[aqua_crystal]

Yeah, I dont think Ayu has had any defined career low point, but Im thinking Secret - NEXT LEVEL was pretty much the closest thing. Music-wise, it really did seem (to me atleast) that she was running out of ideas and very few memorable tracks were released during this time. Also, the fact that GUILTY did not reach number 1 may have convinced many that shes been losing popularity. It was NOT due to her slight change in image for me. I think many people embraced Ayu's new agressive, rock chic style. But I think RnRC was a step up since she focused more on her European fans and I finally felt that she began to look beyond her career in Japan, which is something she should have done a long time ago. And of course, popluarity and sales-wise, shes been going downhill ever since A BEST, but it wasnt a drastic change. Nevertheless, she's still one of the most popular Asian singers within Japan and the rest of the world.