ayumi hamasaki NEW SINGLE 23rd Monster Release 2021.04.08

[thomas]

It sounds like a Memorial Address/My Story song. It's so good! I like this direction a lot.

[TheRainbow]

Interesting track, still unsure if I like it. I am glad it's kind of unexpected though.

[xLuna&1LOVE]

Lmao, she did whaaaaaaaaat?!
Exciting!

[!Lawi!]

Right I can't, this even puts W to bed. 2021 is a GOOD year for Ayu!

[Deep snow]

I literally am so happy about news of a new single that I couldn't nitpick on what I don't like about this!

this needs a kickass video clip and like a good anime(?) tie-in. I'm loving the vibes of her latest upbeat songs, first Dreamed a Dream and now this. my goodness.

happy 23rd anniversary indeed!

[Rajma]

Originally Posted by Deep snow

I literally am so happy about news of a new single that I couldn't nitpick on what I don't like about this!

this needs a kickass video clip and like a good anime(?) tie-in. I'm loving the vibes of her latest upbeat songs, first Dreamed a Dream and now this. my goodness.

happy 23rd anniversary indeed!

wow i thought the same about anime! Maybe MECCA or vampire haha but i really wanted anime promotional

[Lyssayu]

OMG how unexpected!!! weird title but yay!! Can't wait to listen to it - and that cover is gorgeous!!

[SURREAL__RAINBOW]

the song is perfect omg

[Deep snow]

I wonder whether the Insta-story footage she posted about some kind of shoot was for the music video of this single :O

assuming it was, I'm so excited to see what the video is like for a song like this (especially if you also factor in the assumption that she is still pregnant)

[dumbellz]

Originally Posted by Deep snow

I wonder whether the Insta-story footage she posted about some kind of shoot was for the music video of this single :O

assuming it was, I'm so excited to see what the video is like for a song like this (especially if you also factor in the assumption that she is still pregnant)

I think, it will just be the head shot? The ones that she has been posting with the bucket hat. I wish for other inter cut scene tho

[280301]

I'm shook. I haven't listened to the track yet, but the cover is striking and...nostalgic? That is, it seems to me quite reminiscent of eras long gone (very 2010 in particular).

[Deep snow]

Originally Posted by 280301

I'm shook. I haven't listened to the track yet, but the cover is striking and...nostalgic? That is, it seems to me quite reminiscent of eras long gone (very 2010 in particular).

the cover looks to me like a revamp of the CD-only version of A BEST 2 -WHITE-

[Earth_maiden]

Queen has delivered.

[andycruize]

Physical CD?

[jyujiw]

Welcome back rockayu, I missed you so much

[indigochild]

Ayu really woke up this year and said "It's time to make my comeback"

This is a BANGER

[Deep snow]

Originally Posted by dumbellz

I think, it will just be the head shot? The ones that she has been posting with the bucket hat. I wish for other inter cut scene tho

what I meant was the short clips she posted with some of her dancers present. I think they were captioned with "had a great day" or something. her hair looks different there but you're probably right.

Originally Posted by indigochild

Ayu really woke up this year and said "It's time to make my comeback"

This is a BANGER

if this is what her recent TA blogpost mean about returning to form for ayumi hamasaki, then I am all for it. my body is ready, Miss!!!

[hidekirby]

I really like those sudden surprises! Boom a new song from nowhere.

LOVE the cover even if it's another headshot. The mask, given the current pandemic, certainly ads some personality to it.
I like what they did with the font placement. And it's out of focus like everything except her eyes, which is a nice touch (so that we can appreciate her weird lenses even more ).
Also really like the title, this is something I wouldn't expect from her at all! Nice surprise!

As regards the song, my feelings are way more mixed.
I really like her voice here. It's quite low but fits the song very nicely. The delivery (not sure it's the right word...) sounds natural. BUT... I have issues with arrangements and probably mixing too. It's the same issues that DaD had. Everything is so busy, too busy resulting in it sounding really flat and empty. It's even more noticeable on this song to me. The arrangements in themselves are a bit dated and too messy. It certainly would benefit from more subtlety. I can't help imagining this new single with another team behind those two aspects. It could have been way more.
Still I'm happy it's not a typical bland ballad.

[junshen]

BTW the song is composed by KAZUHIRO HARA

[roxaskh2fm]

OMG AYU!!!!
Welcome back, Queen!