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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Infobox album|
{{Infobox album
| name = A Best 2
| name = A Best 2
| type = greatest
| type = Greatest
| artist = [[Ayumi Hamasaki]]
| artist = [[Ayumi Hamasaki]]
| cover = ABest2BlackCDOnly.jpg
| released = {{start date|df=yes|2007|2|28}}
| alt =
| recorded = 2001–2007 <small>(Black)</small><br>2001–2005 <small>(White)</small>
| venue =
| caption = ''Black'' cover art.
| released = 28 February 2007
| recorded = 2001–2006
| studio =
| studio =
| genre = [[Pop music|Pop]], [[pop rock]], [[dance music|dance]], [[electronic music|electronic]]
| genre = [[J-pop]]
| length = {{Duration|m=77|s=27}} <small>(Black)</small><br>{{Duration|m=74|s=56}} <small>(White)</small>
| length = 77:27 (''Black'')<br>74:56 (''White'')
| label = [[Avex Trax]]
| label = [[Avex Trax]]
| producer = [[Max Matsuura]]
| producer = [[Max Matsuura]]
| prev_title =
| prev_title = [[Secret (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Secret]]
| prev_year =
| prev_year = 2006
| next_title =
| next_title = [[Guilty (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Guilty]]
| next_year =
| next_year = 2008
| misc = {{Extra album cover
| misc =
{{Extra album cover
| header = ''A Best 2: Black''
| type = greatest
| cover = ABest2BlackCDOnly.jpg
| border = yes
| alt =
| caption =
}}
{{Extra album cover
| header = ''A Best 2: White''
| header = ''A Best 2: White''
| type = greatest
| type = greatest
Line 30: Line 25:
| border = yes
| border = yes
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption = ''White'' cover art.
}}
{{Extra chronology
| artist = Ayumi Hamasaki
| type = greatest
| prev_title = [[Secret (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Secret]]
| prev_year = 2006
| title = A Best 2
| year = 2007
| next_title = [[Guilty (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Guilty]]
| next_year = 2008
}}
}}
{{Extra chronology
| prev_title = [[Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2006 A]]
| prev_year = 2006
| title = Best of Countdown live 2006–2007 A
| year = 2007
| next_title = [[Tour of Secret|Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2007: Tour of Secret]]
| next_year = 2008
}}
}}
}}


'''''A Best 2''''' (stylized as '''''[[File:Ayu_symbol.gif|15px]] BEST 2''''') is a series of [[greatest hits]] albums by Japanese singer [[Ayumi Hamasaki]], which were released simultaneously on {{start date|df=yes|2007|2|28}} by Avex Trax. The two-volume release is a direct successor to ''[[A Best]]'' (2001) and features material from a four-year period of her career. ''A Best 2'' is split between contrasting "dark" and "light" themes, with the two volumes ''Black'' and ''White'' compiling songs of either nature, respectively.
'''''A Best 2''''' is a two-part [[greatest hits]] album by Japanese singer [[Ayumi Hamasaki]]. Both albums, titled '''''Black''''' and '''''White''''', were released on 28 February 2007 on various formats by [[Avex Trax]]. Produced by [[Max Matsuura]], they follow Hamasaki's [[compilation album]] ''[[A Best]]'', which was released in March 2001. ''A Best 2'' are [[concept album]]s, with ''Black'' focusing on darker and more serious tones and ''White'' on lighter and more upbeat themes. The albums contain 31 songs, including an unreleased track titled "Part of Me" on the ''Black'' edition, that were released between the periods of her albums ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I Am...]]'' (2002) and ''[[(Miss)understood]]'' (2006).


[[Music journalism|Music critics]] praised ''A Best 2'' for its themes and [[Ayumi Hamasaki discography|Hamasaki's music catalogue]]. The albums were commercially successful in Japan. ''White'' debuted at number one on the [[Oricon Albums Chart]], while ''Black'' stalled at second place. Both records were among the best-selling albums of the year, and were certified triple platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of Japan]] (RIAJ) for shipments of 750,000 units. There were no singles from the album, but "Part of Me" was certified gold by RIAJ for exceeding 100,000 [[ringtone]] downloads. To promote the albums, Hamasaki went on [[Ayumi Hamasaki#concert tours|three different concert tours]] across Asia and received additional live DVD releases.
''A Best 2'' held the top two spots of the ''Oricon'' albums chart in its debuting week, with ''A Best 2: White'' at number one. This made Hamasaki the first female artist since [[Keiko Fuji]] to occupy both positions in 37 years. Both ''A Best 2'' volumes were certified 3× Platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of Japan]].<ref name="RIAJ-mar2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200703.html|date=10 April 2007|publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of Japan]]|language=ja|script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2007年3月|trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (March 2007)|access-date=22 January 2014}}</ref>


==A Best 2: Black==
==Background and content==
In January 2007, Hamasaki announced on her website that she planned to release two [[greatest hits]] albums, titled ''A Best 2'' (individually referenced as ''Black'' and ''White''). Both ''Black'' and ''White'' are direct follow-ups to Hamasaki's [[compilation album]] ''[[A Best]]'', which debuted in March 2001 to immense commercial success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avexnet.or.jp/ayu/news/070101-r.html#pagetop|title=BEST ALBUM『A BEST 2 -BLACK-』『A BEST 2 -WHITE-』|publisher=Ayumi Hamasaki website (via [[Avex Trax]])|date=17 January 2007|accessdate=30 January 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070126091445/http://www.avexnet.or.jp/ayu/news/070101-r.html#pagetop|archivedate=26 January 2007|language=Japanese}}</ref> It is also Hamasaki's third and fourth compilation album, released four years after her [[ballad]]-inspired collection ''[[A Ballads]]'' (2003).<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=A Ballads|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2003|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AVCD-17278}}</ref> On 17 January, Hamasaki published additional information about both albums, including the album's content, formats, and promotional activities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avexnet.or.jp/ayu/news/070117-r.html|title=BEST ALBUM『A BEST 2 -BLACK-』『A BEST 2 -WHITE-』|publisher=Ayumi Hamasaki website (via [[Avex Trax]])|date=17 January 2007|accessdate=30 January 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070123115905/http://www.avexnet.or.jp/ayu/news/070117-r.html|archivedate=23 January 2007|language=Japanese}}</ref>
{{Album ratings

