I've been out of the J-pop/Namie loop for a bit. I did see an announcement on facebook a while back she was retiring but didn't take it seriously and thought it was a joke so I just scrolled past and went about my day. I had no idea it was true. I respect her decision and hope she feels it's the right one, but will miss her! Then I saw she had a new best album but had NO idea it would be as amazing as it is. Honestly, this is THE best best album ever, in my opinion of course, before y'all jump on me. I always had an issue with best albums as the majority don't seem to have that much new content, it's just reselling old songs - but the fact that each song on here was updated in some way, is absolutely amazing! I loved some of namie's older songs when she sung them live but had some issues with her vocals in the original songs - any issues I had are gone with these new versions, she did a fantastic job in each of them.
I mean, some of the resung songs on disc 2 seem pointless but I still appreciate the effort anyway. Also, the updated version of Dr. I enjoy much more than the original, like damn. I also enjoy all the new songs, "How Do You Feel Now?" being my favorite of the bunch. "Christmas Wish" is perfect for the holidays and already a classic in my eyes.
I just think it's so interesting to listen to all these songs and listen to how they changed them, and how her voice is different. This is how you do a best album. Unfortunately I don't think many artists will do them this way, I feel like it must have taken so much time, effort, and money for all of this. I really respect Namie for putting this out as her last work. Congratulations to her for the amazing sales as well, very much deserved!