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This Is The One




  • This Is The One ( Audio CD ) I've been listening to her music for a few years now and I have most of her previous work in Japanese . Which is how I got into her music along with a song she did on the Rush Hour 2 soundtrack ( with Foxy Brown / Def Jam ) . Regardless I really enjoyed her Exodus album released in 2004 , it was different and had a lot of songs with different feels . I believe that's the reason it only had limited success over in the States . Now with the released of This Is The One Utada brings her excellent singing and songwriting skills to everyone over here . Even after the first song Come Back To Me with Utada pleading for her man to give her a second chance after she cheated on him . Saying she'll do whatever you need her to . It has a sincerity and feel to that should fit right in on just about US radio station . I'm also partial to the song Poppin ' it has a R & B , club vibe to it that is nothing like her previous efforts . Also , Me Muero as well with a latin , jazz club feel to it again not something Utada does . But it is handled very well and ends up being a great song . Beyond that i'm not able to pick a favorite as I love just about every song on the cd . It sounds cliche and everything , but its true that you can tell someone that has a love and talent for performing and Utada has it . Not only on this cd but on many of her previous albums check out Exodus as well if you have the opportunity . Check out This Is The One because it truly is just that . The one album that will get your attention and not let it go . Its only 10 songs but their are 3 extra songs on here Simple & Clean , Sanctuary ( Opening ) , and Sanctuary ( Closing ) . They all hold your attention and are more than listen worthy buy This Is The One . You won't be disappointed .
    • 007 4  This review is from : This Is The One ( Audio CD ) I have been searching for this album since I watched my brother play Kingdom Hearts when I was 14 . . My husband just bought the new game and I decided to look up who sang the opening song . . This girl has such a beautifull voice and her songs are just amazing . . I dont think I can wait 3 days to get the cd ! !
    • 008 4  I have been searching for this album since I watched my brother play Kingdom Hearts when I was 14 . . My husband just bought the new game and I decided to look up who sang the opening song . . This girl has such a beautifull voice and her songs are just amazing . . I dont think I can wait 3 days to get the cd ! !
    • 010 4  I wasn't sure what to expect after the well-intentioned but unsuccessful Exodus , but with this latest effort , Utada has taken it back to her roots . Those who say that she has strayed away from quirky electronic beats to produce a typical mainstream album would do well to remember that r & b / pop ( with her own distinct style thrown in , of course ) is how she got started in the first place . With that being said , this album is better , MUCH better than many of the pop acts in the U.S . and should be getting way more attention than it is now . Every song is a potential single and there are no skippables . I rarely if ever buy CDs but Utada has definitely earned my money .
    • 013 4  This review is from : This Is The One ( Audio CD ) I've been listening to her music for a few years now and I have most of her previous work in Japanese . Which is how I got into her music along with a song she did on the Rush Hour 2 soundtrack ( with Foxy Brown / Def Jam ) . Regardless I really enjoyed her Exodus album released in 2004 , it was different and had a lot of songs with different feels . I believe that's the reason it only had limited success over in the States . Now with the released of This Is The One Utada brings her excellent singing and songwriting skills to everyone over here . Even after the first song Come Back To Me with Utada pleading for her man to give her a second chance after she cheated on him . Saying she'll do whatever you need her to . It has a sincerity and feel to that should fit right in on just about US radio station . I'm also partial to the song Poppin ' it has a R & B , club vibe to it that is nothing like her previous efforts . Also , Me Muero as well with a latin , jazz club feel to it again not something Utada does . But it is handled very well and ends up being a great song . Beyond that i'm not able to pick a favorite as I love just about every song on the cd . It sounds cliche and everything , but its true that you can tell someone that has a love and talent for performing and Utada has it . Not only on this cd but on many of her previous albums check out Exodus as well if you have the opportunity . Check out This Is The One because it truly is just that . The one album that will get your attention and not let it go . Its only 10 songs but their are 3 extra songs on here Simple & Clean , Sanctuary ( Opening ) , and Sanctuary ( Closing ) . They all hold your attention and are more than listen worthy buy This Is The One . You won't be disappointed .
    • 019 4  This is a great CD ! Very well done for Utada's second english CD . I think I've listened to it over 100 times now and I still love it ! Got it for a friend and she loves it too . If you're a fan , you're sure to love it . It was 200% better than I expected it to be and delivery was very speedy . You won't regret buying it !
    • 023 4  I've been a fan of Utada aka Hikki-chan for two years now . I have all her Japanese songs and also her English songs . This Is The One is simply amazing ! . . . . Hikki has outdone herself once again and so I recommend this CD to everybody ! Trust me . . . . You won't regret it ! ! !
    • 029 4  This review is from : This Is The One ( Audio CD ) despite not being her usual inspirational jpop / experimental style , this album has a strong purpose of breaking into a western demographic by mixing together some smooth R & B beats and catchy hooks . though it is not my favorite album of hers , its worth picking up to see how she approaches a new market .
    • 031 4  OK im from michigan and i listen to almost everything . Ive been listening to Hikki's music for sometime . . . yes even her japanese track which i love to death . . . Now This is the one . . . is the one i love it . Her voice is clear , fast and sexy at the sametime . . . buy this album if you like really good music . . * * * * * * * * * thats my real rating for this CD . . .
    • 033 4  Love her or hate her , she is awesome ! ! ! I love her voice and her music ! She is amazing ! In Japanese , Utau means to sing . Hikaru means to shine , to glitter , to be bright . That is really true for Utada ! Pick up this CD , and you will fall in love with her really quick !
    • 034 4  This review is from : This Is The One ( Audio CD ) What can I say , Utada is fantastic ! With her , you know what you are getting when you purchase an album . Her previous release of Heart Station was one for the ages , so it would be tough to top that , especially with an all English release aimed at American audiences , though the album is doing quite superb in her native Japan from what I hear . It took time to get used to this album , but eventually it grew on me - especially with On and On . Well done Utada . . . can't wait for the next album !
    • 035 4  What can I say , Utada is fantastic ! With her , you know what you are getting when you purchase an album . Her previous release of Heart Station was one for the ages , so it would be tough to top that , especially with an all English release aimed at American audiences , though the album is doing quite superb in her native Japan from what I hear . It took time to get used to this album , but eventually it grew on me - especially with On and On . Well done Utada . . . can't wait for the next album !
    • 037 4  This review is from : This Is The One ( Audio CD ) Very good CD . I actually like it better than the last English CD she released a few years ago .
    • 038 4  Very good CD . I actually like it better than the last English CD she released a few years ago .
    • 042 4  Utada just wanted to make a really good pop CD , well I guess she succeded . Deffinitely a CD that I keep going back to and listening to over and over . Really glad I bought it .
    • 045 4  I have never been a Utada fan but this album has turned me into one . The previews on amazon doesn't do this album any justice . Not until I download the full album did I come to appreciate the work of art this album is . I hope to see more english albums in the future .
    • 057 4  Bought this CD because it's a steal at less than $10 ( compared to $35 PLUS if you buy it in Japan ) , and also because I've been listening to Utada since Deep River . Deep River in my opinion , is still the high bar set by Utada . Ultra Blue was a great CD as well , and Heart Station was almost as good as both of those . Her first two CDs showed a lot of growth as an individual , and another thing EACH of her Japanese releases had was powerful vocals . The tunes were catchy , Utada's vocals strong and compelling , and the lyrics were great . However , aside from the first few tracks , this CD is nowhere NEAR as good as her Japanese releases . Using the Hip Hop sound for some of her songs was nice , but after the first few , it becomes rather dull and uninspired . I feel like she was trying to appeal to some of her fans with tracks like Me Muero and Come Back to me , and I LOVE the inclusion of Simple and Clean / Sanctuary at the end ( Hikari and Passion respectively by their Japanese titles ) , but there simply weren't any tracks that FLOORED me as much as tracks such as Sakura Drops , Passion , This is Love , Traveling , etc . I think instead of trying to feel out what the general public wants in order to make it big in the USA , Utada should sing more along the lines of where her heart is . Otherwise , she'll just be lumped in with other artists in a genre and be lost in all the other similar sounding songs . Definitely a good buy at $10 , but not a GREAT buy . Can't wait until her next CD though !
    • 058 4  This review is from : This Is The One ( Audio CD ) We purchased this album because of the bonus tracks . My children and I have wanted the Kingdom Hearts songs for a while and this album seemed like a bargain . New music plus the KH music . The problem is this album seems like such a pop factory rush job that I think it will actually hurt her crossover ability . Instead of giving us an Americanized version of her beautiful Japanese songs ( like KH did ) Utada has given us an album that could have been released by Britney , or Mariah . We already have that junk . This is better because of her vocals but just barely .
    • 059 4  We purchased this album because of the bonus tracks . My children and I have wanted the Kingdom Hearts songs for a while and this album seemed like a bargain . New music plus the KH music . The problem is this album seems like such a pop factory rush job that I think it will actually hurt her crossover ability . Instead of giving us an Americanized version of her beautiful Japanese songs ( like KH did ) Utada has given us an album that could have been released by Britney , or Mariah . We already have that junk . This is better because of her vocals but just barely .
    • 060 4  I'm a Utada Hikaru fan , and I was really excited when I heard she was going to make another attempt to break into the North American market . I wasn't a fan of the Exodus album , but there were a couple good tracks on it . This album is much the same - most of it's not very good , but there are a few good tracks , namely Come Back to Me and This One , but Me Muero and Apple and Cinnamon are all right as well . None of the tracks possess anything close to the complex beauty Utada produced in albums Ultra Blue and Deep River . This latest English album is a joyless Utada Hikaru distilled down and crappified with elements of American hip hop . If you want something that sounds skanky and common ( but with beautiful vocals ) , this could be for you .

