[FoxyPinkGirl]

Originally Posted by Coelacanth

The songs from LOVEppears, Duty, I am... only get better each and every time I listen to them. These are the songs people will remember forever. Someone mentioned cultural reasons behind her success during this period. Yes, of course. But if the Party Queen album was released instead of Duty in 2000, you cannot tell me that it would have reached the same level of success as Duty. No way. Ayu did not achieve super-stardom through mediocrity.

What is she contributing to the musical landscape right now? Nothing but gimmicks, it seems. I honestly do not think she's working at her full potential. J-pop is in a huge rut right now, and what does one of the most celebrated, iconic J-pop stars do? Release an uninspired mini-album full of Yuna Ito recuts and saccharine pseudo-R&B love songs. Worst of all, since the rise of social media, her AND her staff have been unprofessionally responding to criticism when instead they should just keep their mouths shut and focus on their work.

Regarding A song is born, no more words, Dearest... Perhaps these songs would be "generic" for any other artist to sing, but Ayu's vocal interpretation was nothing short of brilliant. She was a master of pathos in those days. I will say that I think how beautiful you are is a gorgeous song, and one of her better ballads in recent years.

and personally I like I am.... (the album and song) one of her best works, I play it often.