Album: GUILTY

Introduction
"GUILTY" is the ninth studio album by Japanese singer-songwriter Ayumi Hamasaki, released on January 1, 2008. The album debuted at the top of the Oricon charts and has been accredited Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan in acknowledgment of its sales. This album marks another milestone in Hamasaki's effective career and consists of a mix of upbeat, danceable tracks, psychological ballads, and effective tunes that showcase her flexible vocal abilities.

Background and Production
The production process of "GUILTY" began in early 2007, with several tracks being tape-recorded during the "Secret" album's promo. Like her previous albums, Hamasaki worked closely with her team of producers and authors, consisting of long-time partner and producer, Max Matsuura. The album's music is mostly pop/rock, but it also consists of electronic and dance aspects. The lyrics, composed by Hamasaki herself, check out styles of love, loss, and self-questioning, staying true to her signature reflective and emotional design.

Release and Promotion
"GUILTY" was launched in both CD and CD+DVD formats, with the DVD including video for each of the album's singles, along with a documentary showcasing the making of the video. Leading up to the album's release, Hamasaki released several singles, consisting of the chart-topping "talkin' 2 myself", "Together When ...", which worked as the theme song for Japanese mobile business au's winter campaign, and "glitter/fated", a double A-side single that featured the music video for "fated" as a short film entitled "Distance Love".

In March 2008, Hamasaki embarked on the "ayumi hamasaki ASIA TOUR 2008-- Tour of Secret", which included 33 programs and marked her biggest abroad trip to date. The trip covered various cities across Asia and included performances of choose tracks from "GUILTY", to name a few.

Reception
"GUILTY" got blended to favorable reviews from critics. Some applauded the album for its cohesive noise and psychological depth, while others felt it did not have the experimentation and novelty of her previous works. However, fans and casual listeners alike praised tracks such as "(don't) Leave me alone", "Mirror", and "untitled ~ for her ~" for their powerful vocals and compelling lyrics.

Commercially, "GUILTY" was a success. It debuted at top on the Oricon Weekly Album Chart, making it Hamasaki's ninth consecutive primary studio album and extending her own record for the most number one albums by a solo artist in Japan. The album likewise charted in Taiwan's G-Music and Five Music Album Charts and was ultimately certified Platinum in Japan.

Regardless of not reaching the million sales turning point, "GUILTY" still solidified Hamasaki's location in the Japanese music market as a leading artist. To date, its sales stand at over 675,000 copies offered in Japan.

Conclusion and Legacy
"GUILTY" represented yet another effective release in Ayumi Hamasaki's storied career. While not as groundbreaking as her earlier albums, it still showcased her ability to provide emotional and powerful tracks that resonated with fans. Its chart successes even more cemented Hamasaki's position as one of Japan's preeminent musical artists, and the album remains an important part of her discography.