Startin'/Born to Be... cover

Startin'/Born to Be...

Ayumi Hamasaki · 2006

24 min · 5 tracks · J-pop · electronic

A vibrant blend of electronic pop and dance beats, underscored by Ayumi's powerful vocals and emotive songwriting.

Why this album works

The songs peaked at number one on the Oricon singles chart, further solidifying Hamasaki's status as a leading artist in Japan. The singles were noted for their broad appeal and innovative sound, contributing to the evolution of J-pop during the mid-2000s and influencing subsequent artists in the genre.
Career context
By the time 'Startin'/Born to Be...' was released in March 2006, Ayumi Hamasaki was already a major figure in J-pop, having achieved immense commercial success with her previous albums. This single marked a transition as she began exploring more mature themes in her music following her celebrated 2004 album 'My Story'. It also came shortly after a brief hiatus from music production, signaling her return to the spotlight.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Startin’ (original mix) Standout 4:19
  • 2 Born To Be… (original mix) Standout 4:52
  • 3 Teens (acoustic version) Standout 5:46
  • 4 Startin’ (original mix, instrumental) 4:19
  • 5 Born To Be… (original mix, instrumental) 4:52

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata