[CHARTS + SALES] GUILTY - second topic

[bluegie]

I guess most of us have already get the fact digested a week ago. Remember, we have been discussing this for a week already.

I'm pretty disappointed that the no. 1 streak is gone finally. However, even if this album survives, I'm sure that ayu will not escape easily next time. Also, almost every artist will face this "not no. 1 anymore" one day, unless the artist chooses to retire during his/her shiniest era.

So I guess we, the fans, can go to another cycle now. We dun need to actually get worried about whether the no. 1 streak can be maintained. We just need to concern about whether the upcoming materials have better reputations or not. To ayu or us it's probably a relief .

And last but not the least, GUILTY is doing much better than I thought. It's just 60K less than Secrets for two week sales. I guess this album will get over 500K eventually. The only sad thing is that ayu's 10th anniversary is not that perfect anymore.. .

BUT I have a feeling that ayu will produce better music this year... TBH my feeling towards "Secret to GUILTY" era is similar to "I am... to RAINBOW" era. I lost interest on ayu's music during the I am/RAINBOW era. At this moment I dun feel ayu's music is very interesting either, except that I did buy Secret, while I didn't buy I am... .

[namiie]

Originally Posted by andrepaul

I have the numbers.
Kobu is very impressive.

Kobu: 455.000
Ayu: 432.000
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainm.../01/08/02.html

WOAH

432k isn't bad at all given the state of the industry now, though I am still a little sad that her #1 streak has been broken Nevertheless, GUILTY is still a great album, and I'd rather have it sell steadily and eventually make it to a million (or at least 800k +) than make a big debut and then exponentially drop later. Let's hope it pulls an Otsuka Sakuranbo when it comes to charting! (Ai Otsuka' single Sakuranbo didn't ever make it to #1, but sold well since it was consistent on the charts)

[bluegie]

to be honest, sakuranbo is kinda like a one hit wonder, as ai-chan has nothing to compared with it afterwards (even tho she is still popular afterwards). Of course technically speaking it should be called "the signature song of otsuka ai".

I just hope that something like STEP you will appear this year. Maybe STEP you wasn't a huge seller, but at least it was a still big hit for ayu. Well if she's making something that can be compared with Boys & Girls/A/SEASONS/M/evolution, that will be really wonderful .

[njanjayrp]

Originally Posted by bluegie

to be honest, sakuranbo is kinda like a one hit wonder, as ai-chan has nothing to compared with it afterwards (even tho she is still popular afterwards). Of course technically speaking it should be called "the signature song of otsuka ai".

I just hope that something like STEP you will appear this year. Maybe STEP you wasn't a huge seller, but at least it was a still big hit for ayu. Well if she's making something that can be compared with Boys & Girls/A/SEASONS/M/evolution, that will be really wonderful .

I am pretty sure that if STEP you was released back than it would be a 1 million seller

And no.2 isn't really getting to me, she still Ayu, popular or not.

[namiie]

Originally Posted by bluegie

to be honest, sakuranbo is kinda like a one hit wonder, as ai-chan has nothing to compared with it afterwards (even tho she is still popular afterwards). Of course technically speaking it should be called "the signature song of otsuka ai".

I just hope that something like STEP you will appear this year. Maybe STEP you wasn't a huge seller, but at least it was a still big hit for ayu. Well if she's making something that can be compared with Boys & Girls/A/SEASONS/M/evolution, that will be really wonderful .

It wasn't a one-hit wonder at all. A one-hit wonder is when an artist is famous for only one song, and then you never hear from them again. Sakuranbo may be Ai's most famous song, but people definitely heard from her again afterwards and she's gone on to be one of the most famous female artists today--look at Planetarium. Look at how well Ai Am Best did--one of the top albums of 2007! I think Ayu's signature songs are Boys & Girls, SEASONS, etc. Doesn't make her a one-hit wonder

Sadly, I think the reason those songs are only considered as epic and majestic as they are is because they were released when Ayu was in her prime---1999 to 2001 (and a little of 2002). They are still good songs, but face it, if they were released in, say, 2006 or 2007, many people would brush them off as "boring" like they did BLUE BIRD or fated. Boys & Girls would be just another "cutesy happy song" and "M" would be another "Oh, another rock song?". I think that if they were released recently, they'd elicit those kinds of responses.

