Kuu did audition for Morning Musume along with Maki Goto in 1999, i'm not sure what happened. I guess she lost to Maki [Who is also in avex now.] Even though Kuu did some cute songs [Birthday Eve, Koi no Mahou, Koi no Tsumbomi, Wonderland, etc.] , I still can't imagine her in Morning Musume or Hello! Project in general. o_o

Well, they're an idol group. Idols are heavily promoted for their cute looks and personality. Not really for musical/vocal talent. But there are other artists/groups other than Morning Musume. If you don't like Momusu, it's pretty much best to avoid the two other major groups, C-ute and Berryz Koubou. Especially Berryz Koubou's Dschinghis Khan (Tartar Mix) PV. I came across it a few days ago, it has talking sheep in it and...god. xD Can't digest it. There are soloists in H!P as well. If you're into ballads, you'll probably like Aya Matsuura's later works. She has evolved into more of a mature artist. And she can sing quite beautifully. ^^

Egao

Watarsebashi [Moritaka Chisato cover]

Kizuna

Suna wo Kamu You ni...Namida

Her older works:

Sougen no Hito [Aya's vocals are displayed well in this song.]

100kai no Kiss


LOVE Namidairo

Then...there are her upbeat/cute songs. ^^; But they tend to be infectious.

Momoiro no Kataomoi

Ne~e

Dokidoki! Love Mail

Yeah! Meccha Holiday

Maki Goto was once part of Hello! Project as soloist after she left MM. But she left in 2007 and joined avex under Rhythm Zone in 2008. I don't really listen to her works before her 'How to Use Sexy' era. But I'll give some videos.

Some Boys! Touch Don't worry, the lyrics isn't really straightforward. But the PV...xD It's Maki dancing, squirming on the floor, and cleavage. There is even a 'sexy' version of the PV. o_o But I'll admit, the song is often a guilty pleasure.

Secret

Glass no Pumps

DAYBREAK Not a PV, just for listening. But it's definitely one of favorite tracks off her last album before leaving H!P. It's a nice jazz-inspired song and Maki sings quite well here. ^^