utada hikaru: j-pop hotness
Utada Hikaru is already a huge star in Japan. She grew up bilingual in New York City, and started writing songs at age 11. By the age of 16, she released a Japanese album launched her into fame overseas. She broke (and still holds) the record of most copies of an album sold in Japan, and has had so much success in her music, is one of Japan’s wealthiest people. Not to bad for a 22 years-old, eh?
I cam across the video for Passion above, while browsing blogs. I thought the song was incredible, which lead to me to finding out more about Utada. She released an English CD this past fall titled Exodus. I’ve actually heard a couple of the songs off of it. You may have heard the dance track “Devil Inside” on rotation in your gym or out at a bar.
Obviously, she hasn’t achieved the massive success here that she has overseas. That being said, I do really like her album after having it on rotation this week. It’s obviously got the j-pop vibe, as well as some 80s sounding elements, which has the taste of where Gwen Stefani went with her last CD. And while I have some fav pop songs on Utada’s English CD, I’ll admit my favorite place for her voice is on an epic ballad like Passion (above), of which an English version will be released next month.
I loved these videos, since they have such a painted sci-fi / fantasy feel to them.
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hey cool! a nice blog from vancouver! keep it up! =D
Nice blog Andrew! I was so surprised to see a Hikki post pop up here!!! I’ve been an avid fan of her music for some time now. I guess her most popular song is probably First Love but to be honest my favourite is Addicted to You and also Time Limit (produced by r’n'b sensations Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis + Rodney Jerkins respectively).
Btw Andrew you should try and catch the video for her song Sakura Drops - it’ll blow you away. If you can’t find it let me know and I’ll post a link up. Cheers.
She also did the opening song for the game Kingdom Hearts on the PS2 back a few years ago. Check it out. It’s kinda short, but a good dancey tune. Obviously, the Japanese version sounds better. ‘Simple and Clean’
Don’t forget her first hit, First Love. One of my favourite J-pop of all time!
Wow, it’s cool to know there are some guys who like her music. Certainly she’s quite popular in Japan, but she has changed since she made the English album. I think she shouldn’t have changed her style for the US market. Her R&B-ish pop style(like her first album “First Love”) might have been liked even in the US. Anyway, I’m glad to know you like her songs!