This is IMO only of course, but lately I'd say it's become rather trendy to hate on Ayu's recent releases and glorify her beginning days. Of course, her earlier albums were fantastic as well ("A Song for XX" remains one of my fave songs to this day), but people fail to recognize how far she's come as a singer lately too. For example, I'd rather take "Will" over "TO BE" anyday. While it's true that she's simply been in the business for a while and that people's interest in her is decreasing, I believe there is considerable bias toward her older work that causes some people to almost automatically brush off her new work.

[tokyoxjapanxfan]

so does that mean this ruins her #1 album streak? :-\ or did that streak just consist of daily number 1's? haha...

[mishidabo]

i think the sales arent bad at all, actually compared to secret's 2nd week 494,399

theres a gap, but a small one

good for ayu, and come on guys, being #1 is not everything in life

[Luv ~Venus~]

Originally Posted by bluegie

I guess most of us have already get the fact digested a week ago. Remember, we have been discussing this for a week already.

I'm pretty disappointed that the no. 1 streak is gone finally. However, even if this album survives, I'm sure that ayu will not escape easily next time. Also, almost every artist will face this "not no. 1 anymore" one day, unless the artist chooses to retire during his/her shiniest era.

So I guess we, the fans, can go to another cycle now. We dun need to actually get worried about whether the no. 1 streak can be maintained. We just need to concern about whether the upcoming materials have better reputations or not. To ayu or us it's probably a relief .

And last but not the least, GUILTY is doing much better than I thought. It's just 60K less than Secrets for two week sales. I guess this album will get over 500K eventually. The only sad thing is that ayu's 10th anniversary is not that perfect anymore.. .

BUT I have a feeling that ayu will produce better music this year... TBH my feeling towards "Secret to GUILTY" era is similar to "I am... to RAINBOW" era. I lost interest on ayu's music during the I am/RAINBOW era. At this moment I dun feel ayu's music is very interesting either, except that I did buy Secret, while I didn't buy I am... .

So for being emotional but this post was moving, bluegie!

Question: I'm still confused! They didn't count a week or did they?

@namiie: I agree namiie. I'm a fan of her older and newer work. I always think ayu songs are good. I'm never disappointed in them...well, prolly a couple but that's about it.

[jkm444]

to be honest.. I am really sad that this album did not make no.1, I was hoping that she would have at least 2 more no.1 albums.. to continue her no.1 streak. I can't believe it came so soon... especially since their is so many sad news about ayu from her left ear to her best friend. This is not how her 10th anniversary should start. I can't believe avex, and her fans in Japan let this happen to her. (I will get over this in couple days...)

[v3lun420]

I don't reallly care, I'll still say GO AYUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUu

Actually, I am sad that she's no. 2. Huh... I hope Koda Kumi's Kingdom will flop too^^
I don't really want Ayumi to have lower sales to Koda, But..... in this point I think Kumi might have higher sales.....
Oh NOOOOOOO....... I am going to have another nightmare tonite. Seriously, I didn't even sleep last nite, All I had in mind was, would Ayumi be no. 1??? Now I know the reason why I couldn't sleep well last nite, probably I felt that this was going to happen...

OH NOOOOO........

[Peger]

^This isn't flopping. It would've been #1 almost any other week and it's on its way to selling 600k. That's pretty good given her singles sales.

[bluegie]

Originally Posted by njanjayrp

I am pretty sure that if STEP you was released back than it would be a 1 million seller

That's how I feel about STEP you. This is so far the only recent ayu songs that I would think it could be a million sellers if it was released back in her peak era.

