Ayumi Hamasaki Discography Rate Pt. III
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He/Him
One of the very last songs left to not receive a 10/11 is up next
...
From LOVE again
17
Bye-bye darling: 8.18
HIGH: 9.5 (@otenkiame)
LOW: 7 (@soratami @evilsin)
C'mon fast paced, urgent, action movie theme-ready melodies and drums! For the latter, you can thank Tom Tamada, who has been the drummer for several Ayu tracks and singles since 'About You', going through 'Will', 'alterna', 'fated' and even 'Mirrorcle World' (!!). Elsewhere, the song was produced by Yasuhiko Hoshino, who's most important credits in my opinion have been for 'A Song for ××', 'And Then' plus the very debut single, 'poker face'.
It's no wonder someone who helped shape Ayumi's early sound worked on this, since the melodies and production do give me that 90s feel, in a way. I already loved Bye-bye darling at first, but over the course of this rate it's grown on me even more. I'm glad it got this far.
@Weslicious is off from handing out full marks by a point, and states, "I think this sounds like it could have been on Loveppears. Like, it wouldn’t be out of place amongst too late and monochrome". Considering the connection with 'And Then', you've got that right! Resident LOVE again hater but not really @evilsin gives a compliment, more less, "This is a lot better than I remember. It's another pop-rock ditty that Ayu loves, but it's full of catchy moments and melodies, so I can't really find much to argue over here".
And apparently high-scorer @otenkiame is going to take 'Wake me up', 'Song 4 u' and basically everything that got tie-in promo or a video out of the album track equation, as per his comment, "Pretty much the only album track from LOVE again I enjoy. This is your typical pop/rock Ayu, but she rarely does those wrong, and this is no exception. What sets this apart is the rather rapid way Ayu goes at those verses! Love how she does that, and loves how the track keeps its momentum in the hooks! Really great all around".
...
From LOVE again
17
Bye-bye darling: 8.18
HIGH: 9.5 (@otenkiame)
LOW: 7 (@soratami @evilsin)
C'mon fast paced, urgent, action movie theme-ready melodies and drums! For the latter, you can thank Tom Tamada, who has been the drummer for several Ayu tracks and singles since 'About You', going through 'Will', 'alterna', 'fated' and even 'Mirrorcle World' (!!). Elsewhere, the song was produced by Yasuhiko Hoshino, who's most important credits in my opinion have been for 'A Song for ××', 'And Then' plus the very debut single, 'poker face'.
It's no wonder someone who helped shape Ayumi's early sound worked on this, since the melodies and production do give me that 90s feel, in a way. I already loved Bye-bye darling at first, but over the course of this rate it's grown on me even more. I'm glad it got this far.
@Weslicious is off from handing out full marks by a point, and states, "I think this sounds like it could have been on Loveppears. Like, it wouldn’t be out of place amongst too late and monochrome". Considering the connection with 'And Then', you've got that right! Resident LOVE again hater but not really @evilsin gives a compliment, more less, "This is a lot better than I remember. It's another pop-rock ditty that Ayu loves, but it's full of catchy moments and melodies, so I can't really find much to argue over here".
And apparently high-scorer @otenkiame is going to take 'Wake me up', 'Song 4 u' and basically everything that got tie-in promo or a video out of the album track equation, as per his comment, "Pretty much the only album track from LOVE again I enjoy. This is your typical pop/rock Ayu, but she rarely does those wrong, and this is no exception. What sets this apart is the rather rapid way Ayu goes at those verses! Love how she does that, and loves how the track keeps its momentum in the hooks! Really great all around".
He/Him
We lose three 10's with this next one
15 (pt. I)
Out of control: 8.2
HIGH: 10 (@RUNAWAY @evilsin @soratami)
LOW: 5 (@Ana Raquel)
'Out of control' is a pop-rockish midtempo with a great vocal performance from Ayu. The guitar work throughout the verses is just spectacular, isn't it? We can thank Tasuku for that! Not to mention the pairing with lively string arrangements. The choruses soar, and most importantly, feel like they have a purpose, as opposed to some of these later-career choruses where there is a sort of... disconnect between the buildup, the melodies and the instrumentation in the verses and them. Just a great song all-around.
