A BEST 2 is Ayumi Hamasaki's second best-of compilation, released in 2 parts. The -BLACK- compilation consists of mostly ballads and songs with darker lyrics. The sweeter and more uplifting songs are compiled on the -WHITE- compilation.
The -BLACK- side contains the track "part of Me", previously unreleased and, as of 2009, not available on any other album. A promotional video was released for the song to promote A BEST 2.
A special website, A BEST 2 .com, was launched to commemorate the release, containing commercials, remastering notes, and a vote for the fans' favorite songs.
COUNTDOWN LIVE 2006-2007 did not receive a traditional DVD release; instead, it was released on A BEST 2 -WHITE-, and its behind-the-scenes documentary was released with A BEST 2 -BLACK-. In addition to this, each compilation had a DVD of each song's promotional video. Where a promotional video was not filmed, a commercial is used in its place on the DVD.
After the first week sales of A Best 2: Black and White were announced, Hamasaki had already garnered sales of over 1 million copies. With the release of A Best 2, Hamasaki also broke many records. Most notably, it was the first time in nearly over 30 years that an artist held both the top 2 positions on the Oricon charts.
A BEST 2 -BLACK- Track Listing
CD
#
|
Track Name
|
Length
|
Credits
|
1.
|
Dearest
|
05:35
|
|
2.
|
CAROLS
|
05:31
|
|
3.
|
No way to say
|
04:43
|
|
4.
|
HANABI
|
04:56
|
|
5.
|
walking proud
|
05:16
|
|
6.
|
Free & Easy
|
05:00
|
|
7.
|
Endless sorrow
|
05:29
|
|
8.
|
Because of You
|
05:23
|
|
9.
|
About You
|
04:01
|
|
10.
|
GAME
|
04:15
|
|
11.
|
is this LOVE?
|
04:55
|
|
12.
|
HANABI ~episode II~
|
04:57
|
|
13.
|
NEVER EVER
|
04:44
|
|
14.
|
HEAVEN
|
04:21
|
|
15.
|
part of Me + "Memorial address (A BEST 2 edit)"
|
08:12
|
|
|