With
her fourth studio album I am…, Ayumi
Hamasaki forged a new sound for herself. She merged rock with electronica to
create an interesting and compelling album that stands out amongst her earliest
work. Released at the height of her career, I
am… remains one of her most cohesive works to date.
Structurally,
I am… is masterful. It is separated
into three parts – an introduction started by the opening track (“I am…”),
segues into its rock-electronica body, and concludes with a ballad-heavy set
with each section separated by instrumental interludes. This gives the album an
excellent flow and its construction works in its favour. “UNITE!” and
“evolution,” taken from its second section, are two of Hamasaki’s most iconic
songs. They combine the aforementioned genres of rock and electronica
brilliantly to create a fantastic arena-ready sound perfect for rocking out and
their strong messages of harmony and humanity resonate powerfully. “NEVER
EVER,” “Still Alone,” and “Daybreak” also serve as standout tracks with
incredibly moving choruses that drive hard with pulsating instrumentals and
solid vocals. The final section of the album is headed by “M” – an operatic
rock ballad borrowing orchestral elements to give Hamasaki one of her most epic
songs to date. Unfortunately, “A Song is born” and “No More Words” fail to
capture the strength of their predecessor with the former falling flat as a
forgettable ballad despite its heartfelt message of peace. Picking up the set,
however, is “Dearest.” The moving ballad features lyrics of undying love and is one of the most emotional vocal deliveries Hamasaki has given. I am… concludes with a remixed version
of “Endless Sorrow” and the hidden
track “flower garden.” The newly remixed “Endless Sorrow” is almost weightless
in its composition and is reminiscent of the work done by the rock group U2.
The final track, “flower garden,” is a brilliant gem of electronica that has
gone on to become one of her most frequently performed songs on tour.
Regrettably, it is unavailable on its own and is instead tacked on to the end
of “Endless Sorrow.”
Listening
to I am… is sure to be a nostalgic
experience for many. It features some of Hamasaki’s most iconic works and begins
what would be her move towards a more rock-oriented sound with her later
albums. It is easily one of her most compelling records and is structured
beautifully. It is a brilliant piece of J-pop history and must not be missed.
Recommended
Listening: “UNITE!,” “evolution,” “NEVER EVER,”
“Still Alone,” “Daybreak,” “M,” “Dearest,” “flower garden”
Grade: A-
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