Search - Ayumi Hamasaki :: Best V.2: White

As always, Ayumi Hamasaki pushes the industry

A. Cohen | Maryland, USA | 06/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most Americans are unfamiliar with Ayumi Hamaski. The J-pop sensation is more than just an icon. This CD is a compilation of her "lighter" songs, whereas the Black version contains "darker" songs. To those who are new to J-pop and are willing to give it a try, I highly recommend any of her compilation albums (A BEST, A BEST 2, or A BALLADS). All I have left to say is that A Best 2 -White- is thoroughly enjoyable."

Definitely a must buy! Highly recommended.

Dennis A. Amith (kndy) | California | 08/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It has been six years since Hamasaki Ayumi has released a best hits album. The last being the very popular "A BEST" (AVCD-11950, Rel. March 28, 2001).



On February 28, 2007 two best albums were released. "A BEST 2 - WHITE -" which would feature her faster songs from her hit single releases "evolution" (AVCD-30203, rel. Jan. 31, 2001) to "fairyland" (AVCD-30808, Aug. 3, 2005).



While the other best album "A BEST 2 - BLACK-" (AVCD-23263) would feature her hit ballads such as "Dearest" (AVCD-30294, rel. Sept. 27, 2001) to "HEAVEN" (AVCD-30842, rel. Sept. 14 2005). And similar to "-WHITE-, would also include album featured tracks.



Although "A BEST" would be hard to beat because of the sheer multi-hits on that album, "A BEST 2" is just so full of content that it's hard for any Ayu fan's to even ignore it because not only are you getting a collection of hits from 2001-2005, you are also getting the music videos for the songs featured on the best album.



Also, to make things even more tempting is the addition of Hamasaki Ayumi's "COUNTDOWN LIVE 2006-2007" concert.



The "-WHITE-" version contains the full concert, while "-BLACK-" contains the documentary of the concert.



Each of the album could have been released separately but surprisingly, you get it all by purchasing each best album and for Hamasaki Ayumi fans, with the number of releases from Avex for Hamasaki Ayumi, with all that comes with "A BEST 2", just for the price of an album, you're definitely getting a great deal.



As for the concert, what I found so amazing about Hamasaki Ayumi is that in 2006, she had the amazing concert "Arena Tour 2006 A - (miss)undersood" (click here for review) and several months later, this "COUNTDOWN LIVE 2006-2007" concert was held.



Not only does this concert feature a new stage production, it also features new choreography, stage uniforms and so much more.



I actually thought it was going to be a rehash of performances that was on "Arena Tour 2006" but I was stoked that it's entirely an all-new concert.



You can never be disappointed with a Hamasaki Ayumi concert.



Her concerts feature great (big-budget) stage production, well-planned and full of energy. Even the audience was full of energy.

Speaking of the audience, the concert venue was obviously packed! The audience was all into it, singing the songs and Ayu really fed off their energy.



From Ayu performing while hanging above stage, in a waitress outfit and in a cage and more. Ayu and the staff really went all out for this New Year's Eve concert. Incredible!



Also, included is the popular MC segments between Ayu and her band members (usually included as bonus discs on Ayu concert DVD's) are included.



The concert is also presented in 16:9 LB and an option to select Dolby Digital 5.1.



The concert DVD is over two hours long and it's just jam packed. It's a very cool concert and for those who never watched or purchased a Hamasaki Ayumi concert DVD, It's great that this is included with "A BEST 2 - WHITE-".



Definitely a must buy! Highly recommended."