By the time Mr.Children released its seventh album, 1999’s Discovery, it was well established as one of Japan’s biggest bands. The record continued an impressive string by becoming the group’s fourth No. 1 album in a row on the Japanese charts. Discovery draws on all the elements that helped Mr.Children to establish a signature sonic blend over the course of the ’90s, whether the band is rocking out, getting its groove on, or tucking into a bit of tender balladry. It’s a testament to the band’s lasting impact in its homeland that not only does the album contain four No. 1 hits, those songs are part of an astonishing run of 30 consecutive Japanese chart-toppers. And even if you only analyze Discovery’s hits, you can still get a good snapshot of what makes up Mr.Children’s musical DNA. The band’s power-ballad side is repped by “I’ll Be,” which would become a theme song for the 2002 FIFA World Cup and gradually builds from a spare start to pole-vaulting heights, and by “Owarinakitabi,” whose stately midtempo feel is as undeniably Beatles-esque as it is cinematic. “Hikarinosasuhoue,” on the other hand, mixes big rock riffs with subtle electronic beats, achieving the kind of combination that would crop up multiple times over the span of Mr.Children’s voluminous discography. And “Nishiehigashie” gets into an aggressive funk-rock feel not far from the dance-rock sounds that had helped fuel Mr.Children’s breakout album, Atomic Heart. When you venture beyond the smash hits, the familiar stylistic fingerprints stand out just as strongly. “Undershirt” finds the band in its slinky/funky mode. “#2601” is a churning alt-rocker that bears a touch of darkness and is powered by post-grunge riffs. “Simple” is an inviting ballad with acoustic guitar at its core. And “Image” is another Beatles-informed tune, starting off small and then growing huge before breaking down once more to end the album on a poignant note.