MONSTER

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MONSTER
Studio album by B'z
Released June 28, 2006
Recorded November 2005 - Spring 2006
Genre Hard rock
Length 59:14
Label Vermillion Records
Producer Tak Matsumoto
B'z chronology
14th Album
14a.jpg

THE CIRCLE
(2005)
15th Album
15a.jpg

MONSTER
(2006)
16th Album
16a.jpg

ACTION
(2007)
Singles from MONSTER
  1. 40s.jpg
    Shoudou

    Released: January 25, 2006
  2. 41s.jpg
    Yuruginai Mono Hitotsu

    Released: April 12, 2006
  3. 43s.jpg
    SPLASH!

    Released: June 7, 2006

MONSTER is the fifteenth studio album by B'z, released on June 28, 2006.

At release, MONSTER debuted at the top of the Weekly Oricon Albums chart as had all of the band's studio albums dating back to 1990's RISKY. The first week sales of 401,000 were a fifteen percent increase over the debut of their previous effort THE CIRCLE from 2005 and qualified it for Platinum status by the end of the week. MONSTER would debut at the top of the Weekly Oricon Monthly chart and would rank at number 20 for the year 2006. The album has since sold over 539,000 copies and is certified Double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan. In 2018, the album was reissued as a two vinyl set made available to visitors of their thirtieth anniversary public exhibition entitled "SCENES" alongside all other studio albums to that point.

Track listing

All music and guitar by Tak Matsumoto. All lyrics and lead vocals by Koshi Inaba.

  1. ALL-OUT ATTACK
    File:a15 01.ogg .
  2. SPLASH!
    File:a15 02.ogg A single with among the fastest tempos in the B'z catalogue, "SPLASH!" was a defining single for the band despite its entirely new sound. The song was recorded along with the second half of the album, and was produced with the mindset of creating a song that could be danced to. The suggestive lyrics of physical intimacy are among the most forward of the B'z singles, challenged only by the earlier 2000 single, "juice". In a rarity for their output, Tak also utilized a seven string guitar for the sessions. An English version was premiered live in 2011 in North America before being released in studio form on the band's debut English album. Despite its popularity, it has not been performed live since featuring all throughout 2006.
  3. Yuruginai Mono HitotsuOne Sure Thing, ゆるぎないものひとつ
    File:a15 03.ogg A song that mixes both acoustic and electric guitar, "Yuruginai Mono Hitotsu" is one of the few B'z songs to open with only an acoustic guitar before introducing more instrumentation. Koshi particularly praised the guitar solo by Tak, stating that he felt it was a great example of a guitar solo highlighting the essence of a song. Despite featuring all throughout 2006 showings, it has not been performed live again in the years since.
  4. Koi no Summer SessionSummer Session of Love, 恋のサマーセッション
    File:a15 04.ogg .
  5. Kemuri no SekaiWorld of Smoke, ケムリの世界
    File:a15 05.ogg .
  6. Shoudou ~MONSTER MiX~Impulse, 衝動
    File:a15 06.ogg A rock single with a frenetic pace, "Shoudou" is the fastest and shortest B'z single in their catalogue with a runtime of only 3 minutes and approximately 14 seconds in its original incarnation without silence included. The song has worked very well in live settings for the band, often being paired with another song such as "Ai no Bakudan" in 2006 and "IT'S SHOWTIME!!" in 2012. Interestingly, the album version found here is labeled a remix despite featuring several re-recorded parts. Almost all of the guitar work is touched up and overhauled with only the acoustic portion remaining intact. The backing vocals feature support members Akihito Tokunaga and Shinichiro Ohta prominently, notably, and Koshi's final shout at the end of the song is at a different pitch than the original.
  7. Mugon no PromiseUnspoken Promise, 無言のPromise
    File:a15 07.ogg A string-driven, stirring ballad, "Mugon no Promise" emphasizes piano and light percussion over electric guitar. An acoustic guitar features as backing throughout with an electric accompaniment only joining for the final chorus before culminating in an ending solo. Uniquely, the song features a Tagalog spoken section as part of the interlude. This is the first instance since 1994's "WILD ROAD" from The 7th Blues that a female vocal was featured as a lead in a B'z song.
  8. MONSTER
    File:a15 08.ogg .
  9. Netemo SametemoWhether I'm Awake or Asleep, ネテモサメテモ
    File:a15 09.ogg .
  10. Happy Birthday
    File:a15 10.ogg The first birthday-themed song by B'z, "Happy Birthday" was first premiered live during B'z LIVE-GYM 2005 "CIRCLE OF ROCK" a year prior to its inclusion here. Initially, fans were unsure whether a recorded version of the song would ever find its way to a release after Tak implied it may be used only live. The following year, its upbeat rock roots were skirted in favor of the full six member band performing an acoustic rendition—all with their own guitars—as part of B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE". For the recorded version here, as compared to its 2005 rendition, some additions were made to the lyrics and the arrangement was fully overhauled. The original live version began with a piano intro which was omitted here. Although well-regarded for both of its live years, the song has not been performed since but was included on both tours' home video releases.
  11. Pierrot — ピエロ
    File:a15 11.ogg A fast-paced, hard rock song, the titular "Pierrot" refers to the archetypal clown figure in performance art known by the same name. B'z also gave the song to then-fellow GIZA artist Aya Kamiki which became her top-selling single of her solo career. Koshi can be seen discussing the formation of the lyrics in the 2006 documentary OFF LIMITS: How Two Men Made a Monster. Prior to its inclusion here, the song was used as a B-side for spring single "Yuruginai Mono Hitotsu" and was later voted by fans onto B'z The Best "ULTRA Treasure" in 2008. Its home video appearances can be found on both the album tour's release and B'z LIVE in Namba 2006. It also was very briefly revived for two additional performances as part of both B'z SHOWCASE 2017 -Hissatsu Hiokinin- and B'z SHOWCASE 2017 -B'z In Your Town- alongside several other lesser-played tracks that later took greater precedent.
  12. Amadare BluesRaindrop Blues, 雨だれぶるーず
    File:a15 12.ogg .
  13. Ashita Mata Hi ga Noboru NaraIf The Sun Should Rise Again Tomorrow, 明日また陽が昇るなら
    File:a15 13.ogg .
  14. OCEAN ~2006 MiX~
    File:a15 14.ogg .

