Ayumi [Import]

1. Japanese

2. Japanese

3. Japanese

4. Japanese

5. Japanese

6. Japanese

7. Japanese

8. Japanese

9. Japanese

10. Japanese

Ayumi,Sojiro,Kitty,World Music

Average customer rating: Loved it! The best yet What a Great CD! Better than MY STORY Hamasaki Ayumi is quite creative

(Miss) Understood ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Secret Rainbow My Story Duty Loveppears ASIN: B000BCE3IM Release Date: 2005-01-03

Album Description

New album from Ayumi Hamasaki to kick in the new year includes the singles 'Step You/Is This Love?', 'Fairyland', 'Heaven', and more! DVD (NTSC/Region 2) includes music videos for each of the hit songs plus development footage of the album! Avex. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Loved it!.......2007-06-04

This is a CD I can listen to all week without getting bored, great voice and the melodies of the songs are awesome.

The best yet.......2007-05-18

This is the Ayu album to buy for those with a heavy metal bent and don't want it straightened. She goes back to her heavy rock roots with this one (and it's about time, too!) 'alterna', 'ladies night', and 'is this love?' are genuine headbangers, and would stand their ground with Maiden or Priest. This is actually surprising, given that it was supposed to be an R'n'B album at the outset, which makes me wonder what a premeditated heavy rock album would be like!

What a Great CD!.......2006-06-25

There is little more I can add to the other reviews - this CD is definitely one of Ayumi's BEST. All of the songs are uplifting, and are also sufficiently diverse. Ayumi amazes me with the number of songs and CDs she manages to come up with in this incredibly short time. And over 80% of her music IS top notch. Even when some of her songs use music parts of European/American songs, she (or rather her producers) still manages to turn it around and make it classy and original. Hats down.

If you are into JPop, chances are you are well acquainted with Ayu's music and already past the 'cheesy' and 'weird' first impressions of JPop in general. My recommendation is then - hesitate no more, you will LOVE this CD.

If you are new to JPop, then I'll first give you a little context. The two biggest JPop stars are Ayumi Hamasaki (Ayu) and Hikaru Utada (Hikki). Personally, I think Hikki is more prolific singer (in terms of quality) - her songs are always original whilst Ayumi's tend to regurgitate the same music themes. However, if we take into account all aspects of each of these two stars, Ayu takes the prize easily. She simply delivers more - not only in terms of quantity, but 'show' wise. Therefore I would urge you not only to stop at this CD, but to check out her videos, her concerts and some general programmes on her (and her effect in Japan) - Ayu is simply a furore to be behold! Plus the videos will help you with the transition to JPop. I think JPop is as much a feast for the eyes as is music to the ears.

If you want more quality, have limited tolerance to cheesy stuff and want something that pushes Pop boundaries, you will not regret getting as much of Hikki's as you possibly can. Especially, if you haven't had good encounters with JPop yet, Sakura Drops is bound to change your mind about the genre.

To get back on the CD, I am not going to evaluate every single track as this has been done already several times before me and my opinion generally matches the previous reviewers'. The only songs where my taste diverges (maybe because I am a guy) are Bold & Delicious, Ladies Night, and STEP you - they didn't grow on me.
In contrast, my favourite song from the album is (miss)understood. I am lost for words to describe the sheer emotion and determination that pour from this song. I also love the fact that it there is no repeated chorus (no 'standard hook') - just the style of singing. It's very original and very refreshing. Alterna is also hellishly good rock tune!

So get this CD and form your own impressions. And then perhaps come back and share them with us.

Better than MY STORY.......2006-05-31

At first I was very disapointed by this CD. But after a while it grew on me. It's a great CD to listen to while you go for a walk (as long as it's sunny out!)

(and just to let you know, I can't really give an in-depth description, so if you really want to know more, just listen to it yourself!)

Bold & Delicious - when I first heard the clip for this song, I felt betrayed. I though "How could you do this to us, ayu?! Turning on us like that..." But it ended up growing on me. 9/10

STEP you - loved it at first, not now, but still a good song. 8/10

Ladies Night - one of my favourites on the CD. It was a cover of SWEETBOX, and I've never heard the original, but I really love this version. Part of the lyrics aren't in the booklet though, which really bugs me. 10/10

is this LOVE? - hated it at first, but now I love it. It's as rock as she get's. Great verse, great chorus, and I've even come to like the guitar solo. 10/10

(miss)understood - not really much happening in this song... it has an alright chorus. A weak track. 6/10

alterna - is spanish for "choice". My feelings for this song change frequently. I currently love it. 10/10

In The Corner - another SWEETBOX cover. It's kind of R n B sounding. It's alright, nothing special. 8/10

tasking - a good interlude, but not as good as the other one on here. 9/10

criminal - a slow type of song that get's really loud (but still slow) at the chorus.I like it. 9/10

Pride - at first I didn't like it, but it grew on me, and now I consider it a strong track. 10/10

Will - and we get to hear some more music composed by ayu! Yay! The music at the beginning and the verse remind me of that movie Amelie, and "Anne of Green Gables" or something. Another strong track. 10/10

HEAVEN - her best ballad to date, and my number one favourite song from this album. Love, love, love it. 11/10

Are You Wake Up - yes, the title doesn't make sense, but it's still a very happy sounding interlude. Would go well with any slide show. Hmmmm, that gives me and idea... 10/10

fairyland - what can I say? Sometimes I like it, sometimes I don't. Right now, I give it a 10/10

Beautiful Day - this song makes me happy no matter what's going on in life. 10/10

rainy day - a great way to close the album. Her voice is at it's best here, and the music box is so pretty. 10/10

total - 150/160

which rounds out to 93%. A very good album. Keep up the great work, Ayu!

