I'm not marking yet because I think it is too early for me to do that! Not doing interludes because I tend not to listen to them until I get the physical album and can listen to the whole thing through. I had quite high hopes, then I put them down a bit in case I was disappointed
Love Song. Really love the fresh sound and use of strong verse and chorus. Like the different use of verse and chorus that isn't exactly standard. Great lyrics, been listening on repeat until the rest of the album leaked!
Crossroad: I loved this since the single release and still listen regularly. A good, solid Ayu song
MOON: A beautiful Ayu ballad. I feel the singles this time have had the solid standard Ayu tracks with a slight fresh, new feeling to them and they have all come together with the new album tracks which I love.
sending mail: The tempo is this is amazing! I love it! Music is wonderful and builds up. Wonderful lyrics again but not what I expected from having read the lyrics in advance!
Last angel: I love love love this! So unexpected for me again. I love how Ayu is moving away from the typical verse, chorus, verse, chorus, repeat chorus, repeat chorus songs a bit more again. The whole album sounds like she was a lot more inspired recently, especially coming up with a new album so quickly
Like a Doll: Again, not expected but I think that is what I love. Love the beat and lyrics again. Such a catchy chorus with thoughtful verses. Refreshing change to marionette or my name's women which is what the title seemed to allude to (I love both of those songs, but something new is even better)
blossom: Not my favourite of the single tracks but I think that was because I was so in love with MOON instead! Still a good track nonetheless.
Thank U: Reminds me of catcher in the light a bit at the beginning, but I love that song! And yes, it is like replace and honey, but when I am in the right mood I like those songs a lot, so this is a nice happy song to have to balance everything on the album. I think I will love this come Spring...it has a Springy feel to it
Sweet Season: A good typical Ayu song. I like the kira kiras.
Do it Again: I do love the build up in this. Not so keen on the english, but it works with the song better than some of Ayu's other english parts. Loving the beat too!
November: Wasn't sure when I first heard the opening, but it flows into a wonderful song. I nearly cried reading the lyrics while listening. That last chorus is so beautiful and powerful.
Virgin Road: A lovely slow ballad from Ayu. I don't sound as enthusiastic about the single songs but I think that is because I have had longer with them and I enjoy them as and when I want, rather than listening greedily to them as I did when they were newer. I have all these album tracks to do that with now!
Seven Days War: I actually wanted this on the album as a bonus track. I like that this makes the album back to 16 tracks because some albums previously have felt a bit filler-y. The live version is a great addition. SDW sounds like an Ayu song. It fits with her voice well for a cover but I feel like she makes it her own and really poured her emotions into it for the seven day final of the tour. You can tell that she is on the verge of crying in the track which does affect her voice, but boosts her emotion- can't have everything!
Oh Ayu, I don't know why I doubt you every album because you have been on an up since Next Level. This is above NL, Secret and Guilty for me, probably RNRC too...Really didn't expect it! Overall an improved voice as well. Ayu just keeps pushing past what I expect! The instrumentation and melodies seem new rather than rehashed as some songs can sometimes feel. I don't listen and think "Oh, this is like such a song had a child with such a song" which is good I think. RNRC was a step up, and this is even better. I thought Ayu wouldn't get back up to such high standards that she had set herself with albums like MY STORY. The variety is good here, but it all still flows. The lyrics are uh-may-zing.
This is far longer than I ever intended! Oh dear >.< I just hope that lots of people get the beautiful feelings I have gotten from this album too
