7 posts tagged “ayu”
To everyone in the UK who may have gotten your results today- congratulations! Hope you all got what you wanted : ) And now onto yet another Ayu review! Haha. There isn't much else I want to review right now. Perhaps more Arashi coming soon as well as some other stuff. You knows. Back to the album and this is Ayu's 7th album released on 2006.01.01. This was my first Ayu album alongside memorial address.
The album opens with the strange Bold & Delicious, suitable only for when you are at your most hyper (and don't give a damn about the opinions of those around you) otherwise it's annoying as hell. Points to ayu for trying something new, but this may be a little too out there!!
Next is STEP you, a pop rock number filled with attitude. This is a fantastic pop rock number, loud and catchy. Ayu sounds great, and I love her ad-libbing. The use of voice distortion for the bridge is pretty cool too. There are some fantastic effect used in the song, combining beautifully with the instrumentation. That backing voice is a little wierd, but it fits in. This is such a strong and powerful song- the type of song you just wanna put on louder!!
Then it's Ladies Night, a rather odd track which still carries the same loud, in your face attitude as STEP you. The electronic beat and distortion is definitly pretty cool and gives a very unique sound to the song. Love the backing vocals too. This is a fun electronic track with pop-rock and Ayu influences. The only thing I have a problem with is that it does on gone quite a while, it kinda drags in a way. Oh and have fun guessing what Ayu says in english : )
The beautiful rock number is this LOVE? follows. I adore this song with every inch of my being. I just think of Ayu in that ridicuclous outfit fiving the most beautiful performance of this. The song is about jealousy, but not really the angry sort. More the sad and bitter feeling of knowing you can never be with someone, as they love someone else. It's a very very powerful rock track, with gorgeous instrumentation and Ayu sings it with all of her emotion. The "woahs" are just so bitter, and so powerful. I love the incorportation of those synth sounds, they really add to the overall atmoshphere of the song. It's a very powerful, very emotion and moving rock track.
another rock influenced song wiht the title track (miss)understood. The song is pretty meloncholic at first, building up to another angry rock track. The song is packed with alot of emotion and Ayu anger. I adore the rock instrumentation and the dynamics of the song. Another powerful track packed with attitude.
Next up is Alterna, that one where she says stuff you to the music industry. One of my first Ayu songs, and still one that drew me towards her music. The song opens with strings slight synth and Ayu's distorted vocal's before bulding up to be a powerful rock track combined with synth and various awesome effects. Who can forget those "heys?". A powerful and angry track. I just love that chorus and the overall feeling of the song is so rebelious, so confident and so...just awesome. Only Ayu could have a song like this, and I mean lyrically too.
Track 7 is In the Corner, another synth string based number but in a totally different way. There's still that rock sound of the album, but using alot more synth and effects and the violins are pretty prominent: to make a soft pop rock number sorta like a ballad. This is a very pretty song with beautiful instrumentation and good vocals. Got a nice feeling and is lovely to listen to.
A short interlude with Tasking. Again synth strings, fast- more frantic and urgent sounding combined with a very heavy beat and some other instrumentation. The guitar part is wonderful. It all comes together for a fast, urgent sounding piece that although lasts a minutes and a half- flies by and leads the album onward nicely.
Then it's the powerful ballad criminal, a firm favourite of mine for two years. This song is just so epic and so haunting. Piano, strings and deep synth combine with Ayu's soft sorrowful vocals, building up to that powerful chorus where she just belts it out and the instrumentation joins her in the total epicness of it all. The dynamics of this piece, the way it constantly changes and evolves, are just wonderful. This is such an emotional ballad, so haunting in it's beauty with very gorgeous instrumentation and Ayu gives a stunning vocal performance. I sound so damn cheesy but man, I love this song!!
Next is Pride, that sweetbox song. I've heard the original and perhaps I'm biased but I prefer Ayu's version. The lyrics are pretty deep, and hearing Ayu sing that one line "I want my pridde" in such a manner whilst thinking of her drenched in rain is just totally epic. This piece is pretty orchestral, once again I love the use of strings to create such a dramatic atmosphere and the piano is nice too. Backing vocals and other effects are used to their full effect, of course. Ayu really sings this in such an interesting way, carrying so much power and emotion in her voice and I love how the instrumentation works with her. This is a very dramatic song, in short it's stunning.
Will follows, and it's a rather interesting piece. The instrumentation, especially that piano and use of electronic sounds is very nice. I really like the chorus, the repetetion is really interesting and Ayu sounds nice going to the higher notes. This song is very pretty and has some very interesting instrumentation. Ayu sounds really good. The use of backing vocals adds a nice feeling too.
