Los Angeles (The Brilliant Green album)
Los Angeles is the third studio album by Japanese rock band The Brilliant Green, released on January 1, 2001. The album marked a significant shift in the band's sound, moving away from their primarily Britpop and alternative rock influences towards a more electronic and experimental style. This change was driven largely by bassist Ryo Matsui's increased role in songwriting and production.
The album's title, "Los Angeles," is somewhat ironic as it doesn't directly reflect the music's content or lyrical themes. It was reportedly chosen as a symbolic representation of the band's aspiration to break into the international music scene, with Los Angeles representing a gateway to the global market.
"Los Angeles" features a blend of electronic beats, synthesizers, and more traditional rock instrumentation. While the band retained their signature melodic sensibilities, the overall sonic landscape was significantly different from their previous albums. This stylistic departure divided fans and critics alike, with some praising the band's willingness to experiment and others criticizing the perceived loss of their original sound.
Notable tracks on the album include "Forever to Me" and "Angel Song -Eve no Kane-," both of which showcased the band's evolving musical direction. Despite the mixed reception, "Los Angeles" reached the top spot on the Japanese Oricon charts, becoming the band's second number-one album. However, its sales were lower than their previous releases.
Following the release of "Los Angeles," The Brilliant Green took a break to pursue individual projects. The album remains a significant and somewhat controversial entry in their discography, representing a pivotal moment of artistic exploration and a departure from their earlier sound.