Graves Posted October 13 Author Posted October 13 3 minutes ago, Suilen said: I think being spammed every year during all these 15 years I've been into j-pop made me totally cold towards it No shade intended, but I would've been more shocked if you'd stanned it 1
Suilen Posted October 13 Posted October 13 I also hate summer so when you refer to something as a summer bop or a summer classic chances are I'm going to dislike it
Graves Posted October 13 Author Posted October 13 1 minute ago, Suilen said: I also hate summer so when you refer to something as a summer bop or a summer classic chances are I'm going to dislike it Just wait for Part 2. By the end of that decade I'm also a summer hater. 1
Graves Posted October 13 Author Posted October 13 (edited) Track #4 on MY STORY HIGH SCORE: 10 x 5 (Suilen, Kyle-x, blueberries, AMIT, Fevesy) LOW SCORE: 4.2 x 1 (Curaga) HOST SCORE: 9 Come on, feminist anthem! Obviously me as a man trying to address a song like this is going to be imperfect, but let me try. I don't doubt that all of the J-divas are true feminist icons, they show it every time they share their art with us. Powerful and confident women who can entertain, amuse, make us feel deeply. To be on the sort of platform that Ayu was at the time was surely a dizzying height to look down from. That is, if she even had the time between recording albums, music videos, TV episodes, touring, photoshoots... What I mean to say is Ayu and the divas worked like dogs during this era. Providing a wealth of content and endless memories for so many, and all while dealing with sexist attitudes from inside and outside of the industry. It can't be an easy thing to experience, especially for a young woman. As a whole, MY STORY is a record personal to Ayumi's experiences and struggles, and the stuff she's had to put up with to take her career this far. my name's WOMEN is one of the times when Ayu, instead of looking inward, decides to turn her frustrations outward and channel them into a rallying cry for women everywhere. Not just for a woman at the top of the industry, but for all of the office ladies, wait staff, housewives... anybody who's been underestimated or looked down upon because of their womanhood. Japan's culture is still very conservative in many ways today, and twenty years ago? Honestly I think this might be one of her most brazen tracks of all. To pen an entire feminist tune as a full-blown popstar, no longer content to be controlled in the same manner as an idol singer... it deserves points for that alone. Oh, and the song? It bops. One of those songs that is just hooks on top of hooks, a melodic explosion that never lets the pace slow too much. I love her delivery and the very unyielding percussion throughout, really fits with the declarative nature of the song! The factoid that everybody probably scratches their head at, however, is the video budget. Right there on the Wikipedia page for "most expensive music videos". An Ayumi Hamasaki album track. Not even a single. And not even made for the MY STORY DVD! This was included on the STEP you DVD a few months later, a whole different album era. What an odd choice. I guess it does show the kind of power she had back then, able to score such a budget for a song that was tucked away as track #17 on a DVD single release. Damn. The video's pretty but she has better. Nnn I can't say I see where all of the budget went. Suilen: I also have multiple people, including women, inside me. Kyle-x: MOTHER. The PV eats down and the song is incredible. Invisibility: Ayu incursioning into New Jack Swing vibes should be so random but it works really well! Plus, you can't have her at the helm of a woman anthem and make it not bop. Curaga: Love the intro, but this one loses me after that... The chorus is sooo stiff. Love the lyrics, of course. Meloetta Carey: Her showgirl moment. This was also my first Ayu song and my first J-diva song. Thank you List of Most Expensive Music Videos Wikipedia page---crazy that Avex gave her so much money for CD+DVD singles. Bad Decisions: loved it at the time but sounds dated now. AMIT: sooo catchy in the best way, one of her best songs period. 5/17 Edited October 13 by Graves 3
Suilen Posted October 13 Posted October 13 Now this mistake was definitely intentional, she was speaking for all the women in the world. 2 minutes ago, Graves said: LOW SCORE: 4.2 x 1 (Curaga) The misogyny, whew.
