Viva la Revolution cover

Viva la Revolution

Dragon Ash · 1999

71 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant fusion of rock, rap, and reggae that embodies a youthful rebellion against societal norms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Grateful Days — This track features a compelling collaboration with Japanese rap artist Zeebra, showcasing the seamless blend of rock and rap that defines the album's essence.
  • →
    Drugs Can’t Kill Teens — Addressing serious societal issues with an energetic beat, this track stands out for its powerful message about youth culture and resilience.
  • →
    Viva la revolution — The title track encapsulates the rebellious spirit of the album, combining anthemic choruses with socially conscious lyrics that resonate with listeners seeking change.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a strong blend of genres with solid production, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief intro that sets a rhythmic tone, followed by tracks that alternate between rap verses and melodic choruses.
  • Several songs feature layered instrumentation, blending rock guitar riffs with reggae rhythms and hip-hop beats.
  • The final track includes a spoken word section that contrasts with the preceding music, creating a reflective closure.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • gradual build to a climax
  • vibrant energy for gatherings
  • introspective moments amidst beats
  • engaging storytelling through lyrics
  • dynamic pacing for active listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • dislike lyrical introspection

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified their influence and popularity in the music industry after their debut.
Career context
Released in 1999, Viva la Revolution was Dragon Ash's second album, following their breakthrough debut, The Brilliance of the Moon. By this time, they had established themselves as pioneers in the Japanese alternative rock and rap rock scene, blending various genres to create a distinctive sound that resonated with a younger audience.
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 0:51
  • 2 Communication 3:27
  • 3 Rock the Beat 3:26
  • 4 Humanity 2:57
  • 5 Attention 3:29
  • 6 Let Yourself Go, Let Myself Go 5:05
  • 7 Dark Cherries 4:01
  • 8 Drugs Can’t Kill Teens 4:32
  • 9 Just I’ll Say 3:16
  • 10 Fool Around 2:03
  • 11 Freedom of Expression 4:07
  • 12 Nouvelle Vague #2 2:35
  • 13 Viva la revolution 4:59
  • 14 Grateful Days 4:49
  • 15 Outro / Hot Cakes 21:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata