I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)

Last updated

I Am...
Iam3.PNG
Studio album by
Ayumi Hamasaki
ReleasedJanuary 1, 2002
Recorded2000–2001
Studio
  • Prime Sound Studio (Tokyo)
  • Studio Sound Dali (Tokyo)
  • Now-a-Days Attic (Tokyo)
  • Electric Sheep Studios
  • Avex Studio (Tokyo)
  • Sony Music Studios (Tokyo)
Genre
Length70:35
Language Japanese
Label Avex Trax
Producer
Ayumi Hamasaki chronology
A Best
(2001)		I Am...
(2002)		 Rainbow
(2002)
Singles from I Am...
  1. "M"
    Released: December 13, 2000
  2. "Evolution"
    Released: January 31, 2001
  3. "Never Ever"
    Released: March 7, 2001
  4. "Endless Sorrow"
    Released: May 16, 2001
  5. "Unite!"
    Released: July 11, 2001
  6. "Dearest"
    Released: September 27, 2001
  7. "A Song Is Born"
    Released: December 12, 2001
  8. "Daybreak"
    Released: March 6, 2002
  9. "Connected"
    Released: April 7, 2003

I Am... is the fourth studio album by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki. It was released on January 1, 2002 by Avex Trax and was distributed throughout Asia in both physical and digital formats. Hamasaki enlisted long-time collaborator Max Matsuura to assist with the album's creation, and was inspired by the events of the September 11, 2001 attacks to emphasise lighter themes in contrast to her previous work.

Contents

I Am... is a J-Pop record with a diverse range of sounds including rock, heavy metal, trance, and dance music. Lyrically, the album touches on themes of hope, peace and love. The album received positive reviews from music critics for its musical direction and Hamasaki's emotional presence, with some citing the album as one of her best. Commercially, I Am... was a success in Japan, reaching number one on the Oricon Albums Chart. It was certified double million by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for exceeding two million unit shipments, and is ranked as the fifty-fifth highest-selling album in that region.

I Am... spawned various singles in Japan and internationally; two singles, "M" and "Evolution", sold well over one million units in Japan. To promote I Am..., various songs from the record were promoted in commercial and campaigns in Japan. Moreover, Hamasaki embarked on two concert tours in the same region: her 2002 arena tour, and her 2002 stadium tour. Both tours were commemorated with live DVD releases that were commercially success in the country.

Background and development

On September 28, 2000, Ayumi Hamasaki released her third studio album Duty . [1] It was a critical success upon its release, partially noted for her songwriting abilities and overall production standard. [2] It became Hamasaki's best-selling studio album in Japan, debuting at number one on the Oricon Albums Chart and selling over two million copies. [3] [4] To promote the record, Hamasaki embarked on her 2000 concert tour and eventually her annual Live Countdown concert tour. [5] [6]

Work on new music began after the promotion for Duty concluded, with the release of her single "M" in December 2000. [7] Initially dissatisfied with the original results her team had given her for the track "M," Hamasaki decided to compose the tune herself. [8] She was pleased with the final sound, so she concentrated on writing and producing new material for the album under the alias Crea. [9] During the early stages of development, Hamasaki's record label Avex Trax planned to release a musical retrospective of the singer's career. Despite Hamasaki's refusal, Avex Trax released her greatest hits album A Best in March 2001 as a "competitive strategy" against the release of Japanese recording artist Hikaru Utada's album Distance . [10] [11] [12] Despite its massive commercial success in Japan at the time, this resulted in a minor pause in her new material.