Reversion history

Original Song Reversion History
SPLASH!
SINGLE & ALBUM SONG (2006)

42s.jpg 15a.jpg

ENGLISH: Splash [English Version] (2012)
Released on the band's worldwide debut English album.

Shoudou
SINGLE & ALBUM SONG* (2006)

40s.jpg 15a.jpg

RE-RECORDING: Shoudou ~MONSTER MiX~ (2006)
Although labeled a remix and found only on MONSTER, the revision has numerous re-recorded guitar parts, bolstered backing vocals, and numerous other changes to the actual mix.

Happy Birthday
ALBUM SONG (2006)

15a.jpg

LIVE ONLY: Happy Birthday [Demo Version] (2005)
Premiered live during B'z LIVE-GYM 2005 "CIRCLE OF ROCK" and performed live again a year later but in acoustic form as part of B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE". A studio version would be released prior to the latter tour, but would differ from both versions. The lyrics and arrangement of the studio edition were an amalgam of the two live versions, but without the bright keyboard part present in the 2005 performance.

OCEAN
SINGLE & ALBUM SONG* (2005)

39s.jpg 15a.jpg

REMIX: OCEAN ~2006 MiX~ (2006)
Remix released only on MONSTER that raises levels on the track's guitars and alters other elements of the song.

Live appearances

Live Performances

ALL-OUT ATTACK [32 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2006 "Yokosuka MONSTER" [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE" [17/17 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE in Namba 2006 [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2007 -19- [6/6 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2007 -B'z In Your Town- [5/7 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png SUMMER SONIC 07 [2/2 SHOWS]
SPLASH! [20 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2006 "Yokosuka MONSTER" [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE" [17/17 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE in Namba 2006 [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2020 -5 ERAS 8820- [1/5 SHOWS]
Yuruginai Mono Hitotsu [20 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2006 "Yokosuka MONSTER" [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE" [17/17 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE in Namba 2006 [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2020 -5 ERAS 8820- [1/5 SHOWS]
Koi no Summer Session [18 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2006 "Yokosuka MONSTER" [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE" [17/17 SHOWS]
Kemuri no Sekai redx.png
Shoudou [58 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2006 "Yokosuka MONSTER" [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE" [17/17 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE in Namba 2006 [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png SUMMER SONIC 09 [2/2 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2009 -B'z In Your Town- [8/8 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png Pepsi NEX presents B'z PREMIUM LIVE [2/2 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2012 -Into Free- [11/11 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z Special LIVE at EX THEATER ROPPONGI [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2017 -Hissatsu Hiokinin- [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2017 -B'z In Your Town- [11/11 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2017 [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL 2017 in EZO [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2020 -5 ERAS 8820- [1/5 SHOWS]
Mugon no Promise redx.png
MONSTER [19 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2006 "Yokosuka MONSTER" [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE" [17/17 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE in Namba 2006 [1/1 SHOWS]
Netemo Sametemo [19 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2006 "Yokosuka MONSTER" [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE" [17/17 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE in Namba 2006 [1/1 SHOWS]
Happy Birthday [60 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2005 "Abashiri Extra Edition" [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2005 "CIRCLE OF ROCK" [41/41 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2006 "Yokosuka MONSTER" [1/1 SHOWS] (Acoustic Version)
