Released in
the winter of 2003, Ayumi Hamasaki's first EP Memorial address shattered
records and became one of the best-selling albums in Japanese history. Labelled
a mini-album in her native Japan
Despite its
relatively short length, Memorial address is an ambitious set that both
adheres to and breaks from convention. From heartfelt ballads to pulse-pounding
rock anthems, the mini-album truly runs the gamut when it comes to genre. Hamasaki is
playful and sprightly on the opening track "ANGEL'S SONG," adapting
her voice to be more saccharine to match the bouncy pop production. The
similarly lively "Greatful days" is a cheerful summertime pop song
that is a standout due to its undeniable infectiousness. Its jaunty arrangement
and Hamasaki's honeyed vocals are a perfect match to create just the kind of
song that is ideal for driving with the top down with friends. On the other end
of the spectrum is "Because of you," a hard rock composition
punctuated by a wall of guitars and a chilling piano melody. The arrangement
itself is perfection and Hamasaki's voice is incredibly emotive on the track, making it an obvious highlight on the mini-album. Another pop entry on the collection,
"ourselves," takes on a similarly dark tone. Its halting electronic
production complimented by a faux-string arrangement make it an astonishingly
haunting song. Further highlights on the album include the heartrending
"HANABI ~episode II~" and the closing tack "Memorial address
(take 2 version)." The former is a rock ballad composed by Hamasaki and
features some of her most moving vocal work to date. Her voice on the track is
dripping with anguish and the accompanying instrumental works in unison to
forge a truly poignant piece. "Memorial address (take 2
version)" begins with a sparse acoustic piano arrangement before
transitioning into a heavy hard rock production that mimics the increasing
passion in Hamasaki's voice. The only lull on Memorial address comes in
the form of the ballads "No way to say" and "forgiveness."
"No way to say" features a slightly festive arrangement but
ultimately comes across as being too similar to the ballads found on her
previous albums while "forgiveness" attempts to be a sweeping epic
with its orchestral arrangement but its lullaby-like quality is a little dull.
Nevertheless, her emotional delivery on both songs is still to be commended.
There's
little doubt as to why Memorial address was so successful. It is a
brilliant collection of songs that is beautifully put together with the highest
of quality. Hamasaki is versatile in her ability to adapt to the precise
emotion needed for each song and it creates a unique and moving listening
experience. Memorial address truly is an essential album that is required to
complete any J-Pop collection.
Recommended
Listening: "ANGEL'S SONG," "Greatful days,"
"Because of You," "ourselves," "HANABI ~episode
II~," "Memorial address (take 2 version)"
Grade: A-
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