She returned to making music for her new album, initially pursuing a darker and more personal sound similar to her previous records. However, Hamasaki told Time that the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City affected her emotionally. As a result, she decided to abandon her musical direction in order to concentrate on "lighter themes" like faith and peace. [13] [14] Along with this decision, Hamasaki decided to broaden her market by performing outside of Japan; in 2002, she made her international debut at the MTV Video Music Awards in Singapore. [15]

Composition

I Am... is a J-Pop record that incorporates various sounds such as rock, heavy metal, trance, dance, electronic music, and acoustic-driven instrumentation. [16] [17] [9] [18] Writing for AllMusic, Neil Z. Yeung said the record features more "mature content and thrilling genre experimentation". He also noted that the second half of the record has a more "midtempo fare...". [16] Michael McCarthy from Lollipop Magazine noted the variety of sounds and emotional presence from Hamasaki, writing that each track "fits together nicely." [17] The album was produced by long-time collaborator Max Matsuura, and all songs were written by Hamasaki. Tasuku, CMJK, Hal, Dai Nagao (under the alias D.A.I.) and Naoto Suzuki are among the composers and arrangers on the album, while Hamasaki is credited as a composer on ten of the songs. [19]

The album begins with the midtempo title track, opening with acapella and progresses with guitar riffs. [20] [17] "Opening Run" is one of two interludes, and its composition incorporates a breakbeat-inspired sound. [16] "Connected" was produced by Dutch DJ Ferry Corsten, and incorporates a fast trance-inspired beat. [16] [20] "Unite!" and "Evolution" are two fast-paced rock songs with keyboard and piano instrumentation, respectively, while "Naturally" has a "melancholic melody." [20] "Never Ever" is a fast-paced rock song with a guitar solo, while "Still Alone" is a slower rock-influenced track. [16] [20]

"Daybreak" is composed differently than its single release, opting for a mid-tempo rock sound, while "Taskinlude" is the second of two interludes featured on the album. [20] "M" is a "emotionally impactful" song, with the title "M" standing for Maria. [16] [20] A solo version of "A Song Is Born" was included on I Am..., omitting guest vocals by Globe lead vocalist Keiko from the single release. [19] [21] "Dearest" and "No More Words" are slow ballads with different instrumentation, while an alternate version of "Endless Sorrow" titled "Gone With the Wind" was included on the album; a hidden track titled "Flower Garden" is placed at the end of "Endless Sorrow". [20] [19]

Release and artwork

"I had a completely different idea for the cover at first. We'd already reserved the space, decided the hair and makeup and everything. But after the incident, as is typical of me, I suddenly changed my mind. I knew it wasn't the time for gaudiness, for elaborate sets and costumes. It sounds odd coming from me, but I realize what I say and how I look has a great impact." [14]

—Hamasaki talking about the photoshoot for I Am....

I Am... was released on January 1, 2002, her fourth studio album overall. [19] The album contains 16 songs totalling over 70 minutes in length, and was released in various countries in Asia, with Avex Trax releasing it in China, Hong Kong, and Indonesia, and S.M. Entertainment releasing it in South Korea. [22] In 2012, the album was reissued by Avex Trax in a Playbutton format. [23]

Toru Kumazawa participated in an original photoshoot, which Hamasaki described as having a "darker" vibe than her previous work with him. However, in light of the September 11, 2001, attacks and the subsequent shift in musical direction, she arranged for another shoot with Kumazawa. [14] The finished piece depicted Hamasaki in an outfit covered in leaves and vines, with a dove perched on his shoulder to convey a symbolic message of peace and hope.. [19] [14] She described the overall vibe of the photoshoot as a "peace muse". [14]

Promotion

Singles and other songs

Eight singles were released in Japan to promote I Am.... "M" was released the album's lead single on December 13, 2000, through Avex Trax. [7] The song peaked at number one on the Oricon Singles Chart, and was certified million by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for exceeding one million unit shipments. [24] [4] The albums second single, "Evolution", was released on January 31, 2001, through Avex Trax. [25] It peaked at number one on the Oricon Singles Chart, and was also certified million in Japan. [26] [27] "Never Ever" was released as the albums third single by Avex Trax on March 7, 2001. [28] The song peaked at number one on the Oricon Singles Chart, and was certified double platinum for exceeding shipments of 500,000 units. [29] [30] "Endless Sorrow" was released as the albums fourth single on May 16, 2001, and peaked at number one on the Oricon Singles Chart, achieving a double platinum certification in the country. [31] [32] [33]

