What makes Ultra Soul by B'z notable?

'Ultra Soul' is notable for its immense popularity, reaching number one on the Oricon charts and becoming one of the band's signature songs. The track's catchy hooks and energetic vibe contributed to B'z's enduring influence on Japanese rock music, paving the way for future artists in the genre. When 'Ultra Soul' was released in March 2001, B'z had already established themselves as one of Japan's most successful rock bands, following their commercial peak with the album 'Brotherhood' in 1999. This album marked a continued evolution in their sound, incorporating more pop elements while maintaining their hard rock roots, further solidifying their dominance in the Japanese music scene.

How many songs are on Ultra Soul?

Ultra Soul has 3 tracks, running approximately 10 minutes.

Ultra Soul

B'z · 2001

10 min · 3 tracks · hard rock

A high-energy fusion of hard rock and pop melodies that propels listeners into an electrifying sonic experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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ultra soul — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its exhilarating rhythms and anthemic chorus, standing out as a defining hit for B'z.
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スイマーよ 2001!! — This track showcases B'z's playful side with upbeat instrumentation and engaging lyrics, making it a fan favorite and a live performance staple.
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ROCK man — With its driving guitar riffs and powerful vocals, this track exemplifies the band's hard rock roots while appealing to a broader pop audience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The single showcases energetic compositions and solid production, reflecting B'z's established style in Japanese rock.

What we noticed

The title track 'Ultra Soul' features a driving beat and prominent guitar riffs, establishing a high-energy atmosphere from the start.
The second track, 'スイマーよ 2001!!', shifts to a more melodic pop-rock sound while maintaining an upbeat tempo.
The final track, 'ROCK man', returns to a heavier rock sound, creating a dynamic contrast with the preceding song.

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: 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established B'z's reputation with immense popularity and a signature sound.
Themes: Japanese rock dominance· high-energy anthems· playful instrumentation
Moods: Energetic· Uplifting
Career context: When 'Ultra Soul' was released in March 2001, B'z had already established themselves as one of Japan's most successful rock bands, following their commercial peak with the album 'Brotherhood' in 1999. This album marked a continued evolution in their sound, incorporating more pop elements while maintaining their hard rock roots, further solidifying their dominance in the Japanese music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: X Japan· Asian Kung-Fu Generation· Buck-Tick