Britney Spears vs. Ayumi Hamasaki .....what do you prefer?

[Coelacanth]

Well, I must say.. I think that people actually give Britney too much credit. She will undoubtedly always have a legacy as an excellent stage presence and an all-around great entertainer, but as a critically acclaimed recording artist with any artistic merit? I really don't think so. The success of "Circus" has been catapulted mainly by a combination of cleverly-crafted pop hooks and the public infatuation with her personal life. Otherwise, the album is entirely passionless, much like Britney herself. Her music will always be secondary to her persona as a pop culture icon and everyone's favorite trainwreck.

People need to stop inflating her success as well. I really do not think she's one of the world's biggest singers. Now, is she one of the world's most recognizable singers? Yes, definitely. There's somewhat of a distinction there. To sell 75 million+ records worldwide in such a short period of time is remarkable, but I think the timing of her debut was absolutely everything. I have a hunch that her music will simply not surpass the test of time once she has left the industry.

As for the topic of the thread, Ayu vs. Britney.. It's obvious who my choice would be, I just came here to give my two cents about Britney. Mind you, I think "NEXT LEVEL" is about just as unpassionate as "Circus" is.

[emi♡]

^Perhaps you're right...but I mean...how can we cleverly discern what exactly makes a great artist?

I mean, Ayu doesn't really compose her music or arrange it, or write it to begin with...I think she puts more of herself into it than Britney does I think...but I mean, to me...there isn't like a huge divide between Ayu and Britney. Imagine if Britney wrote all her lyrics and cared more about her music...what would be different besides styles?

I think it's hard for me to see her as just a trainwreck, because I actually know people who love her music...but I think it's true that she has gained more success through other means and that it's never really been about the music with her...imo I think you're right on target, and I have to agree with you.

however...I think that if I were going to choose an artist based on artistic merit...I would choose none of the above in this thread lol

[kang daesung]

Originally Posted by Coelacanth

I really do not think she's one of the world's biggest singers. Now, is she one of the world's most recognizable singers? Yes, definitely. There's somewhat of a distinction there.

Really? What's the difference? I don't see one. And if she's not the biggest singer on the planet, who is? Certainly not Ayumi

Sounds like some Ayumi fans are just jealous that Britney has made a comeback from poor sales (something Ayumi has not been able to do). Britney is more successful in the States and more popular than Ayumi has ever been in Japan, and for good reason.

At least she doesn't make total clunkers like pretty much of all of NEXT LEVEL...

[ayumisrael]

Originally Posted by emiko

^Perhaps you're right...but I mean...how can we cleverly discern what exactly makes a great artist?

I mean, Ayu doesn't really compose her music or arrange it, or write it to begin with...I think she puts more of herself into it than Britney does I think...but I mean, to me...there isn't like a huge divide between Ayu and Britney. Imagine if Britney wrote all her lyrics and cared more about her music...what would be different besides styles?

ayu did compose some of her most successful songs like M and evolution, and unlike Britney, ayu writes lyrics of all of her songs and this isn't a personality issue, it's an artistical issue.
Of course you don't have to write lyrics or compose to be a good singer, but also in the artistical criteria ayu passes Britney.

[StarSUCKER]

Originally Posted by kang daesung

Sounds like some Ayumi fans are just jealous that Britney has made a comeback from poor sales (something Ayumi has not been able to do).

It's possible some people feel this way, but for me (and no doubt many others), this is far from the truth. I like the idea of Ayu succeeding, but I also like her music for what it is, so whether or not the public likes her music has no influence on whether or not I like it.

Sure, the public loves Britney. They loved watching her transform from bizarre combination of sex and saccharine into the poster girl for the word "trainwreck." They like following her obsessively, her antics, her dancing, complaining about her Autotuned voice while still listening to it, her erratic phases and behaviors, and watching her new videos while cheering, "***** is back!"

The public still likes her music. And that's fine. This is the same public that thought it was a good idea to give Soulja Boy (and countless other people with no real merit) any kind of attention, and actually has an interest in what Paris Hilton's (and countless other people who...well you get it) tiny little thoughts are.