| rev1 = [[HMV]]
''A Best 2'' are concept albums, with ''Black'' focusing on darker and more serious tones and ''White'' on lighter and more upbeat themes.<ref name="SpecialWebsite">{{cite web|url=http://abest2.com/index.html|title=ayumi hamasaki 『A BEST 2』SPECIAL SITE|publisher=Ayumi Hamasaki website (via [[Avex Trax]])|accessdate=January 30, 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080703074054/http://abest2.com/index.html|archivedate=July 3, 2008|language=Japanese}}</ref> ''Black'' and ''White'' features 31 songs from Hamasaki's single releases between her albums ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I Am...]]'' (2002) and ''[[(Miss)understood]]'' (2005). They both include tracks that were not released as singles; ''Black'' includes "Walking Proud," "About You," and a new recording called "Part of Me," while ''White'' features "Humming 7/4" and "My Name's Woman."<ref name="Black">{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: Black|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AVCD-23264}}</ref><ref name="White">{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: White|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AVCD-23266}}</ref> Additionally, the song "Memorial Address" was added as a [[hidden track]] to ''Black''.<ref name="Black"/>
| rev1Score = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="Black Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/2510667|title=''A Best 2: Black'' Review|publisher=[[HMV]]|access-date=9 May 2011|language=ja| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110516074806/http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/2510667| archive-date= 16 May 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref>
}}
'''''A Best 2: Black''''' includes a previously unreleased track, "Part of Me" (featured in a new [[Panasonic]] [[Television advertisement|CM]]) and its accompanying music video. The song was certified gold for 100,000 legal downloads.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w080220_3.html|title=Japanese Charts|access-date=30 March 2011|language=ja}}</ref>


===Track listing===
==Release==
''A Best 2'' was released on various formats on 28 February 2007 by [[Avex Trax]].<ref name="Black"/><ref name="White"/> The standard release of both ''Black'' and ''White'' comes in a [[Optical disc packaging|jewel case]] that includes separate content. Each album's double-[[DVD]] version comes in a [[Double album|double packaging]] that includes the CD, music videos and visuals from each album, as well as a live DVD from Hamasaki's Best Countdown show, which features different performances.<ref name="Black1">''Black'' versions listed below:
{{Tracklist
*{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: Black|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AVCD-23264}}
| extra_column = Original Album
*{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: Black|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AVCD-23263}}</ref><ref name="White2">''White'' versions listed below:
| title1 = [[Dearest (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Dearest]]
*{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: White|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AVCD-23266}}
| extra1 = ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I am...]]''
*{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: White|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AVCD-23265}}</ref> In Indonesia, ''A Best 2'' was distributed on [[cassette tape]].<ref name="Indonesia">Cassette tapes listed below:
| title2 = [[Carols]]
*{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: Black|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AV 1260307}}
| extra2 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
*{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: White|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AV 1270307}}</ref> Avex Trax later released both ''A Best 2'' albums in CD and DVD formats across Asia, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China.{{efn|name=fn1|<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: Black|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AVTCD-95946}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: Black|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AVJCD10309/A}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: Black|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=SCD-906}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: White|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AVTCD-95947}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: Black|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AVJCD10310/A}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: Black|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AVCDC 23266}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: Black|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=SCD-908}}</ref>}}
| title3 = [[No Way to Say]]
| extra3 = [[Memorial Address]]


==Reception==
| title4 = {{nihongo|[[H (song)|Hanabi]]|Fireworks}}
{{Music ratings
| extra4 = ''[[Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Rainbow]]''
| title5 = Walking Proud
| rev1 = ''CDJournal''
| rev1Score = (positive)<ref name="CDJournal1">{{cite web|url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/a-best-2---black--/4106122430|title=Ayumi Hamasaki / A Best 2: Black|magazine=CDJournal|accessdate=30 January 2024|language=Japanese}}</ref>
| extra5 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
| rev2 = ''CDJournal''
| title6 = [[Free & Easy (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Free & Easy]]
| rev2Score = (positive)<ref name="CDJournal2">{{cite web|url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/a-best-2---white--/4106122432|title=Ayumi Hamasaki / A Best 2: White|magazine=CDJournal|accessdate=30 January 2024|language=Japanese}}</ref>
| extra6 = ''[[Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Rainbow]]''
| title7 = [[Endless Sorrow]]
| extra7 = ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I am...]]''
| title8 = [[Because of You (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Because of You]]
| extra8 = [[Memorial Address]]
| title9 = About You
| extra9 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
| title10 = [[Inspire (song)|Game]]
| extra10 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
| title11 = [[Step You/Is This Love?|Is This Love?]]
| extra11 = [[(Miss)understood]]
| title12 = {{nihongo|[[& (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)|Hanabi: Episode II]] |Fireworks: Episode II}}
| extra12 = [[Memorial Address]]
| title13 = [[Never Ever (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Never Ever]]
| extra13 = ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I am...]]''
| title14 = [[Heaven (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Heaven]]
| extra14 = [[(Miss)understood]]
| title15 = [[Part of Me (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Part of Me]]
| extra15 = previously unreleased
| title16 = Memorial Address: Take 2 version
| note16 = [[Hidden Track]]
| extra16 = [[Memorial Address]]
}}
}}
''A Best 2'' received positive feedback from the Japanese [[Music journalism|music publication]] ''CDJournal'', which reviewed each album individually. The review praised ''Black'' for featuring "dramatic" ballads in the first half and primarily [[rock music]] in the second half. The publication also highlighted "[[Heaven (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Heaven]]" and "Part of Me" for concluding the album with "expressive" vocals from Hamasaki.<ref name="CDJournal1"/> The second review for ''White'' praised songs like "[[Evolution (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Evolution]]" and "[[Memorial Address|Grateful Days]]" for being a "positive" aspect to the record, as well as how well the album complement ''Black''.<ref name="CDJournal2"/>


