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  #1  
Old 20th December 2010, 12:27 AM
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Since I won't be able to receive my album until January 4th, I decided the download the original album tracks, give them a listen, and once I was done listening to them I would delete them so I won't grow weary of the tracks upon arrival.

People will say what they want, but I loved every single track that I listened to. No " it will grow on me" business, it was a masterpiece, pure and simple. I won't do a full review where I analyze each song until I actually get the CD, but wow, It exceeded my expectations by 120%. I didn't hear any dull or filler tracks ( I'm talking to you, RnRC, as much as I love that album) But each track had a nostalgic, charming, and beautiful feeling to it. It may even be my favorite album, and that is saying so much. I am really proud of Ayu this year.
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  #2  
Old 20th December 2010, 12:30 AM
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Album sounds so fresh, new and strong. Im loving it more and more by each listen. I liked RnRC but I feel like RnRC was everywhere nowhere while Love songs is like one whole story.
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  #3  
Old 20th December 2010, 01:01 AM
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1. Love song - Wow! Such a beautiful and powerful song! I love the way Ayu sings in this song it's so funky! If I had to pick one thing I found a little meh, is when she hits that high note when she says 'yeah' or whatever...it's a little awkward sounding. Otherwise, I'd have to say this is one of my most favorites off the entire album. 9.5/10

2. crossroad - I love the smooth transition! It was perfect to place this song right after Love song. Well, I've always found this song to be very nostalgic and unique in it's own way. I love the chorus so much...there are slightly dull parts, like the lead-in to the chorus. 9/10

3. MOON - This song has always been iffy for me. I really like the verses, but the chorus just sounds so weak to me . It sounds like it has so much potential to burst into an epic song, but it just seems to fall short of that in the chorus, in my opinion. Plus, I feel like this song runs a little long. 6/10

4. sending mail - Now this is an interesting song :O! When it first started I was thinking...oh wow this song sounds so old O.o...In fact, it sounds kind of cheesy in the verses. But then when I got to the lead-in to the chorus and heard how Ayu sang with so much emotion, I was like okay..I really like this part if anything. Then the chorus just BLEW me away! It is sooo aggressive and powerful sounding! I love the way Ayu sings in this song, just like in Love songs! I was expecting something way different...even after from hearing the previews. This song kind of reminds me of a mix between hana and Mirrocle World if that makes sense xD! Either way, it's one of my favorites by far! 10/10

5. Last angel - This song has always been really awesome to me. It's very surreal and fantasy-like. Some of the verses can be a little dull at times though...like when she sings those low notes in a long, drawn out way. 9/10

6. insomnia - Kind of creepy...Have to say I expected a little more though. That weird little voice that echoes repeatedly in the song kind of ruins the atmosphere the song creates though. And that loud noise at the end kind of scared me lol. I like the little techno synch in the song though. 7/10

7. Like a doll - This is such a peculiar song! It almost has an R&B sound to it. What saves this song for me is the sick little beat it has xD, and how beautifully Ayu hits those high notes O.O! This may sound odd, but it almost has a weird royal sound to it lol. I don't know I really like the verses, high notes, and the beat, but I don't think I'd say this song is one of my favorites off the album. I don't care for the chorus as much. 8/10

8. Aria - God, this interlude is so beautiful . I was not expecting it to sound so elegant and peaceful! It's definitely my favorite off the entire album! I even love the little choir singing in there. And then the electronic part, it kind of reminds me of Owl City! I love this interlude soo much! 10/10

9. blossom - Never liked this song and couldn't even sit through the entire thing while listening to the album. I get that it's supposed to have that traditional Ayu roots sound, but it's just way too bland in my opinion . 5/10

10. Thank U - Bleh I knew I wouldn't like this song. I don't like the cutesy vocals first of all, and second, I just think the 'lalalala' part should not have been the chorus . That itself, makes the song really weak overall, in my opinion. Plus, I feel it's just a bit too long. If I had to pick one thing that I liked, I say the verses, as they were actually a little catchy. 5.5/10

11. Sweet Season - I've actually always really liked this song. I think it's really heartwarming and it makes me feel good when I listen to it. It's not anything outstanding or amazing, but it's simple and nice. 9/10

12. overture - Nice, but kind of cheap sounding. It reminded me of the beginning of free & easy at first, so that sort of set me off to a bad start, since I don't like that song. But it got a little better towards the end, so I actually ended up not minding it. 8/10

