The last two albums were released during the slowest sales periods of the year, while this is being released during the busiest. I expect either a virtually non-existent drop or a small increase.

I'm hoping for an increase!

I think it's always weird when people ask Ayu to change or reinvent, there's visual and sound-reinventions all the time, her performances changed, even her lyrics are changing a bit. Like...compare RnRC and Love Songs, the visual images are extremely different, the music videos are quite different and the songs...RnRC was more or elss themed after diversity with some slight classic rock influences in most songs while Love Songs is what happens when strings, guitars, vocals, a piano and (acoustic and electro) beats have an orgy. The only songs in Ayu's recent past that I would compare to the sound we know of it so far in any way are count down and Last Links, both generally unknown to people that don't own the RnRC album and both MUCH more raw in terms of arrangement.

I choose to remain positive. I think it will get 300-320k.

^ That's what I was thinking.

And as long as she's #1, it's all good IMO.

This... most of her albums have a new main sound and a new main image...

SNSD is no competition for Ayu. sorry.

I don't want to be rude or pessimistic, but I doubt a rise will ever occur. There might be a smaller drop at times, bt a drop nonetheless. This is entirely natural. Seiko Matsuda used to be the undisputed pop queen. Here she is barely scratching 20k. It happens. Not saying ayu is there yet but it's bound to happen someday and instead of fearing it we should be glad for any succes she still has and for the great music she's putting out.

Reinventing yourself generally only works if you've dropped quickly to a low, not if you're slowly sliding away. It generally looks forced in the second scenario.

In short, go Ayu, we love you.

last weeks ago there was hikki vs kara on album chart
n there will be ayu vs shoshi in a few week latter..

but this HOOT album of SNSD is just a compilation with her korean songs, isn't their debut japanese album. They aren't a problem YET.

Actually, they are selling a lot with Genie and Gee, both are selling more than 100k.

Honestly, the previews of Love songs are really awesome, i love them!!! For me this album is gonna be better than RnRC, i hope a rise in her sales!!!

I don't see what the problem is. As Rody! said, the digital age causes constant drops in CD sales. That's just how it is, for everyone. If Ayu is #1, I'm more than happy.

While I don't disagree that Avex likes to squeeze every last drop of cash out of...well, everything...I don't think Ayu is your typical overworked pop star. Remember: she's a workaholic. She hasn't taken any kind of real vacation over her entire career. If she wanted to go on hiatus, for example, I highly doubt Avex would complain, because she works so damn much of her own volition. But she won't take a hiatus (at least, if she ever does, I can't imagine it would be more than a year, if that). This is what she loves to do. So I don't know if it's fair to say that Avex is "milking her." Milking her work, sure. But they're not actually forcing her to work constantly. Know what I mean?

STOP being so pessimistic and go support and buy her album!!!

Haha I always wanted to say that. :D Can't wait for my copy! And great numbers! :) Always number 1 in my heart!

^ I bought two copies! xD; I did my part, twice.

^ Hey brit! Long time no see!

Haha I was about to buy the CD+DvD one too, but I never really watched the PVs more than once. Not sure if its worth it.

i'd love to see this album sell 200K

I agree with this. I see some people complain (fans and non fans) that she never does anything new and all of her songs sound the same but I think the complete opposite.

Those are people who don't really listen to her music. I mean really listen. Her music is the most versatile of any other J-pop female artist I know.

Those are people who don't really listen to her music. I mean really listen. They confuse "Ayu essence" with similarity. Her music is the most versatile of any other J-pop female artist I know.

Most people who complain about that stuff aren't real key decision makers, though.