No offense to Britney fans--I'm not trying to imply that all her fans have "issues," but anyone who thinks has to admit the fascination with her personal turmoils and screaming-for-attention maneuvers is somewhere on the demented side. My point is, her popularity has less to do with her actual music and more to do with the weird publicity she gets. ESPECIALLY now, but really even from the start. For those who like her music, again, I am definitely NOT personally attacking you. That stuff is catchy as all hell. But as far as Brit's popularity goes, the music itself just a small part of why she's so well-known.

OF COURSE the public still wants Britney. And OF COURSE some people are ignoring the public and enjoying a generous dose of NEXT LEVEL.

[happiholic★]

Last I checked, this is all a matter of opinion. Both singers deserve credit. No use in trying to prove that one is "better" than the other. I love them both, for different reasons, they both have their good points and bad points. And, I think that most singers signed to a major label are really just products. Ayu may realize it more than Brit, but she still releases things like the AyuxHello Kitty Digital Camera. Just like Brit sells Curious. Both are just attaching their name to something to bring in sales.

[koumori]

Originally Posted by *Petit*

WHat were you wanting to achieve by posting this on an ayu forum?

Probably for a good debate, which it's caused. XD

alternafan000...good points, well made ^o^

[emi♡]

Originally Posted by ayumisrael

ayu did compose some of her most successful songs like M and evolution, and unlike Britney, ayu writes lyrics of all of her songs and this isn't a personality issue, it's an artistical issue.
Of course you don't have to write lyrics or compose to be a good singer, but also in the artistical criteria ayu passes Britney.

lol yes I know this, but it doesn't really make Ayu a composer or an artist comparable to lets say hikki, or dream theater or whoever.

I think when dealing with Ayu and Britney fans, it really is more a matter of personality. People talk all the time about how Ayu has more heart and all of that...but to be honest, I couldn't care less if Ayu was a crack smoking hooker and Britney was God's favorite angel.

or vice versa, which is kinda close to what they actually are I care about the music they put out.

And the fact that Ayu writes her all her lyrics and composed a few songs back in the day, doesn't really make her that much more of an artist than Britney, imo. Of course it does give her SOMETHING...which I guess is enough for some people.

I personally prefer Ayu because...strangely enough, I like her voice over Brit Brit's...and for the most part, her songs are really unique and well made.

[waterballoon]

Honestly, I like them both. And in the end, there isn't any point in say who I prefer, because if I support a singer, I will support him (rarely)/her/them all the way.

Of course, Ayu might be more "honest" and "down-to-earth" compared to Brit... but in the end, does it really matter? We are not listening to them to decide who becomes our girlfriends/wives... I think the music they put out is the MOST important.

And for me, I enjoy both Ayu and Britney's music.

And I think they are both very strong people.

Ayu has her ear problem to deal with, and Britney has her mental breakdown to deal with.

Perhaps for me, I wouldn't be able to handle that and walk out and still release albums/perform tours... but they managed to.

Kudos to both of them.

[Lanz16]

Ayu >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Britney

Britney disappointed me so much as hell when she released In The Zone.


Ayu is much talented and the music is more honest and beautiful.


I look more on the background and the talent of the artist rather than beautiful face.
And image towards to the public is also important for me too.

Originally Posted by hikaricore

Ayumi has more star power than Britney could EVER have.
Britney has sex appeal, which draws WAY too many people to her.

Yes, she's a good dancer. Yes, her songs are catchy. But what Britney doesn't have that Ayu does...is a brain.

Ayumi is lovely, strong, and intelligent. She carries herself well and is truly classy.

I'm sick of sex appeal determining "star power" instead of talent and ablilty.

[extepan]

ayu of course, what an obvious answer!

