My Name Is Ai (stylized my name is AI) is the debut studio album by Japanese–American singer-songwriter Ai, released on November 2, 2001, by RCA Records and BMG Fun House.
Three singles were released from My Name Is Ai, "Cry, Just Cry", "U Can Do" and "Shining Star". While the first two failed to chart, "Shining Star" charted and peaked at number 98 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
Although not commercially successful, My Name Is Ai peaked at number 86 on the Oricon albums chart.
Background Ai developed an interest to become a singer in her early adolescence. After graduating from junior high school in Japan, Ai returned to her hometown, Los Angeles, California, to attend high school. Initially attending Glendale High School, Ai later switched to Los Angeles Count High School for the Arts, majoring in ballet. In 1998, she appeared as a dancer in Janet Jackson's song "Go Deep".
In 1999, Ai joined an Asian girl group called SX4. While on holiday in Kagoshima, she performed Monica's "For You I Will", which led to her being scouted by BMG. Deciding to take the offer, Ai left SX4 and moved to Tokyo after graduating high school in 2000, signing to BMG Japan's RCA Records label.
Track listing
Notes
Tracks 2–4, 6, 10, 12, and 15–16 are stylized in all capitals. Track 14 is stylized as "Cry, just Cry"
Personnel Credits adapted from album's liner notes.My Name Is Ai (CD). Ai. RCA/BMG. 2001. BVCR-11034.
Musicians
Ai Carina Uemura – lead vocals, songwriting Takuya Harada – songwriting Shinnosukue – arrangement, songwriting, production Junkoo – arrangement, songwriting, production, piano Genki Hibino – songwriting Yukiko Mitsui – songwriting Ars Wizard C-VE – arrangement, songwriting, production Diggy-Mo – songwriting, vocals Takao Sugiyama – piano Masahiko Rokukawa – bass Ichiro Hada – guitar Kazu Minamisawa – guitar Kouyo Murakami – trombone Kazuo Kamata – sax Mikio Saito – trumpet To-Go – guitar Aogu – DJ Dave Fromm – background vocals Jun – background vocals Tsuyoshi – background vocals Peco – background vocals Masaaki Iwami – songwriting
Technical
Masaaki Iwami –mixing T. Takizawaa – mixing T. Kobayashi – mixing Don Katsumoto – sound production Ars Wizard CV-E – direction Junkoo – assistant direction Shinnosuke – assistant direction Yukihiro Yahagi – mastering
Visuals and imagery
Anthony Nishikawa – art direction Yoshihiro Sugawara – design Kazuya Morishima – photographer Ai Carina Uemura – photographer Rie Inada – hair, makeup Shuhei Yomo – styling Mika Itagaki – styling
Charts + Chart performance for My Name Is AiChart (2001)PeakpositionJapanese Albums (Oricon)86
Aftermath Following BMG selling its 50% share of Sony BMG in 2008 to the Sony Corporation of America, RCA's Japan division was rebranded as Ariola Japan. Subsequently, the ownership of the masters of My Name Is Ai was transferred to Sony Music Japan. Though physical copies are still manufactured by Sony Japan under their Ariola Japan label, the album was never formerly released to digital stores.
Release history + Release history and formats for My Name Is AiRegionDateFormat(s)LabelJapanNovember 2, 2001CD
References