Koi No Yokan- A Love Letter to the Masterpiece of all Masterpieces
Hi everyone,
I have been wanting to do this for a long time, and I meant to put it out a couple days ago for its 13th anniversary, but now I have the time. It is often difficult to express in words my love for this album. It truly takes me on an emotional ride. One filled with extreme bliss and love, with a deep longing and sadness, with confusion, hurt, anger, and pain.
But I think i'm going to give it a shot and share it with you all. It is my totally subjective views and feelings, and I wanted to share them with this wonderful community. I love this community, and I love reading all the posts and how everyone is so gracious and kind and for sharing your love for Deftones. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did getting this all together :)
- Swerve City - "She tames me with her voices. As she plays around with her forces"
Koi No Yokan starts off swinging and instantly sets the stage and mood for the experience. It's a galloping ride and really sets Koi up with a strong and powerful opener.
- Romantic Dreams - "I'm hypnotized by your name. I wish this night would never end"
An explosion of Love. Keeps the pace and mood after Swerve City. Wishing a night wouldn't end, wanting a moment to be captured forever and holding on to the good times. This song really reminds me of a nice and warm summer evening spent with some beers and buddies or with a loved one.
- Leathers - "You're cutting all ties... now and forever. Wear your insides on the outside"
Chino tells us to let it all hang out. To show them your true colors and powers. Wearing your insides on the outside and not being afraid to show the world and your enemies what you look like and who you are. The messaging is so liberating and powerful. It speaks to me in so many ways. For a guy who's always been kind of a people pleaser, and who used to run away and hide from his deep emotions and feelings and try to build walls around him. It's so important to let people know where you stand with them and accepting them for who they are. Embracing the differences. And understanding that it's ok to let it all hang out, and show your deep and sometimes sensitive feelings.
- Poltergeist - "Come on just say it! Just say you like to play this game just to drive me wild"
A bashing and sinister feeling piece. A pest that likes to stir things up and play with your emotions and play on your insecurities. I've known a few.. Playing those games just to drive you wild. Insanely atmospheric. I mean the atmosphere on this one is just that. Insane!
- Entombed - "Shapes and colors are all I see. Shades of colors are all I feel"
This song just oozes with so much LOVE. A deeply powerful and emotional moment. Beautiful textures and sound. Love wins the day. Always. This is where the album shifts for me. IMO, that 4 song run of Swerve-Poltergeist does such a great job of opening the experience. By the time Entombed comes around, we are already deep and immersed. In my mind, and this is just my opinion; this was written for his children. But the beautiful thing about Chino's lyrics, is that you can apply it to so much. For me, it makes me think of my amazing girlfriend and how much I love her.
- Graphic Nature - "I'm aware of the demons that you've tucked away. I like to watch you release them, go on, say"
A trip into the dark underworld. One of my favorites on the record. Chino sounds so haunting here and the band are of course once again firing on all cylinders. The line "I'm aware of the demons, that you've tucked away" resonates so much with me. So catchy, that groove! My god, that groove. I'm on fire.
- Tempest - "Lay there. Stare at the ceiling. And switch back to your time"
The ancient arrival. A journey through time and space. An apocalyptic journey. So many vibes, so much intensity. The lyrics are top notch.
- Gauze - "I can't stop what you began. I can't fight for what you began"
A deeply personal one for me. Not understanding why people do or say the things they do. Quick to react emotionally with having no thought or care to how their words will affect you. No longer wanting to fight for the friendship or relationship because of how they make you feel.
- Rosemary - "Our minds bend and our fingers fold. Entwined we dream. Unknown"
Another emotional ride. Sailing through space with your lover. The line "just stay with me" ugh.. it kills me. It's so deep. So many colors, so much love.
- Goon Squad - "Before we get down you should prepare your heartstrings. To cut all the ties and watch the trends begin"
A victory lap of pride and accomplishment. It honestly could have been perfect as the last song and closer of the record, but no.. The feelings of being on top of the world, with your friends. Confidence.. Power.. Good times.
- What Happened To You? - "We're alive somewhere else. Still asleep someplace new"
They chose to break my heart one last time for the closer. A deep and thought provoking piece. There is so much longing here. It's such a deep and personal moment for me and makes me reflect on so much. Loss.. People.. Things.. Not taking anything or anyone for granted. This life is fleeting. Spend your time preciously, and spread all the love because we never know when that time is up. Let your people know how much they mean to you.
And so my friends, that is my love letter to not only my favorite record by Deftones, it's one of my favorite records from any band/artist. Period. I just wish someone could sail in my brain during this album and explore the depths, peaks, and valleys that I go to.
I've never had an album that rips me to shreds emotionally yet still feels safe with a warm blanket over me at the same time. Upon listening, I am forced to confront many fears and emotions that are not always comfortable for me, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It's therapeutic.
From the depths to the heavens and back and forth. What a ride... what a ride. Thank you Chino, Abe, Stephen, Frank and Sergio. And may Chi's spirit live on. And thank you all for taking the time to read this. What does this album do to/for you? What thoughts and emotions does it invoke in you?