Graves Posted October 13 Author Posted October 13 2 minutes ago, UrMom said: "Fairyland," "Blue Bird," "Glitter" ... so many memories I like that she included a mash-up of all of these songs on the Sunrise single CD, as if trying to distract from the fact that her current single was nowhere near as good. 1
Curaga Posted October 13 Posted October 13 Fantastic write-up I kept relistening to this one, trying to like it better musically given what the song stands for, but it's just not my fav to listen to compared to her others 1
UrMom Posted October 13 Posted October 13 The performance for this song for the My Story arena tour (and its many recreations) was ICONIC. Probably her best routine eva. 2
Graves Posted October 13 Author Posted October 13 24th Single Track #13 on I am... HIGH SCORE: 10 x 4 (Kyle-x, SA*KURA, AMIT, sanzo) LOW SCORE: 0 x 1 (Curaga) HOST SCORE: 8 The windmill song! Dearest is another classic Ayu ballad that seems to cause resentment in certain fans... hm, their loss I fear. I'm sold from the moment that the opening piano keys introduce the track. She's got a really emotive voice that helps even the most bog-standard ballad hit a little bit different. The choruses to Dearest are especially affecting, I'm always wailing like a cat trying to sing along with her. Serving 2024 Ayu vocals, I fear. 2001 was a killer year for Miss Hamasaki. She opened it up with the sales titan that was A BEST and closed it with a new signature hit to add to her repertoire thanks to Dearest. A huge #1 with sales of over 750,000 copies, it was proof that the imperial era was going to stretch far beyond one greatest hits album. And the song that made karaoke machines everywhere shake in fear when they heard a new Ayu single was dropping. LOVE the video too. Unlike other ballads, Ayu didn't cop out with a black and white snorefest. Instead we get an interesting look into Ayu's headspace at the time. Portraying herself as a sort of victim of overprotection, not even allowed to drink from her own glass. Her career decisions are being made without her input by a boardroom full of suits. We see Ayu find a rare opportunity to escape her security escort and run wild through the city in a brief moment of freedom. It's Ayu the visual artist, the frustrated popstar, and the style icon all in one clip. Beautiful! Y'all know I stan any time that Ayu dons a cowboy hat. Suilen: a masterclass in how to make a ballad. Kyle-x: The amount of legendary and era defining classics on one album? She was in her ******* bag omg. The "Acoustic Piano Version", the orchestral version on ayu-mi-x 4, the classical version on A Classical, AND the one on LOVE CLASSICS all snap asjdkjadsla. The "Depth Nostalgic windmix" is this weird electronic remix that processes the vocals in such a cool way, the "Fresh energy MIX" makes it sound like you're at an underwater club and the "Rank 1 remix" is a great trance take on the track. Honestly every remix of it kind of snaps though and are worth checking out. Both of the music videos for this one are stunning. Invisibility: She's such a balladeer, like in other peoples' hands this might have veered quickly into maudlin territory, but the emotions and key change and overall presence make this a real classic. And once again, the piano with the staple melody + Inuyasha connection. Curaga: I like this a little better than I used to, but I still think it's lame... very surprised to learn this is one of her most popular songs. Consider it sabotaged! Bad Decisions: overrated but still a beautiful ballad. AMIT: still stan this one down and I'm not sorry! 7/16 3
Graves Posted October 13 Author Posted October 13 I just know Curaga is thankful that the other girls aren't here for this update. You better flee after this, before they check in. 1
Kyle-x Posted October 13 Posted October 13 1 hour ago, Graves said: No, just mine. Track #8 on Memorial address 11 x 1: Me HIGH SCORE: 10 x 7 (Kyle-x, SA*KURA, UrMom, blueberries, Bad Decisions, sanzo, Katamari) LOW SCORE: 4.6 x 1 (Curaga) HOST SCORE: 11 Memorial address occupies an odd spot on the album of the same name. Acting as both it's title track and it's orphan child. The song that gave the whole album an identity, yet the only one to receive no video. I think watching any of the live performances of this song could tell you why. It clearly cuts right to the bone for Ayu, and she gives it some of her most emotionally charged performances. It's too much for her sometimes. I think that kind of impossible relationship, to be so important and yet so forgotten, is somehow perfect for a track like this. I know its one of the oldest tricks in Ayu's book, the soft start that builds into an explosive climax, but I really don't think it's ever done better than right here. Maybe it's the genuinely heart wrenching lyrics that add to it? Or maybe that hard rock ensemble that give this track some backbone as it barrels towards the finish line. I really like that Ayu lets us hear the chorus once under the soft piano backing, before the song goes all out. Sometimes she kind of plays her hand too early and spoils the journey of a song, but not here. I love this track dearly. This is one of my favorite lyrical moments from Ayu too, a pretty blatant send-off track to her absent father. A final farewell. It's kind of a rarity from a writer who often prefers to hide behind metaphors and generality. This is one time that she chose to let us in, with no holds barred. In a weird way, I also think of this song as a farewell to this era of her career too. I know it's not technically the last track here, but I always say the Memorial address mini as something of a metamorphic release. The Ayu at the end of this album being a different pop star to the one at the start... Suilen: a bit messy but I like her spirit. Kyle-x: Now this is one of my all time favorite songs. Another daddy issues anthem. Invisibility: She was in her Kelly Clarkson feelings for this one. The buildup>> Curaga: The piano at the end reminds me of that piano phrase in Far away. 5/9 Wait- Stop the count-