Extra curricular information:

Songs composed by GEO of SWEETBOX (covers, all lyrics written by ayumi)
Bold & Delicious (arranged by CMJK)
Ladies Night (arranged by CMJK)
In The Corner (arranged by CMJK)
Pride (arranged by CMJK)
Beautiful Day (originally titled "Beautiful Girl")(arranged by tasuku)
rainy day (originally titled "Another Step")(kind of hard to see the name of the arranger. Yuta something)

The rest of her songs: (all lyrics - ayumi hamasaki)

STEP you - music: Kazuhiro Hara
arrangement: CMJK

is this LOVE? - music: Miki Watanabe
arrangement: HAL

(miss)understood - music: Tetsuya Yukumi
arrangement: tasuku

alterna - music: Shintaro Hagiwara, Sosaku Sasaki
arrangement: CMJK

tasking - music & arrangement: tasuku

criminal - music: Kazuhiro Hara
arrangement: Kazuhiro Hara

Will - music: CREA (ayumi) + D-A-I
arrangement: tasuku

HEAVEN - music: Kazuhito Kikuchi
arrangement: Yuta Nakano & KZB

Are You Wake Up? - music & arrangement: CMJK

fairyland - music: tasuku
arrangement: HAL

Hamasaki Ayumi is quite creative.......2006-03-16

(Note: Some of these songs begin with capitals, some don't, some are all in capitals or one word is. Please note these aren't typos. They are the way they are officialy written.)

Whilst many people mant tsk-tsk over this new Ayumi album, I find it highly refreshing. On Bold & Delicious we see just how far Ayumi can stretch creatively and her 'Bold'ly take a step in the new direction. In STEP you we hear a catchy dance track with some english in it. In Ladies Night we hear a song similar to My name's WOMEN off her My Story CD, since it's influenced with the female empowerment and sounds almost like a flashback to the 80's. Is this LOVE? turns to be a rocky song, showing a side of Ayu we don't see as much where she is hurt and almost regretful. (miss)understood is a calmer rock song, but still enjoyable and shorter than the other. alterna is the last true rock song on the CD, which isn't as rocky as Is this LOVE? or as calm as (miss)understood. There are two wonderful interludes on this CD: one titled tasking, full of strong violins and a catchy beat to back it up, the second called Are You Wake Up?, which though the title is wonkey is full of nice guitar and a tambourine creating a great rythme. There are a few ballads on this CD also. HEAVEN is a lovely song with many instruments in it, and this song is a power ballad so it's not too mushy. Pride is full of violins, piano and is a strong power ballad, though stronger than HEAVEN. criminal is another and the (final) ballad, more influenced by the piano than the violins, you can picture this song showing the ups and downs of a criminal. Will sounds very(traditional)Japanese influenced and unlike the others is almost poppy. fairyland sounds just like you'd assume it to, it is full of dancy music, though almost sounds like a ballad at some points. Beautiful Day is a feel good song, which doesn't appear to be in one specific genre. rainy day is a calm peaceful song, which seemslike each beat is a drop of rain itself. In The Corner is an R n' B song that like alterna contains violins thoughout. This song isn't what you would expect in many R n' B songs in America or Canada though. Prepare to be amazed with this CD if you can have an open mind or get over the fact it's in Japanese.

Wishing the best!

Average customer rating: An excellent Ayumi masterpiece Ayumi CAN sing, she just doesn't have the best voice The best Ayumi album ever the best album from ayu so far Utterly amazing

Duty Ayumi Hamasaki Manufacturer: Avex Trax ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Loveppears (Miss) Understood Rainbow A song for XX [IMPORT] A Best ASIN: B000059O85 Release Date: 2000-09-27

Tracks:

1. Starting Over
2. Duty
3. Vogue
4. End Of The World
5. Scar
6. Far Away
7. Surreal
8. Audience
9. Seasons
10. Teddy Bear
11. Key - Eternal Tie Ver
12. Girlish

Customer Reviews:

An excellent Ayumi masterpiece.......2005-01-31

Duty is by far one of Ayumi Hamasaki's better CDs. Coming from the standpoint of an American fan with, okay, only six of her CDs, this is one I can listen to thoroughly and never get tired of. Working from the strings of "Duty", to the harder tone of "End of the World", and then to the soft, sad aura of "Teddy Bear", it reaches points of emotion that other artists dream to have.

Ayumi CAN sing, she just doesn't have the best voice.......2004-12-21

It's true that Ayumi Hamasaki doesn't have the best voice on earth. she has such a sharp unique voice. But that doesn't mean she can't sing. I hate those people who are like: ooooh you don't have a strong mature voice, you can't sing!! those people should be shot because they are just prejudice. Ayumi has a very large voice range. she can sing very low to very high. And her voice actually sounds real. I think she sounds much better than Madonna, who's singing is just soooo fake. this album is by far, my favorite Ayumi featured album. A-best is also very good but is not a featured album. I really wish she would put "duty" as one of her A-best songs because I just loooove that song sooooo much.

