Rock 'n' Roll Circus

No more sidetracks this time.

Ayumi Hamasaki's latest album, Rock 'n' Roll Circus contains 15 tracks, 5 of which are singles, 7 are new songs and 3 interludes.

I mentioned before that its another "business as usual" album right? That was indeed my first impression. Well, after listening to the songs a couple of times, I take it back. Compared to her previous not-so-impressive albums such as Next Level, Secret and (miss)understood, this album has a mix of songs that try to break free from the generic pop, rock and ballad concoction and actually succeed, one thing which Next Level didn't manage to do (too much electronica for my liking).

I would place it on the same level as Guilty, one of her better recent albums.

Do note that I'm talking from a totally musical standpoint, as I haven't really taken a good look at the lyrics yet.

As a whole the album sounds pretty dark, with just 2 song providing a little sunshine. Some of the better songs:

Microphone - this is the reason the album has the words "Rock 'n' Roll" in it. The use of the organ during the opening and ending is epic, as well as the floor-shaking guitar riffs combined with her powerful vocals. If there's one song to look forward to in every new album of hers, its the rock anthem. If she wasn't a J-pop singer, she'd be the frontman of a kickass rock band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMAntfxf420

Sexy Little Things - I didn't like the song at first. After repeated listens I discovered the reason why. It was different! Its a cheeky and fun little song, and although I don't care much for the electronic music, it does fit in pretty well. Definitely a refreshing change from the usual pop/rock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B73K8pJYjgo

Don't look back - the opening hits you like a hammer. A sitar! Followed by a tabla! Not to be racist here, I did feel the urge to bob my head a lil' bit while listening to this song. Another breakthrough song, especially with the infusion of the Arabian/Indian inspired background music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn3sI4OFn_k

RED LINE ~for TA~ - the most meaningful track on the album. Apparently this song was written to encourage a fan who had suicidal thoughts. It's an uplifting song that certainly deserves to be placed among the best "last tracks", alongside "Who...", "Memorial Address" and "untitled -for her-". Coincidentally, "untitled -for her-" was written and dedicated to her close friend who committed suicide that year.

"If you have a feeling of despair, please remember
This day called today on which you are going to give up,
Is the tomorrow on which somewhere, someone didn't want to give up.
And that I'm tightly, tightly
Holding your hands"

it ends with her singing the chorus A capella, definitely one for the fans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC9EUb0PUdY

Well, thats it! This album may signify better things to come in the future from Ayumi Hamasaki, and has been described by many as her "comeback album", considering the quality of her albums haven't been very impressive since My Story. Something to look forward to, definitely.