''A Best 2'' achieved commercial success in Japan. ''White'' debuted at the top of the [[Oricon Albums Chart|Oricon Daily and Weekly Album Chart]], selling 475,284 copies in its first week, while ''Black'' debuted and stalled at number two, selling 470,057 units.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/42572/full/|title=浜崎あゆみ、待望のベスト盤1・2位独占!|publisher=[[Oricon]]|date=28 February 2007|accessdate=30 January 2024|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref name="Oricon">{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/42666/full/|title=浜崎あゆみ、藤圭子以来、女性アーティスト36年半ぶりの大記録達成!|publisher=[[Oricon]]|date=6 March 2007|accessdate=30 January 2024|language=Japanese}}</ref> Hamasaki became the first female artist in 37 years to occupy both top positions, a record previously held by Japanese [[enka]] singer [[Keiko Fuji]].<ref name="Oricon"/> By the end of 207, both albums were high-sellers: ''White'' finished fifth on the Oricon Year-end Chart with 717,501 units sold, while ''Black'' came in seventh with 698,591 copies.<ref name="Yearly">{{cite web|url=https://aramajapan.com/news/music/oricon-flashback-2007-year-end-chart/83867/2/#google_vignette|title=Oricon Flashback: 2007 Year End Chart|publisher=Arama! Japan|accessdate=30 January 2024}}</ref> The [[Recording Industry Association of Japan]] (RIAJ) certified both albums triple platinum for exceeding 750,000 units.<ref name="RIAJ1"/><ref name="RIAJ2"/> In February 2009, Avex Trax announced in their [[Financial statement|financial report]] that ''A Best 2'' had sold two million combined shipments across the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avex.co.jp/e_site/press/2008/070518.pdf |title=Avex Financial Results of the first quarter of 2007 Page 2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731065458/http://www.avex.co.jp/e_site/press/2008/070518.pdf|archivedate=31 July 2009|language=Japanese}}</ref>
===DVD track listing===
'''1st DVD&nbsp;– Promotional Videos'''
# "Dearest"
# "Carols"
# "No Way to Say"
# "Walking Proud"
# "Free & Easy"
# "Endless Sorrow"
# "Because of You"
# "About You"
# "Game"
# "Is This Love?"
# "Hanabi: Episode II"
# "Never Ever" [promotional clip]
# "Heaven"
# "Part of Me"
# "H" [TV-CM]


==Promotion==
'''2nd DVD&nbsp;– Best of CountDown Live 2006–2007'''
Although no [[Single (music)|single]]s were released from the album, the track "Part of Me" received a [[music video]], which was included on the album's DVD formats.<ref name="Black1"/> The song was featured in [[Panasonic]] commercials promoting the [[Lumix]] FX30 [[digital camera]], which was distributed in Japan.<ref name="CDJournal1"/> The song was also certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for exceeding 100,000 [[ringtone]] downloads.<ref>{{cite web |title=レコード協会調べ 2月度有料音楽配信チャート（「着うた（R）」） |trans-title=Record Association report: February paid digital music chart (ringtones) |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w070320_1.html |language=ja |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of Japan]] |date=20 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821111606/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w070320_1.html |archive-date=21 August 2014 |access-date=21 August 2014}}</ref>
#Best of CountDown Live 2006–2007 (Behind the Scenes) (90 minutes)


Hamasaki went on three different concert tours to promote ''A Best 2''. Her first tour was the annual Best Countdown show, which took her through Japan. The live release was divided between the DVD version of ''Black'' and'' White''.<ref name="Black1"/><ref name="White2"/> The second was her [[Tour of Secret|Secret Tour]], which also promoted her [[studio album]] ''[[Secret (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Secret]]'' (2006). The tour, which began on 10 March 2007, and ended in mid-June of that year, took her throughout Japan, including her first appearances in Taiwan and China. [[Tour of Secret|Asia Tour 2007: Tour of Secret]], a live DVD, was released on 12 March 2008.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Asia Tour 2007: Tour of Secret|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2008|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AVBD-91536~7}}</ref> Her final tour was her second [[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2007–2008 Anniversary|Best Countdown show]], which was recorded live and released on 18 June 2008.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Countdown Live 2007–2008 Anniversary|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2008|type=[[liner notes]]|publisher=[[Avex Trax]]|id=AVBD-91558}}</ref>
===Charts===

