Is Troublemaker a good place to start with Arashi?

Yes, Troublemaker is recommended as a starting point for new Arashi listeners. Upbeat melodies and catchy hooks fuse with vibrant production, embodying the playful spirit of contemporary J-pop. Released on March 3, 2010, 'Troublemaker' marked Arashi's continued ascent in the J-pop landscape following their breakthrough album 'All or Nothing' in 2009. At this point, the group was solidifying their status as superstars, having already achieved significant commercial success and a dedicated fanbase.

Who is Troublemaker for?

Troublemaker works well if you're into upbeat celebration of spontaneity, for group sing-alongs and short bursts of energetic fun.

How many songs are on Troublemaker?

Troublemaker has 6 tracks, running approximately 24 minutes.

Troublemaker

Arashi · 2010

24 min · 6 tracks · J-pop

Upbeat melodies and catchy hooks fuse with vibrant production, embodying the playful spirit of contemporary J-pop.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Troublemaker Start here — As the lead single, this track exemplifies Arashi's energetic style with its infectious chorus and danceable beat, making it a staple in their live performances.
→
揺らせ、今を — This song offers a more introspective vibe while still maintaining an upbeat tempo, showcasing the group's versatility and emotional depth.
→
もう一歩 — With motivational lyrics about taking steps forward, this track encapsulates the album's theme of perseverance and growth, resonating strongly with fans.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong melodies and production but lacks depth for lasting engagement.

What we noticed

The title track features a bright, upbeat tempo with layered vocal harmonies that create a lively atmosphere.
The inclusion of karaoke versions as the last three tracks shifts the focus from performance to listener participation.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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

upbeat celebration of spontaneity
for group sing-alongs
short bursts of energetic fun
ideal for party playlists

Maybe skip if you

prefer long, immersive albums
seek introspective, slow tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Reinforced Arashi's dominance in J-pop after their prior breakthrough album.
Career context: Released on March 3, 2010, 'Troublemaker' marked Arashi's continued ascent in the J-pop landscape following their breakthrough album 'All or Nothing' in 2009. At this point, the group was solidifying their status as superstars, having already achieved significant commercial success and a dedicated fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors: Hey! Say! JUMP· SMAP· Exile