Why 'This Is Arashi' Should Be Your New Jam

Imagine a world where music can unite hearts, where harmony isn't just a catchy tune but a way of life. Enter 'This Is Arashi,' the final studio album by the veteran Japanese boy band Arashi before their indefinite hiatus in 2020. Released in Japan and globally during November of that year, the album acts as a dazzling farewell to fans, encapsulating everything Arashi stood for over more than two decades of show-stopping hits and exhilarating performances.

Why does 'This Is Arashi' matter? Their twelfth and final studio album is a spectacular showcase of talent from five individuals who have accomplished what many only dream of. Its significance isn't just in cute melodies or foot-tapping rhythms. This album is a reminder that sometimes—the best escape from life's political correctness is through honest, unadulterated music. This is certainly a much-needed cold shower to rinse off the syrupy mainstream music we see these days.

The album carries 11 tracks that go beyond just pop tunes; they're meticulously crafted art pieces that reject mediocrity. The bold energy and relentless optimism of these songs can easily rub off on the listener. Tracks like 'Whenever You Call,' a collaboration with international icon Bruno Mars, break old barriers and bind fans from both Western and Eastern cultures. It's a breath of fresh air in an industry that is too often scared to step outside the politically approved script.

The album doesn't just narrate stories through lyrics; it ignites emotions. If you think saccharine sentiments are out of style, you're probably missing the point. The song 'Party Starters' exemplifies this, combining a danceable beat with an infectious chorus that urges listeners to shake off societal constraints. How often do we get to see such an exciting dismantling of boring old traditions?

Let's talk about the real magic behind Arashi. These five seasoned performers still manage to look like a breath of youthful life in every video, every performance, every frame. They've been together since 1999, which just goes to show that an authentic brotherhood can build a formidable brand. And in an era of fleeting social media friendships and virtue signaling, a group that sticks together across decades is a beacon of the conservative values we need—loyalty and accountability.

Let's route the conversation toward nostalgia. The closing track 'The Music Never Ends' is the anthem for those unwilling to let good things go. The melodic structure and eye-watering chorus send listeners to a place where things ‘never end,’ only transforming. It is a profound statement, especially in a time when cultural and social values seem to flip like political weather vanes. It makes you want to believe in something everlasting.

To enjoy 'This Is Arashi' is not just to appreciate an album but to recognize a cultural sensation that refuses to be pigeonholed by industry templates. Whether you want to jump along to the raps of 'Turning Up' or get lost in the ethereal melodies of 'Mirai E', there's something for those who revel in quality over prefab, automaton music.

Now, one might argue about the kitsch factors of boy bands, but that criticism tends to ignore that this particular album, like Arashi's career, stands as a profound work of global cultural synthesis—one that transcends political frustrations. Remember when music was less about hammering an agenda and more about personal enjoyment and connection?

And who can forget the concert live stream at the end of the year? A show that brought people together in a time when the world felt piercingly divided. It was a rousing reminder that certain things are beyond cultural and political boundaries.

Who even needs what passes for music these days? This can be your permanent playlist staple. What stops you from adding it now? This album isn’t just a set of tracks, it's a celebration of the art and culture that survive not by chasing trends but by staying true, a rare but essential quality.

'Arashi' means storm—a symbol of strength and refreshment. And a refreshing storm they have been. While they may not be sweeping through the music world currently, 'This Is Arashi' stands as a timeless force of nature.