13. do it again - Sigh, I'm just not a fan of Ayu singing english in her songs. It just doesn't suit her voice all that much to me. Again however, I LOVED those high notes! They made the song sound so elegant! So maybe with a few more listens I learn to enjoy this song more, but for now, I'd say it's just alright. 7/10

14. November - LOVE IT! Sooo beautiful! It's so distinct and unique. It almost sounds apocalyptic in parts. And to top it off, Ayu sings so wonderfully in it. Her vibrato actually sounds really nice in this song! Definitely one of my favorites! 10/10

15. Virgin Road - Always been epic and always will be. 10/10

16. SEVEN DAYS WAR - Meh, never cared for this song, but for what it's worth Ayu did a solid job performing this. 8/10

Overall: B+

If there's one thing Ayu proved to us on this album it's that she can still hit some really high notes o.o! I'm a sucker for her really high notes, so I was really pleasantly surprised by this! And one of the things that made this album more enjoyable is that her vocals have improved even more since RnRC! Now I wouldn't say this album is better than its predecessor, but it's not a letdown! There were some weak points, but over all it was really good! I'm glad I wasn't disappointed .

Last edited by CHE.R.RY; 20th December 2010 at 01:09 AM.
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  #4  
Old 20th December 2010, 02:33 AM
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One of her most cohesive albums ever.

Instantly one of my favorites!
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  #5  
Old 20th December 2010, 03:03 AM
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I'm beginning to enjoy the album. To me, this seems so new, fresh, and different. Ayu seemed to have put a lot of thought on this album and what is the message she's trying to get across. I think this album is a bit better than R'n'RC & Secret; also, WAY better than NEXT LEVEL. I feel that this is her more mature album in her career.

I haven't gotten very familiar with all the track so I'll just comment about the ones I know about. Sending mail feels like it should belong in a kick ass anime! It's very strong, intense, and catchy. Full of energy as well. My favorite track on the album so far is do it again. The sounds are very new for Ayu, I also think her vocals are excellent. Thank U reminds me of a HONEY, MY ALL, Replace, and RED LINE in terms of having some sort of theme. All the interlude tracks are great!! My favorite is insomnia and my least favorite is Aria (but I don't hate it). One last thing, I don't know if I like the live version of SEVEN DAYS WAR, but it was a nice edition to the album. I think it would have been better to have added that on a DVD instead of as a bonus track and just have the original of SDW.

Overall, this album is very new and I'm welcoming it. The flow is perfect and this album has shown me why I'm still a huge fan of Ayu after almost 7 years of listening to her.
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  #6  
Old 20th December 2010, 03:49 AM
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Heard it for the first time today! I'm really surprised! This album really has some classical influences for sure, and I'm loving that!!

The highlights of the album are do it again and November to me They dominate the entire feeling of the album, and then with Virgin road after is just like POW!! take that! WOW! xD

It feels a bit like this album should be called Aphrodite or something



Anyway, I'm very happy with everything! The interludes this time are really good and easy to listen to!

Thank U was a surprise too!! I wasn't expecting it to be soooo goood :O I'm happy
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  #7  
Old 20th December 2010, 10:29 AM
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Just listened to November again - really, I see what everyone is talking about TK's composition and how good the actual music is in this album. I was so much more drawn to the song than Ayu's voice this listen. Ayu's voice is good but I would LOVE an instrumental. It's so beautiful.

To the above, really tune out Ayu's voice and concentrate on the instrumental progression of the track on November. It's even more beautiful that way. From 1:49-2:06 is one of my favorites as far as the musical segment goes. Really concentrate here on how beautiful the strings are.

I have to say I am proud you are voicing your opinion. Not afraid to be honest

Last edited by Zeke.; 20th December 2010 at 04:25 PM.
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  #8  
Old 20th December 2010, 04:22 PM
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I didn't read it all but I love your review of November. I feel the same way about the amazing musicality of the song but also kind of missing that push at certain parts. But still a BEAUTIFUL song. I love the slight synth as well.

I also like your closing paragraphs.

Last edited by Zeke.; 20th December 2010 at 04:26 PM.
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  #9  
Old 20th December 2010, 04:18 AM
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Larisa-chan Larisa-chan is offline
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I feel like everything I feel about this album has already been said XD

Well, the good news is that I LIKE IT!! And I really think it's MUCH BETTER than Rock'n'Roll Circus. Rock'n'Roll Circus, A Song for XX, and RAINBOW are my bottom three albums

I'm not sure where this album goes yet. It's too soon to tell. I agree, this is one cohesive album, but it makes sense I suppose, as almost all of the songs were composed by the same guy. I'm very, very surprised that Ayu x TK worked out so well in the end. I was afraid his influence would be TOO MUCH and Ayu wouldn't have that "Ayu" sound to her songs, but I was very wrong. Ayu's arrangers are some of the best, I swear.

