[Uemarasan]

At this point in her career, she just needs to lean hard into the sound that has defined her music. Some might say this sounds dated, but I think it perfectly encapsulates the Ayu sound, with a chorus that I can actually recall for the first time since, what, 2013/2014? This is the right way forward for Ayu. I hope she sustains this direction. The last seven years really felt like unremarkable filler.

Forcing Ayu to experiment or break new ground will just turn her into a caricature like what Madonna has become since Confessions on a Dancefloor. Ayu’s musical identity has already been fully formed and shaped. She just needs to thoughtfully re-explore the musical geography she has carved out in the past.