Originally Posted by namiie

It wasn't a one-hit wonder at all. A one-hit wonder is when an artist is famous for only one song, and then you never hear from them again. Sakuranbo may be Ai's most famous song, but people definitely heard from her again afterwards and she's gone on to be one of the most famous female artists today--look at Planetarium. Look at how well Ai Am Best did--one of the top albums of 2007! I think Ayu's signature songs are Boys & Girls, SEASONS, etc. Doesn't make her a one-hit wonder

Sadly, I think the reason those songs are only considered as epic and majestic as they are is because they were released when Ayu was in her prime---1999 to 2001 (and a little of 2002). They are still good songs, but face it, if they were released in, say, 2006 or 2007, many people would brush them off as "boring" like they did BLUE BIRD or fated. Boys & Girls would be just another "cutesy happy song" and "M" would be another "Oh, another rock song?". I think that if they were released recently, they'd elicit those kinds of responses.

This is IMO only of course, but lately I'd say it's become rather trendy to hate on Ayu's recent releases and glorify her beginning days. Of course, her earlier albums were fantastic as well ("A Song for XX" remains one of my fave songs to this day), but people fail to recognize how far she's come as a singer lately too. For example, I'd rather take "Will" over "TO BE" anyday. While it's true that she's simply been in the business for a while and that people's interest in her is decreasing, I believe there is considerable bias toward her older work that causes some people to almost automatically brush off her new work.

Of course I know it's not a one hit wonder . But I kinda feel it's sorta like somehow. Yes SMILY/Planetarium were really popular as well, but it's not up to par with Sakuranbo in terms of longevity and sales (even tho I hate this song). And too bad it seems like Ai-chan cannot make another 500K seller (judging by her recent sales..). It's like, if you ask anyone which ai-chan song is the most popular, everyone will point towards Sakuranbo.

Ayu or hikki are different on the other hand. They have more than a few songs that hit million marks (ayu: B&G, A, SEASONS, M, or even evolution, which was about 960K sold) (hikki: Automatic, Addicted To You, W&S, CYKAS?).

About ayu's most popular songs being released in her prime theory.. Well I sorta disagree. As a fan going through LOVEppears to GUILTY era (well too bad I wasn't into JPop when she released A Song for XX), I still consider SEASONS, M, evolution, etc. are one of her best works. Those songs are more unique in their own ways, unlike recent her works. Honestly I cannot see the difference between fairyland/BLUE BIRD/glitter. They have the same formula.. similar melodies, similar tones, etc. It's like whenever she's releasing a new single, it just sounds like recycling her old materials. That was how I felt back in I am to RAINBOW era (e.g., Free & Easy sounds too similar to M). And thank god she released Memorial address, in which the materials sounded quite different compared to the works in I am and RAINBOW. And somehow I believe ayu's going through the cycle again, as I have faith that she'll be releasing some spectacular like Memorial address again this year.

[norain]

This was all a plan to kill off ayumi's #1 streak! I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT!

Oh well, you win some you lose some, and ayumi's got her first #2. Unless some MIRACLE happens, ayumi will not get a #1

If only if these were (miss)understood sales like with her 650k first two weeks. That was a miracle.

[njanjayrp]

Originally Posted by bluegie

That's how I feel about STEP you. This is so far the only recent ayu songs that I would think it could be a million sellers if it was released back in her peak era.



Of course I know it's not a one hit wonder . But I kinda feel it's sorta like somehow. Yes SMILY/Planetarium were really popular as well, but it's not up to par with Sakuranbo in terms of longevity and sales (even tho I hate this song). And too bad it seems like Ai-chan cannot make another 500K seller (judging by her recent sales..). It's like, if you ask anyone which ai-chan song is the most popular, everyone will point towards Sakuranbo.

Ayu or hikki are different on the other hand. They have more than a few songs that hit million marks (ayu: B&G, A, SEASONS, M, or even evolution, which was about 960K sold) (hikki: Automatic, Addicted To You, W&S, CYKAS?).

About ayu's most popular songs being released in her prime theory.. Well I sorta disagree. As a fan going through LOVEppears to GUILTY era (well too bad I wasn't into JPop when she released A Song for XX), I still consider SEASONS, M, evolution, etc. are one of her best works. Those songs are more unique in their own ways, unlike recent her works. Honestly I cannot see the difference between fairyland/BLUE BIRD/glitter. They have the same formula.. similar melodies, similar tones, etc. It's like whenever she's releasing a new single, it just sounds like recycling her old materials. That was how I felt back in I am to RAINBOW era (e.g., Free & Easy sounds too similar to M). And thank god she released Memorial address, in which the materials sounded quite different compared to the works in I am and RAINBOW. And somehow I believe ayu's going through the cycle again, as I have faith that she'll be releasing some spectacular like Memorial address again this year.

