I'm not sure that is correct because I remember someone posted the rankings of the albums that the Japanese fans liked around the time when (miss)understood came out and both MY STORY and/or Memorial address were in the top 3 after Duty and both LOVEppears and A Song for XX were near the bottom.

This might be a little inappropriate.... Don't read if you're a prude.

I feel the same. I remember how exciting every song she released was. It just had excitement, and really seemed like each song was composed and produced in just the right way. Not so much nowadays...

That's exactly how I feel about her music nowadays. MOON and blossom just seem perfect for her. It's sad you don't feel that way anymore, but I'm still feeling it.

O MY GOD MY EYES! THINK OF ALL THE CHILDREN HERE!
no but srsly, I lol'd.

Well I'm glad you are enjoying it. I'm just patiently waiting for something more my cup of tea. 2 more singles in 2 months - somethings gotta be AMAZING (although I do reeeeally like blossom).

But what I mean about being composed the right way, is that it seemed that the feel of the song was spot on. There's a lot more about her music now that I tend to think "This would have been better if this melody here was changed, if the composition in this part was used more throughout the song, if she sang in this tone here instead of that tone, etc.

To me it seems like they just didn't give it enough time in the studio for it to fully bloom.

I see. You mentioned something about wanting another JEWEL earlier, have you listened to the meaning of Love piano version? It kind of gave me that same feeling/something similar, probably because the same person arranged it.

:yes
They all sound too fresh to me to feel nostalgic. crossroad's preview does sound a bit dated, but still not like something she would have done in the past.

yes, i've listened to both songs. MOON and blossom lyrics are sad sounding though. i'd like a nostalgic song about being happily in love and looking forward to a future together. XD i used to be able to relate to all of the sad Ayu songs, but that's all changed now and i find myself having to go way back to songs like Boys & Girls/trauma in order to find the happy, upbeat lyrics. :shrug

i haven't been able to hear crossroads yet, but i already like the song name! :D

Really? Definitely check out the EnergizE, NEXT LEVEL, Sunrise ~LOVE is ALL~, and RED LINE lyrics.

No I haven't even listened to meaning of Love original mix in full. Lol. It just didn't click at all with me. Really did not like it :(

I'd suggest giving the piano version a try anyway, quite a few people who hated the original mix liked that one.

Again...I'm feeling awful for not being impressed with certain songs :/

I dislike the original mix and dislike the piano mix :) But, the piano is pretty in the piano version. So eh.

Why? She can't impress everyone with every song lol. She still has 2 more singles coming, and then probably another album this year, maybe something else will impress you.

Agreed, the piano is very pretty! I think the piano mix should have been the original song.

You know it's true ;D

In my opinion I think Ayu has some of the best arrangers around. Her music always sounds perfectly put together instrument wise. And although I wouldn't say MOON and blossom makes me think of her first two albums, they definitely have some aspects of I am... and such in them. I'm speaking strictly instrument-wise. There's even a part in blossom that reminds me of evolution and audience. This single definitely has a feel for Ayu's earlier works because I swear every time I listen to it I want to listen to A BEST and A BEST 2.... But then I just settle for A COMPLETE hahahah.

Because whenever someone says they're not impressed, someone else has to suggest songs, and ask them why. Mostly. And it's just...yeah. It's not like I'm walking around, waiting to be impressed. I've bought her latest three albums, and been pleased with them, I love Ayu. But I feel like I can't openly say: "I don't think her new songs are as good as her old ones" without a lot of people starting to go pretty defensive.

yea MOON is definitely a sad song..
but blossom not a sad song.. it's more like encouraging song hence the title also "blossom" hehe
the reff part is definitely not sad though.. hehe..

Oh I see. Sorry if I come across that way, but I'm honestly just interested in other opinions. Sometimes people only say "I don't like this" but I'm curious as to why they don't like it. I think it's interesting to hear different opinions and to know the reasons why people think that way. But we're all fans here, I don't see what's so bad about recommending songs that you think another fan might like.

i really hope crossroad is just ONE of the a-side to the next single. It doesnt feel like it has that boom. Didnt Ayu say she recorded something cool? or maybe that's for the 50th single...i mean, blossom did take up a spot in an a-side as well...so if there is gonna be 2 songs, one could be previewed while the other takes a CM spot..

and as blossom revealed, chaku uta recordings and really not to be taken too seriously other than to hear the MELODY and her VOICE.

That's fine. I just don't want to come across like I hate her new music, because I don't. You should recommend songs, absolutely. But to me it just sometimes feels like people refuse to accept that I don't like something, making me feel guilty for not loving everything she does. :) Like: "Don't judge from a preview!" or "well, listen to it more, and it'll grow on you." It gets tiring.