Utada Hikaru has returned stateside to release her second English album to follow up 2004's Exodus. While her English debut was very "mad scientist, experimental," This is the One sees Utada a little more hands-off and going for a fun sound. Short and sweet, this album is certainly a departure from the Hikki I know, lyrically at least, but it definitely stays true to her style and would serve as an excellent introduction to the rest of her discography.
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I still haven't tired of lead single Come Back to Me but I still don't love it, either. It's a solid ballad and a grower, but a bit bland. I think it's time Utada released a second single that highlights her personality a bit more. Me Muero, Utada's "favorite song on the album," is an excellent way to kick things off. Hikki combines dramatic lyrics with a carefree melody to expertly capture the melodrama that follows a break-up. The chorus is great, I love the harmonies, and the song is easily relatable. Maybe it'll become my favorite song on the album, too.
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence - FYI isn't one of those tracks that jump out at you, but I enjoy it quite a bit. The track, I feel, really embodies Utada as an artist; it's incredibly quirky yet well structured in a way that still feels organic rather than deliberate. I see FYI as the Utada litmus test -- if you like this song, you'd probably appreciate the majority of her work. Catchy break-up song Apple and Cinnamon follows and is more engaging and accessible. I almost wish this were her first single as it's more memorable than Come Back to Me.
Taking My Money Back and This One (Crying Like a Child) slow things down, but are no less engrossing. While I've listened to and understood much of her Japanese music, I could never really appreciate her merits as a lyricist because I'm not fluent. But, Hikki really has a way with words and knows how to write a hook. Taking My Money Back, about leaving a no-good man, and This One (Crying Like a Child), about missing a former lover, don't exactly cover uncharted territory but feature Hikaru's stylistic touch and stick with you.
Automatic Part II, the song I was most anticipating, did not disappoint. The song is essentially Utada's 'about me' in musical form. The vocals are very sing-song-y and tongue-in-cheek -- the track's a lot of fun. Dirty Desire and Poppin' explore Utada's sexy side, which really had my jaw dropping once or twice. I'm sure I didn't imagine the sweet, innocent image she's promoted in Japan and so hearing her saucily deliver debaucherous lyrics like "doing my 9 to 5, I'm thinking 6 and 9s" and "tight jeans, no panties on" really took me back. With that said, I really like the mixture of Utada's high and low registers in Poppin', but I'm not too crazy about Dirty Desire.
The album closes with On and On, possibly my favorite track of the set. Hearing Hikki lay her signature vocals on a dance track was bizarre at first listen, but it definitely works. I honestly don't expect anyone to play Utada at a club, but this is my new pre-gaming song. Whilst getting ready "to dance the night away" I dance around my room to Hikki's slick harmonies. And I love the shout-out Hikki throws to the 'mos in the hook. The guy screaming "Yeah!" in the background throughout the ENTIRE song can be distracting, though.
This is the One is a solid pop album that more than stands up to some of the drivel released by our own "artists." The overall tone is light, but it's far from bubble-gum. For people who like to listen to full albums, none of the tracks are throwaway and are all worth a listen. For what is essentially her real American debut, it's nice that her musical integrity and artistry remain intact and she doesn't try to cater to the whims of the American market. (BoA would have been wise to do the same). If this is your first introduction to Utada, I think you'll like what you hear. If you're already a fan, This is the One offers new insight into Hikki-chan as a woman and artist, and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
This is the One was digitally released on iTunes this past Tuesday for $7.99, so go pick it up. Also, the Come Back to Me music video is this week's free download, so hustle and download it before you have to pay. The album was released back on the 14th in Japan and nabbed the #3 spot on the Oricon Weekly Chart, a testament to her popularity.
Album Rating: 8/10
I still haven't tired of lead single Come Back to Me but I still don't love it, either. It's a solid ballad and a grower, but a bit bland. I think it's time Utada released a second single that highlights her personality a bit more. Me Muero, Utada's "favorite song on the album," is an excellent way to kick things off. Hikki combines dramatic lyrics with a carefree melody to expertly capture the melodrama that follows a break-up. The chorus is great, I love the harmonies, and the song is easily relatable. Maybe it'll become my favorite song on the album, too.
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence - FYI isn't one of those tracks that jump out at you, but I enjoy it quite a bit. The track, I feel, really embodies Utada as an artist; it's incredibly quirky yet well structured in a way that still feels organic rather than deliberate. I see FYI as the Utada litmus test -- if you like this song, you'd probably appreciate the majority of her work. Catchy break-up song Apple and Cinnamon follows and is more engaging and accessible. I almost wish this were her first single as it's more memorable than Come Back to Me.
Taking My Money Back and This One (Crying Like a Child) slow things down, but are no less engrossing. While I've listened to and understood much of her Japanese music, I could never really appreciate her merits as a lyricist because I'm not fluent. But, Hikki really has a way with words and knows how to write a hook. Taking My Money Back, about leaving a no-good man, and This One (Crying Like a Child), about missing a former lover, don't exactly cover uncharted territory but feature Hikaru's stylistic touch and stick with you.
Automatic Part II, the song I was most anticipating, did not disappoint. The song is essentially Utada's 'about me' in musical form. The vocals are very sing-song-y and tongue-in-cheek -- the track's a lot of fun. Dirty Desire and Poppin' explore Utada's sexy side, which really had my jaw dropping once or twice. I'm sure I didn't imagine the sweet, innocent image she's promoted in Japan and so hearing her saucily deliver debaucherous lyrics like "doing my 9 to 5, I'm thinking 6 and 9s" and "tight jeans, no panties on" really took me back. With that said, I really like the mixture of Utada's high and low registers in Poppin', but I'm not too crazy about Dirty Desire.
The album closes with On and On, possibly my favorite track of the set. Hearing Hikki lay her signature vocals on a dance track was bizarre at first listen, but it definitely works. I honestly don't expect anyone to play Utada at a club, but this is my new pre-gaming song. Whilst getting ready "to dance the night away" I dance around my room to Hikki's slick harmonies. And I love the shout-out Hikki throws to the 'mos in the hook. The guy screaming "Yeah!" in the background throughout the ENTIRE song can be distracting, though.
This is the One is a solid pop album that more than stands up to some of the drivel released by our own "artists." The overall tone is light, but it's far from bubble-gum. For people who like to listen to full albums, none of the tracks are throwaway and are all worth a listen. For what is essentially her real American debut, it's nice that her musical integrity and artistry remain intact and she doesn't try to cater to the whims of the American market. (BoA would have been wise to do the same). If this is your first introduction to Utada, I think you'll like what you hear. If you're already a fan, This is the One offers new insight into Hikki-chan as a woman and artist, and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
This is the One was digitally released on iTunes this past Tuesday for $7.99, so go pick it up. Also, the Come Back to Me music video is this week's free download, so hustle and download it before you have to pay. The album was released back on the 14th in Japan and nabbed the #3 spot on the Oricon Weekly Chart, a testament to her popularity.
Album Rating: 8/10
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