Review by Sabrina Chew
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Mirrorcle World [CD+DVD / Jacket A]Ayumi HamasakiMemorable 10th Anniversary Single
A brilliant piece of work by ayu that should be collected by any worthy ayu fan. Thoroughly enjoyed the song MIRRORCLE WORLD and also the new versions of depend on you + you. The long jacket sleeve is beautiful too!
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Mirrorcle World [Jacket D]Ayumi HamasakiMemorable 10th Anniversary Single
A brilliant piece of work by ayu that should be collected by any worthy ayu fan. Thoroughly enjoyed the song MIRRORCLE WORLD and also the new versions of depend on you + you. The long jacket sleeve is beautiful too!
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Fake [Limited Release]Mr.ChildrenUnique
I'm not a Mr Children fan but I'm sure glad I tried this single out. Can't say I figured out what captures Mr Children fans so but I did enjoy the songs. Good work.
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GUILTY [CD+DVD / Jacket A]Ayumi HamasakiGuilty as charged
Hamasaki Ayumi - guilty as charged - for having the hottest album cover soon to come in 2008 and no doubt the hottest songs which will cause our ayu-addiction to increase.
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talkin' 2 myself [Jacket A / CD+DVD]Ayumi HamasakiGreat energy!
talkin' 2 myself is full of energy and sounds more suitable as the theme song for that resident evil game. Decision makes me think of Pride but is nevertheless also a good track. Overall a single even non-ayu fans will enjoy.
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KissL'Arc-en-CielYou won't regret getting this album
This album is by far L'Arc's best since their return in 2003. It sounds like the boys have really fallen into their old rhythm and combined to make this awesome album. Aside from the very strong singles which already makes this album worth it, tracks like umibe, sunadokei and spiral will spin themselves around in your head for months to come. Overall arrangement of the album is also wonderful, especially for Daybreak's Bell and My Heart Draws A Dream. Another good point about these songs is - you just know that they'll sound fantastic when played LIVE.
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Seventh HeavenL'Arc-en-CielPhenomenal
Magnificent L'Arc~en~Ciel has managed to delight their fans once again with this absolutely phenomenal single SEVENTH HEAVEN. The modern, bordering on punkish sound will definitely rouse loyal listeners and new fans alike into truly welcoming the band back to the forefront of the J-rock scene. The catchy melody of this single will have you humming subconsciously for days on end!
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Secret [Jacket A / CD+DVD]Ayumi HamasakiA Most Savoury Secret
The Queen of Jpop is back with one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2006. [Secret] is, in short, an album that'll both blow you away and lure you into its beauty at the same time. In truth, Hamasaki has never sounded better. Her vocal growth is especially evident in rock tunes like '1LOVE' where she wowed listeners over with her breathtaking and powerful performance. You almost want to ask yourself: "Is this the Ayu we knew?" However, signature ballads like 'JEWEL' and 'It was' would immediately invite you into Hamasaki's moving and enchanting world. 'JEWEL' is a track that will move you to tears with its sheer beauty. There is also her return to the pop-techno mix with her upbeat track, 'MOMENTUM'. It was a nice change to hear Hamasaki once again doing the type of music where she undoubtedly holds the reign over. In all, the album is a perfect mix of rock (ever more rocking this time round), pop, and ballads -everything in its best form you can ever. Take it from Ayumi Hamasaki, and enjoy the winter season with [Secret].
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Secret [Jacket B]Ayumi HamasakiA Most Delicious Secret
The Queen of Jpop is back with one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2006. [Secret] is, in short, an album that'll both blow you away and lure you into its beauty at the same time. In truth, Hamasaki has never sounded better. Her vocal growth is especially evident in rock tunes like '1LOVE' where she wowed listeners over with her breathtaking and powerful performance. You almost want to ask yourself: "Is this the Ayu we knew?" However, signature ballads like 'JEWEL' and 'It was' would immediately invite you into Hamasaki's moving and enchanting world. 'JEWEL' is a track that will move you to tears with its sheer beauty. There is also her return to the pop-techno mix with her upbeat track, 'MOMENTUM'. It was a nice change to hear Hamasaki once again doing the type of music where she undoubtedly holds the reign over. In all, the album is a perfect mix of rock (ever more rocking this time round), pop, and ballads -everything in its best form you can ever. Take it from Ayumi Hamasaki, and enjoy the winter season with [Secret].
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A Best 2 -Black- [CD+2DVD]Ayumi HamasakiLet us reflect once more... on 2001-2006
A Best 2 is ever more a BEST album as compared to A Best. This time round, a true selection by Hamasaki herself, the 2 albums will bring you back through memory lane. A BEST WHITE will let you relive all those blood-pumping energetic songs that picked you up when you were down. A BEST BLACK will fill you with nostalgia - reminding you of all those lonely nights when ayu's songs were your only comfort and encouragement. The truest emotions and the most honest feelings - conveyed through the most touching of vocals. These are Ayumi Hamasaki at her best - in the form of A BEST WHITE & A BEST BLACK.
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A Best 2 -White- [CD+2DVD]Ayumi HamasakiLet us reflect once more... on 2001-2006
A Best 2 is ever more a BEST album as compared to A Best. This time round, a true selection by Hamasaki herself, the 2 albums will bring you back through memory lane. A BEST WHITE will let you relive all those blood-pumping energetic songs that picked you up when you were down. A BEST BLACK will fill you with nostalgia - reminding you of all those lonely nights when ayu's songs were your only comfort and encouragement. The truest emotions and the most honest feelings - conveyed through the most touching of vocals. These are Ayumi Hamasaki at her best - in the form of A BEST WHITE & A BEST BLACK.
