- ADOPTED
WORK - HONORABLE
MENTION - SEMI-HONORABLE
MENTION
K.K.UTU
[Comments from the judges]
If I had to classify it, I would say it's close to New Wave. It's frantic and comical, but the song also carries a technical flair, with unexpected chord progressions that give it a challenging, almost progressive-rock quality. And beneath it all is an emotional melody that adds depth to the fun.
These seemingly contradictory elements coexist in perfect balance, and I felt that Taiko no Tatsujin, which has actively embraced such concepts, has a high degree of compatibility with this song.
There are some unique rhythmic accents that make you go 'Huh?', but since they are divided into groups of five or ten sixteenth notes, they don’t have the difficulty of odd tuplets. It feels 'seemingly complex, but once you understand it, it's easy to play,' and I think that’s done really well. You can ride this wave!
Extreme End
[Comments from the judges]
When I first heard this song, I couldn’t take off my headphones until the very end. More than that, though, it grabbed something else—my heart.
Right from the start, I was bobbing my head back and forth, thinking: 'What’s next? Wow, they did that?! What now?!' I was completely engrossed and enjoyed every moment of it. I even got a neck workout in the process. Now I understand why I couldn’t take off my headphones!
Also, Fumen (note chart for game) came to me almost instantly while listening (about 70% ). That’s how stimulating and exhilarating this song was!
The way it builds and applies tension and release is also excellent. The feeling of wanting more, the desire to keep drumming, is something the gameplay captures wonderfully.
Congratulations!
The highway No.205 [SSS]
![Taiko no Tatsujin Music Recruitment 2024 / The highway No.205 [SSS]](/taikonotatsujin2024/img/entries/103003_inst_thehighwayno205[sss]_takio_bpm200_20240825.jpg)
[Comments from the judges]
I could see the ocean… It appeared to me… While reviewing this song, I found myself listening to it on repeat.
The song conjured up images of a highway running alongside the ocean, and of running away with someone you love. The catchy chorus drew me in, and the midsection, with its 'SeaSideSecret…', took me by surprise. The world that TAKIO created, or rather the drama it portrayed, unfolded vividly before my eyes. The element of surprise, like discovering what the 'SSS Line' in the title means as you listen, adds a special touch.
As for the genre, it’s categorized as post-rock, but there’s a nostalgic quality in the sound that resonates with modernity and fits perfectly into the rhythm game genre. This balance between complexity and catchiness makes the song highly suited for gameplay.
I hope every Donder enjoys the journey this song offers, experiencing the story, the ocean waves, and the highway imagery along with the music. Congratulations on your selection!
Singularity Game
[Comments from the judges]
If I had to classify it, I would say it's close to New Wave. It's frantic and comical, but the song also carries a technical flair, with unexpected chord progressions that give it a challenging, almost progressive-rock quality. And beneath it all is an emotional melody that adds depth to the fun.
These seemingly contradictory elements coexist in perfect balance, and I felt that Taiko no Tatsujin, which has actively embraced such concepts, has a high degree of compatibility with this song.
There are some unique rhythmic accents that make you go 'Huh?', but since they are divided into groups of five or ten sixteenth notes, they don’t have the difficulty of odd tuplets. It feels 'seemingly complex, but once you understand it, it's easy to play,' and I think that’s done really well. You can ride this wave!
Swim among the clouds
[Comments from the judges]
A bright yet somewhat melancholic atmosphere lingers throughout the song, leaving the listener with a gentle feeling. I believe this song has a unique charm.
From a gameplay perspective, the metric modulation section will likely be rhythmically challenging, but the cool section that follows allows for free, fluid play. This combination offers a new, refreshing gameplay experience.
Considering the unique qualities of the song and the structure of Fumen (note chart for game), I am confident it will deliver a deeply fulfilling experience. I hope everyone enjoys these aspects upon release. Once again, congratulations!
"
RAGING FIRE
[Comments from the judges]
From the moment I hit the play button, I felt a shockwave through my entire body. Sound Designer Tsuboi remembered something ancient: 'Humanity has evolved to groove to rhythms like this.' (Various theories)
The genre choice, 'Jungle Terror', is primal yet refreshingly suited for rhythm games. The raw rhythm appeals directly to human instincts.
