she knows that international fans do that. I mean, how does she think she got that popular outside? Through internet, therefore, downloads. I don't think people would randomly buy an album from japan just to try it and see how it sounds... xD

i'll give a review soon, but i gotta say

T.K, or the arrangers whoever better stop making the backing vocals so loud in the chorus it's so annoying. prominent cases are crossroad & November

My opinion so far:

-It's one of her best... sounds mature and cohesive... maybe it's her best...

-She sounds like Seiko Matsuda in Thank U, both her cutesy voice and the way she sings the verses...

-I love the hurry on her voice for most of the tracks

-I love how Ayu didn't overpowered TK and how TK didn't overpowered Ayu in the production... You can hear both of them on the music with both being recognizible...


About being cohesive... being cohesive doesn't mean having tracks that sound alike, it means having tracks that go well together and that share esthetic characteristics... IMO, (miss)understood is very cohesive cuz even if it has tons of different music, all of them have strong 70s and 80s influence, so, they all sound like they came from the same place IMO... What doesn't happen with Secret or RnRC...

Hm...reading again, I need to re-write the first few songs, as soon as I find the romaji. lol

Yea, I wouldn't read along on the first listen because you can't absorb the overall sound so easily.

I don't think her older albums pre-NEXT LEVEL had these overarching themes? (Did they?)

The sound was bugging me so much. XD There seems to be an 80's vibe of sorts, but I guess that's TK.

It seems like "Like A Doll" is the "Don't Look Back" in this album, at least as far as how the music style is different and catching.

Yay, that was goal. :yes

All I can say is her voice has turn very mature and cohesive.
I quite like November. Can feel all her feelings in that song, good job Ayu! (:
I also like overture & insomnia :D

I'm addicted to that call-and-response instrumental in November, the line of music that repeats over and over again. SO GOOD.

Also I think Sending mail is intense and amazing. Love song is of course great, it's so powerful, especially the line where Ayu says something like "what if you can go back in time"--TOO EPIC!

Like a doll is also very nice and I think the way the music builds up is very unusual, also Ayu's high voice in certain parts of the vocals is very nostalgic, I miss her singing high, lol. I like Thank U but probably less than the other songs.

I love this album!!! The single tracks were mostly generic to me, I only like Virgin Road and Last angel, but the album tracks are great in my opinion. I gotta say, this is my favourite album by her in her recent years, beats Rock 'n' Roll Circus and NEXT LEVEL by miles.

I was listening to the album as I was laying in bed last night through some in-ear headphones, and I take back what I said about Like a doll: I've come to like it after listening to it more in-depth rather than through not-so-good computer speakers.

I haven't liked an album this much since Secret, I think. Haha.
GUILTY was good, but I didn't care too much for the album tracks.
NEXT LEVEL's sound was cheesy for me, but I got what she wanted to do. Just a personal miss, not an Ayu-miss.
R'n'RC was great, I actually liked most of the material, just some tracks fell flat for me.

Then there's this album, which I can actually listen to from start to finish without skipping anything. I haven't done that since Secret or m(u) to be quite honest. :)

Generally speaking, this album sounds mature (except for Thank U). It has some really beautiful and unique instrumentals and arrangements. I was surprised (pleasantly) by a lot of things on here.

Love Song is amazing. The way she sings reminds me of her "golden days" during the I Am.... period. This is what she should be doing with her vocals.

Sending Mail really impresses me. It captures the feeling of someone obsessing over what to say and how to say it, and eventually giving up. I know that feeling, too, as I'm sure many do, so this song speaks to me. Very emotional. Probably the best new track on here (besides Love Song).

Like a Doll also has a very unique sound. I love the part where her singing "akiramenai koto" and "like a doll" in the background blend together. Sometimes her vocals get a little shrill, though, which bothers me.

Thank U is just terrible. Ayu should stop trying to sing all cutesy like this. It doesn't work with her voice anymore. And for God's sake, she's had enough songs bursting at the seams with LALALALALLALAs already. Lol.

Do it Again....well, I'm still not sure how I feel about it. I've come to like the repetitive dance dance sing sing parts, but the rest of the song is a little "meh" to me. I also don't really like how she repeats the same verses again at the end. It sort of makes the song feel longer than it should be. However, it builds up to a nice climax.

November, I want to like more than I currently do. The lyrics are wonderful, and so is the instrumentation. I think her vocals aren't up to par, though. I'll need to give this one more time.

All the interludes are excellent, especially Insomnia.

I just wish there were more new songs on here. 6 out of 15 is pitiful. I'm not a fan of Moon or Blossom, and Crossroad is only OK. I do love the 3 singles from L, though. Overall, this is a string album, but I'll need time before I can say how it compares to others.

When all the positive people started criticising the negative people, and the negative people were like "wtf is wrong with you guys, we have an opinion too."

And now the positive people are all pissed off because of the negative people...

and it's just a cycle.

Just everyone, state your opinion, and be strong in your convictions~ No one can take how you feel away from you, unless you let them.

yeah, it's sort of a lower electro vibe, which I love. (Eurythmics = <3 ;))

It is sooo TK...lol everything on the album is so him. I hope...well, I hope people in Japan like the album.

Since I won't be able to receive my album until January 4th, I decided the download the original album tracks, give them a listen, and once I was done listening to them I would delete them so I won't grow weary of the tracks upon arrival.

People will say what they want, but I loved every single track that I listened to. No " it will grow on me" business, it was a masterpiece, pure and simple. I won't do a full review where I analyze each song until I actually get the CD, but wow, It exceeded my expectations by 120%. I didn't hear any dull or filler tracks ( I'm talking to you, RnRC, as much as I love that album) But each track had a nostalgic, charming, and beautiful feeling to it. It may even be my favorite album, and that is saying so much. I am really proud of Ayu this year.

Album sounds so fresh, new and strong. Im loving it more and more by each listen. I liked RnRC but I feel like RnRC was everywhere nowhere while Love songs is like one whole story.

I love them too, grew up listening to their music. It's a nice surprise to hear.

Then, in Do It Again, the bass line and beats starting at 5:01 (esp 5:13)...feels really Malice Mizer or some kind of Visual Kei.

lol I wish everyone loved this album, but it ain't gonna happen. Some will always dislike it, some will dislike it at first then grow to love it, some will love instantly, and so on. No need to be hatin' on each other for personal preferences. :no

I really wish this too, I honestly think that this album is so special.

It's funny because usually when an album is released, I usually just let go of the fact that not everyone is going to like it.Now practically EVERYONE is disliking it, and it really puts me down. It's one thing when I like a song, but I realize why people don't like it either, but I honestly don't find any problems with any of the songs. The only one I can think of is " Do it again"s repetitiveness (although I love that song, too.)

Of course I know everyone has their opinions, and I am not saying this as a way to be stubborn or "attack" the opinions of people who don't necessarily like it. I mean, I would rather like something than dislike something, so it doesn't really matter.

1. Love song - Wow! Such a beautiful and powerful song! I love the way Ayu sings in this song it's so funky! If I had to pick one thing I found a little meh, is when she hits that high note when she says 'yeah' or whatever...it's a little awkward sounding. Otherwise, I'd have to say this is one of my most favorites off the entire album. 9.5/10

2. crossroad - I love the smooth transition! It was perfect to place this song right after Love song. Well, I've always found this song to be very nostalgic and unique in it's own way. I love the chorus so much...there are slightly dull parts, like the lead-in to the chorus. 9/10

3. MOON - This song has always been iffy for me. I really like the verses, but the chorus just sounds so weak to me :(. It sounds like it has so much potential to burst into an epic song, but it just seems to fall short of that in the chorus, in my opinion. Plus, I feel like this song runs a little long. 6/10

4. sending mail - Now this is an interesting song :O! When it first started I was thinking...oh wow this song sounds so old O.o...In fact, it sounds kind of cheesy in the verses. But then when I got to the lead-in to the chorus and heard how Ayu sang with so much emotion, I was like okay..I really like this part if anything. Then the chorus just BLEW me away! It is sooo aggressive and powerful sounding! I love the way Ayu sings in this song, just like in Love songs! I was expecting something way different...even after from hearing the previews. This song kind of reminds me of a mix between hana and Mirrocle World if that makes sense xD! Either way, it's one of my favorites by far! 10/10

5. Last angel - This song has always been really awesome to me. It's very surreal and fantasy-like. Some of the verses can be a little dull at times though...like when she sings those low notes in a long, drawn out way. 9/10