Well I think BLUE BIRD would do awesome as well, and probably HEAVEN.
And well glitter and BLUE BIRD might have a "similar" formula, but they are different, and fairyland was less happy than the other 2 in my opinion, and I don't really see it as a summer song.But sure, I agree that LOVEppears/Duty/I am.. songs had uniqueness that not every song has.And that probably what Ayu needs now if she wants to get back on the top, something new, but at the same time totally different from anything else others are doing.I am not saying she isn't different, just that she has created her own style, and that she seems to be sticking to it.

[somethinglost]

This was all a ploy to break Ayu's #1 streak and position Kuu as the "new" face of Avex, just like what happened to Namie!!


Just kidding! LOL, I'm waiting paciently for ORICON's update.

[AmyRoseM]

Sadly, I think the reason those songs are only considered as epic and majestic as they are is because they were released when Ayu was in her prime---1999 to 2001 (and a little of 2002). They are still good songs, but face it, if they were released in, say, 2006 or 2007, many people would brush them off as "boring" like they did BLUE BIRD or fated. Boys & Girls would be just another "cutesy happy song" and "M" would be another "Oh, another rock song?". I think that if they were released recently, they'd elicit those kinds of responses.

EXACTLY! It's not necessarily the songs that are so amazing (although in this case, they are!), but the hype that went along with those songs. M was huge because it was a great song AND Ayumi was in her prime. So yes, I agree 100%!

[ayu_fan929]

Originally Posted by Luv ~Venus~

Question: I'm still confused! They didn't count a week or did they?

The 2 weeks is lumped into 1 huge week.

[namiie]

Originally Posted by bluegie

That's how I feel about STEP you. This is so far the only recent ayu songs that I would think it could be a million sellers if it was released back in her peak era.



Of course I know it's not a one hit wonder . But I kinda feel it's sorta like somehow. Yes SMILY/Planetarium were really popular as well, but it's not up to par with Sakuranbo in terms of longevity and sales (even tho I hate this song). And too bad it seems like Ai-chan cannot make another 500K seller (judging by her recent sales..). It's like, if you ask anyone which ai-chan song is the most popular, everyone will point towards Sakuranbo.

Ayu or hikki are different on the other hand. They have more than a few songs that hit million marks (ayu: B&G, A, SEASONS, M, or even evolution, which was about 960K sold) (hikki: Automatic, Addicted To You, W&S, CYKAS?).

About ayu's most popular songs being released in her prime theory.. Well I sorta disagree. As a fan going through LOVEppears to GUILTY era (well too bad I wasn't into JPop when she released A Song for XX), I still consider SEASONS, M, evolution, etc. are one of her best works. Those songs are more unique in their own ways, unlike recent her works. Honestly I cannot see the difference between fairyland/BLUE BIRD/glitter. They have the same formula.. similar melodies, similar tones, etc. It's like whenever she's releasing a new single, it just sounds like recycling her old materials. That was how I felt back in I am to RAINBOW era (e.g., Free & Easy sounds too similar to M). And thank god she released Memorial address, in which the materials sounded quite different compared to the works in I am and RAINBOW. And somehow I believe ayu's going through the cycle again, as I have faith that she'll be releasing some spectacular like Memorial address again this year.

I think we need to give Ai some more time. After all, Ayu and Hikki have been in the game for ten years. Ai's recently just celebrated her fourth year If you've been taking notice in her concerts, Ai's signature song is now branching out from Sakuranbo...."Happy Days" and "SMILY" are definitely becoming fast fan favorites and are performed at every concert.

And *I* honestly think you can throw in "July 1st" and "Greatful Days" in with the "fairyland/BLUE BIRD/glitter" mix. They are quintessential summer songs--happy lyrics, danceable melody, the works. However, people to tend to leave these summer songs out when comparing summer releases because they are more old school Ayu--the Ayu that everyone likes to glorify and leave recent Ayu in the dust.

