Ayumi Hamasaki Sekai - View Single Post - 14th album 'LOVE again' out February 8th, 4th of five 15th anniversary releases [V]
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Old 22nd January 2013, 10:23 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Jakarta
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I really like the whole sound of the album. It's pretty cohesive in terms of the whole theme. The title, the colors, the covers, even the mini albums (or maxi singles) all fit, as if she's running a thematic brand campaign of being in love (happy / sad about it).

In my view, I don't think LOVE again is that similar to Love Songs. IMO, Love Songs is somewhat more experimental than I expected it to be. I just have a feeling that Love Songs is some kind of her satire and quirky view of love. With songs like sending mail, last angel, like a doll, Do it again, even Love song, it didn't feel if she's in love, music-wise. I'd expect her to sing ballads like Hikki's "First Love" throughout the album, but that was the beauty of Love Songs. It was cohesive in it's unexpected and quirky way. Heck, she didn't even look like she's in love on the cover.

From the preview, LOVE again on the other hand is giving us that mushy feeling of being in love / that mad brokenhearted feeling. The album songs may sound generic but they are indeed rich and matched the overall theme. I even got some warm feelings from SAKURA. I'd say all the songs are "in its place". I'm so happy we didn't get a cherry-poppin' song like Thank U or Honey near the end but end up with Gloria instead. Does the songs sound similar like her old songs? Maybe, but I think it's good for her to be consistent once in a while. I'd wish she kicked You & Me and replace it with Key ~ 15th anniversary version ~ instead or Who...

I'd say this album reflects a mature and classy side of Ayu and I'm proud of her. Hopefully the next album / single would be an experimental one. Sorry for the long post, I just had a presentation and wanted to spend rest of my day browsing hehehehe.