Hamasaki enlisted long-time collaborator Max Matsuura to assist with the album's creation, and was inspired by the events of the September 11, 2001 attacks to emphasise lighter themes in contrast to her previous work.

I Am... is a J-Pop record with a diverse range of sounds including rock, heavy metal, trance, and dance music.

[9] During the early stages of development, Hamasaki's record label Avex Trax planned to release a musical retrospective of the singer's career.

She returned to making music for her new album, initially pursuing a darker and more personal sound similar to her previous records.

As a result, she decided to abandon her musical direction in order to concentrate on "lighter themes" like faith and peace.

[13][14] Along with this decision, Hamasaki decided to broaden her market by performing outside of Japan; in 2002, she made her international debut at the MTV Asia Awards in Singapore.

[15] I Am... is a J-Pop record that incorporates various sounds such as rock, heavy metal, trance, dance, electronic music, and acoustic-driven instrumentation.

[16][17][9][18] Writing for AllMusic, Neil Z. Yeung said the record features more "mature content and thrilling genre experimentation".

[16] Michael McCarthy from Lollipop Magazine noted the variety of sounds and emotional presence from Hamasaki, writing that each track "fits together nicely.

[16] "Connected" was produced by Dutch DJ Ferry Corsten, and incorporates a fast trance-inspired beat.

and "Evolution" are two fast-paced rock songs with keyboard and piano instrumentation, respectively, while "Naturally" has a "melancholic melody.

[16][20] "Daybreak" is composed differently than its single release, opting for a mid-tempo rock sound, while "Taskinlude" is the second of two interludes featured on the album.

[16][20] A solo version of "A Song Is Born" was included on I Am..., omitting guest vocals by Globe lead vocalist Keiko from the single release.

However, in light of the September 11, 2001, attacks and the subsequent shift in musical direction, she arranged for another shoot with Kumazawa.

[28] The song peaked at number one on the Oricon Singles Chart, and was certified double platinum for exceeding shipments of 500,000 units.

[41] It peaked at number one on the Oricon Singles Chart, achieving a gold certification for shipment of 200,000 units in the country.

It was re-released in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, complete with a music video featuring the remix version by Above & Beyond.

[49] Her 2002 Arena Tour began in her home prefecture of Fukuoka in April 2002 and ended in Yokohama in June of that year.

Neil Z. Yeung of AllMusic gave the album four and a half stars, calling it one of Hamasaki's best works.

Z. Yeung praised Hamasaki's songwriting abilities and overall emotional presence, citing "M" as an example, and stated that she was back "in full force.