Review: Ayumi Hamasaki, MY STORY

As its title would suggest, Ayumi Hamasaki’s sixth full-length studio album MY STORY is a deeply personal record that is as diverse as it is consistent. The album features an eclectic collection of songs that range from head-banging rock tracks to wistful ballads to sugary pop songs. Its varied sounds and autobiographical lyrics make MY STORY an intimate portrait of the Empress of J-Pop.

Having experimented with the rock genre on previous releases, Hamasaki perfects her rock persona on many of the tracks on MY STORY. “About You” features a powerful rock arrangement with layers of guitars and slamming percussions while “GAME” marries a chilling piano melody with an electronic rock composition to create a sound unique to Hamasaki. Similarly, the midtempo track “Liar” and the ballad “HOPE or PAIN” blend rock with electronica enjoyably. The latter song is a standout due to its beautifully delivered vocals and vulnerable texture. Another standout includes the high-octane head-banger “Humming 7/4.” Its clashing drums and heavy guitar arrangement paired with its infectious chorus make it one of the strongest efforts on the album. For the pop-oriented tracks present on the record, Hamasaki takes on a fiercer and more confident tone. The female-empowerment anthem “my name’s WOMEN” is a catchy electronic cut that is brash and honest. The dance track “Inspire” is equally as aggressive with its halting synth composition and Hamasaki’s feisty vocals. Conversely, she takes a more playful approach on “HONEY.” The summery track features a lively arrangement and sticky-sweet vocals on Hamasaki’s part. Of course, MY STORY has its share of Hamasaki’s signature balladry. “HAPPY ENDING” is an exquisite ballad that layers an acoustic arrangement with electronic elements while Hamasaki’s vocals on the track are delicate and vulnerable. Equally as beautiful is “Moments.” The acoustic ballad makes use of a warmer tone in Hamasaki’s voice and is one of her more memorable downtempo songs. The wintry piano ballad “CAROLS” is beautifully sung and drips with vulnerability. Another standout is the self-empowering “walking proud.” The rock ballad has a simple yet effective composition that is paired brilliantly with moving lyrics and solid vocals.

MY STORY has many strengths. It covers a wide range of topics but displays an overall thread of empowerment. Hamasaki’s vocals on the album are as diverse as the genres she employs. She demonstrates her distinctive ability to morph her voice to suit her songs impeccably. Additionally, the album lacks filler and its structure paired with its cohesion is near perfection. That said, MY STORY doesn’t quite reach the same catchiness of its predecessors with its tracks. The songs are great but it doesn’t generate as large a stack of signature and iconic tracks as LOVEppears or I am…. Nevertheless, MY STORY is a solid effort on Hamasaki’s part and is one of her most unified works to date.

Recommended Listening: “About You,” “GAME,” “my name’s WOMEN,” “Liar,” “HOPE or PAIN,” “HAPPY ENDING,” “Moments,” “walking proud,” “CAROLS,” “Inspire,” “HONEY,” “Humming 7/4”

Grade: B+