What does Ayumi Hamasaki sound like?

Extremely overwrought and hooky J-Pop from the 2000s that knows how to rock out too.

The review of ‘Countdown Live 2023-2024 A Complete 25’ by Ayumi Hamasaki

Most New Year Eve’s sees Ayumi Hamasaki put on a carnival concert. Each show includes a live countdown to the strike of midnight before continuing with the show. They are something of a guilty pleasure for me because regardless of what someone thinks about J-Pop, Ayumi Hamasaki knows how to put on an explosive live show. She’s got plenty of costume changes, backing singers, performers and dancers, and each year has some kind of twist or gimmick to it. She’s also celebrating 25 years in the music business. Whilst she isn’t cranking out an album every year anymore, her back catalogue is vast enough to create unique setlists from.

For her 23/24 countdown show, we are treated to some unique flair. This show took place at the Yoyogi National First Gymnasium which meant the stage was in the centre of the arena. The circular stage works like a three-tier cake, with the central tier raising and lowering Ayumi and her performers for key moments. There is also an outer ring which stays static. Here, her dancers backflip, cartwheel and outstretch their hands towards Ayumi in pain for her love at all times. They bring so much energy to the stage and are key to the show. Then dropped in between those two areas is a lowered stall arena which contains a string and brass section, which is the other novelty for this show.

Bringing in live string and brass means that certain songs get more sweeping arrangements, or first verse and chorus symphonic beginnings. Crowd favourite ‘Evolution’ opens like a string ballad, almost teasing the audience that it won’t explode into the rousing anthem of the original. Thankfully, it does. This style pops up a few times early on before the strings are more integrated into the general structure of the songs. That said, the brass and strings add a certain cabaret flair to this year’s event and the costumes seem to lean into this too. This also leads to several moments where Ayumi takes on a chorus acapella, including ‘Daybreak’ which follows an instrumental ‘Bold & Delicious’. Hamasaki tries to cry at least once a countdown show and she saves this for ‘Walking Proud’. It is part of the acoustic section which features some more stripped-back string, brass and percussion arrangements of songs. ‘Monochrome’ gets a particularly beautiful string arrangement with an understated stage performance too. It’s part of a back-to-back merger of ‘M’, ‘Far Away’ and ‘Seasons’ which as a collection is a standout part of the show.

Whilst the strings and brass add a jazzier sound, the rock vibes still sizzle away underneath. The rock aspect is sealed to key pockets of the show instead, such as the afterparty vibes of ‘Humming 7/4’ and ‘Boys & Girls’ which are a great double act. The choreography includes a giant Chinese dragon with impressive acrobatics as a standout moment. There are several dance battles that duke out for Ayu’s affection too as dancers cartwheel and kick their way around the stage like a kaleidoscope. Hanging overhead on the stage are giant screens letting off all kinds of graphical effects and the stage lighting works a treat most of the time too. The bluray image is crystal clear and the sound mix is full and vibrant too.

Whilst it may not be my favourite countdown show, this is an incredibly smooth and cohesive performance throughout. The circular stage and string arrangements are a nice novelty which gives us new arrangements and performances to enjoy. Everyone is full of energy and the musical craftsmanship of the band is stunning. The sheer speed of the keyboard, bass and guitar players at times rival the madness of the Vocaloid shows. Through it all Ayumi commands her audience with aplomb. No one else pulls off such a circus-like carnival show quite like her. It feels like my 12-year-old self and my 40-year-old self are both catered for at the same time and that’s not something you can usually expect from a glittery, dance and pop concert. Love live Ayu.

Recommended track: Evolution

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