Ayumi Hamasaki - Blue Bird

Blue Bird is the 40th single released by Ayumi Hamasaki; it was first released on June 21, 2006 and is the 15th consecutive chart topping single from Ayumi. The single features the songs Blue Bird, Beautiful Fighters and a rearranged version of Ladies Night (which had previously appeared on Ayumi’s (miss)understood album) called Ladies Night ~another night~, as well as a trance remix of Blue Bird and the instrumental versions of Blue Bird and Beautiful Fighters.

Blue Bird marks the reunion of Ayumi with composer D.A.I. (ex Do As Infinity). The song itself is difficult to place in any one category: not quite fast enough to be a dance track but not slow enough to be considered a ballad, the song seems to walk the line of contemporary J-pop. Long time fans of Ayumi will enjoy the song, but those new to her style might find her vocals too nasal-sounding to their liking. Still, the melody is uplifting and happy and Blue Bird ends up being rather catchy.

The second track, Beautiful Fighters, opens creatively with a marching band style beat. Ayumi’s voice is clearer here for the most part, and paired with the earnest melody the result is a lovely song with a great message that praises the strength of women. The only downside to this song is the electronically high pitched chanting that breaks in after every chorus. After awhile, it gets to be a bit grating.

Ladies Night ~another night~ ends up being the most interesting track on the single. Completely different in style from the previous two songs, it has a slightly darker, sensual sound and is clearly a song meant for clubbing. Ladies Night… is straightforward with a steady beat; parts of the mixing are reminiscent of Evolution, so fans of that song will probably like this one, and Ayumi speeds through the first two verses in an entrancing, rap-like fashion. The chorus is delightfully short and simple, making Ladies Night… regrettably also the shortest song on the single (though only by five seconds!).

The Blue Bird ‘Harderground remix’ turns Blue Bird into a full-fledged dance song. Remixed by Nish, it takes the original and cranks it up while giving it a more synthesized sound. The remaining two tracks are the instrumental versions of Blue Bird and Beautiful Fighters, included perhaps to give karaoke singers something to rehearse to.

The Blue Bird single contains all the charm of Ayumi, from her sweet happy pop tracks to her dance-trance beats, making sure that there is at least something for everyone. Though not completely flawless, it is still an enjoyable single from this superstar.