019 4 I have never heard of this girl till I started seeing posters of her all over the Los Angeles county . I was like whoa . . who's this asian girl ? Her cd and look really appealed to me so I bought the cd at my local tower records today , popped it into my cd player and blasted it while i drove home . I loved every single song on this cd . It's amazing . I didn't expect much since I admit I put labels and I didn't think asian girls can sing like this ! When I read the credits of her cd I was YET again amazed as she prodcued , wrote and composed almost ALL of the songs . Amazing young lady . I'm looking forward to see how the rest of the US will embrace her . She , as of now , has a WELCOME spot at my home .
015 4 After listening to her new album I must say that her albums in japanese are better , but it's a very good album and definitely it's worth it , she put great songs and the best it's that she wrote an produce almost all the songs , she'll be a BOMB I'm sure all America will love her after this . Everyone should have it .
024 4 Utada Hikaru or just Utada as she'll be called in the US is a talented and experienced musician and creator . She'll hit the US with her brand of music , mixing what she's learned in japan with the rock / r & b / vintage roots she gathered in New York City . Her cd gives you a new look at asian artists and gives real creditibility that they can pull it off .
095 4 Utada has created her masterpiece , from the lyrics you tell they're about her personal life and artistic growth . She wrote and produced , she has fun with the lyrical content . I love the beats she came up with , she didn't need the assitance of Timberland as you'll hear . This cd has flavor , you can dance , think , and just groove . . . . .
044 4 Utada new CD , Exodus , amazes me . Her ability to sing increases to intrigue my senses . Throughout this year so far , there haven't been many releases that stood from the crowd , in my view . A few , but not many . Exodus proves to be the one CD that shines most . The CD's random genres makes me like all the songs instead of only a few . To those who think her lyrics and beats are screwy , that's your problem ! Utada's experimenting . She's just having fun with her music , that's all . I give her all the credit in the world for that . She's tried and she's got me hooked onto her for good now .
023 4 I am such of fan of hers . I have all of her japanese cd's and now she came and released one in the U.S . that is so cool and awesome . Her music is maturing very well too . She is evolving into one of the best female artists in the world . For everyone who love this album you must get her first Album First Love , to see what a transition she has made . She is one of the top selling singers in Japan and I think she will have no problems with making a success in the U.S . I also have her japanese version of Exodus and its great . . .
144 4 I love hikki / utada and her japanese work . Her voice is absolutely incredible . This album is quite different from her past work in Japan , but it's still excellent . The lyrics are deep and written well . I loved all the songs , especially the songs Animato and Tippy Toe . Animato has a cool beat and I'm much in love with the lyrics : this is music for all humanity from me . . . Tippy Toe is about an affair . I just love the lyrics and enjoy the beat . The only song I skip over sometimes is You Make Me Want To Be A Man . The beat tends to get a bit nerve-wracking . Other than that , it's a great CD and you should pick it up as soon as you can !
152 4 ok , this is a great album , i'll admit the japaneesy line does make me want to blow my brains all over the ceiling every time I hear it , but it's pretty good . Also , let's stop trashing americans . americans wont appreciate this because they love trash . I'll admit i like japanese music , but i like american music too , so all you american bashers need to think about how stupid u sound when u say that . n e ways , good album , buy it . Not her best work , of course , but still worth hearing .
064 4 Since First Love Utada Hikaru has brought Japan a multi-genre talent that breaks conventional barriers everywhere they exist . With Exodus and Hikki's American debut , her musical maturation has come full circle . This album gives us a bit of everything , from the clearly American The Workout to the staunchly Japanese Hotel Lobby , and the bizarre Wonder ' Bout . Her sound is becoming more experimental each time around , highly reminiscent of Lori Anderson's explosion in the mid eighties , and the electronic revolution that ocurred with Bjork's Homogenic . First Love brought us a cute school girl wanting to tell us about how love made her feel alive ; Distance showed us that the school girl had some teeth and talent for story-telling , Deep River brought us an experienced woman who wanted us to see the truth about life and love , and now , with Exodus , Utada Hikaru shows what I believe to be her true colors with her first all-English release . I truly hope that this is not as good as it gets .
003 4 Utada's album Exodus is another tribute to her talent ! She create a unique and new sound , blending beautiful melody and tight beats . Her lyrics show a different side of her that adds a new dimension to her style and personality . To all you Utada fans : this is a must add to your collection ! And to everyone else : if your tired of the same-old , same-old and is looking for fresh and unique sound , look no further ! ! !
038 4 Behind Utada's unique beats lies awe-inspiring lyrics and beauty . She comes from Japan bringing songs that offer a refreshing breeze to anything you have ever heard before . After listening to this album , I am convinced that she will go far in America . Her voice is incredible , and it adds a different mood to each song . Exodus is something you don't want to miss out on getting !
043 4 I was first introduced to this amazing singer on the Kingdom Hearts cd and loved Simple And Clean ! When I first saw this cd and heard Devil Inside , I adimt I was not sure , but when I heard it the whole cd , I thought ' sweeeeeet ! ' Even though some of the lyrics might any scense and it even dirty at times , it does not ruin the greatness of the cd ! ! ! ! ! ! Go Utada ! ! ! ! !
055 4 I have been a fan of Utada ever since i heard her song Simple and Clean when i watched the opening credits to Kingdom Hearts . She is a great singer , and i think that she will have more successful albums in the future . I hope that i can see her live one day . Cd is very good . Stop reading this and buy it .
077 4 I've only been listening to Utada for a few years , but I've heard a lot of her music . Even though Exodus is not her best , it's very good . I feel like through this album , I've seen another side of Utada .
117 4 Exodus by Utada is a wonderful album that contains some of her great songs . Unlike many albums from many artists , Exodus has more than just one track that I listen to over and over again . I only wish I had discovered it earlier . I recommend this if you are someone who likes music .
072 4 Exodus is an excellent album that ties many styles into one CD . As a Japanese fan of Utada Hikaru since her debut , the first listen of Exodus left me disappointed . Tippy Toe , Hotel Lobby , The Workout all sound nothing like her old works and their lyrics are completely different from the lyrics of say , COLORS . A second listen gave me a completely different view of this new work . The music is original and catchy . This CD is the true Utada , as she repeatedly states in interviews . Interview after interview , she states that because of the image that she has in Japan , she felt skeptical about releasing such a drastically different work in Japan .
I love Utada Hikaru's releases , but Exodus is something new , different , and fun . Some listeners I've talked to are most disappointed about Easy Breezy , but if they can't see the humor to the lyrics , they don't deserve to appreciate the album .
I highly recommend Exodus to everyone , and I anticipate Utada ' s released as much as I do Utada Hikaru's .
123 4 BEST JAPANESE SINGER ! ! !
utada is my favorite female Japanese vocalist , her voice is just fantastic .
I speak english and spanish but now I want to learn japanese too . I think j-pop
is better than pop music in english and spanish . and utada is a good example . this cd is my second favorite , my favotite #1 is first love .
THIS CD IS AN ENGLISH VERSION . mix hip hop and tech music .
if you don't know j-pop , this cd is a good way to start .
135 4 I love Utada Hikaru's music , from Addicted to you ( both mixes ) and Tokyo Nights , to Wonder Bout ' . She has an amazing voice , and her lyrics are unique . This CD is another hit , in my opinion .
to the review before mine : Of course it is americanized , are you forgetting ? THIS IS AMERICA ! ! ! Even chinese take-out we eat is AMERICANIZED ! !
How can you judge her cd without hearing THE WHOLE THING !
I think it was a good idea to put out her first american release in full english , because not a lot of amercians are used to foreign music . Eventually she might put Japanese and english together on a CD . It doesn't matter what language she sings in , HER MUSIC KICKS A # # ! ! excuse my french ^ _ ^
Maybe there's a devil , or something like it . . . . . INSIDE OF ME !
- Devil Inside , Utada Hikaru
097 4 Being a fan of her previous work in Japanese , I knew what to expect from ' EXODUS ' . Beautiful voice , unique sound , and incredible talent that can't be compared to anyone else . If you'er looking for something different and new , I HIGHLY reconmend this CD . It's a pleasure to see Utada's work released here in the U.S . Give her a chance , you won't regret it .
058 4 I had to run out and buy 2 copies the day it came out . I am American without an ounce of Japense blood in me , but I like to pretend to be Japaneesy and own every one of Hikki's CDs in Japanese . Watch out America , it's an azn invazn !
145 4 Her album , honestly , is not the best album in the world , but it's not bad for an English debut . I have the CD and I can see stories coming from all of her songs , but I LOVE her Japanese material much better .
108 4 I'm a big J-Pop fan and I've always loved Utada Hikaru's voice . She is extremely talented and she has way more talent then most of the popular artists here in the US .
It took me awhile to get used to the lyrics , but this album really grew on me because I felt like it was genuine .
She's talking about real and genuine things in life . It's not superficial and forced like most dance , pop and r & b music these days . I think she took the best thing about J-Pop and translated into english . If you've ever read translations to most songs in J-pop there are a lot of topics in the lyrics that would never make the airwaves in the US because only superficial things make the mainstream . Marriage , leaving home , having babies , being cute and naive , a real look at prostitution , etc . in a subtle classy way . She does the whole Oops I did it again , I'm not that innocent with some class . Not so blunt and crude . That's what is missing from mainstream music these days , deep , subtle , classy lyrics . Everyone's so crude these days .
This is a great album . If you consider yourself a fan , you will buy it and listen . It's great music .
PS . I bought this CD with the same type of hope and anticipation as I did when I bought the new NERD CD . You want to talk about CRAPPY LYRICS THAT MAKE NO SENSE . Listen to those songs ! And they're native english speakers ! So much potential there but they ruined it with superficial nonsense lyrics that would not blend at all . And they've won awards .
In a nutshell , if you're a fan of music , J-pop specifically or just Utada Hikaru , you will buy this cd .
080 4 Utada first came to my attention when her video for can you keep a secret was played quite a few times on MTV2 . i must say i was intrigued and kept her on my radar . With EXODUS i must say i was very suprised at how good it is . A fun sexy blend Dancy-electronica with a charming pop sensibilty and slight touches of hip-hop is how i would describe it . The standout for me is THE WORKOUT , fun and sexy with a great beat . My least favorite song is EASY BREEZY , the lyrics just bug me . On the strength of this album i decided to purchase Utadas greatest hits and im sure i won't be disapointed . EP
114 4 This is another great from Utada .
Fresh from Japan , this album is overflowing with a new kind of song reminiscent of Utada's old stuff , but with a fresh , new sound ; the English language .
This is not your average pop music ; Dance , disco , funk , and rock have worked their way in as well . You can imagine it with Japanese lyrics , and Utada's accent lingers just enough to make you smile , but not enough to be annoying or hinder the quality of the 14 tracks on Exodus . This CD deserved WAY more than 5 stars .
122 4 my friend jessica introduced me to this album a few years ago .
the first song was easy breezy and i was instantly captured by the fun , bouncy song . it was cute and made me want to dance .
she burned me a copy of this cd and it has become one of my top 10 all-time favorite cds . the lyrics are racy and the songs are fun .
i can see why some people would have a problem with the whole japan-EASY lyric , but who knows if she directly meant that ?
maybe this guy she was with in the song THOUGHT she was easy ? who knows . who cares . the song is fun . i love it . the end .
121 4 When I heard this album , I thought the songs sounded very odd with all the metallic and futuristic sounds . But the oddness of the sound is just what is needed to break America of all these artists that sound the same . Exodus , despite the lack of promotion , is a pot of gold in an industry full of lead . All the best on your breakthrough in the US , Hikaru Utada !
125 4 I like Utada music , it was different from all her album with her angelic voice .
127 4 I've been a big fan of Utada Hikaru for years and I have really loved her prior work , but none of it had the soul of this album . It is very different from her previous albums , but not in a bad way . This album fills me with emotion in a way her others never did . Don't let people who say that it's too different from her past work scare you off .
131 4 I Kinda like this cd its very atmospheric , edgy and well pop . Devil Inside is a strong lead song to get your feet moving.Exodus is a nice track to lay back and chill too . Easy Breezy may be the most bubblegum song on here.Tippy Toe is admired for the great vocals in it.Hotel Lobby has an interesting beat and is fun to listen too.Animato is rapping Utada Style to a electronic spacy kind of beat.Kremlin Dusk has good lyrics and breaks out into a pop / electronica-dance song in towards the middle of it.You make me want to be a man was a single that was released with a video also , I like this song this is one of the more likeable songs as well .
133 4 Utada Hikaru , Japan's own Britney Spears , has finally embarked in the U.S . with her album , Exodus . I have to admit , right off the bat I had my hopes set way too high when I bought this album . After hearing the sensational ballad Simple and Clean from Kingdom Hearts , I was expecting epic ballads galore with a few pop numbers here and there to keep the album from sagging . While this is not the album I was expecting , it is still good nonetheless . Her beats are definately what sets this apart from our usual cliched pop albums . What feat Mandy Moore tried to accomplish with her self-titled album , Utada does it effortlessly . The album starts out with a nice interlude and quickly hits full throttle with her single , Devil Inside with its head bobbing thumps and strings in the background which are easy to swallow with her vocals . Also unlike other pop tarts of our generation , Utada tends to limit herself with her vocals , which is a major plus . Rather than belting out awkward high notes like she is in an American Idol competition , her voice flows with the music . Finally , hidden underneath her uberslick production skills are heartfelt message . In Exodus 04 , Utada sings Daddy don't be mad that I'm leaving , Please don't worry about me , Mama don't you worry about me , This is my story . While this album may not have the heavy promotion of today's singers , it is still one not to be overlooked . If you are interested in fresh pop music , than pick up a real treat like this . But if you are expecting the same music from Kingdom Hearts , you might self youself up for a little disappointment at first , but you will love it nonetheless . Oh , and if you think that Utada has no sex appeal whatever , than you need to check out The Workout .
005 4 This album pushes the envelope to produce a unique , refreshing sound that sets it apart from all the pop music out there . The melodies are memorable , and the productions are complex . Don't expect Utada Hikaru . This music is another genre of itself . Animato is the perfect song to explain this album , as well as the most artistic and thoughtful . It's like if Bjork decided to release a pop album . It's a definate must buy !
083 4 I have to be honest that the first time I heard this album all the way through it through me off without Japanese vocals . I'm very attached to J-Pop and to hear it without the proper lingo was most disconcerting . Yet on my first visit to the album I fell in love with song 5 Easy Breezy , and after a fashion I listened to the rest of the album again and began to fall in love with it . Granted some of the songs are better than others , but as a whole Hikaru Utada delivers above and beyond what we could expect of her . The only negative thing I can say about it is ; too bad she's married . Oye !
124 4 If you didnt know her name you would never know she was a j pop singer.When confronted with numerous different J Pop albums and artists you will probably notice that many of the highest selling have use at least a few lines if not whole songs in english and Utada is definately one such artist.So if you are a newcomer to the world music scene , not quite ready to sink your teeth into compleately non english music , just know that there are many many different artists out there whose albums cater to your needs.Utada Hikaru who was raised between Japan and New York is one of the most talented artists of all time and has conquered the language barrier so efficently that I have no doubt of seeing her on the American charts someday.Her first crossover was by way of the video game Kingdom Hearts where she sang the intro song Simple and Clean which is one of her best songs found on the single Colors .
140 4 Reviewers who've given this album a poor rating clearly don't understand the intentions of Hikaru's transition from JPN to the USA . In essence , Utada is not the same artist as Hikaru , so don't expect to hear the same , recycled sounds she's made in the past couple of years in this US release . Hikaru clearly admits that this US re-debut album is merely a playful and experimental album . I , for one , wasn't impressed at first listen , but as time progressed , I can whole-heartedly argue that the album grew on me . The songs are refreshing and can easily sway your attention away from the mainstream Western Pop songs we all hear nowadays . Music like this can easily be under-rated due to lack of background information about the artist and her intentions with making this album . To call this album a sell-out album is arguably the most selfish comment a fan could ever make . Hikaru doesn't make music catered to an individual , but to a mass . Those who have high expectations of this album need not , but should take into consideration that this album is not Hikaru but UTADA .
147 4 I don't think I could tell you how long not only I but every Hikki fan in the states have been waiting for a U.S . CD . Being born in NY you would think that it would have some how happen sooner , but what better time then now ? The CD starts off with a cool kinda of trancy beat that just gives you a little taste of what Hikki ( her nickname ) is all about . After track 1 the whole CD is just an explosion of talent . Devil Inside ( track 2 ) probably has one of the funkiest beats on the whole album . Her single Easy Breezy is a well hidden message in a song that you THINK is all happy go lucky . Thats just how Utada is . . . mysterious . The last track ( About me ) is probably my favorite tracks on the whole album and I think is the most personal for Hikki ( hence the name ) . . every song inbetween is pure genius to the album . Although some may argue that its not as good as her Japanese albums . . I think its on the same level if not better . Go get this album NOW ! ! . . . U-unit ^ ^
013 4 Every song is HOT ! Just blast it on your CD Player or drive it with the windows down ! ! ! If you're tired of the corporate pop stuff being fed to you out there . . . basically if you like POP but can't stand another JoJo , Ashlee , LindseyLoman , or Hillary Duff single . . . I suggest to get this CD . . . it's what I call Smart Pop . Fun , edgy , catchy , and adventurous !
079 4 Even though I rate this album 5 stars , I would say her Deep River album is even better , it's my favorite album ever and I have over 300 CD's . I was in taiwan this past summer and one out of every four or five retail stores were playing her music at any given time , no exaggeration . utada was one of the reasons I wanted to learn japanese , and now , after two years of studying , I am fluent .
109 4 I thought this was an awesome CD - but the only problem I had with it was . . would this work in the U.S ? I thought she could've added more American flavor . . . but maybe this will be the next big thing , who knows ? I hope she makes it big - with her new style
129 4 The only reason I had even heard of Hikaru Utada was because my little brother started playing KH2 . After some long google surfing , I saw that she had english language albums , too . What an awesome album ! Hikaru , you rock .
153 4 I love Utada and everything but I think she should have stay in Japan and made the good music she use to . I'm not saying that it sucked because Utada could never suck cause I love her too much . This CD was O.K . I've been a big fan of her japanese style of music so I know what kind of music she can make . I think she really should have stuck with her own kind of music . I got the CD because I heard the song Easy Breezy and liked her other songs in japanese . I thought it would be a good album but it wasn't as good as I thought it was . I think that when she came to america to she tryed to change the music to fit the american style of music and didn't quiet make it . Utada I love you and I like this album a little bit but don't ever make a album like this again . Stick with what you know . I would love for her to come back and make another english ablum but the way her made her other music .