The key to this Fumen (note chart for game) is its catchiness. Despite its unconventionality, it avoids being overly stoic and instead brings a playful atmosphere with the quirky vocal snippets and jungle sounds. The absence of a consistent melody creates a different kind of memorability, making it a track that will be loved for a long time.
The song’s innovative rhythms will give Donders a unique challenge, one they won’t soon forget. With this prehistoric yet modern track, I hope to ignite the rhythm souls of Donders everywhere! Congratulations!
Ka.Ma.Se
[Comments from the judges]
Though 'Trap' and 'Hardstyle' might evoke thoughts of hard-hitting EDM, this track wears those genres with a unique flair.
The rap that opens the song will make you say 'That’s cool!' out loud. It’s got the gritty, aggressive tone you’d expect, but there’s also a playful touch in the instrumentation that stays true to the Taiko no Tatsujin spirit. The thundering kick drum creates powerful dynamics, which are then balanced by the bright, catchy elements in the composition.
Imagining how the Fumen (note chart for game) will play out, the use of triplets and irregular rhythms will provide a distinctive, fun, and groovy experience. The lyrics, especially the refrain 'Ka.Ma.Se Ka.Ma.Se…', will hype up Donders and push them to perform their best.
I’m confident that Donders everywhere will have a blast with this! Congratulations!
Soulway
[Comments from the judges]
When reviewing this piece, I instinctively felt a high level of quality. The song's message is powerful, capturing personal moments of self-reflection. The detailed melody line in the interlude, along with the impactful fills and key accents, promises engaging and rewarding gameplay.
The emotional message will resonate differently with each listener, with familiar words that Donders will recognize. The refreshing airiness and memorable melody will attract listeners and keep them hooked. As players experience a sense of accomplishment from playing it, I am excited about the potential game experience this song will create. Congratulations on your selection!
"
EXRiXiS
[Comments from the judges]
At first glance, this might seem like a typical rhythm game track, but 'EXRiXiS' is much more. With so many twists, turns, and elements, it’s a song that keeps pulling you back for more.
The song's depth is further highlighted by its precise note placements, as if tailored for drum rolls and Taiko strikes. The careful layering of different note values and rhythms shows remarkable craftsmanship.
Congratulations!
We would like to introduce the songs that were not adopted, but were evaluated as particularly excellent songs.
Masubuchi's selections
A machine I don't recognise
[Comments from the judges]
When I first listened to the piece, an image vividly came to mind of a note chart where rapid repeating notes fly in sync with the impactful, recurring two-beat "poo" sound. While it is a somewhat stoic minimalistic track, the composition is brilliant in how it sparks such imaginative visualizations.
Mrs.Perkam
[Comments from the judges]
The melancholic melody and vocals paired with a 90s-style orchestration made this piece stand out remarkably. The way it gradually builds up while sticking to the same motif without much chord progression is more serotonin-like than dopamine-like, providing a pleasant and soothing experience.
Loki
[Comments from the judges]
In jazz, it’s common to lean towards live performance, but this track takes the opposite approach, fully committing to a simply programmed like computer music in its early days. This results in an electronica-like quality, elevating it with phrasing that couldn’t be achieved through live performance, which I found fascinating.
ANTi STEreoTYpe
[Comments from the judges]
Despite being very downbeat and eerie, there was an underlying sense of comicality throughout, and at one point, it transitioned into a powerful rock segment, creating a chaotic yet unique world. It felt as though the piece itself was challenging the notion that "interpreting it this way is a stereotype (stetai)"—almost like a philosophical statement (though perhaps I’m exaggerating).
Oryu Kaigan
[Comments from the judges]
The elegant yet otherworldly feel perfectly matched the title of the piece. The bass, which persistently stays and writhes, evokes the image of a massive, majestic dragon, adding an element of grandeur. Despite its minimalistic style, the track incorporates numerous engaging elements that prevent it from ever feeling monotonous.
