[freedreamer]

FIRST IMPRESSIONS.
I've only heard the album thru once..not fully coz i skipped Sunset to reach Last Links haha...and furthermore i heard it on surround but in the end, I realized it was a big mistake because the surrond makes the album felt so spacious...lol if u get what I mean..

1. THE introduction
I kept reading videogame and yes, definitely sounds like a video game. I wished it was more developed but I love how it ended and it set the mood just right!
6.5/10

2. Microphone
I almost cried when I heard the song. Gosh! This song is genius and I see myself listening to it all day long. The verses caught me by surprise..but the buildup was terrific! Musically epic as well.
10/10

3. count down
The chorus seemed really suitable for a chinese MayDay song. (their a rock band). Hence, I didnt feel that it was bad since I have listened to chinese songs before. What I like is how raw this song is.
7/10

4. Sunset ~LOVE is ALL~
It was a good song. Suitable for quiet days and nights. But against count down and BALLAD, this song sort of pales. Not that I dislike it. I still love the piano and music behind it. Esp evident in the making-of
6.5/10

5. BALLAD
Though on first thought, I may want to listen to this song but yet when it starts to go and build up, I'm totally into it. I think it's one of Ayu's most gorgeous and epic tracks actually. Fantastic Music once again.
8/10

6. Last Links
I love the opening so much. Acoustic guitars really tingle your ears don't they. When it reached the chorus, i sensed Chinese songs again LOL. (but by F.I.R. this time.i mean its totally their style..just done better) I quite like this song. I plan to get another go at it because it was interesting and the chorus would definitely appeal to the mass audience im sure.
9/10

7. montage
Holy! What was that I just heard. The orchestra was shocking and haunting. Reminds me of Marionette's prelude somehow because of the atmosphere but I loved it.
9/10

8. Don't look back
This song shocked me. I never expected the arragement to be so powerful. The CM version (i can now say) FAIL! Yes this is totally fantastic coming from Ayu. Never expected such a style. The verses totally suit to be part of INSPIRE haha.
10/10

9. Jump!
Loved the opening. I swear there was a tinge of Load of the SHUGYO in the middle haha..but towards the end, it was ok. Would have totally suited as Rule's prelude.
6.5/10

10. Lady Dynamite
The opening totally drew me in. I read that its verses were strong but didn't really felt so. I like how there was this really pop-song sounding part before the chorus. Quite a surprise because it generated a different mood for the song. I have to say I LOVE THE MUSIC.
7.5/10

11. Sexy little things
Hhahah gosh. First time hearing it and the music makes it a win already. I like that it's so innovative and out-of-the-box. The swing genre sounds so fun here. Not much strain on Ayu's vocals too and I actually love them!
10/10

12. Sunrise ~LOVE is ALL~
This is one of Ayu's tracks which I randomly hum along the way home. The chorus is so lively and very apt for the mood. After watching the making-of, the instrumental sounds great.
7/10

13. meaning of Love
Again, i did not expect Ayu to sing such a song. The melody is really...old school yet it's Superb. Being a first impression, I found myself liking it more than Last Links but then the end was kinda long actually. Nonetheless, I could totally see this on a chinese album too hahha! Very relatable and it felt like the next winding road/Replace.
8/10

14. You were...
I have heard this sooo much that I'm more interested in the new tracks at the moment. But despite having the typical winter ballad sound, you can't deny that the chorus packs a punch. That draws me into the totally. I love how its verses are very classic and demure and chorus just BAMS.
7.5/10

15. RED LINE ~for TA~ [Album Version]
Album or single version, I think it sounds great as a finisher. I felt really sad while hearing it again. The opening is lovely and Ayu's voice was great. I sense a slight difference in the music, being more layered and it had this atmosphere going on. The ending was *sobs* touching.
10/10 ^_^

Enjoyed it very much. After listening it once, I definitely got a Secret-esque vibe from the album. count down was pretty much the It Was of the album. The front was soooo raw while the electro part of the album was cool..then it went back to being raw. I mentioned how I like albums that have a full circle closure. NEXT LEVEL was pop->electro->rock-> pop. yet for me, the EMOTIONS (and not genre) of this album was a full circle.

OVERALL SCORE: 8.8/10 GREAT!

OH YES! PVs!!!

Sunrise ~LOVE is ALL~ : 5/10
Sunset ~LOVE is ALL~ : 6/10
*but their making-ofs were very good*
You were... : 7/10
BALLAD : 8.5/10
Sexy little things : 9.5/10 (honestly wow! no idea what was it I just saw but WOW)
Microphone : 10/10 (FREAKYYY but I loved it...gonna rewatch many times)
*I LOVED HOW THESE TWO WERE LINKED!!!!!!!!!*
Don't look back : 10/10 (the twist was awesome)
Lady Dynamite : 6/10 (lol the opening was so long.)
*and ayu looked TOTALLY uncomfortable with Shimo*