[Namie Amuro] The 77th Official Thread「FEEL」

[Zeke.]

Generic electro > Crappy Hip-Hop

[Lady~Deviance]

Originally Posted by Zeke.

Generic electro > Crappy Hip-Hop

For some reason the song sounds reminiscent to some songs from her "PLAY/BEST FICTION" era .

But I'm surprised by the incessant new song release agenda she's on. She is apparently retiring soon and I guess she wants to release as much as she can in the meantime. *shrugs*


Best album next year anyone?

[Chiharo]

Originally Posted by Zeke.

Generic electro > Crappy Hip-Hop

At what point was Namie's Hip-Hop music crap?

(What follows is not directed to you, Zeke. It's just a general rant.)

To me, what she's doing now is more of crappy electro than generic electro. But I guess that's just how things work. Especially for Namie. She just goes with what's currently popular and that's all there is to it, really (In all honesty, it's more like avex necessitates her to go for what sells the most currently; then again this is just a feeling I strongly have about her "new direction she wants to go in", but I might be wrong. I'm not claiming anything, but people don't even seem to countenance something like this). It's just natural flow of things and it was expected, so I won't really be too sad about it. It was bound to happen, and I could foresee it ever since the kind of music I disliked started to become popular. So there was not much room for surprise, which is why I'm so nonchalant about all of this (even if we consider the fact that Namie is, or rather, used to be my most favorite artists and that up to this point I loved everything she's done).

I get this. People don't like it when other people complain. But that's how life is. As we all know, we will all have different opinions (which is actually a great thing in itself, and I'm not going to talk about the philosophy behind it, since I'm pretty sure all of you already get the gist of what I'm talking about here), and there will be people who are discontented about things that mean a lot to them (if they didn't care, there wouldn't be the displeasure in the first place). And above all, I think that, no matter how annoying you might perceive a complainer of something you find likable to be, a complainer (who is also a huge fan of the same "thing", do keep in mind) should be allowed to express and share their disappointments with other fans, without them being told things like "Electro music is so much better, deal with it." or "It's Namie's own decision and I'm so happy for her, while you are such a horrible fan for not liking how independent she is and respecting "her" choices".

The thing is, I really would respect her decision for going for whatever the hell she wants to go (even if, yes, she is going for the most obvious, popular and unoriginal way one could go), if I really knew it was on her own incentive. She is avex's product, her music, that is. And even if she was doing this because she wanted to, why should I care? If I don't like what's she's doing, can I not share this displeasure with other fans because most, if not all of them love what she is doing? Why should I feel left out? But that's not the point. Why do I have to care about Namie as a person? I like her music, her products. Why does that require me liking all of her products or decisions just because I somehow should care about her as a person? In all honesty, I respect her just the same as I respect all human beings on this planet, but I don't really care personally about her. I care about her music. Call this incredibly selfish, but it's at least honest.

But what's the point of writing all this when I know everyone is going to be rolling their eyes at it? Maybe the few of us, who are displeased with how things currently are, just want to be understood by the fellow fans. I mean, there is nothing one could do about this but accept it and move on (it's not the end of the world, really), so why do we complainers make things so difficult by annoying those who are pleased and enjoying what's currently going on? As a huge fan of Amuro, and as a person who has listened and loved her music for years up until now, am I not allowed to feel so strongly about this? Am I alone in this? I strongly, somehow, suspect that I am. And I'm also searingly aware that it's better to not post this kind of a post because I know that I'm going to be looked at as a lunatic of some sort. But I suppose that there's something incredibly human about just wanting to be heard and show what's going on inside someone's head after keeping it in for the fear of being ostracized, and, I'll presume, considered a lunatic.

But this is just a forum, you might think. Why would anyone be afraid of saying what's on their mind on a *******ed forum? As I'm sure you are all aware, there are people of many sorts. But now I'm afraid I'd just delve into a completely unrelated topic with this, so I'll stop myself here.