The album's fifth single, "Unite!", was released on July 7, 2001, through Avex Trax. [34] It peaked at number one in the country, and was certified Platinum for exceeding sales of 400,000 units. [35] [36] "Dearest" was released as the sixth single on September 27, 2001, and peaked at number one in Japan. [37] [38] Additionally, the track received a double paltinum certification in the region. [39] "A Song Is Born", featuring Globe vocalist Keiko, served as a charity record to the Song Nation soundtrack in order to help raise funds for the September 11 attacks. [21] The song peaked at number one in Japan, and was certified Platinum in the region. [40] "Daybreak" was released as the albums eighth and final regional single on March 6, 2002. [41] It peaked at number one on the Oricon Singles Chart, achieving a gold certification for shipment of 200,000 units in the country. [42] [43]

A few songs on I Am... were remixed and released in different regions outside of Japan. "M" was the first remix single released under the pseudonym Ayu. It was re-released in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, complete with a music video featuring the remix version by Above & Beyond. [44] The Razor's Club mix of "Evolution" was released on vinyl in the United States in August 2001. [45] "Connected" was released in 2002 as a stand-alone single in Germany and Belgium, and featured various remixes. [46] Two CD single's featuring remixes of the album track "Naturally" and the single "Unite!" were issued in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in 2004 and 2005, respectively. [47] [48]

Concert tours

Hamasaki embarked on three different concert tours in Japan to promote I Am.... The first was her 2001-2002 Countdown Live debut on December 31, 2001 at Tokyo's National Yoyogi Stadium First Gymnasium. The show, which featured various album tracks, was filmed and released in conjunction with Hamasaki's box set Ayumi Hamasaki Complete Live Box A (2003). [49] Her 2002 Arena Tour began in her home prefecture of Fukuoka in April 2002 and ended in Yokohama in June of that year. On January 29, 2003, a live release was made available. [50] Her 2002 Stadium Tour began in Fukuoka in early July 2002 and ended in Tokyo at the end of the month. A live release, like its predecessor, was released on the same date of January 29, 2003. [51]

2001-2002 Countdown Live track list [49]
  1. "Opening Run"
  2. "Connected"
  3. "Unite!"
  4. "Surreal"
  5. "Never Ever"
  6. "Fly High"
  7. "Boys & Girls"
  8. "Evolution"
  9. "A Song Is Born"
  10. "Audience"
  11. "Dearest"
  12. "Endless Sorrow" (Gone with the Wind Ver.)
Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2002 track list [50]
  1. "I Am..."
  2. "Opening Run"
  3. "Naturally"
  4. "Never Ever"
  5. "A Song for xx"
  6. "Free & Easy"
  7. "Evolution"
  8. "Audience"
  9. "Unite!"
  10. "Independent"
  11. "Flower Garden"
  12. "Trauma"
  13. "No More Words"
  14. "M"
  15. "Dearest"
  16. "Daybreak" (Bonus track)
  17. "Who..." (Bonus track)
Ayumi Hamasaki Stadium Tour 2002 track list [51]
  1. "Unite!"
  2. "Fly High"
  3. "Evolution"
  4. "Medley" ("Whatever", "Too Late", "Monochrome", "End Roll", "Depend on You", "Vogue")
  5. "July 1st"
  6. "Independent"
  7. "Free & Easy"
  8. "M"
  9. "Surreal"
  10. "Hanabi"
  11. "Boy & Girls"
  12. "Audience"
  13. "A Song Is Born"
  14. "Flower Garden"
  15. "Trauma"
  16. "Who..."
  17. "Seasons" (Bonus track)