6. insomnia - Kind of creepy...Have to say I expected a little more though. That weird little voice that echoes repeatedly in the song kind of ruins the atmosphere the song creates though. And that loud noise at the end kind of scared me lol. I like the little techno synch in the song though. 7/10

7. Like a doll - This is such a peculiar song! It almost has an R&B sound to it. What saves this song for me is the sick little beat it has xD, and how beautifully Ayu hits those high notes O.O! This may sound odd, but it almost has a weird royal sound to it lol. I don't know I really like the verses, high notes, and the beat, but I don't think I'd say this song is one of my favorites off the album. I don't care for the chorus as much. 8/10

8. Aria - God, this interlude is so beautiful :luv2. I was not expecting it to sound so elegant and peaceful! It's definitely my favorite off the entire album! I even love the little choir singing in there. And then the electronic part, it kind of reminds me of Owl City! I love this interlude soo much! 10/10

9. blossom - Never liked this song and couldn't even sit through the entire thing while listening to the album. I get that it's supposed to have that traditional Ayu roots sound, but it's just way too bland in my opinion :(. 5/10

10. Thank U - Bleh I knew I wouldn't like this song. I don't like the cutesy vocals first of all, and second, I just think the 'lalalala' part should not have been the chorus :no. That itself, makes the song really weak overall, in my opinion. Plus, I feel it's just a bit too long. If I had to pick one thing that I liked, I say the verses, as they were actually a little catchy. 5.5/10

11. Sweet Season - I've actually always really liked this song. I think it's really heartwarming and it makes me feel good when I listen to it. It's not anything outstanding or amazing, but it's simple and nice. 9/10

12. overture - Nice, but kind of cheap sounding. It reminded me of the beginning of free & easy at first, so that sort of set me off to a bad start, since I don't like that song. But it got a little better towards the end, so I actually ended up not minding it. 8/10

13. do it again - Sigh, I'm just not a fan of Ayu singing english in her songs. It just doesn't suit her voice all that much to me. Again however, I LOVED those high notes! They made the song sound so elegant! So maybe with a few more listens I learn to enjoy this song more, but for now, I'd say it's just alright. 7/10

14. November - LOVE IT! Sooo beautiful! It's so distinct and unique. It almost sounds apocalyptic in parts. And to top it off, Ayu sings so wonderfully in it. Her vibrato actually sounds really nice in this song! Definitely one of my favorites! 10/10

15. Virgin Road - Always been epic and always will be. 10/10

16. SEVEN DAYS WAR - Meh, never cared for this song, but for what it's worth Ayu did a solid job performing this. 8/10

Overall: B+

If there's one thing Ayu proved to us on this album it's that she can still hit some really high notes o.o! I'm a sucker for her really high notes, so I was really pleasantly surprised by this! And one of the things that made this album more enjoyable is that her vocals have improved even more since RnRC! Now I wouldn't say this album is better than its predecessor, but it's not a letdown! There were some weak points, but over all it was really good! I'm glad I wasn't disappointed :yes.

I don't think you should let it effect you so much. I understand though, it's hard for me to understand why some people think this is a bad album, because to me, it's her strongest. but that's just how some people feel about it. They have different taste.. and if they don't like it, they have a right to say so. but just think, us who love it are much happier than they are now. we get to listen to these songs over and over again for years and keep appreciating them.. they can't do that. so they really have a right to complain, because it's probably a bit depressing not liking an ayu album and not being able to appreciate her songs, right?

but also lol I wouldn't say EVERYONE dislikes this album at all. while there are some negative reviews.. there are a bunch of positive ones on both here and JPM. and once again older fans seem to be coming out of the woodwork to say how much they love this album and haven't loved her past few ones, so to me, I think that's pretty nice.

Yeah, like I said originally, everyone is going to have their opinions. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it just means less people to agree with.

I also do think that us who appreciate the album are really lucky, we get to look back on her work and realize what a good job she has done, and be proud of her. Besides, she probably won't release anything for another few months (other than DREAM ON, of course) but it is good to know that I am more than happy with what she has now :)

Thought that too and I really love to hear her sing so high again!

One of her most cohesive albums ever. :)

Instantly one of my favorites!

I'm beginning to enjoy the album. To me, this seems so new, fresh, and different. Ayu seemed to have put a lot of thought on this album and what is the message she's trying to get across. I think this album is a bit better than R'n'RC & Secret; also, WAY better than NEXT LEVEL. I feel that this is her more mature album in her career.

I haven't gotten very familiar with all the track so I'll just comment about the ones I know about. Sending mail feels like it should belong in a kick ass anime! It's very strong, intense, and catchy. Full of energy as well. My favorite track on the album so far is do it again. The sounds are very new for Ayu, I also think her vocals are excellent. Thank U reminds me of a HONEY, MY ALL, Replace, and RED LINE in terms of having some sort of theme. All the interlude tracks are great!! My favorite is insomnia and my least favorite is Aria (but I don't hate it). One last thing, I don't know if I like the live version of SEVEN DAYS WAR, but it was a nice edition to the album. I think it would have been better to have added that on a DVD instead of as a bonus track and just have the original of SDW.

Overall, this album is very new and I'm welcoming it. The flow is perfect and this album has shown me why I'm still a huge fan of Ayu after almost 7 years of listening to her.

So I do like the album tracks but I have to say, coupled with the album I like the single tracks even more now (as far as crossroad, Sweet Season, Last Angel and blossom go).

blossom > crossroad > Sweet Season = Last angel > November > Do it again > Sending mail > Thank U > Love Song > Like a doll > MOON > Virgin Road

The main problem I have with this album is a lot of stuff that makes up the chorus of each song seems like it's an epic part that would lead up to the chorus. So what would have been an epic pre-chorus section becomes a somewhat mediocre chorus.

Heard it for the first time today! I'm really surprised! This album really has some classical influences for sure, and I'm loving that!!

The highlights of the album are do it again and November to me :yes They dominate the entire feeling of the album, and then with Virgin road after is just like POW!! take that! WOW! xD

It feels a bit like this album should be called Aphrodite or something :innocent



Anyway, I'm very happy with everything! The interludes this time are really good and easy to listen to!

Thank U was a surprise too!! I wasn't expecting it to be soooo goood :O I'm happy :)

I feel like everything I feel about this album has already been said XD

Well, the good news is that I LIKE IT!! And I really think it's MUCH BETTER than Rock'n'Roll Circus. Rock'n'Roll Circus, A Song for XX, and RAINBOW are my bottom three albums :(

I'm not sure where this album goes yet. It's too soon to tell. I agree, this is one cohesive album, but it makes sense I suppose, as almost all of the songs were composed by the same guy. I'm very, very surprised that Ayu x TK worked out so well in the end. I was afraid his influence would be TOO MUCH and Ayu wouldn't have that "Ayu" sound to her songs, but I was very wrong. Ayu's arrangers are some of the best, I swear.

The album tracks are absolutely stronger than the singles. Sadly, I was afraid this was going to be one of the worst albums from her yet, since I was not at all impressed by her singles this year. I'm glad Ayu surprised me yet again!

This album is definitely cohesive, AND it sounds very mature as well. I haven't recalled such a mature sound from her since from the days of LOVEppears, DUTY and I am... Even though she was 10 years younger back in those days, those albums really had a mature sound to them.

Her voice, for the most part, sounds decent, but yikes, some of the notes she hits in Thank U and a couple other songs sounds like it HURTS. Still, an improvement from R'n'RC vocals.

Overall score for this album, I think would be a 7.5/10 for now. Strongest songs: Last Angel, Do It Again; Weakest songs: Thank U, Sweet Season

Exactly what Ayu says in Love Song!

"Life is boring if you don’t have anything
That you can’t compromise on
(Life) would be meaningless
Wouldn’t it?"

Anyone think the rip we have is not that great? I felt the instrumentals sound very muffled. I compared a VBR rip of Last Angel from the single to the rip from the album and the single mp3 was hands down much better quality, in sound and bass.

Some songs don't feel like they have the kick they should. For example love song, the kick drum is so faint and muffled. I don't think that's how it will sound when listening to the actual CD.

I might be picky, but when it comes to Ayu, I want to hear the finished product how it should sound.

I just heard it. I definitely like it better than RnR Circus and it flows better than Guilty.
To me it actually sounds like her older sound; it sounds like something that would fit between Love appears and Duty. Maybe its the electro beats but there is still a lot of originality to the sound.
There's no album track I hate(now), but I dislike November (the vocals are killing me and its too repetitive) and the instrumentals. Singles wise I still HATE MOON and Blossom is more slightly tolerable and someone before said that SDW live is better, and in a way it was but she was so choked up that it annoyed me.
Oh and Thank you, is HONEY + independent. Its the same beats and everything la la laaaaaaaaaaaa~

SEVEN DAYS WAR is the perfect album ending (though, I wish she could of added an outro for this album)! It's very raw and I'm kind of glad she covered it!! ^^ Either way, I love all of the songs on this album in exception of Thank U! It's like I am... ~part 2~! (^_^) Ok, I'm done here! lol

Love Song: Nice piano intro, over all a strong song that I've listened to over and over. Vocals make me feel some sort of powerful feeling. I'm liking it!
9/10

crossroad: It's not too bad, it sounds really familiar for some reason. I can't place it, but overall not a too strong track for me.
6.5/10

MOON: Another one of those songs that seems familiar. Maybe because it's very "Ayu"ish for me. I like this one better than crossroad though.
7.5/10

Sending Mail: Absolutely one of my FAVORITES on this album. The beat is good, something that perks me up really. Her voice works for this song, and the overall feeling she is able to pull across.
9.5/10

Last Angel: Love the string instrumental intro, very lovely and soothing. Then we get into a little more beat and a build up, gets me a bit excited and really grabs my attention. I love the last note "bwooom" right before she starts to singing. Another favorite for me!
10/10

Insomnia: I may be one of the only people who doesn't really care so much for the little interludes. They're great for shows, but album filler as far as I am confirmed. I was interested in the name, merely because I have insomnia often myself. Musically, this isn't bad, it will go well at her next tour. For a interlude.. I'd give it..
6.5/10

Like A Doll: I love Ayu's accented English. I really have a thing for accents though so that could be why. This is one of my favorites on the album as well. I like the beat too the music, and the general feeling I get when I hear it.
9.5/10

Aria: ANOTHER darn interlude? Already? Why? It's not too bad, it's pretty enough. This'll have some cutesy video on her tour vid screens. Probably with some long pretty dress and her acting a little over the top cutesy..
5/10

blossom: Not too bad, I think I shouldn't have listened to it before. As it feels a little, old now? I have no idea. Not overly powerful really. Words are good, singing is good, music is pretty nice. Not too weak, not too strong. Still better than another interlude!
7/10

Thank U: I ... will be honest, I couldn't be bothered to listen through this the whole entire way. It may grow on me, but right now, I'm not too great with it. It'll be one of those songs at the end of a concert. Where she introduces everyone during, wearing something sparkly and being cute. Not that that's a BAD thing. But it just seems one of those 'closing' songs. Why is it 10th on the album?? For some reason I just don't feel it fitting much in here. It's almost like HONEY, but I like HONEY better. She's got to watch the "LA LA!!"'s at times.. there are some way too nasally here. Makes me shudder to hear.
4.5/10

Sweet Season: Another one that sounds too familiar. Reminds me of Sunrise and Sunset... meh for me. Not too great over all. Not sure why I'm not more into this type of song. I didn't finish it either..
5/10

Overture: One of the reasons I dislike Ayu's albums at times, there are too many interludes. Surprise the fans and JUST use them at the shows or something... Otherwise.. meh. It's rather pretty though, and will have a nice soft beautiful lovey type or sad type screen playing during her concert...
6/10

Do It Again: I love the piano intro! More Ayu-English. Love it like usual. Don't mind the repeating at all for once, usually I get annoyed at repetitiveness. This is one of my favorite tracks as well on this, loved it from the short PV, and still like it now. Favorite part of all of it is probably the Ayu-English.
8.5/10

November: I don't like how this starts off sounding like a cheap midi-file to me. Not at first anyway. The intro is a little weak for me. I wish we had a music video for this. I would love to see what Ayu has in her head when she does this song. Something feels sad, but hopeful in her voice. I don't mind it too much, but the song isn't too strong.
7/10

Virgin Road: I love this song, have since the music video. I have the instrumental and I love to sing along to it. One of those songs I just want to listen to over and over again. Sweet, a loving feeling, strength, a good song for this album over all.
9.5/10

Seven Days War: I'm not sure about this song. Was this recorded at a show? I do like the way her vocals are, the feeling she puts behind it isn't too bad. This might be one of those songs that absolutely pulls you in live, but not so much on a album? Like INSPIRE for me was, not really my favorite until I saw her do it on her Arena Tour. Not too bad really.
7.5/10

Remember, opinions vary by person. :P

Just listened to November again - really, I see what everyone is talking about TK's composition and how good the actual music is in this album. I was so much more drawn to the song than Ayu's voice this listen. Ayu's voice is good but I would LOVE an instrumental. It's so beautiful.

To the above, really tune out Ayu's voice and concentrate on the instrumental progression of the track on November. It's even more beautiful that way. From 1:49-2:06 is one of my favorites as far as the musical segment goes. Really concentrate here on how beautiful the strings are.

I have to say I am proud you are voicing your opinion. Not afraid to be honest :)

My review is done! Pretty long so, can only direct to my LJ lol

http://junniejunxiang.livejournal.com/2592.html

I didn't read it all but I love your review of November. I feel the same way about the amazing musicality of the song but also kind of missing that push at certain parts. But still a BEAUTIFUL song. I love the slight synth as well.

I also like your closing paragraphs.

Side-note: The more you listen to the album, the more you begin to REALLY hear and appreciate the unique compositional structures of the new tracks. It's NOT like her usual work~

I'm loving the unique arrangements as well!

The more I listen to November, the more I just truly appreciate it's beauty! I would totally kill for a complete vocalless version, haha. But the strings are just amazing here and the soft synth I love.

^ that's true!
it feel the same way right now..
i've been listening to the songs from the very 1st track til the end...

it's got 9.5 out of 10 from me ^^ the lack of 0.5 is that there are no dance song which i expected.

it's really really PERFECT. normally, i didn't really like new additional track in each album
but additional songs in this album are very glow on me.and I love almost single tracks
So that,i never skip the track in Love songs

the arrangements indeed are lovely,... it's just so. different lol, i'm amazed <3

@all.night.raver: thank u ;)

Goodness waterballoon, you weren't lying when you said you're review was long! I think I'm going to wait to hear the album and then read it~ <3

yeah! it's so interesting to me. I'm beginning to realize this whole album is totally different than any other album she has ever released.. I can now understand why some ayu fans would be put off by it.. it's very un-ayu.

I sorta get that feeling too, actually. Something feels a little off, especially in November to me.

^ I definitely noticed that too, the drums in all the songs basically sound muffled to me. I thought it was just my speakers.

I noticed that with RnRC. I got a really bad rip, and everything sounded quiet and muffled. I think that's one more reason to wait until the album is actually released before hearing it - you get to hear it in the best quality possible (save for microSD ;_; )

I totally recommend this read, it doesn't seem as lengthy as he probably thinks it does. :P

A great review, this really made me think about the music again and listen to it even more closely. :)

I'm NOT good with reviews, so one word: perfection

As far as how I rank the new songs... November = do it again = Thank U, Love song, sending mail, like a doll.

I honestly adore Thank U! If Ayu does do cute songs, I hope they're like this. ANGEL'S SONG and HONEY are terrible compared to this song, as if they weren't terrible enough already!!!

in my opinion this is one of her best and solid album after I am.. with planned theme like I am... MY STORY, LOVEppears. thats all,
1. Love songs - 9/10 great song but not really memorable for me
2. Crossroad - not my favorite 1/10
3. MOON - absolutely 1 of the best single she ever rlease 10/10
4. Sending Mail - love this rock tune but its too repetitive 8/10
5. Last Angel - the song that I want for sooo long ago from Ayu 10/10
6. Insomnia - I would love this track for number 5 before Last Angel. 4/10
7. Like A Doll - this is the highlight track for this album. really inspirational track 8/10
8. Aria - it's like 1 of Bond's song (the most popular quartet strings) 6/10
9. Blossom - boring summer track 5/10
10. Thank U - I hope Ayu choose this song for the ending of her CDL LIVE. really love this track because its really refreshing although is just lalala 10/10
11. Sweet Season - very sweet and happy. nice choose after Thank U 10/10
12. Overture : boring but it made me feel like a sailor 4/10
13. Do It Again - nice upbeat track 8/10
14. November - warm lyric and very sad. one of the best track of the album 10/10
15. Virgin Road - very emotional lyric and the song. I love this song alot 10/10
16. SEVEN DAYS WAR not very Ayuish 4/10

overall : 8/10
Crossroad and the instrumental really killed this album

HOW DARE YOU! Take that back! :eviltongu

LOL j/k :laugh

^ hahaha. I cant help. I real dislike Crossroad. it's one of her worst single ever,. :D:D