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE" [17/17 SHOWS] (Acoustic Version)
Pierrot [21 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2006 "Yokosuka MONSTER" [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE" [17/17 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE in Namba 2006 [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2017 -Hissatsu Hiokinin- [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2017 -B'z In Your Town- [1/11 SHOWS]
Amadare Blues [19 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2006 "Yokosuka MONSTER" [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE" [17/17 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE in Namba 2006 [1/1 SHOWS]
Ashita Mata Hi ga Noboru Nara [18 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2006 "Yokosuka MONSTER" [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE" [17/17 SHOWS]
OCEAN [106 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2005 "CIRCLE OF ROCK" [28/41 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2006 "Yokosuka MONSTER" [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE" [17/17 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2008 -GLORY DAYS- [6/6 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2010 "Ain't No Magic" [19/19 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2011 -long time no see- [3/3 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2013 -ENDLESS SUMMER- [8/30 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2018 -HINOTORI- [5/23 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z PARTY Presents B'z Pleasure in Hawaii [1/1 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z LIVE-GYM 2019 -Whole Lotta NEW LOVE- [17/36 SHOWS]
crossbracket.png B'z SHOWCASE 2020 -5 ERAS 8820- [1/5 SHOWS]

Home Videos

ALL-OUT ATTACK
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE"
crossbracket.png LIVE in Namba 2006
SPLASH!
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE"
crossbracket.png LIVE in Namba 2006
crossbracket.png SHOWCASE 2020 -5 ERAS 8820-
Yuruginai Mono Hitotsu
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE"
crossbracket.png LIVE in Namba 2006
crossbracket.png SHOWCASE 2020 -5 ERAS 8820-
Koi no Summer Session
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE"
Kemuri no Sekai redx.png novid.png
Shoudou
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE"
crossbracket.png LIVE in Namba 2006
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2012 -Into Free- (Web Stream)
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2012 -Into Free- EXTRA
crossbracket.png DINOSAUR Limited Edition: ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2017
crossbracket.png SHOWCASE 2020 -5 ERAS 8820-
Mugon no Promise redx.png novid.png
MONSTER
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE"
crossbracket.png LIVE in Namba 2006
Netemo Sametemo
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE"
Happy Birthday
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE"
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2005 -CIRCLE OF ROCK-
Pierrot
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE"
crossbracket.png LIVE in Namba 2006
Amadare Blues
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE"
crossbracket.png LIVE in Namba 2006
Ashita Mata Hi ga Noboru Nara
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE"
OCEAN
crossbracket.png Pleasure II Limited Edition: LIVE-GYM 2005 "CIRCLE OF ROCK"
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE"
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2008 -GLORY DAYS-
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2010 "Ain't No Magic"
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2011 -long time no see-
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2005 -CIRCLE OF ROCK-
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2018 -HINOTORI-
crossbracket.png LIVE-GYM 2019 -Whole Lotta NEW LOVE-
crossbracket.png SHOWCASE 2020 -5 ERAS 8820-

Sales data

No. Cover Album Physical Copies Sold Chart Positions Certification
FIRST WEEK LIFETIME WEEK MONTH YEAR
15 15a.jpg

MONSTER
2006.06.28

401,000+

539,708+

1

1

20

2x Platinum

Personnel

B'z

  • Tak Matsumoto: Guitar, Music Composition, Arrangement
  • Koshi Inaba: Vocals, Lyric Composition, Arrangement, Harmonica (Track 9)

Support Members

Production