| Rock 'n' Roll Circus | ||||
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 CD only artwork | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | April 14, 2010 | |||
| Recorded | 2009–2010 | |||
| Studio | Tokyo, Japan and London, England | |||
| Genre | Rock | |||
| Length | 62:08 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer | Max Matsuura | |||
| Ayumi Hamasaki chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Rock 'n' Roll Circus | ||||
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Rock 'n' Roll Circus is the eleventh studio album by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki. It was released on April 14, 2010, by Avex Trax. It was also released just a little over a year after her 2009 album, Next Level. Rock 'n' Roll Circus marks Hamasaki's eleventh consecutive album to be fully produced by Japanese producer and manager Max Matsuura, while she contributes to the album as the lead vocalist, background vocalist, and songwriter to all songs. Recorded in Japanese with minor phrases in English, Rock 'n' Roll Circus is a rock album with numerous musical elements such as electropop, J-pop, rock, pop ballad, and dance music.
Rock 'n' Roll Circus was recorded in Japan and the United Kingdom, making it Hamasaki's first album recorded outside of her native country. Additional production was handled in the United States and the two prior countries. Five different formats were released to promote the album: a standalone CD, a CD and DVD bundle, a limited edition box set, a limited edition Playbutton, and a digital release worldwide. Two different artworks were issued for the album's cover sleeve; one has Hamasaki inside a telephone box, while the second sleeve has a close-up of Hamasaki's face.
Upon the album's release, it was met with mixed to favourable reviews from music critics. Critics commended the album's approach to rock music, alongside its commercial appeal and music consistency. However, some noted the lack of emotional delivery in Hamasaki's lyrics, while criticizing the album's ballads and production. Rock 'n' Roll Circus was listed by several critics as one of the best albums of 2010. Commercially, Rock 'n' Roll Circus was a success. It became Hamasaki's tenth album to reach the top spot on Japan's Oricon Albums Chart, and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments of 250,000 units. The album charted on Korea's Gaon Album Chart and Taiwan's G-Music Albums Chart.
Two singles were released from Rock 'n' Roll Circus, including one promotional. Its lead a-side single "Sunrise/Sunset (Love Is All)" was a commercial success, peaking at number one on the Japanese Oricon Singles Chart and two on the Japan Hot 100 chart. The album's second and final a-side single, "You Were.../Ballad", was a commercial success; it peaked at number one on the Japanese Oricon Singles Chart and 14 on the Japan Hot 100 chart. The album's only promotional single, "Microphone", reached number 33 on the RIAJ Digital Track Chart. Several other album tracks charted on competent charts in Japan. Hamasaki promoted the album on her 2010 Rock 'n' Roll Circus tour.