The album tracks are absolutely stronger than the singles. Sadly, I was afraid this was going to be one of the worst albums from her yet, since I was not at all impressed by her singles this year. I'm glad Ayu surprised me yet again!

This album is definitely cohesive, AND it sounds very mature as well. I haven't recalled such a mature sound from her since from the days of LOVEppears, DUTY and I am... Even though she was 10 years younger back in those days, those albums really had a mature sound to them.

Her voice, for the most part, sounds decent, but yikes, some of the notes she hits in Thank U and a couple other songs sounds like it HURTS. Still, an improvement from R'n'RC vocals.

Overall score for this album, I think would be a 7.5/10 for now. Strongest songs: Last Angel, Do It Again; Weakest songs: Thank U, Sweet Season
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  #10  
Old 20th December 2010, 05:02 AM
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Anyone think the rip we have is not that great? I felt the instrumentals sound very muffled. I compared a VBR rip of Last Angel from the single to the rip from the album and the single mp3 was hands down much better quality, in sound and bass.

Some songs don't feel like they have the kick they should. For example love song, the kick drum is so faint and muffled. I don't think that's how it will sound when listening to the actual CD.

I might be picky, but when it comes to Ayu, I want to hear the finished product how it should sound.
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  #11  
Old 20th December 2010, 07:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony G View Post
Anyone think the rip we have is not that great? I felt the instrumentals sound very muffled. I compared a VBR rip of Last Angel from the single to the rip from the album and the single mp3 was hands down much better quality, in sound and bass.

Some songs don't feel like they have the kick they should. For example love song, the kick drum is so faint and muffled. I don't think that's how it will sound when listening to the actual CD.

I might be picky, but when it comes to Ayu, I want to hear the finished product how it should sound.
I sorta get that feeling too, actually. Something feels a little off, especially in November to me.
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Old 20th December 2010, 05:15 AM
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I just heard it. I definitely like it better than RnR Circus and it flows better than Guilty.
To me it actually sounds like her older sound; it sounds like something that would fit between Love appears and Duty. Maybe its the electro beats but there is still a lot of originality to the sound.
There's no album track I hate(now), but I dislike November (the vocals are killing me and its too repetitive) and the instrumentals. Singles wise I still HATE MOON and Blossom is more slightly tolerable and someone before said that SDW live is better, and in a way it was but she was so choked up that it annoyed me.
Oh and Thank you, is HONEY + independent. Its the same beats and everything la la laaaaaaaaaaaa~
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  #13  
Old 20th December 2010, 05:30 AM
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Spoiler:
Love song- This has a "GREEN" vibe written all over! I wasn't fond of it at first... But I listened over and over again & it became one of my favorite songs of the album!! (*^^*)

crossroad- The only thing I have to say about this song is this has old school BSB written all over! The end!

MOON- To be honest, I wasn't fond of this song at first.. But after listening to the Orchestra version of this song, I fell in love with it!! (^_^)

sending mail- Ooo!!! Eerie but strong!! I like it! When I listened to the preview, I mentioned that it was going to be my favorite and it is!!!

Last angel- Love it, love it, love it!!! It's still a fusion of True light+Naturally for me! XDD

insomnia- It reminds me of Marionette -prelude-, but fused with visual kei sound! lol

Like a doll- I love this song!!! It's like Marionette and Dolls had a baby!!!

Aria- (I'm gonna sound like a B'z fangirl! lol) Friends+Prologue (that's all I can say! )

blossom- No matter how many times I listen to this song, it never gets old!!!
 
Thank U- My least favorite song of the album... It really lacks melody and a chorus.

Sweet Season- I didn't like this song at first... But after a few lessons, it grew on me. For some reasons, it reminds me of Honey from Cardcaptor Sakura!

overture- It sounds like a song straight out of FF9!! XDD Either way, I like it!

do it again- When I listened to the preview, I hated it! >.< But watching the PV preview for this song changed my mind... But either way, I NEVER expected that it would be my favorite song from this album! It's amazing!!!

November- The instruments in this song reminds me of the old AOV albums.. I LOOVE this song! It's like SEASONS+Who...! (^_^) I think ayu might end the concert with this song!

