Disappointing 10th anniversary.

[terra]

I dunno how to say, I was both disappointed and *quite* excited with what she done this year...though all seems ordinary,,

IMO she needs some rest but still, she could do a better job even though she's taking a break,, well at least release a new single....

[Piccolo]

I think a lot people complain every year how she doesn't deliver anymore. Does it really matter that her 10th anniversary is "subpar"? What if she has an awesome 11th year? People won't care about this year anymore, hahaha

[Delirium-Zer0]

I'm not at all disappointed in Ayu's level of output this year. I AM kinda wondering why Avex hasn't released something that half of us love and the other half get angry about. You know, like A BALLADS or her remix albums.

I'm still waiting for full-length versions of some of ayu's remixes. There's ample opportunity there. Where's the ayu-mi-x 5 stuff? HMM? There's still one remix from ayu-mi-x 3 that we still don't have yet, and long versions of TONS of remixes that we've only heard radio edits of.

Come on avex, take advantage of us, please? Some of us actually WANT this stuff released. ;_;

Either that or a CD of demos & such. The CM versions or earlier incarnations of songs. I'd love to hear that stuff. but nooo. ;_;

Avex makes me sad.

[perfectodub]

i have to say i 'm really bouring about this "all-the-year-on-stage" stuff, and just 3 single per year

and more frutating is the fact that all her last concert (2007/2008) are really really LAME as an eternal DEJA VU
about the 2008 concert reading the set list and watching the pictures sounds like another "so so" concert

the high point of ayu was the arena 2005 and 2006 tours..after that she is recycling her great past ideas.

[milky_way]

Maybe some of us were just expecting AVEX to milk the hell out of Ayu's 10th anniversary

[Ayumiko]

I'm in a way also disappointed about this year in terms of the releases. I rather her replace the remix albums and the 10 vinyls to some kind of box set or a re-recorded version of her first album. I was also hoping for a 3 single release this year but it doesn't look like it will happen unless she releases her next one in september and her third one in november before she releases a new album in december or january.

Right now I'm starting to not like how she looks so chunky and showing her cleavage so much. She was so healthy fit back in 2005. Its not like she's fat right now...her stomach isn't sticking out or anything but she doesn't have a waist anymore...its like straight down. Its so weird...she wasn't as chunky like late 07 and early 08.

[DA1SUK1DAY01691]

I REALLY wanna stress what Chibi_Venus said earlier!

Originally Posted by Chibi_Venus

We've had an album at the beginning of 2008. Okay, so it didn't hit the number one spot like her other albums. So? Big deal. A lot of people seemed to like it anyway.

Which is TOTALLY true. Together When... is still one of my ringtones. I thought that album was truly something that only Ayu can pull off (sure, some songs may have been weaker than it should have been, but think about it. She put A LOT more time and effort than Secret, so it must have much more feeling in it, too.)

She's released two (TWO!) remix albums after a whopping six years! In my opinion, a lot of people were very impressed with them (even with the bad "Greatful days" remix! XD).

Again, TOTALLY true. Every year for six years, countless people complain that they wanted more remixes. Then when she finally releases them, those same people (that are loud enough) COMPLAIN about them. I mean, give her (and her remixers) a break! She put out top-notch material (aren't they the highest charting remix albums in a while?), so suck it up and deal with it.

The ASIA TOUR 2007 package was finally released after practically a year. This tour was filled with amazing performances and tons of behind-the-scenes footage that was just incredible to see.

My ONLY complaint would be the inability to view the concert, then view the documentary. The concert loses steam with the clips shoved inbetween, so an option to remove/insert it would have been nice, along with an option to view the documentary seperately in its entirety. But other than that, the concert was AMAZING (the 1 LOVE, until that Day..., and Boys & Girls performances were stuck in my head for the longest time), and it was refreshing to see her boundless energy mirror the energy given from her crowds (not to mention seeing her dance!).

She released the extended version of the miraculous "Mirror" into "Mirrorcle World" (no pun intended) exactly ten years after the release of "poker face." Sure, I've heard both positive and negative reviews, but a majority seem to love this song.

Mirrorcle World is the PERFECT song for her 10th anniversary. The lyrics match PERFECTLY with the theme of her career: sorrow. Just think about it, that last part of the song. IT'S FREAKIN' PERFECT.

She's holding a SECOND ASIA TOUR; not only that, but it's extended throughout the year with Japan in the spring/summer and the rest of Asia in the fall. I'm sure a lot of people in Asia (outside of Japan) are thrilled. Not only that, but the tracklist, the costumes, the set, all of it seems to be getting high and positive reviews.

