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Compilation and Re-mixed albums
A BEST 2 ~BLACK~
One of Ayu's Greatest Hits 2007 releases. She gave us two "A BEST 2" albums this year: BLACK & WHITE.
The BLACK album features her most sorrowful, angry and dark songs. Many of the songs are ones of heartache, grief, and
fear, and the ones that are not of such themes talk about death. The album begins with some of her most
famous ballads. As it progresses, more Rock songs are brought in.
The whole album has been remastered by famous L.A. remastering engineer Brian "Big Bass" Gardner. This makes everything
sound clearer, deeper and more interesting. The ballads are honed to pure beauty. But what I don't like about "Big Bass"'s
work is that he doesn't seem to understand Rock very well. He seems to think that the bass should be more prominent than the
guitars. I was quite disappointed with the Rock songs on this album after the remastering, since the lead guitar is often
the quietest instrument, and the drums tend to drown out the other guitars.
But the tracklist is truly Ayu's best, in my opinion. There are a few of her classics on the WHITE version, but I think
that most of her greatest songs are on BLACK.
My overall rating: 9/10
If you didn't have any other Ayu albums, this would be the one to buy. Never has there been
so many fantastic songs on one album. No bad tracks at all. The height of Ayu's lyrical, musical, vocal and emotional talent.
If it weren't for the criminal de-Rock-ing of her guitar-driven classics, this album would have been given a 10/10.
A BEST 2 ~WHITE~
Most Japanese fans I speak to say they prefer WHITE to the BLACK album. If you look at polls and surveys
in Japan, you'll notice that Japanese Ayu fans love her party-pop tunes that they can jump around to at concerts. Ballads
are always popular, as well, especially ones like "HANABI" and "HEAVEN", which is why the BLACK album has still sold plenty
of copies.
This album is the "A BEST 2" happy version. It's full of joyous, encouraging songs about love, dreams and all the wholesome
advice Ayu wants to give her fans. I'd say the WHITE songs are more for the sake of the fans, while BLACK songs are the ones
that Ayu's former words apply to: "In the beginning, I wrote to save myself. I didn't have room for anyone else."
"Big Bass" Gardner has worked his magic on WHITE, I think, more than BLACK. Songs like "Real Me" and "evolution" are
given a new lease of life. I think "Big Bass" knows how to spruce up a good pop song, despite his lack of Rock understanding. A
very enjoyable album to listen to.
My overall rating: 9/10
Although it isn't my favourite of the two Greatest Hits albums, it certainly has a lot of
well-made tracks. I just feel that the BLACK album is more deep and true to Ayu's personality. But to get the full 'Best of
Ayu' experience, I'd suggest buying both albums.
MY STORY ~Classical~
Only a short time after the release of her "MY STORY" album, Ayumi gave us her special Classical album.
While I wasn't 100% impressed with "MY STORY", I knew she meant business when she released this new one. Along with well-known
conductor Sado Yutaka and a magnificent French orchestra, Ayumi has created some incredible music.
I was especially looking forward to "GAME", since transforming a Rock song into classical music is no easy
task. With sharp violins replacing the electric guitars, and the intro's adotpion of the first movement of Tchaikovsky's string
serenade, "GAME" came out remarkably well. "Moments" was powerful and impressive, "CAROLS" was beautifully made, "Walking
proud" was one of my favourites, and "HONEY" underwent an incredible transformation.
Her vocals were flawless, her lyrics were brough to life, the orchestra was amazing... I can't praise this
album enough. Buy it. If you don't know whether to buy the "MY STORY" original album or this one, I'd recommend this one.
It's a work of art.
My overall rating: 9/10
It would have been a 10 for me if she had re-sung the songs (not that they needed it - just
that her actually singing with the orchestra would have added an extra something to the sound.)
Please support Ayumi by buying her CDs. You can buy them online from:
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