[Chiharo]

I decided to start this thread because I'm REALLY curious as to what people think of all Namie's albums because recently I've just gotten to completely love all of them. I especially wanted to know what people think about her older albums, because I love them to death and I've heard that most people don't like her albums like GENIUS 2000, break the rules, Concentration 20 and SWEET 19 BLUES. Or am I completely wrong?

Anyway, I'm sorry if similar threads exist, it's just that search doesn't work at all and I can't find what people think of Namie's albums on AHS at all :/

So, do you like her older albums or not? Which is your favorite? Least favorite? Any kind of comment on any of her albums is welcome!

I'll start.

Spoiler:

SWEET 19 BLUES - I've just recently gotten into this album. At first I thought I never would, but I did. I'm especially crazy about LET'S DO THE MOTION, PRIVATE, present, Interlude ~ Joy (though I prefer the whole song), Don't wanna cry, Chase the Chance, I'll JUMP, You're my sunshine and Body Feels EXIT (all album versions). Other songs that I like but not quite love are all the rest songs on the album. Some people think this is her hardest album to get into, but that's not the case with me. Anyway, I think you should give this album a bit more listens before saying it's one of her worst albums or something. I really enjoy the whole atmosphere of the album, and it's really fun to listen to once you get into it.

Concentration 20 - I really love this album. Especially the title song, it's so amazing. Other songs I love to death are B w/z you, Me love peace!!, No Communication, a walk in the park, Storm, CAN YOU CELEBRATE? and How to be a Girl. I also like all other songs that I didn't mention. I can say I like this album a tiny bit more than SWEET 19 BLUES.

GENIUS 2000 - Now, THIS was the hardest album to get into for me. I don't know just how many times did I listen to this album, but still couldn't find anything enjoyable about it. The only songs I loved on the whole album were LOVE 2000, RESPECT the POWER OF LOVE, SOMETHING 'BOUT THE KISS, and I HAVE NEVER SEEN (though I liked the single versions of these songs more) and YOU ARE THE ONE wasn't that bad as well. After a while I finally fell in love with the song I hated the most, MI CORAZON (TE' AMOUR). And then somehow I became to like LEAVIN' for LAS VEGAS, STILL IN LOVE, NEXT TO YOU and GIVE IT A TRY. Now I also like the other songs (ASKING WHY especially grew a lot on me after listening to it ten more times) as well, but not so much as the ones I've written down. After all this, I LOVE this album and I don't know if I could call it my least favorite because when it comes to Namie I don't have one <3.

break the rules - This is probably one of her most underrated albums, I think. Out of all her older albums, this is my favorite, definitely. I love all of the songs, except maybe think of me, but I do love the version from the LOVE ENHANCED SINGLE COLLECTION. Anyway, my favorite part of the album starts when PLEASE SMILE AGAIN kicks in, and the awesomeness ends with GIRLFRIEND. All of the songs that are in between are my most favorite album songs, which are CROSS OVER, never shoulda and of course that doesn't exclude GIRLFRIEND and PLEASE SMILE AGAIN <3. no more tears, break the rules, better days, LOOKING FOR YOU, NEVER END, HimAWArI, basically all songs are amazing. I can't wait to finally receive this wonderful album.

STYLE - I don't think I even need to talk about this album, it's perfect. My most favorite songs are Put 'Em Up and Wishing On The Same Star. Other songs are ALL pure love. Though it's ironical how my least favorite song is Come, the song that's probably the best for most people who listen to this album.

Queen of Hip-Pop - is just amazing. It has my favorite song by Namie, WANT ME, WANT ME. My second favorite on the album is My Darling (which I think is very underrated). Songs like WoWa, I Wanna Show You My Love, the title song, I Love You, ALARM and No just bring out the best on the album in my opinion. My least favorite are probably Free and ALL FOR YOU (again this song is the most loved one xD), but that doesn't mean I don't like them.

PLAY - My second favorite album by Namie. What can I say? It has most of her best songs like Hide & Seek, Full Moon, FUNKY TOWN, Hello, Should I Love Him?, Top Secret, Violet Sauce and Pink Key. Other songs are amazing as well, and I feel bad if I don't mention It's all about you, CAN'T SLEEP, CAN'T EAT, I'M SICK, Step With It and Baby Don't Cry.

PAST < FUTURE - My favorite. For me, this album rocks her whole discography and is epic win by all means. From track one to twelve, there isn't a second of a song I don't enjoy. My most favorite are WILD, COPY THAT and LOVE GAME. Whole album is simply stunning. I'm so glad I own it.