This is Hamasaki Ayumi's latest full-length album. It is decidedly techno in nature, but the lyrics and Ayu's singing make it different from so many others in the dance category. Here, of course, is my track by track review.

1. I Am...
This song opens with Ayu singing completely by herself, without any instruments. Her voice is noticeably stronger than it used to be, but some of the notes seem a little grating. This problem only lasts for a few seconds though. The backing instruments in this song are mostly electric guitar, bass and percussion, so it has a good rocking feel. However, Ayu's singing and the melody make it darker than you might expect. Consider the closing words:
"Please understand, that's not what I'm saying.
Please notice, this isn't what I want.
Please let me go, I don't want to go there.
I've been searching for just one word."
The lyrics definitely give this song a desperate edge that is very fitting. Overall, this is a very strong opening track and draws the listener into the rest of the album.
Rating: 9 out of 10

2. Opening Run
This isn't really a song, just a short instrumental interlude between tracks. It's less than a minute long, but I really enjoy it. It has a nice techno beat and acoustic piano. I almost wish it were longer. I do think it really adds to the flavor of the album though.
Rating: 9 out of 10

3. Connected
This song grabs you right away with its strong techno beat and Ayu's mysterious voice. The alliteration of sounds is really interesting and poetic too. ("Mikakete mitsukete misadamete iru/mitsumete midarete mitasarete iru demo.") Even though this song is upbeat, you can tell it's not exactly happy. Ayu always manages to come up with fascinating lyrics to accompany her music.
"I look up, I see, I compare.
I despise, I stray, I'm abandoned.
We're connected at each and every place so
when I think this word, you'll already know."
My only complaint with this song is that it seems really short, and is in fact only 3:21 minutes in length. However, this is one of my favorite tracks.
Rating: 10 out of 10

4. Unite!
Unite! was one of the singles from this album, and Ayu's singles always manage to be fairly exciting. This one starts with Ayu singing quietly with a piano, but quickly picks up in tempo. This song is in Ayu's pretty typical rock style, which means it's catchy and has a good melody. Lots of guitar and bass here too. I also have a real soft spot for the lyrics. "Freedom in the right hand, Love in the left. We'll walk on, embracing both, and stumbling from time to time." That's the kind of stuff I'm a real sucker for. I used this song to turn a friend of mine onto Ayu, and I highly recommend it.
Rating: 10 out of 10

5. Evolution
This was also a single, which makes me wish they'd put more new music between the old on this album. I would have organized it differently. Oh well. This is another song that starts out softly, making you think it's going to be a ballad. Not so; this is another rock song, perhaps even more so than Unite! I really love the fast lyrics and harmony in this song. It seems to continue the mood Unite! creates very well. The lyrics are pretty typical, about the nature of truth and perception, but done as only Ayu can do them. I won't bother with long quotes, but she talks about the new millenium and how "Reality is a traitor." This is easily one of the best, most fun tracks on the album, and the video is a lot of fun too.
Rating: 10 out of 10

6. Naturally
This song continues with the exact same beat that Evolution left off with. Some people might like this continuity, but I would prefer more variety. This song is more techno than the last few, with Ayu's singing seeming to echo and fade in and out. This is very effective and enjoyable. Even though I'm not a huge techno fan, I think this song has a great sound. The lyrics seem very personal and revealing, which appeals to me.
"Trying to give a shape to
happiness is the same as
saying there's no reason behind love."
Ayu's voice seems filled with emotion, which is a welcome change from most techno music.
Rating: 9 out of 10

7. NEVER EVER
The first verse of this song is so soft and subdued, it instantly relaxed me. Then came the chorus. Ayu seems to love combining quiet verses and louder, upbeat choruses. This is done to great effect in NEVER EVER. For some reason, this song seems very optimistic and hopeful to me. Perhaps my one complaint would be that the lyrics repeat quite a bit. (This does, however, make it great to sing along to.) Overall, I like this song, but it is really just repeating what other songs on the album have done.
Rating: 8 out 10

8. still alone
Well, what have we here? A song that starts out quietly and then...stays pretty low key! *shocked* The chorus is louder, but it maintains the same tempo and feeling. The persistent percussion and keyboards in the verses give it a unique feeling. The lyrics are truly wonderful, dealing with lost love. There are a lot of unfinished questions in this song, which I think highlights Ayu's sincerity as a lyricist. Her words always seem honest and real to me, and she expresses the emotions perfectly with her strange voice. This is one of my favorites on the album.
Rating: 10 out of 10

