[isthisLOL?]

Originally Posted by *Petit*

They are basically talking about as far as I can tell, mostly about differences in timbre which can to a certain extent be a result of different vocal techniques. Not about failing a song. I don't think anyone is trying to be bossy, just making sure in a more or less efficient and clear manner that the same thing is being discussed.
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Obejctively, there's no ideal vocal timbre / quality for pop music IMO because it's so versatile and englobes elements of every other genre out there. As mentioned above, many reknown performes have rather poor ranges and capabilities compared to what's required for many other genres (musicals, operas, enka etc). There are however several "tradtions" or at least some sort of perceived ideals that apply to certain parts of pop music industry as well, which is why the average japanese female pop star sounds very different from the american one and why enka singers sound different to the members of AKB48. SO in a way it's measurable as long as one knows the measurements.

Ayu has problems with pitch, more so than most pop singers I can think of partially from being deaf, but also probably due to issues with her technique and exhaustion. I don't know why or who made her sing like she did on her first albums, but I don't think the way of singing she did during her first releases was very healthy for her voice at least considering her schedule. The more "natural" and less streneous one her voice way of singing was probably more similar to how she performed during idol on stage shows, which is deeper and a little more grounded sounding. It's like she pushed it too far, lost it and now is getting closer to finding a more comfortable way of doing it...

Personally I like the way her voice sounded back then more than how she sounds now though..

Compared to mylene since everyone seems to be, her timbre is very different, mylene has a very eerie and airy quality to her voice and as far as I can tell it's stayed mostly the same throughout her career. Ayu has always had a more piercing voice but it has gone through some pretty radical changes otherwise. Strangely I fin ayu's more versatile and interesting to listen to than mylene (even if her voice goes really well with certain types of music) also when ayu's off pitch and sometimes even more reciting than properly singing (this seems to happen a lot these days =/) or more husky. The main aspect of ayu's singing that keeps me coming back is the expression of and range of emtion she's able to convey, even at her "husky" stages. I can't think of any other singer capable of doig that except those that are foremost doing voice acting. Even among them, there aren't that many.

PS hope I made some sense. Hehe

Thanks for this post. That brought it all to one point, my phrasing may have given off a wrong impression sometimes but that was much of what I wanted to convey.