AND TO THOSE THAT COMPLAIN THAT SHE'S ONLY FOCUSING ON HER TOUR: remember that she was based solely in Japan. She caters to her loyal Japanese fans because that's where she is, that's where 99% of her important sales come from. Only recently has she spread herself (on her terms, basically) into other regions of the world, so she's putting an importance to her expansion. She knows about us other countries, but she doesn't feel ready to cater to us yet.

As for magazines, she's appeared in not only regular issues, but ones such as VoCE and Kodokawa (after three years!). She had a photoshoot in two issues of Bea's Up, Cawaii, SCawaii, Sweet, and two issues of ViVi!

I never really cared about magazines myself unless she's on the cover. Ahaha, then I'll buy it. But without much to promote, it's amazing that she's doing this much at all. Right?

Think that was enough? Our dear Ayu even squeezed in a date for a-nation '08 even when she wasn't initially going to perform!

Which is AMAZING, considering she would need to make more costumes and may be even routines.

And Ayumi_lover reminded me of another thing by mentioning WACOAL promotion. That was such a huge (well, big) step of something new from Ayu. I must say I admire her bravery yet pride in her beauty.

I think that it really was a big step in her career to do the WACOAL promotion. Of course, it's for "Mama", so she would do it to start with, but to do it internationally will really jettison her into the spotlight around the world. She's not gonna be one of those models that try to sing or do other things; SHE ALREADY DID IT. It's really good that she's doing this, since she can pull off a Madonna and start taking over the world.

Chibi_Venus' comment was one of the most level-headed posts I've seen in my three years here, since it was based on many different factors, not just releases and other physical stuff. Thanks for your insight, it brought a lot of stuff to my attention, and made me think more as if I was in Japan, compared to if I really was in Hawaii; it made me realize that Ayu must be ALL OVER Japan right now.

[ayumisrael]

Originally Posted by Chibi_Venus

...

You guys are kidding, right?

She needs a BREAK and you guys are expecting, like, magic to come flying out of her butt!

Okay, let me start over.

We've had an album at the beginning of 2008. Okay, so it didn't hit the number one spot like her other albums. So? Big deal. A lot of people seemed to like it anyway.

She's released two (TWO!) remix albums after a whopping six years! In my opinion, a lot of people were very impressed with them (even with the bad "Greatful days" remix! XD).

The ASIA TOUR 2007 package was finally released after practically a year. This tour was filled with amazing performances and tons of behind-the-scenes footage that was just incredible to see.

She released the extended version of the miraculous "Mirror" into "Mirrorcle World" (no pun intended) exactly ten years after the release of "poker face." Sure, I've heard both positive and negative reviews, but a majority seem to love this song.

She's holding a SECOND ASIA TOUR; not only that, but it's extended throughout the year with Japan in the spring/summer and the rest of Asia in the fall. I'm sure a lot of people in Asia (outside of Japan) are thrilled. Not only that, but the tracklist, the costumes, the set, all of it seems to be getting high and positive reviews.

As for magazines, she's appeared in not only regular issues, but ones such as VoCE and Kodokawa (after three years!). She had a photoshoot in two issues of Bea's Up, Cawaii, SCawaii, Sweet, and two issues of ViVi!

Think that was enough? Our dear Ayu even squeezed in a date for a-nation '08 even when she wasn't initially going to perform!

And Ayumi_lover reminded me of another thing by mentioning WACOAL promotion. That was such a huge (well, big) step of something new from Ayu. I must say I admire her bravery yet pride in her beauty.

The girl's lost a boyfriend, a close friend, and her hearing all before her tenth anniversary, yet she is staying strong! She could've easily dropped everything and said, "I need a break!" But no, my friends. Ayumi Hamasaki has worked her butt off in not only staying strong, but trying to continue to keep her fans (and staff!) happy. I must say, brava for her!

Yes, this is my opinion. And, no, you may not agree with it. But I just want to state my opinion(s) and raise my voice. I've received more from Ayu than I honestly expected. Sorry if anything sounds harsh, but I just want people to realize all that she's done so far (and the year's only half over!). You can stick with your opinions, for I don't expect anyone's to change after reading mine. Once again, I just wanted to state them.

I agree with you so much.

We still don't know what will happen next too!
She might end up this year with another single (or two) and a new album.

[Sweet_Ai]

Originally Posted by Chibi_Venus

...

You guys are kidding, right?

She needs a BREAK and you guys are expecting, like, magic to come flying out of her butt!

Okay, let me start over.

We've had an album at the beginning of 2008. Okay, so it didn't hit the number one spot like her other albums. So? Big deal. A lot of people seemed to like it anyway.

She's released two (TWO!) remix albums after a whopping six years! In my opinion, a lot of people were very impressed with them (even with the bad "Greatful days" remix! XD).

