In this post, I'll give my opinion on the AO album
1. WHATEVER
I was never really that huge a fan of the original mix of this song -mainly the chorus- but the AO mix surprisingly (to me) does it a lot of good. Only one part of this mix bugged me and it was about halfway into the song when the chorus sounded really weird. I don't like the dual-layer effect they used for her voice there, imo they should've just left it alone. Or even better; a new vocal recording for the chorus where she sang the "Whoa whoa whoa" part much more softly. Overall, I liked it, nothing more or any less than that.
2. HANABI
I knew this was going to be a tear-jerker, since the original was, but oh wow...It's like this song has been completely reborn and it's a prodigy child. It even made me sing along. I haven't done that for so long with HANABI. Gorgeous, perfect, effin' amazing.
3. Moments
The slow-tempo, gentle piano tune continues nicely. It feels like a tiny bit slower and even more relaxing than HANABI, but not as mellow. I like it.
4. Kanariya
I was either expecting something amazing or a major ear-grinder from this one. It's so funny how it's always the tracks you just can't picture being any good, that turns out to be just spectaculair. Some of the instruments sounded a bit off and at some points there was just a bit too much going on, but really it was a very emotional and beautiful mix of Kanariya that even suited her old vocals. I liked it.
5. HEAVEN
Just as amazing as it's older sister
I expected as much from HEAVEN; it's a beautiful song in this mix too.
6. NEVER EVER
I like the opening, made me think of Björk. Then it turned all "funny and playful part in a musical" and I was all, "wtf". Looks like Homma enjoyed himself here. A lot of playfulness in this one. It's not really epic or gorgeous etc, but it's nice and sweet. Nice to see a bit of versatility.
7. Trust
Again with the playfulness! So jazzy. It's like I'm at a café. I love jazz and I actually have to admit that I like this to, though it's a quirky mix and it's unusual to hear Trust like this.
8. AUDIENCE
It's like the same band as before continued playing! lol. It's almost samba. It's really well-mixed and it swings, but I'm not sure I'll be listening to this. Nice, but not really my taste.
9. evolution
Epic and dramatic. And I don't want any less for evolution. I love the creativity in this mix. I think the sounds, instruments, tempo, it all suits the song and Ayu's vocals. It's also just as upifting as the original mix, which is a big plus.
10. BLUE BIRD
BLUE BIRD is like the only song Ayu's ever released that I
can't listen to. I mean I really, really dislike it. As I'm hearing her vocals again, I'm reminded of the dislike for the song, but the new instrumentals gives me some sort of joy, kind of. I know I won't be listening to this again, probably, but I prefer this over the original.
11. You were...
Straight from one of my least favorite Ayu songs to one of the best I know. The mood and tempo is mellow and slow to mid-tempo. I just love the sound of the cello which softly dissapears into a high-pitched group of violins and a grand bell chiming. This mix is as close to perfection as You Were... can get.
12. forgiveness
As if this song could get any better. Well, it could. I'm so impressed and mesmerized. The soft sounds, slightly muted bells, the traditional japanese flute sounds that are carefully hidden underneath the heavier instruments and finally, Ayu's careful vocals...this mix is perhaps the best on this album and the most delicately remixed. It is just so grand and utterly beautiful.
13. LOVE ~Destiny~
Just when it couldn't get any better. OMG. The piano is so moving. Love ~D~ really needed this lift. Again, it's like the rebirth of the original song, so much more beautiful. Ayu's vocals seems slightly modified, softened, but it's to the better. I'll be listening this A LOT. The best way to end this album.