Despite being known for her Hip-Pop music and slick dance moves, J-Pop superstar Namie Amuro has proven time after time that she is a capable balladeer. Over the course of her illustrious career, she's had tremendous success with her downtempo tracks.
Earlier this month she released BALLADA, a compilation of her greatest ballads that skyrocketed to number one on the Japanese Oricon Chart, thus proving Amuro's undeniable gift for singing downtempo songs. To celebrate this accomplishment, I've counted down her five greatest ballads.
05. "Baby Don't Cry"
As the final single off of her eighth studio album PLAY, "Baby Don't Cry" is a mid-tempo ballad that typifies Amuro's R&B sound. Though not included on BALLADA, it is a spirited and feel good song that reached number three on the Oricon Charts.
04. "CAN YOU CELEBRATE?"
Released on Christmas day in 1997, "CAN YOU CELEBRATE?" is a sweet pop gem and nostalgic piece of ear candy. It became a phenomenon, selling over 2 million units and went on to become the highest selling single of that year. Nearly 20 years later, Amuro has re-recorded the song for BALLADA and has transformed it into a moving orchestral piece.
03. "Let Me Let You Go"
Sung entirely in English, "Let Me Let You Go" is a heart-wrenching ballad that features some of the strongest vocals in Amuro's extensive career. With its piano arrangement and Amuro's raw vocals, it is incredibly affecting and serves as one of the best moments off of her eleventh studio album FEEL.
02. "SWEET 19 BLUES"
Arguably one of Amuro's most iconic singles, "SWEET 19 BLUES" is an autobiographical ballad that appeared on her sophomore album. It's a poignant downtempo track that features a snapping rhythm and solid vocals. Like "CAN YOU CELEBRATE?," "SWEET 19 BLUES" was re-recorded for BALLADA and Amuro filmed a new music video for it, showing her fans just how far she's come since her now famous 19th birthday.
01. "Love Story"
As far as Namie Amuro's vocals are concerned, they don't get much better than they do on "Love Story." A number three hit, this track appeared on her tenth studio album Uncontrolled and continues to be one of her most heart-rending piano ballads to date. With its beautiful arrangement and honest lyrics, this track proves just how talented this J-Pop icon is without the glitz and glamour of fancy dance productions.
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