worst to first Worst to First: MUCC Albums

[doombox 4421]

 

It's nearing twenty years together for one of the most prolific bands to come out of the visual rock movement. MUCC were able to start out as a band of ragtag oddballs to become one of the most eclectic and resilient bands in the scene today. Though, they still manage to fly under the radar for many, especially newer, visual kei fans. Even with the string of anime themes they've worked on, MUCC seem to have their own corner of the market they had to forge for themselves and have never settled fully into any trend or label. Maybe it is that unpredictable nature that scares prospective fans off, but this list is here to tell you that it shouldn't. MUCC have covered enough ground with their career that there really is a little something for everyone in there. You just gotta dive in! So to help we've gone ahead and ranked every MUCC album from worst to best!

It should go without saying that this list is subjective and an artist that has been around this long with such a wide spectrum of influences is hard to pin down. So we welcome discussion about your own favorite albums from MUCC and why you love them! 

 

 

Worst to First: MUCC Albums

 

 

 

15. アンティーク (ANTIQUE) [1999]
Depending on which pressing you have of ANTIQUE could determine how you feel about this release (since the tracklist for the second pressing a year later was rearranged and included a brand new song) or you could have been stuck with much of the foreign fan-base who had to wait until the re-recorded re-release 哀愁のアンティーク(aishuu no antique) allowed us to finally get our hands on the sought after tunes. It's no stretch of the imagination that ANTIQUE ranks low among fans due to the combination of its rarity and shoddy production quality. However, as far as quality of first releases go, it's not the worst any of us has heard, that's for certain. You can still find all the core MUCC melody traits in this release, especially when you compare "九日(kokonoka)" to the updated version on Cover Parade years later where only a few small updates were necessary to bring the song seamlessly into their modern sound-- mainly Tatsuro's vocals and Satochi's drum fills. But fans of MUCC at their quirkiest will easily see the merits of ANTIQUE, even if the band themselves had not come to their full potential just yet.
Highlights: オルゴォル(ORGEL), 四月のレンゲ草(shigatsu no rengesou)

- @doombox

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

14. 哀愁 (Aishuu) [2001]
Aishuu wasn't so much a 'new' release as it was a collection of MUCC's demo songs re-recorded. Ironic that this collection would also become so rare the re-recordings would be recorded yet again in just over 10 years time. This does seem to be a theme with MUCC. To find re-imagined versions of songs and remixes on their B-sides is a pretty common occurrence. Aishuu offers probably the truest sense of MUCC's humble beginnings and musical roots. Though, it suffers mostly the same issues as ANTIQUE with muddy guitar tones where Miya had not yet perfected the nu-metal low-end he was going for or how to level harmony vocal tracks into the mix properly. However, diversity of the tracks was a step in the right direction and it helped this album feel more creative despite its shortcomings. There's also the live staple of "ロバートのテーマ (Robert no theme)" (Robert being the frog puppet and companion of Yukke that was a part of many performances over the years) that helped make this release a must-have for early Muckers. 

Highlights: 花(hana), 狂想曲(kyousoukyouku)

- @doombox

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

13. カルマ (KARMA) [2010]
Even though KARMA ranks fairly high in its home country, it did not resonate as well with many fans outside of it. Part of loving MUCC is accepting their wide range of musical styles and experimentation, at least until they ventured further into electrorock and EDM than they ever had before with this release. MUCC's albums flirted with dance-pop influences leading up to it, yet KARMA pressed on past the point of no return. Outside of layering dance beats and synth on many of the songs, there wasn't much new, creative songwriting going on. Though one could argue that MUCC's main foray into new territory is how they blend outside genres onto their core sound. And in countries where rock and dance genres couldn't be more separate, this choice alienated a large portion of their audience. The greatest crime on KARMA is perhaps that the definitive MUCC sound simply felt lost. They took a risk trading in their emotional, passionate approach for a colder, computerized one and it didn't quite payoff. However, this may be the album for curious listeners who never could get on board with the "old" MUCC style as it's the antithesis of earlier works such as Kuchiki no tou.
Highlights: ケミカルパレードブルーデイ(CHEMICAL PARADE BLUE DAY), A., フリージア Karma Edit(FREESIA Karma Edit)

