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Their positive energy, soulful lyrics, and sublime harmonizing is the reason why they are so good.

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Max

Maxmimum

Review by: Daniel Womack

J-Pop/Dance CD

Company: AVEX Group

CD Length: approximately 50 minutes

Rated: PG (mild themes)

EXTERNAL EXAM

Nana, Mina, Reina, and Lina are MAX; one of the biggest J-Pop groups of all time. Their first album, MAXIMUM marks the rise of these musical darlings of Japanese pop culture. From classics like "Tora, Tora, Tora" to the sexy "Get My Love" 13 pulse pounding, high energy dance tunes await your CD player.

So rev up your engines, and enjoy the Musical Active eXperience!

FINAL EXAM:

Back in the early 90's, a J-Pop group called Super Monkeys hit the music scene. A young Amuro Namie was lead, with members Nana, Reina, Mina, and Lina on the backing vocals. The five of them went on to record several dance hits (including the popular and suggestive "Try Me"), and appeared in sold out concerts.

Eventually, Amuro Namie and Super Monkeys decided to go their separate ways. While Amuro Namie started on her solo career, the Super Monkeys decided to make a few changes. Calling themselves MAX, they released several hot singles, going on to record their first full album, MAXIMUM.

Maximum was their first attempt at trying to create their own identity, away from Amuro Namie. Consisting of a mostly electronic sound, it was a close cousin to the "Eurobeat" style of music that was big in Japan. The CD sold millions of copies, and helped to launch a very impressive music career.

Best track

TORA TORA TORA: Perhaps the biggest hit off the album (and certainly my favorite), it has a fast beat that will keep you moving on the dance floor. It has an intense and pulsing drive that energizes and invigorates. It's real easy to get revved up with this ditty. I can't help but sing along.

Worst Track

~Saturday Night~ (HYPER J-EURO MIX): Starts of with a techno-jungle hook, then slips back into dance music. The harmonizing is not quite right. They don't seem certain on how to connect lyrically with each other.

I really want to know what "DABALALAN DILILI LALILALALA---PRETTY BABY" is supposed to mean? They use it quite a bit and I don't get what feeling or emotion it's trying to convey. Towards the end, the song slows down for a quick second, then comes back and repeats the nonsensical chorus two or three times. All of a sudden, it just ended, like they didn’t know how to finish the song.

Perfect for Fans of:

Amuro Namie, ROmantic Mode, True Kiss Destination

MAX always has, and always will be, one of my favorite female groups. Their positive energy, soulful lyrics, and sublime harmonizing is the reason why they are so good. Like most freshman albums, there are always missteps and mistakes that can hamper an otherwise excellent effort. While the predominately electronic music in MAXIMUM was perfect for the mid 90's, now days, it's just not up to par. Also, you can tell that this was the first time they were center stage, not back-up for Namie Amuro. It took them a little time to pull it together. Once they did, MAXIMUM got a lot better, and helped set the stage for an impressive music career.

I also have the benefit of owning their other albums "MAXIMUM II", "MAXIMUM Groove", and the outstanding "Emotional Journey". I know where they started, and where they went. As they got bigger, they got better, which is the hope of all music groups in the world. While this review may seem a little harsh in spots, it's only because I know that they are much better than the limitations placed on them here. As a fan, I love this and every CD MAX has put out. As a reviewer, I have to be objective, and point out the positives, and the negatives.

No matter what, you still need to get this first album. This is a great dance album, and it's a good introduction to the Musical Active eXperience. If you are not a big fan of electronica, then start with Emotional History, with it's R&B/Hip Hop inspired sound. No matter where you start, MAX will get your love, and make you a part of their "Maximum" groove.

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