Kyle-x Posted October 13 Posted October 13 1 minute ago, Graves said: 24th Single Track #13 on I am... HIGH SCORE: 10 x 4 (Kyle-x, SA*KURA, AMIT, sanzo) LOW SCORE: 0 x 1 (Curaga) HOST SCORE: 8 The windmill song! Dearest is another classic Ayu ballad that seems to cause resentment in certain fans... hm, their loss I fear. I'm sold from the moment that the opening piano keys introduce the track. She's got a really emotive voice that helps even the most bog-standard ballad hit a little bit different. The choruses to Dearest are especially affecting, I'm always wailing like a cat trying to sing along with her. Serving 2024 Ayu vocals, I fear. 2001 was a killer year for Miss Hamasaki. She opened it up with the sales titan that was A BEST and closed it with a new signature hit to add to her repertoire thanks to Dearest. A huge #1 with sales of over 750,000 copies, it was proof that the imperial era was going to stretch far beyond one greatest hits album. And the song that made karaoke machines everywhere shake in fear when they heard a new Ayu single was dropping. LOVE the video too. Unlike other ballads, Ayu didn't cop out with a black and white snorefest. Instead we get an interesting look into Ayu's headspace at the time. Portraying herself as a sort of victim of overprotection, not even allowed to drink from her own glass. Her career decisions are being made without her input by a boardroom full of suits. We see Ayu find a rare opportunity to escape her security escort and run wild through the city in a brief moment of freedom. It's Ayu the visual artist, the frustrated popstar, and the style icon all in one clip. Beautiful! Y'all know I stan any time that Ayu dons a cowboy hat. Suilen: a masterclass in how to make a ballad. Kyle-x: The amount of legendary and era defining classics on one album? She was in her ******* bag omg. The "Acoustic Piano Version", the orchestral version on ayu-mi-x 4, the classical version on A Classical, AND the one on LOVE CLASSICS all snap asjdkjadsla. The "Depth Nostalgic windmix" is this weird electronic remix that processes the vocals in such a cool way, the "Fresh energy MIX" makes it sound like you're at an underwater club and the "Rank 1 remix" is a great trance take on the track. Honestly every remix of it kind of snaps though and are worth checking out. Both of the music videos for this one are stunning. Invisibility: She's such a balladeer, like in other peoples' hands this might have veered quickly into maudlin territory, but the emotions and key change and overall presence make this a real classic. And once again, the piano with the staple melody + Inuyasha connection. Curaga: I like this a little better than I used to, but I still think it's lame... very surprised to learn this is one of her most popular songs. Consider it sabotaged! Bad Decisions: overrated but still a beautiful ballad. AMIT: still stan this one down and I'm not sorry! 7/16 I SAID STOP THE COUNT!!!!
Kyle-x Posted October 13 Posted October 13 Let me play catch up. But first Dearest is one of her BEST maxi singles ever. Top to bottom incredible remixes on that. And the way we got two stunning videos for this WHEW. 2
Graves Posted October 13 Author Posted October 13 Just now, Kyle-x said: I SAID STOP THE COUNT!!!! oop @Curaga hide sis 1
Meloetta Carey Posted October 13 Posted October 13 2 minutes ago, Graves said: Curaga: I like this a little better than I used to, but I still think it's lame... very surprised to learn this is one of her most popular songs. Consider it sabotaged! sorry but i giggled a bit 2
Suilen Posted October 13 Posted October 13 Curaga looking at her most-streamed songs: you get a 0, you get a 0, you get a 0. 3
Kyle-x Posted October 13 Posted October 13 There are so many incredible performances of Dearest but we have to give special attention to the encore performance at the Japan Record Awards where she gave an emotional rendition. The makeup is so gorg too https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=829377120587519 2
Kyle-x Posted October 13 Posted October 13 3 minutes ago, Graves said: oop @Curaga hide sis I'm going to slip through every crack in Curaga's house and get him 2
Graves Posted October 13 Author Posted October 13 Did I make sure Curaga was here for this update as a set-up? Petty revenge for bombing my 11? Who can say?
Graves Posted October 13 Author Posted October 13 3 minutes ago, Suilen said: Curaga looking at her most-streamed songs: you get a 0, you get a 0, you get a 0. Somebody needs to put blue bird into witness protection before Part 2 I fear.
