Overrated

[SunshineSlayer]

To me, she isn't overrated at all. I love her lyrics, voice, and music. But ultimately it was the power and emotion that she puts into her live performances that drew me in the most.

[Piccolo]

Overrated? How do you rate people's taste? It all depends on what qualities you like about your artist. Since Ayumi has been so dominating in the music industry for some time now, it's pretty obvious that people who like other singers will call her overrated. No matter who you are, once you are popular there will always be people who hate you, think you're ugly, suck, can't sing, list goes on....

[ImpactBreaker]

Originally Posted by Akurei

ok I see but doesn't she have other talents

That's where people underrates ayu in my opinion.

A lot of people think her vocals aren't good. A song is not just made of vocals. A song has lyrics, composition arrangement, instruments and yep the promotion it gets which includes cover art, the image the artist puts in and a lot more things. When people are referring how much they like ayumi hamasaki even though they seem to refer to "ayumi hamasaki" it's quite obvious you are actually indirectly referring to ayu AND her team. I think her songs have some of the best compositions among other japanese artists, no wonder so many people fall instantly in love with them no matter how they like or dislike her vocals. And she makes interesting playing with sounds and lyrics (but people doesn't seem to notice that) in songs like "ourselves", I think that is really cool. Also a lot of people say it's all about her image, well the image does play a great role - ayu "the character" makes you get involved with her. Her lyrics are personal and her PVs tell a piece of the history of this character. Another thing is the fact she's a POP artist doesn't make her stuck into the usual JPOP melodies, differently she tries other genres like different types of rock, arabic, spanish, all those club genres which I can't relly tell which is which, trance, she has a wide variety of songs on her repertoire. And god she's not lazy like Utada and Tomiko Van who releases stuff once in a blue moon or take 2 years vacations, she works a lot, has gotten a terrible ear problem (losing the hearing should be reason enough for her to think about quitting the job in order to not damage it much ore but she is still there working on a regular basis) and is still producing music.
And about her vocals well she has put a lot of distinctiveness over them in a way you will say "Oh that's ayu trademark". I think that is something to be prized. Funny enough it was her vocals that made her to turn into my favorite artist. I used to listen to other singers with "no squeeky voice, no vibratoes..". Forme they all sounded the same..I needed something different and a less pre-produced diva formula which I was annoyed of honestly.

[gakkun]

I don't think the concept of 'overrated' exists when it comes to Ayu...it's not like Ayu was meant to be popular because of her talents in the first place. Like all the Jpop queens before her, she's just a product. Of course they've got to have SOME special talent, and in Ayu's case its her lyrics and personal experiences which contributed to her uber fame. But when it comes down to it, she's just a product. She's not a great composer at all and alot of the songs only grabbed our ears because of the arrangement, not the lyrics.

Originally Posted by ImpactBreaker

That's where people underrates ayu in my opinion.

And god she's not lazy like Utada and Tomiko Van who releases stuff once in a blue moon or take 2 years vacations, she works a lot, has gotten a terrible ear problem (losing the hearing should be reason enough for her to think about quitting the job in order to not damage it much ore but she is still there working on a regular basis) and is still producing music.

I really doubt that artists have a say in how much work they get. Well Hikki may just be lazy, but for Tomiko Van first I think Dai is having a break so she has no composer and Avex might be short budgeted to produce for them or maybe they just aren't popular enough anymore. Same thing can be said for Ayu, the company might be pushing her and she will have no say in it. I really don't think she has more work than any other Japanese...

[lovia]

i never think she is overrated... i think she is too UNIQUE!! yesh, her voice is definitely different from other singers!! she can reach extremely high notes and low notes, which i think not many singers can really do it... say if i compared to utada, she actually cant really hit high note, and i hate it when i hear she sing the lower note of the song instead of the high one which i think the song becomes kinda funny so i never really listen her songs, yah utada might have her talent but i think she still lacks a lot as an idol. (ok, no offence to any utada's fans, though i dun really like her, esp her voice) ayumi , IMO, is a very successful i idol. she just gets u into her and u will just like her, not only through her music, her image, her fashion, her lyrics, her music videos, and whatever she does, it just gets into u so naturally, so how can one forgets about her even when there are more new stars coming up today. furthermore, ayu is ever changing! she knows she cant be the same everytime, so she is changing all the time, however, each time she changes, there is for sure someone who can accept and someone who dont.. u see.... overrated is just some unawarenness of one's conscious... i mean it is just that u are unaware that u are actually noticing her no matter what she does, so there is no doubt that will make u think she is everywhere.. she just gets into u when u see her a few times.... tt's the power of a real women i think?
how about other singers or actors / actresses.... how about all those johnnys (i doubt many know them here ) the johnnys junior are always making appearance everywhere but why didnt i heard anyone say they are overrated but in the other way round they just get more and more better comments... or do u think that it is just bcoz of those gals being crazy over those boys? these johnny's juniors most of them also have cms of their own, weekly performance of their own, dramas; the other singers too, they also have their own drama, songs, cms....

overrated? i think it is just some biased opinions, someone's wishful thinking of their own, some stubborn thinking?

