Thoughts on GUILTY

[chocopockymaster]

1. Mirror
I love the originality of the piece up until about :54, where it breaks into a chaotic mess of guitars and other rock-type things. I'm glad her voice it at least strong enough to keep up with it, but even a semblance of some sort of melody would have been nice, as compared to a complete breakdown in the music. But then she goes back to the calm side again, and I am made happy. 8/10

2. (don't) Leave me alone
The opening of the song sounds like it was taken directly from "1 LOVE". The verses are unremarkable, and when the chorus came I was desperately hoping that it was a bridge, since it definitely sounds like one. No such luck. It would have worked wonderfully as a bridge, but as a chorus, it's just so simple and boring. There's something very...80s about the song. And it's not just the cheap looking outfits from the PV. I do like the ending. Like others have said, it's reminiscent of her older songs when she sings that one line without any music. The lyrics have quite a pissed off, badass feel which, coming from Ayu, caught me off guard. Reminds me of "my name's WOMEN" a little bit. Overall, for a song that was trying to live up to "until that Day...", it failed miserably. 5/10

3. talkin' 2 myself
Ayu's definitely not talking to herself with this song, she's getting other people to listen. And it's working. This is, hands down, my favorite rock song that she's ever done. It's so dark and strong that I can't help but wonder what happened to the Queen of J-Pop. The chorus is indescribably amazing, and I love the song. 10/10

4. decision
I've never really sat down and listened to this song until now. Sure, I've heard it, but I haven't listened to it. It would be impossible for it to outshine "talkin' 2 myself", so I always listened to this song instead. This song has its merits, though. I like the distinct contrast between the quiet, subdued verses and the rock-steady bridge and chorus. It's actually a very nice complement to "talkin' 2 myself", and while I usually despise it when she places two songs from the same single next to each other on an album, I think it was a very good choice here. 8/10

5. GUILTY
Weird effects in the beginning (helicopter, anyone?) and ominously looming clock chimes are only the first in what I'm loath to describe as the worst song Ayu has ever done. The instrumentation is horrible; it runs together like water tossed onto a watercolor painting. I'm too busy listening to the generic, simply bad melody to even pay attention to the lyrics. It sounds like the entire instrumentation was done in the wrong key. I couldn't even bring myself to finish listening to the song, it was that terrible. 3/10

6. fated
I have loved this song since it first made its appearance this past summer. I was particularly in love with the lyrics, but then...it's rare that I don't like the lyrics of a song by Ayu. She rarely uses electric guitars in her ballads to this extent, but it really serves her well here. Overall, I'd say it's one of her classic power ballads. 8/10

7. Together When...
This song has been on constant replay since I first downloaded it. I truly think it's a shame that this was a digital single, as I think it would have sold well and I would have loved to hear what the b-side would have been. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite Ayu ballads...not to mention the lyrics, which are amazing as always. The video was amazing, as well. While I think this song by itself outshines "JEWEL", which has the best lyrics Ayu's ever written but was lacking in the instrumentation department, I feel like she took the piano melodies directly from there and put them in here. It would have been nice to hear something a little more original instead of rehashing them here. Nonetheless, "Together When..." is definitely one of her best songs from 2007. 10/10

8. Marionette -prelude-
Ladies and gentlemen, and now for something completely different. It sounds like "Wonderland pt. 2", except more creepy and with less obvious symbolism. It's supposed to be the prelude into a song about dolls on strings, yet it brings to mind images of murderous clowns (which I hate, have I mentioned that?) Not to mention the creepy sound effects. And what's with the clock chimes? Those really need to stop. We're only on the 8th track and this is, like, the 3rd time I've heard them already. 1/10

9. Marionette
I actually got shivers when I first started listening to this song. One of the best words to describe this song would be "haunting". The piano and the subtle strings with the effects and Ayu's restrained voice all combine to produce spine-tingling chills for the listener. I was all creeped-out but absolutely loving it, and then...the chorus came. Another unremarkable, way out-of-place melody, and I was really upset. I feel like this song had so much potential, and then she threw that piece of crap in there. The haunting quality that the verses were filled with is gone, replaced by another mindless, meaningless rock melody. I like how she kicked the second verse up a notch by adding the electric guitars, which was a nice touch. But then the chorus comes again, and I'm back to burying my head in my hands. From about 3:02 to 3:25 was a very nice touch, and probably my second favorite part of the song, after the first verse. Overall, the verse made me set very high expectations for the song, and Ayu just did not deliver with the chorus. It's a real shame, because the song had so much potential otherwise. 6/10