  • This Is The One ( MP3 Download ) Okay , if you're new to Utada , then know these things before judging her : 1 . She was born and lived in New York for twelve years before moving to Japan . She did an English language album when she was thirteen I believe , under the name Cubic U . It was R & B / Pop flavoured , rather mainstream . It never was truly released though and she shortly then went to Japan , where she became a sensation . 2 . She is not your average pop queen that doesn't interact with the public . She blogs A LOT on her Japanese website , and is often rather revealing , sharing her small quirks , desires , etc . She's actually really a big geek in some ways , having this giant teddy bear that's taken a personality on it's own . She's really funny , quirky and odd and doesn't try to push really any perceived image , she just is herself . 3 . She's been in the spotlight since I believe , age fifteen , at twenty-six she's not a newcomer by any means . Her mother was a singer too . It's her life . Don't dismiss everything at face value . 4 . She's got a very distinct voice . It is weird , some hate it , others love it . However , once you hear it , it's pretty distinct , you'll never not recognize it . Okay , as far as this album , yes it's short , and yes , it's mainstream . People who don't like it , you're warranted to not like it , your choice . Utada tried to break out into the US back in 2004 with Exodus a very scattered , experimental album , and while it had good tracks it was somewhat not marketable , as it seemed Island Def Jam didn't know what to do with her . Was it dance ? Pop ? Electro-rock ? It didn't make much of an impact outside of clubs . Utada's Japanese work meanwhile have been known for their contemplative , poetic lyrics , and I have heard many complain that her at times overtly sexual nature in this album is horrendous and cheapening . I don't think so , she's having fun and being extremely cheeky here , this is a fun album , don't take it seriously by any means . People forget she is funny . The way I see it , This is The One is an experiment in popular styles , proving that Okay you wanted something more mainstream , I'll give you mainstream ! She is not out to revolutionize American music , but perhaps show that's she capable and knows her R & B roots . While it's not exactly satire or commentary I think it skids it , it covers bases on what music makes America tick . Her goal was bubblegum , not the genre per se ( save that for Disney brats ) , but stuff that would stick in people's heads whether or not they liked it and it thus be . Big thing that I think shows her experiment in mass media is an experiment and NOT serious sexification of her image is that Utada has never been much of a dancer , actually I don't think she's ever really danced for a live audience much so these dance songs , you'd think there would be a pop tart starlet and her back-up dancers , I haven't seen any , and her music video for Come Back To Me is very tasteful . Just food for thought . Japan has a very strict but very hypocritical view of sexuality , condoning and fetishizing it on the flipside . Utada became a star as a teen and there she seems to be stuck in an asexual image as a result . She has stated that she feels far more open when writing in English , so thus , perhaps a bit more of her wild side can be seen here in her English lyrics where s she would keep hush-hush about in Japan . The lyrics could also be a product of her humor and ability to tell stories . She wrote about a hooker on the track Hotel Lobby , from Exodus , and I don't think Utada has ever been a hooker before so , there's proof that not all of her songs are autobiographical . Take it with a grain of salt , her goal was to break into America from the inside out and I think this will do just that . Album breakdown : 1 . Come back to Me : 1st single , very mainstream , marketable and currently helping Utada claw up the charts , something out of nowhere . Well crafted , and has the distinct Utada touch of unusualness by slipping in a photoshop reference . She also features piano and electric guitar that people may recognize perhaps from her past works . Surprisingly Mariah Carey-like . Covers that type of territory 2 . Me Muerto : Proof that her experiments in style are not extinguished . She's never done a latin , bossa nova sound before and this is remarkably polished and her voice is very very strong at this range . Could hear this on the radio but not necessarily on the same stations as ' Come Back To Me ' , also interesting content-wise , touching on depression . 3 . Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence - FYI : This is the most Utada track on the album , it's laced with the original song Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence by Sakamoto Ryuichi and also features lyrics that both touches on a movie with David Bowie of the same name and Buddhist chants . She also namedrops Captain Piccard , if any more evidence of her being a geek , then I don't know what else could prove it . Production here is slick , it's Asian , but also very American and also could be another successful single . 4 . Apple And Cinnamon - Really smooth r & b / pop song . Distinctly Utada in her simile use and ambient background , otherwise it's a really simple , quieter song . A lot of girls are going to like this song or be able to relate to the lyrics here . There's a universality of loss and innocence . I must note she divorced from her husband I believe in 2007 , so what she's expressing here might actually be true feelings . It's interesting to note that she says simple and innocent because either the lyrics almost suggest her English remix of Hikari made for the first Kingdom Hearts video game , Simple and Clean ( She also sings the English version of the Kingdom Hearts II theme song , Sanctuary ) but instead uses innocent , which is pretty much analogous to being clean , so I figure it's almost a wink to that song , ( which was made in 2003 , the year she was married either that or 2002 ) with an air of melancholy . 5 . Taking My Money Back : Reminds me of early 2000 ' s R & B like Usher and early Destiny Child , even though I'm not a modern R & B listener , I remember all my friends listening to stuff like this . The lyrics are decent , not the best , but they have a bit of snark and the content is again , relatible for a lot of girls out there . She adds electric guitar at the end that makes it more Utada again . 6 . This One ( Crying Like A Child ) : Perhaps some of the best lyrics on the album , and quirky in the Utada way , mentioning blackberries , and Freddie Mercury ( one of her favorite artists ) . Again , there is electric guitar in this , which lends that Utada otherworldliness to the background of a rather basic R & B ballad . I'm kind of reminded of Rhianna here , I'm not great with comparing other R & B / Pop people , regardless it's a great song , perhaps on the best on the disk . 7 . Automatic Part II : Really campy this one , she's reintroducing herself to American audiences , though her lyrics are kinda overly quirky . The hook When I like it , I don't hide it however is really appealing , kinda sounds Beyoncesque , which is really weird , otherwise it has a nice 90 ' s vibe to it , with Utada screaming out YEAH in the background . It's really choppy , I can see mixers and DJ's liking this song and chopping it . Not the best lyrics , but has a lot of potential for club remixes , as I said . 8 . Dirty Desire : Yes , she said it , I Love you Long Time , she's Asian , she's allowed to be funny as she breaks that stereotype entirely . Content wise , this song has been sending people in bunches since it's kinda raunchy , but the vocals are purely Utada . Good for the clubs but older Utada fans may not approve . . . 9 . Poppin : This people have weird reactions to , it's out there , with a really quirky espionage , kinda jazzy 1940 ' s feel to it . Think Christina Agulera in her Back to Basic's era , whom she seems to channel here at certain parts . Lyrically she's kinda campy here and there ( no panties on ) but it's also a girl anthem . She breaks out into a spoken part that sounds like a line outta a movie followed by Aguleraisms . I like this song a lot personally , others might not like it , but I think it's rather well crafted . 10 . On and On : Club song in the vein of Lady Gaga , and features some vocals that bring to mind Gwen Stefani's yodeling . All about being unapologetic and having fun . Name drops gay people , straight people , it's just a club song . Mixers would have fun with this one . So in short , this is not really the Hikki people know , but I feel this girl has always been there , I also feel each track was crafted to appeal to some certain demographic , that way whatever single she puts out , she could win a following and thus garter fans from the inside out . Dont overtly dismiss it right away , I hated the samples I heard of the songs , being surprised by their sound , but after hearing complete songs , they are far better than samples can make them out to be . A good , cohesive effort in my opinion . Not the best , but certainly commerical , dancible and well , it might just The One to get her known in her own country of birth .