Animato , The Workout , Tippy Toe , Easy Breezy , Kremlin Dusk , and About Me , Hotel Lobby
The album's best offer is without a doubt is track number 8 , Animato . While the song does not have the word of the title anywhere in it , Utada doesn't really focus on one subject in the song . In fact , this song is where the title of my review comes from . The song is so cool because it is intercut with these little music sections that sound like radio-transmissions but in a really cool way . It ends with Utada talking about Elvis Presley and Led Zeppelin . It's kind of weird but it's also cool . The Workout emerges as the second best track as Utada talks about when she went to the club . She dances with a dirty blonde Texan and talks with a born-again Christian . The hook is infectious as she tells her dance partner to push it up , push it down , pull it up , pull it down , keep it up and keep it down and then to put her down , calling it a workout . Another catchy part of the song as she counts one life , two times , three girls , four guys , five ripples going up and down [ her ] spine , six , oh . . . Tippy Toe is about a man having an affair with Utada . She tells him to dance on his tippy toe and to pray that his family doesn't hear him . I don't think I've ever heard someone take this position so she gets points for originality . Another point she gets is her vocal abilities are showcased on this one . Utada has such a range in her voice and it really comes out in this one . Easy Breezy was released as the album's first single and it was used in a commercial for the Nintendo DS . This song is about a man she used to date who just doesn't care about her . The music video is really cool , especially at the end where she is driving the car . Anyway , the hook is probably my favorite part of the song but the chorus is catchy too as she says the most memorable line from the album ( to most people ) : you're easy breezy and I'm Japanesey . Kremlin Dusk is an amazing track that shows off the true power of Utada's vocal ablities . She even makes references to Edgar Ellen Poe's The Raven . It beings off as a beautiful ballad but it changes gears near the half-way mark . It starts to incorporate a rock-sound and then soon enough , it changes into a rock-influenced song . Then at the end , it comes back to the ballad part and ends off nicely . Although it changes its structure , Kremlin Dusk is still a great song . About Me ends the album on a nice note . On a mid-tempo / up-tempo track , Utada asks her husband if he's really ready to no more about her . An impressive fact about the song is Utada plays the guitar herself during the verses ( I never knew she could play ) . Anyway , my favorite parts of the song where the music changes for like a second as she says up and down and down , etc . This is definitely the right way to end the album . Hotel Lobby deserves a place as an album gem since the beat is so different . It sounds so futuristic , yo'll instantly fall in love with it . It's also cool since it talks about something most don't talk about : prostitution and the hard life these girls face . It's very interesting and my favorite part is the last line Catch me cause I think I'm falling / I'll be waiting in the mirrors of the hotel lobby . The note on lobby is so amazing .
Devil Inside is another song where Utada shows us she can sing and this time it's about not being the nice person everybody thinks you are . If you're a nice person , you can relate to this song . She also says that there is a jealous angel inside of her . The beats are great and I can see why this song ( when released as the second single ) , peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Dance / Club Airplay chart . You Make Me Want To Be A Man is a dance oriented track that although having a strange title , has a cute message in it . It finds Utada wanting to be a guy so that she can better understand her husband . She states that she wants to tell [ him ] something but she can't and this is just the way [ she is ] . With a cute message and a beat to dance to , what more could you ask for . She made a good decision in making this a single . Hotel Lobby takes Utada in another direction that is unfamiliar to most in the music scene ( relating to music not behind the scenes ) : prostitution . She takes a different approach with her vocals as well . Instead of using her amazing range , she does a rapping sort of things , which suprisingly suits the song very well . It has a bit of a futuristic theme to it and that's one of the reasons it's so cool . Wonder About has the element that I can't put my finger on . I'm not sure what to call it but I like it . The chorus features some strange and funny sounds ( but they work in the song ) . It just goes to show you that Utada can make anything work . She's singing but it doesn't sound like she usually does when she's singing so the song's a bit of a mystery . Despite this , it's still a good song that is worth getting . Exodus ' 04 talks about Utada running way with someone to paradise . She tells her mother and father not to worry and why should they , she's with the person she loves . Utada is cute when she talks about her husband and the love they have for each other . I'm very happy for them . Let Me Give You My Love has Utada exploring the sexuality this album gears to . She talks about mixing gene pool ( Eastern , Western ) and getting multi-lingual . I love how she's using geography and culture to talk about sex instead of being blunt about it and acting promiscuous . While it's not the strongest material on the album , the message comes across clear and it's pretty good . The beat is focused on J-pop and shows Utada can really master any genre .
Exodus is Utada's only U.S.A . release and one of the two English albums she has released ( the other under the name Cubic U , which went under the radar of most ) . Since I'm not Japanese , I cannot understand what she is saying on her other albums , which may lead to my opinion . But this material is so strong that I know that this has the potential to be her strongest album . The beats are hot and Utada shows emotion and strength in her vocal range . As my favorite J-pop singer , this is naturally my favorite J-pop album . Exodus is a collection of Utada's emotions , experiences and it came out amazingly . I really hope she makes another all English album cause I'll definitely buy it .
001 4 Above and beyond the hype ( i.e . , Japanese pop superstar sets her sights on the USA ) , EXODUS succeeds based on its varied musical merits , one that may take several listens to fully appreciate . I've been enthusiastic about 21 - year old Hikaru Utada's music for the past five years via imported CDs and DVDs , hearing a fresh approach to pop with liberal doses of hiphop , r & b , nu-soul , and extending even into reggae , jazz , rock , etc . Her career began at a level of depth beyond her years , and with each successive album she has grown musically without losing sight of what she previously accomplished .
What strikes me above and beyond all else on EXODUS is that Utada seems focused on letting her musical imagination run wild , with remarkably little calculation to fit into mainstream pop culture musical trends . At the same time , she succeeds in finding that elusive balance between experimentation and familiarity that gives EXODUS the potential to please both those who want to be entertained as well as those who need to be challenged . Several tracks such as Devil Inside and the lead single Easy Breezy are already making waves . But EXODUS is one of those rare albums that stays inspired from beginning to end .
There are some quite provocative lyrics at times , particularly on Tippy Toe that appears to come from the perspective of an opportunistic woman who seduces a married man ( who shares the blame of course ) , seemingly turned on even further by the fact that their actions are likely to tear his family apart . Without actually showing her hand , I hear this cut as a wry indictment of such shameful behavior ( btw : Utada is a married woman ) . However you might interpret the lyrics , it sure does place an incendiary topic on the table . No matter what the theme , the album's lyrics - - mostly less controversial than Toe - - avoid the plastic and / or profane excesses of pop culture , which to me makes EXODUS an album mostly suitable for all ages ( with maybe some intermittent parental guidance for the youngsters ) .
Musically , EXODUS boldly combines classic synth sounds ( funk , prog-rock , etc . ) , post-hiphop production , and a lot of seamless genre-blending in a manner that throughout is a fresh musical experience , an aural portrait of musical unity . The melodies without exception stay fresh over repeated listenings , and Utada's vocals give expression to a variety of moods . Timbaland produces three cuts , but no matter who is assisting it is Utada's vision that dominates . Pop culture has always been in dire need of depth and substance to counterbalance those who merely follow the money trail , and EXODUS continues Utada's track record of delivering music that will appeal to open-minded listeners of all ages . . . and this time sung in English .
002 4 Exodus , the first English langauge album from Utada , is quite the work . It's much different from the Utada Hikaru that everyone is used to , but everything on the album is great , just in a different way than her older music .
Obviously , first , the songs are quite different from her Japanese music - more hip hop than her First Love style R & B . But each song is interesting in its musicality - songs like Hotel Lobby and You Make Me Want to Be A Man ( which , by the way , probably has nothing to do with what you're thinking ! ) have catchy Asian beats that accent the song perfectly . Exodus ' 04 is a natural standout musically as well , with production from hip hop giant Timbaland .
The lyrics are also something new - and even shocking for some old fans . Utada mentioning sex in any form is a new thing for the most part . But the album in no way suffers from her references to sexuality . All of her songs feature a new story : Tippy Toe ( which feels unfriendly at first but catches on to you very quickly ) is about what it is like to be the other woman in an illict relationship , while the aforementioned Hotel Lobby is about a woman who sells herself . Again , Exodus ' 04 is another standout lyrically , seeming to be the most personal to Utada as she discusses the journey she made to America from the Japanese music scene .
I can't forget to mention Kremlin Dusk , however , which could easily be called the best track on the album - but I'll leave this song a surprise .
The most important thing to note about this album is that it is different from everything that is out there right now . Utada is light years ahead of the popular songstresses of today , not because her voice is any better or worse , but because of her passion for songwriting and her zeal for doing things herself ( even producing all of the non-Timbaland tracks ) . She is an amazing musician , and should be given nothing but praise for this daring album .
Overall , a very worthy buy , whether you're a fan of Utada Hikaru , a fan of hip hop music , or just a fan of good , interesting music in general . Pick up Exodus right now !
004 4 When I first heard the album I was a bit takin aback . At first I thought it was the album itself , that it sucked . As in the tune / beat of the music along with the lyrics . But after listening to some of the songs again . . . I really liked it .
What threw me off at first was that this album is such a change from Utada's Japanese albums , which I am familier with . But after listening to the songs in a different mind set I was able to really enjoy them . It's just a change of sound from what I was used to from her .
The beat and tempo of the songs are fun . Some are upbeat and others more slow , I love each style . Best of all , the songs sound unique from both Utada's previous work along with all the current music we have out today .
The lyrics are also good . They are clever , cute , fun , touching , deep . . . Some all at once and others one at a time .
And one thing you can't deny is that Utada is a damn good singer . Listening to her Japanese music it isn't that easy to tell as I do not know Japanese , though I do listen to more Japanese music then English . But in this album you can definatly hear Utada's talent . She's an amazingly talented young woman .
I love this album and really hope it makes it . I'd love to see artists from overseas breaking into our market here in the states . Britney Spears sells records world wide w / o even attempting to sing in any other language . Why can't artists from other countries do the same here in America ?
006 4 When I first heard Easy Breezy , I had doubts about this album . Although a very catchy song , it still misses the magic in Utada's music . But after listening to the whole album , I'm sure this album will be a hit .
Devil Inside is a great song with some really , really cool lyrics . Exodus ' 04 , one of the two songs which isn't produced by Utada herself but by Timbaland , is an amazing track . The other song produced by Timbaland , Let Me Give You My Love , is so addictive that you'll be singing it all the time . Just like Easy Breezy , although it's one of the weakest song of the album . Another great track is About Me , which shows Utada's vocal and guitar skills . The masterpiece in this album is definitely Kremlin Dusk . I cannot describe how great this track is , you just have to hear it for yourself ! All the songs are amazing except You Make Me Want To Be A Man , which I don't listen to very much , because I think it's too repetitive .
But this doesn't stop me to rate this album 5 stars . It's refreshing and addictive and this album comes highly recommended ! ! Utada did a great job and you'll playing this album over and over again .
007 4 Many of these reviews putting the album down have been comparing Hikaru Utada to other artists , whether they be Japanese or American . What you need to do is look at this album for its own merits . And it does have merits . There are some songs with real effort and meaning put into them , such as Exodus ' 04 , and Kremlin Dusk . These are the kind of songs that make you cry , that make you feel . Then there's something new , and a little different : songs of Utada's that make you feel like dancing or smiling . Easy Breezy is catchy and fun , it may not have a lot to do with deep feeling , but it's still a good song in the respect that it is only trying to be what it is . This album is very different , but it deserves a chance and it definitely deserves more than a passoff .
For one thing I don't see how people can say that her lyrics are bad , even in her Japanese music . I've always thought her Japanese lyrics are beautiful , touching , and even haunting . Very poetic . Things like aoi sora ga mieru nara aoi kasa hirogete ( the blue sky can be seen if you open your blue umbrella ) ? How are those bad lyrics . . . ? ? I seriously don't know of any bad Japanese lyrics . And have YOU ever tried to write a song in English ? It's sooooooo much easier in Japanese . You can still mean a lot by saying something with a lot more or a lot less syllables . It fits to music more readily than English . Just consider Utada . . . Her English lyrics have never been amazing , but they've never been that bad . I really wish she had done some covers on this album . . . It would have made the transition easier . But as it stands , as far as I can tell , she was pretty much hurtled into this release . So I guess . . . give her a break , because she deserves it . She's earned it .
I really think the only reason you'd think this album is bad is either you just don't like the genre ( which is pretty much club and dance ) or if you were expecting something different from Utada . I know I was . I was hoping for something more intimate and open , something warmer and closer , you know ? Like the version of Loving You she sang with just the acoustic guitar . The only thing that came close was About Me . Indeed the huge change to the more cold sound sent me reeling for a while . But I still thought Devil Inside and even Easy Breezy were good songs .
I figure the coldness is sort of trying to protect her from failure as a crossover . As for the bad lyrics such as You're easy breezy , and I'm Japanesey , they're pretty bubblegum pop , but think about the audience she's trying to captivate here . * Raises eyebrow * Americans . American teens most likely . So , hey , it may not be deep , but it's clever and it's the kind of thing that sticks in your head .
And the other thing that disturbs me is people who say her voice is so average . Ok , I'll admit , she doesn't have the vocal strength of an opera singer , but she has a warm , raw , intimate quality to her voice and a lot of personality and emotion can leak through with that kind of voice . Have you heard Dareka no Negai ? It's chilling . . . ! Or Final Distance or Colors or Hikari ? ? ? Maybe Utada doesn't have the vocal range of eight octaves or something , but she has something more . . . that not everyone sees or cares to see . I don't think she's just another J-Pop artist . Sure , it's not perfect , but I'd rather hear the real Utada than a synthesized , layered , fake but perfect version of Utada .
And we know Utada can write great , catchy songs . Remember Simple and Clean from the video game Kingdom Hearts ? Some people played the game just to find out what that song was . I bought the game because of that song !
I think Utada just needs time to get used to writing her songs in English . I almost wish she'd make a double release with songs in Japanese and English . . . because I know that it's easier for ME to write songs in Japanese as apposed to English . . . and I'm not even Japanese .
Exodus has a new and different sound that we're not used to ; It's raw , it's unpolished , but if we give it time , Utada will wow us as she always has . She has the talent , but does she have the motivation ? Gambare , Hikki !
008 4 I got this cd on the heels of its release ( Can you tell I'm a fan of this girl ? ) . I've been quite the follower of Utada I love her music mostly because it's foreign , mind you I don't know a drop of Japanese . Her voice and how it marries the melody captivated me . Now with the release of Exodus , all theose feelings towards this girl has not changed . That is not a bad thing , I somehow , had a feeling that her lyrics were light hearted and cute when sung in Japanese , now its the same in English . Now as much as I hope people would have an open mind to her lyrics , not many will consider You're easy breezy , and I'm Japanesey a serious phrase , believe me , I was a little wierded out by that too . But if you take the time to listen to tracks like Exodus ' 04 ( which was produced in conjunction with Timbaland ) , Kremlin Dusk and even the light hearted Easy Breezy , you'll know that this girl is solid .
Check out her earlier work , especially First Love thats the album that made her the best selling Japaese artist of all time . Find out why . And those keen enough will note that the song Emotional by R & B artist Carl Thomas borrows a sample melody from one of Utadas ' songs ( Never Let Go ) . Some one obviousley noticed .
Well you get the drift of my review , so get on with it and buy her CD .
009 4 Utada definately knows her stuff . This album is full of refreshing sounds and pleasing beats mixed with great lyrics and vocals . Everything about this album screams BUY ME !
Showing she's not afraid to play in the dirt , she writes , sings , arranges , and produces all the songs on her album except the two or three master producer Timbaland had the pleasure of producing for her .
Experimental songs like Animato and Kremlin dusk will blow your mind the first time you hear the aurally orgasmic brilliance that fills every crevice of your poor unsuspecting ears . Kremlin Dusk is especially noteworthy and is the best track on the CD in my opinion . The drummer from Mars Volta gives her a hand on the track . Together , they craft a beautiful song .
About Me showcases her vocal talent . Just sit back and let her deep , beautiful voice carry you through the song as you listen to the acoustic guitar followed by a soothing R & B beat .
Songs like Exodus 04 , The Workout , Tippy Toe , Let me Give You my Love , and many others make this album worth every cent of your money .
Afterwards if your tired of all the serious music listening put it on Easy Breezy . Listen to the fun and energetic lyrics and have a nice time with the happy beat .
I hope you consider this CD because I know you will love it .
010 4 Every single bad review you see below all come from old Hikki fans but what they don't realize is that she's Utada now . Sure she's relying heavily on her original American fan base but again understand that Japan and the United States are two totally different ball parks .
I think my mom put it best while I played Exodus during a car ride , The music is really good but Americans won't like this because they only like trash music . Now if you're me you got a good kick out of your mom saying this but it's sad that it's kind of true . However , I'm positive that's there's millions of people out there who are sick of the same generic pop and hiphop songs . For those people Utada provides us with Exodus . Her album brings English / American music with a fresh new taste of blends of everything , there's no words to use to really to describe Exodus . But don't be fooled by her first two singles , Easy Breezy and Devil Inside , to me those two tracks are possibly the weakest tracks on the album .
Utada says goodbye to her roots and foundation in Japan on track #3 , Exodus 04 ' , which was co-produced by Timbaland and to me the strongest track on the album . Utada's only twenty-one we can't expect her to sing the same songs as she did in her debut eight million selling album , First Love , when she was only sixteen . I dare everyone out there to take a risk and try Utada out and I promise you that you won't be disappointed , not the best album but defintley worth checking out .
If you don't buy the album at least buy these tracks off i-tunes :
#3 , Exodus 04 '
#4 , The Workout
#7 , Hotel Lobby
#10 , Kremlin
#14 , About Me
011 4 I have listened to her former recordings as Utada Hikaru in Japan . But I want to review this album as if it was a total new artist , and if she truly had been a brand new artist , then this album is totally amazing . Her works are fresh to the ears and recommended for those who want more out of music . She doesn't do just one genre , but she crosses the genres .
The notable guast appearances are producer Timbaland ( Wonder ' Bout , Let Me Give You My Love and Exodus ' 04 ) and drummer Jon Theodore from The Mars Travolta for Kremlin Dusk .
My personal favorites are Kremlin Dusk , Exodus ' 04 , Hotel Lobby , Animato and About me . Least appealing were You Make Me Want To Be A Man , Wonder ' Bout and Let Me Give You My Love .
Need more info ? Check Utada.com or Utada-Online.net .
012 4 I became a fan of Utada accidently , even tho I don't understand Japanese I really liked her songs , so when I heard she had an English Album coming out I was excited , and I have to say this is the most DIVERSE , UNIQUE album I have heard in a long time .
It takes a little getting used to at first , and I know she has been getting flack from some hard core J-Pop fans , but this is not intended to be a J-pop album .
