A Best [Import]

The 16 track set kicks off gently with the debut hits "A song for XX" and "Trust" before the heavy loaded guitars strike up the action on "Depend on you". These 3 tracks were specially re-recorded and mixed for this compilation. What is important to note is that Ayumi writes all the lyrics for her songs in collaboration with music producer Max Matsuura. Every song on this CD is an anthem -with the kind of chorus that get's stuck in your head and the musical melodies that make you move. "LOVE-Destiny" and "TO BE" are 2 successful ballads from early on in her career that present the serious, tender side of Ayumi. Then "Boys & Girls" and "Trauma" fire up the kind of power pop drama that has made Ayumi the No1 face of pop in the Far East -with giant infectious, high-pitched vocal hooks and brilliant techno-infected beats & noises. "End Roll" is another huge power ballad that sinks into the brain -and if only I could sing Japanese or understand what she's saying then I'd be able to sing my heart out with her! Then it's back to the dancefloor for the electric guitar-driven "appears" and the loud, techno beats of "Fly high" -sounding like a Japanese extension of Rozalla's "Everybody's free". That's 5 tracks lifted from Ayumi's monster 2nd album "LOVEppears"; a difficult choice considering that just about every track on the album turned into a No1 hit single! After the wild success of "LOVEppears" in 1999, Ayumi moved in to serious singer mode for another succession of No1 hit tracks and a 3rd album in 2000: "Duty". "Vogue" -a bouyant, mid-tempo groove with latin stylings/ "Far away" -a grand, sweeping power anthem and the Roxette-"Listen to your heart"-like "SEASONS" completed a trilogy that presented a more mature Ayumi. Although "Duty" paved a change of direction, it contained a couple of huge, cutting-edge, dance tracks, like "SURREAL", that kept her audience on their knees. "M" -a No1 hit single for Christmas 2000- is a fabulous, uplifting celebration of pop drama and dance beats. BEST closes with the slower, Human League-"Human"-like "Who..." -a fragile track with a more acoustic, organic edge and delicious, sweeping, cinematic sounds.

And the story continues ...
(Since this CD was released in March 2001, Ayumi has had another 4 No1 hits in Japan!) If you're new to Ayumi and curious, then this collection is a perfect tool to bring you up to date. (Note that every track is sung in Japanese; English titles are a fashionable trend in J-Pop.) If you're a fan already, then you know the score and what are you waiting for?

All the songs are in Japanese and the Japanese lyrics are also included in the insert. (Why do American "Best Hits" cds never include the lyrics??!) She also mixes in ballads along with her techno/pop songs, so you get a good example of her range. If you've never heard her music before, I'd recommend this as an introduction to Ayu since it gives a good sampling of quality songs. If you're already a fan, then this is an essential addition to your collection.

I've noticed that some of the other reviewers don't speak Japanese, which is unfortunate. If you don't know Japanese, you should try searching the web for song translations. Her lyrics are sad, sentimental, and very poetic and thoughtful. And somehow she manages to blend it with unique pop/techno music that just fits.