What I'm trying to say is, that I somehow still intuit that there are Namie fans here who are as disappointed with her new direction as much as I am, but don't want to say anything. Because saying things like that in a community that prevalently shares completely opposite opinions is, without fail, going to cause conflicts, therefore leaving the person who shares the discontent feeling even more alone. But we'll feel alone anyway, whether we share it or not.

Okay. I'll stop here as I see that this post is really going to be completely unrelated to the thread if I continue.

If I'd summarize what I'm actually trying to say with all this is:

"I'm a person who is afraid of conflicts (of any kind, at any place) and therefore don't want to share certain negative opinions even though I'd really want to (I'm looking to be understood), because I know that whatever I say will be attacked or completely misunderstood. Inevitably."

But then again, am I being completely unfair to the artist because I'm the one who is actually attacking them and their decisions? Why shouldn't people be able to attack my opinions, then? Even though the artist doesn't actually hear me complain or attack them, even though I'm really not attacking them. I'm just displeased. I don't know. I really don't.

You see where this is all going, and I know that this kind of post is incredibly unfit to post in this kind of thread. I deeply apologize.

Okay. Posting this is probably the worst idea for now, but to hell with it. It's not like it's going to kill anyone who reads it, if they wish to do so.

I thank anyone who tries to read this and make any sense of it. I have no idea what I wanted to convey with it, and I apologize if overally this all doesn't make sense and makes you want to hit your head on the wall. And I apologize if it was offensive to anyone. To offend - that's really, really not what I want. I just want to be heard, that's all.

Now I'm really done with this incredibly self indulgent rant.

[Lady~Deviance]

Originally Posted by Chiharo

Now I'm really done with this incredibly self indulgent rant.

Namie always was and probably always will be a musician whose music reflects current trends. She has stated several times that's what she enjoys releasing. If that's her and her team's prerogative then so be it. I don't see a problem with it.

I think you're a bit naive to assume that "I'm the only person brave enough to express my disdain for this album and her current direction and everyone else is afraid to". That is such a narrow minded state of thought.

As long as I've been on this forum, there has always been individuals who expressed their displeasure in something Namie has released or done. Nothing new under the sun.
There were a multitude of people (myself included) who were very displeased with her "Uncontrolled" era music and met opposition from others but no ill feelings remained and we've moved on. The same goes for every other album that she has released. So what makes this album any different?

I personally love the direction she's currently going in and it wasn't until she started experimenting with electronic music (sans 'Uncontrolled') that I became a fan. I absolutely despised her foray into hip-hop/r&b because I felt that she didn't measure up to her peers who released music in the same genres. (Kreva, Zeebra, AI, Crystal Kay, Heartsdales, Bennie K, Soulhead, Double, M-flo, AK-69, etc.)

I don't mean to come across as a mean-spirited attacker, I'm coming from a friendly place when I tell you this. You've always been kind to me and others on this forum so I don't mind you expressing your opinions. Don't ever feel as though you can't share your thoughts with us.

[Chiharo]

Originally Posted by marty

@Chiharo: I'm feeling you so much. About everything. Before Uncontrolled, I used to think Namie Amuro was not even a real person from how she couldn't miss a song for me. Everything she threw on the market was so perfect, I was like "this is not normal, this woman is God"XD And now, it's like her usual spark is buried under an ocean of mainstream stuff, lol. But, as you say, it was predictable it'd finish this way, and at least a lot of people are happier with this direction!

I'm so glad to know I'm not alone in this. I especially agree with the bolded part.

Originally Posted by pommy48

@Chiharo: I love to blame Avex for everything, but in all fairness, they're just the company that distributes Namie's music. Her label is the one that produce her music.

My post intention wasn't really to blame avex (even though I do admit it was all disjointed (the post) and might not make sense). By mentioning avex, what I did mean was her label, I suppose. I just thought that her label was avex (but I'm lacking in knowledge here so I guess it was just a bit of a misunderstanding).

