Review by Nei
Album Review: Prejudice by Nicotine – A Hidden Gem in Japanese Rock
Released back in 2004, Prejudice by Nicotine is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s not flashy or overproduced, but it’s got this raw energy that sticks. Hailing from Japan and released under Sky Records and Warner Music Japan, the album blends rock with a touch of acoustic soul. For fans of the genre, it’s worth a deep dive.
The tracklist isn’t massive, but it doesn’t need to be. Two songs stand out for me, and they’re the ones I keep coming back to. First, there’s In The Rising Sun (Piano Instrumental). Now, I’m not usually one for piano-heavy tracks, but this one hits different. It’s haunting yet hopeful, like watching the sun come up after a long night. You can almost picture Nicotine sitting at the keys, letting the notes just flow. It’s simple, but man, does it work.
Then there’s Prejudice (Acoustic Studio Live Version). This one feels alive, like you’re in the room with the band as they play. Stripping down the original version gives it this intimate vibe. The lyrics hit hard, talking about bias and judgment without being preachy. The acoustic guitar has this steady rhythm that pulls you in, and the vocals? They’ve got this rough-around-the-edges charm that makes it unforgettable.
What’s wild about Prejudice is how it manages to feel both polished and unfiltered. It’s not trying too hard to impress anyone, which is probably why it works so well. Nicotine lets the music speak for itself, and honestly, it doesn’t need much help.
Looking back, it’s kinda crazy how this album flew under the radar for so many years. Maybe it’s because it came out in 2004, a time when rock was getting overshadowed by pop and electronic stuff. Or maybe it’s just one of those albums that needed time to breathe. Either way, if you’re into rock with depth and heart, Prejudice deserves a spot in your playlist.
And hey, here’s a thought—what if more bands took this approach? Less flash, more authenticity. Just saying.
