Ayumi Hamasaki-Days/GREEN

1. “Days” (Original mix)
2. “GREEN” (Original mix)
3. “LOVE ~Destiny ~ “(10^th Anniversary version)
4. “Days” (Instrumental)
5. “GREEN” (Instrumental)
6. “Love ~Destiny~ (10^th Anniversary version)

 

1. “Days” – The single starts out with the ballad days. It’ been a while in a while since Ayu has put out a powerful ballad at this point, and days really makes up for it.
2. “GREEN”- This song has some time getting use to. Think of it as an upbeat, Chinese influenced version of Days. It definitely isn’t near as beautiful as Days, but still a pretty ok song. Nothing really special.
3. “LOVE ~Destiny ~ “(10^th Anniversary version) – I still love the original version of this song from 99, but this rendition is still great. The vocals are better, though I feel it doesn’t have the same emotion as the original. Still this is a great song

Ayumi does not disappoint with this single… well maybe for the dreadful music video for GREEN ^-^. Days really is the star of the single and is a great ballad. Good job ayu this is the stuff we like to hear from you!

Final Grade:

A

93%

Ayumi Hamasaki-Far Away

1. “Far Away”
2. “Far Away” (Crafty Remix)
3. “Far Away” (Main Radio Mix)
4. “Appears” (Junior’s Club Mix)
5. “Far Away” (HAL’S Mix 2000)
6. “Far Away” (Ocean View Remix)
7. “End Roll” (da urban maesto mix)
8. “Far Away” (Huge mutual-tried mix)
9. “Far Away” (Pop ‘e.a.’ Mix II)
10.  “Far Away” (Dub’s Mute & Feedback Mix)
11.  “Far Away” (Instrumental)  

 

Far Away is the15th single released on May 17^th, 2000.

Far Away is basically similar to SEASONS, but not quite as good. There isn’t much to say about the song because it isn’t as memorable as her previous singles. As for the remixes, the one that stands out is HAL’s Mix. 

Overall Far away is a good single. Not my favorite from Duty, but still a pretty good ballad.

Final Grade:

87%

B+

Ayumi Hamasaki-A Ballads

 

Released March 12^th, 2003, this is a ballad complication album by Ayumi Hamasaki. It had sold 1,041,000 copies as of 2007.

1. “Rainbow”
2. “Appears” (HAL’S Progress)
3. “Key”~eternal tie ver.~
4. “You”  (northern breeze)
5. “To Be” (2003 Rebirth Mix)
6. “Hanabi”
7. “M” (HAL’S Progress)
8. “Dearest”
9. “Dolls”
10. “Seasons” (2003 Rebirth Mix)
11. “Voyage”
12. “A Song for xx” (030203 Session #2 Take)
13. “Who…” (Across the Universe)
14. “Sotsugyo Shashin”

 