Originally Posted by Benikari47

@Chiharo: I totally respect your opinion, it's nearly impossible to like everything a artist puts out and people need to understand that.
This is a place to discuss, not just praise her to god (i'm a bad example at the moment, obviously lol). People should be free to express their opinions however the hell they want without being trash talked or feeling disconnected from other fans. I'm of course sad you feel disappointed with the direction she's going, but personally i'm happy to see a lot more people "stanning" for this era than Uncontrolled! Electropop is a tricky genre at the moment as well, it's been mainstream for what.. 5-6 years now? So there's not that many ideas left, a lot of songs are beginning to sound extremely generic.

I'm sure she'll change direction again with a couple of albums, Namie's always been very diverse in my eyes, which is why i respect her so much and why she never gets boring to me. So hopefully she'll appeal to you again soon!

Thank you for this post. This kind of kindness from fans is what makes me feel less displeasure over the artist's new choices. These kind of posts calm me and make me hopeful.

Originally Posted by Lady~Deviance

Namie always was and probably always will be a musician whose music reflects current trends. She has stated several times that's what she enjoys releasing. If that's her and her team's prerogative then so be it. I don't see a problem with it.

This is especially true. It's just that I kind of realized that too late (the part about her music reflecting current trends). And really, I understand what you mean and you are right - so be it. Whether it's her or her team's decision, we can only accept it as it is.

Originally Posted by Lady~Deviance

I think you're a bit naive to assume that "I'm the only person brave enough to express my disdain for this album and her current direction and everyone else is afraid to". That is such a narrow minded state of thought.

As long as I've been on this forum, there has always been individuals who expressed their displeasure in something Namie has released or done. Nothing new under the sun.
There were a multitude of people (myself included) who were very displeased with her "Uncontrolled" era music and met opposition from others but no ill feelings remained and we've moved on. The same goes for every other album that she has released. So what makes this album any different?

This is what I've been fearing. The misunderstanding. But it happens. I know that there are people who presumably don't like this direction, too, and that some of them will express their opinions. But the whole point of my post (or at least the main point) was that there are people, like me, who are afraid to express their opinions, and often just stand back and never say anything. That's all I wanted to say. I can assure you that this line of thought: "I'm the only person brave enough to express my disdain for this album and her current direction and everyone else is afraid to" - is something that didn't cross my mind even once. I'd be profoundly disgusted with myself if I ever thought like that, and I just can't wrap my head around a thought process like that (seriously, what's the point in that?).

Originally Posted by Lady~Deviance

I don't mean to come across as a mean-spirited attacker, I'm coming from a friendly place when I tell you this. You've always been kind to me and others on this forum so I don't mind you expressing your opinions. Don't ever feel as though you can't share your thoughts with us.

The only part that got wrongly to me was one about presuming that I thought I was "the only brave person to say I dislike this and that, and other people are afraid" - I'll say it again, that kind of arrogance, in anyone, disgusts me (the thought process, not the fact that you said that about me). But I appreciate your input, and I thank you for letting me know that I can express my opinions here freely. I'm actually quite shocked that someone on this forum actually remembers me, but oh well.

And I admit, that whole post was somehow strange. I suppose all I wanted to say was "I'm here, too, and I don't like this direction. But I've been fearing saying anything because I was afraid of conflicts that would ensue".

I was expecting real bad comments, but I see that you guys are pretty understanding people.

[marty]

Originally Posted by Zeke.

Generic electro > Crappy Hip-Hop

Emh... can we, like, have neither? For me they're at the same level, lol. I'm not happier to listen to a generic electro song than a crappy hip-hop one, I already have too many songs to catch up to!XD

@Chiharo: I'm feeling you so much. About everything. Before Uncontrolled, I used to think Namie Amuro was not even a real person from how she couldn't miss a song for me. Everything she threw on the market was so perfect, I was like "this is not normal, this woman is God"XD And now, it's like her usual spark is buried under an ocean of mainstream stuff, lol. But, as you say, it was predictable it'd finish this way, and at least a lot of people are happier with this direction!

