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I don't see much Westernization playing a big role in Ayu's songs besides in, say, Sparkle(though I love that song!) and Bold & Delicious~
Honestly I think Ayu just hasn't been releasing "fresh" enough material... From around 2004, Ayu began releasing formulaic songs (mainly Summer Pop songs and Winter Ballads) and a large number of similar-sounding rock songs, which we Ayu fans love but could potentially be a turn-off for casual listeners... I've been reading plenty of reviews on HMV, Amazon etc. from non-fans expressing strong dislike for age-inappropriate overly poppy songs such as Sunrise/Sunset and trite ballads like You Were...
Ayu's releases were much more distinct from one another up until (miss)understood, with exception to Next Level tracks which were a little too different to be appreciated by the masses. Sadly, to be popular and sell well, a singer must have songs that appeal to a wide audience and Ayu's basically just singing to her, albeit relatively large, niche nowadays.
I've successfully resisted the urge, so far, to listen to Rock'N'Roll Circus so I cannot fairly judge everything on the album but I do think Sexy Little Things is a well-done departure from Ayu's normal style and will win the hearts of many, fan or non-fan.
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