Utada has fun with the lyrics ( and even said so in an interview ) the most exciting thing to me is the music . the style is so different from anything being played.It's a shame that this album will probably be overshadowed by the same boring stuff on radio lately.Songs that I really love are Devil Inside ( #3 in billboard hot club songs ) The Workout great beat , sexy song , Tippy Toe catchy chorus , great lyrics.Wonder Bout ( produced by Timbaland and Utada ) awesome beats.Let me give you my Love , absolute album favorite.So if you want to hear something new and refreshing , fun , diverse , intriguing.Get this album , this is deep unlike some shallow music out there now .
014 4 I'm glad to see so many positive reviews for this album - I was fearing the backlash that I've seen in many other forums of their initial reaction to Utada's album .
Please do not put thise album down until you've given it a try - meaning more than one listen through . When I first heard it , of course I was expecting Utada's old japanese sound - very high expectations . But after taking the time to hear this album on repeat , I see it's a really good album . Yes , the music is different - Utada's truly experimenting and she's grown .
There are quite a few standout tracks , Exodus ' 04 , Kremlin Dusk , Wonder Bout , Let Me Give You My Love , Easy Breezy . . . I hope Utada will have a long career here also , and this makes me anticipate her next album even more .
016 4 This album is a fantastic effort by Utada . The tunes in EXODUS are melodic and have some nice infectious and funky grooves which gives the album variation and a different style heard in the current mainstream pop market . This album ranges from oriental styled dance , Devil Inside , to Mid-tempo rock , Kremlin Dusk . Both of which are highlights of the album , including the likes of Exodus ' 04 , Hotel Lobby , Animato , and the acoustic About Me .
Altho this album has a lot of synthesised electronic sounds , it is a well ranged pop album available for all the listen to . A must for people who want to get away from the music playing endlessly on the radio .
017 4 Utada's debut album is a mixed bag . In my opinion , the production quality is seamless , and the pop tunes she has composed are really brilliant and unique in a genre where an entire album sounds like the same song running on for 50 ( sometimes 40 ) minutes . There are some tunes that make you want to get up and dance ( Devil Inside , Wonder ' Bout , and Hotel Lobby ) , and then there are some more mellow , reflective pieces ( Exodus ' 04 , Animato , Kremlin Dusk ) that can be really moving .
What I like about this album is that it is evident how extremely personal the songs are to her , without being too exclusive to the listener . On several tracks she intersperses lyrics about the vicissitudes of love with thoughtful commentary on her role as a musician . On Animato , she combines music-related verses ( This is something new and interesting / Why are you trying to classify it / This is music for all humanity from me ) with a love-related chorus . On Kremlin Dusk , she laments the strain of a lost love , Is it like this / Is it always the same / When a heartache begins , is it like this , and when the melody ( which like all others is original as well as catchy ) to these lines has taken root in the listener's mind , she appeals to the conscience of her audience : If you like this / Will you remember my name / Will you play it again , if you like this . These lines critique not only the realm of music piracy into which her album is entering , but they also express how her race can play a factor in her success as an American pop singer . Ever wonder why her name is Utada , and not Utada Hikaru like she's known in Japan , and not Hikaru Utada like she's credited on the Rush Hour 2 soundtrack ? Perhaps because of the overwhelmingly vast pop music scene , the fewer the number of syllables she could use to represent her Japanese name , the less likely the whimsical consumer is to look at her name - - unpronounceable to the average teeny bopper - - and just as quickly discredit it .
Unfortunately this type of thoughtful social commentary is not prevalent throughout the album . Utada touches on her sexuality in a great many of the songs on this album , and unfortunately her delivery is just embarassing to listen to . I can only imagine that Utada was trying to garner pop-like cuteness for her ethnicity with remarks like , I'm Japanesey , and So I showed him how people in the Far East get down . But her sexuality comes forth in awkward metaphors like , You're missing all the action underneath my table , and Can you and I start mixing gene pools / Eastern , Western people / Get naughty multilingual . Others are unpleasantly ambiguous , like her sexual proposition to a married man : Let me see you dance on your tippy toe . Other ideas are presented in an awkwrad light from the get-go , and without much development they remain so : You really wanna tell me something , but you can't / You make me want to be a man
Some of the lyrics are so embarassing to listen to , it makes me wonder how she managed to sing them in the studio without breaking up laughing . But in spite of this , Utada has a number of thoroughly bright lyrics on her album that more than make up for these shortcomings . The best example of this is Hotel Lobby , a poignant criticism of the position that prostitutes are in due to the ignorance of individuals ( So many things go unreported ) as well as the government ( She's unprotected ) . It's likely that this multi-platinum recording artist has never herself been in a tight spot for cash , but she represents her subjects with powerful imagery : She rises with the sunset / She wonders , ' When will this end ? ' / The world is full of money , full of money Her hopes , they stretch and they bend / Wrinkle like paper money , paper money . While some of the lyrics to songs are laughable , this album is in no way devoid of meaning . It's at times very powerful for a debut album , and packs the vocal punch that a studio veteran like Hikaru can deliver .
Numerous examples of Utada Hikaru's trademark vocals - - which I call inexact for lack of a better term - - sprinkle the album with a unique flavor . What I mean by inexact is when she sings clearly and silkily as ever but with a seeming disregard for the exactitude of pitch . Listen to she's got a new microphone on Easy Breezy , or the playful windo-o-o-o-o-ow on Kremlin Dusk and you'll know what I'm talking about . Utada Hikaru has a reputation for delivering vocals that are technically flawless while at the same time sounding like they are coming from the average person singing in their car , which is part of what makes her so likeable . The only flaw in her vocals on this album is that at some points numerous voices are saying the same thing but inexactly ( the verses on Hotel Lobby are a good example of this ) , causing the lyrics to sound jumbled and unintelligeable . I didn't know what half of the lyrics were until I looked them up online . Then it made perfect sense !
I'm giving this album a 3 because I think half of the tracks on the album are more than exceptional , whereas the other half leave something to be desired . I can't wait for a follow-up album .
018 4 For the better or worse , the new English debut is noticeably different from many of her fans would expect . This is one of those albums which you will either love , hate , or grow into . This album is Utada's way of opening up to the American Market , letting people know what she's is all about .
Although music maybe an international language , there are cultural differences which may limits / restrict the artist's expression of his / her work . As for Exodus , a couple of her songs did just that , with racier lyrics which she may not get a welcomed feedback if it were released in Japan . Some may say this album is the same old Asian lollipop junk , but if you think about it what did u expect from an Asian superstar who has been dominating the charts in Japan ? No doubt there are Asian influence integrated into this album , but I found it rather foreign to the Asian music I've heard in the past , it's definitely much more western oriented .
Utada hit it big in Japan because her music was different from the norm , I don't ' expect anything different approach with the English Debut , if her music is the same as what the mainstream big-name artists already made , then people will just think she's just a wannabe .
She did not intend to use the same type of music she made in Japan to greet the new market . If they were the same type of music she could very well just translate all of her previous albums . Utada's new album was made for a new market and should not be compared to what she did in the past .
This album is a compilation of innovative cross-genres music which Utada have been pioneering throughout her career . Much of the album consists of great tracks ; however I do have to agree with the fact that many of the songs lacks the more meaning full lyrics which she has been keen on writing for her Japanese albums . But I do not see it as a problem here in America because there seems to be a general consensus that good music does not have to grow from deep lyrics as long as they're captivating .
Some songs I would highly recommend on this album are the following :
Exodus ' 04 , Devil inside , The workout , Kremlin Dusk , Let me give you my Love .
020 4 First of all , do NOT expect the style of her Japanese work . Yes , I love her Japanese music too , but . . I can't really say what's better , that or this . I can't say because they have two COMPLETELY different feels . Hikki seems to change styles with each of her albums . First Love was pop , Distance was R & B , Deep River was just . . undescribable , it's beautiful , it's a mixture of styles . And this brings us to Exodus , which is definitely a techno pop album with a lot of dance flavors . I believe it's ahead of its time , but that's not a bad thing . I actually think the album is brilliant . It's really creative how she can mix so many different genres into one style . Here are some examples :
Easy Breezy and Exodus ' 04 - Pop
Devil Inside - Dance
Let Me Give You My Life - Hip-hop
Wonder ' Bout - R & B
Kremlin Dusk - Rock
Those also happen to be some of the best songs on the album . The only ones I didn't really like were The Workout , Tippy Toe , and You Make Me Want to Be a Man , but I still love the album . And that's saying something considering I usually don't like dancing , and you could easily dance ( and I have danced ) to all of these tracks . I think the album will be a big hit with clubbers and a certain audience , but I think it's just too different in a good way to be totally mainstream . That's the beauty of it , it's NOT generic . It's NOT something you're gonna see on MTV . That's why I love it so much .
I can honestly say I've never heard anything like it in my life , the sound is so unique . . and all I can say is to give this album a try , and if you like her vocals on it ( which I do ) , then check out her Japanese work too , I've been a fan of hers for about 3 years and this was WELL worth the wait .
Honorable Mention - Hotel Lobby . Song about a hooker with a funky beat and a chorus that just . . has an underlying sadness about it . Catch me because I think I'm falling . Meet me in the mirrors of the hotel lobby .
021 4 WOW ! The extremely popular Japanese singer Hikaru Utada has really surprised me . He English debut album Exodus is a feast for the ears .
Exodus was entirely written by Utada , and partially produced by Timbaland , who also worked with Missy Elliot and Justin Timberlake . The singing is like an extra instrument to the catchy beats , with have a techno-poppish kind of feel . Remixes of the single Devil Inside are already high on the dance charts .
Although her main single Easy Breezy , has strange and iffy lyrics , the music is very catchy . Other excellent tracks include Exodus ' 04 , Wonder ' Bout , The Workout , Kremlin Dusk , Devil Inside ( which features a rather traditional Asian sound ) and Let Me Give You My Love .
Now all there is to do is hope she releases a follow-up !
022 4 The first time I listened to this album , I probably popped in ' Deep River ' to make sure it was the same artist . But , after the 2nd listen , I learned to seperate ' Utada ' from ' Utada Hikaru ' . Utada's music is different and a breath of fresh air from the current main stream . ' Easy Breezy ' should not have been a single , as I know it hurt sales a lot with it's . . . well . . . easy breezy lyrics . But true gems on this album are :
Exodus 04 ~ The title track is the most moving to me , the beat , the lyrics , everything is genius . Timbaland worked magic on this song , and it should have been her lead single .
Devil Inside
Kremlin Dusk
Hotel Lobby
About Me
The Workout ( A guilty pleasure song )
If you want something different , and quality ( to me , you aren't a real artist if you don't write or at least have a hand in your songs ) Utada is well worth the listen .
025 4 I bought this album simply because I thought the debut single , Devil Inside , was an incredibly original sounding track . . . but I had no idea what I was in for .
On first listen , this album didn't settle very well . . . but on a second listen , maybe because I was more aware of what I was about to hear , I was enthralled , and the album has remained permanently in one of my CD drives ever since .
Utada has released an album of some of the most original works 2004 saw . In a year of such horrible music , it was not difficult to put out a great album , but so few did . However , this album would stand out in ANY year .
The debut single hit #1 on the dance charts in the summer , but is not even the best song on the album . That title goes to the title track , Exodus ' 04 , which is a brilliant track about moving on in life and cutting the apron strings . Then there is the absolutely gorgeous Kremlin Dusk and Animato , both tracks breathy ballads that still have a groove to them , beat-wise . And the shockingly poignant Hotel Lobby , about the desperation of prostitution . The Workout is a killer techno-RnB mindtrip and Let Me Give You My Love is a glorious track of great vocal affects and rhythms .
There is no generic RnB or pop on here , because even the more mainstream tracks have a Japanese flavour and an electronic tip that differentiates her completely from the other pop princesses and useless Nelly-like artists of the auditory world .
I highly recommend this album to anyone who is looking for clever pop & RnB with great sound affects , awesome beats , fun lyrics , and hearing something new upon each listen . Songs that will stick in your head in a glorious mix that will beg you to pop on the album again so you can sing along . A stroke of genius that shows the best move this beautiful and talented Japanese woman has made was writing and recording this album featuring some of the best songs this year had heard .
Americanized ? Not at all . American music sucked in 2004 . Brilliant ? Without a doubt .
026 4 Utada's English DEBUT is an album that I will constantlly be listening too . No need to stash this work of art in a box or delete it from my iPod , but something I can listen to over and over again to pleasure my ears .
Many of you complain about her lyrical choice on this album . I believe even though her choice in lyrics may not sound as deep , or as such a strong vocabulary . . . her symbolism and refrences surely make up for it .
I was talking with a born-again Christian . So what's it like to start life all over - The Workout . . . ever take notice that here she may be referring to herself . Her she is claiming she has re-invented her sound / style once again . Here she claims she has had an epiphany , some great thinking has taken place here .
Kremlin Dusk along with About Me has great lyrical content that is just . . . awe-inspiring .
You can't deny it . . . her lyrics , although may not be similar to japanese tracks such as Hikari , Colors , Distance . . . they are deeper than most female artists can reach in here in the states .
Her vocals , is every negative person really that blind to notice that she is not trying to hard that she can't hit high notes , but that she has the ability to control her voice , to tease you with it . She is able to reach high notes . . . tweaks them on purpose . It is a skill of her own , a characteristic that sepearates her from the rest .
This album just presents a lot of things that american female artists are lacking , the power of voice over image .
027 4 This is a great album . You don't have to be a fan of her Japanese work to realize how great it is . With its mix of R & B , dance , and ballads , you can't help but see what makes Utada such a bright star . You're bound to find a number of songs to be your favorites as I know I have . Pick this album up . You won't regret it . : )
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028 4 Obviously , this album is all about UTADA HIKARU gaining her independence - - she has taken more creative control with the production and arrangement of the music . Not just musically , however , she has made it very clear that she is trying to transcend the limits of a Pop persona , or the confines of the JPop music machine .
She is searching for some sort of adult identity , with an emphasis on feeling out new ground .
Anyone who considers themselves a real fan of her work should be able to accept this . Why not ? She's a great artist and we've all really enjoyed her music up to now . Let's approach it with an open mind and see how it goes ! We all all in her corner , rooting for her continued success !
Unfortunately , what does UTADA give us ? If you consider this new ground or unique , I'm not sure what you'd consider to be the status quo she is attempting to buck .
Many of these songs simply state her desire to break out of the mold ( ok , ok , we've already accepted this ! ) . The first song and the ninth songs actually go so far as having the same lyrics , stating I don't want to crossover / Between this genre , that genre . . . ad nauseum , ad nauseum . On the sone Animate she calls out to her fans , Somebody out there better get this . . . If UTADA needs 3 songs out of 14 to make this clear , it's too bad , because it leaves less room on the album for her to prove her statements to us . So what is all the hubub about ? What is she going to give us ?
Apparently , her new persona seem to be very interesting in telling the listener about having intimate relationships with American men . She speaks of a blond Texan , and showing him how people in the Far East get down in a song provactively called The Workout . Later , she sings about getting burned by a guy enamoured by her exotic Japanese ways , exclaiming how You're Easy-Breezy , and I'm japaneesy . In yet another songs , she asks , Can you and I start mixing gene pools ? / Eastern , Western people / Get naughty multilingual . If this is a major theme in her evolution , it makes me wonder what we will hear about in her next album . Maybe it will be about Italian men ?
Other songs are equally superifical , except for one or two songs , notably , About Me where she gets serious about a potential marriage proposal , a topic which resonates with many young people's apprehensions about about tying the knot . Hotel Lobby is a very dark and gritty look and the wrong turns that bring together sex and money .
Musically , some of the programming quirks are very strange , almost enough to detract seriously from otherwise good tracks . The song Wonder ' Bout has an excruciatingly annoying squeaking-tone , way too far forward in the mix that overpowers the catchy rhythm buried underneath it . The end of Easy Breezy cuts off with UTADA tunelessly warbling , unable to find the direction to go with the irrevelvant and flat melody . The best produced songs , and it pains me to say , are the ones done by TIMBALAND .
So , UTADA has proclaimed to the world her independence , and her ability to evolve past what she has been in categorized as in the past . The problem begins after that .
Proclaiming to be your own person is the easy part - - putting together something that can be worthy of it's own uniqueness is the difficult part . On this release , I'm sad to say that although it wasn't a complete miss , UTADA has still fallen quite short of the high mark that she has set for herself .
029 4 In a time where a lot of music in the charts is very similar sounding , because it's all churned out in bulk to appeal to the mass audience , Utada's new album comes as a welcome change in flavour . The only completely Asian artist out there , she writes and produces all her own songs fusing heady Eastern vibes with Western beats and rhythm . The result is like nothing you've heard before , and trust me that is a good thing !
The tracks that stand out are Kremlin Dusk - a sort of power ballad that gives you a rush just to listen to it , Hotel Lobby - a dancy pop-y number with an interesting choice of lyrics , Exodus ' 04 with its intoxicating melody and the infectious dance track which is also her single : Devil Inside . There isn't a single stinker on this album , and with a varied style throughout there's bound to be something that appeals to everyone .
030 4 I started getting into Utada Hikaru while living in Japan . Ayumi Hamasaki was my first introduction to J-Pop , but once I heard Utada , my perception of the genre changed .
Her music defines integrity , and her talent is second to none . The first time I listened to this cd , I was a bit disappointed with her English album debut . However , after a couple of more listens , I couldn't take it out of my cd player !
I highly recommend this cd to anyone who is looking for something fresh , yet vaguely familiar . What System of a Down did for metal , she'll do for pop .
031 4 Alright , here is a REAL review of this CD . If you love Utada Hikaru and don't want a change , then DUH do not get this CD . If you are open minded and a hard core fan of the japanese Diva then get off your ass and get this CD . Utada has guts , she has cross the border , and has put up her gaurd for haters . Want to hate , then hate . Want a fresh Utada making hot tracks that are killer , then Exodus is here to give you more pleasure than you can shake a stick at . Heres the overview of one of the BEST albums of 04 . If you like slow songs , there really aren't any on this up beat american-debut CD
1 - Opening It is here that utada opens with a techno mild dance beat saying simple lines like I don't want to cross over between this genre , and that genre . She's letting her fans know that she is a freelancer and refuses to be under one catagory .
2 - Devil Inside Utada opens with a rock-like beat . This song will get you moving , and the lyrics will stick to you like glue ! A big favorite of mine .
3 - Exodus ' 04 Timbaland lays the smackdown ! With a middle eastern beat this song is hard not to dance to . Utada proves that herlyrics are a-list .
4 - The Workout This will suprise you ! Another dance floor track to keep the cd's dance theme going . The japanese Diva tells us all how to dance , and move like the people of the far east . Think of a missy eliiot song , just less obnoxious .
