7th Album: 35xxxv

35xxxv (pronounced "Thirty-Five") is the seventh studio album by ONE OK ROCK, released on February 11, 2015, and marks one of the most decisive transitions in the band's career. It became their first album to debut at number one on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart, a milestone that highlighted their rising influence within Japan. It is also their first record completed entirely in the United States and the first to fully embrace an international production aesthetic. Later that same year, the international 35xxxv (Deluxe Edition) was released under Warner Bros. Records, marking ONE OK ROCK's first globally distributed album and solidifying their emergence on the international rock stage. Together, these achievements reflect a pivotal shift in the band’s vision — a deliberate step beyond their established domestic position toward a broader global audience, supported by a sound that blends emotional Japanese lyricism with Western alternative rock, post-hardcore influences, and arena-ready arrangements.

The title 35xxxv derives from the Roman numeral "XXXV" (35) and represents a number that repeatedly appeared to the band during the recording process in the United States and gradually came to symbolize luck and timing rather than a concrete idea. In this sense, the title reflects a willingness to step into the unknown—moving forward without certainty, trusting belief, persistence, and momentum as essential forces when taking risks and refusing to give up.

The number 35 carries yet another personal resonance within the album's title. Earlier in his career, Taka once mentioned the idea of stepping away from music by the age of thirty-five — thought shaped by the uncertainty of the band's early years rather than a concrete decision. Nothing ever came of that idea, and today he simply continues his musical path without thinking about stepping away. Both he and the band often express that they still have much they want to accomplish, hoping to help and inspire people through their music. In this sense, the title 35xxxv, once loosely associated with an age viewed with hesitation, has become a symbol of growth, persistence, and the choice to keep moving forward.

Musically, the album presents a more polished and globally aligned sound than any of their previous releases. The songwriting is tighter, the arrangements cleaner, and the use of English lyrics significantly expanded, signaling a deliberate step toward international accessibility. The record balances high-energy rock tracks with emotionally driven ballads, all framed by a production style that emphasizes clarity, impact, and a sense of scale suited for large venues. 35xxxv also introduced the first major guest feature on a ONE OK ROCK studio album: Paper Planes (feat. Kellin Quinn), a collaboration that highlighted their growing connection to Western alternative rock and further broadened their international appeal. The Deluxe Edition reinforced this direction, offering re-recorded English vocals, subtle mix adjustments, and two additional tracks — Last Dance and The Way Back. The song Decision was also reimagined with guest vocals by Tyler Carter, providing a version tailored for global listeners.

Upon release, 35xxxv debuted at number one on the Oricon Albums Chart and spent more than 115 weeks on the Japanese charts. It was later certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan for shipping over 250,000 copies. The Deluxe Edition achieved notable overseas success, reaching number eleven on the Heatseekers Albums chart, earning recognition for its strong English delivery and internationally focused production. This reception affirmed the band's ability to resonate beyond Japan without compromising their emotional core.

The album cover complements its themes through a minimalist yet bold visual identity. Set against a vivid red background, the central black-and-white emblem is constructed from three horizontal and five vertical lines, subtly forming the number 35 while enclosing the Roman numeral “XXXV” at its center. The design avoids narrative imagery in favor of symbolic clarity—suggesting discipline, focus, and determination. Its stark symmetry reflects the album's directness and ambition, serving as a visual marker of the band's shift toward a broader horizon.

In contrast to the standard edition, the Deluxe Edition cover inverts the original color scheme. The emblem’s red-and-white pattern is reversed against the black background, creating a sharper, more striking visual impact. This inversion not only distinguishes the international release but also reinforces the album’s themes of transition, reinterpretation, and stepping into a new phase of identity. By mirroring the design rather than altering its structure, the Deluxe Edition subtly emphasizes continuity and evolution — the same symbol seen from a different perspective.

Today, 35xxxv is widely regarded as the turning point in ONE OK ROCK's global journey. It captures the moment they stepped beyond national boundaries, refining their sound and identity for an international stage while preserving the emotion and intensity that defined their earlier work. As a bridge between their Japanese era and the worldwide recognition that followed, the album remains a pivotal chapter in the band's evolution.