Destiny Line – Ai no Matador –

ayaka’s 3rd single, entitled Real Voice, was released on 07.19.06. The title track was used as the ending theme for the Japanese dorama suppli.

Real Voice is an insanely catchy upbeat number. The song begins with ayaka singing a line and there seems to be a slight distortion on her voice but there is such a catchiness in it that the listener is immediately drawn in. Following is a section of pure instrumentation which starts off a bit mellow but then grows into being more diverse and catchy with the first verse following. Her vocals during the first verse go perfectly with the music and the light rock sounds work really well here. On the chorus, it returns to that catchiness presented in the first line and it allows her to show off a little more vocally here. The third verse has a way of building up as each syllable is accentuated by ayaka’s voice, which keeps the attention focused strongly. Real Voice is another great A-side from ayaka and is the best of her first three singles.

ayaka is supported by the simplistic and beautiful sounds of the piano for the single’s B-side, Peace Loving People. Once again, there is a certain natural element about this song that allows ayaka’s vocals to come shining through. Her vocals are as strong as ever, keeping a certain upbeat and happy atmosphere that really translates in the listener’s ear. It’s a wonderful B-side and perfect compliment to the more poppy A-side.

In order to promote the single, a PV for Real Voice was made. This video focuses nicely on close-up shots of ayaka and it’s a nice change of pace although it’s not a very interesting video and her hair style should been just let down. It’s not great but it’s worth a look every now and then.

Single Ranking: A +

Real Voice is an even better single than her first two singles. While the A-side is a very upbeat and catchy song, Peace Loving People is a very pretty softer song. Both songs have an addictiveness to them that the listener just falls in love with.

ayaka’s 2nd single, entitled Melody ~Sounds Real,~ was released on 05.17.06. The B-side, ブルーデイズ, was used as an insert song for a Japanese dorama entitled Suppli. This single was limited, with only 50,000 copies.

Melody ~Sounds Real~ is an enjoyable upbeat song that evokes a happy feeling. The song begins with an upbeat instrumentation that actually takes on some country elements to make a very natural atmosphere that ayaka’s voice supports perfectly. She sounds really nice on the first verse as there is that catchiness but it’s the chorus that really stands out as she sings “melody” with such an addictive quality that the listener is engaged. Her vocals here are also a little bit stronger so they stand out in the listener’s mind more. On the pure instrumental section, the guitar is nicely spotlighted and it even takes on some slight rock influences to really make this section stand out. Overall, this is an excellent song that definitely is a memorable song

Things slow down a bit for the single’s B-side, ブルーデイズ. Opening the song is a nice acoustic instrumental that evokes a very relaxing feeling for the listener. Following is the first verse and ayaka’s vocals here are pretty soft, capturing that natural essence of the song. The chorus nicely stands out as she reaches a little higher on some notes and delivers some notes with more power. This song is a very nice number and ayaka does a good job of delivering vocals to support the music.

In order to promote the single, a PV for Melody ~Sounds Real~ was made. The video is pretty simple, featuring ayaka rocking out with her band as well as a scene of her wandering through some gorgeous field. Although there isn’t much going on, it’s that simplicity that works with the song to make it an enoyable watch.

Single Ranking: A

Following her debut single, ayaka continues to have strong songs. Melody ~Sounds Real~ shows that she can do upbeat songs while still showing off her vocals while the B-side allows for ayaka to slow down and take on more of an emotional atmosphere. Both songs make this a very good single, worthy of checking out.

ayaka’s debut single, entitled I Believe, was released on 02.01.06. The title track was used as the theme song for the TBS dorama Rondo.

I Believe is a gorgeous ballad. The song starts off with a very pretty instrumental that evokes emotions within the listener as the piano builds the anticipation for ayaka to come in singing. She does so on the first verse and her vocals are so smooth here and carrying such emotion, the listener falls in love. On the chorus, she shows off a little more vocally as she reaches higher on certain notes and her pronounciation of “I believe myself” is absolutely perfect. The pure instrumetnal section sounds very grandiose, drawing on the emotional qualities of the song so beautifully and once ayaka comes in again, the listener is yet again entranced by the power of her vocals. I Believe is a wonderful ballad that ayaka brings to life with vocals that portray emotion and power.

夢のカケラ is the single’s B-side, taking on an acoustic sound. After the sorrowful tone of the last song, this song takes on a more uplifting feeling that the listener can enjoy from start to finish. ayaka’s vocals in this one are as strong as ever, which makes this another enjoyable song and a nice compliment to the A-side.

In order to promote the single, a PV for I Believe was made. The video is very simple and keeping with the atmosphere of the song, the video features ayaka wandering in the dark outside. She looks very pretty here as the setting, which makes for a visually enjoyable video.

Single Ranking: A

ayaka definitely made a strong debut as I Believe is a fantastic song, fit with an emotional atmosphere and powerful vocals to really catch the listener’s ear. The B-side is another good song that shows another side of ayaka, which makes this single very complete.