5 - Easy Breezy You either love this song , or you hate it . This is the ( in ) famous song with the catchy lyrics of you're easy breezy , and i'm japanesey . This is probably a favorite of mine .
6 - Tippy Toe Sexy lyrics with a hot beat , Utada sings about being in love with a man who is cheating on his wife , and even has a family . Her lyrics are irrisistable , and by this time you are convinced that Utada has skill !
7 - Hotel Lobby very strange song . But kick ass no less .
8 - Animato Another strange song . Sample lyrics : DVD's of Elvis Presley BBC sessions of Led Zeppelin sining along to f . mercury . She does a creative job at expressing her love for diffrent music .
9 - Crossing Over Interlude Utada continues to sing the I dont want to cross over between this genre , and genre .
10 - Kremlin Dust Not quite a slow song , but very deep in deed . You'll be nodding your head , and you will also be dying to memorize the hot lyrics .
11 - You Make Me Want To Be A Man A strange title , that got my attetion . She sings about wishing she had no feeling like some men .
12 - Wonder ' Bout A fast heart renching love song . Good beat , and like many of the other songs it gets stuck in your brain for the day .
13 - Let Me Give You My Love Another hot Timbaland track .
14 - About Me MY FAVORITE SONG IN THE WORLD ! This is the only slow song , and it really isn't THAT slow . It almost makes you want to cry . Utada sings to her love about her imperfections , and is asking to be loved because of them . There is so much more to the song , and i adore it .
So there it is . .14 tracks of pure Japanese import . It you can't let go of the Utada that sang Hikaru , First Love , and Distance , than you might not like her US debut . But remember this , Utada started in the United States , and her beats , and style was influenced from America . This girl is a genuis , and you are an idiot if you pass this cd up !
032 4 There are soo many great songs in here , and they are all very very good . I love The Workout , Kremlin Dusk , Devil Inside , Hotel Lobby , Exodus ' 04 and Tippy Toe ! ! If you are disappointed because you were expecting something more like her japanese songs than you have to realize that this is her AMERiCAN debut ! Beacuse barely anybody knew her in the states she decided create something new and not restrict herself by her old music . If you really look at it that way , this music is something really good and different , fun , catchy , and danceable ( and besides , she was popular in Japan BECAUSE she was different ! ! ) . It's . . GREAT ! ! = ^ - ^ = This is [ her ] Exodus o4 !
033 4 My brother is a big fan of Utada and is playing this album a lot ( more 24 / 7 ) . At first , I really thought this album is kinda strange musically and lyrically . But after a few listens , I'm really addicted to this album . The songs really grows on you , and I like every songs in this album and I don't skip any tracks . Even the opening and interlude ( normally , I skip interludes on every album ) is great to listen everytime . I like how she sings in the opening and interlude : I don't wanna crossover . Between this genre , that genre . Between you and I , is where I wanna cross the line . I just wanna go further . Between here and there grow wiser . Together you and I - we can cross all borders , you and I
Utada is an amazing songwriter and singer , and put a fresh new sound in this dull music market . Although this could be her downfall in her US debut , because this isn't any mainstream music and her genre is sort of unclassifiable , but at least she made an album she can be proud of . I'm off , listening to Exodus again . . . . . . .
034 4 A friend of mine bought this album for me last night , and being familiar only with the songs of her's that have appeared in videogames ( okay , and the occaisional download ) , I was pleasantly surprised . This is not the stuff the entire world will love , but neither is it fluff of the Britney-Christina-Jessica variety . I've noticed she's taken a lot of flack for not having deep lyrics , but to give her a lot of credit , she doesn't flake out on singing about sexy jeans like an American pop tart who will go un-named .
The albums ' sound is intriguing , reminding me of what would happen if Tori Amos and Beyonce decided to collaborate and I imagine it'll grab a lot of attention if only for that .
This isn't the album that'll break boundries for Utada , but it should without a doubt be one that opens doors , the tracks being fresh and catchy without having the so-called stigma of being brainy . This is the album that can facilitate the next effort , and if successful , the next album's broadened horizons . I suspect she can do much , much better , but it's safer to take those risks with an established audience and Exodus lays a good foundation .
036 4 I've always wanted to get my hands on a Utada album , however , my devotion to respecting copyrights created a situation where my only option was importing , which is usually cost prohibitive for me . I have fallen for a number of Asian singers whose music is far more inspired , and innovative than any thing the pop industry has given us over the last several years . Burnt out on Brittany , still recovering from Back street Boys , and still angry that Michael Jackson failed to revitalize the pop industry with his last album I have been in a situation where I am far more reluctant to buy pop music than I have been in the past . I bought Cocoa Lee's CD when it came out only to be disappointed , and despite that I still had to take a chance on Utada . Boy am I glad I did .
Utada is probably the most daring artist I have heard in a very long time . She is not afraid to experiment , she's not afraid to express herself , and she'd extremely talented . I haven't heard anything this brilliant in a very long time , and frankly I hope that this CD does incredibly well as I am looking very forward to a sophomore domestic album , which I will happily buy the day of its release . Pop fans should not hesitate to pick this CD up . Only be warned , that while none of her music is blatantly offensive , some of the content may be too edgy for children .
037 4 Why does everyone say Utada is selling out because she's trying something new ? Sheesh . This CD is great though , I can't get enough .
Opening ~ Honestly , I don't listen to this song often , but it's okay . * * *
Devil Inside ~ Catchy , single worthy , and some of the better lyrics on the album , methinks . It's a shame it's not longer . * * * *
Exodus ' 04 ~ My second favourite on the album . Nice lyrics , I dunno what that instrument is , but it sounsd cool . Yeah , vague , but it is . Her voice is great * * * * *
The Workout ~ I would SO dance to this . . . if I had rhythm . The lyrics are nice and dirty , and she sounds like she's having fun . * * * *
Easy Breezy ~ One of the worse songs , but still pretty good . The high pitched wistle thing is my biggest complaint . And people . When she says & #34 ; I'm Japanesy & #34 ; she is NOt being serious . Wake up . Kthnxbye . * * *
Tippy Toe ~ Not innocent , this song talks a bout adultory . But in a mature way . If everyone says her songs aren't as passionate , ' splain this one ? She's worried that & #34 ; when the thrill subsides & #34 ; she won't be his . Smart lyrics , cathcy beats . * * * * *
Hotel Lobby ~ Again , mature song , about a prostitute . I'm not a big fan , but good when I listen to it . * * * *
Animato ~ This is ABOUT her . I like this song , it's nice . Beats are dark and nice . * * * *
Crossover Interlude ~ Okay . * * *
Kremlin Dusk ~ I don't like the begining lyrics about The Raven . . . but once you get past that , it's excellent . It only gets four stars because of the begining . Once it gets rocky it's all . . . great .
You Make Me Want To Be A Man ~ the begining sounds too busy , but once you get past that , it's pretty good . * * *
Wonder ' Bout ~ Again , the begining isn't the best , but once you get past that , it's great . * * * *
Let Me Give You My Love ~ My favourite track . Nice beat , great lyrics , her voice is gerat . I & #60 ; 3 this song . * * * * *
About Me ~ Nice and acoustic , I like it okay . * * * *
039 4 This review should serve as a proper warning for Utada Hikaru fans who are curious about this album . It is not served with the same flavor as her Japanese language albums and may therefore bother some fans who are expecting the same style and tone we came to appreciate with ' Deep River ' or ' Distance ' .
That said , the album , despite being different and more explorative than prior efforts is still brilliant . To the fan who is shaking their head in disgust at me right now who is the ' Exodus is utter crap ' crowd , I urge you to give the album another listen . In fact , keep it in your player for a while - say a week . It grows on you with each listen and you begin to really appreciate the style and substance of it .
Those who dislike her lyrics are mistaking the tone ( I heard one fan say Japaneezy ? Gag me ! ) for more serious than cheeky , which I think is the intended tone . The album is a new , experimental journey to take your ears on - cheeky ENGLISH lyrics and all . Utada blends techno beats with rock , hip-hop , R & B , and other genres to create a new sound altogether . I am certain this was the intended goal ( In one song she asks This is not a time for reminiscing , this is something new and interesting . . . why are you trying to classify it ? This is music for all humanity from me )
Another reason I think this album didn't reach its full potential is because it sounds like nothing that is currently on the pop charts right now in the US ( or Japan for that matter ) . Utada , as always , is breaking the mold and creating something completely new and different . Perhaps she was ahead of her time on this album though , and I think Hikki knew that even .
Her next album , Ultra Blue , was a return to her old style but that isn't to say that she completely scrapped Exodus . You can hear bits and pieces of that style within Ultra Blue and more still on some of her newer singles ( Kiss and Cry sounds a bit like Hotel Lobby on certain parts ) .
Overall , I'd say to embrace this album fully you have to listen to it long enough and not make a snap judgement . It took me about 2 weeks of hearing it every time I got into my car to really love it , and now it's one of the regulars on my rotation . Is it as good as Ultra Blue or Deep River ? Absolutely . Is it better ? No . But it's hard to compare these albums just because of how different they are .
I hope that Hikaru will give her American fans an encore to Exodus soon , and start to really shake up the airwaves in America . . . and maybe make people rethink what pop music ' should ' sound like .
040 4 This review is from :
Exodus ( Audio CD )
Anything about Hikaru Utada , i had heard on song she had on the Rush Hour 2 soundtrack with Foxy Brown . I was really loving that song , so i was like . I need to keep an eye out for her in the future , lo and behold . She comes out with an album-Exodus . I dont even hesitate to buy it even after the first listen to the CD . I knew it was one CD that was gonna be playing til . . . well a very long time . Each song goes into the next , each one of them bringing a little something different to the table musicwise . From one of my favorite cuts Hotel Lobby to the ending track About Me . Along others like Devil Inside , Wonder Bout , Tippy Toe and Exodus 04 with a smooth slow groove to it . Exodus is just a beginning for Hikaru with this being her first CD in the US . I say that there is only much more to come for the talented and successful singer .
Next album when its released = me buying it the day its released , big ups .
041 4 Anything about Hikaru Utada , i had heard on song she had on the Rush Hour 2 soundtrack with Foxy Brown . I was really loving that song , so i was like . I need to keep an eye out for her in the future , lo and behold . She comes out with an album-Exodus . I dont even hesitate to buy it even after the first listen to the CD . I knew it was one CD that was gonna be playing til . . . well a very long time . Each song goes into the next , each one of them bringing a little something different to the table musicwise . From one of my favorite cuts Hotel Lobby to the ending track About Me . Along others like Devil Inside , Wonder Bout , Tippy Toe and Exodus 04 with a smooth slow groove to it . Exodus is just a beginning for Hikaru with this being her first CD in the US . I say that there is only much more to come for the talented and successful singer .
Next album when its released = me buying it the day its released , big ups .
042 4 I was a fan of Hikaru Utada's Japanese music before she debuted in America , and I must say I was absolutely in love with her style . However , when I received Exodus for Christmas ( after a really long , excited wait ) , I was initially disappointed . How could Utada have changed her style so much just to please an American audience when she has such a large fan base here ? Blasphemy !
However , after listening to her CD for an extended period of time , I realized - - yes , her style on her American release is different . Of course it's going to be different - - it's released to a totally different audience , and Hikaru is also a lot older than she was before . The music has a funky lace all through it , with elements from hip-hop , pop , R & B , and small electronica hints as well . However , it still retains nuances from her past j-pop music , and if you listen closely you will realize that she is still the same Utada - - her music is deeper than it seems from the jump ( for example , the contrasting lyrical / musical emotion on Easy Breezy or the plaintive voice laid over electronic / rock beats on Kremlin Dusk ) , and she still mixes superior musical quality with her hauntingly beautiful voice .
I recommend it to new and old Hikaru fans alike - - although I caution older fans to give it a chance before throwing it to the wolves . Sure it's different , but the difference is appealing .
Lastly , don't listen to anyone who admits to reviewing from the previews ( which I have seen ! and unfortunately , it's featured on the first page ) . The review is supposed to be a product of someone who actually BOUGHT the material and listens to it on a regular basis . A person who has listened to the previews is in the same boat as a person seeking a review - - he / she has not heard the full-length material and is therefore not eligible to give a worthy review .
046 4 There are an awful lot of Japanophiles who are reviewing as of late , and many of them are pretty ticked that Hikaru is making a second English CD , and that it's not pure sugary J-pop like they're used to in her other CDs .
Hikaru is not Hikki anymore . She is grown , and is very married . Let the woman grow up . Also , if you have only heard the music from the previews , you need not review .
And that is exactly what Exodus is . I think that this is a beautiful and graceful departure from her normally overly-upbeat music that she is known for in Japan . If I wanted overly-upbeat music , I would listen to Namie Amuro or Ayumi Hamasaki .
This CD is a beautiful mix of Electronica , some pop and even R & B influences , and beats are done by Timbaland , which explains why they are so beautiful , and why I get the essence of Aaliyah when I hear her songs . That's exactly what she is - the Japanese Aaliyah . And that says a lot , considering that Aaliyah was one of a kind , and that not many people in the industry today are even one iota close to accomplishing what the late Miss Haughton is capable of . Hikaru has successfully done so . So my question here is why hasn't she been heard of more ?
Her bilingual background makes for a very stunning voice that is is not hindered by bits of broken English or ' r to l ' discrepancies , which happens quite often with Japanese artists who try to do English lyrics .
Animato is currently my favorite song on the album . Her voice , while there is a lot of crooning , she does it in such a manner that makes it extremely smooth . Sometimes , her lyrics are rather ridiculous and almost have nothing to do with her songs , but considering that she was big in Japan , she certainly is above average as far as lyrics goes .
I would recommend this CD to people who are getting tired of the turn that R & B is taking right now . She is a welcome change from the manufacturedness of Beyonce , Ciara , Brooke Valentine and others . I would also suggest this to a few of her older fans , but I would suggest that you give her a chance with this album . Hikaru veterans may not like it at first , but remember , Hikaru is not the innocent little girl that she used to be . This CD is Hikaru coming out as a woman , and I feel that she did a better than average job .
4 and a half out of 5 .
047 4 First of all , you have to remember , this is Utada's ( aka Hikaru Utada ) AMERICAN debut , so therefore , it would be hardly fitting for her to sing japanese pop ! Instead of comparing this CD with Hikaru Utada's other songs , compare it to what's on the American radio stations . Every song on this CD surpasses the other stuff on the radio !
If you only like Hikaru Utada's j-pop , then you probably won't like this album . But , even when she's not singing in Japanese , her vocals are still wonderful .
Songs :
1 . Opening : A good opening . Utada states that she doesn't want to cross over between this genre , that genre .
2 . Devil Inside : A very catchy song . I didn't like it the first time I heard it , but soon it grew on me .
3 . Exodus ' 04 : A good song about a girl who leaves everything behind for a guy she likes . I love the vocals on this song .
4 . Workout : This song is very infectious . It's got a good dance beat , and you'll find yourself groovin ' along without thinking about it .
5 . Easy Breezy : I love this song . They lyrics may be a little lame ( You're easy breezy , and I'm Japanesey ) but it's got a good story . It's a song that you will either really love , or really hate .
6 . Tippy Toe : A song about a woman who's cheating on a married man with a family . A haunting song .
7 . Hotel Lobby : This song's a little weird . I think it's about a prostitute . Another catchy one .
8 . Animato : I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it . It's sort of slower than the other ones . I like the story & lyrics too .
9 . Crossover Interlude : Basically the same as the Opening , same lyrics .
10 . Kremlin Dusk : Probably my favorite song on the cd . I love the vocals , the lyrics , everything . This song starts slow , but slowly builds on itself and gets faster .
11 . You Make Me Want to be a Man : I don't like this song very much . It's more forgettable than the other songs , and gets on my nerves a little bit .
12 . Wonder ' Bout : This reminds me of a lot of the hip-hop type songs on the radio . It seems pretty repetitive to me .
13 . Let Me Give You My Love : Another song that I didn't like at first , but grew on me . Catchy rhythms and beat .
14 . About Me : Very different from the other songs on this CD , when I first heard it , I was caught offguard . It's practically acoustic , for Utada . The vocals and lyrics are great . Very emotional .
Overall , a terrific CD , and a terrific US debut ! I highly reccomend this CD to anybody ; longtime Hikaru Utada fans , or people who've never listened to her before ! So go out and buy it . . . . Now .
048 4 I personally think Utada did a very good job with this album ! Most songs are catchy , have nice beats and good lyrics . I think people should stop comparing this to her Japanese music , because after all this is an ENGLISH album and therefore it will be different . My favorite tracks on the album are Exodus ' 04 and Kremlin Dusk . : )
049 4 As someone who has been a fan of Utada since way back when and has purchased every one of her Japanese CDs , this album was such a drastic change . BUt a good change . She really gets creative with this album and if you're someone who's looking for something new to listen to , this is it . The album ranges from pop , to rock , to R & B , techno . . . you name it , its probably in there .
There's not a single song on this album I dislike . Even Easy Breezy , which seems to be the least favorite , is still a good song in my opinion .
050 4 While many of her Japanese's works fans got seriously disappointed with this album , I must give Utada a credit for making this kind of album .
Having followed her career since her debut in 1999 , I must say that Utada has never really lost her artistry craft both in her Japanese works and here , in Exodus .
I know what most people complain about the album is that its somewhat cheesy and plain-simple lyrics ( which is a huge departure from her thoughtful , yet emotive Japanese lyrics ) , but I strangely enjoy these songs .
What I love about this album is its ethereal ambiance that really blows my mind . I don't know for other people , but I just love it ! Most notably on Devil Inside , which indeed is a club-banger , Exodus ' 04 , Kremlin Dusk and Animato with their ambient-inspired beats , Tippy Toe , love the fast-paced vocal styling here , Hotel Lobby , and You Make me want to be a man . The unique lyrical themes on Tippy Toe ( about an affair ) and Hotel Lobby ( about prostitution ) become instantly overshadowed by the somewhat mindless lyrics on Easy Breezy , Let Me Give you My Love and The Workout .
All I can say is , this album is definitely NOT for those of you seeking lyrical depth . It's more about the music and the overall mind-pumping electronic feel to most of the album . Although this may have been viewed as a misstep by many of her fans , for me , Exodus is still a great work . . . another topnotch album since Deep River and most recently Ultra Blue .
051 4 Even though Utada Hikaru has been one of the major artists of J-pop , I didn't really know much about her . Then , I listened to her single Flavor of Life and I was instantly impressed .
Deciding to seek out more of her work , I came by this album Exodus .
In terms of general American pop , this is a very good album , but it hardly sounded like it was by the same person who did Flavor of Life .
To begin with , the general musical quality on here is different . The techno music doesn't complement her vocals very well , which here , sound very weak in comparison to Flavor of Life . Instead of the rich voice I remembered , you get the standard American pop artist voice .
Then , most of the lyrics here are awful . They are either quite meaningless ( The Workout , Easy Breezy ) or lackluster and over-sexualized ( Tippy Toe , Let Me Give You My Love , You Make Me Want To Be A Man ) , rather like mainstream American pop today . I'm surprised that would happen for someone who grew up in America and had been writing great lyrics in Japanese .
However , this album does have it's nice parts . Devil Inside is a nice dance track and Exodus ' 04 is quite nice too .
Overall , I think this is a great album for American pop , but it's hardly the best that Hikki can do .
( P.S . No , this album is / NOT / J-pop , so stop labeling it as such )
052 4 This album is one of the best albums i have bought it has a feel that surpasses all others Utada's Exodus is an awesome album I think it is a musical masterpiece . Exodus ' 04 is an awesome mellow song produced by Timberland . Hotel Lobby conveys a feeling that amoung all other things touches you . Easy Breezy is a great melody song that you can just get into . Kremlin Dusk is awesome SLow JAm that has a surprise that i do not want to spoil at the end of the song.The WOrkout on of the best songs on the album gives you this really great dance beat you can really start to get down with and get a real WOrkout . About me is a lovely song that in all tells the tale of a wonderful love story in which we all experience If you are into Good Music i really suggest getting this album . All in All Exodus is a really awesome album and i just hope people can look past image and find true talent like ( Brandy , and Utada )
056 4 I personally am new to the J-pop scene , but the first time I ever really became interested in Utada was when I heard her sing the theme song on the videogame Kingdom Hearts I was instantly captivated by her voice . I anticipated more English material was estatic when she released this CD in the US .
Exodus is overall one of the most unsual and eccentric CD I have ever purchaced , Utada's ability to sing different styles is amazing , and the incorperation of more urban and club style beats is genious as it strays away from the regular pop music formula . However , even though the music and beats are great , unfortunately the thing for me is that Exodus didn't showcase Utada's voice the best way it could , at times I found she was sing-talking but I was utterly taken away with tracks such as
You make me want to be a man , Kremlin Dusk , and About Me , if she had more tracks such as the latter of the three , I'm sure the appeal would be far more than it currently is , for it shows her voice , instead of using a multitude of effects .
Other times in songs such as The Workout there is one instance where she really belts out the lyrics , and I wondered why she didn't sing more like that . The other really other problem were the lyrics , they seemed to be mostly aimed at an ex-American lover , now I know she is married and wheather she ever had a relationship like that before , I don't know , but i don't find they are particularlly honest to herself , but generally I thought the album is a gem , a flexable one which could produce a pop single , a dance single , even possibly through better remixing , possibly an R & B single as well . I tip my hat to Utada for her efforts and I am hoping this album gets more attention that it currently is .
057 4 Eh . . . what happened , Utada ?
Being a fan of her older Japanese pop ( Deep River , Distance , First Love ) I was excited to find that this artist was going to come out with another album . Yet . . . when I popped in Exodus after finally getting a hold of it , I was . . . admittedly - - rather disappointed .
This is not to say of course that Utada isn't a talented artist , and I suppose it isn't completely fair to compare Exodus to her older titles . Exodus is certainly different on a number of different levels . For one - - the album is entirely in English unlike her earlier works . Also , it's a totally different genre from her old hip-hop crossover jazz sort of style . Exodus is definitely more modern pop .
However - - I will point out that Utada's lyrics don't make up for this change of genre . Songs like ' The Workout ' left me wondering what on earth was going on when the song was written in the first place . Then again , if you're just listening for a good beat , the album is undoubtedly full of catchy songs .
Overall ? Three stars . It's a rough start , Utada .
059 4 I admit that there are some objectionable things about this album . For sure , Utada Hikaru is not up to her lyrical standards , and the album is all in English - I think she sounds much better and more natural in Japanese . There are only a few songs that stand out , and only one of them because it is a more than decent song * Track 10 Kermlin Dusk * - the other song Easy Breezy has only gotten me because I am living IN Japan now and it is played practically everywhere , especially at the CD rental store I frequent . The Japaneesy lyric ? Not so hot .
But really , it's not nearly as bad as those 1 or 2 star reviews make it out to be . Neither is it as hot as the 5 star reviews paint it to be . It's a pretty good album that doesn't shine , but if you put it in and do something else , you will find you'll listen to the entire set without objection . Sure she hasn't quite hit the mark with the album , but it is her US DEBUT , and she IS trying for something a little different , and so give her a little credit . We get the same unique and original Utada music and most of all some fresh BEATS - I think she has been lacking that in manhy of her Japanese albums . I am a fan of songs with a good beat , and many of her songs on the Exodus album have decent beats . Like we all know , she is trying something new .
So don't trash it , it's not a perfect work of art , but it's not too bad at all . For the price you can get it at , if you like Utada , by all means pick it up . But you're not racist if you don't like it , and don't feel bad if you do .
060 4 Not The Best Album I've heard , but most definately the most interesting . It seems like the album begins with a bunch of experimental material and then after the interlude , it's all classic utada . I'm a huge fan of her japanese works and as everyone knows ( or should know ) , Utada's lyrics haven't always been the best . . . but I always like to think she's just being blunt and honest - which is the same for this album . Two things that really bother me about this album is that she constantly brings up japanese this and that and stuff about her eastern culture . I may be wrong on this , but wasn't she born in New York ? And then the traditional japanese music accompanied with a baseline . . .
It's almost like Utada is downgrading herself and trying to be a stereotype . But I also think Utada is onto something . . . For example , Christina Milian's dip it low has a japanese feel to it , and a great beat . Some of the songs on Utada's album kind of make me think Utada is hopping on the japanese bandwagon or something .
And one last thing . . . not one song on the album sounds the same as the others . . . One reviewer stated utada sounds like Tori Amos and Beyonce . I have to agree with that statement . But some songs like wonder bout she sounds like Joss Stone . . . or there's also hotel lobby which almost has an Ace of Base feel to it . My recommendation , buy the album if you love music ( in general ) and you have an open mind to new things .
062 4 This is one of the most amazing CDs i have ever boughten . Utada shows impecible skill on this debut CD . She wrote produced and arranged almost ALL of the songs on this cd . When i heard her on the radio i was very impressed ( Devil Inside ) . I then went and bought her CD and all i thought was ' She is going to be huge . . . '
Her CD is a great mixture of Rock , Dance and RnB . Some highlights on the album are :
Kremlin Dusk : 4 / 5 The intro is kind of interesting , but it picks up in the middle and you'll be suprised .
Let Me Give You My Love : 5 / 5 Think . . . Aaliyah
Exodus 04 : 9 / 5 Deep lyrics ? YES ! Good beats ? YES ! ! !
About Me : 5 / 5 A ballad like no other
All in all this is a rockin ' CD . I suggest you go out and pick up a copy .
063 4 Utada Hikaru is a Japanese singing-sensation . She's had sky-rocketing album sales and even broke the record for biggest sales for an album in Japan . But when she recorded a U.S . album , it didn't fair so well . However , I believe this material was strong enough to make an impact if she had built up a bit of a name for herself here . Anyway , the album did very well in Japan ( as expected ) even if it was an all English album . While the lyrics are more sexual than Utada's previous albums , she pulls it off very well .
The Album Jewels : Animato , The Workout , Tippy Toe , Easy Breezy , Kremlin Dusk , and About Me , Hotel Lobby
The album's best offer is without a doubt is track number 8 , Animato . While the song does not have the word of the title anywhere in it , Utada doesn't really focus on one subject in the song . In fact , this song is where the title of my review comes from . The song is so cool because it is intercut with these little music sections that sound like radio-transmissions but in a really cool way . It ends with Utada talking about Elvis Presley and Led Zeppelin . It's kind of weird but it's also cool . The Workout emerges as the second best track as Utada talks about when she went to the club . She dances with a dirty blonde Texan and talks with a born-again Christian . The hook is infectious as she tells her dance partner to push it up , push it down , pull it up , pull it down , keep it up and keep it down and then to put her down , calling it a workout . Another catchy part of the song as she counts one life , two times , three girls , four guys , five ripples going up and down [ her ] spine , six , oh . . . Tippy Toe is about a man having an affair with Utada . She tells him to dance on his tippy toe and to pray that his family doesn't hear him . I don't think I've ever heard someone take this position so she gets points for originality . Another point she gets is her vocal abilities are showcased on this one . Utada has such a range in her voice and it really comes out in this one . Easy Breezy was released as the album's first single and it was used in a commercial for the Nintendo DS . This song is about a man she used to date who just doesn't care about her . The music video is really cool , especially at the end where she is driving the car . Anyway , the hook is probably my favorite part of the song but the chorus is catchy too as she says the most memorable line from the album ( to most people ) : you're easy breezy and I'm Japanesey . Kremlin Dusk is an amazing track that shows off the true power of Utada's vocal ablities . She even makes references to Edgar Ellen Poe's The Raven . It beings off as a beautiful ballad but it changes gears near the half-way mark . It starts to incorporate a rock-sound and then soon enough , it changes into a rock-influenced song . Then at the end , it comes back to the ballad part and ends off nicely . Although it changes its structure , Kremlin Dusk is still a great song . About Me ends the album on a nice note . On a mid-tempo / up-tempo track , Utada asks her husband if he's really ready to no more about her . An impressive fact about the song is Utada plays the guitar herself during the verses ( I never knew she could play ) . Anyway , my favorite parts of the song where the music changes for like a second as she says up and down and down , etc . This is definitely the right way to end the album . Hotel Lobby deserves a place as an album gem since the beat is so different . It sounds so futuristic , yo'll instantly fall in love with it . It's also cool since it talks about something most don't talk about : prostitution and the hard life these girls face . It's very interesting and my favorite part is the last line Catch me cause I think I'm falling / I'll be waiting in the mirrors of the hotel lobby . The note on lobby is so amazing .
Devil Inside is another song where Utada shows us she can sing and this time it's about not being the nice person everybody thinks you are . If you're a nice person , you can relate to this song . She also says that there is a jealous angel inside of her . The beats are great and I can see why this song ( when released as the second single ) , peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Dance / Club Airplay chart . You Make Me Want To Be A Man is a dance oriented track that although having a strange title , has a cute message in it . It finds Utada wanting to be a guy so that she can better understand her husband . She states that she wants to tell [ him ] something but she can't and this is just the way [ she is ] . With a cute message and a beat to dance to , what more could you ask for . She made a good decision in making this a single . Hotel Lobby takes Utada in another direction that is unfamiliar to most in the music scene ( relating to music not behind the scenes ) : prostitution . She takes a different approach with her vocals as well . Instead of using her amazing range , she does a rapping sort of things , which suprisingly suits the song very well . It has a bit of a futuristic theme to it and that's one of the reasons it's so cool . Wonder About has the element that I can't put my finger on . I'm not sure what to call it but I like it . The chorus features some strange and funny sounds ( but they work in the song ) . It just goes to show you that Utada can make anything work . She's singing but it doesn't sound like she usually does when she's singing so the song's a bit of a mystery . Despite this , it's still a good song that is worth getting . Exodus ' 04 talks about Utada running way with someone to paradise . She tells her mother and father not to worry and why should they , she's with the person she loves . Utada is cute when she talks about her husband and the love they have for each other . I'm very happy for them . Let Me Give You My Love has Utada exploring the sexuality this album gears to . She talks about mixing gene pool ( Eastern , Western ) and getting multi-lingual . I love how she's using geography and culture to talk about sex instead of being blunt about it and acting promiscuous . While it's not the strongest material on the album , the message comes across clear and it's pretty good . The beat is focused on J-pop and shows Utada can really master any genre .
Exodus is Utada's only U.S.A . release and one of the two English albums she has released ( the other under the name Cubic U , which went under the radar of most ) . Since I'm not Japanese , I cannot understand what she is saying on her other albums , which may lead to my opinion . But this material is so strong that I know that this has the potential to be her strongest album . The beats are hot and Utada shows emotion and strength in her vocal range . As my favorite J-pop singer , this is naturally my favorite J-pop album . Exodus is a collection of Utada's emotions , experiences and it came out amazingly . I really hope she makes another all English album cause I'll definitely buy it .
065 4 Utada fans are half and half on this album - some hate it , some love it . I'm one of the fans that love the album - it's interesting , it's well written , and it's fun to listen to . I can't wait till the maxi single release of Exodus ' 04 . I don't think there's a song on this album that I skip , and her voice seems to sound better when she sings in English .
067 4 While this CD is good , it is not her best work . Utada Hikaru puts forth a fresh and funky new take on her music . This album is one of her most varied . She moves from dance to R & B to ballads with ease . Dance hits like Devil inside will keep you moving and ballads like About me will slow things down ( in a good way ! ) .
This album is original and fresh . Try it out . You'll probably love it .
068 4 This CD by Utada is excellent . At first , I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not , but as I listened to the songs it grew on me a lot . I am a big fan of her Japanese music and I must say that this CD ranks up there with it .
Songs to check out : Let me give you my love , Animato , Exodus 04 , Wonder Bout , and About Me
069 4 She writes her own stuff , has a huge following , and was destined to cross over . But I think that both wound up making CDs that were more about breaking them into the mainstream than what they've built up their respective fanbases , and the Hikki fans say the same things the Shakira fans say . . .
She's far better than this .
It's pleasant listening all the way through ( you can just hear the samples to see which ones stand out ) , it has a techno beat throughout most of it . . . not too much in the way of ballads .
If you like Shakira , if you like Madonna's more recent recordings , and if you like J-Lo , you'll like this one . But I do think that we'll be seeing and hearing more of her that will be far better .
070 4 Will Hikki crossover in the US ? Hard to say . I have been a fan since her first single ( Automatic ) came out in Japan . This english-only CD is not as catchy as her other albums . It has a tendency of going all over the place - she definately beats to the beat of her own drum . Incredibly talented and awesome voice , she sounds like she is trying to be in two worlds at the same time ( read the lyrics for Devil Inside , her USA debut single ) . . . i really do like Devil Inside remixed ( definetely but this cd single as it comes with several versions of the song , each one unique in it's own way ) . . . . i hope she does as well here as she has in japan ( her second country as she was born in NYC )
071 4 This is an interesting little album . This music really isn't as bubblegummy as I expected . She sounds - vocally & stylistically - like seven parts Victoria Beckham fused with three parts Tori Amos ( but without the piano . )
So , if you heard it not knowing it was Engrish JPop , you probably wouldn't guess . She has no discernable accent , and Utada's lyrics ( self penned , Bravo Ms . Hikaru ! Better than Shakira's English by a long nose , I say . ) are coherent , even catchy , and only occasionally verge into that expected charming Asian idiomatic goofiness . ( Which is one of the things I was secretly hoping to find more of here , so that's almost a negative . . )
Her lyrics can be great . Examples :
You're easy breezy and I'm Japaneezy . . [ Okay , I know it's horrible , but I find this cute and kind of funny . . from the mouth of a Japanese girl , it just slays . . ]
And , keeping up this same theme of cross cultural romance ( which another reviewer here deplores as uninteresting . . all I can say is dude have you ever been there ? I didn't think so . . ) Utada cuts right to the chase :
I don't wanna waste another day , Can you and I start mixing gene pools ? Eastern , Western people getting naughty multilingual . . Hurry up baby hurry up . . let's turn this room into a melting pot . . giddy up baby giddy up . .
Umm . . Okidokee , now . Did I mention she is foxy ? Ah , yes . God exists , and he does speak japonais , my friends . . And I hate to contradict the fellow in the spotlight review up there who says this is a family album . . but I might hesitate playing this for the kids .
I , on the other hand , will be listening to it quite often .
= = = = =
Adenendum 01 / 29 / 07 : I've just learnt Utada ( though born Japanese ) acquired her English going to grade & middle school in the States . This explains her excellent English , and perhaps her cheekiness , eh ?
073 4 Like I said in the title , i am very impressed . This is an awesome album . You can judge for yourself , but here is what I think of all of the songs .
1 . Opening : It's a great way to open the cd .
2 . Devil Inside : It has a really catchy beat and she really uses her vocals well to get the message through .
3 . Exodus ' 04 : A wonderful touching song about a girl who gets rid of it all for a guy that she likes .
4 . Workout : Wow . What a fast song . It must have been a workout just recording the song !
5 . Easy Breezy : Such a great song to listen to . It's fast and has cool music in the background . ( Watch the video too . It's cool ) .
6 . Tippy Toe : I like the vocals and the music , but I'm not too crazy about the lyrics .
7 . Hotel Lobby : An awesome dance beat . Not all that sure what the girl she is talking about does for a living , and I'm not sure I want to .
8 . Animato : It's an okay song , but it's not my favorite .
9 . Crossover Interlude : Same as opening .
10 . Kremlin Dusk : It's amazing how she can change her voice from soft and gentle to powerful and breathtaking so quickly .
11 . You Make Me Want To Be A Man : The music is nice , but the lyrics are monotonous .
12 . Wonder ' Bout : A really cool song . I even think the lyrics are cool on this one .
13 . Let Me Give You My Love : I like this song because of the awesome music and vocals . Lyrics are okay .
14 . About Me : I don't know what to say about this ong other than it's good .
So there is what I think of the songs , but you should buy it and see for yourself .
074 4 I don't speak Japanese . . . I probably never will . . . but that didn't stop me from worshipping Utada's Jpop ! When I heard she was releasing and English CD I was overwhelmed with joy . . . only to be confused , upset , and then well confused . . .
To start off its a miracle to find this CD . For some reason DefJam decided that ya know you don't need to put it in new releases when it comes out OR promote it . . . that just makes to much sense for Japan's biggest selling popstress . . .
When I first heard this CD I was like ' good . . . good . . . : S what ? ! ' I have since made my peace with it and through that I give you my review :
Utada kicks off ' Exodus ' with an opening track . A nice little prelude . This is followed by one of the best tracks ' Devil Inside ' . I like it better then the remix it gives a true ' Utada US ' feel : mysterious and intriguing . Next up is ' Exodus 04 ' ( the slated second single ) a beautiful and almost mystical number about going with the one you love no matter what .
Then things get weird . . .
The next two songs are by far Utada's most expirmental and may drive new listeners away if their not opened to such a new vibe . ' Workout ' is really once you get down to it a masterpiece ! The music is superb and the lyrics are really poetic : ' I was talking to a born again Christian , I said whats it like to start life all over ? He said amen I feel like I've been rediscovering the tomb of tutankahmen ' . It just blends very nicely .