SAMBALASER -feat. Promtastik-
[Comments from the judges]
The melody's leaps initially gave the impression of progressive rock, only to shift into a solemn traditional Japanese folk tune, then into a cheerful samba, and suddenly transition to an avant-garde, strikingly cool interlude that leaves you thinking, "Why?" The seemingly incoherent structure carries a relentless momentum, which, in a way, feels like a laser—an impact so convincing that you can't help but be impressed.
Scrapyard's Sun
[Comments from the judges]
I completely understand this morning sluggishness... It feels like you don’t want to go to work, but the samba rhythm gently carries you along, getting you dressed while still half-asleep. Then, you open the door of your one-room apartment and start walking to the station under a cloudy sky... Such imagery came to mind.
It's a Dangerous ART!
[Comments from the judges]
The structure alternates between soft, fluffy sections and sharp, dazzling ones, creating a dynamic flow. It evokes a sense of a hidden artistic essence that eventually becomes uncontrollable and explodes, as if telling a story. While there are incredibly complex chord progressions, the piece remains fundamentally pop-oriented, making it surprisingly accessible and impressive.
Rihito Tsuboi's slections
Tatakina
[Comments from the judges]
The lyrics, which progress like a story presenting trials to the player, are well-linked with the music and rhythm, creating an experience that excites and engages. The concept was excellent and highly appreciated as a playable piece. However, it felt like the latter half lacked a bit of the intensity needed to sustain the buildup, which was a bit of a missed opportunity.
S[X]abed
![Taiko no Tatsujin Music Recruitment 2024 / S[X]abed](/taikonotatsujin2024/img/entries/102792_inst_s[x]abed_shiba_bpm150_20240807.jpeg)
[Comments from the judges]
The overall sound quality, the captivating world-building from the intro, and the creative progression that aligns perfectly with gameplay made this piece truly mesmerizing! It felt like a unique composition that’s rare both in the world and within Taiko no Tatsujin. While the song is highly original, pursuing a more memorable melody line while preserving this world-building could make it even catchier and more enjoyable!
Dosukoi Funk
[Comments from the judges]
A funk piece inspired by sumo! The midsection speeds up, incorporating movements and characteristics of sumo, offering an enjoyable and pleasantly surprising twist. It was a joy to listen to! If the overall progression had even more dynamic contrasts, it could become an even more engaging track for gameplay.
Cinderella dreams of a ball
[Comments from the judges]
The storytelling expressed, as suggested by the title, was excellent, with a captivating progression. The unique instrumental combination of orchestra, synths, and breakbeats was also impressive! However, because the piece is so delicate, I felt that it might be challenging to create a note chart without compromising its musicality.
Fever Dream
[Comments from the judges]
As a breakcore piece incorporating bossa nova elements, the sound design, genre fusion, and irresistibly catchy chorus melody felt fresh and innovative as a Taiko no Tatsujin track! However, the overall impression came across as somewhat disjointed. By focusing on crafting a progression that more clearly expresses the intended vision, the piece could become even more approachable and engaging.
Rolling life!
[Comments from the judges]
The catchy melody and lyrics themed around music games will surely resonate with many players! While it feels like a track that would be enjoyable to play, including unique elements or developments that make the most of what this song has to offer could elevate it to an even more entertaining experience.
Ununiformity
[Comments from the judges]
From the first listen, the stoic atmosphere, rapidly changing progressions, and rhythms were captivating, making it a truly unique piece! While the concept seems challenging to balance, incorporating a few more memorable elements or progressions could create a more well-rounded and balanced composition.
Eto's selections
burn of spirit feat yuka_lro
[Comments from the judges]
Fusion, you say!? Just as that thought crosses your mind, a charming and captivating song begins, beautifully blending fusion and pop, strength and softness. This marriage of styles was delightful! However, perhaps they blended a bit too harmoniously—if each element clashed and asserted itself a bit more boldly, it might have been even more unique and striking.
F drop E
[Comments from the judges]
It’s truly “non-stop,” but with effective dynamics, making it a captivating track that you could listen to endlessly while staying pumped. The intricate rhythms, subtly layered tones, stripped-down phrases, and perfectly balanced BPM were all fantastic. However, in terms of playability, I felt it could use a bit more emphasis and contrast to enhance the overall experience.
Free to bind and be bound.
