Kamen Rider Black Complete Song Collection Review
Philip Nino Tan-Gatue (Biomic Soldier's webmaster)

Introduction

The CD being reviewed is the 1996 issuing the Masked Rider Complete Song Collection Series. This CD is number 8 in the series. (COCC-13224) As with all the albums in the series, the first 11 are songs while the rest are karaoke versions.

Kamen Rider as a series had been up and running for more than a decade as Kamen Rider Black (KRB for short) made its debut in 1987. However, KRB was not a mere continuation of the previous series, but a revamp of the entire Rider legacy much in the same way that recent riders Kuuga and Ryuuki broke previous molds. KRB retains the "superheroic" element of the Rider series, but was much darker in tone. I have said it before and will say it again. Previous riders are to KRB what the 60s Batman was to Tim Burton's 1989 Batman movie.

Kamen Rider Black

Here we go:

01. Kamen Rider BLACK

>>The opening instrumentals are magnificent, giving the listener a feeling of foreboding and darkness. Ryudou Uzaki's use of percussions is excellent. But then Tetsuo Kurata sings. Tetsuo Kurata plays the title hero and gets to sing the title song. Let's face it, Tetsuo Kurata is a great actor, a magnificent action star, and my favorite Rider actor. But the dude just can't sing. Otherwise, this song stands out for the great beat, properly accentuated by brass and synths. however, I just can't stand Tetsuo Kurata's singing... 4.5 out of 5 stars.

02. Long Long ago, 20th Century

>>Much much better. This is arguably one of the best tokusatsu ending themes ever. I can't help but think of this as being a reflection of KRB's own life - filled with tragedy and hope at the same time. I say this because the song is an interesting blend of emotions. Listening to this song, I tend to think less about the instruments as opposed to the melody and beat. This song tells me - KRB's life is tragic, but his heroism will be remembered forever. Actually, I got that last feeling from the title. Sung by Norio Sakai, I wish they got HIM to sing the opening song. 5 out of 5 stars.

03. Gekisou ni Dai Machine

>>Song for KRB's two motorcycles, Battle Hopper and Road Sector. As with many songs in this series, it starts of with great instrumentals, immediately setting the mood with a quick, uptempo beat that one can easily imagine racing motorcycles to. While Tatsuya Igarashi's voice is heard, excellent electric guitar sequences in the background serve not to interfere, but to enhance. A rarity. It's hard for me to complain about this one! My comment is that this song seems to serve Road Sector more. Battle Hopper has a cool bgm when he appears that doesn't seem to fit this song. You'll know what I mean when you hear it. 5 out of five stars.

04. Gooru ni Nan Katte Hashire

>>Once again, a great opening to set the mood of the song. The clapping in the background enhances the beat perfectly, alternating with some great brass. The electric guitar sequences are also quite complimentary. So why can't I like this song more? I guess because it sounds too ordinary. There's nothing in it that distinguishes it from
other tokusatsu songs I've heard before. In fact, you'll never know this was a Kamen Rider Black song unless you were told so. BUT it's a great song to listen to, nonetheless. Upbeat and not dark at all. 4 out of 5 stars.

05. Kamen Rider Black - Hoshi no Lulluby

>> Not really a lulluby in terms of softness, but definitely lighthearted and easy to the ears. I guess this song was put in here to show that KRB is neither all dark or all action. Igarashi-san does a splendid job with this one, but I can't help the feeling that this song would be in better hands, er, voice with, let's say, Takayuki Miyauchi. I can't really complain though. If you've never heard Miyauchi's voice then Igarashi would more than suffice. 4 out of 5 stars.

06. BLACK ACTION

>> Now THIS is upbeat! It has one of the best opening instrumentals of any song I heard- brief but defining. The guitar instrumentals in between verses are also quite good! Igarashi is a great choice for this song, but I think a song of this beat and mood would be better voiced by a singer with a grittier voice, not unlike Mojo. However, I can't imagine an action sequence being choreagraphed to this song. A sad shame, considering the title. 3.5 out of 5 stars.

07. Black Hole Message

>> Ah, a song where Igarashi is perfect! Anyone who has read my reviews knows that I always say that one of my criterion for judging a song is its abilities to invoke my memories for scenes from the parent show. This one invokes a LOT of memories. Mostly, I imagine KRB training, or investigating the city, sometimes even transforming. I just love it when Igarashi sings the "Love and Peace! Love and Peace! Forever!" line. Emotion and action merge well in this song. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

08. Henshin! Rider Black

>>In my opinion, the single best song in the KRB collection. The opening instrumentals invoke a feeling of destiny and upcoming action, and the ladies choir singing lends an imagery of angels heralding the arrival or our hero. This song is used in later episodes' transforming sequences, and I love it! I especially love the line that goes "Kuroi Kishi! Kuroi Kishi! Rider! Rider! RIDER! RIDER!... RIDER BLACK!" which builds up to a crescendo. 5 out of 5 stars.

09. Ore no Seishun

>>Nice saxophone (I think) opening... then Tetsuo Kurata starts to sing. Sorry dude, I just can't stand your singing voice. Then I can't bring myself to listen to the rest of the song, which kinda reminds me of the Machineman ending. What a waste. Listen to the Karaoke version. 1 out of 5 stars.

10. Let's Fight Rider

>> Composed by Michiaki Watanabe, yet doesn't sound like it was. I miss Watanabe's use of brass and drums, although he uses some interesting drums in this one. and there is a great saxophone piece in the middle. There's just something MISSING compared to what I expect from Watanabe. 4 out of 5 stars.