1.Love song 8.75/10
2.crossroad 8.75/10
3.MOON 9.3/10
4.sending mail 9/10
5.Last Angel 9.2/10
6.Insomnia 7/10
7.like a doll 8.75/10
8.Aria 6/10
9.blossom 8.5/10
10.Thank U 4/10
11.Sweet Season 8/10
12.Overture 5/10
13.do it again 7/10
14.November 8/10
15.Virgin Road 9.7/10

Conclusion: 7.5

100% agreement by my side.
I have to add that i was excited for the appearance of SDW but the live in Yoyogi is..bleh. Moreover my favourite songs are the singles this time and this is a lil bit sad but complexively it's a nice/new album.

what a sweet :D thank u~

I'm still in love with the album. I just can't stand November. I still don't get what people loves about this song. I listened over and over again but I don't think there's anything special.
For me is her best album since Guilty ^^ (sorry I think I'm the only one here who adore Guilty). Just like Guilty I don't like one track and still can't skip any track. I'm really happy how her vocals are more stronger and confident. It's like I can feel her passion for music and she really believes what she's singing. Over the time she lost it somehow and now she have it again =D
My favorites tracks: Sweet Season, Love Song, Sending Mail and Thank U (Turned to be my favorite happy-cute song of ayu. Because is so soft and isn't annoying and forced "LET'S BE HAPPY FOVERER AND EVER UNTIL THE VERY END" like her previous).
Overall I give 8/10 for the album =). I can't give a higher note 'cause this album is a bit repetitive. For example, I love do it again but is so repetitive that give me headache if I listen more then 3 times.

sending mail's repetition, imo, is a really good effect. The lyrics speak of deleting and retyping the same line over and over, and then she gives the listener that feeling by repeating the chorus four times like that, it's really clever imo.

The more I listen to this album the more I fall in love with it. It's cohesive and works VERY well together, but at the same time all the songs stand out to me and I can remember all their melodies very well.

I posted a long review on Facebook, but I'll do a bit of one here.

Love song: 8/10
crossroad: 8/10
MOON: 10/10
sending mail: 10/10
Last angel: 9/10
Like a doll: 8/10
blossom: 6/10
Thank U: 7/10
Sweet Season: 2/10
do it again: 10/10
November: 10/10
Virgin Road: 9/10

Total: 8/10

gogirlanime, I'm really glad the album grew on you! I think with any album, whether you love or hate it at first, takes a few listens to really get what the album's all about; to really discover the dynamic of the album. Even in her worst album, Ayu puts a lot of effort into the message she's trying to over all convey. We just have to really pay attention to figure it out lol. :laugh As I told a friend of mine, Ayu's music isn't something you can just turn your brain and heart off to and just drown yourself into a hot, dance-oriented club mix (that's what her remix albums are for :D). Her music is meant for expression before enjoyment, I believe. Her albums sound a certain way because it better expresses her message. And to me, that's the best kind of music you could ask for.

You know, I would totally love this album more if someone else sang it. I think Ayu's voice is just too... strong for these songs. Take November, I am in love with it but her voice is still a little too rough for most of it. The last few lines are powerful with her voice but I would like to see someone with a softer voice do a take on this - maybe Hikki's breathy vocals.

But yes, I do really like this album but I would like it more if someone else sang the songs, or if Ayu wasn't singing at all. Lol.

I mean, her voice sounds much better in this album I have already said but I still think it's a little too harsh for the softness of some of the songs.

Thanks me too! Maybe I forced my thinking into liking it. And you couldn't have said it better!

Quick note upon re-reading: Sorry about the length, I get carried away ^-^;. Read the whole thing if you want, or ignore it altogether. I don't care. I'm just happy to get to finally review and listen to this album!!

YAY I finally get to do a review of my own! I've been listening to the album all day today to make sure I'm not just working off first impressions alone. I'm also going to listen to each song as I go along to make sure I know exactly what it is I'm talking about xD

SO EXCITING. Kayy here goes.

01. Love song - 9/10
I love this piano intro. Love it to death. To pieces, in fact. Ayu sounds really strong on this, and very healthy. The song itself is just the right balance between catchy and heavy. The only thing I have a problem with is how she pronounces the syllables "-masu ka". It's just weird for some reason. Other than that, this is amazing.

02. crossroad - 9/10
Probably my favorite single from this album. But I really like all the singles. I don't know. Whatevs, this song is great.

03. MOON - 8/10
A solid single, lots of heavy instrumentation... it's emotional yet not so much so that it becomes unpleasant to listen to due to its heaviness. I'd go so far to call it a 'typical Ayu song', but I mean that in the best sense possible.

04. sending mail - 9/10
I like how this song starts with the piano (more classical influence) then slowly brings in some electronic feel into the album. It's very powerful and energetic, and has a nice build into the chorus. That being said, I find the melody of the chorus to be a little strange. Maybe I'm just not used to it yet, but the whole "MUSICMUSICMUSICMUSIC -quick silence- MUSICMUSICMUSIC" thing is a little jarring. Not a huge problem though.

05. Last angel - 10/10
Okay I lied. THIS might be my favorite single. Once again does the whole classical-into-electronic thing, but it works. It's just a pleasant song to listen to.

06. insomnia - 9/10
I love this interlude because it really does sound like its name. Very tense like a sleepless night... it's haunting in some respects too. Once again, we have strings and electronic sounds together, which make me happy. Only beef is that I wish more was done with this idea... I don't want this particular interlude extended to a full song, but make 'insomnia' into a full song that does sound like a sleepless night.

07. Like a doll - 7/10
This miiiiight be my least favorite song on the album but it's not definite yet because it may just need to grow on me. As it stands though, it seems sort of jumpy. Almost as though it can't decide on a mood or a style. It does too many different genre-jumps for one song. Like I said, it might grow on me though.

08. Aria - 9/10
Pretty, classical-inspired interlude. Very happy sounding. Only reason I didn't give it a 10 is because I can't imagine myself giving any interlude a 10... haha I don't know. It's just a weird thing with me.

09. blossom - 8/10
It's a good song. I feel like there's nothing more to say about it. It fits, it sounds good, and it doesn't make me want to drive a drill through my skull. That's really all I ask for anyway.

10. Thank U - 10/10
I'm so freaking happy she decided to put on a BLUE BIRD type upbeat tune on this album. It's something she hasn't done in awhile. I just smiled myself silly when I heard this song.

11. Sweet Season - 9/10
This song gets stuck in my head. It's beautiful and sentimental. I remember sitting on a bench at school with this playing on my ipod, and in front of me was a lawn covered in fallen leaves. I was just enjoying the sunshine and the breeze, when suddenly the wind blew toward me right as the chorus came in and all the leaves began rushing toward me. It was such a lovely moment... the song fit it so well and I felt so good right then. So I'll always associate this song with that moment.

12. overture - 9/10
Another classical interlude to please the music geek in me. It builds fantastically and feels almost like that point in a video game when your party is headed toward the final boss and there's that determination and heroism in the air. Haha strange analogy I know...

13. do it again - 8/10
I listened to this song with my boyfriend for the first time. We were enjoying the piano opening very much, and then, god, her Engrish came in. He collapsed on the floor laughing - keep in mind he loves J-music just like me so it's not out of a lack of understanding - but he just couldn't get over how she sounded. I sort of agree that the chorus is odd due to the Engrish issue, and GOD I wanted this song to be danceable when I heard the title. All in all though, save for the chorus, it's still a good song... completely works after overture.

14. November - 8/10
Yay more orchestration! I expected to this song to be, well, sappier, and slower, but I'm not gonna complain. I'm not crazy about ballads anyway. Like the rest of the album, it fits well with the rest, makes the big picture prettier by its presence and doesn't really piss me off so it's all good. The melodies in the orchestral transitions can be a little odd though.

15. Virgin Road - 10/10
God. This song's so pretty. The lyrics tear me up. I wish this song was in English or I was born Japanese or something, because I'd love to sing this for my mom at my wedding. It's wonderful.