Virgin Road- I've said this once and I'll say it again.. This song has a B'z influence (wither anyone was listening for it or not)! It's like Eien no Tsubasa+GREEN+Days... 'nuff said!


SEVEN DAYS WAR is the perfect album ending (though, I wish she could of added an outro for this album)! It's very raw and I'm kind of glad she covered it!! ^^ Either way, I love all of the songs on this album in exception of Thank U! It's like I am... ~part 2~! (^_^) Ok, I'm done here! lol
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Last edited by YuriChan; 20th December 2010 at 05:34 AM.
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  #14  
Old 20th December 2010, 09:44 AM
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I'm really glad to hear most people are loving this album very much, makes me happy for my fellow Ayu fans. My feeling were a bit different though unfortunately

This album didn't speak to me as much as most of her albums. (miss)understood and Memorial Address are my favorites so far. I love her up-beat and funky music. I also do love her ballad songs, though I felt this album lacked quite a bit. There was a clear unison in this album unlike Rock n' Roll Circus where the title throws you off a lot, if you're not an Ayu fan, you would think that album was all about hard rock songs. Love Songs is very obviously a mid-tempo ballad type of album. The whole album fits together very well.

As a huge Ayu fan, and with my honest critique, some of the tracks I had to bite my lip to get through. 1/2 of the tracks I love and the other 1/2 I cannot stand! I love that she made an honest effort to go back to her A Song for XX days and for the most part she succeeded with that. My biggest problem with Love Songs is that most of the songs sound too much alike. The exact same instruments, feeling, tempo, and vocal feelings. I believe that if she threw in a few more up-beat songs that still fit the theme of the album and changed up the sounds and instruments a bit this album would have been perfect for me.

Her vocals stand out extremely in this album, each song has beautiful and of the highest quality Ayu vocals! In terms of her singing abilities, vocals, and skills this album shines the most so far out of all her albums. She obviously practiced and worked hard to sound her best for this album.

So far, unfortunately this is still my LEAST favorite Ayumi album so far (sorry guys I LOVE her but this is my honest review). Rock n' Roll Circus wins by a small land slide because the songs were more original and the album varied a bit more even though it was all over the place. Plus I prefer Ayu's rock songs over her ballads.

1. Love Song (#2 fave)
VERY powerful and beautiful. I love how the song switches up so that the versus are unpredictable. The two vocal peaks were unexpected and I think make the song over all. I like how this song has a very subtile american country type of sound to it. This is one of the best songs on the album 8/10

2. crossroad (#1 fave)
My favorite track on the album. Very peaceful and nostalgic and VERY Ayu to me. The chords and vocals are so sweet and delightful it puts me in a good mood every time. The melody isn't super original but it's beauty covers for that. 8/10

3. MOON
I'm surprised this song became a single honestly, to me the song is very predictable, J-pop typical, and unoriginal. The melody is pretty and her vocals are great, though the song lacks a lot 4/10

4. Sending Mail
The song didn't speak to me as strongly as Love Song the first time I heard it, the melody is a bit J-pop typical yet original. Her vocals are very beautiful. The track isn't bad, I listen to it, but skip it over sometimes 5/10

5. Last Angel
A very interesting song, the beginning instrumental is very powerful and sinks you in right away. The melody is a bit awkward, but it grows on you and then you like it a lot. The chords are interesting and the lyrics are nice. I like the low "speaking" parts that low of vocals is rare for Ayu and a special treat. 6.5/10

6. Insomnia
An odd interlude that doesn't really fit with the album that well, the distorted vocals would be awesome in a remix album but in a ballad album called "Love Songs" sounds like this are disturbing mixed with the rest of the tracks 3/10

7. Like A Doll
I think her vocals lack a liiiittle here, they could have been better. The melody is pretty and the main line "like a doll" in English is catchy. I think the song is a bit bland kinda like a book where "the plot doesn't thicken" this song leaves something to be desired a bit. I think if the main verse were a bit more powerful instead of at the same pace and sound as the rest of the song it would have been better. 5.5/10

8. Aria
Very beautiful and suits with the rest of the album well. One of my favorite Ayu interludes yet, the ending ends a bit awkward though, very anti-climatic 8/10

9. blossom
This song has grown on me since it came out. It's a pretty typical Ayu ballad in terms of the melody. Her vocals shine very well and are super sweet. It's one of the better tracks on the album. When comparing to the rest of the album this song shines over more than half the album 6/10