    • 001 4  This review is from : This Is The One ( MP3 Download ) Okay , if you're new to Utada , then know these things before judging her : 1 . She was born and lived in New York for twelve years before moving to Japan . She did an English language album when she was thirteen I believe , under the name Cubic U . It was R & B / Pop flavoured , rather mainstream . It never was truly released though and she shortly then went to Japan , where she became a sensation . 2 . She is not your average pop queen that doesn't interact with the public . She blogs A LOT on her Japanese website , and is often rather revealing , sharing her small quirks , desires , etc . She's actually really a big geek in some ways , having this giant teddy bear that's taken a personality on it's own . She's really funny , quirky and odd and doesn't try to push really any perceived image , she just is herself . 3 . She's been in the spotlight since I believe , age fifteen , at twenty-six she's not a newcomer by any means . Her mother was a singer too . It's her life . Don't dismiss everything at face value . 4 . She's got a very distinct voice . It is weird , some hate it , others love it . However , once you hear it , it's pretty distinct , you'll never not recognize it . Okay , as far as this album , yes it's short , and yes , it's mainstream . People who don't like it , you're warranted to not like it , your choice . Utada tried to break out into the US back in 2004 with Exodus a very scattered , experimental album , and while it had good tracks it was somewhat not marketable , as it seemed Island Def Jam didn't know what to do with her . Was it dance ? Pop ? Electro-rock ? It didn't make much of an impact outside of clubs . Utada's Japanese work meanwhile have been known for their contemplative , poetic lyrics , and I have heard many complain that her at times overtly sexual nature in this album is horrendous and cheapening . I don't think so , she's having fun and being extremely cheeky here , this is a fun album , don't take it seriously by any means . People forget she is funny . The way I see it , This is The One is an experiment in popular styles , proving that Okay you wanted something more mainstream , I'll give you mainstream ! She is not out to revolutionize American music , but perhaps show that's she capable and knows her R & B roots . While it's not exactly satire or commentary I think it skids it , it covers bases on what music makes America tick . Her goal was bubblegum , not the genre per se ( save that for Disney brats ) , but stuff that would stick in people's heads whether or not they liked it and it thus be . Big thing that I think shows her experiment in mass media is an experiment and NOT serious sexification of her image is that Utada has never been much of a dancer , actually I don't think she's ever really danced for a live audience much so these dance songs , you'd think there would be a pop tart starlet and her back-up dancers , I haven't seen any , and her music video for Come Back To Me is very tasteful . Just food for thought . Japan has a very strict but very hypocritical view of sexuality , condoning and fetishizing it on the flipside . Utada became a star as a teen and there she seems to be stuck in an asexual image as a result . She has stated that she feels far more open when writing in English , so thus , perhaps a bit more of her wild side can be seen here in her English lyrics where s she would keep hush-hush about in Japan . The lyrics could also be a product of her humor and ability to tell stories . She wrote about a hooker on the track Hotel Lobby , from Exodus , and I don't think Utada has ever been a hooker before so , there's proof that not all of her songs are autobiographical . Take it with a grain of salt , her goal was to break into America from the inside out and I think this will do just that . Album breakdown : 1 . Come back to Me : 1st single , very mainstream , marketable and currently helping Utada claw up the charts , something out of nowhere . Well crafted , and has the distinct Utada touch of unusualness by slipping in a photoshop reference . She also features piano and electric guitar that people may recognize perhaps from her past works . Surprisingly Mariah Carey-like . Covers that type of territory 2 . Me Muerto : Proof that her experiments in style are not extinguished . She's never done a latin , bossa nova sound before and this is remarkably polished and her voice is very very strong at this range . Could hear this on the radio but not necessarily on the same stations as ' Come Back To Me ' , also interesting content-wise , touching on depression . 3 . Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence - FYI : This is the most Utada track on the album , it's laced with the original song Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence by Sakamoto Ryuichi and also features lyrics that both touches on a movie with David Bowie of the same name and Buddhist chants . She also namedrops Captain Piccard , if any more evidence of her being a geek , then I don't know what else could prove it . Production here is slick , it's Asian , but also very American and also could be another successful single . 4 . Apple And Cinnamon - Really smooth r & b / pop song . Distinctly Utada in her simile use and ambient background , otherwise it's a really simple , quieter song . A lot of girls are going to like this song or be able to relate to the lyrics here . There's a universality of loss and innocence . I must note she divorced from her husband I believe in 2007 , so what she's expressing here might actually be true feelings . It's interesting to note that she says simple and innocent because either the lyrics almost suggest her English remix of Hikari made for the first Kingdom Hearts video game , Simple and Clean ( She also sings the English version of the Kingdom Hearts II theme song , Sanctuary ) but instead uses innocent , which is pretty much analogous to being clean , so I figure it's almost a wink to that song , ( which was made in 2003 , the year she was married either that or 2002 ) with an air of melancholy . 5 . Taking My Money Back : Reminds me of early 2000 ' s R & B like Usher and early Destiny Child , even though I'm not a modern R & B listener , I remember all my friends listening to stuff like this . The lyrics are decent , not the best , but they have a bit of snark and the content is again , relatible for a lot of girls out there . She adds electric guitar at the end that makes it more Utada again . 6 . This One ( Crying Like A Child ) : Perhaps some of the best lyrics on the album , and quirky in the Utada way , mentioning blackberries , and Freddie Mercury ( one of her favorite artists ) . Again , there is electric guitar in this , which lends that Utada otherworldliness to the background of a rather basic R & B ballad . I'm kind of reminded of Rhianna here , I'm not great with comparing other R & B / Pop people , regardless it's a great song , perhaps on the best on the disk . 7 . Automatic Part II : Really campy this one , she's reintroducing herself to American audiences , though her lyrics are kinda overly quirky . The hook When I like it , I don't hide it however is really appealing , kinda sounds Beyoncesque , which is really weird , otherwise it has a nice 90 ' s vibe to it , with Utada screaming out YEAH in the background . It's really choppy , I can see mixers and DJ's liking this song and chopping it . Not the best lyrics , but has a lot of potential for club remixes , as I said . 8 . Dirty Desire : Yes , she said it , I Love you Long Time , she's Asian , she's allowed to be funny as she breaks that stereotype entirely . Content wise , this song has been sending people in bunches since it's kinda raunchy , but the vocals are purely Utada . Good for the clubs but older Utada fans may not approve . . . 9 . Poppin : This people have weird reactions to , it's out there , with a really quirky espionage , kinda jazzy 1940 ' s feel to it . Think Christina Agulera in her Back to Basic's era , whom she seems to channel here at certain parts . Lyrically she's kinda campy here and there ( no panties on ) but it's also a girl anthem . She breaks out into a spoken part that sounds like a line outta a movie followed by Aguleraisms . I like this song a lot personally , others might not like it , but I think it's rather well crafted . 10 . On and On : Club song in the vein of Lady Gaga , and features some vocals that bring to mind Gwen Stefani's yodeling . All about being unapologetic and having fun . Name drops gay people , straight people , it's just a club song . Mixers would have fun with this one . So in short , this is not really the Hikki people know , but I feel this girl has always been there , I also feel each track was crafted to appeal to some certain demographic , that way whatever single she puts out , she could win a following and thus garter fans from the inside out . Dont overtly dismiss it right away , I hated the samples I heard of the songs , being surprised by their sound , but after hearing complete songs , they are far better than samples can make them out to be . A good , cohesive effort in my opinion . Not the best , but certainly commerical , dancible and well , it might just The One to get her known in her own country of birth .
    • 002 4  Okay , if you're new to Utada , then know these things before judging her : 1 . She was born and lived in New York for twelve years before moving to Japan . She did an English language album when she was thirteen I believe , under the name Cubic U . It was R & B / Pop flavoured , rather mainstream . It never was truly released though and she shortly then went to Japan , where she became a sensation . 2 . She is not your average pop queen that doesn't interact with the public . She blogs A LOT on her Japanese website , and is often rather revealing , sharing her small quirks , desires , etc . She's actually really a big geek in some ways , having this giant teddy bear that's taken a personality on it's own . She's really funny , quirky and odd and doesn't try to push really any perceived image , she just is herself . 3 . She's been in the spotlight since I believe , age fifteen , at twenty-six she's not a newcomer by any means . Her mother was a singer too . It's her life . Don't dismiss everything at face value . 4 . She's got a very distinct voice . It is weird , some hate it , others love it . However , once you hear it , it's pretty distinct , you'll never not recognize it . Okay , as far as this album , yes it's short , and yes , it's mainstream . People who don't like it , you're warranted to not like it , your choice . Utada tried to break out into the US back in 2004 with Exodus a very scattered , experimental album , and while it had good tracks it was somewhat not marketable , as it seemed Island Def Jam didn't know what to do with her . Was it dance ? Pop ? Electro-rock ? It didn't make much of an impact outside of clubs . Utada's Japanese work meanwhile have been known for their contemplative , poetic lyrics , and I have heard many complain that her at times overtly sexual nature in this album is horrendous and cheapening . I don't think so , she's having fun and being extremely cheeky here , this is a fun album , don't take it seriously by any means . People forget she is funny . The way I see it , This is The One is an experiment in popular styles , proving that Okay you wanted something more mainstream , I'll give you mainstream ! She is not out to revolutionize American music , but perhaps show that's she capable and knows her R & B roots . While it's not exactly satire or commentary I think it skids it , it covers bases on what music makes America tick . Her goal was bubblegum , not the genre per se ( save that for Disney brats ) , but stuff that would stick in people's heads whether or not they liked it and it thus be . Big thing that I think shows her experiment in mass media is an experiment and NOT serious sexification of her image is that Utada has never been much of a dancer , actually I don't think she's ever really danced for a live audience much so these dance songs , you'd think there would be a pop tart starlet and her back-up dancers , I haven't seen any , and her music video for Come Back To Me is very tasteful . Just food for thought . Japan has a very strict but very hypocritical view of sexuality , condoning and fetishizing it on the flipside . Utada became a star as a teen and there she seems to be stuck in an asexual image as a result . She has stated that she feels far more open when writing in English , so thus , perhaps a bit more of her wild side can be seen here in her English lyrics where s she would keep hush-hush about in Japan . The lyrics could also be a product of her humor and ability to tell stories . She wrote about a hooker on the track Hotel Lobby , from Exodus , and I don't think Utada has ever been a hooker before so , there's proof that not all of her songs are autobiographical . Take it with a grain of salt , her goal was to break into America from the inside out and I think this will do just that . Album breakdown : 1 . Come back to Me : 1st single , very mainstream , marketable and currently helping Utada claw up the charts , something out of nowhere . Well crafted , and has the distinct Utada touch of unusualness by slipping in a photoshop reference . She also features piano and electric guitar that people may recognize perhaps from her past works . Surprisingly Mariah Carey-like . Covers that type of territory 2 . Me Muerto : Proof that her experiments in style are not extinguished . She's never done a latin , bossa nova sound before and this is remarkably polished and her voice is very very strong at this range . Could hear this on the radio but not necessarily on the same stations as ' Come Back To Me ' , also interesting content-wise , touching on depression . 3 . Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence - FYI : This is the most Utada track on the album , it's laced with the original song Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence by Sakamoto Ryuichi and also features lyrics that both touches on a movie with David Bowie of the same name and Buddhist chants . She also namedrops Captain Piccard , if any more evidence of her being a geek , then I don't know what else could prove it . Production here is slick , it's Asian , but also very American and also could be another successful single . 4 . Apple And Cinnamon - Really smooth r & b / pop song . Distinctly Utada in her simile use and ambient background , otherwise it's a really simple , quieter song . A lot of girls are going to like this song or be able to relate to the lyrics here . There's a universality of loss and innocence . I must note she divorced from her husband I believe in 2007 , so what she's expressing here might actually be true feelings . It's interesting to note that she says simple and innocent because either the lyrics almost suggest her English remix of Hikari made for the first Kingdom Hearts video game , Simple and Clean ( She also sings the English version of the Kingdom Hearts II theme song , Sanctuary ) but instead uses innocent , which is pretty much analogous to being clean , so I figure it's almost a wink to that song , ( which was made in 2003 , the year she was married either that or 2002 ) with an air of melancholy . 5 . Taking My Money Back : Reminds me of early 2000 ' s R & B like Usher and early Destiny Child , even though I'm not a modern R & B listener , I remember all my friends listening to stuff like this . The lyrics are decent , not the best , but they have a bit of snark and the content is again , relatible for a lot of girls out there . She adds electric guitar at the end that makes it more Utada again . 6 . This One ( Crying Like A Child ) : Perhaps some of the best lyrics on the album , and quirky in the Utada way , mentioning blackberries , and Freddie Mercury ( one of her favorite artists ) . Again , there is electric guitar in this , which lends that Utada otherworldliness to the background of a rather basic R & B ballad . I'm kind of reminded of Rhianna here , I'm not great with comparing other R & B / Pop people , regardless it's a great song , perhaps on the best on the disk . 7 . Automatic Part II : Really campy this one , she's reintroducing herself to American audiences , though her lyrics are kinda overly quirky . The hook When I like it , I don't hide it however is really appealing , kinda sounds Beyoncesque , which is really weird , otherwise it has a nice 90 ' s vibe to it , with Utada screaming out YEAH in the background . It's really choppy , I can see mixers and DJ's liking this song and chopping it . Not the best lyrics , but has a lot of potential for club remixes , as I said . 8 . Dirty Desire : Yes , she said it , I Love you Long Time , she's Asian , she's allowed to be funny as she breaks that stereotype entirely . Content wise , this song has been sending people in bunches since it's kinda raunchy , but the vocals are purely Utada . Good for the clubs but older Utada fans may not approve . . . 9 . Poppin : This people have weird reactions to , it's out there , with a really quirky espionage , kinda jazzy 1940 ' s feel to it . Think Christina Agulera in her Back to Basic's era , whom she seems to channel here at certain parts . Lyrically she's kinda campy here and there ( no panties on ) but it's also a girl anthem . She breaks out into a spoken part that sounds like a line outta a movie followed by Aguleraisms . I like this song a lot personally , others might not like it , but I think it's rather well crafted . 10 . On and On : Club song in the vein of Lady Gaga , and features some vocals that bring to mind Gwen Stefani's yodeling . All about being unapologetic and having fun . Name drops gay people , straight people , it's just a club song . Mixers would have fun with this one . So in short , this is not really the Hikki people know , but I feel this girl has always been there , I also feel each track was crafted to appeal to some certain demographic , that way whatever single she puts out , she could win a following and thus garter fans from the inside out . Dont overtly dismiss it right away , I hated the samples I heard of the songs , being surprised by their sound , but after hearing complete songs , they are far better than samples can make them out to be . A good , cohesive effort in my opinion . Not the best , but certainly commerical , dancible and well , it might just The One to get her known in her own country of birth .