I do agree on the awesomeness that is Memorial Address though. However, I think that Ayu hasn't stopped being unique. I was struck by how amazingly original "Ourselves" as a song is (albeit the PV was not up to par). I think "until that Day..." is pretty unique in itself too, and what about "kiss o' kill"? Chainsaws are definitely something Ayu--and many pop artists in general--usually don't throw into their songs. And hello, "Bold & Delicious"??? If that isn't unique for Ayu, I don't know what is.

I'm not trying to say that Ayu is 100% awesome 100% of the time (I gave "fated" a good 50 listens before declaring it absolutely boring, which it is), and she does have her share of "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS" when it comes to songs (see "Humming 7/4" XD), but I do believe that her new music is not bad at all. I'd rather take the vocal improvement present in something like B&D over the ~totally original~ but frankly quite horrible vocals of "Heartplace". It's all about acquired taste I think.

[bluegie]

Originally Posted by namiie

I think we need to give Ai some more time. After all, Ayu and Hikki have been in the game for ten years. Ai's recently just celebrated her fourth year If you've been taking notice in her concerts, Ai's signature song is now branching out from Sakuranbo...."Happy Days" and "SMILY" are definitely becoming fast fan favorites and are performed at every concert.

And *I* honestly think you can throw in "July 1st" and "Greatful Days" in with the "fairyland/BLUE BIRD/glitter" mix. They are quintessential summer songs--happy lyrics, danceable melody, the works. However, people to tend to leave these summer songs out when comparing summer releases because they are more old school Ayu--the Ayu that everyone likes to glorify and leave recent Ayu in the dust.

I do agree on the awesomeness that is Memorial Address though. However, I think that Ayu hasn't stopped being unique. I was struck by how amazingly original "Ourselves" as a song is (albeit the PV was not up to par). I think "until that Day..." is pretty unique in itself too, and what about "kiss o' kill"? Chainsaws are definitely something Ayu--and many pop artists in general--usually don't throw into their songs. And hello, "Bold & Delicious"??? If that isn't unique for Ayu, I don't know what is.

I'm not trying to say that Ayu is 100% awesome 100% of the time (I gave "fated" a good 50 listens before declaring it absolutely boring, which it is), and she does have her share of "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS" when it comes to songs (see "Humming 7/4" XD), but I do believe that her new music is not bad at all. I'd rather take the vocal improvement present in something like B&D over the ~totally original~ but frankly quite horrible vocals of "Heartplace". It's all about acquired taste I think.

Wow that's a long reply LOL.

I'm not saying Ai-chan can't prove it since she's still like the mid of her 20s. The thing is, right now Japan is not giving her more time at all. Looking at her recent sales it seems like she starts fading already. She gotta make something different from Sakuranbo / Happy Days / SMILY / frienger / CHU-LIP / PEACH. I guess people are getting tired of her similar happy songs. I do think those songs are different from each other.. somehow the instrumental arrangements are freakin' similar. (Btw I believe that ayu and hikki have already proven how good they were even before their 4th year)

Yes, Greatful Days are July 1st~2003 ver~. Actually Until that day is quite similar to other songs somehow. BUT the difference is again the arrangement. She (or the arranger) can try something else other than hitting the drum/guitar/electrical piano everytime.

The reason I dun wanna mention Bold & Delicious is that it's actually a flop. Dun get me wrong, I really love the song, and I think B&D and Pride are super unique among ayu's songs. The thing that the majority doesn't accept this dramatic change at all. It is always hard to try out new things. I'm kinda disappointed that many people wanna wipe out these two songs out of ayu's discography, because melody and arrangement wise they are really excellent.

Sigh... the thing is ayu doesn't wanna get rid of her mates (such as peco and princess, and no need to mention her guiltar/piano/other instruments players etc.). Sometimes I kinda wonder if this is why the arrangement getting restricted? 70% materials in the albums must have all of those elements so that her players can actually play at live. Her songs should include some other instruments rather thans essential 5 (or 6 or whatever how many people in her band).

[yamogi]

It's sad to see ayu get no.2...anyway the number itself is not bad. I saw someone predict the sale to be something around 20 thousand copies.