The best Ayumi album ever.......2004-10-31

Duty is the number one Ayu album. Many say that it is bad only beacause it includes 12 songs. The good thing then is that there are no filler tracks on this album, each song is equally good. The quailty of these songs is undescribable and it's hard not to enjoy the amazing feeling you get after listening to them. SURREAL and SEASONS are the stand-out-tracks from this album, if you haven't heard the songs please buy this album right now and be amazed by the Jpop queen.

the best album from ayu so far.......2004-09-30

I have 15 CDs so I know what I'm talking about here. Duty is her best album so far even better then most of her remixes. All songs are good and the ballads are amazing. She can really sing and her lyrics are deep and cool. Ayu rocks and no one is gonna change that ever period. CXarl

Utterly amazing.......2003-09-03

This is my 2nd album from Ayumi and I am just amazed at how brilliant this album is. Every single track is captivating and one can simply get lost listening to this over and over and over. Believe the hype and then some.

Average customer rating: 36 songs...omigosh! This is a pretty cute CD! Mostly tender music to a sweet anime series A great way to spend an evening! anime!!!

Ai Yori Aoshi: Sakura Akio Fujita , Kaoru Hagiwara , Hiroyuki Koike Strings , Masakazu Ishibashi , and Ayumi Kasahara Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Anime & Video Game Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ai Yori Aoshi Enishi: Pine Mahoromatic Gunparade March: Spirit of Samurai Chobits 002 Love Hina: Hinata Girls Song Best ASIN: B0000BWVCX Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

1. Eternal Flower (On Air Version)
2. Fate
3. Promise
4. Loving Heart-Someday, For Sure
5. Morning
6. Cherry Blossoms
7. Early Afternoon
8. Parting
9. Feel At Ease
10. History
11. Alone
12. Early Evening
13. Seasons Over The Glass
14. Darkness...Part 1
15. Darkness...Part 2
16. Instant
17. Midnight
18. Noisy Heart
19. Distance
20. Cherished Memory
21. Flower Of Words (Inst-Ver.)
22. Going Far
23. Clamor
24. Be In A Mess
25. Temptation...Mediation...Preseverance
26. Temptation...Hesitation...Action
27. Miyabi's Theme...Part 1
28. Tina's Theme
29. Taeko's Theme
30. Ususal Party
31. Wild Joy Wild Dance
32. Miyabi's Theme...Part 2
33. Flower Of Words (Anime Ver.)
34. Dream Talk
35. A Flower Without A Name (On Air Ver)
36. Aio's Dairy 'Spring'

Customer Reviews:

36 songs...omigosh! This is a pretty cute CD!.......2006-10-13

Yo peoples! This CD has 36 songs, 3 on-air versions, 2 with words. To tell you the best ones, they are song #1, 3, 8, 10, 11, 18, 20, 29, 33, and 35! yay yay! Me luv anime music! I'm a colllector!!!!!!!!!!! Buy it, it really is pretty cute! I luv #1!

Mostly tender music to a sweet anime series.......2005-08-18

One of the things that made Ai Yori Aoshi my favourite anime series was the accompanying musical soundtrack, which helped carry through much of the tender feelings exuded by its lead characters, Aoi Sakuraba and her fiancé, Kaoru Hanabishi. Of the two soundtracks, Sakura has the music from AYA's first season.

Both opening and closing theme songs are presented in their bite-sized on-air versions, Yoko Ishida's lovely ballad "Towa no Hana" or "Eternal Flower" and The Indigo's pleasant mid-paced "Na Mo Shirenu Hana," or "A Flower Without A Name." Both are available in full length versions on the artists' respective albums Sweets and Indigo Suite.

The instrumental material veers from heart-tugging to zany and upbeat. Decidely falling in the former category is "Fate" made all tender with the slow and melancholy violin accompanied by the Hiroyuki Koike strings and piano. "Promise" is the reflective tune playing while Aoi is riding the train to find Kaoru in the very first episode, with a prominent clarinet and piano playing. A sad piccolo introduces "Loving Heart" before the some Narada-style keyboard synths and violin take over. The same melancholy violin starts off "Cherry Blossoms" before giving way to the same Narada-like keys.

There is some more cheerful stuff, such as "Early Evening" which sports some calypso-like keyboards, and "Early Afternoon," whose opening rhythm could fit into Petula Clark-style pop, and which also sports a nice brisk "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head" type rhythm in the middle.

The stark piano number "Parting" and oboe and strings number "Alone" account for the really melancholy material, along with the haunting keyboard synth tune "Distance."

Of the zany stuff, "Clamor," which is used when things go into an uproar, has the feeling of a western tune, featuring a fiddle that wouldn't be out of place in Hee Haw, while "Tina's Theme" is a poppy calypso tune reflecting the rowdiness of this character. "Be In A Mess" fits more into the 40's swing jazz category, also used when things get
chaotic, but there is room for a sax and sizzling guitar solo in the middle. "Wild Joy Wild Dance" mixes "Tequila"-type mambo rhythms with a clarinet solo.

Speaking of themes, both "Miyabi's Themes" are laid back jazzy numbers reflecting the stern Miyabi-san's belief in an quiet atmosphere needed for inner peace.
In the earlier episodes, Kaoru hears Aoi humming a tune and realizes it's the lullaby his mother sung him and that he taught Aoi. The instrumental version of that tune, which has a melody reminiscent of the reflective parts of the second movement of Dvorak's New World Symphony, "Flower of Words," is included in two versions, once in a guitar and flute version, the second a quiet music box version.

Anyone thinking of playing this on their player using random play may want to burn a copy sans Track 36. That's because it's a spoken track, set to "Early Afternoon" and "Cherry Blossoms" recounting Aoi's spoken diary of the gang watching the cherry blossoms in a great spot. She recalls how Kaoru ate a lot, and how Tina, having drunken lots of sake, offered some to the underage Chika and Mayu. Taeko's super spicy omelette caused Mayu to fall over, and how Miyabi-san seemed to be the only one to be properly gazing at the cherry blossoms. It ends with Aoi recounting how she and Kaoru will be able to watch the blossoms year after year from now on.

