[Zeke.]

It's no secret that Ayu's voice has deteriorated. I still love her and I still look forward to her releases more than any other artist in the entire world, although I will admit I do not expect a whole lot anymore (although deep down I am always thinking there is that possibility that this album will blow everything out of the water...). It's just the reality of things now-a-days. In the past, her music was just so EPIC. Now, it seems like she is struggling to find her place. If people don't like it, let them. Don't get mad - they are only feeling frustration because they love her. I admit I have felt the frustration many o' times because I listen to my favorite material from her and it's just SO DAMN GOOD. It's heartbreaking... and very nostalgic. Just because someone isn't praising Ayu's works left and right and puking rainbows over everything she releases does not make them mean or a bad fan. Negative is just as much of an opinion as positive.

As far as Love songs, I hated MOON. I hated crossroad. And I felt disappointed with L (still absolutely loathe Virgin Road). But right before the album's release I took a roadtrip and I fell in love with Sweet Season, Last Angel and crossroad. Come release time, I still loved those tracks and I finally made it through MOON in full and have come to love that song as well! So the fact I really felt letdown by the singles for the entire year worked wonders in my final opinion of Love songs (which in my opinion is much more fun to listen to than R'n'R and NEXT LEVEL).