10. The Judgement Day
For crying out loud, enough with the creepy, meaningless sound effects! The organ is reminiscent of "kiss o' kill", though I think it was utilized much better there than it was here. :57 was a huge surprise for me, and like "Mirror" Ayu seems to be splitting her interludes in half and making a distinct contrast between them. I hate the first half, I can only describe it as a mistake, while I much prefer the second half. I like to think of the second half as "Catcher in The Light" on acid. 4/10

11. glitter
I didn't like this song as much as other people seemed to when it first came out. Yes, it's happy, and pop-y, and summery, but I just have trouble listening to it when I'm staring out the window at snow and grey skies. The Engrish bits are cute, and she sounds a little bit like her 22-year old self at times. There aren't really any similarities between this, "BLUE BIRD", and "fairyland", which were her previous hits, so she gets points for that. But judging by the distinct rock trend of the album thus far, I think I can safely say that this song has no place on this album. I won't detract points for that, though. 7/10

12. MY ALL
I was one of few people who liked this song when previews of the album were leaked. There's just something about the melody in the verses that gets me, and I like the speed at which she's singing. I feel like this song belongs in a drama, but I know we'll see it in the encore of her next concert. 8/10

13. reBiRTH
Oh, look, another interlude...I've just about had it with interludes, which is good since there's only one more track on the album. It rounds out the Kaleidoscope-LABYRINTH relationship to make a trio. In my head, I can't even distinguish between the three of them anymore. That's when you know it's gotten bad. 3/10

14. untitled ~for her~
Judging by the title (or lack thereof), I had high expectations for this song since I'm guessing it's for the important person in Ayu's life that passed away recently. The one thing that annoys me is the blipping during the verses, and the addition of more annoying effects in the verse. The chorus is very nice, and the lyrics are deep and meaningful. I was actually tearing up a little bit by the time the song was over. By the end, the blipping doesn't annoy me as much. In a strange way, it seems to fit into the song. I would have liked to hear a one-take recording, and maybe Ayu choking up a little bit or a little more emotion in her voice, since this is obviously for someone she was very close to. I think she made a song that that person would be proud of her for, and I can't wait to hear her sing it live. 9/10

Overall...
Well, the average score for the album is a 6.5/10, and I would say that's pretty on par with how I feel about it. I had high expectations for the album tracks and unfortunately, those hopes were dashed. I think in this case, we have the reverse circumstances that we had with Secret last year...last year, her singles were okay and the album tracks were amazing. This year, her singles were great and the album tracks were mediocre, at best. Secret, (miss)understood, and MY STORY were all much better for me. Perhaps I was expecting too much, but from the terrible cover to the uninspiring previews we initially heard now to the leak of the full album, I have been disappointed every step of the way.

*sigh*

[Luther10]

Guilty >>>>>> Secret as an album. Other than Fated, I love every song on Guilty, especially Decision, Marionette, My All, Don't leave my alone and Glitter.

This album also has the best interludes ever...

[stickyrice]

I happen to really like the album! All songs are great! GUILTY though is alright to me. Nothing wow about it =\ But other than that I enjoyed the album a lot and I like how it has this haunting effect. I like her vocals as well. Granted it's not her best album but it's far from being her worst. Marionette was just as lovely as I thought it would be. Besides reBiRTH - these were her best interludes in a while.

[ayu_ready?]

forgot to say, I personally disliked Secret and (m)u and it's pretty understandable that ppl who consider them the best Ayu albums so far (I don't think so at all) don't like GUILTY

[FeNgZhEnG]

1st time i hear the album and i'm in love with "My All"

very catchy and nice tune~~!