' Tippy toe ' goes along the same lines * but * somehow it's not as great . I dont know its just not as catchy but there is one part that really gets me as superb : ' Nobody has to know careful when you close the door nobody has to know when we tippy toe tippy toe ' thats good stuff !
' Exodus ' resumes its mystical more acceptable form with ' Hotel Lobby ' a song that is beautiful and haunting . I can't figure if it's about geisha's or prosititutes ( I know their not the same thing ) but I'm almost sure its the latter . ' Animato ' and ' Kremlin dusk ' pair off together sound wise but they don't really catch my interest in any form or way their just kinda there . . .
' You make me wanna be a man ' revisits ' Workout ' and ' Tippy toe ' vibe but is in a class all its own . Its an angry power driven song where you can really feel the emotion . . . BRILLIANT ! ' Wonder bout ' is a Timberland produced oddity . . . its okay but really nothing super great . ' Let me give you my love ' is an odd little ballad but good none the less . ' About me ' finishes off Exodus with a sound not heard on this CD . . . almost acoustic Utada .
Overall it's a good CD , very expiremental and very underappreciated in the US . ' Exodus ' is a CD for the true music lovers only . . . dabblers and wannabes need not bother !
075 4 Yes , I am somewhat bias in my review . . . You can either love this album or hate it . If you've grown accustomed to Utada Hikaru's jpop music , this would be a rather big fall from her previous works . But I guess if you've never really heard of her older works , this may be a rather interesting and new breath of fresh air comparing to other US artists . Personally , I think the electronica sounds don't quite exemplify her voice . Most of the time , you can barely hear the words she's singing , and there are times when she seems to be straining her vocal chords in order to get to the higher notes . Easy Breezy was a poor choice to make as a debut radio single ( it's almost painful to listen to with the chorus being You're easy breezy and I'm Japanesey ) . I thought they should have added either the Richard Vission and / or Scumfrog remixes of Devil Inside onto the cd , which have been doing really well on the Billboard dance charts . Kremlin Dusk had a lot of potential until the drums started to drown out her vocals again . The Opening sounded like it could've been a really interesting track , but stops short of becoming a full song . ( if you own Deep River , it sounds like a continuation of the Bridge Interlude ) As for the lyrics . . . * sigh * . . . I wish she didn't need to reiterate that the album can't be classified or tell the listen to buy her next cds if they liked it ( eg . Kremlin Dusk and Animato . It's just a turn off .
In my opinion , Exodus is an album overflowing with potential that was never delivered .
076 4 I have never been so attracted to her music in Japan , ( and I am a Japanese ) but this album is interesting whether it is marketable or not . Many of those who are used to typical Hikki approach may find this album disturbing , simply because the music is too experimental and some lylics are too provocative .
In fact , some of the songs sound very deconstructed and do not sound natural , which I personally found very intriguing . This is why I am a bit dissapointed about the entire marketing approach of Utada so far , since she is sort of packaged as a young innocent Japanese Girl . I personally think she should have used more mature and provocative looking pictures on the CD cover and websites . In this sense , I found Easy Breazy quite discusting .
Overall , I liked the CD . To me , listing to this CD is just like listening to Frank Zappa , Talking Heads , or Holger Czukay . ( By this I do not mean they all have a same quality ! ) So I am not sure whether it will attract a big audience .
078 4 Like many J-pop fans , I was estatic after hearing that Hikki was producing an English release for the US album .
However , after spending extended time on the Utada.com site , I was sadly disappointed . I didn't really care for Easy Breezy , was horrified that they billed her only by last name , and was concerned that she was being billed as some techno dance queen .
However , still a Hikki fan to the core , I asked a friend in Japan to send me the release before it got to the US . ( I got it two weeks ago ) . After listening to the entire cd , I realized that the CD itself was an excellent effort . Just like any other artist , Hikki really experimented with her sound , producing a cd that I can't live without . Though the intro / interlude left much to be desired , and Easy Breezy makes MUCH more sense when you watch the video overall it is an excellent album , and I hope that she will do a second US release .
081 4 Ok so I'm not sure where her first name went , but that doesn't really matter .
I first heard of Utada from the Kingdom Hearts commercials where her song , Simple and Clean , was remixed and played . I liked it enough , but once I got my hands on the original english version , you'd better believe I was hooked . Where did this girl get such an amazing voice ? ? ! ? !
So when I saw her on the new release rack at my job , I immediately put it aside to buy it later . And then I found it on a listening station , and listened for maybe a minute . The intro had me hooked even more . I didn't need to hear the rest , but I did . She manages to utilize the talents of amazing producers , and Timbaland while she's at it , to beautifully showcase her voice and lyrical ability . These songs are captivating , intoxicating , and infectious . She will be a big player in the pop scene , you watch .
082 4 First off , let us all remember that Utada was and still is Japanese AND American . I can't help but notice that many of these reviews come from people whom only see Utada as a foreign singer . Yes , most if not all of her success was overseas , but that doesn't make her into some Japanese girl trying to Crossover into the American scene . Let us see her as what she is ( Talented , Unique , Driven . . ) and not assume her to be things that we Americans are so use to . I'm sure that many of you would love to turn Utada into another target of scrutiny and criticism , as you've done to singers ( Britney Spears , Christina Aguilera and so on ) in the past , and by reading a few of these reviews , I can see that some of you have already begun to do so .
Regarding the contents of this album . Let us give credit where it is due . Utada is undeniably unique especially in America , that is part of why so many love her . I don't think that we need to debate on whether she can sing or not becuase fact is , the girl can sing . Another great thing about this album is that Timabaland had worked his magic and provided a Different feel to this album . Lyrically , Utada is as playful with her words as she's always been , yet I find reviews from fans saying they are inadaquite ? Is it that her lyrics have been degraded or are we not liking what she's saying now that its in English and we understand ?
When it comes down to the bottom line , this album is in the category of one either hating it or loving it . In the end , you cannot convince a strictly hip-hop soul to bump country hits in their trucks , its just not going to happen . If you were a Utada fan , chances your going to like this album , don't fear the new sound , the album is called Exodus after all .
084 4 This review is from :
Exodus ( Audio CD )
A far cry from the hodgepodge sameness of mainstream American music . I Love it !
086 4 This is no Deep River , but as this cd is aimed toward an American demographic , I understand why Hikki's sound is different on this album . However , that is not to say that this isn't a great cd . I actually believe it is . However , I don't perceive much depth in the lyrics ; but it is amazing that she wrote them all , just like she writes her own lyrics in japanese - - a true testament to her bilingualism . A lot of the songs are about romantic relations between West ( americans ) and East ( japanese , or asians in general ) , and I'm not really sure if that's such a worthy topic . In listening to her japanese songs , I have the advantage of not knowing what she's saying . I can sit back and enjoy melody and harmony and the tone of her voice and not worry about what she's singing about , all the while hoping against hope that what she is singing about is important , a message that needs to get out . Exodus motivates me to go back to Hikaru's other songs and seek translations to see what really going on . Other than that , I really like Kremlin Dusk , Animato , and Hotel Lobby . In spite of all I've written I still think it's a great cd overall and I enjoy it even today .
087 4 Introduction
Before I begin I'd like to say that I have never in my life enjoyed a CD as much as I have enjoyed this one . This was the CD that created my obsession of Utada Hikaru . This CD is an adventure and a journey into a musical world I have never experienced and I am glad that I purchased this CD .
Opening : One of the greatest album openers I have ever heard . It's simple and absolutely beautiful . There's not much to say about it besides the fact that it works and opens the album very well .
* * * *
Devil Inside : This song is simply hot . Her vocals are sexy and her message is actually believable . I usually hate I'm not the good person you think I am type songs but this one is different . I took me awhile to get used to it but once I did it became a favourite .
* * * *
Exodus 04 : I heard this song on the internet and I fell madly in love with it . I even used it in one of my projects lol ! The lyrics to this song are beautiful . I love how in the chorus she plays with her range going from low to high . It sounds amazing . It sounds exotic and gives off this sweet and powerful vibe .
* * * * 1 / 2
The Workout : Now we come to the sexiest song on this album ! I never really liked this song until I overplayed it . I fell madly in love with this song and it may even be one of my most favourite tracks . The song is sexy , the lyrics are sexy and her voice is sexy . One thing I really like about this song is that it's sexy but it's not slutty skanky with no good meaning . Utada proved to me that you can be sexy and still have smart lyrics .
* * * * *
Easy Breezy : The first song and video I saw from Exodus . I love this song , it's the most pop song on the album and the most normal lol . This is something I would hear on the radio and that's good . It gives the album a break from all its funky and crazy beats . The chorus is the catchiest chrous I've heard in North America . This is a fun song and I really enjoyed it .
* * * * 1 / 2
Tippy Toe : Really I don't know what to say about this . This song has a funky beat and the story behind it is very provocative . This song is about an affair and I love it ! She sings this song so well it makes me wanna hug her . She sounds so in character its unbelievable . Great song , a must listen !
* * * * *
Hotel Lobby : The song I didn't have to listen twice to like it . I fell into a deep love for this song . This song is like a ballad , it tells a story and a very good one in fact . Her voice sounds amazing ! ! ! It's deep and sexy and suits the song so well . This is one of the best tracks on the album so you must listen to it ! !
* * * * *
Animato : This song is so original and so experimental and it works so well ! This is probably Utada's most creative song and it shows . The song sounds like its coming from radio frequency . This song seems really personal and it probably is . The lyrics are amazing once again and this song gives off an incurable beat !
* * * * *
Crossover Interlude : Same as Opening except it has a different beat . My opinion is still the same .
* * * *
Kremlin Dusk : Sex . That is what this song is , sex . This song is the greateat thing I have ever heard . It starts off as a nice ballad and then explodes into an orgasmic rock song . The lyrics are so beautiful and captivating . The end of the song is so amazing I can't even describe it . There are so muchemotion in this song and utada shows every single one of them .
* * * * *
You Make Me Want To Be A Man : Now to the craziest song on the album ! ! This song have the craziest beat on the album and the craziest title . I love this song and I think this songer is deeper than most people think . This song is so relatable to peoples lives its not even funny . Her voice is so strong and powerful in this song .
* * * *
Wonder Bout : The beat reminds me of a duck , yes I know I'm weird . I wish that the duck sound wasn't in there but thats okay its not that bad . I really like the chorus , its nice and catchy . Her voice seems very natural in this song . This is a nice a simple song , all the song after this have the same feeling .
* * * *
Let Me Give You My Love : Another nice and simple song . This is another sexy song just like The Workout . Again she proves you can be sexy with smart lyrics . This is another really American song but it still has that special Utada touch .
* * * *
About Me : This song is a great way to end the album . It is the most peaceful and calm song on the album . This song is sweet and Utada plays the acoustic guitar in it . She sounds natural in this song aswell and it helps the listener digest all the crazy things they've heard up until this point from this album .
* * * * *
Conclusion
I love this album so MUCH ! ! I am so glad she made this album . This is the best and most creative english CD I have ever heard . This CD deserves so much but its a pity it didn't do so well
Score : * * * * *
088 4 Utada Hiuraku has amazing music . I heard about her from watching a AMV ( Anime Music Video ) and hearing her songs . They are a breath of fresha air and sound great . The lyrics are also good as well . The vocal usage is also nice . All of the songs on this album have different fells for them . Thats what I like about them . THis is a great CD to purchase ! Pick it up now of download the songs . Easy Breezy and Devil Inside are my personal favorites . Hope you enjoy this like I do .
089 4 The first half of Exodus is pretty strong . Utada mixes it up with many different music styles , and for the most part I'd say she's pretty successful . Devil Inside makes good use of the qualities of Utada's voice . The Workout ( yes The Workout ) and Tippy Toe are both really solid r & b-dance club tracks . Hotel Lobby and Animato have a Deep River era type sound ( Hotel Lobby is probably my favorite track on here ) . Easy Breezy is catchy to a fault and is cursed with some of Utada most notorious lyrics , but all japaneezyness and new microphones aside , if this song was in japanese , most people would like it . Kremlin Dusk brings yet another music style into the fold , a quasi-rock-pop type sound , which for me was good for the first 3 minutes but gets a little sloppy towards the end and lacks overall direction .
As the album progresses , the songs get less intriguing , less focused , and more sloppy . The lyrics also start to become a major issue . There are some cringe-inducing lyrics in this album , but less that I thought there would be considering the lead single was Easy Breezy . Musically , Exodus is a pretty solid Utada Hikaru album . The production on the most part is consistent and supports Utada well . She mixes it up with many different music styles , and for the most part I'd say she's pretty successful . The main problem is of course the change in language . A lot of the mystique and fragility of her voice becomes trite with english lyrics . This may be more of a problem with how we perceive her music rather than how she makes her music .
091 4 I'll admit that I was slightly turned off by the lyrics from Easy Breezy even though the upbeat style of the music wanted to make me dance . However , I can understand Hikki's - - no , Utada's - - desire to want to be more musical . You can't get away with the line You're easy breezy and I'm Japanesey in Japanese .
Her lyrics are profoundly musical when put in context with the song . I want someone who's true / Someone who does the laundry , too doesn't read well , but it sounds very nice within Animato . For those who are still looking for any trace of the deepness found within Utada Hikaru songs , I direct you to quite possibly the best song on EXODUS , Kremlin Dusk . To try and explain the song would require much more space and effort than I've already used !
In short , this album is a great combination of different genres , and it's great to hear Utada try different things .
093 4 ' Exodus ' , the debut from mega japanese recording artist Utada ( Hikaru Utada ) , is chiefly an electronica / pop album with a few R & B tunes thrown in there . All the tunes on here are very catchy and worth your while . Some big names were involved in this album , including Jon Theodore ( from Mars Volta ) providing drums on ' Kremlin Dusk ' and Timbaland who lent his talent on 3 songs . Utada is also quite a talented human being , playing a large role by producing and writing nearly everything on this album . Her voice is quite unique and versatile , at times her vocals are clean , crisp and clear , then it can be strong and powerful and then it can also be fragile and quivering .
The highlights on the album include ' Devil Inside ' ( the lead club single from the album . The song features hypnotic dance beats with some asian influence and a wicked cool electric guitar riff with a very addictive chorus ) , ' Exodus ' 04 ' ( a medium-tempo R & B song produced by Timbaland with some nice piano playing and a very cool and interesting ethnic riff ) , ' The Workout ' ( an aggresive and upbeat electronica / pop song , again with a catchy chorus ) , ' Hotel Lobby ' ( a mesmerising medium-tempo electronica / pop song with a really awesome chorus that is the true highlight of the song ) , ' Animato ' ( a unique and enigmatic electronica / pop song with various electronic sounds and a marching-like drum beat ) , ' Kremlin Dusk ' ( an intriguing pop / rock song that features Jon Theodore on drums on the energetic later half of the song ) , ' You Make Me Want To Be A Man ' ( a mid-tempo hypnotic electronica song ) and ' About Me ' ( a medium-tempo pop song with a beautiful acoustic guitar melody )
While the good of this album is just fantastic , some of the bad is just too awful . The obivous faults on this album include ' Easy Breezy ' ( the lead radio single and a great song with an amazing melody , however the pop formula used in this song sounds very tired and unoriginal ) , ' Wonder ' Bout ' ( an annoying R & B song with an iritating beat that will get on your nerves almost instantly ) and ' Let Me Give You My Love ' ( a very sleepy and boring R & B / Pop track , that just reaks of banality )
This is a very strong debut from an extremely promising artist . Her vocals are very intriguing and show why she became popular in Japan . Her music is honestly very refreshing and great to hear . This girl has alot of talent and this album stands as a testament to that . This album is definitely worth a listen , if only just to hear something great and different .
094 4 If you are like me , Coco Lee's first English language album , Just No Other Way , left me feeling a little under whelmed . At first Utada's album , Exodus left me with similar impression , but there is a big difference ; while Coco was attempting to just blend into the R & B mix , Utada with her Asian themed tracks stand out . Though the lyrics of some of the songs are written to appeal to the Asiaphile , if you listen to this album a few times , you will find yourself singing along . You're Easy Breeze and I'm Japanesey
Like many others have commented , this does not represent Utada's best work , but Exodus is none the less quite unique and worth the money .
096 4 Those unfamiliar with Utada Hikaru's body of work stemming from her multiplatinum career in Asia may be tempted to pass up on this album . Perhaps they fear the effects of the schism that seems to hold mainstream success in the American entertainment industry apart from places elsewhere in the world . This argument isn't without merit of a sorts ; this album , for many , has to hold to higher expectations than others , given her previous success in the Asian market . The assurance of previous success often allows artists with a preexisting body of work to rest on their laurels during expansion into a new market , counting on the ' star factor ' to lead sales . I must be honest , and confess that I was afraid of both these things before I listened to this album for the first time . The arguments , however , proved to be largely unnecessary , as this is a fine album that stands on its own on many different levels .
Listening to Exodus is a unique experience . This applies both to those already acquainted with her work and the new listener . Arrangement-wise , her music is difficult to pigeonhole , frequently integrating genre elements into a composite style that shifts from track to track , all the while maintaining a flavor that is distinctly Utada . Whether it's an ambient , almost jungle-beat rhythm underlying throughout Hotel Lobby , or a catchy , almost infectious smooth pop riff in Easy Breezy , many different styles flow back and forth through the course of the album , supporting the overall feel of the album without usurping center stage . That stage is as it should be - reserved for Utada herself .
While the shifting tones and rhythms of each song creates an excellent framework for each song , the heart of the music on this album , as it always has , lies in Utada's voice and lyrics . Her success as a performer is more than validated with the impact that her voice makes on the ear ; husky and emotional , it throbs with the effort of containing the jealous angel of Devil Inside just as easily as it celebrates her departure to a new life in Exodus ' 04 , - delivering each song with a feeling that meshes effortlessly with the lyrics .
The lyrics , particularly , may prove to be a bone of contention among musical purists , whether it be of Japanese pop or American songwriting . The majority of them ( Easy Breezy and Tippy Toe come immediately to mind ) have a definite pop feel to them - not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself , but the new listener may shy away from her writing for that reason , if they were to read it off of a lyrics page . I'd be shame to leave it at that , though , as they'd be missing the point . Deceptively simple in its delivery , Utada's English songwriting has a clear-crafted feel to it on listening that offers a perfect complement to both the music track and vocals , packing the perfect amount of musical punch without falling into lyrical redundancy . Overwrought , overly complex lyrics would only serve to obscure and muddle the clarity of each song , where Utada's strength lies in her ability to maintain a perfect balance of emotion , musical craft , and sheer enjoyability . She escapes both the soulless form of pure-pop and the veneer of intellectual overcompensation of indie-pop , while taking good elements from both and creating something altogether better and just plain fun to listen to . It is in this sense that her work attains its excellence , and makes Exodus an album worth buying and keeping .
