tasky - that's an interesting intro, i'm in love with that shamisen!
5/5
FLOWER - somehow this is so heavy but at the same time it has that softness in there because of all the other traditional instruments. It's like GACKT melted in with Ayu lol I really love it.
5/5
Mad World - I really am enjoying this one a lot. Her vocals remind me of Klaha, because of the way she sings. I love that deeper range she's giving here. The song it self is really good, too. Really like the chorus, the way everything just melts into one with that occasional piano sneaking in. I actually really would love if this one got a PV. There's just something about it that would give a great visual.
5/5
Breakdown - man..this song is gorgeous. The verses are a bit on the simpler side and a bit more mediocre, but the way that chorus is crafted and the whole melody flows is really lovely. I love the richness in the arrangement in the choruses. She sounds nice too. And that guitar part near the end is a killer.
4/5
Survivor - this is straight up INSPIRE on steroids! I was never a fan of INSPIRE, but this one is LOVE. She sounds really strong and fierce, too. And i love the arrangement! Amazing track!
5/5
You are the only one - oh my this one is such a stunning beauty. The airiness and the smoothness of the arrangement and the flow is gorgeous, the use of that something what sounds like scotch pipes is a very unique addition to the rest of it. The only thing that bothers me a little is Ayu's faked vibrato that she's using in some parts, but her voice sounds so angelic in the higher notes in the chorus that i forgave her instantly for that. Absolutelly breathtaking track. Best ballad since Sweet Scar for me.
6/5
TODAY - this is a very typical Ayu track. It does feel like a great concert ending piece. Rather forgettable but still nice to listen to. She sounds lovely. Does feel like it would work nice on LOVE again. It's not a bad piece whatsoever.
3/5
Mr. Darling - I love the simplicity of the arrangement, but i'm a bit taken aback by her voice. I still do think it's an enjoyable track. Very uplifting. I don't think i'll be listening to this on repeat, but yeah it's not bad. There's still something quite fresh about it. Reminds me of Out of control which i love. So i think i'll be still enjoying this one too.
4/5
Summer Love - I'm not impressed but it does feel like listening to j-pop. Para para anyone?
I might be skipping this one though, but only because i am not really an EDM person. It isn't bad, but not my kind of song.
3/5
Overall i think she did deliver, The album has variety yet, it still sounds very Ayu. Definitelly beats the last two for me. It's quite a solid bunch. I am actually surprised that i could say my favourite on this is the "You are the only one". Ballads never make it for me to the top. But this one makes me tear up. Mostly her vocals in the chorus, it's just...ugh.... The second runner up would definitely be FLOWER. I'm so happy she brought back the actual guitars for this. I really missed that too. The album is a solid 4/5. I'm a little disappointed she dragged in yet another cover piece AGAIN into an album of her own, but i can forgive that. Now the only thing they need to nail is the PVs and the covers, cuz musicaly this has quality.. PLEASE, AYU, DO SOMETHING INTERESTING THIS TIME, DON'T GO EASY ON THE VISUALS. PLEASE!