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [16]
Lollipop Magazine(positive) [17]

I Am... received positive reviews from music critics. Neil Z. Yeung of AllMusic gave the album four and a half stars, calling it one of Hamasaki's best works. Z. Yeung praised Hamasaki's songwriting abilities and overall emotional presence, citing "M" as an example, and stated that she was back "in full force." [16] He chose the title track, "Connected," "Evolution," and "M" as album highlights. [16] Michael McCarthy from Lollipop expresses similar sentiments about Hamasaki's involvement and emotional presence, stating "when when she sings ballads, Hamasaki’s delivery is intense and emotional and the music is never generic... Yet all of these songs, which Hamasaki wrote and composed herself, fit together nicely." [17]

Commercially, I Am... was a huge success. I Am... was the first album of 2002 to top the Oricon Albums Chart, marking Hamasaki's fourth consecutive studio album to do so. [52] The album sold over 1.7 million units in its first week, setting a record until it was surpassed that same year by Japanese singer Hikaru Utada's album Deep River . [53] I Am... spent 27 weeks on the chart, and by the end of the year, it was the country's second best-selling record, trailing only Deep Diver, with over 2.3 million units sold. [54] The album was certified douple million by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments of two million units. [55] In Taiwan, the album was certified by the Recording Industry Foundation in Taiwan (RIT), and sold 114,413 units in the region. [56] Since its release, I am... has ranked as the fifty-fifth best selling album of all time in Japan. [57]

Track listing

All lyrics are written by Ayumi Hamasaki

No.TitleMusicArranger(s)Length
1."I Am..."Ayumi Hamasaki [Note 1] Tadashi Kikuchi5:31
2."Opening Run" (Instrumental)CMJKCMJK0:57
3."Connected" Ferry Corsten Corsten3:19
4."Unite!"Hamasaki Hal 4:59
5."Evolution"HamasakiHal4:40
6."Naturally"HamasakiCMJK4:16
7."Never Ever"HamasakiChokkaku4:40
8."Still Alone"HamasakiCMJK5:54
9."Daybreak"
  • Hamasaki,
  • D.A.I
  • Junichi Matsuda
Tasuku4:48
10."Taskinlude" (Instrumental)TasukuTasuku1:20
11."M"HamasakiHal4:26
12."A Song Is Born" Tetsuya Komuro Komuro6:16
13."Dearest"
  • Hamasaki
  • D.A.I.
Naoto Suzuki5:32
14."No More Words"
  • Hamasaki
  • D.A.I.
  • Suzuki
  • Tasuki
5:41
15."Endless Sorrow" (Gone with the Wind ver.)HamasakiCMJK5:12
16."Flower Garden" (hidden track)
  • Hamasaki
  • D.A.I.
 2:38

Personnel

Personnel details were sourced from I Am...'s liner notes booklet. [19]

Visuals and imagery

Musicians

Technical and production

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ) [59] 2× Million2,308,112 [60]
Taiwan (RIT) [61] 3× Platinum+Gold114,413 [61]

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabel
Japan [19] January 1, 2002
  • CD
  • DVD
  • Digital download
 Avex Trax
Worldwide [62] Digital download
China [22] January 2002CD
Hong Kong [22]
Indonesia [22]
South Korea [22] S.M. Entertainment
Japan [23] 2012 Playbutton Avex Trax

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Crea is the pseudonym of Ayumi Hamasaki.