10. Thank U
The sounds and background music to this song are super cute and addictive, Ayu does a good job controlling her sometimes ear-piercing "ii" sounds well. Though her vibrato is her typical "forced out" vibrato, it's not the natural kind that comes out when singers sing, it's obviously controlled and overly "bouncy" so to speak, it's not a vibrato that has a clean natural sound to it. 5/10

11. Sweet Season
Again, nothing special in terms of melody, the song doesn't speak to me. Her vocals are beautiful but the song again is nothing special I don't even know where to compliment it specifically 5/10

12. Overture
Really powerful and it suits well with the album. It sounds a lot like it would fit in with a Final Fantasy soundtrack (especially Final Fantasy 9) 7/10

13. Do It Again
The feeling of this song is very sad and beautiful, it makes me think of Batman for some reason like this would be the love song for Batman and Catwoman, a dark and beautiful love. The beginning is a bit anti-climatic and I think it should have been cut in half to get the song rolling because it feels like the song is going nowhere and you get bored. Though the English parts are the best part because then the song switches up to this different pace and melody that has a totally different feel, it's like two songs were put into one, this song wasn't well-composed. 5/10

14. November (#3 fave)
The chords and vocals in this song are wonderful and pull you in. The melody is quite unique but the song runs a bit "dry" in the middle and you get a bit bored but then the chords come back and remind you how the beginning pulled you in. One of the nicer songs in the album. Ayu's vocals have a uniqueness to them that I've never heard and I like it, her vibrato is a bit more "shaky" but not in a bad way. 6.5/10

15. Virgin Road
A pretty song and it took quite some time to grow on me, again, there isn't anything super special or original about it. I like the part where the melody and violins go up-beat a bit and play in synch. The vocals like all the songs on this album are very beautiful though. 6/10

16. Seven Days War
The melody is nice and this is one of the better "almost a cappella" songs on the album where there is hardly any music and mostly Ayu's vocals. The chorus in the background adds a lovely touch at the end and you get Ayu's classic style of just humming and singing without words at the end which is quite uniquely hers in the Jpop world. 6.5/10

Over-all rating I give this album 5/10

The reasons being is that there are basically 2-3 songs I listen to over and over, about 2-3 that I sometimes listen to, and the others I just don't care for them. The album lacked originality and was pretty typical of Ayu and J-pop. The album was NOT BAD but wasn't great either.

P.S. I LOVE AYU AND THIS IS JUST MY HONEST CRITIQUE AND FEELINGS ABOUT THE ALBUM. So PLEASE don't reply saying, "you obviously aren't an Ayu fan and this was a terrible thing to say" because I've had that before and it wasn't a necessary comment towards someone who loves 99% of what Ayu does. Please and Thank you!
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  #15  
Old 22nd December 2010, 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by gogirlanime View Post
I'm really glad to hear most people are loving this album very much, makes me happy for my fellow Ayu fans. My feeling were a bit different though unfortunately

This album didn't speak to me as much as most of her albums. (miss)understood and Memorial Address are my favorites so far. I love her up-beat and funky music. I also do love her ballad songs, though I felt this album lacked quite a bit. There was a clear unison in this album unlike Rock n' Roll Circus where the title throws you off a lot, if you're not an Ayu fan, you would think that album was all about hard rock songs. Love Songs is very obviously a mid-tempo ballad type of album. The whole album fits together very well.

As a huge Ayu fan, and with my honest critique, some of the tracks I had to bite my lip to get through. 1/2 of the tracks I love and the other 1/2 I cannot stand! I love that she made an honest effort to go back to her A Song for XX days and for the most part she succeeded with that. My biggest problem with Love Songs is that most of the songs sound too much alike. The exact same instruments, feeling, tempo, and vocal feelings. I believe that if she threw in a few more up-beat songs that still fit the theme of the album and changed up the sounds and instruments a bit this album would have been perfect for me.

Her vocals stand out extremely in this album, each song has beautiful and of the highest quality Ayu vocals! In terms of her singing abilities, vocals, and skills this album shines the most so far out of all her albums. She obviously practiced and worked hard to sound her best for this album.

So far, unfortunately this is still my LEAST favorite Ayumi album so far (sorry guys I LOVE her but this is my honest review). Rock n' Roll Circus wins by a small land slide because the songs were more original and the album varied a bit more even though it was all over the place. Plus I prefer Ayu's rock songs over her ballads.

