What does To Be sound like?

A vibrant fusion of J-pop and dance beats that pulsates with emotion and energy. Rooted in J-pop and electronic. Start with "TO BE (original mix)".

Is To Be a good place to start with Ayumi Hamasaki?

Yes, To Be is recommended as a starting point for new Ayumi Hamasaki listeners. A vibrant fusion of J-pop and dance beats that pulsates with emotion and energy. When 'To Be' was released in May 1999, Ayumi Hamasaki was on the cusp of her breakthrough as a leading figure in Japanese pop music. This single followed her debut album 'A Song for XX,' which had already established her presence, marking a significant step toward solidifying her career and influence in the J-pop genre.

To Be works well if you're into steady mid-tempo dance vibes, infectious energy for workouts and uplifting melodies for celebrations.

How many songs are on To Be?

To Be has 7 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

To Be

Ayumi Hamasaki · 1999

37 min · 7 tracks · J-pop

A vibrant fusion of J-pop and dance beats that pulsates with emotion and energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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TO BE (original mix) Start here — As the title track, it showcases Hamasaki's powerful vocal delivery paired with an uplifting melody that encapsulates the essence of hope and resilience.
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Fly high (Supreme mix) — This track blends infectious hooks with energetic beats, highlighting Hamasaki's ability to create danceable hits while maintaining emotional depth.
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Fly high (SHARP BOYS U.K VOCAL MIX) — This remix emphasizes a more international sound, illustrating how Hamasaki began to appeal beyond Japan's borders through modernized production techniques.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo dance vibes
infectious energy for workouts
uplifting melodies for celebrations
for group sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek lengthy introspective pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Commercial success of 'To Be' propelled her to superstardom in Japan.
Themes: Japanese pop evolution· dance floor resilience· uplifting melodies
Career context: When 'To Be' was released in May 1999, Ayumi Hamasaki was on the cusp of her breakthrough as a leading figure in Japanese pop music. This single followed her debut album 'A Song for XX,' which had already established her presence, marking a significant step toward solidifying her career and influence in the J-pop genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Namie Amuro· Miliyah Kato· Perfume