Next Level (Ayumi Hamasaki album)
| Next Level | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Double album and DVD, and digital artwork.
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| Studio album by Ayumi Hamasaki | ||||
| Released | March 25, 2009 | |||
| Recorded | 2008–2009 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 51:45 | |||
| Label | Avex Trax | |||
| Producer | Max Matsuura | |||
| Ayumi Hamasaki chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Next Level | ||||
| Professional ratings | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |    |
| CD Journal | (positive) |
| Hot Express | (positive) |
| Purple Sky Magazine | (negative) |
| Random J Pop |   |
Next Level (capitalized as NEXT LEVEL) is the tenth studio album by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki. It was released on March 25, 2009 by Avex Trax. It was also released just a little over a year after her 2008 album, Guilty. Next Level marks Hamasaki's tenth consecutive album to be fully produced by Japanese producer and manager Max Matsuura, while she contributes to the album as the lead vocalist, background vocalist, and songwriter to all songs. Recorded in Japanese language with minor phrases in English, Next Level is an electronic album with numerous musical elements such as J-pop, rock, dance pop, and traditional Asian music.
Five different formats were released to promote the album; a standalone CD, a CD and DVD bundle, a double album and DVD bundle, a USB format, and a global digital release. The five formats have different artworks that were issued for the album; all have Hamasaki posing in a small room surrounded by televisions. Upon the album's release, it was met with mixed to favourable reviews from music critics. Critics commended the album's production and its approach to western pop music. However, some criticized the album's lack of direction and regressive composition. Commercially, Next Level was a success. Next Level became Hamasaki's ninth studio album to reach the top spot on Japan's Oricon Albums Chart, and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments of 500,000 units. The album charted on Korean and Taiwanese Albums Chart.
Two singles were released from Next Level, including one promotional. Its lead a-side single "Days/Green" was a commercial success, peaking at number one on the Japanese Oricon Singles Chart, while "Days" peaked at the top spot on the Japan Hot 100 chart. The album's second and final a-side single, "Rule/Sparkle", was a commercial success; it peaked at number one on the Japanese Oricon Singles Chart, while "Rule" peaked at the top spot on the Japan Hot 100 chart. The album's only promotional single, the title track, reached number 89 on the Japan Hot 100 chart, and 23 on the RIAJ Digital Track Chart. Hamasaki promoted the album on her 2009 Next Level tour.
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