Search - Hyde :: 666

Pure, Clean, Thoughtful Rock n' Roll with No Additives or Pr

Vixenne Victorienne "Kymberlyn Reed | Los Angeles, CA | 10/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a recent fan of Hideto Takarai (better known as Hyde), and have all three of his solo works. I love each one for different reasons, but 666 has quickly become my absolute favourite and has been on heavy rotation on my MP3 player for a few months.



Roentgen introduced us to his softer, passionate side (and his voice reminds me of David Sylvian, lead vocalist for the 80's art rock group Japan). Faith was his grittier side, proving that Hyde is an extremely gifted performer with a stunning range. 666 takes up where Faith left off, kicking things up several notches and delivers one blistering track after another. The guitars are simply brutal, the bass lines are thick and the drumming just smokes.



I really don't know how anyone could possibly think this album isn't one of Hyde's best. Granted this album--as well as Faith--are a lot darker and heavier than Roentgen, but good music is all about evolution and never being content to do what works because it sells. This is rock n' roll the way we used to do it here in the states before self-indulgent emo-rock and whiny vocals became radio staples. I am in total awe of Haido-chan's skills as a songwriter and musician.



No memorable songs? Hmm, let's see: 'Prayer' is the harsh lament of a man caught between his faith and duty; 'Masquerade', is the angry cry of faithful believer struggling with discovering who's real and represents his/her message (it was cool to hear Anis from Monrial 'rapping' in the middle of the song). 'Sweet Vanilla' and 'Midnight Celebration' could just as easy work as punk anthems. While Faith was an album of affirmation, 666 is rebelliously asking god just what the hell's really going on.



Like Roentgen and Faith, Hyde sings in both Japanese and English and neither detracts from the sheer power of the songs. His vocals range from full-on, take no prisoners rock to a softer ballad-style, like in 'Shining Over You'. I'm actually trying to learn the Japanese lyrics. In spite of the language, good music still speaks to all of us, regardless of nationality."

Not the best, but great anyway

Dark Avenger | Albuquerque, NM USA | 11/18/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's not his best album, in my opinion, but I loved it anyway. I think it's worth it just for "Words Of Love". As always, Hyde's amazing vocals will instantly wash you away and capture you into a world of his creating.



If you're new to Hyde or J-rock, I suggest Roentgen (English Version) or Faith before you move on to this album."

Hyde is awesome.

flyin2thesunrise | infrontofmycompolia | 08/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Athough still the vocalist of L'Arc~en~Ciel, Hyde also works solo, and without the different spices of the band in his music, he does well going solo. UNLIKE his previous album, Hyde plays and sings hardcore, American rock, and LIKE Roentogen, he still sings a lot of his songs English. I like "666" mainly 'cause it's just how I see Hyde, scary, seductive, passionate, thrilling, and fun. He can sing and play with so much passion that's it's difficult not to feel what he feels in his music. He is so awesome. It's easy for me to get lost in what he says for his English is not the best, but his deep, warm, handsome voice makes up for it. Though the man can be kind of controversial, he is a great singer, writer, and player, and he works very hard. This album is worth every dime and sweat."