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

[Amrai-chan]

Originally Posted by Coelacanth

The man who just sold out 50 shows in London this year.

QFT! (And really fast too.)

If Brit can do that in 25 years, I'll take everything I said back. I know Ayu certainly wouldn't be able to either. But my point wasn't so much to compare Ayu and Britney. I was just pointing out that IMO Britney is not as influential as people think she is. She's a household name for pretty much all the wrong reasons.

This too, to a point.

To be honest I don't really think there should be a comparing of Britney and Ayu. They're both pretty different in their own way. I respect both as artists/musicians but I prefer Ayu. Then again that could be because I only know of 3 Britney Spears songs at most.

[Ayumi27]

Originally Posted by Coelacanth

The man who just sold out 50 shows in London this year.

If Brit can do that in 25 years, I'll take everything I said back. I know Ayu certainly wouldn't be able to either. But my point wasn't so much to compare Ayu and Britney. I was just pointing out that IMO Britney is not as influential as people think she is. She's a household name for pretty much all the wrong reasons.

100% agreed
And the possibilities of her achieving what MJ or other big acts have achieved is technically impossible due to low album sales... I mean, no act from now on will be able to record 30-million-copies albums like in the good times

[Kobayashiwoof]

what a stupid comparison.

They are both totally different types of singers and in differently leagues.

But personal taste, Britney for sure, Ayumi lost her spark years ago.

[StarSUCKER]

Don't forget that Britney's career was built around shock value. She was one of the first teenage artists to really get into that innocent/****ty mix that gave America's parents a collective heart attack (I can't say how Europe felt about it because I honestly don't know). That is MASSIVE publicity. Honestly, she basically brought that trend into the mainstream.

She still tries to be shocking, but recent efforts have just been...well...pathetic. For example, the "If U Seek Amy" gimmick...is that what she has to do now to get attention? Spell out the f-word? Fantastic job, Brit...

Musically, a lot of her songs are catchy--especially the slick, pulsating electronic ones of the past few years--but her lyrics are filthy and more or less cliche by this point (and the dirtiness makes the few that aren't nasty seem bizarre to say the least). There's no sincerity.

That's what I like about Ayu most of all. Sincerity.

[ImpactBreaker]

Originally Posted by zelenk0

Don't forget that Britney's career was built around shock value. She was one of the first teenage artists to really get into that innocent/****ty mix that gave America's parents a collective heart attack (I can't say how Europe felt about it because I honestly don't know). That is MASSIVE publicity. Honestly, she basically brought that trend into the mainstream.

She still tries to be shocking, but recent efforts have just been...well...pathetic. For example, the "If U Seek Amy" gimmick...is that what she has to do now to get attention? Spell out the f-word? Fantastic job, Brit...

Musically, a lot of her songs are catchy--especially the slick, pulsating electronic ones of the past few years--but her lyrics are filthy and more or less cliche by this point (and the dirtiness makes the few that aren't nasty seem bizarre to say the least). There's no sincerity.

That's what I like about Ayu most of all. Sincerity.

While maybe Britney does get some attention for her sex appeal, I've barely watched any of her video clips or performances. I've been interested in her music because it's kinda undeniable that she makes infectious pop for people who actually aren't so extremely picky about what they will listen to. Almost 8 years ago or so I started liking her songs because they'd constantly play her over the gym, but I stopped going to gym and listening to radio so I lost interest, but then 5 years ago I start going to clubs and her songs were everywhere, so I couldn't help but get exposed again and enjoy it lol. About her lyrics, her music still makes success in countries that don't speak english, so the whole "her messed up lyrics is what makes her career" is BS.

I do agree that the F word thing on the amy song was oxymoron though

However I have to be honest. I think Britney works with better producers. ayu is way too stuck with H/\L and CMJK. I can't see how ayu is "so independent" over britney if she can hardly ever try something different for her career. It's always the very same team of people producing her songs. While people say ayu is the one who choose what she's going to do, sometimes it sounds more like H/\L and CMJK just go and say "this is what we want ayu to sing".

Overall I do prefer ayu in general, but I do like Britney's music a lot.

[PoetGirl]

alternafan000 says all.

[ayumixfan]

^ she admit her product.... and I said she was a product because she does whatever it does to please the crowd.. and thats what being a product is.... you do what the crowd wants you too which is true. Ayu might've released GUILTY, but she always releases songs that the japanese will want to hear on her albums. She'll never go FULL ON ROCK because she won't sell if she releases led zepplin music. Every celebritiy is a product because they have to conform to what people want even if its not what the envision. Even utada said that she was tired of her career at one point and she wanted to release a different style of music and thats why exodus was created. I'm sorry but every celebrity is a product no matter what. Its not a bad thing, but I mean its true.

Yeah but sex appeal doesn't always sell music. Thats what i'm saying. and I'm saying that to say that using sex is wrong, is silly because even ayu does it sometimes. I'm not saying ayu has a sex appeal o_O

Sure britny doesn't have as much control over her career, but I'm jsut saying she has some :S people make it sound like she does nothing for her career which is wrong. I never said she is as controllive as ayu because thats obviously not true.

Sorry if I Didn't explain some points clearly enough, but i seriously think that people underrate britney as an artist. They make it sound like she's just a brainless doll. I just wanted to prove this point. I never said Britney is JUST as artsy as ayumi or she has more control. I jsut stated that she IS an artist and she should get respect for her music.
You know we might have different ranking for artists and that fine. But I mean some people here speak of britney as in she's famous ONLY because of her management which is totally wrong. Thats why I'm defending her. I love ayu's old stuff and its undeniable that I am was amazing and how self-composing an album with little musical background is great. I didn't insult ayumi in any way in my last post or this post. Ayu is great, but like britney has her accomplishments too and she deserves to be called an artist too.

[love in music]

thumbs up to alternafan000 and zelenk0 for speaking truth

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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! ^_^