Originally Posted by gakkun

I don't think the concept of 'overrated' exists when it comes to Ayu...it's not like Ayu was meant to be popular because of her talents in the first place. Like all the Jpop queens before her, she's just a product. Of course they've got to have SOME special talent, and in Ayu's case its her lyrics and personal experiences which contributed to her uber fame. But when it comes down to it, she's just a product. She's not a great composer at all and alot of the songs only grabbed our ears because of the arrangement, not the lyrics.

I really doubt that artists have a say in how much work they get. Well Hikki may just be lazy, but for Tomiko Van first I think Dai is having a break so she has no composer and Avex might be short budgeted to produce for them or maybe they just aren't popular enough anymore. Same thing can be said for Ayu, the company might be pushing her and she will have no say in it. I really don't think she has more work than any other Japanese...

What you say is true, in Japan the companies have a LOT more say in the releases and schedules of the artists than in America. I don't mean to suggest that it's a tyranny because artists do have input but management has to more or less approve it.

Also, to say that other artists are lazy just because they are not as prolific is insulting. Japanese people as a whole work really hard because it's part of what they've grown up with; the work ethic is very strong.

[ImpactBreaker]

Originally Posted by devilayu

Also, to say that other artists are lazy just because they are not as prolific is insulting. Japanese people as a whole work really hard because it's part of what they've grown up with; the work ethic is very strong.

That is a stereotype which is much more insulting. There are lazy people everywhere in the world. Japan is not immune to that. Plus saying they're overly controlled by the record company, I think differently from you, I actualy find japanese artists much more independent. They will release something when they want to....avex has a lot of artists that give them much less money than DAI but who are releasing stuff on a regular basis. It's not like it is avex who has been forcing DAI not to release stuff (sorry to sound picky over DAI). Plus japanese artists aren't usually forced to "rush" an album. They will usually release several singles...something that doesn't happen with some of the most famous american artists who makes 2-3 songs and are quickly forced to fill an album with the rest.
And there needs no proof to say that Utada is a bit lazy. She was pretty ashamed when asked in that radio interview if she had done many tours...and the truth is she doesn't. An artist with the fame she has was at least expected to make quite some several public concerts - to at least get near the people who support her but seems like she prefers the "Distance" LOL, that's exactly what the guys presenting the radio interview were thinking when they asked that.

Originally Posted by ImpactBreaker

That is a stereotype which is much more insulting. There are lazy people everywhere in the world. Japan is not immune to that. Plus saying they're overly controlled by the record company, I think differently from you, I actualy find japanese artists much more independent. They will release something when they want to....avex has a lot of artists that give them much less money than DAI but who are releasing stuff on a regular basis. It's not like it is avex who has been forcing DAI not to release stuff (sorry to sound picky over DAI). Plus japanese artists aren't usually forced to "rush" an album. They will usually release several singles...something that doesn't happen with some of the most famous american artists who makes 2-3 songs and are quickly forced to fill an album with the rest.
And there needs no proof to say that Utada is a bit lazy. She was pretty ashamed when asked in that radio interview if she had done many tours...and the truth is she doesn't. An artist with the fame she has was at least expected to make quite some several public concerts - to at least get near the people who support her but seems like she prefers the "Distance" LOL, that's exactly what the guys presenting the radio interview were thinking when they asked that.

What's interesting is that all my Japanese teachers (who are native Japanese) and my Japanese friends, when talking about Japan itself, do complain that it is too structured and hardworking. While there are, of course, exceptions to the rule (especially when it comes to the younger generation) it seems true enough. Yes, Japanese people let loose and have fun, but outside of the office.

[nanami606]

Originally Posted by ImpactBreaker

That's where people underrates ayu in my opinion.

A lot of people think her vocals aren't good. A song is not just made of vocals. A song has lyrics, composition arrangement, instruments and yep the promotion it gets which includes cover art, the image the artist puts in and a lot more things. When people are referring how much they like ayumi hamasaki even though they seem to refer to "ayumi hamasaki" it's quite obvious you are actually indirectly referring to ayu AND her team. I think her songs have some of the best compositions among other japanese artists, no wonder so many people fall instantly in love with them no matter how they like or dislike her vocals. And she makes interesting playing with sounds and lyrics (but people doesn't seem to notice that) in songs like "ourselves", I think that is really cool. Also a lot of people say it's all about her image, well the image does play a great role - ayu "the character" makes you get involved with her. Her lyrics are personal and her PVs tell a piece of the history of this character. Another thing is the fact she's a POP artist doesn't make her stuck into the usual JPOP melodies, differently she tries other genres like different types of rock, arabic, spanish, all those club genres which I can't relly tell which is which, trance, she has a wide variety of songs on her repertoire. And god she's not lazy like Utada and Tomiko Van who releases stuff once in a blue moon or take 2 years vacations, she works a lot, has gotten a terrible ear problem (losing the hearing should be reason enough for her to think about quitting the job in order to not damage it much ore but she is still there working on a regular basis) and is still producing music.
And about her vocals well she has put a lot of distinctiveness over them in a way you will say "Oh that's ayu trademark". I think that is something to be prized. Funny enough it was her vocals that made her to turn into my favorite artist. I used to listen to other singers with "no squeeky voice, no vibratoes..". Forme they all sounded the same..I needed something different and a less pre-produced diva formula which I was annoyed of honestly.