[*Petit*]

Originally Posted by kang daesung

Really? What's the difference? I don't see one. And if she's not the biggest singer on the planet, who is? Certainly not Ayumi

Sounds like some Ayumi fans are just jealous that Britney has made a comeback from poor sales (something Ayumi has not been able to do). Britney is more successful in the States and more popular than Ayumi has ever been in Japan, and for good reason.

Actually ayu's sales never really bombed, proven by so many things among others a constant achievements of numbr ones.

That aside, you are right, there's not that much of a difference. Actually I think the two of them, much more so than being entertainers or singers, they are personally responsible and attatched to the entertainment "brands" ayumi hamasaki and britney. In many ways they're much like Louis Vuitton, madonna, manchster united or nike if you like. They promote certain goods and have tons of people working for them in their name. It's not really "britney spears" as a person people like, it's the work that is made up by lots of people channeled, or presented by britney because, in return she's a person who is a great instrument in making the most money out of those people's production. One of the most important people responsible for britney's success is without a doubt max martin who produced virtually all of her biggest hits. For ayu, equally important people musically are HAL and DAI.

Personally I think that in japan people are much more aware of this, it's something out in the open. To me it seems like western artists are not or at least pretend, not to be aware. That, or as the fan faithfulness is lower, it may be more important for the producrs to find the next "Pretty face"/pretty voice" rather than to put a lot of effort into one person.

ANyways, ayu spoke openly about this in her talkasia interview. It boils down to her being a product. I think she realised this very early as her fame exploded so quickly and this is also why she has taken a much bigger part in her on "merchandise" (yes this includes everything from the brand of clothes she promoted to her concrts and CDs/DVDs). She has obiously emplyed some of the best marketing people in japan which helps her to keep her brand up to date and in demand.

IMO, and it's not really a critique, it's more the result of a personal choice we should respect, it didn't seem britny realised this. If she had, I don't think she would've done the things she did, because as all japanese artists repeat all the time, they will do anything for their fans and thank them ovr and over for buying their stuff. IMO many western artists lack this respect for the people supporting them and thus giving them their daily bread and butter.

[JackieRos]

the heck i never heard Ayumi called Britney a product

Although Hamasaki initially supported the exploitation of her popularity for commercial purposes, saying that it was "necessary that she is viewed as a product", she eventually opposed Avex's decision to market her as a "product rather than a person".

Ayumi views herself as a product (i think used to)

I remember in the Duty days that in this magazine they called Ayumi "The Britney Spears of Japan" and I felt disgusted because Britney is no way close to Ayumi
and now Ayumi is "The Madonna of Japan"

[emi♡]

Originally Posted by *Petit*

Actually ayu's sales never really bombed, proven by so many things among others a constant achievements of numbr ones.

That aside, you are right, there's not that much of a difference. Actually I think the two of them, much more so than being entertainers or singers, they are personally responsible and attatched to the entertainment "brands" ayumi hamasaki and britney. In many ways they're much like Louis Vuitton, madonna, manchster united or nike if you like. They promote certain goods and have tons of people working for them in their name. It's not really "britney spears" as a person people like, it's the work that is made up by lots of people channeled, or presented by britney because, in return she's a person who is a great instrument in making the most money out of those people's production. One of the most important people responsible for britney's success is without a doubt max martin who produced virtually all of her biggest hits. For ayu, equally important people musically are HAL and DAI.

Personally I think that in japan people are much more aware of this, it's something out in the open. To me it seems like western artists are not or at least pretend, not to be aware. That, or as the fan faithfulness is lower, it may be more important for the producrs to find the next "Pretty face"/pretty voice" rather than to put a lot of effort into one person.

ANyways, ayu spoke openly about this in her talkasia interview. It boils down to her being a product. I think she realised this very early as her fame exploded so quickly and this is also why she has taken a much bigger part in her on "merchandise" (yes this includes everything from the brand of clothes she promoted to her concrts and CDs/DVDs). She has obiously emplyed some of the best marketing people in japan which helps her to keep her brand up to date and in demand.