The stunning ballad HEAVEN is next, for most people...but though this is beautiful it is not an Ayu favourite for me. The song has some very pretty electronic sounds opening it, giving it that ethereal feeling. I love the way it builds up and evolves- still sounding very soft and ethereal. The song is simple but conveys alot of emotion. Ayu sounds very nice and she really put her all into it. Her adlibbing is very pretty. Pretty as it is, it doesn't do much for me behond being beautiful to listen to.
Another short and energitc instrumental witjh Are you Wake up? It's got a good feeling and it's infectious with it's energy. There's some pretty cool effects used. It is rather catchy too and a bit of a wake up after HEAVEN to prepare us for the next track.
Time for hyper pop with Fairyland. A fast, upbeat and summery tune which is deceiptive by sounding so happy, yet actually having a very sad meaning. The song despite is meaning is a load of fun, however these sort of songs I've never really appreciated.
The stupid, annoying Beautiful Day follows. I HATE this song. It sounds like a rip off of something else and it's just simpy annoying.
The album ends on a good note with rainy day, a beautiful ballad contrasting to beautiful day. The instrumentation is beautiful, and very atmospheric. Ayu gives a nice vocal performance, sounding soft and sincere but of course at times she gives a much stronger vocal performance for good effect. This is a very pretty song and a nice end to the album.
This albums starts brilliantly. There's just so much emotion. Not to mention attitude. Ayu shows a very strong, confident side of herself. The entire album there are some wonderful rock tracks, some ballads, some alternate track..there's so much vareity and for the most part it's done well. With the exception of a few weak tracks this is a pretty awesome album. BUT there are those weaker tracks. Those ones which really leave no impression, which you really can't give a damn about. And in the end I'm not quite sure. The album begins strongly but then almost dies away. Bad tracks sneak in, and suddenly it loses your attention. A shame really- there are some awesome tracks.
This is Ayu's 5th album released on 2002.12.1. This album featured Hamasaki's first use of English, and like I am..., featured more CREA songwriting/composition.
The album opens with everlasting dream, a short and ethereal introduction. It has quite a heavy atmosphere, building up to feel much lighter. I love all the synth, all Ayu's intro's use synth in such a good way. I love how they incorporated Ayu's voclas too, her voice is so light and dreamy. It's a very beautiful piece and a wonderful opening. You can imagien it being like sparkling ice, fitting to the album cover.
Next up is WE WISH, a very upbeat rock song with quite the edge to it. It's quite an awesome track. Ayu's vocals are great, and the rock instrumentation is rather nice. The song is fast and upbeat but still manages to sound bitter and angry. It's pretty cool, but not a favourite. There's something lacking to make it totally awesome.
Then it's Real me, a beautiful song with the worst lyrics. Some seriously seriously shitty lyrics that don't make much sense. I get what she's trying to say, but she says it better later with ourselves. The song itself is pretty cool. It's very dark with alot of attitude. The use of backing vocals is awesome and Ayu's vocals also are just great. The song has fantastic instrumentation, hints of rock and heavy use of synth. It's a very strong track with alot of attitude. I think overall it feels a little dull though. As I said, the later ourselves does this ALOT better.
Free and Easy is next. This took a while to grow on me, but now that it has...wow. It has this wonderful orchestral beginning, which really builds up so much atmosphere. It sounds so dark and forlorn yet so beautiful. I really love the use of airy synth, flute and piano. When Ayu comes in it just builds on the beauty...her soft vocals and gentle adlibbing is gorgeous. What I really hate about this song is what makes the song, the way it suddenly goes from piano to forte for those verses. It's dramatic and powerful...but it's way too sudden. Ignoring that this is a very beautiful and dramatic song with a great atmosphere and lots of emotion. I really do love how much variation goes on in the song, it just makes it so interesting to listen to.
The powerful rock track Heartplace follows. It starts quietly with an omnious beat before the guitars and everything come in. It's a very powerful instrumental. I love it when the strings come in too! This is a very dark and bitter song. Ayu sings this amazing too. Ayu knows how to perform a song, and she really gives this her all. The emotion she adds to this song. The use of backing vocals or overlaying her vocals is fantastic too. Ah and her adlibbing at the end- just makes the song! The lyrics are quite something too "I've come to be able to smile Even when I feel no fun. I wonder if I have changed" But what I really love is the chorus. It's pure rock and I love her english- "we are free to go anywhere we want, yet not free at all". This is a beautiful song. It has a great feeling to it and it's incredibly powerful. Such a dramatic rock song.
Then it's time for a ballad with Over. This is so pretty. It's very soft and sorrowful. The instrumental is very ethereal. The piano part and all the synth is wonderful. I love how it builds up getting more complex, and the way it tones down for the verses yet becomes stronger for the chorus and then when it finally dies away at the end. I think what makes the song though are Ayu's sincere vocals, especially when Ayu sings in the most beautiful tone of voice, so soft and ethereal and so heartbroken she sings "it's over"- and at that point it really gets me. But the entire song is wonderful. Ayu uses alot of english, and yeah it's accented but it's pretty good and it actually makes sense. This song is incredibly beautiful with so much emotion in it. So so pretty and a favourite ballad of mine.