- @doombox

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

12. 痛絶 (Tsuuzetsu) [2001]
The quintessential release from MUCC's indies period is hands down Tsuuzetsu. Unfortunately, that didn't help many of the songs on it stand the test of time. Even the digital re-release sounds muffled and lo-fi without any of the usual analog charms which makes the repetitious nature of the songwriting near un-listenable at points. But since we're nitpicking the recording quality as the biggest flaw in this release, it still easily tops the rest of MUCC's catalog from this era. It's evident the band finally solidified their foundation working together and for the first time some bass even got its turn in the spotlight since YUKKE's addition. This came in the form of the song "夜(yoru)" which he also composed the music for. Some of Tatsuro's trademark vocal tricks make solid appearances on this record as well. Even though a number of songs were still hit-and-miss for Tsuuzetsu, the band's energy was undeniable-- especially at the time of its release when visual kei was gaining attention in the global market.
Highlights: 盲目であるが故の疎外感 (moumoku de aruga yue no sogaikan), 断絶(danzetsu)

- @doombox

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

11. シャングリラ (SHANGRI-LA) [2012]

MUCC's Shangri-La was the first album I decided to try out when it came to picking a release from their discography back in 2013. From there I've checked out THE END OF THE WORLD, 鵬翼 (houyoku) and 極彩 (gokusai), but Shangri-La still stands as my most favored. Despite its backlash, it is well worth a shot just as much as their more preferred albums. This is especially true to those who are on the same boat as I was at first. There's so many sounds the guys implemented in such a standard sized album, that it becomes especially enjoyable the more spins you give it. From the hard opening hitter ,"Mr Liar" , to the opposite of the rocking, jazzy "ピュアブラック (Pure Black)", and even anime tie-ins "Nirvana", the opening to Inu x Boku, a pleasant, soft rock number and "Mother", an emotional belter from Naruto. Tatsuro even shows us a powerful and heavy side in the tear-jerking closer of "Shangri-La". While it's understandably not everyone's cup of tea, especially for their fans, this can be a great choice for those pondering where to start with them.  There's clearly a lot a variety and appreciation that can come from it. No matter what your taste is, a mixed bag of an album such as this one may have at least a couple of tracks you'll dig (or hate to admit you do!).
Highlights: G.G., 狂乱狂唱~21st Century Baby~ (kyouran kyoushou~21st Century Baby~), Marry You, 夜空のクレパス(yozora no kurepasu)

- @beni

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

10. 葬ラ謳 (Homura uta) [2002]

Homura uta served as a major transitional album for MUCC. Finally there was solid production which had been the band's largest hindrance up until then. "絶望(zetsubou)" unleashed the most nu-metal aggression anyone had heard from them as yet and it could not have been a more perfect time to rocket MUCC into the national visual kei scene under the wing of Danger Crue Management. Not only was Homura uta their largest collection of songs to date, the consistency of the entire album was an entirely new level for them. With some money backing them and good advice from their management, Homura uta's songs were much more approachable to the average rock listener but that doesn't mean some cringe-worthy moments didn't slip through. Tatsuro still had a tendency to howl out vocals that were beyond his capabilities, certain songs remained too repetitive, and attempts at other genres (such as jazz) weren't integrated very well that felt like distractions rather than proper additions to songs. In spite all of that, it was still a huge step in the right direction and the the industry undoubtedly began to take notice.

Highlights: 絶望(zetsubou), 前へ(mae e), 黒煙(kokuen)

- @doombox

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

9. THE END OF THE WORLD [2014]

We've cracked the top 10! And even though I'm personally a huge fan of this album, it seems fair that due to its somewhat recent release date and it being one of MUCC's more musically diverse albums it hasn't connected in the way some of the other albums have. THE END... genre-splices everything from metalcore in "ENDER ENDER" (while gaining some street cred by featuring gang vocals from scene veterans ROACH and new poster kids MAKE MY DAY among others) to disco and funk influences in "369(miroku)".  There are also some beautiful ballads and mid-tempo numbers that are the heart of the record. It opens up fierce and feisty, but easily half the album heavily pushes the emotional spectrum which is a side of the band that hadn't been in the forefront for a few years.  THE END... ultimately serves as a collection of mini-experiments in MUCC's sound instead of a large departure in the way KARMA was. This approach kept the album more accessible for fans of any MUCC era. Electronic bleeps and bloops are at a minimum on this release -mainly the singles- and it's hard to deny that the organic rock feel is the band's strongest suit. 

