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I first started listening to Ayu around the time Kanariya was released (I remember it as being new at the time, but it may have been slightly old at that point -- if anything, maybe a few months old). It's hard to believe I've been a fan for that long, and I haven't really had a real "down" period with her. I've had periods where I've liked her albums more or less, but I've always at least been drawn to singles and some album tracks. In a lot of ways, I feel like we've grown up together (she's about 6.5 years older than me), which is a really unique feeling as opposed to other artists I've liked.
In the end, I don't think I will ever completely dislike a project that she puts out, but there are certainly things I'd like to see. I Am... just is her ultimate album to me. Even listening to it today, it sounds so much more fresh than a lot of current J-Pop. At the time it was just so unique, and fresh, and forward thinking. I'd like to see more of her leading the trends than following them (slightly delayed at that).
I'm also torn about her concerts. I love that she takes touring so seriously, and that she's constantly trying to create a bigger, better show and improve her artistry. Around New Year's, I decided to watch CDL 2000-2001. It was her first CDL, and it was pretty no frills. This is probably her first concert that I had watched when I started liking her, and even being so young, inexperienced, and lacking polish...she had such a presence. I think she still has a great presence, but it sometimes gets lots on the business of the stage. Having seen her in last year's TA Tour, I think she really just shines in a unique way in a more scaled back offering. So I'd like to see her balance the two more, I think.
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