Ayumi Hamasaki - GUILTY

author: meg

The best way to describe GUILTY is comparing it to a jigsaw puzzle. While each song has similarities, it has bits that set it apart from the other. While the CD is comprised mostly of ballad-like songs, the album tells an incredible story that is dark and beautiful and reminds us of an "Alice in Wonderland" type world. Each song shows struggle, from the happy pieces to the dark and chilling pieces. They all complement and fit together perfectly like a puzzle, with each song falling into place.

Mirror has a very cute beat that starts out with a xylophone and is joined by a symphony of wood instruments as Ayumi begins to sing. The song has the feel of one that would be played in a dramatic scene of a movie, slowly building up, and without notice it explodes completely in your face with full sound, a variety of instruments and loud lyrics. Right after the chorus, it falls back to a gentle melody with a harp, ending the song quietly.

There are three short one minute tracks, two of which are cold and scary and the third gentle, but mysterious. The Judgment Day sounds like something straight out of "Silent Hill," with eerie chanting that is accompanied by a mournful organ and an industrial echo. However, this song bursts through the darkness and into the light, ending on a more cheerful and uplifting note. Marionette ~prelude~ is an unnerving track, one we might hear out of a horror movie. The cold xylophone melody is accompanied by delicate instrumental additions and the sound of a winding machine like a child’s jewelry box. reBIRTH is a preparation track that is clearly leading us up to something, but doing so carefully. It has a gentle piano melody but transitions into a more mystical sound before tapering off.

Marionette starts with childish chimes that echo before Ayumi begins singing. The beat is extremely slow, but the ballad is a beautiful one. Ayumi exercises great range, and the powerful chorus is a beautiful symphonic accompaniment to the vocals. This song keeps a darker undertone with the background music, making the sweet song an interesting one.

Fated and Together when... are basic ballads with mellow lyrics, a basic composition and an enchanted symphonic chorus. There is no real build up in these songs, but this can be excused as the melodies of these songs make them gorgeous additions to the album. They are definitely emotionally stirring tracks.

Guilty is one of the darkest songs on the album, starting with the cold sound of a church bell and lurching into a deep guitar melody that tapers off to a very soft chimed sound. Ayumi sings softly but across a wide range. There are gaps between the vocals to reveal the deep piano chimes, maintaining the melancholy undertones of the song. The church bells and guitar return with the chorus, which picks up, but drops us back into the slow beat upon its completion. In the end, Guilty is an excellent song.

For those waiting for a song that isn't completely slow, decision more than delivers. It has a beautiful symphonic beginning that hints at another slow track, but within 20 seconds it brings out edgy guitars and drums and throws us into a rock tune that is very impressive. The vocals are passionate and are followed by a very strong melody. It's a great song for the CD that maintains its somber undertones and fits well with the other songs.

Of the three cheerful songs on the album, My All is the first and has a pop feel that is upbeat and remains so throughout. The vocals are uplifting, and compared to the other tracks it feels like the clouds lifting after a rainy day. The second light-hearted track is untitled ~for her~, which is a merry tune that is slow but powerful. The gentle lyrics are soothing, and the song slowly builds up to a fantastic chorus that soars in strength. The final is the most sugar sparkling and it is true to its name - Glitter. This song rains sweetness, from the vocals to the cutesy melody, and it would be more fitting as the final song on the album rather than in the middle because it makes one think of the happy ending to a story.

(don’t) Leave me alone has an electronically filtered beginning that launches into a futuristic beat with some cold undertones. The chorus is surprisingly jubilant, but it's the only part of the song that is like that - the steady electronic sound has a rough beat throughout. The second futuristic song is talkin' 2 myself, which has a hard industrial sound accompanied by rough guitar riffs and a heavy drum beat. The vocals are shady and looming, but rupture in power during the chorus.

For someone looking for in your face explosive pop music, GUILTY is not the right album to turn to. However, if you want something that will provoke your emotions, tell you a complete tale and leave you feeling satisfied, GUILTY will fulfill that and more.