Kyle-x Posted October 13 Posted October 13 1 hour ago, Graves said: Let's bop a bit before we go back to crying. 29th Single「&」 Track #2 on Memorial address HIGH SCORE: 10 x 7 (Graves, Kyle-x, UrMom, blueberries, Maresia, Katamari, AvadaKedavra) LOW SCORE: 4 x 2 (Suilen, Bad Decisions) HOST SCORE: 10 When it comes to those Ayu summer bops, few are as beach-ready as Greatful days is. An easy, breezy, beautiful affair, this track is just as fun and bouncy as it needs to be. A few of Ayu's summer tunes go for a more wistful approach (just wait for part two) but Greatful days is all about having fun and going out, spending those warm days in the presence of friends. Enjoying your youth, you know? The chorus is such an earworm. There's a lot of that sort of... "see how many words we can fit into a chorus" moments on Memorial address, but I don't think it's a bad thing! The vibe just keeps on going, and I keep on bopping. As a single, Greatful days was released as part of the & EP, another number one for her with impressive sales of over 500,000 copies. For once, an Ayu EP gave all of its tracks music videos too! Greatful days has a great one, depicting a wild house party with some cute Ayu looks and interesting guests crashing the festivities, including a motorcyclist and an alligator(!?). It's not some conceptually grand video or anything, it's just a visually pleasing, well-shot one. And Ayu looks damn adorable in this one. Oh, and for the record: I didn't name the rate after this track because its my favorite (although it does bop). It simply felt like the most thematically appropriate title. These years really were the greatful days of her career, weren't they? Spelling error and all. Suilen: I don't use her and the rate being named after her is sus don't throw away my ballot. Kyle-x: She looks soooo pretty in the PV. I love this song so much, it's just so much FUN. The remix on ayu-mi-x 7 BANGS. Curaga: I'm grateful...... grapefruit! AMIT: not bad, but not exactly a stand out on her discog I fear. 4/9 RIP to the namesake of the rate. Not so many happy bops left in the rate now, the girls are showing their depressive sides. Love this performance during a-nation'04 her outfit is so so cute 1
Curaga Posted October 13 Posted October 13 Just now, Graves said: Did I make sure Curaga was here for this update as a set-up? Petty revenge for bombing my 11? Who can say? Well, this was much more entertaining than what I was expecting from your offer (all my favs getting eliminated) (I'm sure my favs are next) Just now, Graves said: Somebody needs to put blue bird into witness protection before Part 2 I fear. That one's not a ballad, so it's safe from a 0 from me
Graves Posted October 13 Author Posted October 13 15th Single Track #6 on Duty HIGH SCORE: 10 x 5 (Kyle-x, Curaga, blueberries, AMIT, Katamari) LOW SCORE: 4 x 1 (Fevesy) HOST SCORE: 8.5 Duty is not my favorite Ayu album, but respect has to be given for just how... off the walls this album can be. This song is insane. I mean, that looped vocal track is something else. What other pop girl singles sound anything like this?? The opening tones sound like the on-hold music for an internet helpline, while the ending sounds like a riff session at the rock concert sound check. The fact that not only is she taking these weird-ass risks, but also that she's pulling them off really well? All in one song? Far away isn't even one of my Duty favorites, but I find it impossible to not at least respect the hell outta this song. Oh, and this was a single too. Like, this was the kind of material she was putting out to sell her albums! It peaked at a respectable #2 and sold over 500,000 copies. It hasn't remained as much of a live staple as the other Duty singles, but I think if anything that sort of adds to the weird mystique with this song. The video... is okay. I respect the longform Duty film more than I really like it. It is camp though. Ayu dancing around the wasteland in her little bucket hat. You go, girl. Kyle-x: She was getting experimental here and it works, plus the lyrics are really emo so I have to stan. The PV is a bit trippy. The "HAL's MIX 2000," "Alex M.O.R.PH. Extended rmx" and "RANK 1 remix" are great and for some weirder remixes the "CRAFTY Remix," "Dub's Mute & Feedback Remix" and "Ocean View Remix" are really cool. Invisibility: One of her most forward-thinking moments of this time period... I've been obsessed with the looped sample from the beginning. Curaga: Super cool atmosphere in this song... kinda genreless. Fuuucking love that cascading synth at 1:43, wtf... ok nvm, this is a 10, mama. That nearly constant "now now n-n-now now" in the back was holding it back from my 10s, but idc anymore. AMIT: such a hypnotic song, it's nothing like I heard before. 4/13 3
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