Oricon Sales Chart (Japan)
==Track listing==
{| class="wikitable" width="650px"
{{tracklist
!Release
| headline = ''A Best: Black'' tracklist
!Chart
| extra_column = Original album
!Peak Position
| title1 = [[Dearest (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Dearest]]
!First Week Sales
| extra1 = ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I am...]]''
!Sales Total
| title2 = [[Carols]]
!Chart Run
| extra2 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
| title3 = [[No Way to Say]]
| extra3 = [[Memorial Address]]
| title4 = {{nihongo|[[H (song)|Hanabi]]|Fireworks}}
| extra4 = ''[[Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Rainbow]]''
| title5 = Walking Proud
| extra5 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
| title6 = [[Free & Easy (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Free & Easy]]
| extra6 = ''[[Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Rainbow]]''
| title7 = [[Endless Sorrow]]
| extra7 = ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I am...]]''
| title8 = [[Because of You (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Because of You]]
| extra8 = [[Memorial Address]]
| title9 = About You
| extra9 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
| title10 = [[Inspire (song)|Game]]
| extra10 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
| title11 = [[Step You/Is This Love?|Is This Love?]]
| extra11 = [[(Miss)understood]]
| title12 = {{nihongo|[[& (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)|Hanabi: Episode II]] |Fireworks: Episode II}}
| extra12 = [[Memorial Address]]
| title13 = [[Never Ever (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Never Ever]]
| extra13 = ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I am...]]''
| title14 = [[Heaven (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Heaven]]
| extra14 = [[(Miss)understood]]
| title15 = [[Part of Me (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Part of Me]]
| extra15 = previously unreleased
| title16 = Memorial Address: Take 2 version
| note16 = [[Hidden Track]]
| extra16 = [[Memorial Address]]
}}
{{tracklist
| headline = ''A Best: White'' tracklist
| extra_column = Original album
| title1 = [[Evolution (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Evolution]]
| extra1 = ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I am...]]''
| title2 = [[& (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)|Greatful Days]]*
| extra2 = [[Memorial Address]]
| title3 = [[H (song)|Independent]]
| extra3 = ''[[Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Rainbow]]''
| title4 = Humming 7/4
| extra4 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
| title5 = [[Unite!]]
| extra5 = ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I am...]]''
| title6 = [[Real Me (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Real Me]]
| extra6 = ''[[Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Rainbow]]''
| title7 = My Name's Women
| extra7 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
| title8 = [[& (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)|Ourselves]]
| extra8 = [[Memorial Address]]
| title9 = [[Inspire (song)|Inspire]]
| extra9 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
| title10 = [[Step You/Is This Love?|Step You]]**
| extra10 = ''[[(Miss)understood]]''
| title11 = [[H (song)|July 1st]]
| extra11 = ''[[Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Rainbow]]''
| title12 = [[Fairyland (song)|Fairyland]]
| extra12 = ''[[(Miss)understood]]''
| title13 = [[Voyage (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Voyage]]
| extra13 = ''[[Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Rainbow]]''
| title14 = [[Moments (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Moments]]
| extra14 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
| title15 = [[A Song Is Born (song)|A Song Is Born]]
| extra15 = ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I am...]]''
}}
{{tracklist
| headline = ''A Best: Black'' DVD content
| extra_column = Notes
| title1 = [[Dearest (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Dearest]]
| title2 = [[Carols]]
| title3 = [[No Way to Say]]
| title4 = Walking Proud
| title5 = [[Free & Easy (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Free & Easy]]
| title6 = [[Endless Sorrow]]
| title7 = [[Because of You (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Because of You]]
| title8 = About You
| title9 = [[Inspire (song)|Game]]
| title10 = [[Step You/Is This Love?|Is This Love?]]
| title11 = {{nihongo|[[& (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)|Hanabi: Episode II]] |Fireworks: Episode II}}
| title12 = [[Never Ever (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Never Ever]]
| note12 = Promotional video
| title13 = [[Heaven (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Heaven]]
| title14 = [[Part of Me (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Part of Me]]
| title15 = ''H''
| extra16 = Promotional video
}}
{{tracklist
| headline = ''A Best: White'' DVD content
| extra_column = Notes
| title1 = [[Evolution (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Evolution]]
| title2 = [[& (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)|Greatful Days]]
| title3 = Humming 7/4
| title4 = [[Unite!]]
| extra4 = Promotional video
| title5 = [[Real Me (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Real Me]]
| title6 = My Name's Women
| title7 = [[& (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)|Ourselves]]
| title8 = [[Inspire (song)|Inspire]]
| title9 = [[Step You/Is This Love?|Step You]]
| title10 = [[Fairyland (song)|Fairyland]]
| title11 = [[Voyage (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Voyage]]
| title12 = [[Moments (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Moments]]
| title13 = ''H''
| extra13 = Promotional video
}}
{{tracklist
| headline = ''A Best: Black'': Best of CountDown Live 2006–2007
| extra_column = Notes
| title1 = Best of CountDown Live 2006–2007 (Behind the Scenes)
}}
{{tracklist
| headline = ''A Best: White'': Best of CountDown Live 2006–2007
| extra_column = Notes
| title1 = Not Yet
| title2 = Ourselves
| title3 = Fly High
| title4 = Beautiful Fighters
| title5 = Never End
| title6 = A Song for xx
| title7 = No Way to Say
| title8 = Free & Easy
| title9 = Evolution
| title10 = Flower Garden
| title11 = Until That Day...
| title12 = Audience
| title13 = Boys & Girls
| title14 = Trauma
| title15 = Independent
| title16 = Humming 7/4
| title17 = Blue Bird
}}

==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
===Weekly chart===
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!scope="col"|Chart (2007: ''Black'')
!scope="col"|Peak<br />position
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Japanese Albums ([[Oricon]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/246497/products/696310/1/|title=A Best 2: Black – Ayumi Hamasaki|publisher=[[Oricon]]|accessdate=30 January 2024|language=Japanese}}</ref>
|rowspan="4"|{{start date|df=yes|2007|02|28}}
| 2
|Oricon Daily Albums Chart
|align="center"|1
|
|
|
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Taiwanese Albums ([[G-Music]]){{efn|name=fn2|Week references for G-Music: ''Black'' and ''White'' during week 10 and week 11, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.g-music.com.tw/GMusicBillboard0.aspx |language=zh |title=G-Music Combo Chart |publisher=G-Music |access-date=23 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605131727/http://www.g-music.com.tw/GMusicBillboard0.aspx |archive-date=5 June 2014 }}</ref>}}
|Oricon Weekly Albums Chart
| 3
|align="center"|2
|470,057
|970,000
|52
|-
|-
|}
|Oricon Monthly Albums Chart
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|align="center"|3
!scope="col"|Chart (2007: ''White'')
|
!scope="col"|Peak<br />position
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|Japanese Albums ([[Oricon]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/246497/products/696311/1/|title=A Best 2: White – Ayumi Hamasaki|publisher=[[Oricon]]|accessdate=30 January 2024|language=Japanese}}</ref>
| 1
|-
!scope="row"|Taiwanese Albums ([[G-Music]]){{efn|name=fn2}}
| 3
|-
|-
|Oricon Yearly Albums Chart
|align="center"|7
|
|
|
|}
|}


{{col-2}}
* ''' Total Sales : ''' 970,000 (Japan)


===Yearly chart===
==A Best 2: White==
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{{Album ratings
!scope="col"|Chart (2007: ''Black'')
| rev1 = [[HMV]]
!scope="col"|Position
| rev1Score = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="White Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/2510673|title=''A Best 2: White'' Review|language=ja|publisher=[[HMV]]|access-date=9 May 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110516074740/http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/2510673| archive-date= 16 May 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref>
}}
On {{start date|df=yes|2007|01|15}} this release was confirmed by her official website. On {{start date|df=yes|2007|01|16}}, track listing for both CDs were officially released. The album covers and DVD track listings were released on {{start date|df=yes|2007|02|06}}.

