I feel like I'm the only person in Ayu fandom that don't want winter ballad, or anything is ballad flavoured.

Well, it's kind of a given that since it's being released in December, we'll likely get something a bit slower.

Releasing an upbeat track as a 'main song' in December would be a bit much imo.

'again'? This woman is such a troll lol.

I love the style of those songs as long as the composition is extraordinary. It just seems like whenever a H/\L-esque song is made, the melody isn't very engaging either, and that's something I need since a H/\L arrangement is generally the same, if that makes sense.

I think a Christmas mini-album would be fantastic. Just like some artists do here in the states! But the chances of that are like 1%.

Yes she has released quite a few sleeper songs (slow medium-tempo), so I can understand why people might not want a ballad. But, she has yet to release a STRONG ballad. It's been 4 years since the last winter ballad I was satisfied with (Days) was released. I absolutely hated You were... - it's just a bunch of shouting and the chorus is just so ... UGH. But I need another winter styled ballad - I will cry of joy!! I love Christmas season and coupled with J-Winter Ballads, I look forward to it all year long!

I even have dreams throughout the Summer now and then, about the first snowfall. And I am always struggling to get out my iPod and listen to Days or No way to say and I'm like crying tears of joy over the fact that Winter is here in my dreams and I think "OH MY GOD I CAN LISTEN TO DAYS NOW". Lol.
I understand what you say about the melody. I am a freak about the melody in every song. I just think of how it should have been to really take it to the next level. That is why I hated You were... as the melody for the verses were pretty good but the chorus is just no good.

B&D/Pride was ALMOST on December. XDDDD yeah right, I just keep dreaming...

Reeaallyy excited for these new releases. And speaking of another A BEST album, I would absolutely LOVE it if ayu re-recorded some of her older songs.

Since I'm 90% sure THERE WILL BE winter-flavoured slow/ballad song, I would be pleased with:

1. winter song
2. sth oriental (Will, GREEN)
3. kick-ass song (electronic, rock)

Exactly. I think this is my problem with H/\L, they arrange songs like You were... which I'm absolutely not a fan of solely because of the melody. If the melody had been something fantastic, I think I'd be more-so on board with them again.

But the problem I have is that I don't want it to be just any ballad with like a bell ring on every 4th beat. I need a full-fledged WINTER ballad complete with that echo-y synth, bell rings, powerful kick. I better bring myself back down to earth, do not want to be disappointed!

I think the mini album may look like L.

1. "Epic/winter" ballad like Virgin Road
2. ???? song like Sweet Season that is somewhat... out there
3. Heavier song like Last angel

HAL never really composes stuff for Ayu. Kazuhiro Hara (who also did Missing, Sparkle, glitter, Born To Be... etc) did You were... back then. He seems to do a lot better with upbeat tracks since they tend to be super infectious.

I would kill for studio ver. of B'z cover for Itsukano Merry Christmas.
But I know it will never happen'.

me too...but i would kill even more for a studio version of "haru yo" someday, :yes

i don't think either one will ever happen. :(

She could do some kind of cover album in the future. A COVERS would sell like hotcakes, I think.

The album is also on CDJapan.

I should get a template thread ready, haha.

Looking forward to this!

i just hope it's a real mini album this time but i won't get my hopes up...w/e as long as the songs/pvs are great.

Considering the time until release and stuff... it'll probably be the same. Remixes of Missing/Melody/Song 4 u, instrumentals, and a few new tracks. Also probably the making of Missing.

So now I'm waiting for the track list and cover

^ with 2 pv's please!