Highlights: ENDER ENDER -album edit-, HALO, Hallelujah 

- @doombox

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

8. T.R.E.N.D.Y. -Paradise from 1997- [2015]

MUCC have always claimed to write music for themselves despite expectations and criticism, though TRENDY is proof the band is not out of touch with their fanbase in the least when it comes down to it, even if they aren't always understood by them. In fact, MUCC wanted to show their fans some love with a release written specifically with the live performance in mind and inspiration from fan favorites over the years. This brought the four main instruments and rock sound back to the forefront and gave a lot of fans exactly what they had been waiting for. Small inspirations from THE END... still carried over in very subtle synth harmonies, and guitar-work dropped the -core and kept it mostly hard rock this time around. While purists could argue MUCC should have pushed the envelope more on this record, it still ends up being a seriously fun release for new and old fans alike as it sits right in a sweet spot. Headbang, jump, mosh, fist-pump, tap your toes, or sway, this release works hard to get you moving along to it and showcases a lot of strong hooks to sing along to.

Highlights: 睡蓮(suiren), TONIGHT    

- @doombox

Spoiler

 

 

7. 是空 (Zekuu) [2003]

From the first notes of "心奏(shinsou)" you will know you are in for a totally new and improved MUCC. This album marked their major label debut with Universal Music and it was obvious the band put their best foot forward. The down-tuned, distorted, intensity of Zekuu was its own force to be reckoned with as MUCC continued their forward momentum from Homura Uta the year before. Their style-hopping had streamlined and finally fused genres creating the what would from then on the be the 'core' of MUCC's distinctive sound. The album was so well received that "蘭鋳(ranchuu)" became a resident staple of their live sets for the next ten years. As much as MUCC like to re-record their songs and put new spins on them it's surprising they haven't chosen to rework any material from Zekuu. Maybe even MUCC know these songs are too sacred at this point. The album isn't perfect, the bass levels are too high, vocals too low, and the guitars down-tuned to oblivion. But that was also extremely common for the time this album was released and the nu-metal hints were the perfect thing to separate them from the rest of the pack within the visual scene to begin to focus their sights on the much larger mainstream rock stage.

Highlights: 我、在ルベキ場所(ware, arubekibasho), 1979, 蘭鋳(ranchuu)

- @doombox

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

6. 6 [2006]
How fitting our number six ranking would belong to none other than this release. 6 felt like it was a solution to the band having too many strong songs for their previous album but not enough to make it a double album. So they waited a few months and kicked out this gem. And whereas Houyoku had felt more conceptual and showed the band's softer side, 6 effectively came back swinging full force. It resonated with an underlying sense of power and optimism for how dark and aggressive the compositions were, save for the weirdness of "夕紅(yuubeni)" that was simply the random folk-country visual kei crossover you never knew you needed in your life. MUCC were nearly at the pinnacle of their popularity and their confidence really came across on this record. 
Highlights: フォーティーシックス(fourty-six), 夕紅(yuubeni)

- @doombox

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

5. 朽木の灯 (Kuchiki no tou) [2004]
You could almost cut MUCC's career into eras of three albums each. Kuchiki no tou would round out the darkest era that started with Homura uta and Zekuu. This album was the most poignant of the three, and some of the most down-tuned as well as speedy guitar work in the form of "濁空(dakuu)" really brought it to a caliber all of its own in their discography. Expectations had skyrocketed thanks to the band's recent growth spurt in popularity and MUCC delivered. Kuchiku no tou is full of hard-hitting, near bulldozing compositions that for many fans to this day still can't be topped. The band didn't need any tricks or 'bells and whistles' to sell the album, they had learned their strengths and had enough kick-ass songs for a surprisingly long 15 tracks. I don't think anyone would have complained if they added a few more and went for a legit double album with this one but that doesn't seem to be MUCC's thing. Though the album blazes by pretty quickly at just over an hour, the final track "朽木の塔(kuchiki no tou)" is a strong contender for MUCC's pièce de résistance, as it sprawls out over an expansive eight minutes and sucks you down to the deepest pit of your own soul. 
Highlights: 幻燈讃歌(gentousanka), 路地裏 僕と君へ(rojiura boku to kimi e), 朽木の塔 (kuchiki no tou)

