UVERworld – UVERworld -Neo SOUND BEST- (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)

1. D-tecnoRize
2. CHANCE! (Re-Sing ver.)
3. 儚くも永久のカナシ
4. Roots
5. 激動
6. 99/100騙しの哲
7. ゼロの答
8. シャカビーチ ～Laka Laka La～
9. 浮世CROSSING
10. SHAMROCK
11. 優しさの雫
12. モノクローム ～気付けなかったdevotion～
13. 君の好きなうた
14. 恋いしくて
15. 哀しみはきっと
16. D-tecnoLife

The rock band UVERworld is one of the few rock bands that has gained international recognition through their music which have been used for popular Japanese anime series.

The band debuted with their song “D-tecnoLife” back in 2005 which was used for the anime series “BLEACH” and since then have had a good number of hits in Japan that have been used as theme songs for video games, anime series and drama.

Their first best album “UVERworld – Neo SOUND BEST-” features many of their popular hits used for those series (note: Not all of their 14 singles are available on this album).  Songs that one can expect to find on their best album include their debut single “D-tecnoLife”, their second single “Chance!” (used as a theme song for the second “Bleach: Hit the Soul” PSP video game), their fifth single “Shamrock” (the ending theme for the Japanese drama “Dance Drill”), their sixth single “Kimi no Suki na Uta” (used as a theme for the TBS drama “Koi Suru Hanikami!”), their eighth single “Shaka Beach ~Laka Laka La~”, their ninth single “Ukiyo Crossing” (used as the ending theme for the Japanese drama “Hataraki Man”), their tenth single “Gekidou” (used as the fourth opening theme for the anime series “D. Gray-Man”), their eleventh single “Koishikute”,  their 12th single “Hakanaku Mo Towa no Kanashi” (second opening theme for “Mobile Suit Gundam 00”) and their 14th single “Kanashimi wa Kitto” (a theme for the drama “Shokojo Seira”).  The best album also includes songs from their albums “Proglution” and “Awakeve”.

There is an album release which includes a DVD featuring live performances from the band’s “AwakEVE TOUR’09 YOKOHAMA BLITZ”, “PROGLUTION TOUR 2008 NHK HALL” and “2008 Premium LIVE at Nippon Budokan”.

Overall, there is not much you can complain about this album.  I can see some people who hoped all their singles would be included on the best album and anime fans who wish the track “Colors of the Heart” from “Blood+” was included but you do get 16 solid tracks.

If you are a fan of UVERworld but never purchased any of their singles, definitely give “UVERworld – Neo SOUND BEST-” a try!

The album comes inside a gold foil sleeve.  The insert booklet features lyrics and production credits plus pictures of the members of UVERworld.   Also included is an UVERworld Christmas card and a mini-flier with information on Spring/Summer 2010 tour.

BUY THIS ALBUM from CDJapan.com: