RAINBOW
1. everlasting dream (5/5)
This is probably one of her best intros, and it really builds expectations for the rest of the album. Unfortunately (for me, at least) the majority of the disc doesn't carry on with this dreamy/electronic feel.
2. WE WISH (2/5)
It's alright, but I find it a bit obnoxious. She really squeals the chorus, and I don't think this song flatters her vocally. The verses are decent, but the whole thing reminds of those kitschy pop bands that popped up in the US around the year 2000, and I can never really look past that.
3. Real me (4/5)
It's really catchy, and it has a great message. Musically, it's still not quite my style, but that amazing hook in the chorus makes up for it. Also, I think the PV really "makes" this song.
4. Free & Easy (3/5)
The first time I heard this, I really hated it because of that loud bit that comes out of nowhere. I had my headphones turned way up because the beginning is really loud, and then WHAM! After seeing the PV, the song grew on me a little, but it's still not one of my favorites.
5. Heartplace (5/5)
One of my standouts for sure. Everything about it just "works" for me, and I love how she sounds on the chorus. Her English isn't perfect, but that's just part of the charm. I think this should be played live more often.
6. Over (3.5/5)
It's nice enough, but not much really goes on. I do like her vocals, though (especially when she whisper-sings "it's over..."). All in all, a pretty decent, middle-of-the-road track.
7. HANABI (5/5)
One of her most definitive and classic ballads. The opening with the distorted music box is superb, and I love how the chorus seems to "bloom." I always wonder why there wasn't a PV made for this when there was for HANABI ~episode II~.
8. taskinillusion (5/5)
One of Tasuku's best among his great interludes. Like the intro, I wish there were more of these types of sounds on the album!
9. everywhere nowhere (3.5/5)
Another track that just doesn't really move me. It's not bad, but it doesn't floor me either. I like the spoken intro and how she exaggerates her vibrato (that started with this album, didn't it?).
10. July 1st (4/5)
I used to skip this track all the time, since I don't really like her "super-happy" major-key songs (and that's not just for Ayu, I tend not to like that style in general), but it's probably grown on me the most out of any song on this album. I like the delicate melody on the verses and how it contrasts with the "in your face-ness" of the chorus.
11. Dolls (4.5/5)
Another winner ballad. I used to like this A LOT, but I've fallen a bit out of love with it over time. I think it sounds better on A BALLADS (same with HANABI), which is where I usually listen to it.
12. neverending dream (3/5)
Not as good as "everlasting dream" by a long shot. It's just kind of "there" and a bit boring.
13. Voyage (4/5)
Like "Dolls," this is a very formal-sounding ballad, but it takes the opposite mood. I like the strings on this, and her vocals are really good. In her earlier days, Mariah Carey might have killed for this arrangement.
14. Close to you (1/5)
Sorry Ayumi, I just don't care. Everything about this is forgettable and uninspired. In fact, I never can remember anything about it.
15. independent (2.5/5)
I used to hate this song with a burning passion and I never listened to it. However, like with "July 1st," it's gradually grown on me. I like how she sings the verses, and it's a good pick-up after all those slow ballads. I still find the chintzy handclaps and giggling off-putting, though, and I wish she'd stop playing this live so much.
HIDDEN TRACK: + (1/5)
Forgive me guys, but I find this really annoying. It just seems to be loud for the sake of being loud, a little like "flower garden." Neither hidden tracks should have been there, in my opinion, but at least this one doesn't spoil the mood of the album closer like "flower garden" does to "Endless sorrow."
Overall rating: 3/5
It's not that I don't think Ayumi gave her all with this album, but that it doesn't suit my personal tastes. There just aren't as many tracks that I want to play again and again on this album, and there seems to be an overabundance of slow tracks and "peppy-poppy" songs. I also think it's a bit disappointing that this album came after the groundbreaking (and fantastic) "I am...," so I see why a lot of fans were divided when this first came out. I'm glad she went the direction she did with her next albums "Memorial address" and MY STORY instead of continuing her career in this style.