The first Ai Yori Aoshi soundtrack is thus a nice sweet collection of instrumentals, some romantic, others relaxing, some bleak, others brisk, and others manic.

A great way to spend an evening!.......2004-05-06

Easily one of the best Anime OST discs I have ever listened to. Very easy flowing songs, right from the start. The opening is incredible, as is the track titled "promise". Many genres can be felt on this disc and each suits the mood just right. This isnt only for fans of the Anime, but fans of music period.

anime!!!.......2003-12-07

i think any anime fan would have this cd. it is very calming and out there i like.

Average customer rating: Alright not worth the effort Ayumi the Goddess Just like a rainbow ordinary, ordinary, ordinary.....

Rainbow Ayumi Hamasaki Manufacturer: Avex Trax Japan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: My Story (Miss) Understood A Best Loveppears Ballads ASIN: B00007ELNY Release Date: 2002-12-18

Tracks:

1. Everlasting Dream
2. We Wish
3. Real Me
4. Free and Easy
5. Heartplace
6. Over
7. Hanabi
8. Taskinillusion
9. Everhwhere Nowhere
10. July 1st
11. Dolls
12. Neverending Dream
13. Voyage
14. Close to You
15. Independent

Album Description

Ayumi Hamasaki's 5th album includes the million selling hit 'H', 'Free And Easy' and more. Avex. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Alright.......2007-06-06

I'm not into slow songs and there's a LOT of them here.
Some of the lyrics also made the songs feel even slower.
"We are free to go anywhere we want to, we are free to do anything we want too".
Seemed a bit simple, I'm glad the songs are mostly japanese.
You could just skip this album and get "Ballads" and a "Best" album, since the good songs on this CD are on those.

not worth the effort.......2007-05-18

After the genius of the 'I Am...' album, I was hoping for something of an encore: tight song structure, walls of guitars, etc. Unfortunately, this album is a far cry from anything like that. I could only listen to this once: there is just nothing here of interest. Fortunately, the follow-up albums were better. One to avoid...

Ayumi the Goddess.......2005-07-16

This woman, a tiny Japanese woman, has captured my (...), American heart. Almost every cd she has is full of so many different styles and sounds, it amazes me. This cd (Having heard everything up to the day of thise review) has to be the best cd she's ever done. RAINBOW captures the mind and takes it places it's never been.

Here's a rundown of my fav songs...

Real Me - This song is good, even has some English in it, showing versatility. The video is absolutely amazing.

HANABI - This song is so beautiful and has a nice flow to it. At first listen it seems to lack in the musical department, but when you give it a few more listens, it begins to show you why it took that style.

Everywhere Nowhere - This song is very nice. I love to listen to it. It has a pleasant melody.

Independent - This is the best song on the cd. Great beat and intuitive sound, this song is guaranteed to be on your playlist.

Just like a rainbow.......2005-07-03

This CD is beautiful
1. Rainbow-Nothing really here N/A
2. Everlasting Dream-Calm nicegoing melody, but way too short 8/10
3. We Wish-Pretty energetic with a nice pop style to it 9/10
4. Real Me-At first it sounded like a Destiny's Child song, But the hook was the defining moment of this song. I always hear mysalef saying "In order to survive" 10/10
5. Free And Easy-This is a definite rememinice of M. It starts off slow, has a goos hook and switches off to a more energetic style. And Ayu's voice goes with the whole song 10/10 Favorite track
6. Heartplace-This song is a decent slow song, and it has a nice hook, altho, I expected a bit more energy from a rock style ballad. 8/10
7. Over-A sad ballad. I love the calmness of this song mixed with pure emotion. Very beautiful 10/10
8. Hanabi-I love the beautif piano style used in this wonderful ballad, and Ayu's voice was beautiful from begining to end 10/10
9. Taskinillusion-Interlude N/A
10. Everywhere Nowhere-Ayu speaks a lot of english in this CD, unlike her others. Anywho, after the english intro the song is a very high spirited energy paulser, and it's very catchy. 10/10
11. July 1st-I bought this CD a while ago and got it yesterday, close to date of the song, but no. Anywho this reminds me of greatful days, cept this is more energetic, and catchier. And it's got some cool record scratches in it. 10/10
12. Dolls-I love the mystic feel this song gives, and the smooth flowing hook, along with Ayu's calm voice. 10/10 2nd favorite track
13. Neverending Dream-Interlude N/A
14. Voyage-The song starts off in a sad way, but the hook was very livley, and it takes the track up a notch at the end, And Ayu's voice went smoothly along with the motions of this song. 10/10
15. Close To You-Out of all tracks, this is the one I'll most likely skip. It's way too slow, and I can't tell where the hook is. 5/10
16. Independent-The let's go clap get's it started, and then prelude sets it up for a fast paced, energetic anime flavored song. I definitly love the up temponess of the hook. 10/10 3rd favorite track.
+(Secret track)Sounds like flower garden Pt.2 It's ok. Not all that great or bad. 6/10

This is the 4th CD I got from Ayu(First 3 I am Memorial Address, My Story). And I have to say, it is so dang close to I am.(I had a very hard time picking my 3 favorite tracks off of this) This CD should be owned by every fan of Ayu, or J-pop. To me I'd say if you're starting with Ayu to pick up this or I am. This is dang near a near perfect follow up to I am.

peace

ordinary, ordinary, ordinary............2005-06-04

Having read some of the other reviews here, it appears some people have approached this album with a pre-conception of what they think Japanese culture is, and so their reviews can be discounted at the outset. That having been said, tho', this album is just plain boring. Experimental, yes, but so was Rush in the mid-70's, and no-one listens to that anymore. Musically dull (live, both Nomura & Enrique look bored), and lyrically it lacks the fire that was on previous albums, like she just churned it out in 5 minutes to fit the music.
This would not be a good introductory album for a new fan to buy.