098 4 That's pretty much sums it up . It's really good . Some of the song can get slightly monotonous at times , but otherwise , the CD is in no way a letdown .
I have to say , that her voice is AMAZING . Beautiful , soft at times , but she also demonstrates that she can belt it out when needs be , like on the end of Kremlin Dusk . The way the song changes wows me everytime . It goes from being totally soft and beautiful , to a rather hard emotion-filled song .
Most of the other tracks are poppy / dancy in my opinion . All of them are good , but not quite my cup of tea , if you know what I mean .
Great job , Hikaru ! ! !
099 4 The only thing it lacks is . . . meaningful lyrics . Aside from Kremlin Dusk , About Me , and Exodus ' 04 , the lyrics leave something to be desired .
I love Hikki to death and I'm saddened by the negative reviews I keep running upon . As I read them , I think people are just trying to bring the artist in question down to their level . Okay , look at it this way - would you rather listen to Britney Spears ' scratchy voice or Hikaru Utada's soothing , melodic sounding voice ?
Aha . I thought so . I'd choose this CD and any other Utada CD over any other pop singer here in the US . My friend , Brian , got me into Utada . He said First Love was his favorite song by the J-Pop singer , so I just had to take a listen .
Granted , this CD wasn't as wonderful as I ( and other Hikki-fans ) expected it , but we're all human ! Humans make mistakes . Heck , everyone makes mistakes . So , please , don't blame Hikki for making the less-than-perfect CD that we all were hoping for .
As for Exodus , when you first listen , it kind of makes you feel dissappointed , but as you listen to it more and more , it grows on you . That's what I think the people who gave negative reviews should do - take a second listen . If you don't like it , that's your problem .
I'm behind you , Hikki , all the way . You go and show America the artist we have come to know and love . Japanese or English , I love all your songs . I'm rooting for you ! ^ _ ^
100 4 While it can only be expected , it seems most unfortunate that so many parallels are drawn between Utada and Utada Hikaru , and many unfair presumptions are made . Obviously , they are the same person , but Utada Hikaru , Japan's biggest-selling artist , is NOT Utada , the 22 - year-old musician whose CD I'll be reviewing . Not in musical agenda , and certainly not in musical style . Utada Hikaru has switched up her approach to music so drastically ( while not compromising her own true talents and personality ) , that is seems unfair to compare Exodus with her earlier works . As such , I'll be looking at each of the album's tracks as if I had never heard of Utada Hikaru before in my life .
1 . Opening : As the title suggests , this short , minute-long track sets the mood , so to speak , showcasing Utada's great vocals if nothing else .
2 . Devil Inside : A great , high-energy dance track that peaked at the top of the Billboard dance charts a while back . Infectious guitar riffs and Utada's soaring , dark vocals make this track a definite must-hear . The song closes with great use of Oriental instrumentation , my personal favorite part of the song .
3 . Exodus ' 04 : One of two tracks hip-hop heavyweight Timbaland worked with Utada on . Sitars and urban beats accompany Utada's ( once again ) great vocals , making for an interesting listen . Soon , a large number of remixes of this song will be hitting the radio , smartly dropping the ' 04 from the song's title , so be on the lookout !
4 . The Workout : A song about dancing and nothing else . It sounds similar to a lot of songs out there now , but it's got Utada's golden touch on it , making it anything but generic . Also , leave it to Utada to sneak in a reference to King Tutankhamen on a dance track .
5 . Easy Breezy : A slice of Pop Heaven for those who prefer that particular musical genre , Easy Breezy serves as a light contrast to some of the album's darker tracks . Don't let the lyric You're Easy Breezy and I'm Japanesey throw you off , though ; Utada stated several times that she intended this song to be a joke and nothing more .
6 . Tippy Toe : On Tippy Toe , Utada croons over smooth , slinky R & B beats , singing about something not many would have the guts to : having an affair with a married man . I never thought I'd enjoy a song involving the exploits of a married man and his mistress , but Utada's smart lyrics and beautiful voice save this track from its own subject matter .
7 . Hotel Lobby : One of my favorite songs on the entire CD . Hotel Lobby has Utada singing about prostitutes and the tough life they face each and every day , with groovy , almost danceable beats accompanying her soaring vocals .
8 . Animato : This is probably Exodus ' most experimental , unique song , and also the most personal for Utada . She sings over what sounds like an unclear radio frequency , with snare drums and strings joining the fray from time to time . Utada sings to her fans This is not a time for reminiscing / This is something new and interesting and This is music for all humanity , from me , creating an absolute gem of a song .
9 . Crossover Interlude : The same song as Opening , but with a stronger beat . This sets the mood nicely for the second half of the album .
10 . Kremlin Dusk : My absolute favorite song on the CD . Kremlin Dusk takes its listener on a musical journey , exploring the soft and the loud , the mellow and the frantic . Utada references her favorite poet , Edgar Allan Poe , and his classic work The Raven on this track , as the Mars Volta's Jon Theodore hammers away at the drums in the background . This is an absolute powerhouse of a song , and one you definitely can't pass up .
11 . You Make Me Want To Be A Man : Okay , okay . . . So the title's a little weird . . . But this is dance music at its absolute best . Utada sings about the lack of communication between genders as funky sounds and drums tag off behind her . The lyrics might get a little repetitive at times , but boredom simply will not be brought on by this song .
12 . Wonder ' bout : A great hip-hop song about letting go of lost love . A fun , groovy beat opens the song , and Utada's honest crooning quickly grabs the listener's attention .
13 . Let Me Give You My Love : My least favorite song on the album , if only because it sounds too akin to Britney Spears . Utada's voice is strong and powerful , though , and even when she tries to be sexy she comes across as smarter than your average Pop star .
14 . About Me : Bringing the bustling album to a beautiful close , About Me features Utada on the acoustic guitar , with Pop sounds joining in during the chorus and dissipating seamlessly . Utada's beautiful , mesmerizing voice is the real highlight of this song , as is the case with every song on the album .
Utada wrote and produced every single song on this album , with the help of one of the industry's best producers on Exodus ' 04 and Let Me Give You My Love . Should you pass this album up ? Well . . . you could , but you've got great taste in music , right ? Island Def Jam ( Utada's label ) will be starting their ( extremely late ) promotion soon enough , and this girl will be going places . So ignore the comments of those who wish she had released an album more similar to her Japanese work instead of stretching her music talents , and purchase this CD ASAP . She's got the voice , she's got the songwriting skills , and she's got the look ( hummina , hummina ! ) , so there's absolutely no reason to pass up this musical gem .
102 4 After putting up with the same sounds in North American music for years , the day I listened to Utada Hikaru three years ago was like a breath of fresh air . Her style is unique , and varies from album to album , which is not very common in the music industry these days . Not only is this album incredibly different from her previous releases , it also doesn't stick to one certain style throughout . This appeals especially to those ( like me ) who don't stick to a certain genre when buying CDs .
However , I don't think that North Americans are quite ready for Utada quite yet . There is definitely no comparison between Hilary Duff , Britney and Utada as far as style goes . This is definitely a good thing , but for the average top 40 listener , it might be too much to handle all in one bite .
Despite this , I strongly recommend that you pick up this album if you have a more eclectic taste . Tracks like Exodus ' 04 , Kremlin Dusk , Hotel Lobby and the like definitely make it well worth the $14 . The strong symbolism in these songs definitely represent Hikki's talent for songwriting , as well as making it evident that she is a very talented musician .
103 4 If you are a fan of Utada Hikaru , her first English-language CD under the name Utada might take some getting used to . It's definitely different than her J-pop sound . But listen to it a few times , and you'll be hooked ! Utada's sound is darker and more mature , and she takes a lot more risks . I think , however , that it works , and the CD is proof that Hikki ( her Japanese nickname ) has made tremendous growth as an artist .
104 4 Exodus is a wonderful album ! It's fun , it's exciting , it's Utada ! ( What more could you want ? ! ) And for a US debut , it's got a distinctly Japanese flavor - particularly tracks like Exodus ' 04 and Devil Inside .
Opening is a good introduction . The vocals are lovely , and the music is kind of subtle in a very charming way . I loved how the album started , it really set the mood for the rest of the CD .
Devil Inside ( which can be heard at utada.com ) is a very good and exciting song . It's basically saying that everybody wants her to be something perfect , and she can't be . ( They don't know I burn . . . maybe there's a devil , or something like it , inside of me ) . It's fun to listen to , and it's one of the top singles right now !
Exodus ' 04 is probably my favorite track . It's mostly just a song about shifting into a new life and lifestyle , and leaving the old ones behind . The music is awesome , too !
The Workout . . . not my favorite track , but not bad . It's fun to listen to , and her vocals are fresh and excited . It makes me want to go to clubbing !
Easy Breezy has some interesting lyrics . You're Eazy Breezy and I'm Japaneesy . ^ o ^ The video is fun , and the song is a little hopeless in some places . It's saying that she remembers how it once was , but now she means nothing to her significant other .
Tippy toe ! I didn't like the subject matter , but it is a cool song to listen to if you ignore the words ( but not her lovely voice of course ! ) She and a married man are having an affair in this song ! * gasp * Hikki , how could you ! Well , she thinks he's really sexy , so I guess it's okay !
Hotel Lobby is a kind of sad song , about the life of a prostitute , but not so obviously that you could tell immediately . It's just a soft gesture in that direction . . .
Animato is a song that has an edge to it of some sadness and reminscence , and some mentions of singers that she likes ( Led Zepplin , Elvis , Freddy Mercury of Queen , etc ) .
Crossover Interlude is basically the same as Opening , but with different music .
Kremlin Dusk is one of my favorite tracks on this CD . It's a melancholy song , with an allusion to The Raven , and some spectacular vocals . The music is wonderful , especially in the latter parts of the song . The imagery is amazing , and it is a very powerful song . Sounds likea harpsichord . . . YAY ! Any Tori Amos fan should love harpsichords , so if Utada has a harpsichord in one of my favorite songs by her . . .
You Make Me Want to Be A Man . Well , maybe she wishes she was attracted to females so she would never have fallen for the man in the song ? Or maybe she's got some personal problems . . . ^ _ ^ I love you , Hikki , but this doesn't make much sense !
Wonder ' bout is about caring for an ex , I suppose . She's talking about memories , and how he doesn't care or remember . Haven't we all gone through that . . . ?
Let Me Give You My Love is a blatant sex song . I'm not big on sex songs . I much prefer songs like Kremlin Dusk , or love ballads . But the music is good , so it doesn't take away from the album . I enjoy listening to it , but I do prefer some of the other songs .
About me has very simple music , and awesome vocals , so she has the opportunity to flaunt her singing and songwriting abilities , which are of course spectacular !
As a fan of her Japanese music , this was an interesting change of pace . Her style has not wavered , so if you loved Deep River , Distance , and First Love , Exodus will make a great addition to your music collection . And if you've never heard any of those albums or the songs on them , as long as you love clear , strong vocals and dance music , as well as well-written lyrics and fun beats , this album is good for you too !
105 4 Honestly , the first time I listened to a few of the songs , I was not too pleased . Having been a fan of her Japanese work for several years , I was a little disappointed at the seeming lack of melodic intelligence that's so outstanding in all her previous work . Then I really listened , gave it a chance , and I can't see how I was so blind ( er , deaf ) .
I think what threw me off was listening to her in English . I am not fluent in Japanese at all , so listening to her Japanese music was a lesson in pure instrumental appreciation . I didn't have to wade through any message since all I could understand was the emotion of the music . Now , though , I have an added depth to take in . I am one hundred percent positive this is some of her best work . From the first track to the last , Utada creates a magnificent tapestry , song to song , weaving something sensual as she fluctuates between high and low notes . At first , it was a little random . I couldn't find a theme in most of the songs because I was too busy trying to understand the lyrics . After reading along in the booklet and cranking up the stereo , though , I found such an amazing amalgamation of sound I couldn't believe it . There's a certain maturity to each song . She knows how to handle the emotion of each melody and is clearly unafraid to try new things . Kremlin Dusk , for example , my favorite track , is replete with haunting arpeggios , outstanding drum work , and this simply amazing melody that punctuates her lyrics and leaves your mind practically panting at the end . While I found some of the lyrics a bit repetitive and maybe even crass , she writes realistically , not bothering with pretty words to mask the ugly truth .
All in all , Exodus is an album that is chock full of everything Utada has to offer . It's long , too , so I didn't feel cheated when I bought it . Exceptional work from an equally exceptional artist . Buy it , listen , enjoy . Rinse and repeat . ; )
106 4 Utada proves to her fans that her English work is as good as her Japanese one . However , for EXODUS , she has switched to more dance songs and leaves the rather more soul music in her Japanese songs . She's very good as a dance artist .
2 . Devil Inside - This is a real dance song ! It's no surprise that it became quite popular in the US dance charts . Utada does have a devil burning inside her - a good devil . ( 10 / 10 )
3 . Exodus ' 04 - This is my favorite song in the album . The lyrics , especially in the chorus , make me feel adventurous , because of the lines Through mountains high and valleys low / the ocean , through the desert , snow / We'll say goodbye to the friends we know / This is our Exodus ' 04 . I also like its tune , and the intro . ( 10 / 10 )
4 . The Workout - Not much of a gym song to me , but more of a Pussycat Dolls song . It sounds like a cross between the Dolls ' Sway and Wait A Minute . ( 10 / 10 )
5 . Easy Breezy - My fourth-favorite song on the album behind Exodus ' 04 , Animato , About Me and Let Me Give You My Love . It sounds electronica , and the chorus ' lyrics are cute . The last part , with the lyrics she's got a new microphone really makes it a Nintendo DS commercial because of the DS system's microphone . ( 10 / 10 )
6 . Tippy Toe - The song is also cute , with a cute intro , which I think is a synthesizer ? It's kind of fast , and sounds futuristic . ( 9.5 / 10 )
7 . Hotel Lobby - It indeed sounds like a game theme song and Utada almost sounds like a rapper in the song . It also sounds futuristic . ( 9 / 10 )
8 . Animato - Another futuristic disco song . Maybe Utada's a futuristic artist in her English career . I don't get why she used the title Animato though . It's fast-paced , and sounds like the previous two songs put together . I like the last lyrics , from DVDs of Elvis Presley . . . . . . . . . . . . . wishing he was still performing , and the instruments of the song . It's my second-favorite song , behind Exodus ' 04 . ( 10 / 10 )
10 . Kremlin Dusk - The title sounds mysterious , and I feel haunted mouthing it . This is an Utada ballad quite like a cross between FINAL DISTANCE , Hikari and Animato . I like the guitar part where she sings calling you . . . ohh . . . ohhh . . . . ( 9.5 / 10 )
11 . You Make Me Want To Be A Man - This is unlike the other songs on the album . The intro alone sounds like a jungle theme . The song is fast , and sounds like a happy song instead of the dark tunes from previous songs . ( 9 / 10 )
12 . Wonder ' Bout - It has what I think are boyband elements . Utada's voice seems a bit higher-pitched in this song . It sounds like a daytime disco song . ( 9 / 10 )
13 . Let Me Give You My Love - This song sounds a bit J-Pop to me ( as in the tune , I mean ) . Alongside About me , it's my third-favorite song , behind Exodus ' 04 and Animato . My favorite part is the chorus . ( 10 / 10 )
14 . About Me - An acoustic guitar-dance song . Alongside Let Me Give You My Love , it is my third-favorite song . I also like the first verse , which sounds like a response to a marriage proposal . I like the chorus , the dance part . ( 10 / 10 )
TRACKS I LIKE
- Devil Inside
- Exodus ' 04
- Easy Breezy
- Animato
- Kremlin Dusk
- Let Me Give You My Love
- About Me
TRACKS I WISH COULD BE REPLACED
- Opening
- Crossover Interlude
OTHER UTADA ENGLISH TRACKS I WISH COULD BE INCLUDED
- Simple and Clean ( English Version of Hikari )
- Sanctuary ( English Version of Passion )
- First Love [ English Version ]
- Fly Me To The Moon
- Blow My Whistle ( featuring Foxy Brown )
Nevetheless , it's still a fine album , and a welcome addition to Utada Hikaru's discography . She should make a follow-up English album .
107 4 ALL music should be this daring , this experimental , this innovative , this original . sure you have easy breezy a typical r & b flavored song , and then the workout a good dance beat which is , surprisingly about , dancing . these aren't new or unsual , just very good . however . . these songs aren't where this album really shines . EXODUS ' brightest moment is the song Kremlin Dusk it , throws typical song formating and structure to the wind and paves a route all its own . how many pop songs Mention Edgar Allen Poe ? it starts out quiet and sort of hazy . . . but it luanches into a drum propelled bombast of the senses .
yes its very techno.lots of weird sounds and beats and arrangement and the songs lyrics are sometimes cryptic . but she's just very artistic , i think she's willing to leave it open to interrpretation . other stand outs are Exodus ' 04 Hotel lobby and let me give you my love
here's some music for the progressive music fan .
111 4 If you hear some minutes of Devil Inside , the first single , you can have sure that Utada has something different from all others popular artists that you have listen and it's not the fact that she's Japanese . Utada is a talented songwriter and singer . Exodus is an eclectic album ( in my point of view ) . All songs are great , but I like these ones the most : Devil Inside , Exodus ' 04 , The Workout , Easy Breezy , Hotel Lobby and Let me give you my love . It'll make you dance , even if you don't want to .
112 4 As a fan of her Japanese releases , Utada's English language debut shows that she is can write well in english and maintaining her sound that she is known for in Japan , but at the same time the CD is a little lackluster . It took a few plays of the album to appreciate her lyrics . Some of her songs have promise as singles on dance charts , ( Devil Inside , Tippy Toe and Workout as the leading dance tracks ) while others are harder to direct to mainstream charts ( Easy Breezy and Exodus ) .
Her fanbase that has known about her can appreciate her performance , but because of her blend of sounds and genres , trying to introduce her into a more mainstream radio audience can prove difficult , especially with her first two singles Devil Inside and Easy Breezy . Utada's lyrics are playful , even innocent , but at times come off as childish and forced , particularly in Easy Breezy where the chorus can become a little unbearable after numerous repetitions .
Personally , as a fan , her light and playful demeanor is enjoyable , in contrast to the over-hyped , oversexed and cookie cutter clutter that is on the charts presently . Her versatility would prove to be her greatest strength , providing an intriguing blend of music that she can call her own . Overall , it's a strong and satisfying album to her present fanbase , but could use some edge to draw more mainstream attention and airplay .
