A Best

A Best (stylized as BEST) is the first greatest hits album by Japanese singer-songwriter Ayumi Hamasaki. It was released on March 28, 2001, by Avex Trax and Avex Music Creative Inc. Hamasaki had originally planned to release a greatest hits album after her 2002 studio album I Am..., but this was declined by Avex head staff. Instead, Avex released the album in 2001, which caused conflict between the label and Hamasaki. The compilation was released in two different formats including a physical and a digital release. Seven different artworks were released in several editions of the album. The album includes one new track, three re-recorded tracks, and the all the rest of her previously released singles. A Best was lauded by contemporary music critics who noted the quality and memorability of the tracks. Many also labeled the album as one of the best representations of Japanese pop music. Released purposely on the same day as fellow Japanese musician Hikaru Utada's studio album Distance for direct competition, the compilation entered at number two on Japan's Oricon Albums Chart. It reached number one the following week, and sold over five million units in Japan. The album's lead single "M" was released on December 13, 2000, and reached the top spot on the Oricon Singles Chart. In support of A Best as well as her third studio album Duty (2000), Hamasaki held two concerts at the Tokyo Dome. Despite setbacks related to Hamasaki's health, the tour was a success, and a live recording was released on home video. Since its release, the album brought Hamasaki a myriad of accolades and award nominations, as well as successful recognition throughout Eastern and Western publications. A Best is listed as the sixth best-selling album in Japan overall. In 2016, Hamasaki re-released the album on that same...