    • 003 4  This review is from : This Is The One ( MP3 Download ) This album is not what I had hoped it would be . It's much , much better . I love it . I can't remember an album I've been so taken with from the first listen ( & I'm an old guy ) . I don't have a favorite track / song ; choosing one would be like picking your favorite child . The music is really fine . I like the lyrics , they're really fine as well . Attention prudes : they're mature . I'm a DOM , so maybe that's a reason I enjoy hearing this mature young woman speak her thoughts and feelings so openly . Ms . Utada's voice displays it's full range from golden lows to sparkling silver in the higher range . You can hear her heart in her voice which is one of the things I've enjoyed most in her Japanese releases . I love this album . I think I said that already .
    • 004 4  This album is not what I had hoped it would be . It's much , much better . I love it . I can't remember an album I've been so taken with from the first listen ( & I'm an old guy ) . I don't have a favorite track / song ; choosing one would be like picking your favorite child . The music is really fine . I like the lyrics , they're really fine as well . Attention prudes : they're mature . I'm a DOM , so maybe that's a reason I enjoy hearing this mature young woman speak her thoughts and feelings so openly . Ms . Utada's voice displays it's full range from golden lows to sparkling silver in the higher range . You can hear her heart in her voice which is one of the things I've enjoyed most in her Japanese releases . I love this album . I think I said that already .
    • 005 4  This is her second English album after Exodus from Island Def Jam . Utada is kinda a female version of Beck or Prince who does everything to create music by himself from scratch and sing his own songs ( She is more a composer than a performer , although she is a great singer ) . If you listen to all her five Japanese albums and two English albums , you can tell how she is talented to create music and how she is versatile . This is a great Pop album . This time around she worked with producers Stargate and Tricky Stewart ( She wrote all the songs , though ) . This is the one has a wide variety of music ( Few ballads , R & B , latin-feel song , funky song , etc ) . You can really enjoy the album and you want to listen to it many times . It reminds you of the good days in 80 ' s and 90 ' s in a good way with a modern twist ( not like cheap and mass-produced dance music nowadays and you don't listen to it a few months later ) . My favorite song is Merry Christmas , Mr . Lawrence-FYI which is sampled from the same titled movie theme song .
    • 006 4  This album has been a journey in the making for Utada Hikaru . After the release of Exodus in 2004 , it seemed that it would be the last time American fans would hear this amazing talent perform . However , Utada has come back again with This is the One , an album that showcases deep lyrics and fun songs against a beautifully composed sound . Fans of her Japanese albums and new fans who haven't heard her before will embrace it . The album is lined up with songs that deals with themes of break ups ( Taking My Money Back ) and regrets ( Come Back To Me ) . Flirting ( Me Muero ) and even a homage to famed composed Ryuichi Sakamoto ( Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence - FYI ) . However , if you are looking for a song that will speak to you directly , my recommendation is Apple and Cinnamon The strength of this album would make one think there are no flaws . Sadly , there is one : the official cover art . Normally , we believe the saying Don't judge a book by its cover . However , when an album of great songs are packaged in a poorly planned package , it seems to be the reason that steer people away from listening to it . It's looked like someone slapped a hoodie on Utada and told her to go stand by a wall while they took a couple of photos before finally slapping unattractive font on it in photoshop . I didn't mind it when it was being used as the cover for the single Come back to me . I just felt there could have been better concepts used for the cover . I know Island / Def Jam have designed great packaging for some of their artists in the past , one would only hope they would do this for all their artists . Overall , this album is worth the price . I highly recommend it .
    • 009 4  If you're a fan of Utada Hikaru already , you don't need a review of the album , you just need to get it . You won't regret it . If you're new to her music , Utada is one of , if not the most successful singer of all time in Japan . Her Japanese music and lyrics have a great appeal to them . . . so how about the English side ? Exodus , her previous English album , is along the same lines as this one in terms of it's pop appeal , but the maturity levels have gone way up . She's not just playing cute anymore and dancing around the themes , she takes them to the levels where they belong . Each song on this album is very distinct - you can clearly imagine the scenarios in her songs , or in the cases of her more club / dance focused songs the beat is invigorating and sticks with you even after they're done playing . As a long time fan of her Japanese music , the songs on their first listen will probably seem like more of a turn off . But the amazing thing about her music is that it only takes one listen before you realize you've got the songs repeating in your head . All I had to do was see Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence - FYI live on the CBS early show and I was hooked and bought it on iTunes in addition to buying a CD copy here on Amazon . Leaving the playlist running , Apple and Cinnamon came on next , followed by Taking My Money Back , and I would go back and play them over and over . Come Back to Me and This One ( Crying Like a Child ) are more like her J-Pop , so those were easy to listen to . Dirty Desire is surprisingly explicit for her , but it's very catchy , as is Poppin ' , and On And On is just a fun song . Me Muero and Automatic are probably my least favorites , but they actually do grow on me the more I listen to them . And Simple and Clean and Sanctuary are great bonus tracks to the album for the Kingdom Hearts fans . While it may be minor , one of the things I appreciate about this album are the photos , like the cover one . Some people might be thinking it's boring , confusing , or that she's over-dressed , but this is actually her appeal for me . Utada doesn't dress like a street walker or try to win the audience by acting like trash as most of America's pop artists do - she knows she's better than that , and that's a truly great image to have as an artist . Like I said before , if you're a fan of her other music , this album might take adjusting to , but it's still the Utada we know and love . And if you're new to her , give it a listen and see how fast you get sucked in before you even realize it .
    • 011 4  Utada has grown through the years as an artist this is some of her best work yet ! . That's great she worked with difrent producers on this album so thwe U.S . can get a taste of How big she is in Japan ! . Great album ! you have to go and pic this one up if you don't already have it !
    • 012 4  While more mainstream than her Jpop counterparts , this album is pure hip-pop glory . Nearly every track is solid . For the current price of [ . . . ] bucks , it's a no brainer if you dig the style of music .
    • 014 4  I've been listening to her music for a few years now and I have most of her previous work in Japanese . Which is how I got into her music along with a song she did on the Rush Hour 2 soundtrack ( with Foxy Brown / Def Jam ) . Regardless I really enjoyed her Exodus album released in 2004 , it was different and had a lot of songs with different feels . I believe that's the reason it only had limited success over in the States . Now with the released of This Is The One Utada brings her excellent singing and songwriting skills to everyone over here . Even after the first song Come Back To Me with Utada pleading for her man to give her a second chance after she cheated on him . Saying she'll do whatever you need her to . It has a sincerity and feel to that should fit right in on just about US radio station . I'm also partial to the song Poppin ' it has a R & B , club vibe to it that is nothing like her previous efforts . Also , Me Muero as well with a latin , jazz club feel to it again not something Utada does . But it is handled very well and ends up being a great song . Beyond that i'm not able to pick a favorite as I love just about every song on the cd . It sounds cliche and everything , but its true that you can tell someone that has a love and talent for performing and Utada has it . Not only on this cd but on many of her previous albums check out Exodus as well if you have the opportunity . Check out This Is The One because it truly is just that . The one album that will get your attention and not let it go . Its only 10 songs but their are 3 extra songs on here Simple & Clean , Sanctuary ( Opening ) , and Sanctuary ( Closing ) . They all hold your attention and are more than listen worthy buy This Is The One . You won't be disappointed .
