Neon Genesis Evangelion Wouldn't be the same without Hikki

(Michael)

Taken from: http://vgboxart.com/view/49030/neon-genesis-evangelion-cover/

You may be confused on why I am bringing up anime when taking about Utada Hikaru; and for those who don't know much about anime, that is understanding. But for those who do know, Utada Hikaru has produced the ending theme song for every movie adaptions of Neon Genesis Evangelion. This show is by all standards considered a classic and I highly recommend everyone to watch at least the newly released movies. The story is about a futuristic/apocalyptic world where giant monsters called "Tenshi" (Angels) ravage the Earth and an organization called "NERV" is humanity's last hope, using artificially created humanoid machines to combat the monsters. The manga, which is the origin of the series, was first released in 1994, and has been adapted to a TV series and 3 movies with a 4th movie releasing soon.

Utada Hikaru - Beautiful World

"Beautiful World" was used as the ending theme song for the first movie: "Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone." The song is exactly what the title describes: Beautiful. The melody and Hikki's wonderful voice really resonate with the theme of the movie. Below is a remix of the song used as the ending song for the second movie: "Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance." This may just be personal bias but I really like the creativity with the title of each movie. It is symbolic to the entire series and provides a nice 

Post by Utada Hikaru Links.

Lastly, the last movie: Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo. 桜流し (Sakura Negashi) is an epic song filled with passion and emotion. I find it perfect for the ending of the 3rd film since well the movie was intense and emotional. I still feel the chills when I hear this song because it brings up memories of the movies.

I find that it is extremely rare for one artist to do songs for an entire series. Utada Hikaru and the staff who produced the movies were very dedicated to providing such a unique experience. Recently, Utada Hikaru went into retirement to enjoy her life with newly married husband. But, it has been reported that she will provide the ending theme to the last movie: "Evangelion 4.0." I find her dedication to her craft truly amazing and I look forward to hearing the new song by her. 

Utada - Catering To An Audience

(Michael)

Taken from Amazon Album Page

It is no surprise that music tastes in Japan differ from those in the US. Sometimes music is universal, but most of the time it is very specific to the region it was produced in. An extreme example of this is anything and everything released by Krary Pamyu Pamyu. For those who don't know who she is, I'll just leave this music video here and leave it at that. You'll get the point I'm trying to make.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - PONPONPON

Anyways, back on track to Utada Hikaru. In 2009, she released an English album: This is the One under the artist name Utada. Her first English album was released in 2004 called Exodus which had more of an underground following. This is the One, however, was absolutely catered to a wider audience. America is often known for having very avid hip hop and R&B fans, and this album reflects that. Utada aimed to make the album more relatable to a general audience in America. The main single of the album is a track called "Come Back To Me."

Utada - Come Back To Me

If you compare the track to anything she released in Japan before, it is obviously different. But I think this just adds to her music prowess: adapt to your surroundings. Even with an increased following of all Japanese things related, I feel that songs catered to a Japanese audience won't make a big splash in the US. Unlike the recent phenomenon of K-Pop, J-Pop has a very different feel. The very meanings of cute and sexy do not translate the same way in Japan as they do in Korea. There are always exceptions (Like BoA, a Korean artist who has produced numerous songs in Japanese) but the differences are apparent. 

This album was unique and I think innovative. She recreated her image to fit an American audience and I think it succeeded.  My favorite song on the album is "Apple and Cinnamon." It has a very catchy rhythm and with the R&B feel to the song, you can really feel the passion in her voice. 

Utada - Apple & Cinnamon

Utada Hikaru

(Michael)

Photo taken from Utada Hikaru's official site: http://www.utadahikaru.jp/

Considered "the most influential artist of the decade" by The Japan Times, Utada Hikaru has led a long and successful career at the young age of 31. Also known by her stage name Utada, she released her first album, "First Love," in 1999 where the album eventually became the top selling album in Oricon history (one of the top authorities on music charts in Japan, similar to Billboards in the US). Throughout her career, Utada has released a total of 5 Japanese albums and 3 English albums, estimated more than 52 million records sold worldwide.

Utada Hikaru  - First Love (1999)

In America, many know Utada Hikaru for her song contributions to the Kingdom Hearts series: "Simple and Clean," the theme song for Kingdom Hearts and "Sanctuary," the theme song for Kingdom Hearts 2. Growing up as a young Japanese American, I couldn't help but be entranced by games like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts. I clearly remember playing the opening songs over and over again until my parents were annoyed with it. Utada Hikaru was my "gateway drug" into J-pop as I'm sure it was for many others. I started listening to her other songs in Japanese; I didn't understand a thing she was saying but it didn't stop me from enjoying it. i'm not really sure myself, but I 100% prefer the Japanese versions of all of her songs (and everything else). It feels much more natural and... just sounds better. With that I will post the Japanese versions of each; the Japanese version of "Simple and Clean" is Hikari, while the Japanese version of "Sanctuary" is "Passion."

Utada Hikaru - Hikari (2002)

Utada Hikaru - Passion (2005)

Utada has been in the spotlight for an extremely long time, I compare her to a more successful and less crazy Britany Spears, and her personal life has definitely been affected. Utada married photographer and film director Kiriya Kazuaki in 2002, but reportedly separated due to her extremely busy schedule. For 15 years, Utada has captured the hearts of fans around the world (including mine) but, deservingly so, has taken a hiatus to get remarried. Her last active presence in the music world was the DVD release of her tour footage "Utada: In the Flesh 2010." I have watched the DVD countless of times and it doesn't even surprise me how good her live singing voice is. 

This short blog is no where near enough to encapsulate the brilliance of Utada Hikaru. She is a classic, a legend, an icon. I leave you now with her last single: "Goodbye Happiness." 

Utada Hikaru - Goodbye Happiness (2010)