On New Years Day 2002 , Hamasaki released her fourth studio album '' I Am ... '' on Avex Trax . The album saw a new direction for Hamasaki , whose first three studio albums were dominated by a pop rock sound , and lyrics based on loneliness , confusion , sadness , relationships and individualism . The result was not generally well received by critics , who found Hamasaki 's artistry " unassuming " , particularly on her debut release '' A Song for × × '' ( 1999 ) . After being affected emotionally by the September 11 attacks , Hamasaki quickly changed the planned music direction for '' I Am ... '' , and updated the album cover to support world peace . The album was Hamasaki 's first to focus on lighter themes , such as faith , humanity and serenity . '' I Am ... '' became a success and sold over 2.3 million copies in Japan , and was certified triple million by the RIAJ
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)