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Surreal (song)</span> 2000 single by Ayumi Hamasaki

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whatever (Ayumi Hamasaki song)</span> 1999 single by Ayumi Hamasaki

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">To Be (song)</span> 1999 single by Ayumi Hamasaki

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boys & Girls (Ayumi Hamasaki song)</span> 1999 single by Ayumi Hamasaki

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Appears</span> 1999 song by Ayumi Hamasaki

"Appears" is a song recorded by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki. It was released by Avex Trax on November 10, 1999 as the sixth single from her second studio album Loveppears (1999), which was released on the same day. Alongside this, it has been released in several other territories with different release dates under her Western alias Ayu. It also served as Hamasaki's first limited edition single, limiting physical sales to 300,000 copies. The track was written by Hamasaki herself, while production was handled by long-time collaborator Max Matsuura. Musically, "Appears" is a dance song written in third person perspective, and is about the third person watching what appears to be a happy and loving relationship. Upon its release, "Appears" received positive reviews from music critics. Alexey Eremenko, writing for AllMusic, selected the track as the best song from the album and her career. However, an editor from CD Journal criticized the amount of remixes on the CD single.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fly High (Ayumi Hamasaki song)</span> 2000 single by Ayumi Hamasaki

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vogue (Ayumi Hamasaki song)</span> 2000 single by Ayumi Hamasaki

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Far Away (Ayumi Hamasaki song)</span> 2000 song by Ayumi Hamasaki

"Far Away" is a song recorded by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki for her third studio album, Duty (2000). It was written by Hamasaki, while production was handled by Max Matsuura. It premiered on May 17, 2000, as the second single from the album. The song is part of a trilogy from Duty; the other two singles being "Vogue" and "Seasons".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seasons (Ayumi Hamasaki song)</span> 2000 single by Ayumi Hamasaki

"Seasons" is a song by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki for her third studio album, Duty (2000). It was written by Hamasaki, while production was handled by Max Matsuura. It premiered on June 7, 2000, as the third single from the album. The song is the final part of a trilogy from Duty; the other two singles being "Vogue" and "Far Away".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audience (Ayumi Hamasaki song)</span> 2000 single by Ayumi Hamasaki

"Audience" is a song by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki from her third studio album Duty (2000). It was released as the album's fifth and final single on 1 November 2000 by Avex Trax. Hamasaki wrote the track and Max Matsuura Lewis produced it. Dai Nagao and HΛL composed both the single and album version. The single artwork was shot by Japanese photographer Toru Kumazawa and features duplicate clones of Hamasaki, resembling an audience. Musically, "Audience" is a dance–pop and disco song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">M (song)</span> 2000 single by Ayumi Hamasaki

"M" is the nineteenth single by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki. "M" serves as the lead single to her fourth studio album I Am... (2002). The track marked Hamasaki's increased creative control over her music, as it was the first song she composed, under the pen name "CREA".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evolution (Ayumi Hamasaki song)</span> 2001 single by Ayumi Hamasaki

"Evolution" is a song recorded by Japanese recording artist and lyricist Ayumi Hamasaki, released on January 31, 2001, as the second single from her fourth studio album I Am... (2002).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">H (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)</span> 2002 EP by Ayumi Hamasaki

H is an EP by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki, featuring songs later included on her fifth studio album Rainbow (2002). The EP contains the songs "Independent", "July 1st" and "Hanabi", all written and co-composed by Hamasaki, alongside composer Dai Nagao and producer Max Matsuura. Hamasaki had written and recorded the three songs when she was still hurt and influenced by the events of the September 11 attacks and the completion of her fourth studio album I Am... (2002).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rule/Sparkle</span> 2009 single by Ayumi Hamasaki

"Rule"/"Sparkle" is a double A-side single by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki from her tenth studio album, Next Level (2009). The song was released on a CD and DVD format on February 25, 2009 as the second single from the album. With "Rule" composed by Miki Wantanabe and "Sparkle" composed by Kazuhiro Hara, both songs were written by Hamasaki and produced by long-time collaborator Max Matsuura. "Rule" was used as the international theme song for the 2009 film Dragonball Evolution.

