Two Of Us by Ayumi Hamasaki: A Timeless Dive into Electronic Vibes
Alright, let’s talk about Two Of Us, the 1999 gem from Ayumi Hamasaki that still hits differently even after all these years. Released under Rhythm Republic in Japan, this album is like a little treasure chest of electronic beats and hip-hop swagger with dashes of breaks and downtempo smoothness. It's not your typical pop record—it’s more like an experiment you didn’t know you needed but can’t stop listening to.
Now, I gotta shout out two tracks because they’re just stuck in my brain forever. First up, “Two Of Us (Rub Delight Mix).” This one? Pure magic. The beat kicks in, and suddenly you're transported to some neon-lit Tokyo street at midnight, even if you’ve never been there. There’s something about how Ayu’s voice floats over those crisp breaks—it’s hypnotic, man. You don’t just hear it; you feel it. And yeah, maybe it’s the way the bassline sneaks up on you, but dang, it makes you wanna move. Like, immediately.
Then there’s “Two Of Us (Touch Of Mahogany Mix).” Whoa. If the Rub Delight Mix is for dancing, this one’s for chilling—or maybe crying while staring out a rainy window. It’s slower, moodier, and kinda feels like someone wrapped melancholy in velvet. The production here is insane—layers upon layers of sound that build and fade, leaving you hanging onto every note. Honestly, I remember this track whenever I need a moment to zone out. It’s got that vibe, y’know?
What strikes me most about this EP is how ahead of its time it was. Back in ’99, when everyone else was busy churning out bubblegum pop or predictable club bangers, Ayumi Hamasaki went full-on experimental. She wasn’t afraid to mix genres and push boundaries, which is probably why her stuff still resonates today. Plus, having instrumental versions like the Rub Delight Mix - Instrumental gives listeners room to really soak in the craftsmanship behind the music.
But here’s the thing—I think what makes Two Of Us special isn’t just the beats or Ayu’s vocals. It’s the feeling it leaves you with. Listening to it feels like flipping through old photos of moments you didn’t realize mattered until now. Weirdly nostalgic yet totally fresh.
And hey, fun fact: Did you know this came out before smartphones existed? Imagine dropping this in a world without Spotify playlists or TikTok trends. Wild, right? Makes me wonder what people thought when they first heard it. Probably blew their minds.
So yeah, give Two Of Us a spin if you haven’t already. Just don’t blame me if you end up losing hours vibing to it.
