[News] ayumi hamasaki LIVE TOUR -TROUBLE- 2018-2019 A (inc. CDL 2018-2019) ~II~

[relmy]

I feel like she does better in smaller venues than arenas, maybe how they handle the sound in the venues?

She needs to get that vocal coach from AT15 time back and just keep that up imo. She can still sound great but she's just so inconsistent.

[EndOfTheWorld]

I have watched the Countdown and I think I have the opposite opinion of everyone. I thought the vocals were rough in certain spots but overall it was decent. But I didn't really like the show. The first section being the lowest point for me. When she poured the water on her chest and when she was flashing her underwear was more cringe than any of the vocals. I will say though that the little mini countdown during Lady Dynamite was really cool. I loved the graphics and lights.
I was really excited for Together When... because I have been wanting that for quite some time now but I was slightly disappointed. Ayu looked beautiful and her dress was pretty and the vocal was stable. But she mostly just walked around for the performance. I was hoping for a bigger performance like Countdown 07-08. But I am still happy my wish was granted.
I think WATQ was actually my favorite moment. I thought the vocals were pretty good and all the A flags waving was cool.
In the end, I am kind of just happy to see Ayu again and have something new to experience from her since she isn't releasing anything anymore.

Originally Posted by njanjayrp

The age is definitely not an issue - I’ve seen Suzanne Vega in November who is a lot older than Ayu. She still sounds like she is 18.

Also, I love Suzanne Vega too! It isn't Ayu's age that is the problem. The current state of her vocals is due to a variety of factors that I think we all are aware of by now. At this point she either has a good day or a bad day.

[_dandy_]

Originally Posted by EndOfTheWorld

When she poured the water on her chest and when she was flashing her underwear was more cringe than any of the vocals.

She was wearing a black outfit underneath W's white shirt and skirt, so it's not like that turned into some sort of braless wet t-shirt thing you might expect from..."other singers". And as far as I can tell, the "underwear" you describe her flashing is still part of that black outfit as well (she just took off the skirt for 1 Love).

[EndOfTheWorld]

Originally Posted by _dandy_

She was wearing a black outfit underneath W's white shirt and skirt, so it's not like that turned into some sort of braless wet t-shirt thing you might expect from..."other singers". And as far as I can tell, the "underwear" you describe her flashing is still part of that black outfit as well (she just took off the skirt for 1 Love).

Well if you want to be technical then sure.
But that doesn't really change anything for me. I don't know if perhaps Ayu was making a commentary on how women are sexualized or if she was trying to be humorous or trying to "enjoy herself". But it didn't click with me. I don't find it offensive or upsetting but I was sitting there while watching like:.
It looks like the majority of people really enjoyed the show and the only complaint was the vocals. Ayu has had much worse reviews so it seems unnecessary to argue over her voice. It's the same talking points every time. I personally have just accepted that Ayu's vocal performance on any given day simply is what it is. Sometimes it is not enjoyable and other times it can be good. I don't think her voice will return to the way it was.
Hopefully Ayu will give touring a rest after this tour is over and release a full length album later this year.