Utada – This Is The One

Utada promoting This Is The One

Artist: Utada Hikaru Product code: UICL-1088 Release date: 2009.03.14 (JP), 2009.05.30 (US) Highest Ranking: #3 Oricon, #69 Billboard 200 Label: Island Records US Version: 3 Bonus Tracks

With the Japanese market completely wrapped around her finger, J-pop sensation, Utada Hikaru, has been seen to frequently flaunt her creative flair in her music. Having dominated the Oricon charts with virtually every venture during her initial five year tenure, Utada finally decided to break into the American music scene with her first English album, Exodus. Her uninhibited, audacious approach to its production led to an album which despite being fresh, was rather difficult for American audiences to accept and ultimately led to its downfall. Undeterred, five years later, Utada returned for another foray in the American market with her now mainstream-focused, aptly titled, This Is The One.

This Is The One raised high expectations, featuring famed producers Stargate and C. “Tricky” Stewart. With such big names involved in what was expected to be a straight forward, R&B album, one could almost be forgiven for expecting an English version of First Love or Distance. Sadly, Utada’s latest release proved to be exactly what was promised – a bland combination of stereotypical R&B and obnoxious club songs. Brilliant vocals and delivery saved a select few such as Come Back to Me or the title track, This One (Crying Like a Child), but the majority of tracks failed to excite those who highly anticipated this album.
 

Loyal, English-speaking fans of Utada were most certainly put off by how explicit and tasteless Utada’s lyrics could be, such as “Sexy stiletto boots; tight jeans no panties on; oops did I turn you on?” in Poppin’ or “When I’m alone at night, I sit and fantasize;…doing my nine to five, I’m thinking six and nines” in Dirty Desire. Few melodies impressed as well, especially with the highly repetitive On and On literally just droning away and the bulk of her R&B ballads feeling like recycled versions of radio hits. As Daniel Robson of The Japan Times stated, “Is this what it takes to find Stateside success? Whoring yourself both musically and lyrically?” And while that certainly seems true given the current crop of successful artists in America, Utada certainly didn’t sell herself out completely with older classics Simple and Clean and Sanctuary serving to be a reminder of the genius Utada is capable of manifesting.

Amongst the few standout tracks, Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence – FYI perhaps proved to be the most intelligent track Utada produced for her latest release. An adaptation of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s composition, the combination of oriental and western elements could well have provided the direction needed for Utada’s album. A melodic version of the philosophies displayed in Kiss and Cry should have inspired her to bridge the gap between the East and the West. Instead, the haunting failure of Exodus intimidated Utada into playing it safe, thus avoiding the avant garde stature for her commercially-focused album, This Is The One.

It could have been a valuable move to cement her name and win over legions of loyal fans. Had she captivated a large enough audience, certainly she would be granted the freedom to steadily weave her magic through the American market. Instead, This Is The One did the complete opposite, ironically selling a mere 16,000 units in America compared to the 55,000 units managed by Exodus. Fans of the album have frequently argued that the result was due to poor marketing and promotion; her American audience even insisting her music was fresh. But was it really? To the veteran Utada fan, it was easy to tell that This Is The One is a far cry from what she is truly capable of. Exodus may have been a little too inaugural, but it stayed true to Utada’s innovative aptitude. For such a visionary artist, the title of this lacklustre affair is correct in only one aspect; this is the one you should forget.

Rating:

CD Cover

Japanese Tracklist:

1. On and On
2. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence – FYI
3. Apple and Cinnamon
4. Taking My Money Back
5. This One (Crying Like a Child)
6. Automatic Part II
7. Dirty Desire
8. Poppin’
9. Come Back to Me
10. Me Muero
11. Come Back To Me (Seamus Haji & Paul Emanuel Radio Edit)
12. Come Back To Me (Quentin Harris Radio Edit)

US Tracklist:

1. Come Back to Me
2. Me Muero
3. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence – FYI
4. Apple and Cinnamon
5. Taking My Money Back
6. This One (Crying Like a Child)
7. Automatic Part II
8. Dirty Desire
9. Poppin’
10. On and On
11. Simple and Clean
12. Sanctuary (Opening)
13. Sanctuary (Ending)

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About the author

sljinu is a hybrid Asian. He is currently employed by the geekmaster eyn, working as a translator. He has time management issues but still finds precious minutes to listen to his beloved Utada Hikaru and Otsuka Ai as well as watch J-drama (among other things) on the train.