Maybe this is just a result of engaging in far too much unhealthy Ayu-fangirling behavior, but I just had to point this out. Pardon me if this is not the most suitable place for this topic.
After about a year, I downloaded Rina Aiuchi's song 'Ruby Stars' from her 'Over Shine' single after having heard it on SongJapan. The first time I listened I thought it reminded me of something...something particularly Ayu-esque. Upon download, it hit me how eerily similar 'Ruby Stars' is to 'A Song for XX'.
You can have a listen to Rina's song here on
YouSendIt
The melody of course is different. However, the structure of both songs seem to develop the same way, to the point where I wonder if it was simply coincidence. Listen section by section of each song to understand what I mean. While I'm sure a lot of songs have even the 'lalala's (or 'lalaLAI's a la Ayu) at the end, the effect seems to be about the same. The length of each section in one song also closely correlates with the other. And the songs are only four seconds different in length, and only because 'Ruby Stars' drags the ending out a little more. If these songs were played on the same key, the similarities would be even more apparent. I definitely feel there is more to it than typical pop song formulas. Besides neither song has an especially cliche arrangement.
It gives me, as well as the few friends I brought this up to, a little chill up our spines! Whoo.
And now I ask. Is it possible that the composer was blatantly inspired by 'A Song for XX'? Perhaps the insert in the Rina album 'Ruby Stars' belongs to clearly indicates this and I'm just not aware. Otherwise, it's just uncanny!