • 9 恋詩 4:41
  • 10 NEW WORLD MUSIC 4:31
  • 11 愛言葉 6:34
  • 12 おやすみ 4:22

What to play next

I
Listen next

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2013
Barādon
Go back to

Barādon

2012
Full Ikimono-gakari discography Where to start with Ikimono-gakari Artists like Ikimono-gakari
J-pop pop rock soft rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata