rate Ayumi Hamasaki: The Rate - Part I [Greatful days]

[confide in me]

40 minutes ago, Graves said:

nnn yas. I said it back during voting but the difference between the parts... This part we mostly like all of the albums, bar a few potshots at debut and Rainbow. Part 2? Oh, the claws will be out. Let me take down **** ***** a peg or two...

Not the title track tho... right? 

This rate was so fun to participate in and I'll be perched for part 2!!

[AMIT]

7 hours ago, Graves said:

 

33rd Single
Track #13 on MY STORY

 

11 x 1: @AMIT

 

HIGH SCORE: 10 x 6 (Graves, Kyle-x, UrMom, blueberries, Fevesy, sanzo)

LOW SCORE: 6 x 1 (Maresia)

HOST SCORE: 10

 

She said oh, you wanted bops? Eat up, girls. INSPIRE is just a frenetic mess of a song, and I really mean that in the best way possible. The jittering, clashing instruments don't give you any breathing room, even during Ayu's union-mandated instrumental break. It's a wave of infectious music that slams you down and forces your feet to tap along. To these ears, this is probably the best blending of the "harder" MY STORY sound with Ayu's perfect pop sensibilities. A great song and a great single choice.

 

Oh, and the lyrics? More brilliance. Where so much of MY STORY is spent lingering on her feelings and frustrations, INSPIRE is totally declarative. No wallowing around about it, Ayu is coming right out and saying that she's done being a perfect robot and submitting to every last order. She will pipe up and she will speak her mind, regardless of what people might say. Where most of the album dwells in darkness, INSPIRE is determined to find a light even if she has to break down the wall to do so. It's defiant and proud, prickly and unafraid to ruffle feathers. A sister song to my name's WOMEN, in a way.

 

Serving as the second single to MY STORY, INSPIRE was released over Summer 2004 and was another big number one for her. Released as a double A-side with GAME, the single was her best-selling release that year, outdoing Moments and Carols. Ironically, twenty years later it has less streams than both of those songs. Time can be funny like that, huh? The music video is neat. Not as striking as Moments or GAME, but a fun Ayu take on a very western style music video. You know what I mean. Exotic background and dancers in a bowling pin formation? The ending revealing it was all a dream... TRL would've snacked down on it. Of course Ayu still has to get carried across the desert like a queen, however.

 

And the beach scenes? AppropriATE!

 

 

Suilen: it's inspiring me to fight against the regime.

Kyle-x: She came to serve. This song is so cool and I love how she comes for our throat with the chorus delivery. The PV is excellent.

Invisibility: The freshest song in the album, yes? An a banging chorus you just can't get out of your head. The video's lighting was a casualty of the early 00s, but I do love how committed she looked to be for the choreo moments.

Curaga: OKAYYYYY!!! Stomp a bit!

Meloetta Carey: what are the other songs in Ayu's upbeat, rock-y pep talk canon? I can only think of "startin" and "23rd monster". Anyway, cute song after all the ballads---time for act 3 of MY STORY.

AMIT: the biggest banger to end all bangers, the way this song dynamic punched me in the face while revisiting the album for the rate, I had no other choice but to award it with my 11.

 

 

 

2/17

omg so close to the Top 10 

 

this is the type of song that is LOUD and yet my old ass is still throwing it UP where is your 10 sis @Suilen 

 

and I guess the maresia is still maresiando 

[Suilen]

@Graves thank you for hosting, amazing graphics and write-ups as usual (well, I'm basing it on the Utada rate, but it was just as effortful on your part). Who knew that we could have an Ayumi Hamasaki discography rate in 2024, after the community got decimated due to the website being unfixable and the divas declining/retiring? I know that Popjustice used to have those, and maybe that's a better place to have j-pop conversation, but a part of the fun is being with the people you know, even if they're about to kill you for some aural crimes. I appreciate that we were able to highlight/discuss some of these songs because you don't get many opportunities to do otherwise. It was interesting to see some biases being confirmed and some disproven. And while I already started revisiting her discography even before the rate idea floated around, the rate allowed for a deeper examination of some songs (for better or worse). The wait was a tad excruciating, I might have to spend the next two days sleeping, but it's been fun. 

 

I'm obviously excited about Part 2, and some of my essays and scores are ready, so expect me to be the first ballot again. We need two 11s though I fear 

[Suilen]

7 minutes ago, AMIT said:

omg so close to the Top 10 

 

this is the type of song that is LOUD and yet my old ass is still throwing it UP where is your 10 sis @Suilen 

 

and I guess the maresia is still maresiando 

To quote an icon:

 

Quote

 this song is a bit too loud now that I'm old

 

[AMIT]

I'm sorry I couldn't be here on time (blame capitalism!!) but thank you @Graves and everyone else for the rate. loved the write ups and the energy. 

 

the way I made the Top 5 for LOVEppears, Duty, I am... and A Song for XX  oh a discography!

 

it's kinda crazy how SURREAL is the only Duty track in the Top 10 yet it is at #1 and I love her but we failed mother by not rewarding her LGBTQIA+ anthem she generously devoted to us - RAINBOW - her deserved top spot I fear. 

[Suilen]

5 hours ago, Britneyfan09 said:

Thank you!  I had a few different ideas for a rate, but when miss @Kyle-x reminded me it's been 10 years since the Flawless Foursome rate in 2014, a new idea came to mind. I'll hopefully announce it in the next few days!

 

 

Another rate where TABOO is going to win? Maybe a Nishino discography rate isn't such a bad idea.

 

[Suilen]

Anyway, Part 2 of the Kumiko singles rate is still slated for November/December, and I have another idea for the next year involving 80s idols. The 00s j-pop is great, but we need some respect for grandmas (even Seiko) too.

[Britneyfan09]

Just now, Suilen said:

Anyway, Part 2 of the Kumiko singles rate is still slated for November/December, and I have another idea for the next year involving 80s idols. The 00s j-pop is great, but we need some respect for grandmas (even Seiko) too.

A Showa era rate is long overdue tbh. A Showa Flawless foursome with Seiko, Akina, Miho, and Shizuka would be amazing, though I fear how the reception would be nnn.

 

[AMIT]

5 hours ago, Graves said:

 

LOWEST SCORERS
1. Curaga - 4.075

 

interesting 

 

[Suilen]

8 minutes ago, Britneyfan09 said:

A Showa era rate is long overdue tbh. A Showa Flawless foursome with Seiko, Akina, Miho, and Shizuka would be amazing, though I fear how the reception would be nnn.

 

Well, people need to be more open-minded, and I'll try to appeal to the forum's sensibilities. At first, I was thinking 10 artists with 7 songs each, but that might be on overkill, so I'll narrow down the list. Maybe those 4 + Chisato Moritaka and Youko Oginome since their music is similar to what Western girls were doing at the time. 

[AMIT]

6 hours ago, Graves said:

 

Track #3 on Memorial address

 

HIGH SCORE: 10 x 10 (Graves, Suilen, Kyle-x, Invisibility, UrMom, Curaga, blueberries, Maresia, AMIT, Fevesy)

LOW SCORE: 5.1 x 1 (Meloetta Carey)

HOST SCORE: 10

 

Perhaps the definition of a fan favorite? I was not at all surprised when this turned out to be the highest ranking Memorial address track. Near-universally adored by the fandom, to the point that it has more streams than most of the actual singles from the same mini. Ayu has not been shy about performing it either, making it one of the longest-lasting Memorial address tracks in her live shows. What is it about this little album track that has us all enamored so?

 

Let's start with the sound. Ayu has always been a bit of a rock chick, but moving towards Memorial address and MY STORY she was embracing that more than ever. Girl was pissed off! She had a lot of things to get off of her chest! Because of You weaves all of that raw energy and anger into a seamless track. Not a single syllable is wasted. There is sometimes a tendency for Ayu's rock-heavy tracks to come across a bit... clunky? Or repetitive even? Not here. The chorus is all at-once roaring with energy yet totally capable of being sung along with. The phrasing is just perfect and Ayu cuts through each chorus like a hot knife. It encompasses that early '00s pop/rock energy with an Ayu stamp atop it. Not whiny or bratty, but measured and fearsome.

 

Though not a single, Because of You did receive a music video for the DVD release of Memorial address. It's pretty darn cool. Allusions to prostitution abound as Ayu forms an all-female rock ensemble. The great thing about these Memorial address videos is the way they're directed to produce such striking visuals out of relatively simple set-ups. The leaking stairs? The rotating band platform? It all looks so damn good. And that's all without even mentioning the, erm, white fluids. 10/10. No notes.

 

 

Suilen: no wonder Kelly Clarkson only sings covers these days.

Kyle-x: I love how this song goes from intimate to explosive. Dare I say this is again… a contender for my 11 ajsdljsald. Like this song seriously goes off and the PV is everything too.

Invisibility: I circle back to this song whenever Ayu chases that pop-rock high post-2010. It's simply the masterpiece and the blueprint.

Curaga: Rrrrrreeaalllly good. idk, this one just did what it set out to do flawlessly and it sounds so good. It's a bit long, but the phrases don't get old by the end like with other long tracks.

AMIT: a dramatic rock banger, has always been one of my faves.