- @doombox

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

4. 鵬翼 (Houyoku) [2005]

MUCC was one of the bands that did the deed of getting me sucked deeply not just into visual-kei but Japanese music in general. The first album of theirs that I owned and listened to was 鵬翼 (Houyoku) and it sealed the deal on me being a fan of their music. It's a very strong album and takes you on a emotional roller coaster in a way not much artists can. I remember getting it a little after it came out and being completely sucked in from the moment the opening track "輝く世界 (Kagayaku Sekai)" started and not being able to refrain from putting the album on repeat. Maybe that's why 鵬翼 (Houyoku) as a whole has such an impact on me, at the time I was going through a lot of loss and emotional turmoil in my life and music had a big part in helping me move on from that. The album as a whole may have a strong theme of loss but in the end empowers you to move on become a stronger person. At least that's the way I interpreted it when I gave it a listen and if you're going through some emotional turmoil give 鵬翼 (Houyoku) a listen and maybe you'll get some musical freedom from MUCC to help you move on from your pain.

Highlights:  1R, 雨のオーケストラ (Ame no Orchestra), モンスター (Monster)

- @tetsu_sama69

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

3. 球体 (Kyutai) [2009]
One of MUCC's most well-rounded albums (pun intended!), Kyutai  really shows yet another new fire had been lit under MUCC put everything they had on display. There's fist-pumping rock anthems, headbangers, dance-able jams, and even near-religious experiences in the operatic surprise "讃美歌(sanbika)". Kyutai is more rock driven than its predecessor Shion, however there is synthwork layered ever-so-subtly in the background if you listen for it. It truly feels like a combination of their previous two albums worked seamlessly into one plus some interesting experimentation to spice it up. The band showcases all of their best facets without straying far from their core strengths yet kept the album fresh. It's no small miracle MUCC were able to keep pressing out fantastic album after album during this decade leading them to be one of the most prolific bands in modern visual kei!
Highlights: 咆哮(houkou), アゲハ(ageha), 陽炎(kagerou)

- @doombox

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

2. 志恩 (Shion)  [2008]

I remember when I first heard the singles leading up this album and getting so hyped for it because MUCC just fit into the style of music I loved. For me 志恩 (Shion) is my favorite album that MUCC has ever done and it's one I always go to when I need great music to give me life again. From the beginning of the album you're pulled into a rush of chugging heavy instrumentals and rough vocals that take you over to point where you can't refuse the call of the repeat button. There's a lot of flavors put into 志恩(Shion) from the insane harmonica spiced addictive sound of "ファズ (FUZZ)" to the energetic positive powerhouse of "フライト (Flight)". And then it shifts to the emotional rollercoaster of "空忘れ (Sorawasure)" and the extremely touching and dark tinted taste of "リブラ (Libra)". 志恩 (Shion) overall is right in the vein of what represents MUCC's heavier side and is the first album I would go to when it comes to introducing someone to their music.
Hightlights: THE ENTIRE ALBUM IS THE HIGHLIGHT YO!

- @tetsu_sama69

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

1. 極彩 (Gokusai) [2006]
Were you really surprised? Of course it's Gokusai!! 2006 was such a great year for visual kei and Gokusai was one of the bright shining lights making that year so memorable. It's hard to pick stand out songs on this album when every track from the opener to the twinkly send-off song "流星(ryuusei)" is MUCC undeniably at their best. Admittedly, not as dark or heavy as their previous work, but the aggressive songs had the perfect amount of bite and grit to them, just enough to blend seamlessly when the band changed gears and slowed down for the emotional side of the album. "パノラマ(panorama)" pulled at the heartstrings as a dedication to the break up of ラヴィアンローズ(LA VIE EN ROSE), a brother-band of sorts that members are still close with to this day. And the song is still just as potent 10 years later, even if you never knew what it was referencing. The singles off of Gokusai were all strong, but when listening to the complete album it shows each and every song is just as strong and catchy as the next. Each shows a different side of MUCC leading up to it. Gokusai shot MUCC into the stratosphere to transcend the Japanese music scene, and by their next album they would be touring with some of the world's most famous rock bands of their generation. It would send them to tour the globe and cement themselves as no-longer up-and-comers but one of the pillars of the visual arena. 
Highlights: ALL OF IT. EVERY SONG.

