I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—Ae! group isn’t just your standard set of idol charmers. Sure, they’ve got the looks, the moves, and the talent, but what really sets them apart is their ability to sonically shapeshift through genres without missing a beat.

With their third studio single ｢Chameleon｣, they slide between styles like second nature—this time fusing their signature rock-and-roll swagger with a splash of jazz and a wink of that signature Kansai-style mischief that has absolutely captured my heart. It’s playful, polished, and just plain fun. 

They’re growing up—but not out of the boyish charm that’s won over fans and critics alike.

The singles official B-side, ｢Destiny｣ is a power ballad (my favorite kind) that aches with the weight of love that can’t quite close the distance. Heartbreak doesn’t need translation; whether you speak Japanese or not, you can feel their emotion.  They’ve lived this story. We all have.

If there’s one track I had to choose as a personal favorite from the release,  it’s ｢Stray dogs｣. Hands down. First performed during Johnny’s Dream Island (2020-2025), this Jr. era gem is pure Ae! group magic. Written by Tomohiro Kamiyama from WEST., it’s a gritty, soaring rock anthem that allows Seiya’s angelic voice to absolutely shred. There’s a rawness to it—scratches and bruises from the uphill battle to debut—that gives the song weight. And Kamiyama didn’t just write them a song; he gave them their song – weaving the members’ names into the lyrics, making it feel like a musical biography wrapped in distortion and defiance. 

While the above was recorded while the group were still juniors, I live for that kind of synergy.

｢PHOTOGENIC｣ is the flip side—a summer bop, bright with dance beats and sun-drenched guitar. Built for the stage, you can almost hear the crowd screaming along. I can’t wait for the opportunity. 

Another ballad, ｢キミの七不思議｣ trades big vocals for quiet beauty. It’s delicate, tender, and emotionally rich—a reminder that sometimes, the softest songs hit the hardest – proving yet again that Seiya’s voice truly is an instrument of the gods.

The Jr. era ｢Break Through｣ closes out the single with another biographical gut-punch. It’s the sound of five young men refusing to give up, pushing forward through doubt, pressure, and expectation. They didn’t just survive the system—they shattered it, rebuilding themselves from the rubble into something bigger, bolder, and unapologetically better.

As they step confidently into their sophomore era, Ae! group might be more refined, but they’re still rough in all the ways that matter. They’re not here to be the flawless, airbrushed poster boys for pop music. 

They’re the phoenix, rising from the ashes like the rock stars they are. 

There will be more Ae! group soon so…

Stay Tuned!