Search - Hikaru Utada :: First Love

A wonderful debut album

Bruce | 08/26/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

""First Love" is the debut album by Utada Hikaru. She only made it when she was 16 and it went on to sell over 10 million copies. 7 million being in Japan alone, the album has its ups and downs. Mainly ups, I'll be reviewing each song separately.



"Automatic -Album Edit" starts off the album and it starts off perfectly. From the sounds of the turntables to the tambourine you'll be hooked. Utada's English phrases in the slew of Japanese fit perfectly well together. "Automatic" might last a bit long but you probably won't notice since it's really catchy.



"Movin' on Without You" is the next song on the list. I like the beginning where Utada sings "Nothing's gonna stop me, only you can stop me" but after that I get quite bored since Utada sings low and then gets high again. The song just doesn't catch my attention.



"In My Room" is the next song, it starts with a very heavy urban sound and a voice of a male singing "Yeah, Yeah, Come on" then Utada sings. The song is a bit boring at first but then picks up and then you get hooked. The song finishes off with Utada singing with an echo sound.



"First Love" is one of Utada's signature songs. It's a heavy ballad song with some R&B thrown in. Utada's English phrases once again pop out to the listener. The song is very popular; it was so popular Utada actually made it a re-cut single. "First Love" is a song you should not miss.



"Amai Wana ~Paint it Black" is a very unique and complex song. You'd be surprised to know a 16 year old Utada arranged this song. The song has a very kick arse beat that everyone can enjoy. The song has some very catchy lyrics and even borrows the line "I see a red door and I wanna paint it black" from the famous song by the Rolling Stones.



"time will tell" is a urban piano song. It starts with a piano interlude and then Utada starts singing. Near the end the song mainly just ends with Utada singing "Time will tell." Nothing really special here.



"Never Let Go" is the next song and it starts with a guitar and then goes into more R&B. The song itself isn't memorable. It's mainly a track that just might play in the background or something.



"B&C -Album Edit-" is the next song and it's one of her bests. The song starts unexpectedly and it's really catchy. Utada hits her high notes perfectly and the English blends really well with her Japanese. Another great song by Utada.



"Another Chance," just like "Never Let Go" is not that memorable. I can't really remember this song, even if I listen to it over and over. I just can't get into it.



"Interlude" is actually one of my favorite interludes, although it's a bit short. The melody is from another song that appeared on Utada's next album "Distance."



"Give Me A Reason" is a slow, ballad song that has some R&B in it. The song is nice, but it's 6 minutes long. Way to long for me to listen to.



"Automatic -Johnny Vicious Remix-" is a bonus track, it's a hot dance tune of "Automatic." It's a nice way to end the album since the remix is quite nice.



"First Love" is an ok album from my point of view. It has it's ups and downs. Overall, an ok album. I suggest that you get the album if you love R&B or if you need more Utada to listen to.

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