16. SEVEN DAYS WAR live - 9/10
It's different. Hearing songs live for the first time is always weird for me, because her voice isn't what I'm used to it sounding like on the recording, and here, she seems to be chopping the ends of phrases short for whatever reason which is odd. The performance seems to be very emotional though, and knowing when it was from, it makes sense that she'd cry while singing this particular song... even though this isn't my favorite song ever, I applaud the performance more than anything.

OVERALL: 9/10

Amazing album, truly. Each piece makes sense. It doesn't seem like just a collection of random songs she decided to sling together. This album seems more purposeful than many of her recent releases... as though the same thoughts, ideas and emotions flow through the songs. I have to admit, it's something to enjoy more as a whole. I always have trouble figuring out which song I want to listen to out of all of them, but if I just start at Love song and let it go, I enjoy it more.

Plus, I'm crazy about the orchestral and classical influences here, since I'm a music major at school. I wish I heard more classical influenced pop these days. The electronic stuff is amazing as well, feels like a nod to Next Level a bit, which is one of my favorite Ayu albums.

So much wonderful here. I'm beyond satisfied.

It's a bit funny how this album seems to be Ayu's most cohesive in a while and yet it was pieced together in the shortest amount of time ever for an Ayu album, which is a little over 8 months from Rock'n'Roll Circus to now. The previous "record" was 10 months for LOVEppears and Duty, I think? And yet people seem to think Ayu puts out her best work if she spends more time on an album and doesn't "rush" it.

I'll post a full review later but just to say..
this album really IS cohesive hahha..yea its overused but i totally get it now. I felt like I was in a dream..and was wondering..IS THIS REALLY AYUS ALBUM? It doesnt fully have that Ayu sounds actually..

best new song: Love song (i only have 3 letters for this song.. - O.M.G.)

i think Like a doll is the weakest though..

this was just based on my FIRST LISTEN...so yea...I wanna go back to Love songs dreamland :)
and Aria is superb

Adding to the chorus that "cohesive" is a really good way to describe this album. A lot of the tracks, like "Sweet Season" and "sending mail," don't really stick with me as individual songs (which I think makes including "Sweet Season" on the single a mistake but whatever), but they really work together to create a holistic listening experience. Then you have songs like "Love song," "do it again," and "November" that are completely different than anything she's done, pull all the stops, and are just generally amazing. :love

(am I the only person who likes "blossom" more than "MOON"--or any other singe released this year? :()

I had the exact opposite reaction to the album. I came away from it thinking that I would probably hate most of the tracks if the compositions were given to any other singer. I guess I'm just not a fan of TK, so, for me, it needed Ayu to elevate the album above the usual radio-ready J-pop. Because I needed this exception to the rule, I can see why you--and a lot of people, I imagine--would want these songs to be recorded by a different singer (like Hikki, whose "breathy vocals" I can't stand but Japan obviously loves. So there's that lol). That's one of the reasons I'm really curious to see how the album's received in Japan.

I definitely agree that her voice sounds much better on this album. She sounds more confident in her own vocal abilities on this album than she has on any other album she's released since announcing her hearing loss.

Okay, now I post my rewiew :D

1. Love Song: I looove this song *__*. It's a good beginning for this album and it rocks very much :) 10/10

2. Crossroad: This song is very emotional for me and It has a wonderful lyric. But I don't understand the video 9/10

3. MOON: I love the refrain and more I can't say xD 10/10

4. sending mail: At the beginning I don't like it, because of the refrain -.-, but the rest is cool. 7/10

5. Last Angel: I love it from the beginning on! 10/10

6. Insomina: It's okay. 6/10

7. Like a doll: It's Marionette II for me :). And I love it ^^ 10/10

8. Aria: I like it :) 8/10

9. blossom: I loooove it sooo much!!! 10/10

10. Thank U: Lalalala :D Lalalala xD. 9/10

11. Sweet Season: My favourite song of this Album! 10/10

12. overture: My fave interlude :) 10/10

13. Do it again: I love it, It's a good earwig xD 10/10

14. November: I like it :) 8/10

15. Virgin Road: It's so epic!!!!!!!! 10/10

So, this album I had not listened to in full until I received it.
Here's how I feel about it.

First of all, the packaging is absolutely gorgeous, the booklet, the colours, the softness and the wonder that the words Love songs portray – it’s perfect, especially the alternative cover, Ayu is so beautiful.

Now, the music.

1. Love song – the piano is what I hear first; I like it, and it does a lot for the song, the guitar also sounds very relaxing, a nice start. I think it’s an interesting composition that feels like one continuous melody, which isn’t divided into parts. I’ll give it a 6.5/10, because I feel that I might grow tired of it after a while.

2. crossroad – I loved this one from the start, no buts whatsoever 8/10.

3. MOON – I remember loving MOON when the single was released, I believe the play count on iTunes was around 264 when this downhill feeling came over me as it usually does when I lose interest in a song. Back then I would have given it a 9, today I give it a 5, because I feel that I'll skip it in the future many times.

4. sending mail – oh my, quite repetitive are we. But I'm intrigued, the beginning makes me want to know more, the rushed vocals almost make me feel the anticipation, and I'm waiting for the climax. I can slowly breathe when the chorus ends, but then I'm tensed when the second verse begins. I like this one, especially the violin at the end, that was a surprise! Props to Ayu for rising some excitement in me in the morning 8/10.

5. Last Angel – this one's always been 50/50, the beginning is great, and I like some parts of the song, but not so much as a whole, too much lyrics perhaps? It may feel too long, but now I see that all of the songs are quite lengthy. 4/10

6. insomnia – hmm... it's quite good to be honest, the piano reminds me of the scenes in the Last Angel PV where Ayu is wandering on her own at night. Yes, it feels just right after Last Angel, especially with the finale, and the sound of the rushing wind, or the car driving off, whichever it is. 7/10

7. Like a doll – what a simple tune the piano is playing at the start. But 0:30, oh Ayu, your voice sounds strained. I'm not bothered by the English phrase at all, I love the violin, the bridge builds up nicely and the chorus? – God how I love the strings before it begins, but it sadly fails to deliver. This song never reaches its full potential, it could have been much more powerful – yes that's the problem, it doesn't convince me, though the parts where she repeats "like a doll" are supported by the best of the melody. Nice song, will listen to it, perhaps it was intentional to have it composed/arranged in this way, but I can't be sure of how long it'll last in my library. 5/10

8. Aria – another interlude, and so soon? How relaxing is it, I can almost picture being in the country, surrounded by green meadows and fresh flowers, birds flying by, chirping away, that's the type of image it paints in my mind. It's lovely. 8/10

9. blossom – I've never liked it much, it was just so boring. At one point I enjoyed the remix, but I don't listen to electro pop nowadays, so no longer. It feels like Aria's twin song. 3/10

10. Thank U – starts interesting, this and Aria fit the bright side of the Victorian style, but not for long... Lalalala... this is too much, how I lived through this song is beyond me. It's painful, so painful. 1/10

11. Sweet Season – pretty, but that's about it. Boring, how unfortunate, but better than blossom, 4/10

12. overture – I like how the piano is so simple and yet beautiful throughout the album. There is no over the top, exaggerated playing, just relaxed fingers caressing the keys of the most wonderful instrument, accompanied by the strings and the woodwinds. I want to close my eyes and doze off~ 10/10

13. do it again – more English, but the music video I absolutely adore. This is going to be RnRC's equivalent of count down for me, seemingly a simple song that absorbs me entirely. Sing, sing, sing, do it again, dance, dance, dance do it again, Ayu are you confronting our demands? But the song is magic, the dogs that would want to run off and are too big for your hands, just as the industry that's using you, and the charts, which you're trying to dominate, in hopes of reaching the hearts of as many people as possible. God, how this one has captured me. 9/10

14. November – starts of quietly, modestly, Ayu's voice trembles from the emotion that she's sending towards us. It's so beautiful, my legs feel weak. It's different from BALLAD, which was my favourite recent ballad. November leaves me helpless, tears gather under my closed eyelids, because I don't even want to see anything whilst listening to this, let me get lost in the sound... 10/10

15. Virgin Road – one of her most amazing choruses ever, but it's too long, the rest just feels too long. 6/10

Wow, I didn't expect this, I've really enjoyed it. Forget the unimpressive tracks, they're invincible under the light of those that are so wonderful. I'm not bothered by them, because the album is cohesive, though the songs might not survive on their own, but it sounds professional. I'm grateful for the excess of the classical influences, thank you for that Ayu.
You've outdone yourself, LA does you good, Mannie clearly does you good, visit more countries in the future:yes

An interesting note imo -

"MOON - sending mail"

Doesn't it feel like in MOON, when she sings about wanting to "send a gentle song" to someone and all that... it's like she wants to send a message in MOON, but we find out in sending mail that she couldn't do so? Maybe it's a coincidence but I thought track placement here was interesting.