1. Love Song (#2 fave)
VERY powerful and beautiful. I love how the song switches up so that the versus are unpredictable. The two vocal peaks were unexpected and I think make the song over all. I like how this song has a very subtile american country type of sound to it. This is one of the best songs on the album 8/10

2. crossroad (#1 fave)
My favorite track on the album. Very peaceful and nostalgic and VERY Ayu to me. The chords and vocals are so sweet and delightful it puts me in a good mood every time. The melody isn't super original but it's beauty covers for that. 8/10

3. MOON
I'm surprised this song became a single honestly, to me the song is very predictable, J-pop typical, and unoriginal. The melody is pretty and her vocals are great, though the song lacks a lot 4/10

4. Sending Mail
The song didn't speak to me as strongly as Love Song the first time I heard it, the melody is a bit J-pop typical yet original. Her vocals are very beautiful. The track isn't bad, I listen to it, but skip it over sometimes 5/10

5. Last Angel
A very interesting song, the beginning instrumental is very powerful and sinks you in right away. The melody is a bit awkward, but it grows on you and then you like it a lot. The chords are interesting and the lyrics are nice. I like the low "speaking" parts that low of vocals is rare for Ayu and a special treat. 6.5/10

6. Insomnia
An odd interlude that doesn't really fit with the album that well, the distorted vocals would be awesome in a remix album but in a ballad album called "Love Songs" sounds like this are disturbing mixed with the rest of the tracks 3/10

7. Like A Doll
I think her vocals lack a liiiittle here, they could have been better. The melody is pretty and the main line "like a doll" in English is catchy. I think the song is a bit bland kinda like a book where "the plot doesn't thicken" this song leaves something to be desired a bit. I think if the main verse were a bit more powerful instead of at the same pace and sound as the rest of the song it would have been better. 5.5/10

8. Aria
Very beautiful and suits with the rest of the album well. One of my favorite Ayu interludes yet, the ending ends a bit awkward though, very anti-climatic 8/10

9. blossom
This song has grown on me since it came out. It's a pretty typical Ayu ballad in terms of the melody. Her vocals shine very well and are super sweet. It's one of the better tracks on the album. When comparing to the rest of the album this song shines over more than half the album 6/10

10. Thank U
The sounds and background music to this song are super cute and addictive, Ayu does a good job controlling her sometimes ear-piercing "ii" sounds well. Though her vibrato is her typical "forced out" vibrato, it's not the natural kind that comes out when singers sing, it's obviously controlled and overly "bouncy" so to speak, it's not a vibrato that has a clean natural sound to it. 5/10

11. Sweet Season
Again, nothing special in terms of melody, the song doesn't speak to me. Her vocals are beautiful but the song again is nothing special I don't even know where to compliment it specifically 5/10

12. Overture
Really powerful and it suits well with the album. It sounds a lot like it would fit in with a Final Fantasy soundtrack (especially Final Fantasy 9) 7/10

13. Do It Again
The feeling of this song is very sad and beautiful, it makes me think of Batman for some reason like this would be the love song for Batman and Catwoman, a dark and beautiful love. The beginning is a bit anti-climatic and I think it should have been cut in half to get the song rolling because it feels like the song is going nowhere and you get bored. Though the English parts are the best part because then the song switches up to this different pace and melody that has a totally different feel, it's like two songs were put into one, this song wasn't well-composed. 5/10

14. November (#3 fave)
The chords and vocals in this song are wonderful and pull you in. The melody is quite unique but the song runs a bit "dry" in the middle and you get a bit bored but then the chords come back and remind you how the beginning pulled you in. One of the nicer songs in the album. Ayu's vocals have a uniqueness to them that I've never heard and I like it, her vibrato is a bit more "shaky" but not in a bad way. 6.5/10

15. Virgin Road
A pretty song and it took quite some time to grow on me, again, there isn't anything super special or original about it. I like the part where the melody and violins go up-beat a bit and play in synch. The vocals like all the songs on this album are very beautiful though. 6/10

16. Seven Days War
The melody is nice and this is one of the better "almost a cappella" songs on the album where there is hardly any music and mostly Ayu's vocals. The chorus in the background adds a lovely touch at the end and you get Ayu's classic style of just humming and singing without words at the end which is quite uniquely hers in the Jpop world. 6.5/10

Over-all rating I give this album 5/10

The reasons being is that there are basically 2-3 songs I listen to over and over, about 2-3 that I sometimes listen to, and the others I just don't care for them. The album lacked originality and was pretty typical of Ayu and J-pop. The album was NOT BAD but wasn't great either.