Hanabi is next, and it's another ballad- yet it's totally different from Over. I really love that one sound that goes through it all, combined with all the other instrumentation the song has a great atmosphere. Ayu's vocals take on a very interesting tone, and I think are digitally messed with, to really suit the song and as always she sings it with alot of emotion. This is a very pretty ballad. It's not as dramatic as episode II though, and can drag if you listen too much. A listen now and then and it's very beautiful and filled with alot of emotion. I love the instrumentation, and how it all goes together to create such an interesting sound.
Time for an interlude with Taskinillusion. This one still is pretty soft and ethereal with a strong dance feeling to it and a sense of urgency. It's like a wake up call after such pretty and soft ballad. Once again I love how they incorporate the vocals in there. This is a very pretty instrumental break.
The dance track continues with everywhere nowhere. This has a very experimental start which is pretty random, but sets the scene for this heavy dance track. It's pretty upbeat but with a darker, heavier feeling. The chorus is pretty cool, and carries alot of power. I find the backing vocals slightly annoying though. This song is very fast and filled with alot of energy. The instrumentation is very cool and Ayu gives a good vocal performance. It's pretty cool, and totally catchy. There feels like something is missing though from making it totally awesome.
Then it's the first pure pop track- July 1st. The song has a wonderful opening and I like the slight edge given to it by the heavy synth and the electric guitar. Overall it's still a pop track, it's very fast and upbeat and filled with alot of energy but unlike alot of Ayu's pop, I do quite like this one. I like the darker feel, and the more experimental composition.
Next is Dolls. This is a very dramatic song with some very pretty instrumentation and a very dark feel to it. I love the dynamics of the song, and the overall feeling to the song. There's something very sad, very forlorn about the song. The feeling of having lost something almost. Either way it's beautiful. Ayu sounds stunning, especially in the chorus- her voice is so soft and sincere, and just...really beautiful. Her adlibbing at the end too...gosh it's stunning.
neverending dream follows, it's a very ethereal and dreamy interlude with some very cheesy but instrumental at times. I think it fits in nicely, however it doesn't sound very unique and it lacks those dreamy vocals of Ayu.
Voyage is next. This one had a short movie used to promote it. It's a very OTT ballad, which still is very beautiful. It starts softly with a music box type thing and then the piano. The strings are just breathtaking. It's got the vocals, the strings and the piano -everything for a beautiful and dramatic ballad. I think it's very beautiful however I do think it's a little OTT. I also think there's nothing really unique about it. Frankly, it's not the sort of song that appeals to me.
Track 14 is Close to you. It's got that dreamy, ethereal synth of all the interludes of the album. Ayu's soft vocals really match that soft and dreamy atmosphere. It changes for the chorus where it actually sounds quite sexy with the whole "oo" and heavy beat. It's very pretty and a decent song. Nothing too special but very nice to listen to.
15 is independent and mixed in there is the bonus track more than (although I've never been able to tell where one starts and the other begins) I HATE the clapping for Independent. Stop with the clapping! Ugh. More than is a very upbeat pop rock number- similiar in style to chorus. Ayu's vocals sound a little strange, but it's got a nice feeling and a cool atmosphere. The chorus...and everything goes down hill. Stop with the backing vocals and the chanting! Rubbish ending.
This is another pretty cool album from Ayu. I felt there were some tracks that were slightly bland and some that were downright annoying but overall it's a nice package. This album has a very dark feeling to it, all have great feeling to it. For some reason though I don't think this is the best thing Ayu has ever done. The album is great to listen to, and I have some favourites from it but overall there's something missing, something preventing it from being too awesome. And there are some bad tracks... some tracks which really let the album down.
If you've not got it by now I'm aiming for the whole review all of Ayu's albums. OK, I'm only going for the studio albums, and her A ballads but STILL. It takes forever though! I've only done LoveAPPEARS, Secret and Memorial Address so far. Anyway, Here is Ayu's Duty. Hamasaki Ayumi's 3rd album released 2000.09.27. Duty is the 22nd best selling album in Japan. It topped the charts, probably broke records...the sort of stuff you'd expect from Hamasaki Ayumi. And for Love appears she was naked, now she's in a cat girl outfit!! XD
The album opens with starting over, a short instrumental piece to set the scene. I like the subtle use of Ayu's vocals. It's a very light and airy piece, and I like the dance feeling to it and use of synth. It's a good opener.