IMO, and it's not really a critique, it's more the result of a personal choice we should respect, it didn't seem britny realised this. If she had, I don't think she would've done the things she did, because as all japanese artists repeat all the time, they will do anything for their fans and thank them ovr and over for buying their stuff. IMO many western artists lack this respect for the people supporting them and thus giving them their daily bread and butter.

How interesting your point of view is!

You always have something interesting to add to the discussion

Originally Posted by JackieRos

the heck i never heard Ayumi called Britney a product

Although Hamasaki initially supported the exploitation of her popularity for commercial purposes, saying that it was "necessary that she is viewed as a product", she eventually opposed Avex's decision to market her as a "product rather than a person".

Ayumi views herself as a product (i think used to)

I remember in the Duty days that in this magazine they called Ayumi "The Britney Spears of Japan" and I felt disgusted because Britney is no way close to Ayumi
and now Ayumi is "The Madonna of Japan"

? Ayu is still, and will always be a product. Until she turns into a non-profit organization...that's just the reality of it all. She doesn't like it...but I think she knows it's not going to change, and she makes the best out of it.

I personally have always felt more correlation with Ayu and Madonna than with Ayu and Britney...I don't really know if there is a "Britney of Japan." I'm not saying they're similar in music or quality of music...just their staying power...

although Madonna is a lot bigger than Ayu whatever...I just liked Petit's post.

[JackieRos]

^ Utada on Z100 compared herself mainly like Mariah Carey and she also mentioned Britney Spears

[*Petit*]

^
It's not about how "close" someone are in terms of likeness (appearance/musical), neithr is it about who's "better" or more popular, it's how they are marketed and presented to the public. If you read my post I was in no way adressing how much the two are involved in their songs neither how they dress or how popular they are, but rather the presentation and promotion, and also the work behind the facade, that will make the public keep an intrsted and (litrally) listn to them and their works = making money for a whole lot of people. I do realise they don't always appeal to the same people (allthough I would say they are competing for an overlapping audience), it's like comparing adidas to hello kitty.

emiko; thank you so much! ^_^

[Kingdom]

i prefer britney's music but i think ayumi makes the better role model.

they are both pop products. to say one is better than the other is like saying apples are better than oranges.

[Yum!Fruit_Salad!]

I listen to Ayu for her thoughts and listen to Britney to shake my ass. Without either one, I don't think I'd listen to music as much.

[Zeke.]

Originally Posted by kang daesung

Me. Britney is much more talented than Ayumi, IMO. She's a much better singer, writer and looks prettier too. And a way better dancer.

Lol, I'm not bashing but seriously...

Much better singer? - she never sings live and Ayu's voice is so strong.

Writer? - ... Uhm, she has never really written a song entirely on her own.

Prettier? - Ayu is drop dead gorgeous and looks much younger than Brit.

Dancer? - Maybe so. Lol.

[ayumixfan]

Originally Posted by Love Shine

Last I checked, this is all a matter of opinion. Both singers deserve credit. No use in trying to prove that one is "better" than the other. I love them both, for different reasons, they both have their good points and bad points. And, I think that most singers signed to a major label are really just products. Ayu may realize it more than Brit, but she still releases things like the AyuxHello Kitty Digital Camera. Just like Brit sells Curious. Both are just attaching their name to something to bring in sales.

agreed : ) ~! I really don't think one is bbetter than the other. I like britney better personally but I don't think she PWNS ayu or anything.

^ I think writer is a matter of opinion. Britney does co-compose some of her songs. Although it might not be the whole song but some people find ayu's compositions boring, and actually like britney's co-compositions.

Beauty is debatable too.... lets just not start this topic because its just an opinion and i'm not going to say ur opinion is wrong.

Singer, I say that depends too because like I said, just because britney lip syncs doesn't give us reason to say she can't sing. she's just veery lazy. She was on the mickey mouse club for singing so she has to have some talent in it XD. Although, I guess its hard to compare her singing now because she's never singing live now >_<

In the end, this thread is opinionated and both singers are aritsts even if you don't like one or the other.