The first singles compilation from ZZ really delivers everything from A to Z.
Having released a mix of high-energy rock, rap and hip-hip infused singles since 2000, the five-man - or more accurately the four-man and one-woman - outfit ZZ decided to give listeners their first 'best of' compilation in 2004. The A to ZZ - Complete Single Collection is a CD and DVD set featuring the band's eight singles, including indies songs from the start of their career up until their releases at the end of 2003.
The layout of the tracks is quite simple, with singles in chronological order by release. Their first single, PUT YOUR HANDS, has the sound that was to become a signature for the band: dominating guitar riffs, crashing cymbals and a flowing half-rapped, half-sung style by vocalist SOTARO. In the rocking chorus, SOTARO orders everyone to "put your hands on me," although hands are more likely to be in the air for this anthemic track. The following track and second single, BRIGHTEST, has a heavy, almost oppressive verse provided by KYAMA's bass and SOTARO's pleading "don't let it take me." Then the chorus intervenes like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.
The third single Himawari is probably the closest thing to a ballad that the band has produced yet. SOTARO delivers the verse in his characteristically half-sung and half-spoken way, giving us a narrative. Lilting bongos from drummer MATSUURA and backing vocals from lone female member and keyboardist ERICHI add a lightness to this sweet track. A comfortable reggae beat lends Aijou a more chilled-out air, but it doesn't detract from the energy of another trademark, crowd pleasing chorus. It makes use of some perfect harmonies between SOTARO and ERICHI. ERICHI's feminine vocals cut through the otherwise heavy rock and differentiates ZZ's sound from other bands in the genre.
The pounding rock returns in the totally masculine NO WAY OUT. All of the male band members join in for the powerful chorus and daunting shouts of "no way out, yeah, no way out" that punctuate the track. It's no wonder that it was chosen as the theme song for the 2002 Pride Heavyweight martial arts champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, where the lyrics "no way out" were replaced with "Nogueira." One would be hard-pressed to find a more thumping, testosterone-laden song at the time. More of the same is offered in the band's first major label single, RHYTHMIST. This is also the first single featuring more rap than singing, a style that was to be echoed in later singles.
The band takes inspiration from Latin America with their seventh single Yorokobi no uta. Picked acoustic guitar and Latin drums are clear in the verse, although the chorus is more of ZZ's usual rock fare with sing-a-long phrases of "go on" and "let's go, let's go."
A to Z, best known as one of the endings for popular anime series "ONE PIECE," is a fitting end to the collection. It is probably the strongest track in terms of its popularity, positive message and overall catchiness. A real rock anthem with a warm heart, it was made to be played to a packed stadium with fans joining in with the rousing chorus. The version featured here is edition three, which has a quiet opening and appears to be the full-length version.
The DVD contains nine promo clips: one for each of the aforementioned singles and a final bonus clip for Step Forward, from the album Definitive Energy Flow.
For a singles compilation, this album is well balanced and varied. The only reason older fans may want this is because of the addition of the promo clips, as they probably already own the singles in some form or another. People who have stumbled across the band recently would greatly enjoy this collection of the band's early singles. Now is an especially good time to revisit these early works, as the band has not released any new material since 2006. Hopefully, it won't be long before they bring fans more of their original sound.
