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 Tribute Review: Arashi - Kite

I could have titled this as a '2020 Highlight' review, but I chose this title for a few reasons. The group Arashi is a J-Pop legend. Arguably the most successful boy group active at the moment (they outsold BTS by a bit in 2019, though BTS beat them in 2020, I felt it was almost a baton passing), Arashi has been active since 1999, and are going into an indefinite hiatus (they may come back someday), and have released one final album before leaving. I said 'This is Arashi' is the top album of November, and 'Kite' had a large part in letting them get that final award ('Kite' was released in July and first availible for listening in January). 

Its release was supposed to coincide with the postponed Olympics in Japan. Lyrically, 'Kite' is a song about overcoming failure, and rising. Applicable to both musicians and athletes, this song would have been perfect to see on the Olympic stage. The track was written by modern legend Yonezu Kenshi, who really should be asked to write more songs for Johnny's. I mean, he wrote this and his incredible August album 'Stray Sheep', he truly is something. Personally, I think this makes the lyrics even better, for it also feels relatable to Kenshi's journey.

Arashi is best known for its orchestral arrangement in tracks, and 'Kite' is no exception. Opening with two of the members harmonizing, the track is fragile while giant. While the members perform arguably their best singing performance in years, the instrumentation slowly builds. Piano, an instrument adored by Kenshi is used liberally through the first verse. It provides a surprisingly excellent contrast with the melodic vocals of the members. During the pre-chorus, violins come to give the vocals an edge.

The chorus comes like the breaking of a dam, rushing in torrentially. The members all sing together, while the strings perform their own melody. Individually, this melody would still work excellently, but combining the strings and vocals together makes one of the year's most dynamic arrangements.

The second verse follows the members singing the same basic structure, just that the piano is replaced with strings and horns. This dynamic build is so good. When the chorus comes back (this time with reeds to assist), this song has truly shown us a whole orchestra.

The pre-chorus never fails to impress me, as it stuffs the massive instrumental together with a dynamic vocal performance, but never feels over-stuffed. The finale impresses even more, where the instrumental basically goes wild.

Arguably Arashi's greatest track, 'Kite' does not have a single dull moment, and makes me feel all sorts of things, yet leave with a smile. I expect it to grow even further. If this is Arashi's final song, their swan song is perhaps one of the best swan songs ever. They have left a legacy behind, and will forever be legends.

Rating: 9.75/10