P.S. I LOVE AYU AND THIS IS JUST MY HONEST CRITIQUE AND FEELINGS ABOUT THE ALBUM. So PLEASE don't reply saying, "you obviously aren't an Ayu fan and this was a terrible thing to say" because I've had that before and it wasn't a necessary comment towards someone who loves 99% of what Ayu does. Please and Thank you!
I took the advice of a lot of people and really listened to the album and I must say my feelings have changed quite a bit!!

Even though the songs can sound very uninteresting and unoriginal when you first hear them, when you begin to really zone in on the music in a quiet spot with good headphones you can really hear all the layers of the music and truly appreciate it

I still feel the album lacked a little bit, there isn't anything on the album that's a super "pow" like "microphone" everything is kinda at the same pace, but it works with this album because it's pretty much an all ballad album. The over all feeling of the album I think was purposely made to be on "the down low"

Here is my new review

1. Love Song (feelings haven't changed) (#3 fave)
VERY powerful and beautiful. I love how the song switches up so that the versus are unpredictable. The two vocal peaks were unexpected and I think make the song over all. I like how this song has a very subtile american country type of sound to it. This is one of the best songs on the album 8/10

2. crossroad (feelings haven't changed) (#1 fave)
My favorite track on the album. Very peaceful and nostalgic and VERY Ayu to me. The chords and vocals are so sweet and delightful it puts me in a good mood every time. The melody isn't super original but it's beauty covers for that. 8/10

3. MOON (feelings haven't changed)
(I'm surprised this song became a single honestly, to me the song is very predictable, J-pop typical, and unoriginal. The melody is pretty and her vocals are great, though the song lacks a lot) my feelings haven't changed much from this, the song has grown on me a bit, I give it a 4.5 now instead of a 4 but this song just does not truly grow on me 4/10 --> 4.5/10 4.5/10

4. Sending Mail
I now like this song because of how the layers of music pick up and get stronger as the song progresses. The main verse it powerful and packs a punch I like the layered vocals near the end. Still not one of her best ever but I like it a lot more! 5/10 --> 7/10 7/10

5. Last Angel
(A very interesting song, the beginning instrumental is very powerful and sinks you in right away. The melody is a bit awkward, but it grows on you and then you like it a lot. The chords are interesting and the lyrics are nice. I like the low "speaking" parts that low of vocals is rare for Ayu and a special treat.) My feelings are pretty much the same but I have a bit of a stronger love for it now 6.5/10 --> 7.5/10 7.5/10

6. Insomnia (same feelings)
An odd interlude that doesn't really fit with the album that well, the distorted vocals would be awesome in a remix album but in a ballad album called "Love Songs" sounds like this are disturbing mixed with the rest of the tracks 3/10

7. Like A Doll
The melody is a little plain and I still feel her vocals lack the most in this song out of all the songs on the album. The feeling of this song is really interesting it goes from almost a Christmas beginning to a slightly R&B song, it progresses wonderfully and the different elements work well together. This song is addicting! I can listen to this one several times in a row. 5.5/10 --> 7/10 7/10

8. Aria (same feelings)
Very beautiful and suits with the rest of the album well. One of my favorite Ayu interludes yet, the ending ends a bit awkward though, very anti-climatic 8/10

9. blossom
I now consider this one of the more weaker songs on the album, it has grown on me a bit, though I still feel the same about it, it's not good and it's not bad, I won't skip the song, but I don't love it. There is still something very Jpop typical and unoriginal about it to me, it's another typical Ayu ballad 6/10 --> 6.5/10 6.5/10

10. Thank U (same feelings)
(The sounds and background music to this song are super cute and addictive, Ayu does a good job controlling her sometimes ear-piercing "ii" sounds well. Though her vibrato is her typical "forced out" vibrato, it's not the natural kind that comes out when singers sing, it's obviously controlled and overly "bouncy" so to speak, it's not a vibrato that has a clean natural sound to it.) I still feel pretty much the same though the song has grown on me quite a bit I now think it's very pretty especially during the end despite the unnatural vocals by Ayu 5/10 --> 7/10 7/10

11. Sweet Season (same feelings)
Again, nothing special in terms of melody, the song doesn't speak to me. Her vocals are beautiful but the song again is nothing special I don't even know where to compliment it specifically 5/10

12. Overture (same feelings)
Really powerful and it suits well with the album. It sounds a lot like it would fit in with a Final Fantasy soundtrack (especially Final Fantasy 9) 7/10

