Aiming to be Number ONE

Necry Talkie is a five-member pop rock band formed in 2017. They recently made their major label debut under Sony Music this year with their album ZOO!! which was released on January 29. However, the album I will be breaking down today is ONE, the group’s debut album which was released on December 5, 2018. Unfortunately it did not make it to the Oricon Top 10 but it still made a huge impact on their career. I am going to dissect ONE song-by-song. Let’s get started.

“Rainy Rainy” This starts out the album with a bang with its fun and upbeat, energetic tune. The guitar and drums going back and forth give it a fun touch. Vocalist Mossa has such a unique voice that fits perfectly with its kinetic track.
“Konogaragatta!”Necry Talkie does not slow down as this one brings in the same intensity as “Rainy Rainy”; however, this track has a very interesting addition instrument wise. The keyboard in this reminds me of a xylophone. Mossa’s vocals are cute and fun as she brings a fluffiness to this unique composition. Tambourine is also heard in the background, giving it a nice extra spice. This is one of my favorite songs on ONE thanks to Mossa’s vocals and the composition and I can listen to it on repeat.
“Mechaa Kawaii Uta” This song starts off with Mossa’s lovely vocals and adds the same interesting melodies Necry Talkie normally infuses their tracks with. Mossa’s vocal style changes from cute to more rock and the melody becomes heavier before changing to light. This switching they do throughout the track makes for a memorable composition. Near the end, the song dramatically picks up, becoming very high paced and more sonically chaotic. It's a fantastic and unique way to end it.
“Typhoon”A fun summer tune that utilizes the keyboard, drums, and guitar. The usage of the keyboard makes it stick out from the other songs and adds a fun-loving emphasis. Mossa’s vocals are suitably very upbeat, making for an enjoyably poppy track to jump around and bop to. Two minutes in, Mossa’s vocals slow for 30 seconds before jumping back up to the usual beat, providing a satisfying transition of pace.
“Yurusei Hattori” When I first heard this I thought this track was part of a video game soundtrack; it sounds like something akin to a Mario and Legend of Zelda fusion with the kickoff to its introduction. Mossa’s vocals are extremely fast and this is the first time you hear the whole band chime in. “Yurusei Hattori” fluctuates between goofy and rock with its unique style and composition. Despite the odd video game sounds, you also hear music rock influence with their heavy use of the guitar.
“Oshare Taisakusen” Mossa’s vocals and the high energy this track possesses make it another favorite and also the first song I heard by them. I love the use of keyboard and drums at the beginning; it pulls you directly in and makes you want more, and it also shows off Mossa’s vocals and how much fun Necry Talkie has making music. Every time I hear it, I just cannot sit still.
“Gakkari saretakunaina” The first track that does not have a high energy feel to it and is a different style than the first six. It brings a slow pop rock composition and Mossa’s vocals are woven perfectly into it. This is another favorite of mine as it shows how versatile Necry Talkie is and that they are no one-trick pony through the change of style and Mossa’s vocal capabilities showcased.
“Dakejanai Baby” A more simplistic feel here with the use of the keyboard and the mid-tempo pop rock style. It is sung in an interesting fashion with how the guitar is being utilized with Mossa’s singing. As this is a more mid-tempo, slower paced song, Mossa’s vocals are brought out to shine.
“Yuuna” The first and only ballad on the album--and does this shine! It starts off with just Mossa singing until the guitar is slowly integrated in. This is where she shines the best, as her vocal range and skills are nicely showcased. In the chorus the whole band joins in and Mossa exhibits the true power of her voice here. I cannot express enough how amazing this track is. This is how a power ballad is done.
“Touboeno Sunset” This one starts off with the bass guitar on point with Mossa’s toned down vocals. Once you make it to the chorus the melody picks up then settles down slightly with the verses.
“Ashita ni Data” This is a real head-bopper and a foot-tapper. The melody catches you from the start and once you get to the chorus you are entrapped by its catchy beat and Mossa’s memorable vocal style. The ending to this song gives you the idea that it also sounds like it could serve as a great opening for another track.
“Natsu no Raimei” This is the second slow song on the album. It starts out with a very simplistic composition of just Mossa’s vocals with no music at all until the guitar is slowly added in. Her vocals also sound a little higher than in “Yuuna”, which shows how amazing her range is. I love how 1 minute and 30 seconds into the song the piano gets added in, then the whole band follows. The soft rock simplicity exhibited here fits perfectly and flows in melodic bliss. This is another example of what Necry can do with their music and a great way to end the album.

Since Necry Talkie was first introduced to me with “Oshare Taisakusen” in our Indie Corner Special, I was hooked. ONE was an album I anticipated when it was first announced back in 2018 and it did not disappoint. It gives you everything you wanted, expected, and more. ONE includes your expected high energy tracks, mid-tempo pop rock ones, and an unexpected ballad. Necry Talkie shows they are no one-trick pony, giving a variety of fantastic, memorable songs that you cannot get out of your head.

Luna’s score: 4.5 out of 5.

Support Necry Talkie and pick up their album ONE!

CD-only standard edition