1. “Rainbow”- The album starts with the pop ballad “Rainbow”.  The song starts with an acoustic guitar and a set of vocals accompany Ayu’s voice. This song is very peaceful and really is different from her previous ballads which were more dramatic, where as this one is very mellow and well how do I say this, “natural” if that makes any sense. Overall a very great song to open this album.
2. “Appears” (HAL’S Progress) – Now this is a remix of the original song which I absolutely love. Most people aren’t a big fan of appears, but it’s definitely one of my favorites, because of the lyrics. As far as the remix goes, I actually think this is a great rendition of the song. It’s more instrumental if that is the right word, and it is one of the best songs on this album.
3. “Key”~eternal tie ver. ~- Key appeared on Hamasaki’s album “Duty”, and again is one of my many favorite songs of her’s. This isn’t actually a remix, but the original song. Anyways great song as well.
4. “You” (northern breeze)-When I first heard this song I was immediately captured with its melody and composition. A more “beachy” feel to the original song, it is again a very peaceful song and is one of the best on the album. I have a hard time deciding whether I like the original or this version better. Either way this is such an amazing song and I highly recommend everyone to give at least this song a chance.
5. “To Be” (2003 Rebirth Mix) – Again this isn’t really a remix of the song; it’s the same as the original released 1999. I adore this song; it’s such a beautiful song. Sometimes her voice can get a little too whiny for me, but looking past that flaw; this is a very good song and is definitely one of the best.
6. “Hanabi”- Originally released on the “H” single, this is again a pretty good song. It’s not one of my favorites, because it lacks to get your attention throughout the song. Other than that really it isn’t bad, but not as strong as the other songs. Still it is an emotionally driven song and Ayu sounds really good.
7. “M” (HAL’S Progress) – Now this is really where things just simply, perfect. As great as the original was, I didn’t know what to expect with this song. It is such a pretty edition of the song, and in my opinion probably the best song on the album, other than “You”. This version is a little expanded and slower than the original, but definitely holds your attention.
8. “Dearest”- Such s lovely and sad, yet amazing ballad. There is so much emotion and power in the song that Ayu shows. Defiantly a must hear. I already reviewed this song on my very first post so go ahead and check that out for more.
9. “Dolls”- A very interesting piece of music. It starts out with what sounds like people screaming or something, kid of creepy, but as the song plays out it gets normal. A pretty good song, but not everyone I think might like it, but just give it a few listens and you’ll get use to it. 
10.  “Seasons” (2003 Rebirth Mix) – A very great ballad. It is again the original song from the album “Duty”. It’s not one of    my favorites but still a very good song.
11. “Voyage”- Such a pretty song this is. Anyone who is a fan of Ayu pretty much knows this song. It pretty much consist of    the piano, flute (I think?), and violin.
12.  “A Song for xx” (030203 Session #2 Take) – This is a remake of the original song on the album “A Song for XX”. This version is actually better, because Ayu isn’t whining at the tops of her lungs, but the only thing to dislike about this song is the end of the song where all the sudden it gets all rock and roll and you hear nothing, but guitars. It really is a turn off to the song. I’d rather stick to the original.
13.  “Who…” (Across the Universe)- A very great song. It is kind of sad when you read the lyrics. It talks about someone telling the person they use to be with that they appreciate all that they have done for them and will not forget the time they shared.
14.  “Sotsogyu Shashin”- This is a cover of the Yumi Arai song. I haven’t heard the original, but it seems Ayu did a pretty god job. It’s a very peaceful song as well, but isn’t the best. I think the album should have ended with “Who…” but still a pretty good ending to the album.

To sum it up, this is a wonderful complication album. It is filled with very peaceful and laid back songs, and is very relaxing. There were some parts of the album where it got a little boring, but it soon would start to pick up. I highly recommend this album to really anyone who wants to get into J pop or most importantly wants to get to know more of Ayu’s music. Really the reason I also love this album is the meaning to it. The cover displays two Ayu’s. Supposedly it is because  Ayu wishes to consult and comfort herself, which I sometimes wish I could do. So really I think this is what this album is for. To learn to comfort ourselves through music, and to find a way to comfort others… wow that was kind of cheesy, but hey it is me after all.

Final Grade:

A

95%

Ayumi Hamasaki-Vogue

Tags

2000 Jpop single, ayu, Ayumi Hamasaki, jpop, single, Vogue

 

 

Released April 26^th 2000, this is Hamasaki’s 14^th single, and the first promotional single for the album, “Duty”.

1. “Vogue”  
2. “Vogue” (Hal’s mix 2000)
3. “Too Late” (Soul Solution Remix-Extended Vox-)
4. “Vogue” (Dub’s mellowtech Remix)
5. “Vogue” (Groove That Soul Mix)
6. “Vogue” (400Bpm Fatback Mix)
7. “Whatever” (FPM’s Winter Bossa)
8. “Vogue” (Pandart Sasanooha Mix) WTF??(=
9. “Vogue” (Instrumental)
10. “Ever Free”

 

“Vogue”- Opening this sweet and charming song is a composition of drums and what not and a beat influenced by Chinese and somewhat Arabian flavor. While some people don’t really like the song or just think it’s just okay, I say it’s one of her best. The song has such strong lyrics and is really meaningful. For example part of the second verse says:

“When I had noticed, I had come running to this far away place. But that’s not a regret; it’s because you were there for me at that time”.

Just a simple line like that brings me to love the song more and more every time I hear it. So really not everyone may not necessarily love this song, but it still deserves a chance.

**Just to let you know I will not be reviewing the remixes, I usually don’t enjoy them, there are way too many, and plus I’m too lazy.

“Ever Free”- This song is just okay for me, basically a slow pop ballad, and typical Ayu vocals, and style. Just to sum it up a boring song.

A pretty good single, though as a whole not such a solid piece. “Vogue” definitely is the standout track, and really the remixes and “Ever Free” is just pointless.

Final Grade:

B

83%