Aesthetic Rhapsody

Artist: Ayumi Hamasaki
Release Date: May 16, 2000
Label: Avex Trax
Genre: J-pop
Number of Tracks: 10
Personal Rating: 4/5

01. Endless Sorrow
02. Vogue (Kirari Natsu Ayu Mix)
03.Endless Sorrow (Natural Green Dub Mix)
04. Endless Sorrow (Nicely Nice Skyblue remix)
05. Never Ever (Dub’s Uncategorized Mix 001)
06. Endless Sorrow (Ram’s Advance Mix)
07. Endless Sorrow (Brent Mini’s gothic mix)
08. Endless Sorrow (Liquid Heart Mix)
09. Endless Sorrow (Juicy Ariyama Mix)
10.Endless Sorrow (Instrumental)
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So before I begin writing my very first review, I’m going to point out a few things. First of all, I know that this is a very old single and therefore, this is a very old song but “Endless Sorrow” is the very first Ayumi Hamasaki song that I’ve listened to. (Yes, I literally own almost all of her released cds but I’ll start with reviewing the first one I bought.) Second, people may have noticed that unlike the singles today, this single consists of remixes and other featured songs that were also in the tracklistings of it’s corresponding album (I am), instead of the usual few songs and their karaoke versions.

Since there are many remixes and other songs, I’m just going to review about the main songs. (Which in this case, is Endless Sorrow.) If I was going to review a “vogue” and a “Never Ever” Single, I would review those songs as well. Back in the year 2000, Ayumi Hamasaki fans may have noticed that this was the year when Ayumi released many remix albums of her songs. (Including the ever popular ayu-mi-x series, CYBERtrances and non-stop mega mixes). So it’s obvious that there would be many remixes of Endless Sorrow in this single.

Moving on, Endless Sorrow was a rather deep and dark song compared to the songs in her “Story for XX ” and “Duty” albums. But then again, Endless Sorrow was part of the “I am,” album which was transition when Ayumi Hamasaki began to apply more of a dark feel to her music. Not to mention, the cover also gives out a somewhat sad feeling.

The lyrics of the song is also clearly related to the single cover. There were a few phrases regarding “one wings,” “prayers” and “angels.” Ayumi’s purpose with this song was probably to inspire people who are down to move forward and seek spiritual guidance.

If anyone were to watch the Promotional video of Endless Sorrow, you will see a boy living in a society when no one is allowed to talk. The boy soon finds a feather which belonged to another boy with one wing. In the end, watchers will realize that the pv was supposed to symbolize freedom and hope.

Besides the sad feel of the song, the rhythm is rather a mixture of slow and upbeat. (Which is the type of song I would like.) Overall, I really like “Endless Sorrow,” but I perfer the “~ Gone with the Wind Version” that was featured in the “I Am…” album

Personal Rating: 4/5