RPM (Replays Per Minute)Everyone (well, every Ayu fan I know) is debating whether "Moments" or "CAROLS" is the better song. I'm no different, currently trying to decide which one I like more...so let's have a face-off by examining the two based on a few criteria...
The music: Tough call. I'd say "Moments" edges out "CAROLS" slightly by being not as typical of a ballad. However, I must say "CAROLS" scores high points for having a bridge (& who doesn't love bridges??), something I've always considered missing in "Moments". Strings were also better utilized in "CAROLS", "Moments" doesn't have as much of it, & even when it does, it sounds mechanical. And is it really necessary to repeat the chorus THREE times at the end?? For the instrumental break though, "Moments" rules all. The electric guitar solo is just AWWW-some. =P
Moments: 9;
CAROLS: 8.5
The lyrics: No contest here, "Moments" has what I'd consider the best lyrics Ayu's written in years. "CAROLS" is just plain, typical, & almost sappy. And it really bugs me that she's gone the distance of writing such generic stuff as "shiroi yuki" (gee, I wonder where I've heard that before...); to the point, but WAAAY overdone. Let me just say one thing though before I finish: both songs have lyrics that don't seem too relevant to the titles (as opposed to like, "GAME")...why must Ayu always make us think??
M: 9.5;
C: 8
The PV: Many think the PV of "CAROLS" is just boring, for me though, it's not so bad. It IS a bit bland, & I agree that they spent way too much screen time on the stage, when more should've been on the merry-go-round (although that did make the scenes a lil more special). "Moments" doesn't have the best PV either, but I gotta say it's still above-par. I especially love the scene where Ayu lies "bleeding" on the floor of feathers. So beautiful, & so powerful. The kids were a lil creepy though. And so was her thick, black eyeliner.
M: 8.5;
C: 7.5
The single cover: Now this is where "CAROLS" gets the upperhand...albeit being a clear rip-off of Celine Dion's perfume ad =P, its cover is still nicer than that of "Moments". "Moments" didn't have a bad one; she just chose the wrong picture!! There's another pic in the series (with her head slightly tilted to the side) that I think is much better than what we have now. And she really does look pregnant at first glance, until you realize that the "bulge" is just really her legs hidden under the dress...& the flowers were a lil too big, a lil too much, I think.
M: 8;
C: 9
The CM: It's not really fair to compare the two on this basis, but heck, being the CM freak that I am, why not?? =P Here I'd have to say that even though Ayu doesn't look as great in the Lumix CM (what the hell is she
wearing??), I'd give my vote to it. The song simply fits better, & it really doesn't sit well with me the fact that Ayu looks like she's having blood sucked out of her by a
vampire in the Visee commercial. O_o Not to mention the CM version of "Moments" sounds terrible (I never thought I'd like the song when I heard THAT), while "CAROLS" really caught my attention upon first listen. And of course, the idea of a slim digital camera appealed a lot more to me than some eyelash-elongating mascara...
M: 7.5;
C: 8
Now's the time for the total. "Moments" gets a 42.5 outta 50, while "CAROLS" settles with a final score of 41 (wow I didn't think they'd be this close). It doesn't surprise me that "Moments" has turned out superior...'till this day I still love the song, & it's already been 6 months. I really doubt "CAROLS" would have the same effect on me half a year from now. But we'll see. In the mean time, I love both, & I simply can't wait to get my single!!