[Corvina]

Hm, I fail to see for a while already, where songs like TABOO and BUT are more JPop sounding than other recent songs. They're as western sounding to me, just with different influences than the stuff today. More pop to be exact than her recent upbeat dance releases. I mean, what is a distinctive JPop sound even? If not these sugar pop songs from idol bands and female solos like Kuu in the past?
A big amount of the songs from the "golden era of JPop" could have been released here in the west as well, imo.

And I agree with Kaled, it's just the way Kumi is going. No matter who composes for her. With the previews of Stand by you and Bangerang she e.g. said that there are less instruments used, that's why her voice is so important. If it is good or bad, you decide for yourself.
Besides, the songs on inside are JPop sounding to me and are really well produced so far. Or at least good produced Pop. But maybe that's just me.