Took me a while to understand your message because I forgot Tell all existed, and I was really struggling to find the connection with MY ALL :laugh

It's true, all the anniversary songs have that 'angry' feeling about them! So far I'd say: 23rd Monster > Mirrorcle World > Tell All, and that's coming from a big MW fan!

I really like those sudden surprises! Boom a new song from nowhere.

LOVE the cover even if it's another headshot. The mask, given the current pandemic, certainly ads some personality to it.
I like what they did with the font placement. And it's out of focus like everything except her eyes, which is a nice touch (so that we can appreciate her weird lenses even more :D).
Also really like the title, this is something I wouldn't expect from her at all! Nice surprise!

As regards the song, my feelings are way more mixed.
I really like her voice here. It's quite low but fits the song very nicely. The delivery (not sure it's the right word...) sounds natural. BUT... I have issues with arrangements and probably mixing too. It's the same issues that DaD had. Everything is so busy, too busy resulting in it sounding really flat and empty. It's even more noticeable on this song to me. The arrangements in themselves are a bit dated and too messy. It certainly would benefit from more subtlety. I can't help imagining this new single with another team behind those two aspects. It could have been way more.
Still I'm happy it's not a typical bland ballad.

Mirrorcle World will always have a special place on my heart because it was one of the songs that made me fall in love with her and everything about it is iconic: the music, single cover, MV, live performance at AT2008...
Probably 23rd Monster won't caught the spot but it certainly sparkles to me hahaha
Tell All is a compilation of all the rhythms she played along her life to me, I love the concept but I have mixed feelings about it :roflmao

I don’t like the font placement either. It really gives me Live Journal icon design contests circa 2005 ahah.

They could have used at least some overlay filter :laugh

Japanese netizens are gonna go mad that she's 'got ANOTHER new voice' hahaha. I like the song but it does sound kinda flat, if they're remastering A BALLADS 2 why couldn't they pay attention to the mixing of her current music?

I like the fact that there are 3 spotlights reflecting in her eyes - is it on purpose, maybe not, but goes well with the 23rd anniversary theme :)

THE FLASHBACKS FROM THESE THINGS

I love the song though. If there is going to be a PV I sure can't wait to see it.

MW is a such a mythical song at this point you're right, if only for that AT 2008 performance! I'll have to reeavaluate when I'm not on my 'new song high' anymore ahaha

Well simple: now they can remaster it for A BEST 3 :cool

After few more listens imo the song had this Secret/GUILTY vibe but with a modern take (?) not sure if that makes sense lol I love it!

Listened to 23rd Monster as it became available where I am. I really like it, while recognising that it does have flaws (the arrangement does feel flat at times, and if it was richer and more nuanced in its layering, it would be a convincing MY STORY - Secret era reject imo), there is an 'aliveness' to this track that I haven't heard from Ayu in a while (the Haru Yo Koi cover aside). This feels like a return to form - I'm looking forward to listening to what comes next!

https://i.imgur.com/OAC9tqB.png

Textless 4 You

Ugh so much better! Thank you!

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Shimomura mentioned René Gruau on his insta in regards to the hat and red lip pictures so it seems that was his inspiration? :)

Wow nice surprise! I figured it would be a lipstick release or something :laugh

Well, I really liked the whole thing. I'm glad that this is a rockish song and not a ballad. The photos look stunning.

im so happy A LIPSTICK didnt come out but this BEASTY SONG!

The song sounds really fierce! I love the intro and her low vocals. The cover is STUNNING and that rock-ish vibe goes off! I'm excited for the PV. :heart

Hmm teaser instead of full mv

I thought we were supposed to get the full video. Any idea when it will come out? I don't like those longer teasers because they usually eat up views.

Wait they removed the teaser???