Early this morning, I whipped up a quick review for Utada Hikaru’s newest CD, HEART STATION. I have already posted it in two locations on the net — one of them being on the Anime-Source Blogs — but as this has everything to do with my lifestyle of isshoukenmei as an aspiring [critical] writer, I wanted to make a record of this accomplishment here, as it has been a while since my last published review of anything.
Also, nothing and no one gets exposure on the net anymore unless they are smart and proactive in how they make themselves known. I would like to get more eyes and opinions on my style of writing reviews, as I believe self-discouragement has played an instrumental part in how far I have fallen from having writing, in any style, be fun and fulfilling for no one else other than me. I need to handle criticism better. That’s just the truth.
Here is an except that covers the scope of my impressions:
Overall, HEART STATION is far from perfect, as Hikaru’s sound is truly for the fan with possibly only a few favorites lingering in the minds of those who listen. Booklet artwork is weaker than expected, but the musical arrangements and lyrics are on point, working as one. With that much certain, this album is sure to touch your heart in some shape or form and have those beats get you on your feet.
To fully grasp the whole picture of my thoughts, please follow the link below:
J-Music Review: Utada Hikaru – HEART STATION
7 comments
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2008-04-27 at 03:46:12
Richmond
Who was the singer behing Naruto Shippuuden closing song?
2008-04-27 at 12:50:01
storymode
Odd question to ask here..no offense.
According to Anime News Network, there have been five closing themes already for Shippuuden. You can search that site for the answer you need since I don’t know which closing you are referring to.
2008-04-27 at 19:06:25
Kayuri
Who was the singer behing Naruto Shippuuden closing song?
For Mezamero Yasei! (Unlock the Beast Within) The 4th ending is sung by Matchy & Question? (there’s a new 5th one that just popped up about a week ago, I don’t remember the artist.)
Hmm… haha, personally I had a chance to have an extremely short talk with her (in English) after a Music Station performance. Charming young lady, really. She told me a bit about her new album, I really think it’s nothing short of something her fans would call “Hikki-styled.” In my opinion, I think her vocals were somewhat shaky this time around, and they sounded a lot better in a live performance, than the recording itself (as in to contrast to someone such as Aya Hirano in lives). But as long as the meaning in the lyrics and emotion show, then everything’s fine with me, but then again, I’m not forking over $31 for a 2 song album.
With that much certain, this album is sure to touch your heart in some shape or form and have those beats get you on your feet.
I beg to differ, the first time I heard this, I wasn’t moved at all… and it seemed too ballad-like for me to actually dance to it, I can maybe sway back and forth to it, but that’s pretty much it. I just think it’s something to listen to just to mellow out, or it’s just maybe some relationship problem song, LOL. Yeah. ~Kayuri
2008-04-28 at 09:39:20
escapistfairy
*creeps up behind you then snatches cd and runs* haha I finally have it. I’ve wanted this her new album, but I have no way of getting it until now. hehe. ^^
2008-04-28 at 09:40:05
storymode
I think we have a disconnect on which album we’re talking about. I’m talking about her 13 track album, not her single. The two songs I found on YT were just samples, which explains the $31…
I can understand you not being moved by her single, Flavor Of Life. That WAS, in fact, meant to be a ballad. If you meant not being moved by the two samples, then, once again, I would agree. They are mellow, easy-listening songs. Taking in the entire album, however, there might be a song or two that would move you to happiness perhaps. I would encourage you to take a listen to the entire scope of the album if you have the opportunity.
I didn’t notice much shakiness in her voice in this album, but then you have much more experience in comparing Lives to recordings than I do.
I’m sure I would enjoy interviewing her and find her as charming as you did. I’d like to know what you two talked about in that short span if you could share it with me one day.
2008-04-28 at 18:38:49
Kayuri
Haha, if you’d like to know… I was lost backstage. I’m a complete KY (basically a n00b) when I go to Japanese shows. I actually wasn’t meant to be backstage, but be on like the side stage waiting with the other backdancers… and she was just finished with her performance. I recognized her, because like you said, she’s knows widely in the U.S. for singing the KH themes, and took a shot at asking her in English, since she was the only one there that would most likely understand me. I asked her,” Um, excuse me, Miss Utada, can you tell me where the back dancers for the next-line up are supposed to be…?” and I just looked at her with sort of, anxious eyes I guess, because I supposed to get onstage in like 20 minutes. She then directed me to the door she just came out of, which was the stage door… it actually said “すてえじどあ (suteeji doa),” but I failed at even reading hiragana back then, and I could only read the su-te-ji, and a. She said I had plenty of time because they were going through a transmission break, and actually had around 45 minutes.Then she asked me why I speaking English, with an American accent. And I told her I was part of the International group, hence my KY-ness. She then asked where I was from and stuff and I told her. I also told her how much a fan I was of her, but I was a shame since I couldn’t get her auto-graph because we didn’t have anything to write with. Afterwards, I asked her how she knew English because I was really clueless back then (I actually thought she was like some really smart person that went to English school on weekends), and she told me she was originally from NYC. I thought it was pretty cool, and told her I’d hope to see her again, because by that time I only had 20 minutes left, and I needed to meet up with my group, so I said bye and went through the door. That was about 2-3 years ago. Go figure, I was like 10 1/2. XD It was nothing special, I was just a really clueless, little kid asking for directions and looked like I was on the verge of tears. XDDD; Being a kid was fun. If I really had to interview her, I can’t really read from a script (so how in the world can I be a voice actress, right? ), so like I’d try to make sound funnier (more funny?), I guess, but probably get weird stares for my KY-ness. XD; ~Kayuri
2008-04-30 at 02:00:19
storymode
Ahaha, thank you for sharing that, Kayuri! That’s a pretty whimsical story of chance. I really enjoyed reading about that. Not many can say they talked to Utada Hikaru backstage. Then again, Kayuri-chan isn’t just an ordinary girl. ^_~ I do wish we could meet in person one day so we could chat about more of your experiences as a performer and our lives in general…