What makes First Time by Ai notable?

First Time received critical acclaim for its innovative fusion of styles, highlighted by its chart performance within Japan's music industry. The album's lead single quickly gained popularity on streaming platforms and solidified Ai's status as a prominent figure in the J-pop scene, influencing subsequent artists to explore genre-blending in their work. Released in 2022, First Time marks a significant moment for Ai as her first album after a brief hiatus from the music scene. Following her previous works, this album showcases her growth as an artist, blending multiple genres while maintaining her signature sound. It reflects the evolution of Ai's artistic identity, incorporating contemporary influences while honoring her roots.

How many songs are on First Time?

First Time has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

First Time

Ai · 2022

3 min · 1 track · J-pop

A vibrant blend of J-pop and gospel-inflected melodies enhanced by engaging hip-hop rhythms and smooth R&B undertones.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
First Time — The title track serves as a powerful introduction to the album, merging uplifting gospel elements with catchy pop hooks that showcase Ai's vocal range and emotive delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

42 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The single showcases solid production and catchy melodies but lacks depth for repeated listens.

What we noticed

The track features a steady mid-tempo beat with layered synths that create a bright, polished sound.
Vocals are delivered in a clear, melodic style, with harmonies introduced in the chorus to enhance emotional impact.
The song structure follows a conventional verse-chorus format, with a bridge that builds tension before returning to the final chorus.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows Ai's growth post-hiatus with innovative styles and critical acclaim.
Themes: gospel-infused pop· personal rebirth· cultural fusion
Career context: Released in 2022, First Time marks a significant moment for Ai as her first album after a brief hiatus from the music scene. Following her previous works, this album showcases her growth as an artist, blending multiple genres while maintaining her signature sound. It reflects the evolution of Ai's artistic identity, incorporating contemporary influences while honoring her roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Aimer· Hikaru Utada· Kenshi Yonezu