Average customer rating: Go Ayu !!! Superior reinterpretation and sophisticated arrangement.

Ayu-Mi-X, Vol. 2: Acoustic Version Ayumi Kamasaki Manufacturer: Avex Trax Japan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00004SZNB Release Date: 2000-03-08

Tracks:

1. Fly High
2. Who
3. Boys & Girls
4. To Be
5. And Then
6. End Roll
7. Immature
8. Appears
9. End Roll [Inst Melo Version]
10. To Be [Inst Melo Version]
11. Appears [Inst Melo Version]
12. Who [Inst Melo Version]

Album Details

Acoustic Orchestral Remixes.

Customer Reviews:

Go Ayu !!!.......2000-09-20

This is a great remix album. If you are tired of hearing all those remixs that are too fast or too dancy then get this album to slow you down. I'm not saying don't get the other remixes but i think this one is a very very good.

Superior reinterpretation and sophisticated arrangement........2000-05-14

The track listing is as follows: 1). Fly high 2). Who... 3). Boys & Girls 4). TO BE 5). And then 6). End roll 7). immature 8). appears

Bonus Tracks - instrumental melody version 9). End roll 10). TO BE 11). appears 12). Who...

This is a much better acoustic orchestra interpretation than the one on the first Ayu-mi-x. The music has more depth and variety of feel; it reflects evident effort. The pieces range from single instruments (guitar or piano) to full orchestral arrangements. Having real human beings play the music provides an extra level of humanity and resonance. Perhaps that is what really connects this disc with the listner. The elegance of the arrangements complement her vocals to very good effect. Those of you who have listened to the original album "LOVEppears" and/or Ayu-mi-x II version US & EU, version JPN, will realize how much difference is made by the music. The tone and mood of each song take on a new facade. The underlying emotional quality is showcased and expressed to a degree not achieved on the other versions. Even though her vocals are thin, Hamasaki Ayumi clearly sings with passion and understanding. The artist pens her own words, and it is obvious that her life experiences contribute to the power and sophistication of her lyrics. Exuberance, strength, penetrant observance, determination, bittersweet reflection...the range she is capable of explains her widespread appeal. Anyone with a passion for music ought to appreciate the works of Hamasaki Ayumi. This is definitely quality.

Average customer rating:

Glitter/Fated ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000QUUFMM Release Date: 2007-07-24

Album Description

Japanese pressing of Ayumi Hamasaki's 2007 maxi single. This version comes with a bonus DVD recording two of her music video. Cover art version A. Avex.

Average customer rating: Not her best, but good. Ayumi Continues To Impress Lucky number 7 A definite change The Second Best album after A-Best

My Story Ayumi Hamasaki Manufacturer: Avex Trax ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rainbow (Miss) Understood Greatest Hits Ballads Single Collection, Vol. 1 ASIN: B0006ISHT2 Release Date: 2005-01-05

Tracks:

1. Catcher In The Light
2. About You
3. Game
4. My Name's Women
5. Wonderland
6. Liar
7. Hope Or Pain
8. Happy Ending
9. Moments
10. Walking Proud
11. Carols
12. Kaleidoscope
13. Inspire
14. Honey
15. Replace
16. Winding Road
17. Humming 7/4

Customer Reviews:

Not her best, but good........2006-05-31

This isn't her best album, but it's still mighty good.

Catcher In The Light - I really liked it at first, but then I kind of got bored of it after a while. 7/10

About You - People always refer to this as a "rock song". Well, I would say the next track is much rockier than this one. This one's pretty good though. 8/10

GAME - One of her best rock songs, although it all sounds kind of un-original. It's like when you hear it, you think "where have I heard that before?" 10/10

my name's WOMEN - There's not much to say about this song. It's boring when you first hear, but be patient. 9/10

WONDERLAND - I'm not really a fan of her interludes. 5/10

Liar - one of my favourites on the album. It's driven by rock type guitars, but her voice is still all so melodious. 10/10

HOPE or PAIN - this one and the next one are tied as my favourite. It's somewhat sad sounding, and definitely a strong track. 10/10

HAPPY ENDING - another gooder. This one is also kind of sad-ish. Great chorus and pre-chorus. 10/10

Moments - possibly her most famous song. It's nice, but not my favourite. 9/10

walking proud - I always love her ballads, and this one is no exception. I really love it. 10/10

CAROLS - another great ballad. I think tracks 7, 8, 9 and this one all tie as my favourites. 10/10

Kaleidoscope - sure, it's an interlude, but I can't help but love the melody. It so sad sounding, like the kind of music you hear on a movie when someone is about to die in the hospital. 10/10

INSPIRE - Ah, the first ever J-pop song I heard. It's fast paced and has an addicting chorus. 9/10

HONEY - a very catchy song in which she sings in a childish voice. 9/10

Replace - this song really reminds me of her "I am..." days. Actually, it's one of those kind of songs that would have blended in nicely with any one of her albums. 10/10

winding road - it's okay, it still has yet to grow on me. 7/10

Humming 7/4 - at first I really loved this song, but not really so much anymore. But who can resist shouting out of nowhere, "everybody GO! everybody JUMP!" 8/10

Total - 151/170

Which rounds out to 89%. Good job, Ayu. If you're new to Japanese music, I would suggest starting here. If you are an Ayu fan, then I also recomend this album.