    • 015 4  I personally liked Exodus , but i had to admit to the bottom of my heart that it didn't sound anything like the Utada in Japan I knew and loved so much ( though I liked the album . ) However , this album blew my thoughts away . Utada is not only back to her old self here , this is more like her old stuff than her recent stuff in Japan ! Since 2002 , Utada's style started changing since her debut in 1995 . Then Exodus came and changed her style completely , even in Japan ( I noticed that with that Blue album ) . But this sounds like her original style in the ' 90s : R & B and pop , with a whole lot of soul ! This was who Utada was ! This is how she blew up in Japan . people really only know her with that pop style she maneuvered to in 2002 with Simple and Clean , but if you hear her old stuff , she's back to it , the style is like in her song Addicted to You . Thats the style . Some artists to compare her to : Toni Braxton , Ne-yo , Jordin Sparks , Leona Lewis , maybe even Imogen Heap , Frou Frou and the like . Does she dance in music videos ? No , but she sings all songs live . Does she have meaning in her music ? Yes indeed ! Come Back to Me-The signature song and single , it is probably not the best on the album , but it is catchy and lovely . It is a great ballad . It is about women cheating on men . The chorus is powerful and leaves a message somewhere in your mind . 4 / 5 Me Muero-I personally love this song , and this is said to be Utada's favorite . It has an Erykah Badu feeling , or Lauryn Hill . It's very poetic and has a bit of a urban feeling to it . It's really full of a lot of soul . Very catchy , and a bit on the sexy-sounding side . 5 / 5 Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence FYI-The song has a Jap-urban sound . The beginning has a Jap tune and then the music begins and it sounds awesome . This is the best song on the album . It is based off of a Christmas song in Japan . The song also does well with her voice . All of her live performance with this one are better than her other songs . It is also a catchy song , and not mainstream . It should be a music video , it is that good and gives Utada the score she deserves .5 / 5 ( maybe even 10 / 5 lol ) Apple and Cinnamon - A really great song , catchy ( even if the Apple and Cinnamon chorus is annoyingly repetitive , it doesn't sound horrifyingly terrible surprisingly ) It has a lot of meaning Has alot of soul too a bit of her R & B touch . 4.5 / 5 Taking My Money Back-Now this reminds me of ' 90s R & B , good music you can't find anymore ( Destiny's Child-Say My Name or Tony Braxton even ) This song makes her sound like a black girl ( no offense to anyone ) . This song has alot of meaning and soul and relates to a large audience . 5 / 5 This is the One ( Crying Like a Child ) - The title of the album and a fabulous song to listen to . It is like Jordin Sparks or the Spice Girls Forever album , if you ever listened to it . Maybe even Natachsa Bedingfield mixture . It is very beautiful and goes well with Utada . Very unique and I like it alot . It has more of an old pop feel to it ( pop of the 90s . ) 5 / 5 Automatic pt . II-Mentioning the fact that Utada seems to be going back to her old style of the 90s , she throws in one of her old songs from overseas in the album , Automatic ! She should have done that the first time . That is what fans want anyway , and thats all I hear in complaints ( It doesn't sound like her songs overseas blah blah blah ) so , this song is the second version of it and it has a more mature sound ( lets face it she was 15 when she first released it ) . She kind of remixed it , so it sounds more underground than just a slow jam pop urban song . Janet Jackson style to me , but you can take it as you wish . 5 / 5 Dirty Desire-Ahhh to break the smooth tempo of soft pop urban and R & B , she does get you to dance . Now this is her club song , her dance song , but it sounds nothing like Exodus . It reminds me of Pussycat Dolls dance or just a totally uniquely made song . Very original and adds variety and flavor to the album . If you like a nice beat and a catchy chorus and dancing , trust me this is the one . 5 / 5 Poppin-At first the song sounds Egyptian , then like something from a detective movie , then the strange chorus comes on . This song's chorus is the weirdest thing about it , the rest is good . it reminds me of an old song called Doo Wop it's jazz-urban . But the verses and the third verse really utilizes her voice.The chorus is annoying though and when it plays towards the end it sounds like the song got messed up when you downloaded it . And yet , the song is still stuck in my head . . . it's better than Exodus though and it really is a sex-appeal song , something Christina Aguilera would try . 4 / 5 On and On-The final song and a good finale . It is dance-y , a bit like Janet's style . . . It is catchy , it is unique and it has a pop-urban style . It sounds Chris Brown like with Forever . It is truly a great song . 5 / 5 Overall the album gets a 47.5 / 50 . Get it . Its a great buy and worth it . it is better than her previous , she has improved , and she's back to normal . An impressive return .
    • 016 4  Utada's This Is The One is so much better than Exudos . The songs are more memorable and I'm guessing she maybe had some type of English vocal training or . . . sumthing ( ? ) to help her with this album . Her voice is more mature and grown up , not just a girl trying to sing . I'm sorry but Exudos only had like 3 good songs and her voice DOES sound different on this album . ' This Is The One ' really is the one for Utada's American signature . My favorite songs on here are : : : Me Muero . On & On . Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence , FYI . Come Back To ME . This One ( Crying Like A Child ) . Automatic Part II . I think this album is underrated b / c she doesnt look like Briney Spears or your typical American pop chick ; Plus , not every song has her panting her little heart out while singing about ' getting it on ' with some in almost every track . I'm sure Britney Spears ' newest albums all wished they sounded as good as Utada's This Is The One . . .
    • 017 4  When I heard her sonorous vocal on Final Distance , the melancholy 2001 ballad about a tragic schoolyard killing , J-Pop sensation Hikaru Utada made a strong impression on me with her hauntingly soulful delivery wrapped in a uniquely emotive voice . You wouldn't expect such a shallow genre to produce such an emotionally resonant singer , and she continues to top the charts in Japan . Stateside stardom has been far more elusive starting with her vapid 2004 American recording debut on Island Def Jam , the hook-heavy Exodus , which wasted her considerable talent on flavor-of-the-month , electro-funk dance grooves . Five years later , Utada makes another bid for mainstream acceptance here ( she was actually born in New York City ) , and the results are only marginally better with her 2009 effort produced by Norwegian songwriting team StarGate and the über-popular Christopher Tricky Stewart ( Beyoncé's Single Ladies ( Put a Ring on It ) , Rihanna's Umbrella ) . Trading electronica for more of a hip-hop vibe , Utada is still bouncing on inescapable pop hooks , but this time , her voice gets more of a workout , and she flirts with a more overtly sexual attitude a la Janet Jackson's 1993 janet . . Aside from the classical piano opening , the first track , Come Back to Me , is genuinely catchy with more than a passing resemblance to Mariah Carey's We Belong Together , and the Sergio Mendes-style bossa nova beats on Me Muero are fairly intoxicating . Things start to feel more programmatic with the syncopated breathiness of Merry Christmas , Mr . Lawrence - FYI , the mid-tempo Apple and Cinnamon , and the retro-wink of Poppin ' . Utada tries to be more of a provocative poseur on Dirty Desire , but the track is really nothing more than a Britney knock-off of Toxic . Providing a better showcase for her supple voice are the more openly romantic songs - This One ( Crying Like a Child ) , the yearning Simple and Clean , and the fugue-like Sanctuary presented rather pretentiously in two parts . Slick production values aside , the disc still doesn't capitalize on the powerful voice I heard eight years ago . Hopefully , Utada will have a chance to show it off without the need for the packaging presented here .