FINALLY, got to hear the album!!!!!! Im surprised. Now, I can understand why there are divided opinions and now I can understand what it means to have a COHESIVE albums.

I would say, Im very surprised by the styles of the album..for the new tracks I mean. It's really hard to find them similar to ANY Ayu song at all.
And it was really cohesive I agree. I felt like I was in a dream...especially towards the middle. It was magical.

and one thing I love about the new songs...are their beat and the rich music.

01 Love song: 10/10
FREAK! NOT NOT NOT EXPECTING THIS AT ALLL!!!! This song is truly amazing. It doesn't need multiple listens. The music is fantastic. I did feel the Last Links' guitar-ish part but the rest was purely amazing. I love the kickdrum. It gives the song a whole new feeling. Not to mention, gorgeous opening too..and i mean, that melody is just REALLY beautiful to listen to alone haha (that explained the looping of the CM previously haha). Her voice is special here hahaha..its really strong and there's a lot of character in them. Oh and i really love the chorus..everything forms up really well. (Damn..Ayu has crafted another one-and-only song-of-a-kind)

02 crossroad: 9/10
It was amazing. I could never forget how it sounded so weak in the chaku-uta but this now...the orchestra and instrumentation is just fantastic and powerful. Yea, it definitely has less of the appeal after 3 months but still, its a great song.

03 MOON: 9.5/10
I adore this song because of its power and emotion. Yes, it may sound like a style Ayu has always been doing but so what? It is still a great song.

04 sending mail: 8.5/10
Honestly, first time i heard it, I got a i-almost-went-crazy moment at the last chorus AHHAH..it seemed like it was never gonna end omggg. But now im getting used to the length. I love the rush..and doesnt matter if it has a 80s/90s melody..I actually thought it was a pleasant surprise. And I felt a lil nostalgic at those points. I love the entire progression of the song. Right now, its still growing on me omg...And I totally hear Mirrorcle World's beats in the chorus too

05 Last angel: 9/10
This song has grown on me quite a bit I would say. It was the song I'd actually pay least attention in L but whoa, something about the upbeatness of the track and progression of music that just keeps drawing me in. This song totally brings me into outer-space of sorts.

06 insomnia: 5/10
I loved the opening and this kinda dragged on for too long. Love the ending scary sound too. But yea, i guess it's a Like a doll prelude.

07 Like a doll: 6/10 -> 6.5/10
The opening is so beautiful. But yea, i agree with some here. The song doesnt seem to ever pick up to a climax. It COULD have been much better. Same here, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE BEAT and her Like a doll chant is quite cool hahaha!! Verses are an ace but the chorus' melody is kinda weak for the track. Sometimes, its happy, and sometimes its sad. But I think it may grow on me..because the tune is so simple, it'll get stuck in my mind easily.
(EDIT: ok it's growing on me hahahha!)

08 Aria: 9/10
Im very impressed with this interlude. It's such a joy to listen to it and really feels like I'm im a fantasy garden. I wasn't expecting the louder sound halfway and it was such a pleasant surprise. Definitely one of her best interludes.

09 blossom: 9.5/10
Giving it a 9.5 because it has came out for sometime. But honestly, if I heard this song for the first time, i would call it a roller-coaster. I love the guitar parts as they portray such a rough and emotional side..then the verses are soft and mellow with a very nice beat to them. Not to mention that awesome bridge :)

10 Thank U: 8.5/10
Wow, never thought the song would turn out so...fresh. I thought it would be kinda like her typical pop song but this has quite a cool sound. It gives me the same vibes as Bridge to the sky..really wants me wanna fly. For a moment, I pictured Ai Otsuka/Perfume singing such a song..or maybe even Hitomi Shimatani :)...but i really like it! It's quite different from Ayu's goodbye songs actually. I really feel very emotional at the musical interlude it has...it feels so right. lalalala into rightness~~~

11 Sweet Season: 7/10
I like this song. It fits really well after Thank U (and in this section) generally. Whenever I hear the song now, I remember the PV..and recall how perfection doesnt exists and it makes the song so pretty...kira kira kira~

12 overture: 7.5/10
RPG RPG RPG!!! this interlude feels like it'll fit right into any RPG trailer hahaha! And I can totally picture Ayu singing for this. Could this be the Tales track??? ahhahaha...I dont mind :)

13 do it again: 8.5/10
Epic! I feel like the world is coming to an end really. No wonder everyone said it sounds so sad..I feel that too. In a very beautiful way. the way she croons the dance dance dance sing it again is so haunting really. I love it. Initally i felt the chorus didnt really live it up but now, I think it's ok. It'll continue to grow on me :)

14 November: 9/10
It grew on me REALLY FAST! I like the beat. It's just right. The more I listen, the more i discover in the background. And the more I find that it's different from other Ayu ballads. Is this even considered a ballad? LOL. Theres this bittersweet and medieval feel I get from the song. It's fresh and cool.

15 Virgin Road: 10/10
I love this track. Everything is right. The mood, the progression, the power. One of her best power ballads in a long time..without the need of being rock-influenced.

Overall:
BEAT BEAT BEAT! The new songs are really good! most of them are. I absolutely love the effort gone into making this album. The music is fantastic. It's actually telling a story without even having Ayu's vocals, which have improved. Sometimes, she sounds strained yes..but I guess, i'll get used to it :) She still sounds really good in general.

I like how Ayu strayed away from the typical. I find this album very different actually.

great job! now, I just need more listens because as much as the music is amazing, the songs are those thatll JUMP out at you (cept Love song) immediately. They take time to grow on you via their music

Hey! I LOVE blossom as much as I LOVE MOON!! :luv2

No - blossom is my favorite song of hers released this year and probably my favorite on the album.

blossom owns MOON imo cos blossom is short & sweet and the emotions are amazing, the verses are nostalgic-sounding, perfect imo... lovely bridge too

even ayu's listening to blossom during her ride to rehearsal hahaha XDD

I don't mean to sound rude, but if someone really believe that if Ayu took her time the album would come out any different or any better they really don't know how she works. Her entire career is album after album after album, she's a machine and how much time she spends on it has nothing to do with the quality. She doesn't spend a lot of time on her albums, period. Even your favorite album was rushed because practically all of her albums were rushed!

I hate it when fans say "this sounds so rushed" because stating that as the cause of bad work is like stating "this particular wine tastes bad because it has alcohol in it." The alcohol is a constant, just like Ayu rushing albums is a constant. I'm sick of people using that as an excuse for why they don't like an album. It's a *****ty excuse, you don't like it because you don't like it. It doesn't suit you, you wish it could have been better. But her taking more time will not make the album magically suit your needs.

Ayu's very good at knowing what she wants and knowing it right away. She doesn't need more time to figure that out or refine the music. Her music is very refined, there isn't a single album of hers that isn't varied or dynamic or doesn't have at least one stand-out track or at least one powerful song that defines the album. If you don't like the album, that's on you, not her. As I've said somewhere else, Ayu's music is about expression before enjoyment. She doesn't write her music for you, contrary to some people's beliefs. Sure some of the lyrics may be for fans like RED LINE but the overall message and the overall concept is what she's trying to express.

If she were into changing her music style and image to constantly please the public, she'd be like Kumi or Namie (not trying to start a fight but you can't deny they changed their images and music to get more famous). But Ayu remains herself no matter what and she makes music the way she wants to no matter what. There's nothing wrong with not liking it, there's nothing wrong with expressing your opinion about it. But saying you don't like it because it sounds "rushed" is ANNOYING AS HELL! xD;

Yess! Thank you for backing me up here. It either sounds like an overworld theme or a pre-boss fight theme, like when you know you're just about to go to the final dungeon or something.

Omg that's why I love overture!!! RPG music for the win!!!!

I love RPGs but I could never stand the battle music in the games. I thought they were so ANNOYING and really boring and predictable as well.

In my 2nd listening I gave it a 4,9 over 15!!!! One full point for one full song.
I was really dissapointed. Now it's grown on me more, but there are still things I don't like. Too many changes in rhythms, multiple choruses styles in te same song, take November, for example...
So if I was in the sampling booth in a music store and I played this album I wouldn't have bought it.
I don't know what note I would put now, certainly around 7,5/15
Oh, I didn't even considered SDW coz I can't stand it ><

This.
I want to post this in every thread on this forum.

