Additionally, it marks a return for several composers that helped construct her previous records, including Dai Nagao, CMJK, Kazuhiro Hara, HΛL, amongst others.

Stylistically, Next Level is a departure from her previous albums, focusing on electronic music with elements of rock and dance.

It was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments of 500,000 units, and sold over 380,000 copies in total.

Two album inclusions—the title track and "Curtain Call"—both received music videos, and managed to chart on the Japan Hot 100.

Furthermore, Hamasaki promoted the album's material on her 2009 Next Level tour, which included dates throughout Japan; a live DVD with the same name was distributed the following year.

[4] Recording sessions for Next Level started once Hamasaki return to Japan, having been assisted by John Paterno, Satoshi Sasamoto, Yuichi Nagayama, and frequent collaborator Koji Morimoto.

[4] Additionally, the album was solely produced by Avex Trax owner Max Matsuura, becoming their 10th studio collaboration since her debut.

[5] Moreover, a writer from the Japanese magazine ViVi believed the titling of Next Level reflected the major theme of the album, which is determination and the "stepping stones" of building a better "future".

Adam Greenberg from AllMusic found that it builds on the "heavier electronica bent" of Hamasaki's remix albums, as opposed to the "standard dance and pop" styles most associated with her music.

[7] However, Japanese magazine CD Journal felt the album was divided by "aggressive" and "chaotic" dance tracks, and "hard edge rock" music.

[8] Rock music is then influenced on the following tracks "Identity"—a song that discusses about self-confidence—the single "Rule", and the tune "Love 'n' Hate", which talks about the effects of lust.

[8] The album's fourth and final interlude "Pieces of Seven" was noted for its "atmospheric" sounds of an ocean, until the second half of the track diverges into a harder rock style.

The CD and DVD bundle features the visuals and making-of-videos of "Days", "Green", "Rule", "Sparkle", "Next Level" and "Curtain Call".

[13][14] The double CD edition, which also came with the DVD, came with a second disc, including 16 live tracks that were performed on her annual Premium Countdown show that happened on New Year's Eve in 2008.

[17] Adam Greenberg from AllMusic called Next Level "a thick, somewhat wild release of dance tracks infused with a healthy dose of technology", further noting, "As it progresses, the beats and rhythm tracks begin to take over, placing Hamasaki herself into a much deeper, thicker set of sounds custom-built to emphasize her stronger points and combine for an outstanding dance set."

[18][19] This became Hamasaki's ninth number one studio album, and also became the highest first-week sales for a solo female artist that year.

[44] Lastly, "Curtain Call" reached number 89 on the Digital Track Chart, and a visual appeared on her YouTube channel.

"Days" was used as the theme song for NTT Communications in Japan, whereas "Green" promoted the Panasonic Lumix FX-37 digital camera, and Avex Group's Mu-mo services.

[48] A live album and DVD were recorded at Yoyogi National Gymnasium, featuring a total of 25 songs, spanning across two discs.

According to their officials, Hamasaki made unexpected appearances in Shibuya to promote the release of her new book and Next Level, but failed to obtain the necessary permits for the event.

[51] Because a permit was never obtained, authorities stated they plan to send the matter to the prosecutor's office for Hamasaki and her manager to be questioned.

[52] All lyrics are written by Ayumi HamasakiThrough Japanese retail store CD Japan, a lucky draw was hosted for 202 random customers.

Special winners would win different products such as pillows, travel pouch, leisure seat, pass case, large posters and tissue boxes.