Ayumi Continues To Impress.......2005-07-24

I've Always been fascinated with Japanese offerings, manga and anime, and recently became addicted to j-rock, and j-pop. Easily my biggest obsession thus far has to be Ayumi Hamasaki. After hearing her on XMradio I went on a mission to find out more on her. The first Album I bought was "My Story" along with A "CountDown Live 2002-2003" DVD and was literally floored by what I heard. Since then Ive bought more DVDs and most of her CDS and I must say "My Story" is possibly her best work yet.

My Story is well produced and has A wide range of musical styles from rocking tracks like "About You", "Game", "Inspire", and "Humming 24/7" to the softer Ballads like "Carols", with its classical styled music,and "Happy Ending". The popish, almost cutesy sound of "Honey" keeps the album fresh and keeps you listening till the very end. My Story's arrangment also works well. The album opens with anger, and seems like through out the album Ayumi releases it and finds contentment and resolve by the end of the record.

Ayumi's voice is excellent on "MY STORY".I wouldnt say her voice changed as much as I would say It matured. My story diffinatly has her best singing thus far, and the range of her voice is wider and the emotion is stronger.
My Story is highly recommended if you like J-Pop although I prefer to call My Story more of a rock album. Even if you dont speak or understand Japanese, Ayumi has a way of making you feel what shes trying to say through her beautiful and soothing voice. If your looking for a taste of Japanese music, and are getting bored with American pop, Ayumi Hamasaki's MY STORY is a safe first bet.

(IF you like "MY STORY", I also recommend the "I am..." album)

Lucky number 7.......2005-02-10

This is the 3rd cd from Ayumi Hamasaki that I purchased(I am/Memorial Address) This is her latest CD and she still has it
CD:
1.Catcher in the light:I love the melody to this, and her voice; too bad it was short. 8/10

2.About you:Nice beat, and a pretty catchy hook, but when the hook is done the guitar playing sounds too much of US pop bands 9/10

3.Game:Awsome and very catchy, but it could have used some of that fast paced rock guitar at the end or something like that 3rd single 9/10

4.My name's woman:At first I hated it, but then it bagan to grow on mw like hair. It's a pretty nice song 9/10

5.Wonderland: A interlude N/A

6.Liar:It's an ok song, not particularly one of my favorites tho 7/10

7.Hope or Pain:This song has a sad feel to it, and the song doesn't have a constant beat to it... nice 9/10

8.Happy Ending:This song I really don't listen to a lot, cuz I don't really like it 6/10

9.Moments:Ah the first song I herd off the whole CD back in April. This song is where Ayu is not repetitive, it's just a great going song that reminds me of songs like dearest 1st single 10/10

10.Walking Proud:A pretty decent song, altho it's only beginging to grow on me 8/10

11.Carols:Such a sweet calm song. And her voice shines just like on the rest of this CD. 4th single 10/10

12.Kolidoscope:Another interlude N/A

13.Inspire:A good ol' energy bursting paulse raiser. I love this song, because the beat is great, and Ayu shows a lot of energy and charisma in this song 2nd single 10/10

14.Honey:It sounds like Ayu with a more childish voice, but the tone, beat and er voice makes this song one of my favorites. And very very catchy. 2nd favorite song 10/10

15.Replace:Wonderful beat, Ayu's voice, reminding me of her previous realeses by not having a constant beat, all I wanted on this CD was a song like this. My favorite 10/10

16.Winding Road:Boy this song reminds me of Sherryl Crow, and this song is definitly not one of my favorites 5/10

17.Humming 7/4:Definitly not like Ayu, but I can't help but find myelf in the shower saying "Everybody go, Everybody Jump!" 3rd favorite 10/10

DVD:
1.Moments:The video was almost like I imagened it, with a peaceful setting, but a lonley mood. 10/10

2.Inspire:A dance video? Odd. Ayu with braids on a beach? odd. But it's still a aite video 8/10

3.Game:What's to be expected, a calm opening with dudes jammin on gutars and stuff, and Ayu singing in a wierd room. 10/10

4.Carols:Near Perfect mood, Ayu on a stage with an empty audience, but still letting her singing take over. 10/10

5.About you:I only saw about a minute and a half of the video, and I have to say it's pretty wierd. 7/10

6.Walking proud:I love the setting of this video, a seemingly sad song, with a deppresing, somewhat desserted place 10/10

7.Humming 7/4:I love the song, and I love the video, a somewhat live J-pop/rock performance in a cage in front of an audience. cool 10/10

This is her first full-lenght album since rainbow. It is a great CD, and Ayu showes another good reason to why she is the queen of J-pop. Although I didn't like the cover scans, too much make-up, sadly reminded me of Gwen Stefani, but the Booklet scans are beautiul. Fans of Ayu have to get this CD. J-pop fans should give this CD a shot as well, but if you're just geting into Ayumi Hamasaki, I'd start with I am, it's nearly skip-proof material.

Peace

A definite change.......2005-01-31

As stated before, My Story is a definite change for Ayumi...for the best. Every song takes a more energetic tone to it, her vocals seeming to take more range to them.

