Just in time for Christmas pop singer Ayumi Hamasaki released a collection, titled Winter diary ~A7 Classical~ on December 23rd last year. This album is not the first release where the artist's songs are accompanied by an orchestra. For Winter diary ~A7 Classical~, tracks from her previous released albums A ONE and sixxxxxx were chosen. JaME took a listen to the eleven tracks of Winter diary ~A7 Classical~.
WARNING is a powerful prelude to the album, offering epochal woodwind and brass instruments, but the strings are not forgotten in the dramatic track. The subsequent Step by step sounds more lighthearted and is mainly accompanied by gentle strings and a romantic flute melody.
The beginning and bridge of the following track Sorrows are reminiscent of Phantom of the Opera, drawing attention due to the soft strings, woodwind and brass instruments as well as the soft to powerful piano chords. Initially of rather inconspicuous character is the subsequent love song Last minute, where in addition to Hamasaki's dominant voice once more the strings are part of the play. Approximately after one minute, more instruments join the ensemble and the song wins on drama and sound.
With Summer diary the listener starts on a trip to a lavish ball night. The song is light, entertaining and plays with the soft chords of the strings, but there is also a certain atmosphere of waltz to it. The following Sky high proposes hopeful and powerful sounds at the same time. Especially striking are the brass instruments and Hamasaki's vocals. Yet more playful and refined with the incomparable sounds of a harpsichord, NO FUTURE takes the listener on a journey into a medieval era. Particularly worth hearing are also the interwoven violin solos. Out of control is of a contemplative and romantic character, its atmospheric quality set by the brass instruments and Hamasaki's empathetic vocals. Various flutes and drums are also added to the mix.
The GIFT is heralded and further accompanied by the gentle sounds of a harp. They are then joined by playful strings and Hamasaki's soulful vocals. More isn't needed for this arrangement to create a dreamy and entertaining setting. With The Show Must Go On, the penultimate track of the album plays. The harp is heard once more, inviting listeners on a journey. Compared to the previous piece, The Show Must Go On is more powerful and dramatic, surprising listeners with the chords of an electric organ and the full sound of brass and woodwind instruments. Furthermore, a rousing violin solo can be heard within the bridge.
A real Christmas feeling comes with the last track Winter diary (Original mix), a bonus track written by Komuro Tetsuya. For a short moment the lyrics of Silent Night, Holy Night are sung, but soon after a fresh and merry lighthearted Christmas song with its own lyrics comes into play, in which the electric organ also has another guest performance.
Ayumi Hamasaki's Winter diary ~A7 Classical~ successfully builds a bridge between classical and pop music. Titles like NO FUTURE and The Show Must Go On have a very unique touch. People who previously had little or even no contact with classical music can dare to start with this album.
The teaser movie for Winter diary ~A7 Classical~ can be watched below:
