about "endless sorrow"
Although the original version of "Endless sorrow" has not been released on any of her original albums (a revised version can be found on I am...), it's certainly one of her best, most timely releases.
The original "Endless sorrow" single was released May 16, 2001, and hit number one on the charts soon after. Although both the music and lyrics of the original song are written by Ayu, the CD single contains nine additional remix tracks. However, in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Ayu felt that the original song was too depressing to be featured on her new album, thus the arrangement were re-worked for a more uplifting, even soothing message. It wasn't until February 2007 that the song finally saw an album release, making the cut for her second single collection A BEST 2 -BLACK-. It has since been released on A COMPLETE ~ALL SINGLES~, her 10th anniversary boxset.
Although I have nothing but respect and admiration for Ayu and her decision to make such changes, I still prefer the original to the final version included on the album ("Endless sorrow ~gone with the wind version~"), thus this fanlisting.
Please note that Ayu herself does not actually appear in the promotional video for this song, and only made a small cameo on the DVD release. To my knowledge -- animated "Connected" aside -- this is the only video in which she is not the focus.
The Artist
TIME Magazine called her the "Empress of Pop"; some call her the voice of a lost generation, though we fans just call her "Ayu". Ayumi Hamasaki first appeared on the pop music scene in 1998. Since then, she's conquered the industry as a singer, songwriter, composer, and all around entertainer. She controls her image -- her brand -- and her influence is indisputable; Ayumi Hamasaki doesn't just dominate popular music, she rules popular culture.
If you'd like more information on Ayu, please take a look at my Ayu-Vogue.net, the fan domain of which this fanlisting is a part.
«