[CHE.R.RY]

I'm happy with it...I really like the tracks...the only thing that's really bothering me about it is that I've already heard most of the songs...they were almost all nothing but singles and interludes >.<...But hey ya know? I'm just grateful she made a new album. When I started to really get into Ayu it was already after Secret had been released...so this was my 1st time seeing a new album being released from her, and I've been waiting all year long hoping she would get in gear and make a new one. One other thing, this album is actually very well-made for something that was made over the course of a couple months...I guess they aren't really kidding when they say Ayu's hardworking! Well I really like the album I'm very satisfied...and ya know, two things I have to say:
Untitled ~for her~ sounds like a mix of Who... and Secret
Rebirth stands for a rebirht of the two songs xDDDDDD
JK! But really...and I still don't see what the big hoopla is about 'Marionette'. It's not that great to me but I guess just it's just my opinion.

[lgbyxjh3]

thiS album is so dissapointing compared to the others, i seriously dunno why are everyone so excited about it. Im a great fan of ayu too but this is realli crap, 14 songs with 4 interludes thats like cheating its fans.

Mirror: This is sadly my fav song from the album. It could have been well been longer it would have been so much better. It gives the naturally/evolution kind feel.

DLMA: This song is $@#$@#$. Compare it with any fast ayu older songs this song could jolly be a filler song and nt one of the main songs of the album.PVs crap, Song's Crap.

GUILTY: If only this song could be something like duty. This song is like so boring omg. Clearly ayu is guilty for coming out with such a crappy album.

Marionette: I dunno wads the big fuss about this song. The chorus is like so slow and boring. More rythmic changes could have been given to the chorus to make it better. THe ending of the chorus is nice though.

MY ALL: Typical pop song. apparently i find this as one of the better album tracks sadly.

Untitled: same, Typical pop song.

Glitter : This is nice, although i prefer blue bird. It pwns those songs such as GRATEFUL DAYS, angel songs and tat july 1st. Try listening to all these "summer" songs at once and u realise they all sound the same.

Fated: Same. Chorus is crappy i think.

T2M: Actually this song is rather good. Compared to the other GUILTY songs.

TOgether when: definitely the star of the album. Mixture of TYpical ayu style ballads with a tinge of pop. This is something which is worth waiting for.

Overall, i would say this album is the worst of all. Try judging them by listening with ayus old songs and u can hear how crappy this album is. When secret was out, there was so much publicity, from tatoo to interviews and stuff. However, look at this album, quiet as ever. THis is so sad.

I think i will be getting Koda's kingdom instead. Several nice pop songs, at least the length and PVs will make the CD worthwhile rather than spending on juz 10 SONGS, any random jpop singers will most prolly have an album with more than 10 songs.

I AM > DUTY > RAINBOW > SECRET > ... > GUILTY

[CHE.R.RY]

Originally Posted by mishidabo

i want the old ayu back

i think ayu's vocal work in this album is really good, but its oh so dramatic that it gets old pretty quickly, not all of us are "drepressed" and want that kind of music :S, all the sudden glitter is not that bad :X

i might say that my favorite part of the album where the last 5 songs and together when.... but, i must say i regret buying this album :'(

Marionette is pretty interesting tho, i'm looking forward the PV

I must say this is my least favorite album of Ayu

Why don't you just give Ayu a break...she's going through a tough time

[mishidabo]

Originally Posted by Ayulover_06

Why don't you just give Ayu a break...she's going through a tough time

many artist are going through hard times, and they actually manage to put out really good albums, i dont think its an excuse.
You can definitely take advantage of your situation (like ayu's) to pull amazing songs, but i feel ayu used the same formula in this album a little too much. To make a strong song you DONT have to use rock guitars to make it powerful, the feeling i have is that ayu tried to fill the emotion of the song with the melody & guitars instead of with her voice

[Diana]

I like the songs.. Nothing special to me :/ Too serious dammit!! I like Mirror, Marionette and MY ALL for now... Judgement Day is scary at begining and later is bleh compared to begining :/
EDIT: the first time I was looking forward that she made a mini album x3

[JaysenRyan]

Originally Posted by mishidabo

many artist are going through hard times, and they actually manage to put out really good albums, i dont think its an excuse.
You can definitely take advantage of your situation (like ayu's) to pull amazing songs, but i feel ayu used the same formula in this album a little too much. To make a strong song you DONT have to use rock guitars to make it powerful, the feeling i have is that ayu tried to fill the emotion of the song with the melody & guitars instead of with her voice

exactly. Lots of people came out with amazing material. This "rough" time is nonexistent. Albums sales are on par with the economy. It doesn't have to sell 1 million to be good. But this album is simply disappointing. Like I said, I appreciate some people like it. But me personally, I just don't.

