This album is my definite favorite of all of Ayumi's previous albums. Listeners can tell she definitely tried her best for this, and it shows. With 10 new tracks (including the album version of RED LINE ~for TA), 4 single tracks, and 8 music videos, this album was very promising and did not disappoint me at all. The London influence on the album only added to this album being so amazing.
THE introduction- I must say, this track surprised me quite a bit. Despite the fact that it sounds much different from any of her other interludes and introductions, I found that it was very suitable for the beginning of this album. It's melody is haunting and very "circus" themed, and I think it fits in quite well with the album. In my opinion, its overall aura allows it to flow into Microphone well.
9/10
Microphone- I believe that Microphone is definitely
the strongest track on this entire album. It starts off with a great instrumental solo, then moves on to Ayu's chanting of "hoh!," which became very addictive. She also chants "TELL ME WHY TELL ME WHY I DON'T KNOW I DON'T KNOW", which fits in perfectly with the song. The chorus is extremely catchy and powerful, and my favorite part of the song. The song itself is a rock song, which is my personal favorite, and I believe it to be her best. This was a very powerful song, and is truly "fierce Ayu." This is most certainly my favorite track, and what I believe to be the best on the album.
10/10
count down- This song began with a very haunting melody and Ayu's vocals are quite haunting too. The beginning of the song instantly had me hooked, and I stayed hooked throughout the rest of the track. The chorus is fitting for the song, and I wasn't disappointed. The only thing I felt was a flaw was that the song can get tiresome if listened to for a while. This wasn't a big problem, though. It was a very strong rock ballad, and I think it fit in well with the album.
9/10
Sunset ~LOVE is ALL~- The haunting melodies of the pas three tracks have been interrupted by this soothing summer ballad. I feel that it was a nice touch, though, and is a very beautiful song. Ayu's vocals are very relaxing and soothing. It is almost six minutes long, but that does not take away from the magical feeling coming from this track. This is a gorgeous addition to this album.
9.5/10
BALLAD- This is another ballad, with more of a winter feel. It has oriental instrumentals and puts Ayumi's vocals at her best. The chorus is very haunting, and Ayu's superb vocals and emotion send shivers down my spine when I hear this song. Listeners can really feel the emotion put into this song; along with the melody, it is absolutely phenominal. An excellent winter ballad with an excellent tune.
10/10
Last Links- Headphones are needed to truly understand the beautiful beginning. You literally hear what Ayu hears; sound in only one ear. This song is very inspirational and Ayu's emotions are portrayed clearly. The song is powerful and has a lovely melody. Ayu's vocals are not the greatest, but they are indeed very good. The chorus is dripping with emotion, and makes me put this song on "repeat" several times. A very gorgeous song for a very gorgeous album.
9.5/10
montage- The first interlude on the album, this is very, very haunting, much more so than the first three songs... It felt like...a climax, fo sorts. I was very impressed on the instrumentals of this interlude. Overall, I really loved it. The ending fit it perfectly as well.
9/10
Don't look back- This is another masterpiece, the second most powerful and best on the album next to Microphone. The sound of the song is Arabian theme, much like vogue and INSPIRE, but with its own charm and beauty. When Ayu begins to whisper "don't look back," I really felt for this song. This song is so catchy, I can listen to it for hours on end. The instrumentals are also very impressive and catchy. The chorus is my favorite part of the track, and is so powerful it gave me goosebumps. Ayu's vocals are perfect for this perfect track.
10/10
Jump!- The second interlude on the album, this song surprised me as well. It sounded very "bouncy" at the beginning, and when "Jump!" was being shouted, I felt that it got a little obnoxious sounding. However, I felt it was a good transition into Lady Dynamite, and was an okay song in itself.
8/10
Lady Dynamite- First, I must say that this song is so catchy that I can't stop listening to it. It is definitely a song that you can play over and over again. It is a great song for parties! The beat is very catchy and addictive, and I find myself wanting to get up and dance to it. The chorus is extremely addictive as well. This song has yet to get old to me. The entire song shows a very sassy side of Ayu, especially when coupled with the sassy lyrics. I think this is another amazing addition to this already amazing album. Ayumi's vocals were not too bad either.
10/10
Sexy little things- The first "cutesy" song on the album, this is another insanely catchy song. It is very addictive and Ayu's vocals fit in perfectly with the atmosphere of this song. The chorus is especially catchy and makes me want to keep listening. The instrumentals are very "swingy" and match the song and lyrics amazingly. This whole song amazed me, and was unexpected due to the title, but was an instant favorite anyway. This fits in perfectly with the "circus" theme, in my opinion.
9.75/10
Sunrise ~LOVE is ALL~- Right next to Sexy little things, this is the second "cutesy" song on the album. It is extremely upbeat and summery, and is great for dancing around. The chorus is easily remembered and very, very addictive. Ayu's vocals are full of happiness, which in turn can make the listener feel very upbeat and joyful. Overall, this is a great track that can lift your spirits at any time.
9/10
meaning of Love- This is a soothing ballad with even more soothing vocals. It is very inspirational to me, and has a beautiful melody. This is a beautiful ballad, but I felt that it could have been a
bit better. However, my feelings for this gorgeous track do not change based on that at all. I think this yet another lovely song from Ayu, and well worth the listen.
9/10
You were...- This is a very sad, but powerful ballad. Ayu's vocals fit it beautifully. The chorus is full of so much emotion... You can really feel Ayu's pain. The instrumentals were amazing as well. This is definitely a favorite of mine. I feel that as the last ballad on the album, it served its purpose excellently, and is excellent as a song. A definite must-listen.
9.5/10
RED LINE ~FOR TA [album version]- At first, this seems like the same RED LINE from the You were.../BALLAD single... Until you reach the end, that is. The "laaaa la la laaaa" fades out... And Ayu's brilliantly beautiful a cappella is played. Her vocals were simply flawless here, and I felt it was a beautiful end to a beautiful album.
10/10
OVERALL: 9.42/10
I feel that this album was simply amazing. With amazing tracks, PVs, covers, and photobook, it was all I could have dreamed for. Ayu was certainly correct when she stated that, "This album...Rock 'n' Roll Circus... Is what I can honestly, right from my heart, undoubtedly call the best album I've produced in the entire time I was know as Hamasaki Ayumi." All I can say is, AMAZING work, Ayu! You have stunned me with this masterpiece
