Official Ayumi Hamasaki Thread

[relmy]

I disliked the choral in BRILLANTE a lot. Compared to other artists who have used one - e.g. Nana's Justice to Believe -Museum Style-, it sounded pretty... uninspiring and flat?

I could ignore that if it were the only problem, but the melody itself was flat and didn't really go anywhere. If this song had no choir most people wouldn't be all over it, as most people cite that as what makes it "epic."

My main problem is parts of the song totally remind me of parts of this: www.youtube.com/watch?v=00CDYYBMKJA which is one of the most irritating pieces of video game music ever.

The arrangement was shoddy too, Yuta Nakano I expect waaay more from you. Sounded so... artificial? Not in a good way though. I can't get over how I can hear coconuts in the background. =(

Eh, at least it's better than ANother Song lol

[meikyuutie]

My faves ish fairyland and Starting, two mucho goodo songs by Ayu-chan!! Ooo and that one music video with the lots of nearly nekkers men XD XD

[Sai]

^ ^ Hm, I think you're the one person I've encountered who didn't like the choral parts in BRILLANTE xD Which is totally fine, of course, just... rare?

progress was my favourite song off FIVE. BRILLANTE and ANother Song follow close behind, though I've actually listened to ANother song more than either of those two, just 'cause it's really pretty and easy on the ears; a great song to relax to.

[relmy]

The only song I liked on FIVE was progress It was such a disappointing release for me.

I'm assuming the choir is Timmy layering his voice over and over, right? Maybe that's why it sounds dull to me, because it's just one tone? Not lots of harmonised voices like other songs that utilise it. I can't pin down what I dislike.

[Sai]

Hmm, it could be! It definitely wasn't an actual choir, I don't think - though that'd be pretty epic for a live performance of it someday.

Speaking of which, any hopes/desires/fears for AT12? ;D

[relmy]

I think a live performance with a real choir would improve the song by leaps and bounds. ♥

I'd quite like to see this album she's working on, seems she's written it all at once, I wonder how it will sound? Some people are expecting it to be more cohesive, but I still think she'll be sticking to the formula more or less.

[Sai]

Yeah, I've honestly never taken the time it takes to produce an album as a factor for how cohesive it is - Love songs is one of her most cohesive albums, imo, and from what I recall had a relatively short production time.

At least with Party Queen I'm kind of predicting a return to a more Ayu-ish formula, since it'll probably be the EnergizE/Sexy little things/what have you of the album. That and "Shake it", and the PVs apparenlty involving partying, dancing, tanks, and the middle-east - it seems like it'll be a lot more upbeat again and more in the RnRC vein. I could be completely wrong, of course, but that's kinda the vibe I'm getting.

As for AT12, my biggest want is a Like a doll performance ;D Ooh, and more November. And even though we already have like 3 great performances of it (and AT10's would be hard to top), more Last angel. I'm also hoping for more of a story-oriented concert (though I always am), and for more of the Hotel theme, which imo was done really really well with CDL 11-12.

[mirrorcle]

People say the stage looks too "cheap" but I think it fit the hotel theme very well. It looked like a showy hotel, the concept was a show set in a hotel. Perfect fit.
The bed prop was the only one that looked a bit too cheap for me.

For AT12 I really hope for Like a Doll as well. And for Last Links. I was so sad we didn't get that song at RnRC Tour/it was not on the bluray.
For the performances itself I'd like to have a set of Ayu alone with her band. The M/decision one at POWER of MUSIC was great so something like that, but I don't mind her band and dancers around her nearly as much as others seem to so...I won't be mad if they're around all the time.

[Sai]

Yeah, I didn't find it cheap at all, I thought it was one of her best stages. It really got the "hotel" theme across and gave the concert a strong setting, which makes it so much easier to get lost in and enjoy.

Seconding the Last Links performance. One of my favourites from RnRC, and I was so looking forward to it live.

[relmy]

I haven't watched the CDL yet, so I'll reserve judgement for now. Did not like her outfits in the photos though, that silver dress and top hat look was a massive no go.

I'd love to hear Last Links performed, it's my favourite song from Rock'n'Roll Circus. I hope for Like a doll as it's a really great song, not too excited about the visuals as it's pretty predictable how it's going to be.

[Sai]

And of course, we now have news for her newest album: Party Queen... XD;;

・how beautiful you are
・Return Road
・Shake It♥
・NaNaNa
・Party Queen
・Letter
・call
・reminds me
・the next LOVE
・Eyes, Smoke, Magic
・Tell me why
・taskebab
・a cup of tea
・Serenade in A minor

・how beautiful you are (video clip)
・Return Road (video clip)
・Shake It♥ (video clip)
・NaNaNa (video clip)
・how beautiful you are (making clip)
・Return Road (making clip)
・Shake It♥ (making clip)
・NaNaNa (making clip)

Plus the new photobook, POWER of MUSIC DVD, CDL 11-12 DVD, POWER of MUSIC Live CD, etc. Discuss?

[mirrorcle]

I'm excited, not much more to say. Love how AHS is freaking out over titles already again.

[Sai]

^ Same here, it's hilarious (and a little sad) to read

So much excitement. If only because this is the most amount of new songs we've ever gotten at once... a full album of new material from start to finish It's gonna be such a fun listen.

[relmy]

Just watched Madonna at super bowl.

Now we know what Ayu's tours will be like for the next few years!

[Sai]

Tbh I kind of wouldn't mind? XD; I'm no Madonna fan but that was a pretty stellar performance, visually.