- @doombox

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading! ♪

Please share your favorite MUCC albums and songs with us below!

 

 

 

[Atreides 454]

I've never really heard much of MUCC but I'm definitely going to check out the top 3 albums. Thanks for sharing, it was quite entertaining and informative!

[WhirlingBlack 1043]

Aishuu wasn't re-recorded though just remastered for the collection with antique...

Anyway, interesting to read someone with a completely opposite take on the band, in my opinion they started out strongest even though their kept the spirit alive for almost seven years afterwards.

 

Also, on topic:

1. Aishuu

2. Antique

3. Homura Uta

4. Kuchiki no Tou

5. Zekuu

6. Tsuuzetsu

The rest.

[doombox 4421]

6 hours ago, WhirlingBlack said:

Aishuu wasn't re-recorded though just remastered for the collection with antique...

Anyway, interesting to read someone with a completely opposite take on the band, in my opinion they started out strongest even though their kept the spirit alive for almost seven years afterwards.

 

Also, on topic:

1. Aishuu

2. Antique

3. Homura Uta

4. Kuchiki no Tou

5. Zekuu

6. Tsuuzetsu

The rest.

Ah thank you for the correction. Maybe I was misinformed somewhere and since there's an audible difference on the two releases I never thought to double check that information. It's always interesting to see how everyone feels about their releases. A few of the early releases were pushed further down the list because of album sales I'm sure (which were taken in to account when the list was made) because I know you're not alone in your opinion. I personally was very take-it-or-leave-it with them until Homura Uta, and even then I wasn't 100% on board until Houyoku. Some of the older albums for me are really messy, but I can also understand that that's a part of their charm too, especially looking back now.

[Saishu 1589]

For me, MUCC exists from Homura Uta to Kyuutai. After that I could only just tolerate the material they were putting out, though there have been some great songs the last few years. Picking a favorite, though, is tough. I mean, I love Zekuu, Kuchiki no Tou, Gokusai, Shion, and Kyuutai almost equally. Shion is a monster of an album, but at times it can be a little to dense and long-winded. Thankfully there's Kyuutai, which is basically Shion's little brother; it's tighter and a little more focused, and features my favorite hidden MUCC gem: Kagerou. 

 

So yeah, I couldn't really give the edge to anything right now. I'd have to really think about it, and even then I'd probably change my mind a few days later. 

[doombox 4421]

6 minutes ago, Saishu said:

 Thankfully there's Kyuutai, which is basically Shion's little brother; it's tighter and a little more focused, and features my favorite hidden MUCC gem: Kagerou. 

Kagerou is amazing. I wish that would have been a single so badly, just because I want a video for it in my life lol.

[Jigsaw9 6783]

Yay for Gokusai!  Other than that, I'm more or less in the same boat as @Saishu: after Kyuutai they went kinda 'meh' (if not downright terrible in certain cases xD) for me, tho they did manage to reignite the flame a bit with T.R.E.N.D.Y........ only to disappoint me once again with frickin' anime openings.  Hopefully their next full-length packs a punch.

[Tokage 5930]

MUCC sort of stops existing for me after ''6''. I guess most albums relesed after that usually tend to have at least one or two good tracks on them, but as a whole I just don't feel them as much as their older stuff. I feel like there's something more raw in their older songs, the newer material just feels so polished. I guess I also simply just prefer stuff with a more negative, oppressing atmosphere than stuff like Flight or any of their other anime OP-tier tracks.  I'm not really feeling their little excursions into metalcore either. As far as their output beyond my personal favorite era goes, I'd say that Shion is probably the most consistently enjoyable album of theirs. There's only 2 or 3 songs on there that I absolutely despise.. I also have a slight weakness for Gokusai, but to be honest that one's like.. entirely driven by nostalgia, cuz it was one of the (if not THE) first Japanese albums I ever bought..

 

Personal fav. album is Homura Uta, even though it's sort of kind of too long

Edited July 11, 2016 by Tokage

[rebelstrik 111]

Voted for zekuu, but also shion is one of my favs. I enjoy more antique and aishuu  than karma.  There is some charm in low production quality and not experienced members

[Mind of the sun 71]

Shion is my favorite, love the whole vibe the album has. I have enjoyed all their albums so far, so its a bit difficult to make a list, but i will do a top five at least!