That doesn't mean I don't want it to sell well. I do. God I hope it does. So Ayu can make her next album better.

[Bishoujo Ayumi]

I'm actually kind of disappointed that there are 4 songs less than a minute long, leaving only 10 full-length songs. I mean, the full length songs are VERY GOOD and make up for it, but I think maybe one of the interludes or even "Mirror" could have been longer. Not 'The Judgement Day' though, I'm not too fond of it going from "dark" to "YAY HAPPEH~".

I'm really excited to see the PV for 'Marionette', so far I haven't liked any of the PVs ('Together When...' a bit, but that's it) for this album so maybe that one will redeem her for me. As far as new tracks, I like 'Marionette' the best. 'GUILTY' will probably have to grow on me, but my favorite for the whole album is still 'talkin' 2 myself'.

[CHE.R.RY]

Originally Posted by mishidabo

many artist are going through hard times, and they actually manage to put out really good albums, i dont think its an excuse.
You can definitely take advantage of your situation (like ayu's) to pull amazing songs, but i feel ayu used the same formula in this album a little too much. To make a strong song you DONT have to use rock guitars to make it powerful, the feeling i have is that ayu tried to fill the emotion of the song with the melody & guitars instead of with her voice

I guess it's just your opinion...I feel it was rushed as well but I think it sounds pretty good for something that was improvised. But I was mainly referring to your comment about not all of us wanting to hear sad stuff from Ayu...I should've made that more clear.

[the angel song]

Okay, I might just be the only crazy here, but out of the entire album "MY ALL" has stuck with me the most! Just from the intro is puts me in a good mood, and I feel bad to say it's a "replace" song or some kind of concert ender. I think it could've been more pleasant on a single! It reminds me of something from NEWS or even Greeeen's song "hito" if it weren't so poppy lol.

Anyways the album flows nicely, but too bad there was only really 5 new tracks, but the single tracks aren't bad, so that's good! It's just that I overplay them too much so they aren't new to me haha.

[Luther10]

Guilty is AWESOME. Sorry, have to say this one more time. Didn't Ayu say that this is a start of a new phase (I mean post ABEST 2)? So if you don't like this album, that means you don't like her new sound, then may be it's time to move on to another singer?????

[evolutionricky]

too many instrumentals if you ask me...

[truehappiness]

Originally Posted by evolutionricky

too many instrumentals if you ask me...

I don't think so.. the interludes are all pretty amazing. Had they not been made so well, I think that there'd be something to say about it..

That, and the fact that Marionette's prelude should be connected to Marionette as part of the song, so there's only technically 3 interludes.

[ladytaboo]

I really like it. From mirror to Marionette are where the high points of the album are. mirror is probably my favorite despite it being so short. Overall, It's one of my favorite Ayu albums. Better than Secret and slightly better than (m)u. My only real problem is the lack of new songs. But quality is better than quantity I guess. Definitely buying it.

[truehappiness]

many artist are going through hard times, and they actually manage to put out really good albums, i dont think its an excuse.

Well, their problems are definitely not as complex as Ayu's then.

chocopockymaster>
Ditto on just about everything. I'm glad to see an Ayu fan who can maintain a critical ear while still being a fan. I give Untitled～For Her～ 6.5/10 because of its poor arrangement, though. I think the melody is so naturally simple that the arrangement really needed something more interesting. Without it, the melody comes off as weak. And while arpeggiating synth flutes have their time and place (they worked great in YOU "Northern Breeze"), I just get bored with them in this song. Lyrics are nice.

Overall I think the singles rocked, and the album tracks flopped. Their compositions were generally weak, and they didn't have the strong arrangements to save them. Still, it's not a bad album. It's at least cohesive, although I don't like the track order.