    • 018 4  If you like to play video games , especially video games like Kingdom Hearts , then you may know of Utada Hikaru . Now going by only her family name , Utada is best known in the States for the opening song , Sanctuary , ( or Passion in the Japanese version ) , of the Playstation 2 video game , Kingdom Hearts 2 . However , she is a very well-established pop singer in Japan and has come out with numerous albums over the years . Her newest album , This is the One , was released on the record label , Island Def Jam . The hip hop influence of the label can be most notably seen in the single and opening track , Come Back to Me . Below is a brief description and numerical rating of the tracks on this CD . Fair warning , though , if you like her as a J-Pop singer , sometimes her lyrics don't translate as fluidly in English as they may in Japanese . She tends to use downright kooky lyrics that sometimes don't make the most sense . She does have a beautiful , clear voice , though , so it's easy to ignore when sometimes the words don't flow properly , but if you're a purist , the lyrics could possibly get on your nerves , or maybe even just make you laugh , which is probably not the sentiment that Utada wants to express . Track 1 : Come Back to Me - ( 6 ) - a song about wanting someone you once loved back in your life , there are definitely some hip hop overtones on this track which proves the new direction Utada is going with her music . Track 2 : Me Muero - ( 5 ) - a light beat supports this song in a style almost reminiscent of Sade or even some light reggae , Utada laments about a lost love over quirky lyrics such as should I go Winona Ryder and do some crazy thing ? and I lie on my bed and flip through TV channels , eating Godiva . Track 3 : Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence-FYI - ( 6 ) - this song samples and pays tribute to Ryuichi Sakamoto's Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence , which can be found on the Pure Moods Volume III CD . Sweet oriental beats form the background for this bouncy track about being there for the one you love . Track 4 : Apple and Cinnamon - ( 9 ) - one of the strongest tracks on the CD , Utada sings about how her and her former love used to have so much chemistry and fit together perfectly , like Apple and Cinnamon , but now they have broken up and she's not quite sure how to understand how they went from everyone envying their relationship to simply falling out of love with each other . It must have just been too good to last . Track 5 : Taking My Money Back - ( 6 ) - another hip-hop laced track reminiscent of Aaliyah's style , Utada is not taking anymore of her boyfriend's crap . He used her for her money and she put up with it for a little while because the sex was so good , but now she's leaving him and taking her money back with her . Track 6 : This One ( Crying Like a Child ) - ( 5 ) - a down-tempo song about wanting one more night together with a former flame , Utada continues to spout more quirky lyrics , such as a hundred JPEG files filling up my hard drive and Honey , I got your ringtone on my Blackberry . Track 7 : Automatic Part II - ( 4 ) - a song about loving music and being proud of what she does , iin the end , it translates to being kind of silly , with such lyrics as find out all about me on Myspace and my newsletter , I'll be glad to add you but I won't give you my number . Track 8 : Dirty Desire - ( 7 ) - a track about feeling lustful towards someone with a pretty good back-up beat and a bit more fluidity in her lyrics . Track 9 : Poppin ' - ( 8 ) - a great beat that you can easily dance to or snap your fingers along with , this track is all about the powerful feeling of owning the night that women can feel when they walk into a club with their stiletto heels on and the moonlight shining down . Track 10 : On and On - ( 5 ) - the repetitive club-like chanting of the on and on and on ' s can become a bit annoying in this song dedicated to making the night last . But , once again , those kooky lyrics seep in again with such lines as Honeys , if you're gay , burn it up like a gay parade . Honeys , if you're straight , pump it up , take it all away . Track 11 : ( Bonus Track ) Simple and Clean - ( 7 ) - Utada did this song for the first Kingdom Hearts video game . This track is about loving someone but being too young yet to marry or go completely out of their way for them , so can't you just have the night together and not think about it too much afterwards ? Track 12 : ( Bonus Track ) Sanctuary ( Opening ) - ( 10 ) - this is the opening track to the Kingdom Hearts 2 videogame . If you've played Kingdom Hearts 2 , you've heard this song . If you haven't played the game , this would be a great introductory song to offer someone who has never heard Utada's music before , especially since everything here shines , her voice , the lyrics , the music - - just a great song . Track 13 : ( Bonus Track ) Sanctuary ( Closing ) - ( 9 ) - a more breathy , acoustic - ish version of Sanctuary , which played at the end of the Kingdom Hearts 2 game . If you'd prefer a ballad version of Sanctuary , then this song is for you .
    • 020 4  This review is from : This Is The One ( Audio CD ) Although this is a much more commercial venture than her previous album ( Exodus ) , I really love this one . Each of the tracks have a unique feel to them , which makes this album more like a collection of tracks rather than a flowing , continuous album , but I'm fine with that , that's exactly what I wanted , to be honest . I also love the fan service provided with the addition of the Kingdom Hearts bonus tracks and Automatic Part II ( which is a nice throwback to some of her older works ) . This is a great listen if you're a big fan of Utada Hikaru or even if you like R & B / Hip-Hop . This album would easily satisfy both crowds .
    • 021 4  Although this is a much more commercial venture than her previous album ( Exodus ) , I really love this one . Each of the tracks have a unique feel to them , which makes this album more like a collection of tracks rather than a flowing , continuous album , but I'm fine with that , that's exactly what I wanted , to be honest . I also love the fan service provided with the addition of the Kingdom Hearts bonus tracks and Automatic Part II ( which is a nice throwback to some of her older works ) . This is a great listen if you're a big fan of Utada Hikaru or even if you like R & B / Hip-Hop . This album would easily satisfy both crowds .
    • 022 4  What can I say , perhaps the one thing constant in Utada's 10 years of music ( I was pretty much there for all of it ! ) is change . Utada is very different on this new album , but different like apples and oranges . Not better , but just different . If you are a diehard Utada Hikaru fan , then Utada may NOT be for you . Listening to Utada , keep in mind her own diverse musical taste . With that said , it's hard for me to find a genre I could dismiss entirely . As I have grown and matured , so has Utada Hikaru's music . With my own musical taste , one of the only things truly constant is change , and Utada . However , I do have to mention , some of the digital files I got were flawed . During some of the later tracks , I could hear errors and quips like someone recorded off a dirty or slightly scratched disc when making the files . I'm actually kinda angry that Amazon made this available flawed .
    • 024 4  This album is great ! All the songs are catchy and each have the potential to be a hit single . The lyrics are cleverly written as well . This girl can really sing , ya'll . Finally , someone with real talent ! ! ! Hopefully America will come to love Utada as much as Japan does .
    • 025 4  This review is from : This Is The One ( MP3 Download ) Before you jump the gun , I'm Asian and second of all I love you long time is the lyrics in one of her songs . I've been waiting for this one . I've been a fan of Utada before she even hit the US market . She's got a sound unique to any American or Japanese singer , a sound that is strictly Utada . This Is The One has to be her best album up to date . It's a rather new sound for her but Utada is known for her chameleon-like style . I'm addicted to the song Apple and Cinnamon . If you love her then GET THIS ALBUM , if you've never heard of her then this is the best way to start .
    • 026 4  Before you jump the gun , I'm Asian and second of all I love you long time is the lyrics in one of her songs . I've been waiting for this one . I've been a fan of Utada before she even hit the US market . She's got a sound unique to any American or Japanese singer , a sound that is strictly Utada . This Is The One has to be her best album up to date . It's a rather new sound for her but Utada is known for her chameleon-like style . I'm addicted to the song Apple and Cinnamon . If you love her then GET THIS ALBUM , if you've never heard of her then this is the best way to start .
    • 027 4  This review is from : This Is The One ( Audio CD ) Say Utada Hikaru and the first thing most of the people who have heard of her will think is Kingdom Hearts . While I am huge Kingdom Hearts fan and I absolutely love the theme songs Hikari ( and the American version Simple and Clean ) , and Passion ( and the American version Sanctuary ) , Utada has a lot of good music out there . Most of her work was conducted in Japan , but this album is her second in America ( and by her personal standards , her official American debut ) . The physical album does include Simple and Clean and two versions of Sanctuary as bonus tracks ( which is just awesome because those songs are such a pain in the neck to get ) but this album has so much more to offer than that . Those songs were added purely to attract the Kingdom Hearts fans and expose them to the other musical wonders this woman can do . The music on this album is good pop with some R & B twists . It has catchy songs like Apple and Cinnamon , Come Back to Me and Automatic II . Her goal was to create something mainstream in America . Her voice and style is very different from other artists , and yet I listen to the music and I think it's something I might hear on the radio . This album does have a downside . It has one or two songs ( most notably Dirty Desire ) that are a bit inappropriate , containing sexual references . I personally am not a fan of music like that so if you like it that's great . If not , don't let it intimidate you . There are way more clean songs on here than not . In either case don't show this album to a kid you know just because that kid likes Kingdom Hearts . Some of the songs on here are not what Disney is all about . Aside from that this album is fantastic and I recommend it to everyone ( except younger audiences ) , whether or not you're familiar with Kingdom Hearts or even if you're new to Utada . It's that good . Buy it .
    • 028 4  Say Utada Hikaru and the first thing most of the people who have heard of her will think is Kingdom Hearts . While I am huge Kingdom Hearts fan and I absolutely love the theme songs Hikari ( and the American version Simple and Clean ) , and Passion ( and the American version Sanctuary ) , Utada has a lot of good music out there . Most of her work was conducted in Japan , but this album is her second in America ( and by her personal standards , her official American debut ) . The physical album does include Simple and Clean and two versions of Sanctuary as bonus tracks ( which is just awesome because those songs are such a pain in the neck to get ) but this album has so much more to offer than that . Those songs were added purely to attract the Kingdom Hearts fans and expose them to the other musical wonders this woman can do . The music on this album is good pop with some R & B twists . It has catchy songs like Apple and Cinnamon , Come Back to Me and Automatic II . Her goal was to create something mainstream in America . Her voice and style is very different from other artists , and yet I listen to the music and I think it's something I might hear on the radio . This album does have a downside . It has one or two songs ( most notably Dirty Desire ) that are a bit inappropriate , containing sexual references . I personally am not a fan of music like that so if you like it that's great . If not , don't let it intimidate you . There are way more clean songs on here than not . In either case don't show this album to a kid you know just because that kid likes Kingdom Hearts . Some of the songs on here are not what Disney is all about . Aside from that this album is fantastic and I recommend it to everyone ( except younger audiences ) , whether or not you're familiar with Kingdom Hearts or even if you're new to Utada . It's that good . Buy it .
    • 030 4  despite not being her usual inspirational jpop / experimental style , this album has a strong purpose of breaking into a western demographic by mixing together some smooth R & B beats and catchy hooks . though it is not my favorite album of hers , its worth picking up to see how she approaches a new market .
