In January of 2006, Ayumi Hamasaki released her seventh studio album (miss)understood. The album proved to be another #1 smash for the pint-size Japanese pop star as it topped the Oricon charts for two weeks in a row. Recorded in Tokyo and New York, (miss)understood features Hamasaki's trademark rock sound and pairs it with a more contemporary pop aesthetic. Though known for her originality and tight creative control, Hamasaki utilized demos from the group Sweetbox as the basis for six tracks on the album. With a strong focus on female empowerment, (miss)understood is yet another solid and cohesive collection by the Empress of J-Pop.
On her previous studio effort MY STORY, Hamasaki fashioned herself as a rock goddess. The influence of this can still be felt on (miss)understood. "alterna" has a halting rock composition with underlying electronic arrangements, while "criminal" pairs Hamasaki's breathy vocals with a lamenting piano melody that gives way into scratching guitars and pounding drums. "is this LOVE?" takes a similar approach. Its verses are vulnerable and softly sung while the choruses feature a harder edge with electric guitars leading the arrangement. The titular track, "(miss)understood," is a satisfying rock composition as well and it serves as a standout on the album. Hamasaki's brand of balladry is also present on (miss)understood. The piano-heavy "HEAVEN" is a ballad featuring airy vocals rife with anguish that builds into an impressive finish. "Pride" is operatic in its chorus of voices and orchestral arrangement. It is one of Hamasaki's more stirring ballads and stands out as one of her strongest tracks to date. The downtempo "rainy day" is an impressive song on the album. With its ticking ambient composition, it is a serene ballad showcasing Hamasaki's gentle vocals. That being said, Hamasaki had previously proven herself as a capable singer in both rock and soft rock genres. As such, (miss)understood shines brightest on its more pop-oriented offerings. The electronic-infused "Ladies Night" is a girl power anthem that lends itself nicely to being ear candy. "fairyland" is whimsical and summery in its arrangement, while its lyrics reflect on childhood and growing older. Another great cut is "Will." Its acoustic composition is infused with traditional Japanese elements and features beautiful vocals on Hamasaki's part. The strongest tracks on (miss)understood, however, are "Bold & Delicious" and "STEP you." The former crosses genres by blending R&B, funk and gospel together to create one of Hamasaki's most maddingly infectious songs to date. It is boisterous and lively, making it an easy feel-good cut off of the album. "STEP you" is equally as catchy. The single itself was Hamsaki's best-selling from 2005 and is a pop-rock masterpiece. It is peppy and features a playful Hamasaki delivering an incredibly spirited and infectious chorus.
(miss)understood is a varied album with many distinctive sounds. It sees Hamasaki staying true to her rock roots while delivering satisfying ballads and memorable pop cuts. Arguably one of her most iconic albums, (miss)understood received many accolades and is recognized as one of the best selling albums of that year in Japan. While it may not be one of her strongest, it is one of her most ambitious. The album is worth a listen especially since there are several songs that could easily be considered among her best.
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