[Yukitora]

Ayu gets a lot of criticism over her vocal capabilities and strength (or lack of) when performing live, or even in studio recordings. But does anyone here just love it?

Personally I always thought her voice was beautiful. She has the capability to express emotion so intimate and raw, her lyrics really hit home. I find some artist who might have technically strong vocals which are nice on the ears don't come off as genuine when it comes to delivering lyrics. I think this is one of ayu's strong points.

I also love her versatility. I used to say ayu might as well be a voice actress! Although her vocal style has changed drastically, almost year to year, when it comes to singing UNITE! in her recent concerts, she can still pull off that cutely high pitch sounding voice she had before I am.... Sexy little things is another song that caught me by surprised, and I was sooooooo hoping she'd sing that song in TV just to show off her quirkiness!

I think my least favorite aspect to ayu's vocals were that uncontrollable vibrato she had sometime around 2006 or 2007, but since then it just sounds lovely and well, under control.

So, what does everything think? I just felt I had to post this after listening to a mp3 rip of CDL10-11. I know a lot of people seem to dislike her vocals in this concert (moreso at jpm than here), but I am so totally impressed! She's breathed new life into these songs and it's almost a shame some are better than her studio versions!