 

1. Shion

2. Kuchiki no tou

3. T.R.E.N.D.Y

4. Kyutai

5. Gokusai

 

 

 

 

[r... 720]

01. 葬ラ謳

Undisputably, their best piece of work.

 

02. 痛絶

 

03. アンティーク

 

04. 朽木の灯

There was a lot about this one that I didn't love when it came out back then. But the years have made me wiser and now I'm able to appreciate the incredible amount of energy and emotion that it contains. 朽木の塔 has some of the most incredible ムック moments ever laid on tape. 

 

05. 是空

 

06. 6

Great comeback!

 

07. 鵬翼

Underrated. Very influenced by japanese folk, I can see why some fans might be turned off.

 

08. 志恩

 

09. 球体

 

10. 極彩

 

11. 哀愁

 

12. T.R.E.N.D.Y. -Paradise from 1997-

 

13. THE END OF THE WORLD

 

14. シャングリラ

 

15. カルマ

 

The last three are some the weakest efforts by MUCC. But you can't be great forever. Even if everything they do from now on sucks, we'll always have the early material. Plus, they kill live.

Also, some of their early singles are incredibly better than some of the later albums (and better than 哀愁). Namely, 負ヲ讃エル謳.

Edited July 11, 2016 by r...

[plastic_rainbow 2162]

well, i still haven't heard any of their albums other than homura uta, zekuu, and tsuuzetsu so i'm definitely gonna have to come back and refer to this list!

homura uta and zekuu have been great albums so far~ ^^

[Zeus 7997]

19 hours ago, plastic_rainbow said:

well, i still haven't heard any of their albums other than homura uta, zekuu, and tsuuzetsu so i'm definitely gonna have to come back and refer to this list!

homura uta and zekuu have been great albums so far~ ^^

 

Homura Uta and Zekuu are two of their best albums IMO, but I'm an old-school MUCC fan that lost his way some time after KARMA. I can find a little to like in each album but that one totally lost me and since then I've been too wary to try anything new. Seeing how @doombox ranked the newest releases doesn't install confidence in me either, but I'd be willing to try a more recent release if she'd recommend me one. @plastic_rainbow those were great places to start. The darkness in Zekuu is palpable. At the time the band were going through lots of internal stress and infighting. That anger and depression is present in a way they were never able to channel again, not even when they tried to purposefully outdo it on Kuchiki no Tou.

Also surprised to see so many nice words about Houyoku. I absolutely detest that album and could never get into it. I feel like I'm missing out. :\

[tetsu_sama69 1119]

2 hours ago, Zeus said:

Also surprised to see so many nice words about Houyoku. I absolutely detest that album and could never get into it. I feel like I'm missing out. :\

 

Yeah, it's pretty much my favorite album by them and no one really digs it. Maybe it's just down to personal taste and life experiences when it comes down to it. I really wish you and others enjoyed it more because it really didn't do that badly overall. 

[Zeus 7997]

If there were reset buttons on MUCC's career, Houyoku would be the first time they really pressed it. To go from a complete 180 into Houyoku is what threw me off back then and it still does now! I know that after they expunged all their demons the band felt like they couldn't "force the heaviness" and Houyoku sprouted from the seeds of their angst or whatever. I really haven't listened to it in maybe 5 years so I should try again. I've changed a lot since back then.

[clow_eriol 240]

After Kyuati, all goes to an infinte spiral of meh...

[Saishu 1589]

Houyoku has some good tracks, but overall it's a bit of a bore. Also cannot stand Ame no Orchestra. It's like the most generic jrock ballad ever. 

[saishuu 3220]

Houyoku is actually a really cool album. It did throw me off a lot when it came out, especially given how heavy Kuchiki no Tou was, but it has some great tracks in it. "Kagayaku sekai" is still one of their best songs to this day for me.

 

I discovered MUCC with some random songs off of Zekuu and Houmura Uta, but Kuchiki no Tou was when I first listened to one of their albums and I still hold it as my favorite. I overplayed it so much back in 2004 it was ridiculous. That performance of "Kuchiki no Tou" (the song) in their first Budokan live still gives me chills everytime I watch it. Houyoku, Houmura Uta and Zekuu are probably the other ones I really like, with Shion coming right behind. Aside from T.R.E.N.D.Y., I haven't really enjoyed any of their albums since Shion - and I tried to enjoy Kyuutai countless times, but it feels so lifeless that I honestly don't remember a single thing about it.

