Search - Ayumi Hamasaki :: Ayu-Mi-X, Vol. 3

Calming versions of Ayumi's newest tracks.

Adam Carroll | 05/16/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As with the previous orchestrated ayu-mi-x albums, the third in the series gives the songs of Ayumi Hamasaki a very different and symphonic feel with the use of strings, guitars, and other live instruments in place of the rock/techno of the originals. This album takes songs from Ayu's CD "Duty," and most of the time, the conversions work well. Some are quite surprising - for example, the song "End of the World," which was a loud, insistent number on the original album, here is executed primarily (and very well) with a harp (!) - giving the song a completely different feel. Not all of the tracks impress as much, though, but that's most likely because the original versions are excellent in their own rights.ayu-mi-x III also includes five instrumental versions of tracks it covers; in these tracks Ayumi's vocals are replaced with another instrument playing the melody line. The overall effect is a very relaxing one, especially because the instruments are relatively subdued (a change from Ayu's sometimes piercing vocals!) and a good way to end the CD.Overall, while this album doesn't seem essential if you already own "Duty," the songs are still quite nice, and any fan of Ayumi is bound to get some enjoyment out of them."