ayumi hamasaki NEW SINGLE 23rd Monster Release 2021.04.08

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Listened to 23rd Monster as it became available where I am. I really like it, while recognising that it does have flaws (the arrangement does feel flat at times, and if it was richer and more nuanced in its layering, it would be a convincing MY STORY - Secret era reject imo), there is an 'aliveness' to this track that I haven't heard from Ayu in a while (the Haru Yo Koi cover aside). This feels like a return to form - I'm looking forward to listening to what comes next!