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Ripples...
+ Learn Some Japanese
Reviews,,,
Here you will find a few opinions/overviews of an anime/jpop concerts (or CDs) that either myself or a friend viewed. Hopefully, you'll get a better idea of these shows after reading these.
Free & Easy
Written by Meg-chan
Title: Free & Easy
Artist: Hamasaki Ayumi
Distributer: avex trax
Composers: CREA & D-A-I
All lyrics by: Hamasaki Ayumi
Type: Single
Tracks: 4
Version Reviewed: Overseas Version
Grade: 89% (B)
I am extremely skeptical regarding the purchases of singles, especially when they are quite old releases that already appear on an album I own. However, upon the sighting of the "Free & Easy" single at a convention I recently attended, I knew that this was not an opportunity to pass up. Not only do I adore the featured track, but the two remixes included, not to mention the instrumental bonus track, added to my excitement.
The cover, although simple, is beautiful and mysterious. It features a determined-looking Hamasaki holding a sword in a threatening position, while her blond hair blows majestically in the wind. It is not a photo itself, but a picture with a painted effect added to it. As if the gorgeous cover art were not enough, the actual disk features Hamasaki's placid-looking face within a gathering of clouds.
The title track never ceases to amaze me. Although I've heard it many a time, Free & Easy continues to send shivers up and down my spine. The minute introduction of instrumental beauty captures my attention, and holds it as Hamasaki's peaceful beginning transforms into a tumultuous battle of forceful notes and heart-wrenching lyrics. She sings of a broken world, and does so in such a way that it brings tears in a sorrowful way.
"Naturally", a piece originating from the "I am..." album released shortly prior to this single, is a fast-paced journey accompanied by some of the most beautiful lyrics I have ever heard: "But I've come to that point where I can't turn back, and that's where I hesitate. Even stopping scares me...Fragile and crying, you said to me, 'being sad is the same as giving up.'" "Naturally"'s lyrics are some of my absolute favorites, which may very well supply a bias during my review of this title. The remix, "dolly remix" is an effective change. It gives the song a faraway feeling that works for its benefit.
My sole disappointment within this release is the third track, "still alone 'warp brothers extended mix.' "still alone" is such a gorgeous piece, but this remix, I feel, does nothing for it. Not only that, but this same piece was featured twice on "ayu-mi-x 4: Non stop mega mix". (Well, not exactly, as this is the EXTENDED mix.) I feel that avex cheated us with this track, and it seems to me as if its merely a filler. I would rather they had omitted it instead of including it and demeaning it as they did.
Perhaps my favorite piece of "Free & Easy" is in fact the instrumental of the title track. There's something about hearing the music without Hamasaki's original vocals and instead with her harmonic melodies that makes me heart absolutely sing, and "Free & Easy" is no exception. The instrumental is positively grand, and is a perfect conclusion for this magical single.
Although not the best of any of Hamasaki's singles, and certainly not as wonderful as "H", "Free & Easy" has its own original style, which makes it a refreshing change from the ordinary. Even if you are against purchasing singles, as I sometimes am, I highly recommend this one. There are absolutely no regrets that can be had.