Album: GENIUS 2000

Introduction
"GENIUS 2000" is the fourth studio album of Namie Amuro, a highly-acclaimed Japanese pop and R&B vocalist, songwriter, and former starlet. The album was released on January 26, 2000, under the Avex Trax label. Namie Amuro's talent has assisted her successfully fuse Western pop and R&B categories with a J-Pop twist, culminating in a special sound that has enthralled fans around the globe. The title of the album, "GENIUS 2000", is suggestive of Amuro's exceptional musical abilities that reached a new peak with this collection of tunes.

Background and Production
Following the immense success of her previous albums, "Sweet 19 Blues" (1996) and "Concentration 20" (1997), and an individual disaster in her life, Amuro took a temporary hiatus from the music market. Despite the break, fans excitedly awaited and had high expectations for the release of "GENIUS 2000". The album was produced by Tetsuya Komuro, popular Japanese musician, songwriter, and producer who had dealt with Amuro on her earlier albums, and her then-boyfriend, SAM Free, a talented DJ and author. This partnership produced a best mix of J-Pop, R&B, and dance beats that accommodated a broad audience.

Track listing
"GENIUS 2000" comprises 12 tracks, showcasing a variety of musical styles and motifs. Here is the list of songs on the album:

1. Toi et Moi
2. I HAVE NEVER SEEN
3. BESIDE YOU
4. STILL IN LOVE
5. RESPECT the POWER OF LOVE
6. LEAN ON DOWN
7. KISS-AND-RIDE (Interlude).
8. SOMETHING 'BOUT THE KISS.
9. I TO YOU.
10. LOVE 2000.
11. YOU ARE THE ONE including Imajin.
12. I HAVE NEVER SEEN (Low Chords Mix).

Commercial Performance
"GENIUS 2000" got favorable reviews from critics and fans, applauding Amuro's singing and musical development in this album. The album proved to be a commercial success, debuting at the number one position on the Oricon charts in Japan. It offered over 700,000 copies within the first week of its release and exceeded the one-million mark in just a month. "GENIUS 2000" ended up being the 9th best-selling album of 2000 in Japan. A number of singles from the album likewise got substantial attention, including "Toi et Moi", "I HAVE NEVER SEEN", "RESPECT the POWER OF LOVE", and "LOVE 2000".

Toi et Moi
This track served as the opening tune and was extremely popular amongst the fans. "Toi et Moi" is a French expression that equates to "You and Me". Amuro showcased her comprehensive vocal capabilities in this upbeat track, mixing electronic beats with her unique style.

I HAVE NEVER SEEN
As one of the most popular songs on "GENIUS 2000", "I HAVE NEVER SEEN" climbed the charts and became a crowd-pleaser at performances. Its catchy chorus and fast-paced verses showcased Amuro's growth as an artist and her ability to try out different designs.

Conclusion
Over twenty years considering that its release, "GENIUS 2000" stays an influential and unforgettable album that not only solidified Namie Amuro's position as a pop icon, but also led the way for future J-Pop and R&B artists. It helped redefine the Japanese pop scene with hybrid noises and innovations in musical designs. The legacy of "GENIUS 2000" undeniably proves that Namie Amuro is an artist deserving of the title 'genius,' and her music continues to inspire and amuse fans around the globe.