| Next Level | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
&sq=Envato&lang=en&file=File:Next_level_cdonly.jpg) Standard CD and digital cover | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | March 25, 2009 | |||
| Recorded | 2009 | |||
| Genre | Electronic | |||
| Length | 51:45 | |||
| Language | Japanese | |||
| Label | Avex Trax | |||
| Producer | Max Matsuura | |||
| Ayumi Hamasaki chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Next Level | ||||
Next Level (stylized as NEXT LEVEL) is the tenth studio album by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki. It was released through Avex Trax on March 25, 2009 in five physical formats, and for digital consumption. The album was solely produced by Avex Trax owner Max Matsuura, whereas the album's content was written by Hamasaki herself. Additionally, it marks a return for several composers that helped construct her previous records, including Dai Nagao, CMJK, Kazuhiro Hara, HΛL, amongst others. Stylistically, Next Level is a departure from her previous albums, focusing on electronic music with elements of rock and dance.
Next Level received generally favorable reviews from music critics. A majority of the reviews praised Hamasaki's new direction, and praised the production of most of the tracks. However, minor criticism was aimed towards the lyrics and the album's themes. Commercially, the album was a success in Japan, peaking at number one on the Oricon Albums Chart and Billboard Hot Albums Sales Chart. It was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments of 500,000 units, and sold over 380,000 copies in total. The album experienced success in other Asian territories, also charting in Taiwan.
In order to promote the album, Hamasaki released two A-side singles. "Days" and "Green" premiered on December 18, 2008 to commercial success in Japan. The following year, she released "Rule" and "Sparkle", which experienced strong sales in the region as well. Two album inclusions—the title track and "Curtain Call"—both received music videos, and managed to chart on the Japan Hot 100. Furthermore, Hamasaki promoted the album's material on her 2009 Next Level tour, which included dates throughout Japan; a live DVD with the same name was distributed the following year.