The title track, Duty follows. duty is a rather dramatic song, with a beautiful strings and spanish guitar part leading to the full instrumental- a very heavy beat and some airy synth to create an impressive and darker atmosphere. This is a very beautiful, dark song from Ayu. Her vocals are beautiful, and add to the dark emotion. This song has a brilliant atmosphere and a gorgeous feeling to it. Ayu's vocals are still not at their strongest, but they really work here.
Duty flows nicely to Track 3 which is vogue. This is a pretty cool song with a rather exotic type instrumental. It still got that dramatic feeling that Duty has, that sort of subtle awesomeness about it. The instrumentation is truly beautiful as are Hamasaki's vocals. The backing vocals are very nicely done too. The song can get a little boring though, with not enough variation to make it something truly standout, but it's still very good. Like duty it has a wonderful feeling to it.
Next up is the wonderfully titled End of the World and it's just as awesome a track. It's another very dramatic song, with wonderful rock instrumentation blended with synth. Ayu's vocals are wonderful as always, and she gives so much emotion to the song. This is a pretty dark sounding song. At first the airy sounds in the background with the heavy beat and Ayu's vocals create a very interesting atmoshpere. But the highlight is when it breaks out into the chorus, a rock feel lent by furious guitars and Ayu's angry vocals. The song continues to be bitter and loud. I love the dynamics of it, the sheer power of the song. It's freaking fantastic!
Then things quiten down for the ballad SCAR. There's still a prominent use of interesting synth, combined with a rather nice piano part. It's a very sorrowful, and beautiful ballad. Ayu continues to give a good vocal performance, especially in the chorus where her voice takes on a very interesting tone. The subtle backing vocals work really well too. The instrumental break is beautiful too, I really like the inclusion of the guitar. The whole song just has this great feel to it. I really love the feeling of the song. It's so bittersweet.
Far Away follows. Starting quietly it builds up into another dramatic song with interesting, unique instrumentation. This one thing is that it's not really all that interesting, it goes too long with too little variation and thus it gets a little tedious. The instrumental break is much needed to pick the song up and make it a little livlier. You can really hear th e beginning of some of her later works in that instrumental! Anyway, this is a decent song with rather nice instrumentation however something is lacking to make it truly interesting.
SURREAL is next. The single for SURREAL was released on the same day as the album. The song is amazing. It starts with some distorted type piano and the synth, before Ayu's deep and quiet vocals come in- building up always building up... The song has alot of power in it. There's so much variation and different sounds in this song- it's so interesting. Ayu's vocals are great, they have a strange tone that works really well for the song. I love the rock elements with the guitar and the darker sound to it. This song is tense and dramatic, with a great feeling and alot of emotion presented. It's pretty awesome.
Next is AUDIENCE, which unfortunatly is the first very weak song on this album. It still has the rock element combined with the synth but man, I hate the clapping sounds and overall there's something annoying about this song. I cannot bring myself to like it. It's catchy though and fans of Ayu's more pop sound will probably appreciate this more than I do.
Then it's the very well known Ayu song SEASONS, but a song of hers I cannot like. This song sounds alot like that western song "a moment like this.." You know? I always think of that song, and those old sandals advertisments when I hear this song. It is very pretty and Ayu gives a wonderful emotion to it with her lovely vocals but I can't help but feel there's nothing unique about it at all. It's nice...I guess.
Track 10 is teddy bear: a quiet and emotional ballad. This song...this song is fantastic. The simple, sometimes almost childish piano that is so beautiful combined with Ayu's soft, and so sincere and emotional vocals. This song is pure emotion. The lyrics are stunning too-"When I woke up, I found by my pillow a teddy bear...in place of you." Ayu sings this like she means this and more. She sings this likes she's about to cry. This song is sad, almost heartbreaking. It's so beautiful. A very soft and tender ballad.
The album is nearly done with Key~eternal tie ver.~. A soft ballad with hints of rock. This song reminds me of her earlier ballad, or perhaps it's just become so familiar to me by now. Either way it's not Ayu's best ballad but it is very pretty. I really like how the song builds up in the beginning, and Ayu's "oo" or whatever before the line of the verse. The chorus is extremly pretty though, Ayu sings it with alot of emotion and the backing vocals are used well. This is a pretty dramatic and emotional ballad. It's rather pretty. I really love Ayu's vocals here : )
The album ends with the fun pop rock song girlish. It's not something I really like but it's decent. It's really a very fun and upbeat song. I do like the instrumentation and Ayu's vocals are very nice. It's when it gets to all the...was it chanting? Yeah all those backing vocals and stuff. Totally ruins a good song. It's nice to end the album on such an upbeat song like this though!