<i>Next Level</i> (Ayumi Hamasaki album) 2009 studio album by Ayumi Hamasaki

Next Level is the tenth studio album by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki. It was released through Avex Trax on March 25, 2009 in five physical formats, and for digital consumption. The album was solely produced by Avex Trax owner Max Matsuura, whereas the album's content was written by Hamasaki herself. Additionally, it marks a return for several composers that helped construct her previous records, including Dai Nagao, CMJK, Kazuhiro Hara, HΛL, amongst others. Stylistically, Next Level is a departure from her previous albums, focusing on electronic music with elements of rock and dance.

References

  1. ↑ Duty (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2000. AVJCD10061.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. ↑ Z. Yeung, Neil. "Ayumi Hamasaki - Duty". AllMusic . Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Duty - Ayumi Hamasaki" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  4. 1 2 "GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2000年12月度" [Gold Albums, and other certified works. December 2000 Edition](PDF). The Record (Bulletin) (in Japanese). 495. Chūō, Tokyo: Recording Industry Association of Japan: 8. February 10, 2001. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 16, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  5. ↑ Ayumi Hamasaki Concert Tour 2000 (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2000. AVBD-91021.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ↑ Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2000-2001 A (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2001. AVBD-91060.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. 1 2 M (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2000. AVCD-30197.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. ↑ Shikano, Atsushi (February 2001). Rockin'on Japan .{{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  9. 1 2 Takeuchi Cullen, Lisa (March 25, 2002). "I have very clear ideas of what I want". Time . p. 2. Archived from the original on April 3, 2002. Retrieved January 2, 2008.
  10. ↑ Ayumi Hamasaki (performer) (2004). Hamasaki Ayumi: Light and Shadow, Despair and Decision at age 25 (Documentary). Fukuoka, Japan: Nippon TV.
  11. ↑ True, Chris. "Ayumi Hamasaki biography". AllMusic . Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  12. ↑ A Best (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2001. AVCD-1195.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. ↑ "Empress of Pop". Time. March 25, 2002. Archived from the original on December 28, 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 Takeuchi Cullen, Lisa (March 25, 2002). "I have very clear ideas of what I want". Time. Archived from the original on April 3, 2002. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  15. ↑ Takeuchi Cullen, Lisa (March 25, 2002). "The Many Faces of Ayu". Time . p. 7. Archived from the original on October 5, 2002. Retrieved April 17, 2008.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Z. Yeung, Neil. "Ayumi Hamasaki - I Am..." AllMusic . Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 McCarthy, Michael (August 2, 2002). "Hamasaki - I Am... - Review". Lollipop Magazine. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  18. ↑ "Hamasaki Ayumi against the Music". YesAsia. April 8, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 I Am... (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2002. AVCD-17037.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Ayumi Hamasaki - I Am..." CDJournal (in Japanese). Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  21. 1 2 A Song is Born (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2001. AVCD-30329.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 Citations regarding the international formats of I Am...:
  23. 1 2 I Am... (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax (South Korea). 2002. AQZD-50668.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  24. ↑ "M - Ayumi Hamasaki" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  25. ↑ Evolution (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2000. AVCD-30197.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  26. ↑ "Evolution - Ayumi Hamasaki" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  27. ↑ "GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2001年2月度" [Gold Albums, and other certified works. February 2001 Edition](PDF). The Record (Bulletin) (in Japanese). 497. Chūō, Tokyo: Recording Industry Association of Japan: 8. April 10, 2001. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 17, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  28. ↑ Never Ever (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2001. AVCD-30254.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  29. ↑ "Never Ever - Ayumi Hamasaki" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  30. ↑ "GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2001年4月度" [Gold Albums, and other certified works. April 2001 Edition](PDF). The Record (Bulletin) (in Japanese). 499. Chūō, Tokyo: Recording Industry Association of Japan: 8. November 10, 2001. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 17, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  31. ↑ Endless Sorrow (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2001. AVCD-30254.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  32. ↑ "Endless Sorrow - Ayumi Hamasaki" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  33. ↑ "GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2001年5月度" [Gold Albums, and other certified works. June 2001 Edition](PDF). The Record (Bulletin) (in Japanese). 500. Chūō, Tokyo: Recording Industry Association of Japan: 8. August 10, 2001. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 3, 2013. Retrieved January 22, 2014.