Favorite tracks: Catcher in the Light, About You, Hame, My Name's Woman, Inspire, Moments, Humming 7/4

The Second Best album after A-Best.......2005-01-29

Since 2001's A-Best until now, Ayumi finally released an album that consists of a large variety of music types. This makes this particular album extreamly nice to listen over and over. Ayu's voice did change, and the change is better.

this album 2 instrumentals, I only listen for the ones with lyrics. All of the songs in the album is great. CAROLS, my favorite song is the best of them all. The good songs in this album is: GAME, Hope or PAIN, Happy ending, moments, walking proud, CAROLS, INSPIRE, Replace, and Winding road. That is basically the whole album right there. I highly recommend this album.

For all the AYUMI fans out there, this is a great addition to the Ayumi CD collection. For the ones that never ever listened to Ayumi before, This is one of the albums you would want to buy and listen to, you will like this album, trust me. I'll listen to this album over and over and still not get bored of this album.

If u buy this album, you will then know what i am trying to explain to you.

And Also, the booklet is really nice. I love the booklet.

Average customer rating: Absolute must-have Flying High Classic Ayumi ayu rocks the world forever great album

Loveppears Ayumi Hamasaki Manufacturer: Avex Trax Japan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Far East & Asia | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Duty Rainbow My Story Exodus A song for XX [IMPORT] ASIN: B00004R7IE Release Date: 1999-11-08

Tracks:

1. Introduction
2. Fly High
3. Trauma
4. And Then
5. Immature
6. Boys & Girls
7. To Be
8. End Roll
9. P. Sii
10. Whatever
11. Too Late
12. Appears
13. Monochrome
14. Interlude
15. Love (Refrain)
16. Who...

Tracks:

1. Ayu's (Euro Mega Mix Y & Co Mix)
2. Ayu's (House Mega Mix Ns House Mix)
3. Song For Xx Millennium Mix
4. Poweder Snow (Acoustic Orchestra Version)
5. Friends Ii (Make My Mad Mix)
6. Ayu's Euro Mega-Mix [y & Co. Mix]
7. Ayu's House Mega Mix [N. S House Mix]
8. Song for XX [Millennium Mix]
9. Powder Snow [Acoustic Orchestra Version]
10. Fried II [Make My Mad Mix]

Album Details

Currently on Japanese Charts.

Customer Reviews:

Absolute must-have.......2005-06-04

Utterly priceless, which is probably a good thing as it's not cheap! Fly High, Appears, Whatever, et al all brilliant, and all different: no two songs are the same, which is what you often find with so-called 'Western' artists that are locked into a musical style.
I wouldn't suggest this as the best introduction to Ayu for a new fan simply becoz of the cost. Try 'Duty' or 'I Am...' instead.

Flying High.......2004-12-12

Ayumi's second CD (I believe...) was also my second JPop CD. It was really unexpected. I ordered it without ever hearing her voice so I was kind of shocked when I heard her high pitched voice, but I've really gotten accustomed to it.

Introduction is just a quick little techno melody, about a minute and a half long, and it leads directly into Fly High.

Fly High is really cool. It's also very techno-y and it's a great dance beat. It seems like with this song, I'm always discovering new little noises in the background that make this song even cooler.

Trauma is the first song I heard, but it was a MIDI. The melody to me is sort of cliche. Like you can just tell without ever hearing it exactly what notes she's about to hit. That's not a bad thing, necessarily, because it's still a good song. Just not my favorite...

And Then is one of those songs that I haven't paid much attention to. I'm listening to it right now so I can tell you about it. It's really calm in the beginning but it goes into a great dance beat pretty quickly.

Immature is really good. I especially love the very beginning of the chorus where she goes "Bokudawa kiito" it's unexpected how she laces that together to make a melody. It's another dance beat, but it's not as intense as Introduction or Whatever.

Boys and Girls is one of my 3 favorites on here. It's a really fun song that isn't like her other songs. It's not much of a dance song, but it's upbeat. Of course, since it's Ayumi, there has to be a dance beat mixed in there at some points. It's kind of funny, there's this one little part where it sounds like they actually took a sound directly out of the old Street Fighter games for Genesis and put it in the song.

To Be is another of my 3 favorites because it's a dance song - but a SLOW DANCE song. It's the complete opposite of all the other songs on LOVEppears (no, I didn't spell that wrong). I'm surprised she ddn't make more slow songs her voice is beautiful in it.

End Roll is another of the slower songs. It's more techno than To Be so it kind of pulls it out of the slow dance genre but more into the kind of movies where the kid whose parents just died is walking down the hallway at school and everyone just stares at them, if you know what I mean. That's just whatit reminds me of, one of those sad scenes where the kid is al alone becuase of something that happened. Except for the chorus, though, that would be the part where the lone kid would walk up to them and see if they were okay.

PS II is a GREAT dance song... it's really intense for parts. It's chorus is actually the same as a part of one of the other songs becuase I knew the lyrics without ever hearing it but I still haven't been able to figure out which song it's from. I may be wrong but I definately knew the words the first time I heard it. It drives me crazy. I JUST FIGURED IT OUT I'M SO EXCITED! It shares it's chorus with Powder Snow! YAY I'm happy.

Whatever is my favorite song on here. At the beginning, she repeats "dat dat dat" over and over and she pulls that into the chorus. It's a great dance song but her voice is still great in it.

Too Late is another I just kind of skim over. It's still a realyl cool song 'cuz they have her voice muted for some of the song and it sounds really cool. I also really like the chorus.