So? Overall I shall repeat: Duty is the 22nd best selling album in Japan. And you can totally tell why. This really is a masterpiece. Ayu's albums continue to get better and better. Song for XX was barely listenable, apart from a few standout tracks. LoveAPPEARS had a prominent dance sound and Ayu's vocals had improved. Duty ventures into rock, with a few ballads and some pop. All have a very interesting and unique sound. Damn- you fon't know how fast I typed for some of these songs. This album is special man. Very special. Ayu is continuing to present new and unique sounds with her albums, and her vocals are definitly improving alot too. This is a beautiful album. It's kinda awesome even if I don't like all the songs, I think that overall it's pretty good.
Scans from Japanese Princess and lyrics from Divine Ayu
Hey! I return after a short break from reviewing. This month (yep, it's already August) there's alot of brilliant new singles coming out! I've already heard Onitsuka's and it sounds beautiful, looking forward to 12012, Despairs Ray, plastic tree and Chemistry life goes on. I prefer to do album reviews these days, apart from 12012 probably where I'll review the single : ) So...I'm still reviewing older stuff. It feels strange calling this album old, as I can still remember waiting for it to come out. I adore the album, there are some crappy tracks but there are some beautiful ones too. The photobooklet is photoshopped, as my family had great fun pointing out, but absolutly stunning and it suits the mood of the album- beautiful, dark, myusterious with splashes of bright diamonds and light. Um..yes. I also got a poster with this album, which became the first Jpop poster on my wall. Took all my courage to put it up and keep it up, but I can still look up and see Ayu every day now <3 On to the review!!
This is Ayu's 8th album released on 2006.11.29.
The album opens with Not yet, a very ethereal and synth based piece blending beautiful electronica with Ayu's vocals. It's a powerful and catchy opening, with lots of power as it starts of quiet building up to a soft trance dance track- Ayu's vocals distorted and blended into the gorgeous electronica. A wonderful and unique song. Reminscent of loveAPPEARS but at the same time, taking a whole new route.
then it's until that day... continuing on in the same light as Not Yet, except alot more gritty and rockier with strong guitar riffs and heavy drum beat besides the electronica, distorted backing vocals which pop up now and then and Ayus sometimes distorted, sometimes wordless vocals. The wordless bits are beautiful, and I adore the chorus too. It's still just as beautiful as Not yet and justpowerful, packed with alot of emotion. It's a strong and more rebelious track, downright angry much like alterna or STEP you.
The fast Startin' is next, continuing with the heavy electronica songs. This one blends electronica, and pop rock for a fast and fun track. I hated this at first but it really grew on me, it's so catchy! By the time you hit the chorus you're kinda hooked. The song is still pretty powerful with Ayu belting it out and the hints of rock with the guitar, much like until that day... but the lyrics talk about believeing in yourself and having confidence. I love the adlibbing at the end
The album delves into gritty rock for 1 LOVE, which is very dark and angry- and who doesn't think of the PV when listening to this? Immediatly images of pole dancing Ayu pop into my mind. The song itself is awesome. Very angry and powerful, with Ayu belting it out with all her emotion and a fantastic soft rock arrangment. It's dark and gritty and makes you think of underground pole dancing clubs. Excellent song. Looking at the lyrics it's actually not as angry as it sounds, more about the importance of love and wanting to be loved.
Then it's the slow and gorgeous It was. I read so many reviews stating how boring this track was, and was surprised. Personally this is one of Ayu's most unique and beautiful ballads. The soft instrumentation filled with synth, breaking into rock in the chorus is very powerful and effective- it adds alot of power and emotion to the song. The distortion of Ayu's voice in the verses, compared to the chorus where the distortion drops and it's just Ayu sounding beautiful and emotional is a wonderful contrast. It's a soft, sad and very beautful song. I adore the contrast presented in it and the way it constantly changes, if only slighlty.
An interlude is next with LABYRINTH, an ehtereal instrumental filled with twinkling sounds and synth which fits in nicely between It Was and Jewel. It's a mood lifter after It was, building up to the romantic and hopeful Jewel whilst still having a darker edge. A beautiful and Bittersweet little instrumental that fits nicely.
Then it's the pretty ballad Jewel. The song opens with pretty piano part, building up as the song progresses but still
momentum is the typical winter ballad, the piano nstrumentation and the synth and everything giving alot more winter vibes than even Jewel. It's like a winter edition of say Fairyland! OK I won't take the piss too much. It's a fairly pretty, very dramatic ballad and Ayu gives a lovely vocal performance. The PV was very nice too. It's not as good as secret or Jewel, but it's still pretty and nice to listen to. The guitar adds something unique and interesting to it.
another interlude, the beatiful Taskinlude which starts with a pretty music box sound then explodes into hard rock- this could make such a good song : ) The interlude itself is beautiful.