Y'know, sometimes I feel like I don't need to comment on things cause you've already said what I wanted to lol

:yes Thank you, jbrat2219. Everything she does is "rushed"...Ayu makes the music she wants to make.

I still need to listen to it a few more times. The only new songs that I instantly liked were November, Like a doll, sending mail & overture. overture was BEAST. The rest I found a bit..forgettable.

yes! I agree so much! the album as a whole is just amazing.. each track after the other just fits so perfectly. another thing I love about this album is how the booklet photo shoot for it fits so well with the music. I don't know if anyone else thinks so but I can imagine her singing any of the songs on this album in the settings she's in in the booklet. it's like everything about this album goes together so nicely.

*tries to not shamelessly plug my blog*

But I really wrote it all there already xD

http://hextan.wordpress.com/2010/12/...ki-love-songs/

In short, I thought the album was amazing, but just short of some higher adjective.

haha actually i feel Ayu's is THE chameleon of j-pop considering all of the genres she's spanned and that is exactly the reason why i love her! she's so versatile!

i LOVE this album from start to finish and think the songs flow (maybe a little too) well into each other~ the one problem is that, probably due to tetsuya komuro's dominance as the main composer for this album, many of the tracks sound very similar to one another.

My subconscious love for repetition makes this album a perfect 10 for me. Everything is just on point, keyword is cohesive. This IS her most cohesive album from her since her hearing was lost. Well actually since GUILTY. (FYI, cohesive IMW means wanting to get a point across of what the album is about, whether or not the songs are required to sound the same or not) and (miss)UNDERSTOOD before hand (in which that one is her album for us Western fans IMO)

After listening to whole album, I'm not quite sure this is my favorite album. The songs are not "dark" enough and not "rock" enough. Too weak for a diva like Ayu. (But I love all the interludes esp Insomnia more than RnRC ones).

Love songs 7/10
Keep repeating the same part. Kinda boring.

crossroad 7/10
I just don't like the PV and the song itself. The only what I love about this song is only the interludes.

MOON 9/10
This song gives me the darkest and saddest feeling when listening to it.

Sending Mail 9/10
The beat is okay, but I love the part of the chorus. Good one!

Last Angel 6/10
Maybe I'm different with anyone else. I dislike this song and skip it almost everytime listening to it. The beat and the music don't fit my ears..

Insomnia 10/10
The best interlude!! Creepy music and crazy mixing.

Like A Doll 7/10
It's not that catchy. And to be honest, Ayu, I hate when you're repeating the same part of the song many times.

Aria 10/10
Sweet interlude. That's it.

blossom 9/10
I like this song just like I like MOON. This song gives me another feelings of being-fall-in-love.

Thank U 8/10
Well. What can I say? Ayu just keep repeating the same part, and it makes me bored.

Sweet Season 9/10
This song is sweet. And I think this is the best song in L. And I love the PV as well. So 70s.

Overture 9/10
I can use this interlude as the theme of my drama!!

do it again 7/10
this song is not powerful enough. And although I listen it again and again, I still cant find the reason why Ayu use this song as the title of CDL this year.

November 7/10
This is the weakest song.. but still OK.

Virgin Road 8/10
Good song. But still not powerful enough

SDW 1/10
I hate this song!! Just don't like it.

Overall I give this album 6/10. And I still prefer RnRc rather than Love songs. I can't find rockish song (like is this Love?) in this album. Or did Ayu change her style of music?

Lol I'll try to write a clever Love songs's rewiew too. Although my english is quite bad :laugh sorry.

This album amazed me since the first listening.
Love songs will probably enter in my Ayu albums top 5, seriously I love it. The thing that catches my attention the most is how much cohesive the album is. And how much the composers take care of the instrumentals. I mean, Ayu songs are always great but I never heard this attention for the arrangements since MY STORY.
I love how every song is connected to each others, even the interludes. May be 3 interludes are too much, but they're really good balanced and I can't imagine Love songs with just one less. But most of the songs are pretty longer, so I don't think it's that short as album. The lyrics are amazing. Sad lyrics, but not in a emo way like GUILTY ones. They're really nostalgic for me.
Also, the vocals are perfect and fits with the album in my opinion. Her voice sounds like her early career, just much better.
I may sound fangirlish, but I found this album really unique and outstanding. Like RAINBOW. Ayu done a great job by realeasing this album, because it's simply perfect. The songs, the voice, the lyrics, even the album packaging!

I never loved an album like that since ages. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed NL and RnRC as well. But they lacks something that Love songs have. I don't know what is it, but Love songs is really one of her best album so far. Period.

Overall: 10

I sort of agree with everything u said here~~but except for the changing images for Kuu and Namie hahaha XDD

Honestly, when I finished listening to this album, I thought you guys would rave about it. It has no extra ballad tracks!!! There are dark songs and happy songs.

Pros
-Strong single tracks, especially with the emphasis on Virgin Road and Crossroads.
-The interludes do not bring down the album.
-Piano in most tracks. I'm a huge sucker for piano in her songs.
-The album is lengthy. Is this album her longest ever?!
-Instruments in the songs have many layers.
-INTROS into every song is AMAZING!

Cons
-6 album tracks vs 3 interludes vs 7 single tracks. The new songs do not outmatch the old songs.
-Last Angel.
-Her voice. <~ been like this since Guilty.

Overall - 5/5 stars
I love this album currently. I'm not sure how much, but it is very easy and pleasing to listen to. Comparing to her two other recent albums, the level of creativity, music, and enjoyment is relatively the same (NL/RnRC are two of my most favorite albums). It's quite different from anything she done in the past. For that reason alone, my love for Ayu deepens.

This album is excellent. One of the main reasons is because all the singles were pretty solid and good. IMO MOON and blossom are some of the best ayu songs in a great while. They really re-sparked my interest in ayu back to another level. I find it a bit impressive that of the new songs, people seemed least interested by "Like a doll". IMO that song has a really unusual structure, which makes it different from the usual structure of her most cliche and commercial songs. It really sounds like a song with 2 choruses, both with a pretty different mood. I personally love and am mazed by that song. The rest of the album is really good too. sending mail really has a powerful anger chorus that catches my attention. November and Do it again are probably the only songs that need a little time to grow on me, but even so, I find them pleasurable to listen. Only complaint would be by the way ayu spells "do" which sounds a bit irritating, but that's really a minor thing. Either way, this album could only have MOON and blossom and it would already be great. The whole thing is very good, so it's a plus for me.

Andi agree about the songs intros. Like a doll has a spectacular intro. Love it very much.

About the cohesiveness, well, I really feel the whole album would fit perfectly as a WILD ARMS soundtrack lol All the songs have that WILD ARMS music feeling to em..dunno why lol.

What I meant was Koda Kumi wasn't popping bottles when she started and Namie wasn't the Queen of Hip-pop. They both changed their images and they got major sales because of it. But that doesn't mean they're not talented or anything it just took a major change in their image to get that talent noticed. ;)

I only agree with Koda xD IMO Namie's first image was basically TK's Avatar xD in my agenda, her career started on her actual image :P

Of course you only agree with the Koda part! :rolleyes LOL :P

Yeah, you feel that way because she totally is, haha.

She does whatever the hell she wants and she does it well. Gospel pop, weird-light-R&B-pop, heavy pop rock, electro sugar, sweeping epic ballads, you name it, she's probably done it! I don't know if you can say the same for most other artists on the Japanese scene.

The album has grown on me :) It's actually very good. I won't be my favorite because some of her older albums are way better in my opinion, but it's definitely a good album.

I usually rate albums by the amount of songs I skip when I listen to them, so let's compare that with some of her other albums..

Guilty: 1.
I usually skip glitter nowadays, but I used to love it and I definitely love the rest of the album so GUILTY is pretty much a perfect 10 for me.

NEXT LEVEL: 3
Rollin', LOVE 'n' HATE and curtain call don't really do it for me.

Rock'n'Roll Circus: 6
Lots of songs I just don't like. Sunrise/Sunset, Last Links, meaning of love, lady dynamite, you were..

Love songs: 3
I never liked Crossroad, that hasn't changed. Though I have to say the placement between Love song and MOON almost makes it bearable :laugh I never liked Sweet Season either, and Thank U is in my opinion the most atrocious song she's ever created. I couldn't even bear listening to it just once. But the good songs definitely make up for it, because they're VERY good. Especially Love song and Like a doll.