    • 039 4  This review is from : This Is The One ( Audio CD ) Exodus first stepped into my life by accident , although there was some filler . There were a lot of standout tracks that were way above any expectations that i had . the songs were well written and produced and they NEVER get out of your head . so when i found out that this brand new talented artist that i had just discovered was releasing a brand new album , no hesitation was involved , i just bought it . This is The One ! WOW ! not a single track i skip ! 1 . Come back to me - AWWW . so heartbreaking ! 1000 / 10 2 . Me Muero - Very mellow , but playful . i luv it ! 10 / 10 3 . Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence - AMAZING SONG ! , I love how it begins , the lyrics , everything ! ! ! 100000 / 10 4 . Apple And Cinnamon - SUPERB ! ! you got to hear it ! ! 100 / 10 5 . Taking My Money Back - Very Nice 10 / 10 6 . This is the One ( Crying Like A CHild ) Oh my GOD ! ! ! ! the pain in her voice is just to much ! ! ! i start to sob like a little kid whenever i hear this song ! ! ! The beat is heart wrenching , and the lyrics are stunning ! ! ! how could i ever love another / how could you say you don't remember / God knows i'd give anything for just one more night together / Today i miss you more than ever / how could you say you don't remember / This One's for the happiness i'll be wishing you forever I'm tearing up just thinking about it right now . 10000000000 / 10 7 . Automatic Pt . 2 - I LOVE THIS SONG . it's so wild yet retained ! VERY NICE ! 10 / 10 8 . Dirty Desire - she does club better than most artists ! i love it ! ! ! 100 / 10 9 . Poppin - One of my favorite songs - the lyrics are raunchy and playful . Gay Men will LUV THIS ! ! ! 100 / 10 10 . On And On - SERIOUSLY ? ? ? ! ! THIS SONG IS AMAZING - Have fun , Live your life ! ! make the night go on and on LUV IT ! ! ! 10000 / 10 The SANCTUARY SONGS ARE PHENOMENAL ! ! ! ! ! This album is amazing , Utada can write the hell out of a song ! she has a fan for life ! ! My Top 5 1 . This One ( Crying Like A Child ) 2 . Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrance FYI 3 . Come Back To Me 4 . On and On 5 . Sanctuary ( opening ) & ( closing )
    • 040 4  Exodus first stepped into my life by accident , although there was some filler . There were a lot of standout tracks that were way above any expectations that i had . the songs were well written and produced and they NEVER get out of your head . so when i found out that this brand new talented artist that i had just discovered was releasing a brand new album , no hesitation was involved , i just bought it . This is The One ! WOW ! not a single track i skip ! 1 . Come back to me - AWWW . so heartbreaking ! 1000 / 10 2 . Me Muero - Very mellow , but playful . i luv it ! 10 / 10 3 . Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence - AMAZING SONG ! , I love how it begins , the lyrics , everything ! ! ! 100000 / 10 4 . Apple And Cinnamon - SUPERB ! ! you got to hear it ! ! 100 / 10 5 . Taking My Money Back - Very Nice 10 / 10 6 . This is the One ( Crying Like A CHild ) Oh my GOD ! ! ! ! the pain in her voice is just to much ! ! ! i start to sob like a little kid whenever i hear this song ! ! ! The beat is heart wrenching , and the lyrics are stunning ! ! ! how could i ever love another / how could you say you don't remember / God knows i'd give anything for just one more night together / Today i miss you more than ever / how could you say you don't remember / This One's for the happiness i'll be wishing you forever I'm tearing up just thinking about it right now . 10000000000 / 10 7 . Automatic Pt . 2 - I LOVE THIS SONG . it's so wild yet retained ! VERY NICE ! 10 / 10 8 . Dirty Desire - she does club better than most artists ! i love it ! ! ! 100 / 10 9 . Poppin - One of my favorite songs - the lyrics are raunchy and playful . Gay Men will LUV THIS ! ! ! 100 / 10 10 . On And On - SERIOUSLY ? ? ? ! ! THIS SONG IS AMAZING - Have fun , Live your life ! ! make the night go on and on LUV IT ! ! ! 10000 / 10 The SANCTUARY SONGS ARE PHENOMENAL ! ! ! ! ! This album is amazing , Utada can write the hell out of a song ! she has a fan for life ! ! My Top 5 1 . This One ( Crying Like A Child ) 2 . Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrance FYI 3 . Come Back To Me 4 . On and On 5 . Sanctuary ( opening ) & ( closing )
    • 041 4  I have been looking for new music to add to my over expanding collection all year . I stumbled upon some of Utada's song cover on Youtube and decided to check out her website and who she was . I became really impressed with her artistry . This album has been the most refreshing and original music that I have heard all year . Its very catchy and mainstream while still providing multicultural influences . I highly recommend this album for anyone that values not just a good beat and hook , but lyrics with meaning behind them with a unique and original voice to back them up ! !
    • 043 4  I first heard of Hikaru Utada from her Kingdom Hearts contribution Simple and Clean and a remix of Automatic . Our local library had a copy of her Japanese-language CD Distance , and I was hooked . Hikaru ( nicknamed Hikki by her fans ) has sold over 30 million albums worldwide , and despite several English releases ( Precious and Exodus ) , she's yet to attain crossover success in the US . I'd heard about her 2004 English-language release Exodus , which was too scattered to be a commercial success in the States , and was excited to see This is the One . I'm normally not an impulse buyer , but after hearing the haunting Come Back To Me , I rushed out to snatch up a copy . As the opening track and first single from the album , Come Back To Me holds its own as a power R & B ballad that could have been Beyonce's . Opening with a dramatic minor-key piano glissando , the piano stays in the background as Hikki dissects a sad tale of infidelity and pleads for a second chance . Me Muero has a quirky Latin ( Brazilian ? ) vibe throughout , and Ryuchi Sakamoto's Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence makes an appearance as well . My favorite track is Taking My Money Back , about a wronged woman who wants her money and her time back from a cheating boyfriend . Dirty Desire finds Hikki going in rather lewd directions ( during my 9 to 5 , I'm thinking 6 and 9 ) . I was lukewarm on Automatic Part 2 ; it doesn't hold a candle to the original version and its remixes . On and On was another standout track with remix / club potential , although the looped Yeah in the background was annoying . The three bonus tracks are Simple and Clean , and Sanctuary ( opening and closing ) . This isn't my favorite Hikki CD , but there's a lot of potential for her to finally reach American airwaves . There are several strong tracks here , and her English lyrics seem stronger than on 2004 ' s Exodus . Hikki's crystal soprano soars . If you're a fan of Hikaru Utada or just plain R & B , This is the One is worth a listen .
    • 044 4  I've been following her since she came up with First love . All of her previous works especially her japanese albums are great . She sings , writes her own songs and lyrics and what you hear is what you get out of her ( not a fake personality like some big name artists ) . Exodus came up 4.5 years ago and although some of the songs are good but it's completely different than her usual works ( it's definitely an experimental album ) . After Exodus , I haven't followed her closely and just couple weeks ago I found out that she came up with a new album ( This is the One ) targeting US market . Truthfully I listened to it once and give it a somewhat so-so review on it and didn't bother to listen to it again . But I was listening to her interview on KISS FM Seattle ( on Jackie and Bender morning show ) and couple other interviews ( plus singing live on tv - check CBS early show ) that she gave during her promo tours and I forgot how charming and down to earth she is and how good she truly is as a singer . I started listening to her new cd ( and her old stuff ) again and I'm hooked right now : ) especially This one ( Crying like a child ) and Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence - FYI . This CD is more mainstream than her older works but you can still find Hikki ' s style in it and this cd doesn't disappoint .
    • 046 4  This review is from : This Is The One ( Audio CD ) I'm sick of hearing all of the American music fans say I discovered Utada from Kingdom Hearts ! when she already had a tremendous career in Japan , so I really wish I wasn't one of them . Unfortunately , I am . . . this is my first real Utada experience ( not including Kingdom Hearts and the single Exodus ' 04 ) . That's probably debatable , though , since - - despite her well-acclaimed position as a J-Pop star - - This Is the One is distinctly not J-Pop . ( This is probably the reason why I bought it , since I'm not into J-Pop . ) No , this is all English , and it feels very American-R & B-ish throughout . After being familiar with her work mainly through Disney , my eyes nearly popped out of my head on songs like Dirty Desire ( working my 9 - to - 5 thinking ' bout a 69 ? ) and Poppin ' ( referencing a strip-tease and popping bottles ) . And much of the album's not-so-explicit lyrics have to do with heartbreak and cheating , a far cry from what I was expecting . Nevertheless , some of the tracks are absolutely gorgeous . Apple and Cinammon and especially This One ( Crying Like a Child ) are among the best R & B had to offer this year , and lead single Come Back to Me isn't bad either - - sounds like a typical R & B diva track , and that is a definite plus as she tries to break the American market . And , overall , I don't nearly feel as depressed by the end as I did after sitting through some of the R & B this year had to offer ( see the heartbreaking lyrics of Epiphany by Chrisette Michele ) . With other electronic , up-tempo songs like Taking My Money Back and On and On to recommend it alongside the slower stuff , This Is the One is a solid album . Its production is top-notch ( not surprising , featuring Tricky and LA ) , and Utada's voice sounds beautiful . The bonus tracks , clearly designed to please Kingdom Hearts fans , are a nice throw-in , though many fans - - including myself - - probably own both soundtracks from KH I & II . Still , ( finally ) having Sanctuary ( the English version of Passion ) is great . Overall , a good release , cautiously recommended ( with some of the dirtier tracks , DON'T buy it for your Disney-loving son or daughter ) .
    • 047 4  I'm sick of hearing all of the American music fans say I discovered Utada from Kingdom Hearts ! when she already had a tremendous career in Japan , so I really wish I wasn't one of them . Unfortunately , I am . . . this is my first real Utada experience ( not including Kingdom Hearts and the single Exodus ' 04 ) . That's probably debatable , though , since - - despite her well-acclaimed position as a J-Pop star - - This Is the One is distinctly not J-Pop . ( This is probably the reason why I bought it , since I'm not into J-Pop . ) No , this is all English , and it feels very American-R & B-ish throughout . After being familiar with her work mainly through Disney , my eyes nearly popped out of my head on songs like Dirty Desire ( working my 9 - to - 5 thinking ' bout a 69 ? ) and Poppin ' ( referencing a strip-tease and popping bottles ) . And much of the album's not-so-explicit lyrics have to do with heartbreak and cheating , a far cry from what I was expecting . Nevertheless , some of the tracks are absolutely gorgeous . Apple and Cinammon and especially This One ( Crying Like a Child ) are among the best R & B had to offer this year , and lead single Come Back to Me isn't bad either - - sounds like a typical R & B diva track , and that is a definite plus as she tries to break the American market . And , overall , I don't nearly feel as depressed by the end as I did after sitting through some of the R & B this year had to offer ( see the heartbreaking lyrics of Epiphany by Chrisette Michele ) . With other electronic , up-tempo songs like Taking My Money Back and On and On to recommend it alongside the slower stuff , This Is the One is a solid album . Its production is top-notch ( not surprising , featuring Tricky and LA ) , and Utada's voice sounds beautiful . The bonus tracks , clearly designed to please Kingdom Hearts fans , are a nice throw-in , though many fans - - including myself - - probably own both soundtracks from KH I & II . Still , ( finally ) having Sanctuary ( the English version of Passion ) is great . Overall , a good release , cautiously recommended ( with some of the dirtier tracks , DON'T buy it for your Disney-loving son or daughter ) .