===Track listing===
{{Tracklist
| extra_column = Original Album
| title1 = [[Evolution (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Evolution]]
| extra1 = ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I am...]]''
| title2 = [[& (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)|Greatful Days]]*
| extra2 = [[Memorial Address]]
| title3 = [[H (song)|Independent]]
| extra3 = ''[[Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Rainbow]]''
| title4 = Humming 7/4
| extra4 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
| title5 = [[Unite!]]
| extra5 = ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I am...]]''
| title6 = [[Real Me (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Real Me]]
| extra6 = ''[[Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Rainbow]]''
| title7 = My Name's Women
| extra7 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
| title8 = [[& (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)|Ourselves]]
| extra8 = [[Memorial Address]]
| title9 = [[Inspire (song)|Inspire]]
| extra9 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
| title10 = [[Step You/Is This Love?|Step You]]**
| extra10 = ''[[(Miss)understood]]''
| title11 = [[H (song)|July 1st]]
| extra11 = ''[[Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Rainbow]]''
| title12 = [[Fairyland (song)|Fairyland]]
| extra12 = ''[[(Miss)understood]]''
| title13 = [[Voyage (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Voyage]]
| extra13 = ''[[Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Rainbow]]''
| title14 = [[Moments (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Moments]]
| extra14 = ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]''
| title15 = [[A Song Is Born (song)|A Song Is Born]]
| extra15 = ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I am...]]''
}}

===DVD track listing===
'''1st DVD&nbsp;– Promotional Videos'''
#"Evolution"
#"Grateful Days"
#"Humming 7/4"
#"Unite!" [promotional clip]
#"Real me"
#"My Name's Women"
#"Ourselves"
#"Inspire"
#"Step you"
#"Fairyland"
#"Voyage"
#"Moments"
#"H" [TV-CM]

'''2nd DVD&nbsp;– Best of CountDown Live 2006–2007'''
#"Not Yet"
#"Ourselves"
#"Fly High"
#"Beautiful Fighters"
#"Never Ever"
#"A Song for" ××
#"No Way to Say"
#"Free & Easy"
#"Evolution"
#"Flower Garden"
#"Until That Day..."
#"Audience"
#"Boys & Girls"

-encore-
#"Trauma"
#"Independent"
#"Humming 7/4"
#"Blue Bird"

===Charts===
'''''A Best 2: White'''''&nbsp;– '''Oricon''' Sales Chart (Japan)
{| class="wikitable" width="650px"
!Release
!Chart
!Peak Position
!First Week Sales
!Sales Total
!Chart Run
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Japanese Albums ([[Oricon]])<ref name="Yearly"/>
|rowspan="4"|{{start date|df=yes|2007|02|28}}
| 5
|Oricon Daily Albums Chart
|align="center"|1
|
|
|
|-
|-
|}
|Oricon Weekly Albums Chart
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|align="center"|1
!scope="col"|Chart (2007: ''White'')
|475,284
!scope="col"|Position
|990,000
|52
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Japanese Albums ([[Oricon]])<ref name="Yearly"/>
|Oricon Monthly Albums Chart
| 7
|align="center"|2
|
|
|
|-
|-
|Oricon Yearly Albums Chart
|align="center"|5
|
|
|
|}
|}
{{col-end}}


==Certification and sales==
* ''' Total Sales : ''' 990,000 (Japan)
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry |region=Japan|artist=Ayumi Hamasaki|title=A Best 2 (Black)|type=album|award=Platinum|number=3|refname="RIAJ1"|relyear=2007|certyear=2007|certmonth=3|salesamount=702,895|salesref=<ref name="Sales">{{cite web|title=オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」|url=http://ranking.oricon.co.jp|publisher=[[Oricon]]|url-access=subscription|accessdate=29 January 2024|language=Japanese}}</ref>|access-date=30 January 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry |region=Japan|artist=Ayumi Hamasaki|title=A Best 2 (White)|type=album|award=Platinum|number=3|refname="RIAJ2"|relyear=2007|certyear=2007|certmonth=3|salesamount=721,839|salesref=<ref name="Sales"/>|access-date=30 January 2024}}
{{table end}}


==Release history==
==Release history==
{{unsourced|section|date=January 2024}}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
! scope="col"| Region
! scope="col"| Date
! scope="col"| Format(s)
! scope="col"| Label
! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|-
|-
! scope="row"|Japan
! Region
| 28 February 2007
! Date
| rowspan="4"| {{hlist|[[Compact disc|CD]]|[[DVD]]}}
! Format
|[[Avex Trax]]
! Catalogue Number
|-
| rowspan="2"| Japan
| rowspan="2"| {{start date|df=yes|2007|2|28}} <br/> {{start date|df=yes|2022|2|28}}
| CD+2DVD
| AVCD-23263 <small>(Black)</small><br>AVCD-23265 <small>(White)</small>
|-
| CD
|AVCD-23264 <small>(Black)</small><br>AVCD-23266 <small>(White)</small>
|-
| Taiwan
| {{start date|df=yes|2007|3|9}}
|
|
|
|-
|-
| Hong Kong
! scope="row"|Hong Kong
| rowspan="2"| 9 March 2007
| {{start date|df=yes|2007|3|13}}
| rowspan="5"| [[Avex Trax]]
|
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| China
! scope="row"|Taiwan
| rowspan="2"| {{start date|df=yes|2007|10|27}}
| CD+2DVD
*<small> Initial pressing </small>
|
|
|-
|-
! scope="row"|China
| CD
| rowspan="3"| 2007
*<small> Initial pressing </small>
|
|
|-
|-
! scope="row"|Indonesia
| Singapore
|[[Cassette tape]]
| {{start date|df=yes|2007|3|14}}
|
|
|
|-
|-
! scope="row"|Various
| South Korea
| rowspan="3"| {{hlist|[[Music download|Digital download]]|[[Streaming service|streaming]]}}
| {{start date|df=yes|2007|3|15}}
|
|
|
|}

==Sales and accomplishments==

===Japan===
After the first week sales of A Best 2: Black and White were announced, Hamasaki had already garnered sales of over 1 million copies. With the release of A Best 2, Hamasaki also broke many records.