The ASIA TOUR 2007 package was finally released after practically a year. This tour was filled with amazing performances and tons of behind-the-scenes footage that was just incredible to see.

She released the extended version of the miraculous "Mirror" into "Mirrorcle World" (no pun intended) exactly ten years after the release of "poker face." Sure, I've heard both positive and negative reviews, but a majority seem to love this song.

She's holding a SECOND ASIA TOUR; not only that, but it's extended throughout the year with Japan in the spring/summer and the rest of Asia in the fall. I'm sure a lot of people in Asia (outside of Japan) are thrilled. Not only that, but the tracklist, the costumes, the set, all of it seems to be getting high and positive reviews.

As for magazines, she's appeared in not only regular issues, but ones such as VoCE and Kodokawa (after three years!). She had a photoshoot in two issues of Bea's Up, Cawaii, SCawaii, Sweet, and two issues of ViVi!

Think that was enough? Our dear Ayu even squeezed in a date for a-nation '08 even when she wasn't initially going to perform!

And Ayumi_lover reminded me of another thing by mentioning WACOAL promotion. That was such a huge (well, big) step of something new from Ayu. I must say I admire her bravery yet pride in her beauty.

The girl's lost a boyfriend, a close friend, and her hearing all before her tenth anniversary, yet she is staying strong! She could've easily dropped everything and said, "I need a break!" But no, my friends. Ayumi Hamasaki has worked her butt off in not only staying strong, but trying to continue to keep her fans (and staff!) happy. I must say, brava for her!

Yes, this is my opinion. And, no, you may not agree with it. But I just want to state my opinion(s) and raise my voice. I've received more from Ayu than I honestly expected. Sorry if anything sounds harsh, but I just want people to realize all that she's done so far (and the year's only half over!). You can stick with your opinions, for I don't expect anyone's to change after reading mine. Once again, I just wanted to state them.

AMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN!!! Let her rest please! You all act like she is super woman! I really have nothing else to add to this comment! :applause:

[Tasked]

the only thing that's really awesome in this year is the fact that she got Ayu-mi-x back! When that happened, it seemed like it'd be a real 10th anniversary-year... but now it kinda isn't... But the year's not over, as you said.. Maybe the next single will be surprisingly good, and there'll be other things in store for us... who knows.. as for the break-thing? Ayu's a superstar; they shouldn't rest all in 1 go; they should rest in between. And this year it seems like she's been able to do that.. but of course you don't know what she's working on that we don't know about

[Melrose]

Life was a new song (1), MW was a remix (0.5), DoY minor remix (0.25), YOU minor remix (0.25): 2-A side single. Fine in my books lol. I dont really get what you're all expecting.. A triple A-side single like H and &? I doubt that's ever going to happen. She probably wants to keep new songs to her album so it sells better. Imagine if t2m would have had (d)lma and glitter had MY ALL. Lol way down go the album sales. Idk. I guess compared with western artists she's still holy esh fast. Avril only releases every 3 years or so. XD

@Chibi_Venus: Ummm she didn't lose her (half) hearing right before her anniversary.. And her A-Nation performance was probably planned way ahead.

[KarenPang]

maybe the best's yet to come since there's still time before 2009 rolls out

[HanabiChick]

There hasn't been much releases, yes, but there's still time for Ayu and Avex to produce something once the tour is over, who knows, they might have something planned for then. With such a big tour this year, it's hard to produce music, it seems like Ayu is busy enough at the moment.

[Lanz16]

Nope, I wasn't disappointed or something about her 10th year anniversary.
I was so happy for her that she made a very huge contribution on the Jpop industry like a home to her.

The one thing that I was terribly sad is that she releases "less" new singles.

As of now, Ayu focuses more on her upcoming 2nd Asian tour than making a new single which we all anticipating a-LOT(Including me)!

Oh well, I hope AVEX do something to produce more singles, a strong album, or even more tours in the future(or even now).

[KarenPang]

lol you guys were talking about this issue & then a fairy godmother came along & bring you this -> http://www.ahsforum.com/forum/showth...15#post1558115

[alternarist]

Sad to say that the tour of 2008 is also the most saddening one. Every single news is focusing on ayu's deafness and the death of her best friend. It's filled with sorrow i guess.

But hey!! 2008 is only 50% over!! we still have more to come!! or probably there will be more albums released in the future!!

[PrincessAyu]

Wow, I never thought you of all people would make this thread because usually bad opinions about Ayu get slapped upon by you since you adore ayu the most in the forum I think :p

However, "Does anyone else feel that Ayu just isn't delivering right now in the "WOW" department?"

Ayu hasn't been delivering in the "WOW department" since 2006 if you ask me. I am totally uninterested in Ayu these days. I'm following artists that are very creative and inspiring to me right now, such as Namie Amuro, BoA, Koda Kumi and a few older artists I only discovered just now (such as Yuki Kimura).