So Love songs is quite a good album for me! :) Definitely a huge improvement over RNRC. I especially love the instrumentals, for example the orchestra part in Do it again, and the bridge of November.. Great music! It's a gorgeous album. I'd rate it..

8 / 10
:yes

I actually think it's interesting they decided to test that image out with koda, considering...it's not really THAT popular lol...or maybe they only know that now lol


About the rushing, you know, something hikki said on her twitter the other day really, explained something for me, and what she said was "you can't force a melody, it has to come naturally."

And I think it's interesting, considering that, usually, hikki's melodies are pretty "cohesive" (lol) and not overly complicated or anything like that.

I find with a lot of Ayu's new songs, that this isn't really the case...and that sometimes...they are quite forced.

Not getting into quality statements over whether that makes a song bad or not, I think in a case like this, it's a little okay to say "rushed"...because I think sometimes it does apply and make sense.

I mean, if they took a whole year to make the song, like say...hikki does (lol) the song would probably be much better...just because, you're focusing more time into something constantly improving it and making it closer to perfect.

And this is pretty true for everything...even if in the end someone doesn't like the song, it doesn't matter, if something is more perfect to the maker, then to hell with what you think lol

But not that there's anything to do about it, ayu has to release songs at this rate, and she does the best she can do, and I think we all agree she does a damn good job.

But I think...that's a little different from people just not liking a release and saying it's rushed...but sometimes, I think it can be something valid.

/endlongpostididntrealisewaslong

I think the reason for that is because when albums are made in a shorter time and especially with the high use of a same composer (TK) the album has a far stronger unison to it, and surprisingly unison and a natural flow to an album really helps it. I couldn't stand Rock'n'Roll Circus because it was all over the place and had no idea what genre it should be in.

Maybe Ayu is like me, you get this huge spurt of inspiration and you work better under pressure. Perhaps Ayu's passion hit a high and she couldn't get enough of working on her music with TK and they just brainstormed like crazy together and the inspiration just couldn't stop flowing. As a photographer/photo manipulator artist I can tell you I get like that.

Kumi Kuu turned Japan out! :laugh

Hikki's situation is a little different, she composes all of her music so for her that may very well be the case. Ayu's music is largely composed for her and when she wasn't feeling any of the compositions she composed for herself. Those songs are still her most loved and cherished by fans today and they were also rushed.

But that's the thing, perfect for who? I'm sure if Ayu wasn't satisfied with the quality of the music she would take a longer time. For example, some times it takes her multiple days to record one song. I think that Ayu fights very hard to create a good balance between making great music and meeting a deadline. She stays up for days if she has to to get the album just right. Now one would wonder, why doesn't she just take her time and not release albums so frequently and I think it largely just has a lot to do with her nature and her contract.

I think she tolerates the one album per year momentum because she's a work-a-holic and she LOVES what she does. In fact, you rarely see her doing anything else (like branching out to different genres or entertainment or go on hiatus or long vacations etc.) She pumps out music constantly because it not only makes her fans happy it makes her happy as well. Thus the rushed music. I'm not really a Hikki fan but from what I've seen here or there and knowing her pattern of release she doesn't seem to be the type to bust her ass to meet a deadline. She releases at her own pace whenever her inspiration comes to her because that makes HER happy and that's how SHE operates, which is fine. But people can't expect Ayu to do the same because it's not in her nature.

And you're right, given the circumstances, Ayu makes amazing music and she's constantly experimenting with new sounds and no two albums sound exactly the same, ever. And to me that's super impressive to keep moving forward after all these years of work. And I know everyone has their own opinion and I know Ayu can't please everyone but when some people say it sounds rushed without any other piece of constructive criticism it seems like a cop-out excuse for why you don't like something.

And it's a lame excuse because 1) all of her stuff is rushed and that will probably never change unless, God forbid, something serious happens to her health. And considering not even a failed ear could stop her, there's very little I can think of that would. 2) I don't mean to state this as hard fact but Ayu's songs don't sound un-polished. I believe that if something sounds a little raw, it's meant to sound that way. There's people who work around the clock to polish and amplify her music. And if you want cheap, un-polished work then look at the low-budget pop stars who can't make decent music or sustain a career (I won't name names... but that one girl I can't stand xD; ).

That's just my take on it. Sorry for the longer than life post lol.

Love song 10/10 – great, great song and it kicks ass live!!!

crossroad 10/10 – no matter what other people say about this song, it is and will stay my favourite song on "Love songs" :heart

MOON 8/10 – it's beautiful, I especially love the refrain

sending mail 9/10 – the end of the song is awesome - I could listen to it over and over again; overall a very, very good song

Last angel 7/10 – ahhhh...I will never understand all the fuss about "Last angel"; it's okay, it's nice, but that's it...Ayu has much better songs than this one and there are also better songs on the new album

insomnia 10/10 – I LOVE all the interludes on this album; "insomnia" sounds so creepy and that's why I love it

Like a doll 10/10 – besides "Love song" my favourite song from the new ones

Aria 9/10 – it reminds me of a walk in a forgotten garden...gorgeous

blossom 8/10 – a great song; I love it

Thank U 6/10 - erm yes...I mean no; I'm sorry, but I just don't like this song, I was expecting something similar to "MY ALL", "Replace" and "glitter" and I'm quite disappointed in "Thank U"...it's the weakest track on "Love songs" in my eyes...

Sweet Season 8/10 – a sweet little song; I like it a lot

overture 10/10 – me favourite interlude on "Love songs"; it sounds like a day at sea

do it again 7/10 – yessss…I'm also not too fond of this song; I love the „Dance Dance Dance do it again“ und „Sing Sing Sing do it again“ madly, but the rest is a bit blah, I don't hate the song, but I also don't like it too much...

November 8/10 – I didn't like the song at the beginning, but now I'm reli in love with it

Virgin Road 8/10 – a reli beautiful ballad

SEVEN DAYS WAR 7/10 – the song itself is just okay, but this live performance was so emotional and that's why I love it!!


OVERALL: 8/10

I'm so proud of Ayu. :heart
She made a great album again, but I never doubted that!!

Enough people have posted long-winded review, so mine will be brief:

Love song - 10/10
crossroad - 8/10
MOON - 9/10
sending mail - 8/10
Last angel - 10/10
insomnia - 9/10
Like a doll - 10/10
Aria - 6/10
blossom - 9/10
Thank U - 5/10
Sweet Season - 7/10
overture - 5/10
do it again - 10/10
November - 7/10
Virgin Road - 10/10
Seven Days War (Live) - 8/10

I absolutely love this album. Have not taken it off repeat since I first heard it. I think it has the most 10/10 perfect tracks of any Ayu album. Love song is a perfectly crafted pop/rock song and I love the singing style. Last angel is the best electronic track in her discography, and my favourite track here. Like a doll and do it again are both so unconventionally catchy, she uses her english well here. Virgin Road is on par with her best ballads ever.

It has such a unique sound, and such perfect cohesion between the tracks, that sets it apart from anything else she has made.

How it ranks against other albums.. well definitely better than RnRC, Next Level, Guilty and Secret.

It's all over the place and it's named as such. It's a circus of an album.

Anyway, tying Ayu to one genre per album is probably like trying to tell the sun to stop shining. Generally, her albums are a clusterbleep of genres and I think that is one of her strengths. It may produce albums that aren't too cohesive for the most part at first listen, but eventually you realize that they are her most cohesive because they are lacking in cohesion. Sure, she doesn't have a specific musical genre with every album, but everything still has a trademark Ayu sound to it. So what if the entire album isn't rock or electro or whatever... as long as she's working in the way that the Japanese record industry works with singles coming out, there's almost always going to be a single or two that stick out like a sore thumb. (Perhaps this case with Love songs is not the same because everything was made in a quicker time span and VERY close to each other) I just wish people wouldn't see this "lack of focus/vision" as a bad thing because it's not necessarily the case. It's just how it works out and imo it's worked wonderfully for all of her albums that are melting pots of genres. And just wondering, but since when did an album have to maintain a genre?

RnRC for me was very experimental in sound, which is kinda the album's "thing". I loved tracks like "don't look back" and "sexy little things" because they sounded so fresh.

she should have nixed the rock n roll part. if it was just called "circus" I would have been fine with the title. the first part of the title makes you feel like you're going to get an album chock full of because of you, game, about you, microphone, talkin' 2 myself, rule, and taskinst. we only got 2 songs though (microphone, countdown).