Party Queen

I’ve given this album a try, but I just cannot seem to like it. And no it’s not because of her doing something new, a lot of Ayu’s albums use a different approach. Anyway, that’s my opinion.

I have owned the CD version of this album for over a year now, and I have pretty much almost played the data off of it from how many times I've played it. So many people cried foul when they saw the album artwork and instantly wrote the album off as garbage, and didn't see how much work Ayu and her team put into it. From the callback to her third album Duty (Leopard print and entrapment), to the purposeful tabloid style cover art to express her feelings of exploitation at the time, to the overarching theme to song lyrics. She progresses from light hearted party songs that gradually get darker and harder (Party Queen, NaNaNa, Shake it) to the descent into darkness with Return Road directly addressing her divorce (reminds me, Return Road, Tell me why), to the final uplifting song "How Beautiful you are" giving herself and her listeners reassurance that everything will be alright. It definitely helped that she didn't release a single beforehand that didn't tie into her album concept, like with Rock n' Roll Circus, so the album flows better than most of them do. I have always loved Ayumi most when she is at her most honest, and this was her most open and honest album she ever released. It is my third favorite album behind I am...and MY STORY.

I don't know what exactly I was expecting from what I heard about Party Queen, but this surpassed my expectations. I love it, because it's a little different but still everything that is wonderful about Ayumi Hamasaki. I'm glad that she tried something different. The last thing I would want is her music to become repetitive. I really believe the best song on here is Return Road. It is so genuine and beautiful. Return Road is now one of my favorite songs. Tell me why and reminds me are also powerful songs. I love the somber beginning and end in reminds me. I love the first three songs, they're fun and not what I anticipated. I just love the next Love and Eyes, Smoke, Magic. Those songs are definitely nothing like she's ever done before and for me that's great. I think the lyrics are funny and the songs are cute. Letter and call are the sort of rock songs I expect from Ayumi Hamasaki but definitely as good as any song on this album. I'm not usually a big fan of instrumental interludes but I can't stop listening to taskebab. And the last song on the album, how beautiful you are, is definitely beautiful. That's not normally my type of ballad but after listening a few times, it became a favorite. I actually prefer this album over some of her others. Just like Love songs, this is nothing like what I thought it would be. Not many artists can be so unique after so many albums.

I bought this album right when it came out and loved it. It is different from her previous albums but ayu can never do anything wrong in my opinion. I think shes amazing and I will always support her. I love the tracks shake it,letter,tell me why, and reminds me.

To be honest with you all, I don’t see why everyone is saying that this is Ayu’s worst album. I mean, so what if it’s a little different from her previous works? So what if it’s a bit more “party-themed” from everything else she’s released? SO WHAT?! It’s still Ayu. It’s still the great Ayu we know and love. Personally, I loved this album very much. It was a fun and adventurous album from start to finish! I don’t see what the big deal is. I mean, come on! We ALL know what she’s capable of! We ALL know how much of a goddess she is when writing deep and meaningful lyrics. WE ALL KNOW THAT! So what’s wrong with writing fun, carefree lyrics for a change? She was just having a little fun! I don’t see why everyone is criticizing her for it. Like I said before, I loved this album. Her voice was just so uplifting and beautiful! It made me wanna dance the night (or day) away! Who cares if it wasn’t a “typical” Ayumi album? It’s AYU, people! She can rock any genre and it’ll still be pure awesomeness! I don't care if it wasn’t as “meaningful” as the rest of her albums, I don't care if other fans didn't like the “party-theme” for this style....for me, it was all that I needed. "Party Queen" delivered beautifully from start to finish. There wasn’t a single song I disliked! But the ones that stood out the most were: “Party Queen” “NaNaNa” “Shake It♥” “taskebab” “Call” “Reminds Me” “Return Road” “Tell Me Why” “A Cup of Tea” “the next LOVE” and finally, “How Beautiful You Are”. I loved this album very much. I can't find myself skipping a single track; the quality of it is extremely high from start to finish. An excellent add to your “AYU” collection if you ask me!