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Renai Shashin [CD+DVD]Ai OtsukaMoving and engaging
As soon as I heard the 30secs preview of the song beforehand, I knew I had to get this single. Without a doubt, it was the best autumn ballad of 2006. No other songs came close. Reason being the rawness of the emotions coming through the lyrics and overall performance of the song. This is truly one of the best ballads I've yet to hear from Ootsuka chan.
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Renai ShashinAi OtsukaMoving and engaging
As soon as I heard the 30secs preview of the song beforehand, I knew I had to get this single. Without a doubt, it was the best autumn ballad of 2006. No other songs came close. Reason being the rawness of the emotions coming through the lyrics and overall performance of the song. This is truly one of the best ballads I've yet to hear from Ootsuka chan.
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Chu-Lip [CD+DVD]Ai OtsukaKawaii Blonde
A most refreshing change in image by Ootsuka. CHU-LIP is a song that will really jump-start your day and keep you energetic throughout. Ai-chin's vocals have also matured such that she no longer sound particularly screechy in upbeat songs. This is a fun-loving song, a genre that ai does so well it's impossible not to love it. Not to mention you will also get to watch the dvd PV that features ai's dancing for the very first time!
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(miss)understoodAyumi HamasakiInteresting album by my fav ayu chan
Strange to say, I personally did not love the album at first, unlike her previous albums, which I fell in love with instantly upon the first listen. However, as I listened to it more and more, I started to understand the album more - this album is not about what most Jpop lovers will like to hear. It's not about pleasing the masses - it's about style, character and having the courage to say what you want. And there's not many artistes with the guts to do that, but ayu being ayu, is brave enough to do it. And strangely, it works. (miss)understood is an album that may not appeal immediately, but once it does, it will only grow on you and you'll hardly get sick of it. It's more of a lasting album and definitely worth every penny paid for.
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RAG STORYRAG FAIRExcellent best album!
This is by far the most creative and original BEST album that I've heard and enjoyed in a long long while. RAG FAIR's managed to pull off a great variety of genres - from sentimental ballads to fast funky tracks to medium-tempo feel-good tunes. And what's best of all is that they do it in their own style - an acapella combination that will take your breath away. Say goodbye to those annoying over-cute jpop songs that seem to saturate the market nowadays as well as oversung songs by artistes who think they can 'sing'. Say hello instead to RAG FAIR, an underrated acapella group that has not 1, not 2, but 6 members who can all sing and hold their own. And let's not forget Okkun too, one of the best beatboxers I've ever heard. For those who are new to RAG FAIR, this will be a fantastic introduction to their brand of music. For those who love RAG FAIR, you'll be really sorry if you didn't get it. So what are you waiting for? Get into RAG FAIR now!
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Love Love na Couple Furifuri de ChuRAG FAIRCreative and feel-good debut single
I chanced upon a short preview of it on the web and fell in love with the tune and vocals immediately. Reo's vocals are just too mesmerising for words and all 6 of them blend so seamlessly together that you just wanna listen to them forever. I did not hesitate even once about purchasing this single and I definitely did not regret it cos it is SO SO GOOD. You don't wanna miss out on one of RAG FAIR's best singles so get yours today!
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Furisona Ikuoku no Hoshi no YoruRAG FAIRMesmerising, beautiful song
Furisouna Ikuoku no Hoshi no Yoru is an exquisite song that pulls you into it like few songs do nowadays. From the very first few notes sung by the lead - Reo Tsuchiya, you know that you've fallen in love with the song. The melody is very light and easy to hum along to and the harmonising of all voices is simply flawless. Backed up by a traditional instrument, this song will be one that you can't forget for its beauty as much as its emotions. Reo Tsuchiya's vocals here show vast improvements and the transition is seamless from the low notes to the very high false notes. The beatbox by Okkun has also gotten to the point where you can't tell it's by a man and not the percussion instruments anymore. And needless to say, the rest of the group also blends naturally together. You certainly won't regret buying this single - it will exceed your expectations. :)
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Blue Bird [Jacket B] [CD+DVD]Ayumi HamasakiFantastic summer single of 2006!
Hamasaki san has really done her fans and jpop lovers proud with this must-buy summer single of the year!!! Both songs are upbeat and immersed in the refreshing flavour of summer. BLUE BIRD - on the first listen, makes one go like "ah, summer is here!" with its cool beat and cheerful chorus. BEAUTIFUL FIGHTERS - with its upbeat verses and chorus is bound to lift your spirits for the day no matter what you're doing! Buy the single to welcome the feeling of summer today! ^.^
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Blue Bird [Jacket C]Ayumi HamasakiFantastic summer single
Hamasaki san has really done her fans and jpop lovers proud with this must-buy summer single of the year!!! Both songs are upbeat and immersed in the refreshing flavour of summer. BLUE BIRD - on the first listen, makes one go like "ah, summer is here!" with its cool beat and cheerful chorus. BEAUTIFUL FIGHTERS - with its upbeat verses and chorus is bound to lift your spirits for the day no matter what you're doing! Buy the single to welcome the feeling of summer today! ^.^