Released April 16, 2008
Track Listing
- Polyrhythm
- Plastic Smile
- Game
- Baby Cruising Love
- Chocolate Disco
- Macaroni
- Ceramic girl
- Take Me Take Me
- Secret Secret
- Butterfly
- Twinkle Snow Powdery Snow
- Puppy Love
As I mentioned in the introduction to this series, I’m beginning with Perfume’s Game because of the tour they will go on later this year, and that I’ve been meaning to give them an honest listen. Also, let’s not forget that the members of Perfume are fans of SPEED, so they got that going on. Hell, we even have our own review of it. So let’s talk about these songs.
Polyrhythm
I thought this song started a bit dull, but that chorus is fun. Solid intro song, seems like it was used in some anime.
Plastic Smile
I was walking when I first heard this song, and I instantly imagined myself walking during the closing credits of an anime. I even had a smile on my face while it was happening, so mission accomplished.
Game
Man, I wish this was the intro. There is some edge to this song that I like. Could be played out to have the title track begin the album, but this made a strong impression on me. When they starting singing Game in the chorus, I was all-in. As someone who is getting into Perfume, this sounded like what I imagined a Perfume song sounding like.
Baby Cruising Love
On my first listen this felt like this was a single. To my surprise, it was part of a double-A side. It has that pop appeal that the first two songs did, but with more idol energy. I am in favor of all of this.
Chocolate Disco
CHOCO-LATE DO DISCO! This is the song that I was really glad I started the Year of Discovery off with Perfume. I was enjoying the music on the J-pop fan level I once was, but also hearing a band I should have long ago for the first time. It gets repetitive, but with a song called Chocolate Disco, I’m not mad at it.
Macaroni
Oh man, oh man, oh man. You give me a main groove that is funky like that, with those hi-hats and a heavier-than-expected down beat, then I’m in. I love when they sing, but make space for those two notes to hit between lines.
Ceramic Girl
I like the energy in the song, but it felt like a let-down coming right after Macaroni. It is by no means trash, but this is one of the weaker songs on the album.
Take Me Take Me
I can totally see why people would find this song repetitive and boring. While I will probably not revisit this song in the future, I love how it makes me move my shoulders. It’s like a nice, dancing hug.
Secret Secret
This is the song I started to feel the album’s repetitiveness. I don’t anything bad here, but it pales in comparison to other songs on the album.
Butterfly
Digging the sounds of nature in the beginning, and the notes make it sound like I am in some Final Fantasy game. Perhaps if I was racing chocobo, for example.
Twinkle Snow Powdery Snow
I can’t help but think that the song either should’ve gone through a few more revisions, or just been put on the album. I like their lyrics and voices on this song, but it does sound like they could’ve been paired with something more experimental.
Puppy Love
Puppy Love brought the album back for me. I thought Plastic Smile was a good closing credits song, Puppy Love sounds more effective at it. I like having this song at the end.
Overall Thoughts
I liked it! I bet if I had heard it back then or even a few years ago I might’ve thought this was something amazing. But even just absorbing techno-pop and house music over the years, it made this album sound a bit dated. It’s still a strong debut album for a group that as far as I know goes on to push the envelope and do more experimental stuff. I’m glad I listened to the album, and now I’ll jump into the next album in preparation for their live show.
February – Kelly-Mae Matt a.k.a Chiima’s Selection
