Compilation Album
A. Cohen | Maryland, USA | 06/02/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In "A BALLADS," Ayumi Hamasaki presents a compilation of her ballads as well as two new songs (Rainbow and Sotsugyou Shashin). Rainbow is merely the title of a track not included in the "Ranbow" album. Sotsugyou Shashin (Graduation Photograph) is Ayu's first (and so far, only) cover of a separate artist's song. Both new tracks are excellent.
Several of her old songs were actually remixed to fit the ballad format (having GraceNote read the tracks is certainly interesting--they show which have been edited and usually by whom). Perhaps one of her most well-known songs, A Song for xx is heavily remixed, a version that I personally prefer to the original.
This album is less known than her others, but my favorite of Ayu's because it was the first one I purchased. To anyone who hasn't listened to her before but is interested, a compilation like this is very appropriate. I enjoy every song on this CD, which is difficult to say for other albums (especially American ones)."