As of August 2007, A Best 2 has charted in the top 5 of 2007 Oricon Half-Yearly Album 2007 Chart. A Best: White charted as #3 and Black charted as #4; the nearest competitor was Kobukuro with "All Singles Best" with sales around 640,000 copies. However, factoring in consistent sales of Kobukuro's "All Singles Best", it is predicted that A Best 2 will fall down to #4 and #5, respectively. According to Avex, A Best 2 had sold over 2 million copies as of March 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avex.co.jp/e_site/press/2008/070518.pdf |title=Avex Financial Results of the first quarter of 2007 Page 2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731065458/http://www.avex.co.jp/e_site/press/2008/070518.pdf |archive-date=31 July 2009 }}</ref>

'''Oricon Sales Chart (Japan)'''
{| class="wikitable" width="650px"
!Release
!Chart
!Peak Position
!Oricon Sales Total
!Avex Sales Total
!Chart Run
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"|{{start date|df=yes|2007|02|28}}
|Oricon Daily Albums Chart
|align="center"|1 <small>(Black & White)</small>
|170,000
|200,000
|1 day
|-
|Oricon Weekly Albums Chart
|align="center"|1 <small>(White)</small><br>2 <small>(Black)</small>
|945,341
|1,000,000
|1 week
|-
|Oricon Monthly Albums Chart
|align="center"|2 <small>(White)</small><br>3 <small>(Black)</small>
|646,479 <small>(White)</small>, 632,999 <small>(Black)</small>
|1,200,000
|4 weeks
|-
|Oricon Yearly Albums Chart
|align="center"|4 <small>(White)</small><br>5 <small>(Black)</small>
|1,960,000 <small>(as of 2008)</small>
|2,000,000
|52 weeks
|}
|}


==See also==
* ''' Total Sales:''' 1,960,000 (Japan)
* [[List of Oricon number-one albums of 2007]]
* ''' Total Sales:''' 2,000,000 (Avex)


===Taiwan===
==References==
===Notes===
''A Best 2'' as a whole performed very well on the Taiwan Charts. ''A Best 2: White'' topped the Taiwan Charts for 8 weeks, while ''A Best 2: Black'' has been following behind at #2 consistently, achieving peak at #1 on the second week of being released.
{{notelist}}


===Featured singles===
===Citations===
{| class="wikitable"
!Album
!Date
!Title
!Peak position
!Chart Run
!Sales
|-
| rowspan="7" valign="middle" |Black
|{{start date|df=yes|2001|03|07}}
|"Never Ever"
|align="center"|1
|12 weeks
|756,980
|-
|{{start date|df=yes|2001|05|16}}
|"Endless Sorrow"
|align="center"|1
|11 weeks
|768,510
|-
|{{start date|df=yes|2001|09|27}}
|"Dearest"
|align="center"|1
|16 weeks
|750,420
|-
|{{start date|df=yes|2002|04|24}}
|"Free & Easy"
|align="center"|1
|9 weeks
|486,520
|-
|{{start date|df=yes|2003|11|06}}
|"No Way to Say"
|align="center"|1
|12 weeks
|371,171
|-
|{{start date|df=yes|2004|11|29}}
|"Carols"
|align="center"|1
|14 weeks
|309,128
|-
|{{start date|df=yes|2005|11|14}}
|"Heaven"
|align="center"|1
|14 weeks
|326,694
|-
| rowspan="6" valign="middle" |White
|{{start date|df=yes|2001|01|31}}
|"Evolution"
|align="center"|1
|17 weeks
|955,250
|-
|{{start date|df=yes|2001|07|11}}
|"Unite!"
|align="center"|1
|10 weeks
|571,110
|-
|{{start date|df=yes|2001|12|12}}
|"A Song Is Born"
|align="center"|1
|10 weeks
|441,410
|-
|{{start date|df=yes|2002|11|26}}
|"Voyage"
|align="center"|1
|28 weeks
|679,463
|-
|{{start date|df=yes|2004|03|31}}
|"Moments"
|align="center"|1
|21 weeks
|302,923
|-
|{{start date|df=yes|2005|08|03}}
|"Fairyland c/w Alterna"
|align="center"|1
|13 weeks
|316,663
|-
| rowspan="4" valign="middle" |Black and White
|{{start date|df=yes|2002|07|24}}
|"H"
|align="center"|1
|24 weeks
|1,016,000
|-
|{{start date|df=yes|2003|07|09}}
|"&"
|align="center"|1
|16 weeks
|591,481
|-
|{{start date|df=yes|2004|07|28}}
|"Inspire c/w Game"
|align="center"|1
|15 weeks
|329,145
|-
|{{start date|df=yes|2005|04|20}}
|"Step You / Is This Love?"
|align="center"|1
|19 weeks
|345,340
|}

'''Total Single Sales:''' 9,909,689

==Live performances==
*{{start date|df=yes|2007|02|23}}&nbsp;– Music Station&nbsp;– "[[Evolution (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Evolution]]"
*{{start date|df=yes|2007|02|24}}&nbsp;– Music Fair 21&nbsp;– "Evolution", "[[Dearest (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Dearest]]", "[[Heaven (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Heaven]]"
*{{start date|df=yes|2007|02|26}}&nbsp;– Hey! Hey! Hey!&nbsp;– "[[Dearest (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Dearest]]"
*{{start date|df=yes|2007|02|26}}&nbsp;– SMAPxSMAP&nbsp;– "[[Voyage (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Voyage]]", "[[Unite!]]"
*{{start date|df=yes|2007|03|02}}&nbsp;– Music Station&nbsp;– "Part of Me"
*{{start date|df=yes|2007|03|02}}&nbsp;– Music Fighter&nbsp;– "[[Never Ever (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Never Ever]]"
*{{start date|df=yes|2007|03|02}}&nbsp;– PopJam&nbsp;– "[[Moments (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Moments]]"
*{{start date|df=yes|2007|03|04}}&nbsp;– Domoto Kyoudai&nbsp;– "[[Step You/Is This Love?|Step You]]"
*{{start date|df=yes|2007|03|16}}&nbsp;– Music Station&nbsp;– "[[Memorial Address]]"
*{{start date|df=yes|2007|03|16}}&nbsp;– PopJam (final episode special)&nbsp;– "[[No Way to Say]]"

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070304161637/http://www.avexnet.or.jp/ayu/news/070101-r.html Information about A BEST 2 in Ayumi Hamasaki's website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20181006015440/http://www.hmv.com.hk/charts/top_40_new.asp?subm=chart HMV Hong Kong Asian Chart]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20181006015506/http://www.hmv.com.hk/charts/japanese.asp?subm=chart HMV Hong Kong Japanese Chart]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110722112438/http://www.g-music.com.tw/GMusicBillboard3.aspx g-music charts]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090208224123/http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/pop-200703.htm Korea monthly charts]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Ayumi Hamasaki}}
{{Ayumi Hamasaki}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Best 2: Black, A}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Best 2: Black, A}}
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[[Category:Ayumi Hamasaki compilation albums]]
[[Category:Ayumi Hamasaki compilation albums]]
[[Category:Avex Group compilation albums]]
[[Category:Avex Group compilation albums]]
[[Category:Japanese-language albums]]
[[Category:2000s Japanese-language albums]]

Latest revision as of 23:47, 31 August 2024

A Best 2
Black cover art.
Greatest hits album by
Ayumi Hamasaki
Released28 February 2007
Recorded2001–2006
GenreJ-pop
Length77:27 (Black)
74:56 (White)
LabelAvex Trax
ProducerMax Matsuura
Ayumi Hamasaki chronology
Secret
(2006) 		A Best 2
(2007) 		Guilty
(2008)
A Best 2: White
White cover art.