[Comments from the judges]
It simply feels like a track that would be fun to play! The flowing changes and diverse, intricate phrases seem like they would be immensely satisfying to master. Additionally, the lighthearted and cheerful melody, evoking a nostalgic "this is exactly what it feels like to play a game" vibe, was delightful. However, it flows so smoothly that it might come across as a bit too easy to play—leaving me wondering if it could use a touch more challenge!
Overblaze
[Comments from the judges]
I was initially taken aback by the inclusion of vocals, but I felt it could have used one more surprise element. The fusion of your unique strengths and the vocals was highly polished and well-executed. However, when considering whether the instrumental version would deliver the same sense of playability, it seemed that it might not differentiate itself enough from past selections we’ve adopted.
Tonight is the witch's showtime
[Comments from the judges]
The moment I heard it, I was like, "The witch is here!"—it was pure excitement from the very start. The gothic elements packed throughout the track, combined with the vocals conveying a "domineering and dangerous presence," created an excellent sense of world-building. However, I couldn't help but wonder—what kind of unique traits does this witch possess? It feels like there’s still room to further develop and refine the world and its expression. I’d love to see you create a truly unique and profound universe!
Sue P's selections
Surround
[Comments from the judges]
The song's structure, with its repetitive melody and lyrics set to the same rhythm, allows listeners to fully immerse themselves in its groove. Additionally, the frequent changes in the rhythm track, combined with the vocals, create a sense of comfort that lets you effortlessly ride the waves of the song's progression and rhythm. This makes it an engaging and highly enjoyable listening experience. It’s simply pleasing to the ears!
Something-a-mazing!
[Comments from the judges]
The rhythm and rhyme of the vocals in the A melody are incredibly intriguing, and the contrast with the melodious chorus creates a progression that sticks in your head, which is fantastic. Combined with the weighty guitar and the energetic drums, it’s a track that makes you want to keep listening endlessly.
S[X]abed
[Comments from the judges]
At first listen, it gives off a sophisticated, expert-oriented vibe, but upon closer listening, it becomes clear that the track beautifully expresses a sense of decadent elegance. Once you embrace this world, it feels as though you’re sinking into the depths of the ocean with headphones on, where every sound becomes increasingly soothing—a truly excellent piece.
Dosukoi Funk
[Comments from the judges]
As the title and the opening notes immediately make clear, this is a humorous and amusing comic song themed around sumo (specifically, an apprentice wrestler). However, beneath its playful exterior lies a genuinely compelling and well-crafted composition. The fact that this theme works so effectively as a song is a testament to the high quality of both the vocals and the beat, leaving me truly impressed.
Alnus
[Comments from the judges]
From the very first second, a holy war began unfolding in my mind—a spectacularly dramatic and otherworldly atmosphere brimming with a delightful "chuunibyou" flair. The dedication to this aesthetic was impressive. The track is packed with a parade of cool phrases that make you think, "This is it!"—an absolute pleasure to listen to. However, the rhythm feels a bit monotonous at times, and the strong presence of the melody might make it challenging to create a note chart that matches the music without simply tracing the melody itself.
Free to bind and be bound.
[Comments from the judges]
The complex rhythms are skillfully arranged to be easy on the ears, which is very impressive. The song gives a strong impression of being well-suited for creating a note chart with dynamic highs and lows, making it highly appealing. However, considering the possibility of players revisiting it repeatedly, it might have been even better if there were hints—perhaps through the song title or specific passages—that evoke a sense of depth or a story behind the technical brilliance, adding a thematic layer to the track.
Cute Jammer
[Comments from the judges]
The unified characteristics of the melody and tone give the song a distinct and strong identity, which is fantastic. However, since the intricate melody flows continuously, it might be somewhat challenging to create varied note charts for Taiko no Tatsujin. Incorporating a more relaxed melody section could make it easier to add dynamics to the chart, potentially resulting in a track that players can enjoy for a longer time without growing tired of it.
We would like to introduce the songs that were evaluated as excellent songs, although they were not adopted.
![Taiko no Tatsujin Music Recruitment 2024 / True [False]](/taikonotatsujin2024/img/entries/102869_inst_true[false]_trinalydia_bpm257_20240820.png)