However, lyrically it does touch on some heavy stuff such as suicide and extended periods of depression. But Ayumi turns this into a comprehensible package, even in its chatartic nature.
@otenkiame says his high praises, "Gah, why is this track so pretty? It has such a beautiful arrangement in the verses before going a bit edgy with the rock arrangement for the choruses. I love the addition of the marching beat with the progress from verse to chorus too! And, yeah, so much love for her vocals and the overall atmosphere of the song. So pretty". Yes!
And @evilsin gets me, "There is something about that piano, something so sombre and sad that makes me feel all emotional. The lyrics are... painful to read actually. So raw, so vulnerable".
15 (pt. I)
Out of control: 8.2
HIGH: 10 (@RUNAWAY @evilsin @soratami)
LOW: 5 (@Ana Raquel)
'Out of control' is a pop-rockish midtempo with a great vocal performance from Ayu. The guitar work throughout the verses is just spectacular, isn't it? We can thank Tasuku for that! Not to mention the pairing with lively string arrangements. The choruses soar, and most importantly, feel like they have a purpose, as opposed to some of these later-career choruses where there is a sort of... disconnect between the buildup, the melodies and the instrumentation in the verses and them. Just a great song all-around.
However, lyrically it does touch on some heavy stuff such as suicide and extended periods of depression. But Ayumi turns this into a comprehensible package, even in its chatartic nature.
@otenkiame says his high praises, "Gah, why is this track so pretty? It has such a beautiful arrangement in the verses before going a bit edgy with the rock arrangement for the choruses. I love the addition of the marching beat with the progress from verse to chorus too! And, yeah, so much love for her vocals and the overall atmosphere of the song. So pretty". Yes!
And @evilsin gets me, "There is something about that piano, something so sombre and sad that makes me feel all emotional. The lyrics are... painful to read actually. So raw, so vulnerable".
He/Him
An 11!
It got no 10's though ":("
And it's a single!
15 (pt. II)
We are the QUEENS: 8.2
HIGH: 11 (@Ana Raquel) 8.5 (@RUNAWAY @evilsin)
LOW: 7 (@lalaclairi_)
TROUBLE becomes the second section to lose all its tracks in the rate (after Party queen danced away quite a few eliminations back) as a fellow queen bows out. The single in question was digital-only, released on September 30, 2016 to promote the mobile game Clash of Queens. This was preceded by an in-game event that ran for a two week period before release, where players could earn an 'Ayu Castle' unlockable, complete with this animated rendition that's supposed to resemble the queen:
I mean I kinda see it but also ????
As for the song, saying the minute-long intro is dramatic would be an understatement. Gregorian chanting, cinematic drums, a horn (I'm surprised Timmy isn't in the credits for this song, it seems right up his lane)... and then it leads to a dance track heavy with electric guitars, which coincidentially enough, gives me a vibe of an evolved 'Party queen' sound.
As you can probably guess, 'QUEENS' is all about the empowerment, with Ayu delivering lyrics about building herself back up like a castle, wielding a sword and imagery of the like.
You lot had plenty to say about this one! First off, @ThisIsRogue namedrops an iconic franchise and provides an opinion while scoring it the same as I (with a 7.5), "It's kind of a shame the Final Fantasy introduction gave way to a basic dance song. It's not terrible though" I agree, to an extent. @Weslicious is a theater kid at heart, dishing out 8 points and stating, "Most of that is for the opening. I’m here for the drama and the theatre of it all".
@evilsin stans more in concept than execution, "It's all well-trodden over here, apart from the 'epic' game intro (this was used for one of those awful mobile games after all). Still I bop and you should too, although the lyrics here... are so on the nose, Jesus" everything about this is so passive aggressive ddd. This is no 'my name's WOMEN' lyrically, though, I'll drink to that. As for @otenkiame? "Love me some trashy sounding music. I mean, it's kinda overdramatic, though I guess that's for the game it was released for? But, whatever, the dramatic opening hooks me right away, and there's no denying this makes its mark in her discography. Very strong and epic". Yes I, too, love 'BRILLANTE' sis!
Finally, let me give it up for our frequently-controversial voter, and 11 giver, @Ana Raquel! "The moment the beat started playing, I knew it was my 11. A bit more of tempo and it could have been a super hot eurobeat so of course I stan". I'm sure you do! By the way, check out her Dreamcatcher rate in the K-Pop subforum, currently accepting ballots x
As for the first of two accompanying CM for the song, she and the green screen behind her ATE THAT UP. The way she stands in a barren land, castle in the distance, sword in hand after defeating all her enemies (gossip sites, gays over age 40, etc) and remaining unscathed. Just as her dragon arrives to make sure you understand she's the queen. Have a behind the scenes video of the promo shoot too.
It got no 10's though ":("
And it's a single!
15 (pt. II)
We are the QUEENS: 8.2
HIGH: 11 (@Ana Raquel) 8.5 (@RUNAWAY @evilsin)
LOW: 7 (@lalaclairi_)
TROUBLE becomes the second section to lose all its tracks in the rate (after Party queen danced away quite a few eliminations back) as a fellow queen bows out. The single in question was digital-only, released on September 30, 2016 to promote the mobile game Clash of Queens. This was preceded by an in-game event that ran for a two week period before release, where players could earn an 'Ayu Castle' unlockable, complete with this animated rendition that's supposed to resemble the queen:
I mean I kinda see it but also ????
As for the song, saying the minute-long intro is dramatic would be an understatement. Gregorian chanting, cinematic drums, a horn (I'm surprised Timmy isn't in the credits for this song, it seems right up his lane)... and then it leads to a dance track heavy with electric guitars, which coincidentially enough, gives me a vibe of an evolved 'Party queen' sound.
As you can probably guess, 'QUEENS' is all about the empowerment, with Ayu delivering lyrics about building herself back up like a castle, wielding a sword and imagery of the like.
You lot had plenty to say about this one! First off, @ThisIsRogue namedrops an iconic franchise and provides an opinion while scoring it the same as I (with a 7.5), "It's kind of a shame the Final Fantasy introduction gave way to a basic dance song. It's not terrible though" I agree, to an extent. @Weslicious is a theater kid at heart, dishing out 8 points and stating, "Most of that is for the opening. I’m here for the drama and the theatre of it all".
@evilsin stans more in concept than execution, "It's all well-trodden over here, apart from the 'epic' game intro (this was used for one of those awful mobile games after all). Still I bop and you should too, although the lyrics here... are so on the nose, Jesus" everything about this is so passive aggressive ddd. This is no 'my name's WOMEN' lyrically, though, I'll drink to that. As for @otenkiame? "Love me some trashy sounding music. I mean, it's kinda overdramatic, though I guess that's for the game it was released for? But, whatever, the dramatic opening hooks me right away, and there's no denying this makes its mark in her discography. Very strong and epic". Yes I, too, love 'BRILLANTE' sis!
Finally, let me give it up for our frequently-controversial voter, and 11 giver, @Ana Raquel! "The moment the beat started playing, I knew it was my 11. A bit more of tempo and it could have been a super hot eurobeat so of course I stan". I'm sure you do! By the way, check out her Dreamcatcher rate in the K-Pop subforum, currently accepting ballots x
As for the first of two accompanying CM for the song, she and the green screen behind her ATE THAT UP. The way she stands in a barren land, castle in the distance, sword in hand after defeating all her enemies (gossip sites, gays over age 40, etc) and remaining unscathed. Just as her dragon arrives to make sure you understand she's the queen. Have a behind the scenes video of the promo shoot too.
He/Him
Don't forget our next two tied tracks include an 11 between them!
Whether it's yours, well, you'll have to
He/Him
she/her
Whoa it actually got a way better position than what I expected. We love a not hated banger!!!!!!!!
(we also love some promo!!!!!! thank you love you)
(we also love some promo!!!!!! thank you love you)
Y'all are wrong for that "Out of control" elimination.
Funny thing is I never do this on purpose, dddd.
He/Him
An 11 up next
Along with... a string of 10's
13 (pt. I)
Yes everything about this edit is hideous, and what about it?
My Way: 8.23
HIGH: 11 (@ThisIsRogue) 10 (@Ana Raquel @evilsin @RUNAWAY)
LOW: 5 (@lalaclairi_)
Shock! Despite almost half the voters awarding this full marks, now it's time to say goodbye to 'My Way'. This one was a track included in m-flo's eighth studio album, FUTURE IS WOW, released March 26, 2014.
The track is notable for being one of the few things Ayumi has sang that doesn't have her penning lyrics for, instead being produced and written solely by the m-flo duo. The other thing that had most of the esteemed audience floored is how Ayu raps a bit for this!
The song is a jam and I love the flavor of the synths, and Ayu rightfully singing I will always be the queen. Plus when she does the rap bit with her lower register... a serve. It really is a hidden gem of her discography considering the sales of the album it was attached to. Doubt anyone other than the fans who go into Ayu forums (or this thread) would ever know about it!
First off, @evilsin expands into the elimination post above, "This is perfect. Ayu remembering her rapping beginnings in an ode to herself. This was a long time coming collaboration for me. I've waited ever since I learned that m-flo were inviting other artsts for their songs. Came Namie and Kumi and the overs, but somehow Ayu never showed up. It took them a while (almost 7 years), but it happened and I couldn't be more happy about the results. Both this and 'Merry-go-round' are simply amazing. She will alwaus be the queen after all". Ugh how can we forget 'Simple & Lovely'? A great sing that was done so dirty in the third Kuu rate. 'Luvotomy' is similarly great, but at least that's recognized by Namie fans. @RUNAWAY just adds to the praise, saying, "Ayu/m-flo is EVERYTHING. I live for this song. And Ayu RAPPING again?! ICONIC. I LIVE", stan!
@otenkiame appreciates something so different for our girl, "Hearing Ayu acting "hard" in an urban sense was a bit odd, especially with her calling herself the shit. It just sounds so un-Ayuish, but it's not like a girl can't feel her oats, right? I dig the music for sure, and love that Ayu basically made this song her own". And of course, @Weslicious is a negative Nancy and tags his six points for the song with the following great gowns beautiful gowns comment, "A decent enough instrumental".
I give the last word to @ThisIsRogue, who keeps it short and sweet "This is so good! Ayu's voice sounds really smooth and light and airy. It's heavenly. Her rapping is pretty great too and doesn't sound like she's trying too hard".
Along with... a string of 10's
13 (pt. I)
Yes everything about this edit is hideous, and what about it?
My Way: 8.23
HIGH: 11 (@ThisIsRogue) 10 (@Ana Raquel @evilsin @RUNAWAY)
LOW: 5 (@lalaclairi_)
Shock! Despite almost half the voters awarding this full marks, now it's time to say goodbye to 'My Way'. This one was a track included in m-flo's eighth studio album, FUTURE IS WOW, released March 26, 2014.
The track is notable for being one of the few things Ayumi has sang that doesn't have her penning lyrics for, instead being produced and written solely by the m-flo duo. The other thing that had most of the esteemed audience floored is how Ayu raps a bit for this!
The song is a jam and I love the flavor of the synths, and Ayu rightfully singing I will always be the queen. Plus when she does the rap bit with her lower register... a serve. It really is a hidden gem of her discography considering the sales of the album it was attached to. Doubt anyone other than the fans who go into Ayu forums (or this thread) would ever know about it!
First off, @evilsin expands into the elimination post above, "This is perfect. Ayu remembering her rapping beginnings in an ode to herself. This was a long time coming collaboration for me. I've waited ever since I learned that m-flo were inviting other artsts for their songs. Came Namie and Kumi and the overs, but somehow Ayu never showed up. It took them a while (almost 7 years), but it happened and I couldn't be more happy about the results. Both this and 'Merry-go-round' are simply amazing. She will alwaus be the queen after all". Ugh how can we forget 'Simple & Lovely'? A great sing that was done so dirty in the third Kuu rate. 'Luvotomy' is similarly great, but at least that's recognized by Namie fans. @RUNAWAY just adds to the praise, saying, "Ayu/m-flo is EVERYTHING. I live for this song. And Ayu RAPPING again?! ICONIC. I LIVE", stan!
@otenkiame appreciates something so different for our girl, "Hearing Ayu acting "hard" in an urban sense was a bit odd, especially with her calling herself the shit. It just sounds so un-Ayuish, but it's not like a girl can't feel her oats, right? I dig the music for sure, and love that Ayu basically made this song her own". And of course, @Weslicious is a negative Nancy and tags his six points for the song with the following great gowns beautiful gowns comment, "A decent enough instrumental".
I give the last word to @ThisIsRogue, who keeps it short and sweet "This is so good! Ayu's voice sounds really smooth and light and airy. It's heavenly. Her rapping is pretty great too and doesn't sound like she's trying too hard".
He/Him
The other half of the tie is decidedly less of a loss...
... but not for me
13 (pt. II)
What is forever love: 8.23
HIGH: 9.25 (@the host)
LOW: 6.5 (@otenkiame)
Yeah so I'll keep this one shorter than usual because it should be noted that Urata Naoya, former member of the band AAA and who features on the track, assaulted a woman on April 2019 at a convenience store. From this event, Naoya's subsequent departure from the group, and other factors, the remaining active AAA members have announced that they will disband at a later date this year.
@evilsin "I mean, DAISHI DANCE is great, but all his productions are so famn similar. If you heard one, you heard them all. Doesn't mean I don't like this though, the key change was very much appreciated. Too bad for Urata now staining this". Agreed.
@Weslicious "This sounds like it would have come 17th in an early 2000 Eurovision for a country now known by another name". I am still not sure what an Eurovision is but I'll nod and smile to that. This Kosovo read though!
@otenkiame "She loves that Urata guy, doesn't she? This actually sounds like their other song together, what with the dance beats and piano. Honestly, this doesn't sound like an Ayu song at all. And, while it's catchy, it's a bit forgettable overall. There's just something generic about it".
... but not for me
13 (pt. II)
What is forever love: 8.23
HIGH: 9.25 (@the host)
LOW: 6.5 (@otenkiame)
Yeah so I'll keep this one shorter than usual because it should be noted that Urata Naoya, former member of the band AAA and who features on the track, assaulted a woman on April 2019 at a convenience store. From this event, Naoya's subsequent departure from the group, and other factors, the remaining active AAA members have announced that they will disband at a later date this year.
@evilsin "I mean, DAISHI DANCE is great, but all his productions are so famn similar. If you heard one, you heard them all. Doesn't mean I don't like this though, the key change was very much appreciated. Too bad for Urata now staining this". Agreed.
@Weslicious "This sounds like it would have come 17th in an early 2000 Eurovision for a country now known by another name". I am still not sure what an Eurovision is but I'll nod and smile to that. This Kosovo read though!
@otenkiame "She loves that Urata guy, doesn't she? This actually sounds like their other song together, what with the dance beats and piano. Honestly, this doesn't sound like an Ayu song at all. And, while it's catchy, it's a bit forgettable overall. There's just something generic about it".
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Yes at @ThisIsRogue coming through with taste!
Also, someone by the name of MACO from ONEPEACE INC. is also creadited for lyrics and music for "My Way", no really, but what a song.
And I believe one of those comments for "What is forever love" is mine.
Also, someone by the name of MACO from ONEPEACE INC. is also creadited for lyrics and music for "My Way", no really, but what a song.
Looks flawless to me, dddd.
And I believe one of those comments for "What is forever love" is mine.
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He/Him
Oh I put @otenkiame's name twice I just saw dd fixed!