Ayu: Anything Goes [XXVI]

[tokyoxjapanxfan]

Is Ayu being left behind?


I know this is coming off so melodramatic, but it’s honestly been on my mind for the past few months.

It feels like all her peers are progressing and navigating this new pop sphere, but only Ayu has kind of... completely plateaued. She’s going, essentially, nowhere in her current career.

Like, I just saw Mika Nakashima will be in a Netflix drama broadcasted throughout the world, Namie is equally as present in pop culture despite her exit, Utada’s concert will be released, and she collaborated with companies and artists on a world level, and then there’s.... Ayu. Just, singing in these small venues with very little effort in pushing the envelope or elevating her star power. And it’s to the point where... I’d be embarrassed for her if she put her tours on any streaming service...

As a diehard fan, that hurts me to say lol. It’s so campy now, and it’s really, imo, negatively affecting her. We want people laughing with you, not at you, you know what I mean?

It’s just... I don’t know. I’m not trying to pick a fight, I’m sure people will be all set to call me out on her “not trying”—just keep in mind I’m talking more about her brand. A brand that at one time was completely together and had a clear vision and great execution.

It just feels like the world of pop is going on without her. And it feels like it’s all at her own doing.

[Katsuyuki012]

Tbh, I'd say the world of pop has been going without her for a while now and it will continue to do so. Even when she put out albums very regularly (in rather recent years), she did music that she liked. She did some of her usual songs, some surprises, her tours and a few magazine shoots. She hasn't really tried something new so that she could enter 'the new pop sphere'. The last time she did that (music wise) was with Colours and we know how that went. At least that's what I'd say about this. I do feel like she has pushed herself to put on a great show. Maybe not vocally but overall I'd say that A^3 is much better than JTB1.

So I agree but it's not too recent imo. However, I wouldn't say that she is 'left behind' but rather that she decides not to follow, if you know what I mean.

[ayuinh.k?]

Originally Posted by Katsuyuki012

Tbh, I'd say the world of pop has been going without her for a while now and it will continue to do so. Even when she put out albums very regularly (in rather recent years), she did music that she liked. She did some of her usual songs, some surprises, her tours and a few magazine shoots. She hasn't really tried something new so that she could enter 'the new pop sphere'. The last time she did that (music wise) was with Colours and we know how that went. At least that's what I'd say about this. I do feel like she has pushed herself to put on a great show. Maybe not vocally but overall I'd say that A^3 is much better than JTB1.

So I agree but it's not too recent imo. However, I wouldn't say that she is 'left behind' but rather that she decides not to follow, if you know what I mean.

I agree. I feel like she has been doing her own thing for a while which makes it feel like she is stuck behind. She has her own sound and way of production (ex. music, stage, performance) which contrasts from the others

[Katsuyuki012]

Btw, happy July 1st