[tokyoxjapanxfan]

I'm not replying to anyone in particular lol.
Just going with the theme of the thread~

I was under the impression she was coaxed into writing lyrics, and her sound was more of an "anti" Komuro.

1998 was still huge into dance music, but Max took her into a completely different direction. And lyrics became the forefront of her music as opposed to just the sound. (At the time, this was pretty rare.)

I also heard that the reason for poker face's cover hiding her face was because Max wanted her to sell for more than her image. (But I don't have sources for this...)

Personally I believe that Ayu, when produced by Max, was still having to listen and abide by his direction. I'm sure she had the ability to voice her opinion, but it's -very- possible that Max wanted her to look like she was in complete control, even if she wasn't. To make her seem more than she might have really been. To make her star factor even bigger.

I mean, she was at one time the most profitable person for Avex. I truly doubt any company would have been letting such a person do as they please.

I do think there was -a lot- of work going on in the background.

I think Ayu is far more in control now. Which could be the reason quality has started to diminish. She doesn't have someone guiding her in any specific direction like Max had done.

Obviously we will only ever have theories.

But to me, the Ayu many people long for, was Ayu as the product. Not Ayu as the individual.

Even remix albums, I've heard, were completely because Max wanted to do them, and sell them, and market her in such a way. We all know A Best was an Avex decision as well.

Anyway, none of these things are bad things. And they're just my thoughts and what I've heard over the years haha. Take them with a grain of salt.

I still love Ayu, but there are things that I think she could benefit greatly from by changing.