13. Do It Again (#2 fave)
(The feeling of this song is very sad and beautiful, it makes me think of Batman for some reason like this would be the love song for Batman and Catwoman, a dark and beautiful love.)[/B] This song has grown on me a lot and now I love it, it's actually quite powerful when you really listen to it in depth. PV's always help me gain interest in songs and amplifies the strength in it. The beginning no longer sounds too long to me and I like the whole song. I'm not gonna call it "brilliant" like many but it is an awesome song! 5/10 --> 8/10 8/10

14. November (almost same feelings) (#2 fave)
(The chords and vocals in this song are wonderful and pull you in. One of the nicer songs in the album. Ayu's vocals have a uniqueness to them that I've never heard and I like it, her vibrato is a bit more "shaky" but not in a bad way). The song has grown on me the middle verses no longer bore me, I don't wait for the main verse to come. Her vocals are very beautiful! 6.5/10 --> 7.5/10 7.5/10

15. Virgin Road (same feelings)
(A pretty song and it took quite some time to grow on me, again, there isn't anything super special or original about it. I like the part where the melody and violins go up-beat a bit and play in synch. The vocals like all the songs on this album are very beautiful though.) My feelings haven't changed much it still isn't bad, yet it isn't like "wow" to me. 6/10

16. Seven Days War (same feelings)
The melody is nice and this is one of the better "almost a cappella" songs on the album where there is hardly any music and mostly Ayu's vocals. The chorus in the background adds a lovely touch at the end and you get Ayu's classic style of just humming and singing without words at the end which is quite uniquely hers in the Jpop world. 6.5/10

Over-all rating I give this album 7.5/10 Thats from 5/10 --> 7.5/10

The album has really grown on me and I now consider it her best album since Secret. Some of my most favorite songs by Ayu ever are on Rock 'n' Roll Circus and NEXT LEVEL though they are the only songs I really liked on those albums where as here I have 3 songs I give an 8/10 and a lot a 7/10 so each song individually I like a little less but I like more of them.

Examples: (this is comparing all her albums ever)
Rock 'n' Roll Circus: Microphone 9.5, Don't look back 8, You were... 7.5, RED LINE ~for TA~ 7, the rest, about 4-5 Average score: 6
NEXT LEVEL: Sparkle 9.5, identity 9.5, LOVE 'n' HATE 7, NEXT LEVEL 7, Curtain Call 7, the rest, about a 3-5. Average score: 7
GUILTY: talkin' 2 myself 8, decision 8, (don't) Leave me alone 7.5, Marionette 6.5, Together when... 6.5, the rest 3-4. Average score: 6.5
Secret: until that Day... 8, 1 LOVE 7, JEWEL 8.5, Born To Be... 9, the rest 5-6. Average score: 7.5

P.S. I LOVE AYU AND THIS IS JUST MY HONEST CRITIQUE AND FEELINGS ABOUT THE ALBUM. So PLEASE don't reply saying, "you obviously aren't an Ayu fan and this was a terrible thing to say" because I've had that before and it wasn't a necessary comment towards someone who loves 99% of what Ayu does. Please and Thank you!
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Old 20th December 2010, 04:09 PM
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My review is done! Pretty long so, can only direct to my LJ lol

http://junniejunxiang.livejournal.com/2592.html
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Old 21st December 2010, 06:58 AM
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Originally Posted by waterballoon View Post
My review is done! Pretty long so, can only direct to my LJ lol

http://junniejunxiang.livejournal.com/2592.html
I totally recommend this read, it doesn't seem as lengthy as he probably thinks it does.

A great review, this really made me think about the music again and listen to it even more closely.
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Old 22nd December 2010, 08:58 AM
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I totally recommend this read, it doesn't seem as lengthy as he probably thinks it does.

A great review, this really made me think about the music again and listen to it even more closely.
what a sweet thank u~
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Old 20th December 2010, 04:24 PM
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Side-note: The more you listen to the album, the more you begin to REALLY hear and appreciate the unique compositional structures of the new tracks. It's NOT like her usual work~
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Old 20th December 2010, 04:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Rody! View Post
Side-note: The more you listen to the album, the more you begin to REALLY hear and appreciate the unique compositional structures of the new tracks. It's NOT like her usual work~
I'm loving the unique arrangements as well!

The more I listen to November, the more I just truly appreciate it's beauty! I would totally kill for a complete vocalless version, haha. But the strings are just amazing here and the soft synth I love.
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