I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)

I Am...
A body shot of a woman (Ayumi Hamasaki) wearing vines and leaves around her body, letting down her brown hair. As she looks towards a distance, a dove sits on her shoulder while standing in front of a desert-like surrounding. The title of the album is superimposed on the image.
Studio album by
Ayumi Hamasaki
ReleasedJanuary 1, 2002
Recorded2000–2001
Studio
  • Prime Sound Studio (Tokyo)
  • Studio Sound Dali (Tokyo)
  • Now-a-Days Attic (Tokyo)
  • Electric Sheep Studios
  • Avex Studio (Tokyo)
  • Sony Music Studios (Tokyo)
Genre
Length70:35
LanguageJapanese
LabelAvex Trax
Producer
Ayumi Hamasaki chronology
A Best
(2001) 		I Am...
(2002) 		Rainbow
(2002)
Singles from I Am...
  1. "M"
    Released: December 13, 2000
  2. "Evolution"
    Released: January 31, 2001
  3. "Never Ever"
    Released: March 7, 2001
  4. "Endless Sorrow"
    Released: May 16, 2001
  5. "Unite!"
    Released: July 11, 2001
  6. "Dearest"
    Released: September 27, 2001
  7. "A Song Is Born"
    Released: December 12, 2001
  8. "Daybreak"
    Released: March 6, 2002
  9. "Connected"
    Released: April 7, 2003

I Am... is the fourth studio album by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki. It was released on January 1, 2002 by Avex Trax and was distributed throughout Asia in both physical and digital formats. Hamasaki enlisted long-time collaborator Max Matsuura to assist with the album's creation, and was inspired by the events of the September 11, 2001 attacks to emphasise lighter themes in contrast to her previous work.

I Am... is a J-Pop record with a diverse range of sounds including rock, heavy metal, trance, and dance music. Lyrically, the album touches on themes of hope, peace and love. The album received positive reviews from music critics for its musical direction and Hamasaki's emotional presence, with some citing the album as one of her best. Commercially, I Am... was a success in Japan, reaching number one on the Oricon Albums Chart. It was certified double million by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for exceeding two million unit shipments, and is ranked as the fifty-fifth highest-selling album in that region.

I Am... spawned various singles in Japan and internationally; two singles, "M" and "Evolution", sold well over one million units in Japan. To promote I Am..., various songs from the record were promoted in commercial and campaigns in Japan. Moreover, Hamasaki embarked on two concert tours in the same region: her 2002 arena tour, and her 2002 stadium tour. Both tours were commemorated with live DVD releases that were commercially success in the country.