Miyavi’s Strike It Out premiered at the very beginning of this year, and I assumed it would remain an OST without additional promotion. I don’t often write “buried treasure” posts for J-pop, but this would have been an easy contender. All’s well that ends well, because I get to cover Strike It Out months later thanks to a new music video that ties killer imagery to this already-fantastic track.
If you enjoy one Miyavi song, you’ll probably love them all. He has such a recognizable style. Gritty, dynamic guitar meets cathartic hooks and searing vocals. His music often embraces intense emotion, going for the jugular in a way that’s so compelling. Strike It Out plays like one long climax, climbing and climbing without end. Both verse and pre-chorus offer the sense of build that’s usually doled out sparingly in pop tracks. Strummed guitar meets electric riffs to craft a varied tapestry that’s big but never boring. Similarly, rap and vocals meld together to ensure a steady sense of movement.
If Strike It Out’s verses deliver constant acceleration, the song’s chorus becomes a series of exclamation marks, sucker punching the listener with relentless fury. This isn’t Miyavi’s most melodic track, but its structure is taut and it’s delivered exceptionally well. You know I love my anthems, and he’s one of the few artists I can always count on to deliver. Strike It Out is immense, and will have you feeling like you can conquer entire worlds.
Hooks | 8 |
Production | 9 |
Longevity | 9 |
Bias | 10 |
RATING | 9 |
Nick do you listen to Visual Kei bands like the GazettE or Dir En Grey?
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Ooh! I discovered Miyavi last year thorough the review of Gravity which I absolutely loved and so I was quick to go listen to this one! That chorus is so releasing! The wya the guitar and the vocal energy rises is so good! The anime cut was pretty good as well and this is definitely the kinda song that can hype you up!
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when the koreans aren’t delivering at the moment so you turn to the japanese for the good stuff
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Well, I love Miyavi’s music. This is not his best, but he has not released a miss yet this decade, only instant classic after instant classic.
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This one soars. Contender for best song I’ve heard this month.
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