Then it's the annoying Born to be...which I tried to love but couldn't. The whole overly dramatic feel to it, the chanting and the whatnot just irritates me not end.
Another annoying one with Beautiful Fighters. This one I have mixed feelings about. On one hand, the distorted vocals of "beautiful fighters" and the whistling and clapping or whatnot is annoying, on the other if you take it for what it is- a cute pop song about girl power I suppose it's alright.
BLUE BIRD is the fairyland of Secret. It's a fun and summery tune, which sounds hyper and happy but actually the lyrics are really sad. The PV is the dancing on the beautiful white sands, all happy happy. It's nice.
Kiss o' kill is an amazing experimental rock track. The song opens with children singing and a piano before introducing Ayu and the organ. The organ, synth and Ayu's forlorn, bitter vocals give the song a dark and nightmarish feel. The lyrics too are beautiful. It's a powerful and emotional track. I was drawn to the title, which in a kiss me kill me way I suppose is Kiss or Kill. Or in engrish manner- kiss of kill? I wonder. Anyway, This has become a personal favourite of mine, for it is quite simply amazing. I adore the instrumentation, and Ayu sounds amazing.Check out her performance of this too.
Secret ends the album off, as a pretty and sorrowful ballad. It's absolutly stunning with wonderful instrumentation, especially the synth and the accoustic guitar part and the strings. Ayu comes in and her voice is soft and filled with so much emotion- continuing to give a wonderful vocal performance the whole way through. I adore the chorus, it's beautiful the way Ayu reaches up the higher notes and the instrumentation with the accoustic guitar, the strings... it's just so heartbreakingly beautiful and so emotional. You can feel the sorrow and regret conveyed in the song. Everything about the song is perfect. A wonderful end to a brilliant album.
I've not listened to the album for a while, but I'm reminded of how much I love it. It's a mature album where Ayu really shows another side of her, like all her albums always present something new- something a fan could hate or love. I love this side of her, I love the powerful rock tracks like Kiss o' kill and It was, the soft rock ballad. I adore the ballads like Secret and Jewel. It's a very powerful album with lots of emotion. The photos for the album, the PVs- the entire package was well thought out and all came together brilliantly. There are some bad tracks on the album, but the number of good tracks really overpowers them. A beautiful album from Ayu and one of my personal favourites.
LOVEppears (love appears) is Hamasaki Ayumi's second full length album on avex, released way back on 1999.11.10. The album has a very trance (dance music) feel to it, and though Ayu's vocals are far from matured- they sound alot more polished than the often squeaky-ness of song for xx. Here is some information taken from wiki.ppn: The album is a double album where the first disc is a collection of
new tracks and the second disc is a mini-compilation from Ayumi's
other releases. The album reached #1 on the Oricon
charts and stayed on the charts for a total of sixty-four weeks,
selling a total of 2,562,130 copies. The album is the #38 best selling
album in Japan. The singles off the album all came out to be quite successful. The album's single "LOVE ~Destiny~" was her first #1 single, and "Boys & Girls" was her first single to sell over a million copies. The single "A" featured four a-side tracks and the single holds the record for the longest Japanese CD single. The tracks "Fly high" and "kanariya" were re-released a few months later as singles. kanariya is the first re-cut single in Oricon history to hold the top position.
"Just having met you, just having loved you,
having shared my thoughts with you,
from now until forever... thank you."
Second to last is Who... a very pretty little ballad. It has a nice piano part but still relies alot on twinkling synth and a distorted guitar bit. Ayu sounds beautiful in the ad-libbing, giving it a very light feel. The way her voice is distorted to sound slightly echoey backs the ethereal feel. Oh and the lyrics are extremly romantic. It's a wonderful little ballad to "finish" the album off. Very laid back and ethereal sounding. Nothing special but packed with emotion, and pleasant to listen to. It also fits nicely from Love ~refrain~ - but Ayu's albums always flow nicely.
lyrics source: Divine Ayu Cover source: Japanese Princess Information: wiki.ppn
This is Ayu's first mini-album on Avex released on 2003.12.17. It was also her first to be released in CD and CD-DVD format. Naturally, it reached one on the Oricon charts. For me, this album is very special. When I was first getting into Jpop I didn't really know much. Memorial adress was one of my first Ayu songs, and my first Jpop songs away from anime (along with alterna and song for xx ferry corsten mix). This mini album was one of the first Jpop albums I bought from yesasia, and the DVD one of the first Jpop I played on my TV. See how special this is to me?
This mini-album, and the songs on it, are some of my very favourite Ayu songs. Even if I wasn't a die-hard Ayu fan, I would love this album. It is an amazing mini-album filled with emotion and a variety of tracks.
The DVD as well is fanastic, and the lyrics booklet has some fantastic pictures which show a very mature looking Ayu, she wears bright dressed amongst a gold background. Very beautiful. Scans can be found at Japanese princess.