9. Daybreak
Time for another single. I love the way the keyboards and percussion in this song actually give the impression of sun breaking through clouds. (For me, anyway.) Ayu's voice itself is a ray of light, especially during the verses, when she sings alone. This is probably the most optimistic song on the album, and it always makes me want to smile. "Remember that even when you feel crushed by the weight of the world, there's someone out there who loves you." Sure, that may sound a little sappy, but when Ayu sings it, you can't help but believe her. If you liked Evolution and Unite!, you'll like this song.
Rating: 9 out of 10

10. taskinlude
This is another little interlude (as you may have guessed), but it's considerably darker than "opening run." It's a good track, but it doesn't really have a melody or anything overly interesting about it. Maybe Ayu just needed a break. ^_^
Rating: 6 out of 10

11. M
In case you were wondering, the "M" stands for Maria, the Virgin Mary. This is a splendid, fairly religious single from Ayu, who sings reverently, as if she were in a church. It does, however, pick up and have a pretty good beat. During the loud parts, Ayu is almost pleading with her voice. It's very emotional, and the lyrics support this superbly well.
""Maria" Everyone is crying.
But I want to believe.
So I'm praying now
that this is my final love.
Beginnings come at random,
but endings always have meaning."
I think the words speak for themselves.
Rating: 10 out of 10

12. A Song is born
This single was originally a duet between Ayu and KEIKO from globe. However, on the album, Ayu sings by herself. I happen to prefer the duet version, because of the interesting harmonies that form. This is still a good song though. It's soft and slow, which is a welcome change of pace. The instruments are simply keyboards and percussion, making this a very relaxing song. The lyrics are about peace and happiness, which doesn't seem nearly as corny when you hear it. Ayu pleads, "Douka, douka, wasurenaide." (Please, please don't forget.) This is a beautiful, wistful song that will definitely grow on you. Another fine piece.
Rating: 9 out of 10

13. Dearest
Moving right along, we come to track 13 on this very long album. Dearest is the ballad you may have been waiting for. Ayu has a special talent for songs of this type, maybe because her voice seems so fragile and honest. Her lyrics also manage to capture human emotion in a very poetic yet understandable way. I particularly like, "It would be nice if we could throw away everything but what is most important. Reality is just cruel, but whenever I close my eyes you're there, smiling." This song really brings back memories of Ayu's earlier work, which will appeal to many of her fans. I can't seem to find any faults with this song, so...
Rating: 10 out of 10

14. No More Words
This song starts with some chimes and mysterious "Aahs" in the background. Then some violins and piano are added, as well as Ayu's singing. This is another quiet song (why are they all at the end?) and Ayu's voice seems particularly good. Her words are clear and perfectly in tune. The orchestration makes her voice sound fuller and warmer than usual. I really love the lyrics in this one, more than usual. "If this world were split into winners and losers, I'd rather be a loser. I always want to be a loser." You'd never hear this in an American song. Again, I'd like to stress that few lyricists manage to be as honest as Ayu. She is really a unique musician in many ways.
Rating: 10 out of 10

15. Endless Sorrow ~gone with the wind ver.~
The original Endless Sorrow was a haunting piece that made me cry every time I saw the video. This version is distinctly more upbeat, which gives the words a whole new meaning. Rather than being ominous, it is hopeful and suggests a brighter future. I consider the original version to be an instant classic, but this reworking is so different that I had to completely re-evaluate it. I came to the conclusion that while I enjoy the optimism in this version, nothing can compare to the original. If I were reviewing the original, it would get a 10. However...
Rating: 9 out of 10

Hidden Track: Flower Garden
This song, which starts somewhere around 5:35 on the last track, revives the rocking feeling that was created earlier on the album. It features Ayu singing and a bunch of people shouting in the background. In a strange way, it makes me think of an X Japan song. For a hidden track, this is pretty good. It's fun without being serious, and it was nice of Ayu to round the song list on this album up to 16. One complaint: it ends very suddenly, which is a let-down after all the great transitions on this album. You'd think there would be a big finish, but no such luck.
Rating: 8 out of 10

Final Thoughts: This album really is a must buy for jpop fans, or anyone who likes good music. There are a lot of songs here, and they are all very high quality. A lot of talent went into this album, and I think if you buy it you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Overall Rating: 9 out of 10