 

 

 

1/9

super deserved Top 10 placement for this absolute banger that I still cannot get enough of to this day, this is what some pop girlies from the west thought they were serving when they suddenly decided to try their rock wig on for the day  a monumental song!! 

[Britneyfan09]

6 minutes ago, Suilen said:

Well, people need to be more open-minded, and I'll try to appeal to the forum's sensibilities. At first, I was thinking 10 artists with 7 songs each, but that might be on overkill, so I'll narrow down the list. Maybe those 4 + Chisato Moritaka and Youko Oginome since their music is similar to what Western girls were doing at the time. 

I like this idea. Hopefully people will be open to listening and participating.

[Suilen]

5 hours ago, Graves said:

& my last gift to y'all:

 

The Curaga Free Top 40

 

1. RAINBOW +2
2. M =
3. SURREAL -2
4. Moments +7
5. A Song for XX -1
6. Connected =
7. appears -2
8. evolution +4
9. Depend on you -2
10. Real me +9
11. NEVER EVER +16
12. Because of You -4
13. No way to say +10
14. monochrome +1
15. Fly high -6
16. Endless sorrow +4
17. ourselves -7
18. Duty =
19. vogue -3
20. Dearest +14
21. INSPIRE -8
22. HANABI +9
23. immature -9
24. Trauma -7
25. Who... -1
26. GAME -4
27. And Then -6
28. my name's WOMEN +7
29. Voyage +13
30. Naturally -5
31. End roll -1
32. TO BE -6
33. About You -5
34. July 1st +2
35.CAROLS +3
36. too late -7
37. I am... +7
38. Boys & Girls -6
39. Heartplace +13
40. Memorial address (take 2 version) =

I love Curaga. What do you think about fairyland? Let's make a deal @Curaga

 

[Kyle-x]

47 minutes ago, Suilen said:

Anyway, Part 2 of the Kumiko singles rate is still slated for November/December, and I have another idea for the next year involving 80s idols. The 00s j-pop is great, but we need some respect for grandmas (even Seiko) too.

We're ready for Kumiko pt. 2 

 

Edited October 20 by Kyle-x

[Kyle-x]

54 minutes ago, AMIT said:

and I love her but we failed mother by not rewarding her LGBTQIA+ anthem she generously devoted to us - RAINBOW - her deserved top spot I fear. 

I love when you spill, sister

[Curaga]

1 hour ago, Suilen said:

I love Curaga. What do you think about fairyland? Let's make a deal @Curaga

 

I like it, but it's not in the running for my 11, so maybe we can work something out!

[Suilen]

14 minutes ago, Curaga said:

I like it, but it's not in the running for my 11, so maybe we can work something out!

When your 11 is Yaya Baba Yaga and I'll be stuck between a rock and hard place

 

[Curaga]

8 minutes ago, Suilen said:

When your 11 is Yaya Baba Yaga and I'll be stuck between a rock and hard place

 

nnn I wanted to be kind to that song after Miss Invisibility pointed it out as an LGBTQIA+ anthem, but now that Kyle-x pointed out it was a top 5 fan favorite... I might go back to my original review, simply saying, "Bold & Delicious? ... Well, this song certainly is bold!"

 

[Suilen]

3 minutes ago, Curaga said:

nnn I wanted to be kind to that song after Miss Invisibility pointed it out as an LGBTQIA+ anthem, but now that Kyle-x pointed out it was a top 5 fan favorite... I might go back to my original review, simply saying, "Bold & Delicious? ... Well, this song certainly is bold!"

 

Drag her.

 

Anyway, I don't want to seem like a (miss)understood hater so I'm going to say that is this LOVE, alterna and Ladies Night deserve to win.

 

Edited October 20 by Suilen

[ToxicKiss92]

I used to listen a lot to her music. A Song for xx 030213 Session #2 Take from A Ballads is probably my favorite song by her. 

[Graves]

2 hours ago, Curaga said:

I like it, but it's not in the running for my 11, so maybe we can work something out!

Don't go making deals with Ursula the sea witch now…

 

[Suilen]

 

Anyway, everyone better have Namie's discography stored somewhere and be prepared to listen to some khia songs no one's heard since 2000.

[Graves]

When miss Britneyfan gets banned before the rate can start for linking to piracy sites, because they're the only place you can find Namie songs now.

 

[Suilen]

There will be links to Recochoku since we're all law-abiding citizens obviously

 

[Suilen]

Speaking of the options we have, I don't think that a hitomi singles rate is that wild of an idea. I think that everyone here is pretty familiar with her, and even with my distaste for Komurot I can admit that she had the best material of all girls with him (probably because she wrote her own stuff, hmmm).