[MidnightGirl]

You exposed your opinion, and now I do the same.
Well, I TOTALLY disagree about what you said about GUILTY...:
"It was plagued by 4 interludes, lots of songs without or with really short intros, and too simple lyrics." I think GUILTY's lyrics great, and A Song for XX simple. Look for talkin'2 myself, or Marionette, or Mirror. *_*

But about Americanized songs, I agree. NEXT LEVEL is an example of Japanese songs being influenced by americans. But this is not necessary BAD. Sparkle is popular between the fans and is good song, at least for me.
I agree when people say "She lost her touch in songs", since I hate Rock 'n' Roll Circus. I want back LOVEppears, Duty or (miss) understood songs, because I can see originality there.
And about her vocals, I'm happy. Because in 1998 the songs would be better if Ayu had the voice of GUILTY era. Sometimes, her past voice is very annoying and how can I say...thin? thin voice? wow. I'm not good in english.
My fav voice era: 2006/2008