  34. ↑ Unite! (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2001. AVCD-30275.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  35. ↑ "Unite! - Ayumi Hamasaki" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  36. ↑ "GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2001年7月度" [Gold Albums, and other certified works. July 2001 Edition](PDF). The Record (Bulletin) (in Japanese). 502. Chūō, Tokyo: Recording Industry Association of Japan: 8. September 10, 2001. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 8, 2012. Retrieved January 22, 2014.
  37. ↑ Dearest (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2001. AVCD-30294.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  38. ↑ "Dearest - Ayumi Hamasaki" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  39. ↑ "GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2001年10月度" [Gold Albums, and other certified works. October 2001 Edition](PDF). The Record (Bulletin) (in Japanese). 505. Chūō, Tokyo: Recording Industry Association of Japan: 17. January 10, 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 22, 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2014.
  40. ↑ "GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2001年12月度" [Gold Albums, and other certified works. December 2001 Edition](PDF). The Record (Bulletin) (in Japanese). 507. Chūō, Tokyo: Recording Industry Association of Japan: 12. February 10, 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 16, 2013. Retrieved January 22, 2014.
  41. ↑ Daybreak (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2002. AVCD-30348.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  42. ↑ "Daybreak - Ayumi Hamasaki" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  43. ↑ "GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2002年3月度" [Gold Albums, and other certified works. March 2002 Edition](PDF). The Record (Bulletin) (in Japanese). 510. Chūō, Tokyo: Recording Industry Association of Japan: 12. May 10, 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 17, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  44. ↑ Citations regarding the international formats of M:
  45. ↑ Evolution (liner notes). Ayu. Avex Trax (United States). 2002. AVA-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  46. ↑ Citations regarding the international formats of Connected:
  47. ↑ Naturally (Wippenberg Remixes) (liner notes). Ayu. Drizzly. 2004. DRIZ3004-CD.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  48. ↑ Unite! (liner notes). Ayu. Drizzly. 2005. DRIZ3008-CD.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  49. 1 2 Ayumi Hamasaki Complete Live Box (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2003. AVBD-91141.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  50. 1 2 Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2002 (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2003. AVBD-91118.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  51. 1 2 Ayumi Hamasaki Stadium Tour 2002 (liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Avex Trax. 2003. AVBD-91119.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  52. 1 2 "I Am... - Ayumi Hamasaki" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  53. ↑ "2002.1.14付　アルバムTOP20" (in Japanese). Oricon (published via GeoCities). Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  54. 1 2 "2002年　アルバム年間TOP100" (in Japanese). Oricon (published via GeoCities). Archived from the original on April 27, 2015. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  55. ↑ "GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2002年1月度" [Gold Albums, and other certified works. January 2002 Edition](PDF). The Record (Bulletin) (in Japanese). 508. Chūō, Tokyo: Recording Industry Association of Japan: 12. March 10, 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 16, 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2014.
  56. ↑ "認證紀錄/Certifications Awarded". Recording Industry Foundation in Taiwan . Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  57. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20120103001458/http://www.musictvprogram.com/corner-ranking-album.html
  58. ↑ "RIAS Regional Album Rankings". RIAS. Archived from the original on February 4, 2002. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  59. ↑ "Japanese album certifications – Ayumi Hamasaki – I Am" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan . Retrieved December 14, 2023.Select 2002年3月 on the drop-down menu
  60. ↑ "オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」" [Oricon Ranking Information Service 'You Big Tree']. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved May 21, 2014.
  61. 1 2 認證紀錄 [Certifications Awarded] (in Chinese). Recording Industry Foundation in Taiwan.
  62. ↑ "I Am... by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store . Retrieved December 13, 2023.
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