Hikaru Utada - Heart Station
June 4th, 2008
The last time I listened to Hikaru Utada was in 2001, when my ex blasted her album Distance at ear-damaging decibel on a $20 Wal-mart boom box. I was instantly blown away by her vocals and alluring melodies.
Seven years later, the pop star is still going strong. Her single “Beautiful World” picked up the “Best Video From a Film” award at the 2008 MTV Japan Video Music Awards.
Her latest release Heart Station is a sensational pop album. The stellar production is notorious in that it includes a rock track written for children as well as a track about death. The Enya-inflicted “Teiku 5,” like death itself, ends abruptly without any warning. Yes, I mean abruptly, in the middle of the song, like a corrupted MP3 download. Only Hikki is innovative enough to incorporate such spiritual depth into her album. Another personal favorite is “Prisoner of Love,” where her raw emotion is felt almost the instant her vocals kick off.
Hikaru Utada is perhaps the greatest female artist of the J-Pop movement. She’s best on my list over Ayumi Hamasaki any day. I’m just ecstatic that this brilliant vocalist and song writer is still cutting records and remain at the top of her game.
If you haven’t the slightest idea who she is, perhaps you’re familiar with her breakthrough album and single “First Love.”