[jiarongisme]

Originally Posted by Pieces_of_SEVEN

Yeah, are there any ballads on the album? lol I feel like in terms of REAL ballads, she doesn't have many. I'm not talking about slow hip-pop songs.

I will...
Wishing on the same star
ALL FOR YOU
think of me
Things I collected (a cover)
I HAVE NEVER SEEN (from LOVE ENHANCED)
(maybe) NEVER END
Love story
Beautiful
Tempest
The Meaning of Us
Dreaming I was dreaming
Four seasons
exist for you (b-side, not on an album)

So 14...which is not a lot, considering I have 192 official namie tracks in my itunes.

CAN YOU CELEBRATE?, Ningyo, Should I Love Him?, Baby Don't Cry (sort of), Ups & Downs (sort of), arigatou, White Light, a few more to add to your list.

[jiarongisme]

I wonder if Neonlight Lipstick would be some sort of a hidden track on FEEL. It kinda sounds like it would fit in there. Either that or maybe a new single? Yes please

[aloopy]

Let Me Let You Go is a ballad.. And she has more than that. Himawari, White Light/Nobody, Can You Celebrate?, Ningyo... probably some more

[jean-baptiste]

SWEET 19 BLUES
present
B w/z you (sort of a ballad)

[pimenta]

Was this posted already?

New ESPRIQUE CM w/ new song Neonlight Lipstick:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...18747518193992

She looks gorgeous
And the song sounds awesome, but what is she going to do with this new song if it's not in the album??? o-o

[ak.malfoy]

I was disheartened to find out that Neonlight Lipstick is not in the album - it sounds so amazing.

Love the CM though

[Gustavopc]

Even with tacky title, THAT SONG IS AMAZING O_______o I'm repeating this CM just like I did with that Alive preview when it came out. It has a PLAY vibe, kinda hot

[Not Fade Away]

lol @ the people mad at the electro songs.

I guess I'm just thrilled because electro/pop/dance is one of my favorite genres, so I eat those type of songs up.

[Benikari47]

WAT!? Another new song? This woman is on a roll, we are some damn lucky fans lol.
She looks flawless as per usual, and the song.. I don't know what it sounds like or what the hell there's going on but it sounds HOT!

EDIT: I just realized that the album might leak this week, my anticipation for this album is CRAZY!

[Benikari47]

Apparently these are the first lines from all the songs:

Alive
Shadows on the moon Mirror on…

Rainbow
Pictures in boxes Your…

Can You Feel This Love
With a good day Start this…

Big Boys Cry
I do what I want I Do what I…

Hands On Me
Bombard assault attack Go hard…

Heaven
Heaven is where we are,…

Poison
一度狙ったら逃がさない 甘く…

La La La
Why should I be shy about it…

Supernatural Love
I’ll make you an offer that…

Let Me Let You Go
Drove by your house today…

Contrail
昨日の君の涙 だれかの明日を…

Stardust In My Eyes
Some days As the light fades…

[Ayufan11]

I.am.so.tired.of.her.engrish.

UGHHHHH. Lol. I think "Contrail" is amazing and I realize a good portion of the reason is because it's in Japanese! The last album was great, but I wished their was more Japanese... This time it's just out of hand. Her english isn't good at all... It's so distracting when non-native singers sing in English. Normally I don't understand Japanese songs and enjoy the music and the artists vocal ability, and if I really want to know what they're saying I will look it up. It is so distracting when you realize they are singing English and can only understand every other word.

I hope her next album will have songs as great as these in Japanese. I'm so bummed to think how amazing this album would've been for me if it was in Japanese.

Blah, just my two cents...

[Ayufan11]

BTW. Question. How come I've seen videos from her uncontrolled album that have more Japanese vocals than the actual album? Were those versions ever released?

[Dream]

That new song is amazing omg
but it's so out of place with that CF lol

[jean-baptiste]

@Ayufan11 GO ROUND and YEAH OH were originally released in Japanese prior to the album's release. You could find the versions on the GO ROUND/YEAH-OH single.