[r... 720]

5 hours ago, saishuu said:

That performance of "Kuchiki no Tou" (the song) in their first Budokan live still gives me chills everytime I watch it.

 

 

That one is awesome. Have you seen this one, tho?

 

 

[TatsuSan 7]

My ranking:

1 Kuchiki no tou

2 Gokusai

3 6

4 Kyutai

5 Zekuu

6 Houyoku

7 Homura uta

8 Tsuuzetsu

9 Antique

10 Aishuu

11 Shion

12 Karma

13 T.R.E.N.D.Y.

14 The end of the World

Edited July 19, 2016 by TatsuSan

[saishuu 3220]

5 hours ago, r... said:

 

That one is awesome. Have you seen this one, tho?

 

goddammit, Tatsurou is a monster.

[doombox 4421]

On 7/17/2016 at 8:45 AM, Zeus said:

 

Homura Uta and Zekuu are two of their best albums IMO, but I'm an old-school MUCC fan that lost his way some time after KARMA. I can find a little to like in each album but that one totally lost me and since then I've been too wary to try anything new. Seeing how @doombox ranked the newest releases doesn't install confidence in me either, but I'd be willing to try a more recent release if she'd recommend me one. @plastic_rainbow those were great places to start. The darkness in Zekuu is palpable. At the time the band were going through lots of internal stress and infighting. That anger and depression is present in a way they were never able to channel again, not even when they tried to purposefully outdo it on Kuchiki no Tou.

Also surprised to see so many nice words about Houyoku. I absolutely detest that album and could never get into it. I feel like I'm missing out. :\

KARMA seemed to have that effect on a lot of the foreign audience. But their most recent ventures like TRENDY and THE END OF THE WORLD are a little more rock oriented so maybe they'd be a good place for you to try again. Especially  TRENDY since its a mini and probably easier to swallow in a single listen. MUCC don't seem to have any intentions of going back to the dark places they ventured into for the early work, but if you could handle albums like Gokusai and Kyutai alright, they should be in that vein, at least they are for me. Just a lot more polished which isn't always a good thing when you liked their raw side. 

 

I personally love Houyoku as well. I love the folky side of MUCC a lot. It was what really helped them stand out from a lot of other "dark vk" bands at the time. So while it was shocking to see the difference, it was a welcome change for me. 

 

I will address the elephant in the room when it comes to MUCC. They release a LOT. And they release it on a pretty much set schedule. Every year, 3 singles, and an album. I think they have only taken 1 year off of this release schedule or bought a little time here and there by releasing their mini albums. This ultimately puts quantity over quality for their albums when I think they could have made a couple of truly amazing albums in the last few years if they took more time with them. KARMA, Shangri-La, and THE END OF THE WORLD all suffer from obvious filler tracks. I still think they hold a higher level of consistency than a lot of their peers but when you know what they are capable of, it still can end up as a disappointment. Especially for those of us so far away that don't get to enjoy how phenomenal they are live. Which to me, is ultimately their biggest draw as a fan. 

[AwesomeNyappy 98]

Now that I'm in full on JRock revival mode, I also decided to give Mucc another chance. I've never disliked them, but I never really got into their music. But I have to say, my teenage self was WRONG. Listened to Gokusai on youtube, and it's a great album indeed! I kind of like the way it'd set up, every song is unique, and it seems as if it follows some kind of concept. I just added another CD to my "soon-to-buy" list.

[doombox 4421]

11 hours ago, AwesomeNyappy said:

Now that I'm in full on JRock revival mode, I also decided to give Mucc another chance. I've never disliked them, but I never really got into their music. But I have to say, my teenage self was WRONG. Listened to Gokusai on youtube, and it's a great album indeed! I kind of like the way it'd set up, every song is unique, and it seems as if it follows some kind of concept. I just added another CD to my "soon-to-buy" list.

Awesome! I'm happy you decided to give them a second chance! 

[gwsm 24]

On 7/11/2016 at 2:52 PM, Tokage said:

MUCC sort of stops existing for me after ''6''.

This.