A Best 2 is a two-part greatest hits album by Japanese singer Ayumi Hamasaki. Both albums, titled Black and White, were released on 28 February 2007 on various formats by Avex Trax. Produced by Max Matsuura, they follow Hamasaki's compilation album A Best, which was released in March 2001. A Best 2 are concept albums, with Black focusing on darker and more serious tones and White on lighter and more upbeat themes. The albums contain 31 songs, including an unreleased track titled "Part of Me" on the Black edition, that were released between the periods of her albums I Am... (2002) and (Miss)understood (2006).

Music critics praised A Best 2 for its themes and Hamasaki's music catalogue. The albums were commercially successful in Japan. White debuted at number one on the Oricon Albums Chart, while Black stalled at second place. Both records were among the best-selling albums of the year, and were certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments of 750,000 units. There were no singles from the album, but "Part of Me" was certified gold by RIAJ for exceeding 100,000 ringtone downloads. To promote the albums, Hamasaki went on three different concert tours across Asia and received additional live DVD releases.

Background and content

[edit]

In January 2007, Hamasaki announced on her website that she planned to release two greatest hits albums, titled A Best 2 (individually referenced as Black and White). Both Black and White are direct follow-ups to Hamasaki's compilation album A Best, which debuted in March 2001 to immense commercial success.[1] It is also Hamasaki's third and fourth compilation album, released four years after her ballad-inspired collection A Ballads (2003).[2] On 17 January, Hamasaki published additional information about both albums, including the album's content, formats, and promotional activities.[3]

A Best 2 are concept albums, with Black focusing on darker and more serious tones and White on lighter and more upbeat themes.[4] Black and White features 31 songs from Hamasaki's single releases between her albums I Am... (2002) and (Miss)understood (2005). They both include tracks that were not released as singles; Black includes "Walking Proud," "About You," and a new recording called "Part of Me," while White features "Humming 7/4" and "My Name's Woman."[5][6] Additionally, the song "Memorial Address" was added as a hidden track to Black.[5]

Release

[edit]

A Best 2 was released on various formats on 28 February 2007 by Avex Trax.[5][6] The standard release of both Black and White comes in a jewel case that includes separate content. Each album's double-DVD version comes in a double packaging that includes the CD, music videos and visuals from each album, as well as a live DVD from Hamasaki's Best Countdown show, which features different performances.[7][8] In Indonesia, A Best 2 was distributed on cassette tape.[9] Avex Trax later released both A Best 2 albums in CD and DVD formats across Asia, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China.[a]

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
CDJournal(positive)[17]
CDJournal(positive)[18]

A Best 2 received positive feedback from the Japanese music publication CDJournal, which reviewed each album individually. The review praised Black for featuring "dramatic" ballads in the first half and primarily rock music in the second half. The publication also highlighted "Heaven" and "Part of Me" for concluding the album with "expressive" vocals from Hamasaki.[17] The second review for White praised songs like "Evolution" and "Grateful Days" for being a "positive" aspect to the record, as well as how well the album complement Black.[18]

A Best 2 achieved commercial success in Japan. White debuted at the top of the Oricon Daily and Weekly Album Chart, selling 475,284 copies in its first week, while Black debuted and stalled at number two, selling 470,057 units.[19][20] Hamasaki became the first female artist in 37 years to occupy both top positions, a record previously held by Japanese enka singer Keiko Fuji.[20] By the end of 207, both albums were high-sellers: White finished fifth on the Oricon Year-end Chart with 717,501 units sold, while Black came in seventh with 698,591 copies.[21] The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) certified both albums triple platinum for exceeding 750,000 units.[22][23] In February 2009, Avex Trax announced in their financial report that A Best 2 had sold two million combined shipments across the country.[24]

Promotion

[edit]

Although no singles were released from the album, the track "Part of Me" received a music video, which was included on the album's DVD formats.[7] The song was featured in Panasonic commercials promoting the Lumix FX30 digital camera, which was distributed in Japan.[17] The song was also certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for exceeding 100,000 ringtone downloads.[25]

Hamasaki went on three different concert tours to promote A Best 2. Her first tour was the annual Best Countdown show, which took her through Japan. The live release was divided between the DVD version of Black and White.[7][8] The second was her Secret Tour, which also promoted her studio album Secret (2006). The tour, which began on 10 March 2007, and ended in mid-June of that year, took her throughout Japan, including her first appearances in Taiwan and China. Asia Tour 2007: Tour of Secret, a live DVD, was released on 12 March 2008.[26] Her final tour was her second Best Countdown show, which was recorded live and released on 18 June 2008.[27]