Very well said!!!

I love Ayu's voice. It's unique. I loved it back then in the days of The Song for XX and I love it now.

If you don't like it, don't listen. and most of all don't complain. Noone has locked you into a room and made you listen to her songs on repeat.

[Rebirthia]

Originally Posted by BanFan

Yes...

She's very overrated...

People like her for all the wrong reasons. Most people love her fashion etc, and though they like her voice, I find it very irratating. The most important things of songs are vocals and the backing tracks.

I don't think she has a very good voice, at least not anymore. In 1999-2001 she had a good voice, but as good as her next thing after 'I am...', vocals pretty much went downhill...

And better artists are underrated...

you read my mind (wo)man

[Rebirthia]

but still, i'm here, you see! it's kind of addiction

[Rebirthia]

Originally Posted by ImpactBreaker

Another thing is the fact she's a POP artist doesn't make her stuck into the usual JPOP melodies, differently she tries other genres like different types of rock, arabic, spanish, all those club genres which I can't relly tell which is which, trance, she has a wide variety of songs on her repertoire. And god she's not lazy like Utada and Tomiko Van who releases stuff once in a blue moon or take 2 years vacations, she works a lot, has gotten a terrible ear problem (losing the hearing should be reason enough for her to think about quitting the job in order to not damage it much ore but she is still there working on a regular basis) and is still producing music.

just because there are some arabic tone in inspire you can't say she experiments with other types of music,

spanish where? the ready go thing was just visual...

she works a lot because she wants t sell a lot, she herself has said she's a product, she!!!! and you can't fight against THAT!

and well, calling utada lazy is a really funny thing, hahahaha, a son in the world is the most important thing, at least, tht's what i beleived... ... gackt does not release too much either 8more than utada, of course) and i don't consider him a lazy person, he is just perfeccionist and wants to offer an excellent product,

people consumes ayumi, more than getting the true essence that it is inside, and i msut say ther's not too much essence lately....

[ImpactBreaker]

Originally Posted by Cutie Honey

just because there are some arabic tone in inspire you can't say she experiments with other types of music,

spanish where? the ready go thing was just visual...

Hmm I wonder if you have listened to most of her songs: Not just INSPIRE has arabic instrumentation - ourselves and vogue too...she does experiment with other music. That's clearly well known that she is not stuck into the same style. That's why there's so much diversity of tastes between her fans.

Spanish - Duty, the song.
And well at least she admits she is a product...other artists are and don't have her sincerity to admit it

And I think it was mean of my part for using the word lazy...I takle it back but I don't think by the slow pace Utada releases her stuff that she makes that overly brilliant stuff some claim she does. She takes a long time to release something great but not spectacular in any means.

[Rebirthia]

ok ok but i love colors! ^^

[ImpactBreaker]

Originally Posted by Cutie Honey

ok ok but i love colors! ^^

Yep, even if it doesn't sound like it I love Utada. (I shouldn't have used the lazy word, I' kinda sorry). I love all of her albums from First Love to Exodus. And COLORS is amazing!

I also love Tomiko Van. I guess I'm complaining about them because I kinda wish they would satisfy my hunger with more new stuff.

[Bunny]

Originally Posted by nanami606

Noone has locked you into a room and made you listen to her songs on repeat.

That happens to my family all the time

[alterego]

Because she's seems to be over-exposed and she's incredibly popular and huge in Japan.

[Bishoujo Ayumi]

I don't think she is overrated at all. Maybe because I haven't been a fan for long, and I am only aware of what I see of her on the net. I'm not aware of her actions and status in Japan or if people there are sick of seeing her everywhere and if they think she's overrated also.

I don't know enough people personally to say that she is indeed overrated. If I hung around people that talked about her all the time and didn't stop talking about her I would say yes, maybe she is and "you need to stop because it's getting sickening"

I take light doses of her. Usually between albums I kinda drift and start listening to other artists, and then when she hits with new stuff I come back. Right now I've been obsessing over her because of her album being released. I think this isn't the ideal time to ask if she's overrated because this is a high point in her career, releasing a full length orginal album, getting lots of attention.

I think I would think she is overrated if I didn't see people finding her faults. If everyone would say she's perfect, can do no wrong and is the best ever, then I would think she is overrated. I do find it hard to say and hear negative things about her, but sometimes she doesn't appeal to me as much as other things she does.

In conclusion: not overrated, not underrated. I think's she's in between which is a good spot to be.

[Teh Shanno]

I really don't think Ayumi is overrated.
Most of the time people who aren't as famous as most of the singers out there, get jealous and thus say that the singer is overrated, etc. Ayumi has a unique style ranging from what she wears to what she sings and that's why I like her and don't think she's overrated. :3