The mini album begins with Angels song, which I don't much like because of the brazen opening. However, once it gets going it's a upbeat pop number. At some points Ayu's voice hasn't been distorted right (the bridge I think), but otherwise it's really good. Despite being a pop song, there is a strong guitar part in the background and also lots of synth and strange noises. Ayu sounds hopeful, fitting to the lyrics however the lyrics also have a bittersweet feel to them. A good, fast paced opening and a classic Ayu pop song.
Greatful days is also a pop number. It's is insanely catchy, and very strong with Ayu belting out "yeah" in a synth type way. Again, the guitar and synth is very prominent. This song has a happier feel about it, as judging by both the lyrics and the title it is about finding love and being greatful for it. I remember watching this PV, where Ayu looked very pretty but there were some wierd bits? Either way, I don't really like this as it feels a bit too standard.
Moving on to the good stuff. Ayu moves into rock with Because of You. The song starts with piano part before introducing a loud, rock inspired guitar part and Ayu desperatly singing about her lover who neglects her. The lyrics are the strongest part of this song, tinged with angst and desperation. From the first verse, we can tell the girl is aching after somebody, the second shows her pain, and the rest shows how she cannot understand her lover and her lover doesn't rely on her. Well, that's what I get. I also remember this PV, which is one of my favourite PVs of Ayu's. The PV is full of symbolism. A girl stuck in a relationship where her boyfriend is cheating, hints of abuse, and the anime type clips shows her dreaming of him being by her side, and the white room perhaps suggest something more sinister again. The actual song is a gritty rock song, fast paced with brilliant guitar and piano parts. Ayu belts out the lyrics with the perfect emotion. Somehow, this song even manages to be catchy. My favourite part of the song is the ending:
"Why
sometimes I can't say honestly?
Why sometimes I can't be tender?
Why sometimes we hurt each other?
Why sometimes we check each other?
Why sometimes my heart aches so much
Why always my heart goes out to you?
I can't think of anyone but you
I can't think of anyone but you"
This song is just so powerful, so emotional. I suggest you listen to it, watch the PV and then her perfomance of it at countdown.
The good songs continue with Ourselves. Except the album takes a 180 turn back to pop. almost. Ourselves has an arabic feel to it, and relies heavily on synth and layering of Ayu's vocals. It has a darker feel to it over Ayu's more hyper pop. It is like the better version of "real me". The lyrics are criptic, though I guess Ayu is talking about the importance of love. I love the chorus and the ending repetetion. Once again, Ayu's vocals are strong and emotional, especially at the ending. Another outstanding track.
The mini-album continues it's high quality with the beautiful, heart breaking ballad Hanabi-episode two-. If you've seen the PV, you'll know why this song always makes me feel slightly sad. Hanabi episode two opens with an amazing guitar and synth, and a flittery type sound. The first chorus is quite and restrained, as if Ayu is holding back her emotion. Then the chorus kicks in and Ayu breaks down, her voice becoming strong and emotional. The backing vocals are a welcome addition. This is indeed the continuation of the Hanabi story, with Ayu reflecting on that time of Hanabi. she questions her decisions "Did
I choose the right way?" and then
"I
gently lock the memories away
Leaving them to be beautiful
This
feeling, this feeling, go up into the sky
And be dispersed beautifully like a firework"
The lyrics are so beautiful. The PV is also exceptional. It is shot at the beach, and basically it shows Ayu crying at some points. Lying on the beach (looking stunning) at others. Fake guitar playing a few shots. And then the ending she is standing, crying her eyes out with the fireworks behind her. Ayu looks so stunning in the grey dress, and the side ponytail. The way she portrays the emotion really makes you feel waht the song is trying to convey. A beautiful, emotional ballad. The song ends with her simply ad-libbing, as if she is letting go. The synth guitar things brings us back out of the song.
Then No way to say. At first I didn't really like this song, however it has grown on me. This song isn't exactly pop. But it's not rock. It relies on synth alot. The lyrics are what I really like about this song, as they are something I can relate to. I think this is almost like a ballad, with Ayu refelecting on her past and her feelings in the present. A great song, but not a favourite of mine.Forgiveness. Ah...forgiveness. Another song that moves me to the point I could cry. Ayu is quiet during the verses but her voice shines out in the chorus'. The dynamics and the emotion in this song, and the way it quietly simply builds up to the ending and that english ending you just cannot understand- truly amazing. The instrumentation and use of backing vocals is spot on. I love the piano. Furthermore, like most of the PVs, the PV for forgiveness is simply beautiful. At first I didn't like it, but slowly I begin to see it's faerytale beauty. All I remember of the PV is Ayu sitting with the dress floating around her as if she had wings. Her expressions is sad, but hopeful as she sings about "Maybe everyone did so to protect love". An amazing song, truly about forgivness. About forgiving people's faults, on not giving up. Ayu knows how to get her message across.