113 4 Don't think that by new artist that I mean inexperienced , because Utada is not that at all . Having released three albums already in Japan ( as well as a singles album and Precious which she did under the name Cubic U ) , Utada is no newcomer to creating music , and her album shows that . She is new , however , to the American Pop Music scene , this is a scene that has been glorified by many a pop star , however mindless their music is . Utada's music , on the other hand , is thoughtful and intelligent . She has these amazingly interesting melodic lines that are not commonly found in American music . Another thing not common among American pop music groups : she actually writes , programs and performs most of her music , and has been doing so for quite a while .
The production is also quite well done . My personal favorite track is Exodus ' 04 for its southeast asian influence but with a little bit of a street edge to it . It's absolutely gorgeous .
For music fans , this is definitely worth the purchase , just to see how truly awesome pop music can be .
For Utada fans , this is a must have for your collection . Not only is it Utada's exodus from the oppessive Japanese market , but it is an album you will want to listen to cover to cover , over and over again .
This album will be a basis for future pop music , and that couldn't be a better thing .
116 4 This review is from :
Exodus ( Audio CD )
Exodus by Utada is a wonderful album that contains some of her great songs . Unlike many albums from many artists , Exodus has more than just one track that I listen to over and over again . I only wish I had discovered it earlier . I recommend this if you are someone who likes music .
118 4 So in terms of musicality this is very rich , new sounds , melody , singing , a fresh wave in a way people arent used to . Im not a Utada fan so to speak , this is the first album I seriously listened from her , and I think its a rare gem . So expecting something great , when I heard This is the one was so succesful , I checked the songs preview on amazon and . . . . well , no comments . If she just wanted to sell , ok she did it ( still dont know how but . . . ) , if she wanted to make music , thats the wrong way . Its hard to believe is the same person , in any case this is the one being the 2004 release and exodus the 2009 just would make much more sense .
Exodus as a whole is one of the best albums I have listened to , I hope that sums it up .
119 4 This review is from :
Exodus ( Audio CD )
This album is okay . Her Japanese albums and Exodus were much better . It's still a must have for an Utada fan .
128 4 Loved the Album , but I can see where people desiring more of her hip-hop / r & b style will feel cheated . Utada is brilliant in most of her musical styles , I loved her R & B when I heard it , I've enjoyed her Pop ( to a lesser extent ) I just found this album to be something a bit different and a kind of mix of the two .
I just find it too bad the US promoters didn't do too much with it , she could really use a better label to say the least .
In the end I enjoyed the album , you just have to come into it experiencing something new and not expecting something that you want from it - - that's not what music is about , that's what Pop is about go there if what you want is something totally predictible / nothing newer from an artist .
Again , I'll iterate myself here , but I think it could have been better had she played up her hip-hop / R & B skills instead of just this synth style - - but in the end it was a good dance album .
Here's to hoping she'll at least consider releasing some music along those lines in the future - - however unlikely that may be considering how poorly her albums have done when released in the States * sigh *
130 4 I'm not a big fan of Japanese music so I haven't really heard any of her previous works from Japan . I actually know Utada through the playing the KH games . I thought those songs were pretty good . So when I saw her CD one day , I was a little intrigued . I thought she looked pretty good on the cover ( lol ) so I previewed it and WOAH , the music was really good . I can't base it on her past works , but judging it on their own standing , they're fairly nice even though they're different than mainstream music in many aspects . Lyrically , I believe they match the quality of the music ( variety as well ) . I don't know about the other reviewers , but I don't like overly flowery and poetic lyrics . When they're sung , they sound really cliched to me . Anyway , the lyrics here are considerably provocative but are not blunt . Just suggestive enough to be effectively evocative .
The variety is enough to please a vast majority of people . It's a shame that this album enclosed to such a small community . It definitely deserves a wide audience
132 4 well i think this album wasn't her best work , but i mean she went for something new . . . hikaru's not the type of artist who always stays to the same thing . . . al tho i myself believe some of her other albums were better . . . its not like she hasnt released more good albums since then ! i mean look at the passion-single , and the keep tryin ' single !
that has got to be one of the best songs that i love . . and on this album , devil inside and exodus ' 04 were pretty good songs . . and so was Kremlin Dusk . . . I just think you shouldnt give it a bad review because its new and at least she had the guts to try it out . . . and its not like the music was that bad ! i mean some american music isn't half as good , ( even if easy breezy was a wierd song o_O ) i'll stick to passion , simple and clean / hikari , sakura drops , uso mitai na i love you , traveling , and colors . So i give her 3 stars
136 4 I have been a Utada Hikaru fun for a long time . I have all her previous albums including Cubic U , First Love , Distance , and Deep River . I got this album in Japan before it was out in the US . The first few times I listen to it , it was kind of weird , nothing like her japanese albums . I was kind of disappointed . I actually expected Exodus to be like First Love : ) . Then I realized that Exodus is actually similar to Cubic U , the album that Utada made at the age of 16 in the US . This shows that Utada Hikaru has two styles of music . Other people who give her 3 stars or less just have not got use to her US style yet . I am sure you won't regret giving this CD . You might not like it first , but you will definitely like it when you listen to it more . The songs are witty and grows on you . Well , at least for me , the more I listen to Exodus , the more I like it .
137 4 Through mountains high , and vallys low , the ocean through the desert snow , we'll say goodbye to the world we know , this is our exodus 04 . That is exactly what Hikki is doing . She is the pioneer for asian artist and one of the best out there . She has taken a long rode and finaly her time to dominate the Americas has come . Her 2nd English album Exodus is stricking beyond compare , and the lyrics are some of the most interesting that have touched the scope of America . I have been a fan of Utada Hikaru's music ever since simple and clean . The album Exodus has Hikki's R & B / Rock / pop / every genre , kind of
music feel . Utada really does not have a genre , I say her music is for all humanity . Exodus I recommend but , I do say it cannot compare to her Deep River album . Such songs as Exodus 04 and The workout are more on the hiphop / R & B bases , where Kremlin Dusk has a smooth Rock kind of feel to it . Some of Hikkis Japanese titles such as Deep River , Sakura Drops , Colors , Addicted to You , and Final Distance are some of the Best songs from an asian artist or any artist to mention that . Exodus does stand on it's own with it's versability and smoothness . America is not going to be Utada's Final Distance , she has what it takes to conquer the world ! Exodus get's a 5 star and is well worth the money . I say that all Americans should broaden up a little bit and think outside the majority.Utada's time is here , and It's time for a little something new .
138 4 This is her 1st english album that japanese fans have been waiting for since so much delays from her original english debut that was supposed for 2002 . I think this album is like all charged up that those 2 years of delay was all made up for this . The quality of this album is superb and so much heavenly and catchy tracks were put in .
Noteworthy tracks are Easy Breezy , her 1st single from this album . Japanese fans would really like this track , as this is like a j-pop track only sung in english . The track is really poppy and catchy , leaving a good impression on listeners even with the first listen , with references such as You're easy breezy and i'm japanesey or the line Konnichiwa , Sayonara . It's all good . The track itself could have had a japanese version .
Devil Inside , in the other hand , is a very good americanized track with lots of electricity . The track simply rocks with repetitions of Maybe there's a devil ( there's something like it ) which reminds me of some video game type of track , or maybe even ghostbusters !
All the tracks in this album are great , especially the mysterious but powerful Kremlin Dusk , the almighty title track Exodus ' 04 , the hip Let me give you my love , or even the catty The Workout . Every fan of Utada would like this , and so will new listeners . This is sure to create new american based fans and an Utada Craze not only in america but all over the world .
139 4 The tracks on this CD reveals a slight return to Utada's hip hop roots . There is one difference though . Although her first hits over in Japan were upbeat pop songs by definition , Exodus features songs with mysterious and moody beats , drawing the listener into the hazy world of Utada . She touches upon risque subjects in Tippy Toe where she sings , cuz you're married and you've even got a family too / pray that they don't hear you / now let me see you dance on your tippy toe ooh . The ballad Kremlin Dusk gives a shout out to her favorite poet Edgar Allen Poe , with whom she incidentlly shares a birthday . Overall , I recommend this album as a fresh and innovative CD from a long time veteran of the music world ( and she's only 21 ! ) .
141 4 Some die-hard fans of Utada's Japanese music think this is a sell-out . But if they take the time to observe the lyrics , they'll understand Utada's finally professing her deep feelings on the fundamentals of a successful relationship : trust , risk-taking , fun , and love .
The music isn't as ear friendly as her early japanese music , but with observation it is very well put-together . It's a different sound , but look at Utada's eclectic group of musical influences : Bjork , Metallica , Mary J . Blige , Led Zeppelin . Utada has created a sound of her own .
NO LONGER a slave to the public vision , Utada breaks away and creates something personal and completely her own . Looking for pop music that breaks away from the chains formed by Spears , Agularia , Duff , Maroon 5 , and Los Lonely Boys ?
EXODUS reminds us that pop music can have deeper meaning and can be used as an instrument to throw out more powerful emotions than simply the tame teenage feelings . Utada is an adult in the world of female pop stars . Thank you for saving the genre , Utada !
142 4 Trust me , I am NOT an Utada fan . I have never particularly liked her music ; the genre , the lyrics , and her voice is pretty average . The first song I heard from this album was Kremlin Dusk , and I immediately fell in love with it , which was totally surprising . I figured it was the only song of hers I would ever like , but upon hearing more of them I decided that she just put out a really good album for once .
People who dislike Utada typically criticize her lyrics , and whatever they say , IT'S TRUE . Her lyrics totally suck ! But I guess I'm not one of those true music fans because I never really cared about lyrics all that much . I listen to music for how it sounds . And these songs sound very , very good .
143 4 It's odd to find an artist with as extensive a back catalogue as Hikaru Utada being labelled a newcomer . Never mind that she's been recording since she was barely into her teens , and has shifted tens of millions of albums in her native Japan - pft , most of it wasn't in English , anyway . Exodus , then - her first attempt to break the US market - is that rare thing : a debut album that is , in fact , anything but . Utada may be an unknown quantity Stateside ( or , at least , she was until a few months ago ) , but her J-Pop years have given her more than enough time to mature into a fully-fledged pop diva .
Parts of Exodus are almost staggeringly self-assured - even more so , given that the majority of it was self-produced . Wonder ' Bout is an infectious slice of Kelis-lite , Tippy Toe implausibly manages to sculpt a catchy ditty around the subject of marital infidelity , while Kremlin Dusk and Hotel Lobby perfect the swooning synth-pop that Madonna nailed on Ray of Light . The Timbaland-produced Exodus ' 04 and Let Me Give You My Love , meanwhile , hit all the right buttons - but , then , you would've expected that , wouldn't you ?
Elsewhere , it's rather less convincing . The brittle , fragmented R & B of The Workout is let down by some excruciating lyrics ; the original version of Devil Inside pales in comparison to the dance remixes that have been doing the rounds recently ; Easy Breezy is gifted with one of the most irritating hooks ever conceived ( and , pray , couldn't someone have quietly pointed out the sheer awfulness of the couplet You're easy breezy / And I'm Japanesey ? ) .
All in all , it's an impressive but flawed work . If Exodus does anything like the business it's been doing in Japan ( where the album was released at the start of September , and sold over half a million copies in its first week alone ) , chances are we'll be hearing a lot more from Utada in the future . Bets are off , but my money's on her second album being the real killer .
146 4 Wow ! I was really surprised by this CD ! At first I was a little iffy on it , but after listening to it several times it has become of my most favorite CDs ! The lyrics are very artistic , sensual , and provocative , and I like how Utada is trying to break out of her Asian stereotype while keeping an exotic Eastern image . My favorite songs from this album are Devil Inside ( very upbeat , moderately paced club song . Vocals are excellent ! ) , Exodus ' 04 ( best song ever ! ) , and Kremlin Dusk ( lyrics are wonderful ) . Easy Breezy and The Workout are also really catchy . Those who have listened to Utada's Japanese work will find this album quite different , but after listening carefully they can catch the R & B flavor of her previous work , especially in Exodus ' 04 .
Overall this is an AWESOME album and I encourage everyone to purchase it .
148 4 I'm SO happy that Utada released an English album ! !
Maybe this one is not her best album , but it does not mean that its a bad album .
The music is sticky and well performed , the way she mixed musical generes was excelent and the songs , were good . Simple , but good .
One of my favorite songs is : You make me want to be a man although I'm still looking for what Makes her want to be a man . The best song of the album is Exodus ' 04 . That's one of her best songs ever . I also like very much Let me give you my love .
You can't compare her with nobody because she's UNIQUE .
I hope that she can make more English albums .
149 4 It's hard to say how I feel about this album . In that there's something good . Because each time I come back to listen to it I'm attempting to figure it out . I can't say I dislike it at all . When there's such a creative level of sounds and lyrics to it . When everytime I hear a song I feel grown up and good and I sing out every tune , lyric by lyric that i've memorised by heart .
I am a fan . And that does tend to swerve my review . But as a fan for years . . . I've heard some amazing thing's from Hikki .
Her voice is very unique , especially in this compilation of songs . You can tell it's all hers in songs like Exodus ' 04 , About Me , Tippy Toe , Kremlin Dusk and Animato . It's deep and soulful and it gives you a sense of extreme strength . But at the same time it feels like theres something missing from what there was in her earlier Japanese songs .
The lyrics for the most part are fantastic . I sent
Exodus ' 04 to a friend and she said its become one of her favorite songs . Animato is wonderful and mysteriouse , and comes off as being very strong . It's refreshing to hear something new and so overtly creative lyric wise with her music and it's obviouse they spent time on the lyrics . Though , once again . . it feels very different from her previouse works .
I've noticed that all of the songs move together very well . You can almost taste the asain flare in them . Which is exciting and something that really comes across in all of the songs . The sounds of chimes or certain instruments that really make all of the songs very unique . Its one of the things that gives you that good feeling when you listen to the songs . Alot of dance , alot of techno and alot of feeling . Thing's that the album is certainly not missing .
But . . . it's very different .
It sort of brings me to my conclusion . It's like trying a foreign food for the first time . It's just so different ! It's good . . but part of you doubts it and you aren't really sure how to react . This album is different . As Utada says , I just wanna go further . Between here and there grow wiser . Together you and I - we can , Cross all borders , you and I .
Utada is Utada . This is not her Japanese career . So alot of changes are being made . Some for the better and some thing's I honestly think could be changed . But I'm really happy she's crossing over . She's done an amazing job and I beleive it's going to go both ways . She has alot of work ahead of her but with support and constructive critisism and so many people cheering her on I beleive she'll work hard to improve greatly .
Overall this is a good album , though I do agree . Listen to the songs online . See if their something you like . This isn't the old Utada . It's something new .
150 4 This cd has a different sound from her other albums , but who's to say change isn't good ? You can hear the freedom she has in her lyrics . Writing with the American audience in mind , Utada can be more open with her ideas . The beats thump hard with an infecticous dance rhythm in Devil Inside and then they make drop down to a slow groove on Tippy Toe and how can a preson not smile and bob their heads to the free-spirirted Easy Breezy . She's been writing her own music throughout her career and now with Timberland helping out to produce a couple tracks , you can really hear that R & B sound all the much more . Utada's sound is almost reminiscent of the late great Aaliyah . This album posseses a beat that seems to come from all over the world . If you want something that's totally different , ( but good ) reach for this cd .
151 4 This album is to simply put , interesting . From the beats to the lyrics , they are something fresh for our ears to hear . I have been listening to her music for a few years now , and I was very excited to hear that she was going to release another album over here in the U.S .
It's sorta like an album where you either love it or hate it , because everything is so different . Experimentation is a good thing though .
Overall , it's good , but not the best . Definately worth something to check out though .
154 4 Utada Hikaru has conquered Japan . Her first three albums have sold millions of copies and she has a large devoted fanbase . So , what's the next step ? The US music scene of course . Utada used Exodus as a way to reinvent herself and her music , as marked by abbreviating her name to just Utada . She has dropped the mainstream r & b feel of First Love and Distance , and the personal pop feel of Deep River . Instead we are presented with fourteen tracks of experimental r & b and some pop tunes . Utada has really used this CD to let her hair down , to take risks that she could never take in the Japanese market . After listening to the CD , you appreciate that risk taking , but almost wish that she could have spent more time polishing a few of the tracks .
The first track on the album is a brief Opening and it's , rather awkward . Utada's voice bounces around without much logic or direction . This unique style of singing will be used and perfected a couple years later in Passion but for the Opening , it just seems strange . The next two songs are perhaps the most straightforward of the album . Devil Inisde and Exodus ` 04 are both well written likable pop tunes that make use of Asian instruments to give them a unique edge . Utada is strong here lyrically , although that is not always the case for the rest of the album . The Japanese style of writing lyrics , where more is based on meaning then how they sound , is so different from the American style that at time she struggles . That is not the case here . After these two strong tracks are the two weakest tracks of the album . The Workout , an experimental dance track , had so much potential . It could have been Bjork-esque if it she had just polished off the arrangements , melody , and lyrics a little more . Instead it appears sloppy , the verses and chorus haphazardly sliced together and the lyrics almost laughable . Easy Breezy , the next track , is also weak lyrically , but more due to the fact that it's too cutesy at times . The song itself , a rather straightforward if unremarkable pop tune , isn't that bad , but ends up looking ridiculous when Utada starts singing about how she has a new microphone . At this point in the song the vocals are weak and it takes any goodness that this track could have offered and erases it .
Next we have two rather strong experimental r & b tracks Tippy Toe and Hotel Lobby . Both of them have really unique beats and stories , infidelity and prostitution . After that we get Animato a unique ambient track that shows Utada at her strongest and weakest lyrically . Some of the verses have brilliant lyrics but the chorus I need some one who's true / someone who does the laundry too does not really achieve the desired effect and ends up looking a little cheesy . After this we get Crossover Interlude , another version of the opening that comes off a little more organized than its predecessor . Kremlin Dusk is the track that this album is BEST known for because it is the best one musically . Starting out soft and quiet it eventually grows and grows until you're hit with an explosion of sound . Very powerful . The only thing that holds this track back is its occasional nonsensical lyrics .
You Make me Want to Be a Man is a strong dance track . The use of Asian instruments really makes is something special and lyrically it is quiet strong . The next two songs Wonder'bout and Let me give you my Love are both r & b songs but they don't pack the emotional pack that Tippy Toe and Hotel Lobby did . They're not bad , but they don't really stand out in any way . The closing track About me is a great , stripped down ballad with a unique twist in the chorus .
Exodus is a good album . It has some incredibly strong tracks and songs that will remain Hikki classics for a long time . Still , one can't help wondering when comparing it to albums like Deep River and Ultra Blue that it could have been better if a little more effort was put into it lyrically and musically . The album is weighted down by a few weak tracks and some of the strongest tracks are hindered by weak lyrics . Still , I hope Utada doesn't completely abandon her American career . There is real creativity here and potential for something incredible .