Appears is pretty much why I didn't give this CD 5 stars... It's nothing special and I didn't really understand why it's name represents the rest of the CD. I don't like it, I'm not going to lie.

Monochrome is a cool song that's very tekno. Tekno with a 'k' becuase it's not really the type of the techno that pops into yor head like a Moby song or a taty song. Wonderful vocals.

Love ~refrain~ is the other reason why I didn't give the CD 5 stars... it sounds like the music a little Britney-Spears-obsessed little 8 or 9-year-old would listen to. It's WAY too poppy for me.

Who... OMG. This song reminds me so much of Final Fantasy X and that's why I love it so much. It's that mellowed out kind of tune you'd hear in that game and it's so enchanting. Then it gets into this epic, poppy kind of beepy mode, then into her beautiful vocals.

On the extra CD, the only songs I listen to are "A Song for XX" (which I can't figure out how to say... I want to call it what it is, but the Japanese commercials for the CD, the first album, call it "A Song For")

A Song For XX is really pretty. Her voice sounds a little different, though, since it's from a little while before. It's just a remix, but it's cool. Not a dance song by any name, slow or fast, its just one you listen to.

Powder Snow is the song that shares it's chorus with PS II. This is the acoustic orchestra version. It's so beautiful. It's sort of dramatic with all the piano and stuff in the background. Another incredible voice, this is really the only song I think is worth listening to on the second CD.

Classic Ayumi.......2004-12-07

This album features some classic songs by Hamasaki Ayumi, one of Japan's top pop sensations. Unlike many pop artists, Ayumi manages to create albums with a variety of styles, promising few "sound-a-like" songs. If you're already a fan and like the classic Ayumi sound, as opposed to her more recent stuff, check this album out.

ayu rocks the world forever.......2004-10-09

For me Ayumi Hamasaki is the most talent and gifted female singer ever. No one is better then her period. Her voice is strong and she can hit those high notes very well. The lyrics are sometimes sad, happy and very good. She can truly do anything. She's popular because she's talent and sweet, and her remixes rocks. If you wanna start somewhere start with this album then her other original albums and then her remix albums. The second disc on Love Appears is very good with 2 megamixes and some extra mixes from old songs. For beginners start with A Song For XX then Ayu-mi-x 2 or 3 then some maxi-singles. She also have some dvds out with music videos and live shows, who is truly good. I don't understand how anyone can not like her and her powerful songs. The ballads are very good too, and when they're remixed by Thunderpuss, Dubs and Ferry Corsten wow!! there is heaven afterall. I love her so much so I never listen to anything else then Ayumi Hamasaki the true queen of j-pop. Utada and Koda and all the others have nothing on Ayumi. This album and j-pop in general is the best in music today. I don't care for Cher, Whitney, Britney and Sarah Brightman no AYU ROCKS NOW AND FOREVER folks. I really hope that people will support her and her music forever. I know I will support her in anything she does or will do. She's the best in music today and nothing is ever gonna change that period. I can listen to her albums all the time and never get tired of them. The music is always good and the remixes really brings out the best in the songs. I have played Super Eurobeat 2 like 20 times and still love it so much. I'm a huge fan of her and love everything about her, she's the queen of music FOREVER!!. Thank you for your time people and don't foget to SUPPORT Ayumi Hamasaki forever!!! a swedish fan

great album.......2004-09-24

You're wrong it's not fake and I bought it and loved it. All songs are awesome and the megamixes are very good too. I have 15 CDs with Ayumi and simply love everything about her. I don't care what other people might think, I love her and her songs. To me she's the best and most talented female singer in the world and no one is never gonna change with I feel period.

Average customer rating: Ayumi Hamasaki - Moments CD + DVD Review

Moments Ayumi Hamasaki Manufacturer: Avex Trax ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0001M6GLY Release Date: 2004-04-12

Album Description

Japanese edition of the J-pop vocalist's first single for 2004. Four tracks, 'Moments', 'Moments' (Acoustic Piano Version, Flying Humanoid Mix, & Original Mix-Instrumental), plus a DVD (NTSC/Region 2/Approx. 5 mins.) containing a promo video clip to 'Moments'. Standard double jewel case. Copy Controlled. Avex Trax.

Album Details

Features a Bonus Dvd (Ntsc/Rc-2) with Videos and Interviews.

Customer Reviews:

Ayumi Hamasaki - Moments CD + DVD Review.......2004-06-13

Ayumi has again pushed herself from one extreme to another with this slow paced ballad with beautiful, originally written lyrics from Ayumi herself.

Although a ballad, 'Moments' has a superb contrast of rock and instrumental contrast and we learn of Ayumi's ability to sing in an almost whispery tone.

The Acoustic Orchestra version of 'Moments' is perhaps even better than the Original with the clear pronounciation of Ayumi's lyrics that seem to blend so perfectly with the piano.

The mixed version of 'Moments' is not the best that has ever been created by Ayumi's standard however, I do symphasise that they have attempted to make a slow paced into an upbeat mix. This must have proved a challenge but the layered lyrics are well worth a listen to.

The Original Mix Instrumental obviously explains itself, the Original version of the song minus lyrics. Literally for karaoke purposes.

The PV to 'Moments' is also one of her best ever and screencaps are widely spread across the web if you want to make your own view before purchasing the CD.

Average customer rating:

Ayu-mi-x III Acoustic Orchestra Version [Japan Import] Ayumi Hamasaki ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000LA1V0M

Product Description

Out of print. 13 tracks in total. 2001, Avex records Japan.

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