Track listing

[edit]
A Best: Black tracklist
No.TitleOriginal albumLength
1."Dearest"I am... 
2."Carols"My Story 
3."No Way to Say"Memorial Address 
4."Hanabi (Fireworks)"Rainbow 
5."Walking Proud"My Story 
6."Free & Easy"Rainbow 
7."Endless Sorrow"I am... 
8."Because of You"Memorial Address 
9."About You"My Story 
10."Game"My Story 
11."Is This Love?"(Miss)understood 
12."Hanabi: Episode II (Fireworks: Episode II)"Memorial Address 
13."Never Ever"I am... 
14."Heaven"(Miss)understood 
15."Part of Me"previously unreleased 
16."Memorial Address: Take 2 version" (Hidden Track)Memorial Address 
A Best: White tracklist
No.TitleOriginal albumLength
1."Evolution"I am... 
2."Greatful Days*"Memorial Address 
3."Independent"Rainbow 
4."Humming 7/4"My Story 
5."Unite!"I am... 
6."Real Me"Rainbow 
7."My Name's Women"My Story 
8."Ourselves"Memorial Address 
9."Inspire"My Story 
10."Step You**"(Miss)understood 
11."July 1st"Rainbow 
12."Fairyland"(Miss)understood 
13."Voyage"Rainbow 
14."Moments"My Story 
15."A Song Is Born"I am... 
A Best: Black DVD content
No.TitleNotesLength
1."Dearest"  
2."Carols"  
3."No Way to Say"  
4."Walking Proud"  
5."Free & Easy"  
6."Endless Sorrow"  
7."Because of You"  
8."About You"  
9."Game"  
10."Is This Love?"  
11."Hanabi: Episode II (Fireworks: Episode II)"  
12."Never Ever" (Promotional video)  
13."Heaven"  
14."Part of Me"  
15."H"  
16.UntitledPromotional video 
A Best: White DVD content
No.TitleNotesLength
1."Evolution"  
2."Greatful Days"  
3."Humming 7/4"  
4."Unite!"Promotional video 
5."Real Me"  
6."My Name's Women"  
7."Ourselves"  
8."Inspire"  
9."Step You"  
10."Fairyland"  
11."Voyage"  
12."Moments"  
13."H"Promotional video 
A Best: Black: Best of CountDown Live 2006–2007
No.TitleLength
1."Best of CountDown Live 2006–2007 (Behind the Scenes)" 
A Best: White: Best of CountDown Live 2006–2007
No.TitleLength
1."Not Yet" 
2."Ourselves" 
3."Fly High" 
4."Beautiful Fighters" 
5."Never End" 
6."A Song for xx" 
7."No Way to Say" 
8."Free & Easy" 
9."Evolution" 
10."Flower Garden" 
11."Until That Day..." 
12."Audience" 
13."Boys & Girls" 
14."Trauma" 
15."Independent" 
16."Humming 7/4" 
17."Blue Bird" 

Charts

[edit]

Certification and sales

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ)[22] 3× Platinum 702,895[31]
Japan (RIAJ)[23] 3× Platinum 721,839[31]

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Japan 28 February 2007
Avex Trax
Hong Kong 9 March 2007 Avex Trax
Taiwan
China 2007
Indonesia Cassette tape
Various

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ [10][11][12][13][14][15][16]
  2. ^ a b Week references for G-Music: Black and White during week 10 and week 11, 2007.[29]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ "BEST ALBUM『A BEST 2 -BLACK-』『A BEST 2 -WHITE-』" (in Japanese). Ayumi Hamasaki website (via Avex Trax). 17 January 2007. Archived from the original on 26 January 2007. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  2. ^ Ayumi Hamasaki (2003). A Ballads (liner notes). Avex Trax. AVCD-17278.
  3. ^ "BEST ALBUM『A BEST 2 -BLACK-』『A BEST 2 -WHITE-』" (in Japanese). Ayumi Hamasaki website (via Avex Trax). 17 January 2007. Archived from the original on 23 January 2007. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  4. ^ "ayumi hamasaki 『A BEST 2』SPECIAL SITE" (in Japanese). Ayumi Hamasaki website (via Avex Trax). Archived from the original on 3 July 2008. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  5. ^ a b c Ayumi Hamasaki (2007). A Best 2: Black (liner notes). Avex Trax. AVCD-23264.
  6. ^ a b Ayumi Hamasaki (2007). A Best 2: White (liner notes). Avex Trax. AVCD-23266.
  7. ^ a b c Black versions listed below:
  8. ^ a b White versions listed below:
  9. ^ Cassette tapes listed below:
  10. ^ Ayumi Hamasaki (2007). A Best 2: Black (liner notes). Avex Trax. AVTCD-95946.
  11. ^ Ayumi Hamasaki (2007). A Best 2: Black (liner notes). Avex Trax. AVJCD10309/A.
  12. ^ Ayumi Hamasaki (2007). A Best 2: Black (liner notes). Avex Trax. SCD-906.
  13. ^ Ayumi Hamasaki (2007). A Best 2: White (liner notes). Avex Trax. AVTCD-95947.
  14. ^ Ayumi Hamasaki (2007). A Best 2: Black (liner notes). Avex Trax. AVJCD10310/A.
  15. ^ Ayumi Hamasaki (2007). A Best 2: Black (liner notes). Avex Trax. AVCDC 23266.
  16. ^ Ayumi Hamasaki (2007). A Best 2: Black (liner notes). Avex Trax. SCD-908.
  17. ^ a b c "Ayumi Hamasaki / A Best 2: Black". CDJournal (in Japanese). Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  18. ^ a b "Ayumi Hamasaki / A Best 2: White". CDJournal (in Japanese). Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  19. ^ "浜崎あゆみ、待望のベスト盤1・2位独占!" (in Japanese). Oricon. 28 February 2007. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  20. ^ a b "浜崎あゆみ、藤圭子以来、女性アーティスト36年半ぶりの大記録達成!" (in Japanese). Oricon. 6 March 2007. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  21. ^ a b c "Oricon Flashback: 2007 Year End Chart". Arama! Japan. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  22. ^ a b "Japanese album certifications – Ayumi Hamasaki – A Best 2 (Black)" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved 30 January 2024. Select 2007年3月 on the drop-down menu
  23. ^ a b "Japanese album certifications – Ayumi Hamasaki – A Best 2 (White)" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved 30 January 2024. Select 2007年3月 on the drop-down menu
  24. ^ "Avex Financial Results of the first quarter of 2007 Page 2" (PDF) (in Japanese). Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 July 2009.
  25. ^ "レコード協会調べ 2月度有料音楽配信チャート（「着うた（R）」）" [Record Association report: February paid digital music chart (ringtones)] (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. 20 March 2007. Archived from the original on 21 August 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  26. ^ Ayumi Hamasaki (2008). Asia Tour 2007: Tour of Secret (liner notes). Avex Trax. AVBD-91536~7.
  27. ^ Ayumi Hamasaki (2008). Countdown Live 2007–2008 Anniversary (liner notes). Avex Trax. AVBD-91558.
  28. ^ "A Best 2: Black – Ayumi Hamasaki" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  29. ^ "G-Music Combo Chart" (in Chinese). G-Music. Archived from the original on 5 June 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
  30. ^ "A Best 2: White – Ayumi Hamasaki" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  31. ^ a b "オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
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