Ayu, I'm sure she's doing her best, but for a 10th anniversary what she's doing is indeed mwaaah (mediocre) and I can't say I like anythign about Ayu recently. If I'm listening to Ayu at all these days it's old songs I love or ayu trance.

I just think Ayu's super great "WOW" days are over. Sad to say, but that's what I think.

Originally Posted by perfectodub

and more frutating is the fact that all her last concert (2007/2008) are really really LAME as an eternal DEJA VU
about the 2008 concert reading the set list and watching the pictures sounds like another "so so" concert

the high point of ayu was the arena 2005 and 2006 tours..after that she is recycling her great past ideas.

^ EXACTLY. -__-"

[freedreamer]

Originally Posted by KarenPang

lol you guys were talking about this issue & then a fairy godmother came along & bring you this -> http://www.ahsforum.com/forum/showth...15#post1558115

LOL YEA THATS WAD I TOT...its better than nothing...

[music_*]

Originally Posted by Chibi_Venus

...

You guys are kidding, right?

She needs a BREAK and you guys are expecting, like, magic to come flying out of her butt!

Okay, let me start over.

We've had an album at the beginning of 2008. Okay, so it didn't hit the number one spot like her other albums. So? Big deal. A lot of people seemed to like it anyway.

She's released two (TWO!) remix albums after a whopping six years! In my opinion, a lot of people were very impressed with them (even with the bad "Greatful days" remix! XD).

The ASIA TOUR 2007 package was finally released after practically a year. This tour was filled with amazing performances and tons of behind-the-scenes footage that was just incredible to see.

She released the extended version of the miraculous "Mirror" into "Mirrorcle World" (no pun intended) exactly ten years after the release of "poker face." Sure, I've heard both positive and negative reviews, but a majority seem to love this song.

She's holding a SECOND ASIA TOUR; not only that, but it's extended throughout the year with Japan in the spring/summer and the rest of Asia in the fall. I'm sure a lot of people in Asia (outside of Japan) are thrilled. Not only that, but the tracklist, the costumes, the set, all of it seems to be getting high and positive reviews.

As for magazines, she's appeared in not only regular issues, but ones such as VoCE and Kodokawa (after three years!). She had a photoshoot in two issues of Bea's Up, Cawaii, SCawaii, Sweet, and two issues of ViVi!

Think that was enough? Our dear Ayu even squeezed in a date for a-nation '08 even when she wasn't initially going to perform!

And Ayumi_lover reminded me of another thing by mentioning WACOAL promotion. That was such a huge (well, big) step of something new from Ayu. I must say I admire her bravery yet pride in her beauty.

The girl's lost a boyfriend, a close friend, and her hearing all before her tenth anniversary, yet she is staying strong! She could've easily dropped everything and said, "I need a break!" But no, my friends. Ayumi Hamasaki has worked her butt off in not only staying strong, but trying to continue to keep her fans (and staff!) happy. I must say, brava for her!

Yes, this is my opinion. And, no, you may not agree with it. But I just want to state my opinion(s) and raise my voice. I've received more from Ayu than I honestly expected. Sorry if anything sounds harsh, but I just want people to realize all that she's done so far (and the year's only half over!). You can stick with your opinions, for I don't expect anyone's to change after reading mine. Once again, I just wanted to state them.

Brava! You said all that I wanted to all. (:

I think that she should take a short break (maybe 2-3 months?), rest (her ear!!! O: ) and get refreshed after her tour.
She may be Ayu, but she's still human afterall.
(And she can come back, swoop us off our feet with a great new single! )

[Melrose]

Originally Posted by PrincessAyu

I just think Ayu's super great "WOW" days are over. Sad to say, but that's what I think.

^ EXACTLY. -__-"

Idk, what defines a WOW factor? ;p In 2007 she didn't even release a new album, and imo the GUILTY factor was too rockish. XD But for someone who loves rock maybe this era was the wow factor for them? Idk I dont really need a wow factor. Its good music and thats all that counts for me ^^

Also I thought that AT08 was the best tour ever. :x And not saying that because it's new. FINALLY no AUDIENCE or UNITE or Boys & Girls in the main set list!! =D And the set list is just amazing..<33 I just wish she'd come up with something new for the "sexy dance" session >_> aka. my name's WOMEN/GAME aka. 1 LOVE/until that Day... aka. (don't)Leave me alone/decision. It's so easy to come up with new stuff. =o I mean, she could stand on a pillar that rises from the ground at the catwalk area? Or maybe being lift in the air with a huge cape that kind of covers the back of the stage and images are projected on it? Idk she needs to get a new creative designer