My review: (listened to full album 320k)
1. THE Introduction:
7/10
I love the creepy beginning. Although it has a little bit of an odd 80s feel to it... which doesn't really go with Microphone. It gets better towards the end, with the harps and bells. I love the finish.
2. Microphone:
10/10
It's easily earned a place on my top 10 all-time favorite Ayu songs. Powerful, strong, and I can REALLY relate to the lyrics at this point of my life. "Tell me why, tell me why. I don't know, I don't know." Easily distinguishable; her English is very good. Guitar riffs throughout are powerful and make me feel empowered while listening to it. Good vocals too; not too soprano for her. I could sing this all day. Or at least, every time I'm angry. 3:28 is one of the best parts.
3. Count down:
9.5/10
Another fantastic track. The transition from Microphone is near flawless. The piano intro is great... It's a very dark track, and I love her vocals here. Best vocal track on the album, in my opinion. GUILTY-esque, but somehow a little less 'heavy' feeling. Less angry, more haunting.
4. Sunset ~LOVE is ALL~: 6.5/10
Strange transition from Count Down. We were at a song of despair, and now we're at a slow love ballad?
For a ballad, it feels forced... I enjoy it in the mornings, but other than that, I can't listen to this song as much as I can with others. I prefer the upbeat Sunrise.
5. BALLAD: 7.5/10
I love this winter ballad. It's sweet, and her vocals are beautiful and patient. The chorus is powerful and sweet as well, which thankfully doesn't completely put me to sleep. The strings are a nice touch, and I'm one to love the oriental feel.
6. Last Links: 8/10
What a shock from Miss Hamasaki! Is this acoustic guitar I hear...? It's calming. The melody is great, and I'm surprised to hear acoustic...still surprised. It's a pleasant surprise, though. It's a bit repetitive, but that's one of its only faults.
7. Montage: 6/10
I feel like this would have made a better transition into Microphone... It's also strange to see it before Don't Look Back. By itself, it's a nice piece. I don't like it as much as I have taskinst, tasking, pieces of seven... and it's in an odd place. This should go before Microphone or Count down.
8. Don't Look Back: 10/10
Excuse me, I have to rave about this song. Currently has over 200 plays on my ipod, and it's officially in my top 5 Ayu songs list. The arabic/hindi feel is FANTASTIC. It's creepy and enduring... The chorus is catchy, and I can't help but sympathize with Ayu, because of how emotional it really feels. The drums and instrumentals around the 2:50 mark really bring this out. The PV also does it the justice it deserves.
9. Jump!: 8.5/10
The vocals in the beginning remind me of traditional Hindi music, or Bollywood music...
She should make a full song with that style of vocal. I love it so much. The "jump jump jump jump" part is a little strange... but It's growing on me. Best interlude by far.
10. Lady Dynamite: 9.5/10
Another powerful, great song. Nice guitar in the background, and again, strong vocals. As a girl, the vocals ARE very empowering, and I'm happy she's made another empowering song! It could do without the "ooh, hey!" of the crowds in the background, but those are only present for a short time. Great chorus!
11. Sexy Little Things: 9.5/10
Interesting title, Ayu...
Unique to say the least. The electro-swing was strange at first. In fact, when I first heard it I was taken aback. Now it's FANTASTIC, especially the catchy chorus. Definitely the strangest track I've ever heard from Ayu, but she pulls it off. The "ooh ooh ooh" "ah ah ah" is also pleasant.
12. Sunrise ~LOVE is ALL~: 8.5/10
Best of the singles on this album, in my opinion. Happy and upbeat! It makes me want to get up and jump for joy.
I didn't like the PV much, though...
13. meaning of Love: 8/10
Okay, why isn't this song by the other ballads...? uh, strange placement. It's like the poor song was forced next to Sunrise. Anyways, pleasant, calming song. Great chorus as well, though it's the weakest album-only track.
14. You Were...: 7.5/10
Hey look, meaning of Love has a ballad buddy! Slightly better than BALLAD, because of the chorus, which I adore. "kimi ga..." etc. Not much to say about this, although the album tracks definitely overpower the single tracks like this.
15. RED LINE ~for TA~ (album version): 8.5/10
Strongest (originally) single track. Upbeat and calming at the same time (I guess it's possibly, right?). The acapella end is wonderful, and I didn't mind that she added an extra line after the "la, la, la" lines. My hope is that we can hear an acapella version of this at a concert...
Overall: 9/10
I really, REALLY love this album. It beats NEXT LEVEL (which I liked), and has made it's way into my top 5 albums. I'd say #2 or #3. Close to perfection, if it weren't for the strange arrangement of tracks and single tracks.
Album tracks: 10/10
wow. just wow. I'm too lazy to say anything more.
Interludes: 6.5/10
Not her strongsuit. I liked NEXT LEVEL's better, and these were put between songs that they didn't really go with. At least there were only 3.
Jump! should be a full song.
PV ranking:
Don't Look Back
Microphone
Lady Dynamite
Sexy Little Things
BALLAD
You were...
Sunrise
Sunset
Best Track: Don't Look Back.
Worst Track: Many of the ballads, although Sunset ~LOVE is ALL~ is worst.