    • 048 4  I've been a fan of Utada's music for a long time - - - and while I personally didn't really like her previous english album , Exodus , I absolutely adore this one ! Call the music mainstream if you want to be a music snob , but give it a spin and I'm sure you'll fall in love with this fantastic artist's latest work = )
    • 049 4  Utada's second English album The Is The One is quite frankly Da Bomb . All of her songs are lyrically sensational . You'll find that you'll be singing along to many of hers songs . All the songs are great , but Me Muero in particular is the standout track for me . It's something different and really incorporates alot of Bossa Nova sounding styles in this song . Something that really goes well with her . This is a wonderful album by her . I don't think I can compare Exodus and this because they're both entirely different in terms of style . But this album is really fun to listen to . So far I can't get enough of this album is has been playing on loop every since I've listened . If you're a Utada fan or just someone who wants to hear some fresh R & B J-Pop music by a Japanese girl , this is an album you must listen to .
    • 050 4  The second English album for Utada Hikaru is so much better than her first Exodus , it's hard to compare the two . So I won't ! But you can definitely sense the maturity in the rhythm and the soul that makes this album pop . It's hard not to move to these songs , even when they're ballads . Utada has a nice mix of both ballads and dance tracks , with interesting references to pop culture to boot . Her first single , Come Back To Me is already a karaoke favorite . One of my fave tracks is Apple & Cinnamon b / c as she's stated , it's very R & B and has a nice melodic flow to it . Automatic II has some fun lyrics of self expression , while Poppin and Dirty Desire are lighter additions . My other favorite , This One , Cryin Like a Child , conveys the deepest emotions IMO . All in all , I'm very happy with this second English album & am looking forward to the next one . I actually have the Japanese ver of this album , in which the bonus tracks are two dance mixes of Come Back To Me that I love ! If you like earlier Mariah Carey , give Utada a try !
    • 051 4  ok first off im not really into pop so thats why i cant give this cd a 5 or solid 4 . . . but she has beautiful vocal skills , her lyrics are solid and its a great transaction from japanese to english . . i will admit it took a few run throughs to really enjoy this cd . i was thinking what she could do with teaming up with like a kanye west = 3 here are my track ratings 1 . come back to me 9.0 2 . me muero 9.0 3 . merry christmas mr . lawrence - fyi 8.5 4 . appl and cinnamon 10.0 my fav track on the cd 5 . taking my money back 9.0 6 . this one ( crying liker a child ) 8.0 7 . automatic part II 7.5 8 . dirty desire 7.0 9 . poppin 6.5 10 . on and on 9.5 11 . simple and clean 10.0 what can i say lol classic 12 . sanctuary ( opening ) 8.5 13 . sanctuary ( ending ) 9.5 japanese version is way better tho
    • 052 4  I was really excited to hear that Utada was making another English cd , and I think this album will satisfy those of you who were disappointed with Exodus ( myself included ) . This definitely has a more mainstream feel to it , and I really like most of the tracks . There are a great mix of ballads and upbeat songs on here , and while it's still different from her Japanese stuff , I think it's a great and refreshing sound for her . My favorite tracks are : Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence - FYI ( great sampling done here ) , This One ( Crying Like a Child ) ( great potential for a single ) , and Taking My Money Back ( another potential single ) . Also , as an added bonus for those of you who buy the actual cd , there are 3 extra tracks - they are Simple and Clean and Sanctuary ( Opening and Closing versions ) . The closing version is absolutely beautiful and worth the cd itself , but even if they weren't included , This Is The One definitely is worth it ( and for such a cheap price ) !
    • 053 4  My only problem is that I just can't think of Utada sexually , even if she is joking . Close minded of me , yes . But still , If you have the same problem as me , be weary ; but don't be afraid to pick the album . It really is as delightful as any other Utada album and her English lyrics are just as good ( though slightly more risqué ) as her Japanese ones .
    • 054 4  If you're not familiar with this woman already then I'll just go ahead and introduce you by letting you know that one of the most common critques of Utada by people is that she doesn't have much range / power when compared to bigger names - - and it's true . Japanese singers in the pop scene generally are very tiny people with smaller voices relative to other singers to match . So don't expect Mariah Carey and or Whitney Houston and then get disappointed and complain . I make this point immediately because it annoys me how often people criticize Utada for lacking range yet if I were to ask them if they were fans of opera singers - - people who have massive voices - - then the liklihood of them saying yes is incredibly low . Apparently if you have massive voices it isn't enough for them to be fans but if you don't then you're immediately criticized . My point is that the most gifted people vocally aren't immediately assumed to be the best song makers so why then should the less vocally powerful singers be immediately faulted ? But with that said , Utada is quite the good singer and has an extremely unique tone to her voice that I find to be unmistakable and incredibly appealing . Her appeal I think stems mostly from the fact that the music she makes generally and almost exclusively comes from her . She is an excellent composer and does her compositions and writes her lyrics almost exclusively by herself . Curiously enough , many singers these days don't seem able to do this by themselves and therefore often end up sounding overproduced and start sounding like a cliched mainstream commodity . This record has only 10 tracks and I've already heard complaints about her sounding like she's begging for a guy to come back even though only about only one track does this ( Come back to me ) while the other ( This One ) is more about closure and goodbye . They complain there are too many sexual inuendos - - all I have to say is if a few sexual references gets you uncomfortable then maybe you might just be a prude and are in denial about something all people do and think about , not to mention there aren't that many to begin with . Oh it's so repititive , actually it's not - - try listening to the album a few times before you attack it for being something it's not . Lastly , yes , she does say ' I love you long time ' in Dirty Desire - - obvious wordplay by a Japanese singer exploiting an Asian cliche if that offends you then again , you have your own issues to deal with . I won't be able to deal with all the haters who try to nitpick so I'll end it there and address the album for those who are actually interested . Unlike Exodus , this album doesn't really have any severely weak tracks , like Easy Breezy and the other club songs which I didn't particularly enjoy - - although the remixes of CBTM are pretty terrible IMO and unnecessary is fluff added by Island undoubted to pad the album since it has only 10 tracks . The notable tracks IMO are : 1 . Automatic II - - It has some moments of brilliance , but be warned it doesn't resemble Automatic in the least if you're familiar with it . 2 . On and On - - A feel good and pretty upbeat song that really grows on me . 3 . This One - - A ballad . Probably my favorite song on the album because vocally it's the most powerful performance on the album . More importantly , it displays the quality and tone of her voice perfectly . 4 . Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence - - It's about being up a night with a guy , doing what ? Who knows . 5 . Me Muero - - probably the most distinct track on the album in terms of sound . I think if you approach this album with an open mind you'll likely enjoy it . If you're looking for her strengths this album displays it well but it's not entirely like her Japanese work . If you're looking at her flaws then they're there as well , if you want to compare individual variables in a vacuum like vocal power then sure there are plenty of people out there with more powerful voices but singing , needless to say , is a dynamic of a lot of things and Utada does most of them well and does them in her own unique style . I am positive now that people who are Utada Hikaru fans are often NOT Utada fans . The difference ? They claim her music is no good when she's writing in English as if her IQ drops 20 points when she is thinking in English . The truth , whether people are able to see it or not is that they have an unhealthy fascination with the Japanese language and presume that her lyrics are somehow more poetic and majestic when she sings in Japanese yet when they are able to understand the lyrics in English , somehow find that it lost all of it's appeal even though it is the same person . Japanese Utada Hikaru great , American Utada is no good - - somehow her talent magically gets lost in translation as it crosses the ocean . Exodus went Platinum in Japan so the Japanese don't find that her music is so different and so severely degraded that they hate it like American ' fans ' of Utada . The difference is language not content , and people who are fans of her Japanese music might want to take note of their bias before listening .
    • 055 4  This Album is awesome just like the artist . Support her by buying it and she will be able to make even more great music in the U.S . and can potentially make the mega hits like her Japanese songs .
    • 056 4  In order to appreciate the artist , you listen to everything they create . I feel that the low ratings are rudely mistaken because those fans believe that their favorite songs from a previous album should be identical to Utada's new releases in order to maintain the true personality of the artist . Well , that's just wrong and you might as well just keep the repeat button on lock to your favorite song . Utada is great , and I love all the songs she puts out because it only makes me appreciate her better songs so much more . Buy this album !
    • 061 4  Hiki whhyyyyy ! Why can't you just hire someone to proof-read your lyrics ? People , she is a very talented singer but you are fooling yourselves if you think this is a 4 or 5 star album . The production is solid but the lyrics that accompany the melodies are either non-nonsensical or pop-culture references are made ( seemingly at random ) . Why would she say Capitan Picard in the song Merry Christmas Mr . Lawrence ? On another track she references Simon and Garfunkel ? It's so aggravating that Hiki , as talented as she is , would release an album aimed at American audiences with such garbled english . I am so disappointed in this album . It's like a summer blockbuster movie that flopped ; A + production and great acting by the lead , but a god-awful script . Verdict : TRUE Utada fans , do not buy .

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