 | Category: | Music | | Genre: | International | | Artist: | Utada Hikaru |
Four years after her last Japanese album, Utada Hikaru is finally back in the spotlight with her latest offering, ULTRA BLUE. Containing a total of thirteen songs, five of which are previously-released singles, Hikki's fans are in for a real treat.
Yes, you read that right. Thirteen songs but five of which were previously released. To add further "damage", one of the new tracks is a b-side to one of Hikki's singles and there's also an Interlude, which is just like a bridge between songs (it's a minute and a half short). Sounds like a rip-off? You'll be forgiven to think so but, trust me, it's not. I'll write about it in my blog later.
Now on with my review. I have been waiting for this album ever since I first heard about it at the Utada-Online forums. To be frank, my first thoughts about it was it will be a very daunting endeavour to actually reach (if not surpass) the accomplishments of Utada's past albums - "First Love" and "Distance" with their record-breaking sales and the brilliance of "Deep River". And now that "Ultra Blue" is finally out, I'd be so glad to say that Hikki didn't disappoint me one bit. As a matter of fact, I'd even go as far as to say that this is my favourite album by Utada Hikaru.
Consistent and Experimental are among the words that best describe this album. I've never stopped listening to this CD ever since my copy arrived from Japan and maybe that's because there's not a single track in this album which pales terribly in comparison to the rest of the songs. Some songs are definitely better than the others but not as much in a way that you won't listen to them any more. Also, the entire album has this certain "flow", if you know what I mean. The way the tracks are arranged in this album is... (TBC)
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Note: The procrastinator in me struck again. I realized that I started writing this review on June 15, 2006 and I still haven't finished it until now (January 12, 2008). OMG!!! XD
Anyway, you see the 5-star rating I gave this album. I really love this one. Best tracks for me are Passion, This Is Love, COLORS, Be My Last, Kairo, BLUE, and Keep Tryin' (not in specific order). 
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