Then the last track, and one of my favourite Ayu songs EVER. Memorial adress. Memorial adress is about Ayu's father, and is a very emotional song. The song starts with just Ayu over simple piano chords. Gradually the piano becomes more complicated. And after the first chorus, the guitars come in and Ayu begins to belt out the lyrics, sounding angry and bitter and sad. If you've ever seen her perform this where she begins to cry, you'll know how personal this song is. It's the sort of song you put really loud. the lyrics are fantastic, never quite showing that they are about death and bitter endings.
"Sayonara
--- Even my last words don't reach you
I'm made to realize the coldness of the parting
I wish I could have heard from you
That you never regretted the days we had spent together
Only once, even if it had been a lie"
Then, just before the song ends the guitar dissappears and it becomes just Ayu and Piano again. This is an amazing, unique and emotional rock song that blows me away every time. Amazing.
This mini-album is just fantastic. Just so fantastic. Unique. Powerful. Emotional. Every song sounds polished, mature and complete. Ayu fans and non-Ayu fans will love atleast one song on this album. For me, it holds a special place in my heart. 12/10
lyrics source:Divine Ayu
I've always wondered, if I were to tell my friends "I listen to Japanese music" and they wanted to hear something- what on earth would I reccomend? Well...
1: Ayumi Hamasaki (memorial address, song for xx... not sure.)
2: Luna Sea (I for you, Gravity, Sweetest coma again)
3: Kiyoharu and SADS (Rinne, Slow, Life beyond desperation, Awake)
4: Plastic Tree (Spica!!!! Alone again wonderful world too. I've not listened to alot of them- though I plan to!)
4: 12012 (Caus' they are my favourite and most listened to J-rock after SADS and Kiyoharu. Shower, Deep forest in particular)
5: Gackt (Caus' he's sexy. Redemption, mind forest and Yami no Shuen. Ahh...and last song!)
6: Chihiro Onitsuka (She has a beautiful voice and her songs are very moving. Infection, Drifting feathers)
(this list could change at anytime apart from those in bold who I adore and think are extremly talented. I like 4 to 6 but not sure about what my friends would- and seeing so that's the focus of this post...)
What about you? Is there anything that you'd never ever tell anybody you listened to it? :P Is there something you'd force onto your friends?
---
I've been listening to LUNA SEA lately. I'm curently working through their best of albums- it's amazing! To be honest I've never like X-Japan, the singers voice annoys me, however for LUNA SEA their music is just so beautiful. Everything sounds so unbeliavbly right, and it's even relaxing in a way. A fantastic listen and the singer has a beautiful voice. I think the guitarist (Sugizo?) is also very talented. I've not skipped a song yet, and that's something for me. Only Ayu, Kiyoharu, SADS and Chihiro Onitsuka get that sort of treatment from me : ) Naturally, there's one or two but not quarter of the album like I usually do!
I can totally see the hype around LUNA SEA. They are total awesomness.
Other than that- have you heart Plastic Trees alone again? It's amazing! Though at first the constant, repetitive in-your-face guitar part annoyed me It grew on me: Ryotaro (is that right?) has a beautiful tone to his voice. I love the chorusy bit : ) At first I admired Plastic Tree for their visuals, but I'm steadily begining to love their music as well. I'm definitly gonna save up for some of their ablums. Also, have you seen the merchandise for their upcoming concert tour too? I so want the t-shirt and wrist-strap- the panda is adorable!! (Sasabuchi has the pictures of them)
Olivia has new song! Title "bleeding heart" (inspired by bleeding love?) it's a really nice laid-back pop rock special Olivia ethereal-ness type of song. I didn't like it that much at first but I love it now. So glad she's back and still sounding fantastic. I think Nana was the best thing for her, she's really matured :D
Lastly, Just like to say that I don't really like Ayu's new single. I don't know but everything annoys me about it. The covers are photoshopped in all the wrong ways, and Ayu looks weird expresion wise. The PV no matter the meaing is wierd and over the top, And her performance of it was equally over the top. She couldn't walk in the shoes. The song itself is really good, though the string part is unnecesary and it really doens't stand out as anything amazing. Life is also OK but mediocre, and the two new versions though wonderfull sung were never songs I liked from Ayu. I would have prefered "Powder snow" or "song for xx" or even "poker face". Depend on you's instrumentation sounds ripped off from somewhere. also, there is a riduculous amount of versions"! all in all, money-grabbing good but nothing special single. Dissapointing after the awesomeness that was GUILTY.
That's about it. Bai bai : )
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J-rock music reviews Updated: Yesterday
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