The queen of J-POP has returned after 6 years! Virtually every J-POP fan has been highly anticipating Hikaru's return to the music scene, and the long wait is finally over with her new album titled 'Fantôme.' Due to such a long hiatus, the singer's album is bound to garner much talk and critique.
I will just get straight to the point, Fantôme is far from a disappointing album, that is unless you expected her to out do 'HEART STATION' or 'Ultra Blue', both of which are among the best albums in mainstream pop history. We're now in the year 2016 and it's unrealistic to expect such an album to even be released. I mean, i certainly haven't heard a Japanese pop album out do those two albums (if you know one please let me know!).
The album's first track is undoubtedly one of the best songs on the album. Although some people may think this song is "generic" they are wrong. Utada takes popular beats and makes it into a song worth remembering. Everything from how to starts, the build-up, Utada's background vocals, and the overall execution of this song has me repeating it constantly. In conclusion, it's a BOP!
The next track, "Ore no kanojo," is also a stellar track. The best thing about this track has to be the build-up. The use of string instruments and french in this track is perfect. It manages to get darker as you listen, something i personally love.
Track three, Hanataba Wo Kimini, is in my opinion still the best song on this album. It is a piece of art. From the lyrics of the song, the vocal melody, as well as the instruments and the buildup, it's just such a great song. I know i'm not the only one who shed a tear the first time i heard it, it's a song that truly take you on a trip of emotions, something hard to find in mainstream pop music these days. Utada truly proves her skills in this track.
Skipping to track six, this is one of my favourites and is my 2nd most played song off the album. The guitar at the beginning of "Tomodatchi" tells you right away that this song is going to be a JAM. The use of trumpets(thats what they are, right?) is exquisite. It makes you want to dance, in my case, whenever this song plays i have to stop what i'm doing just so i can groove to this song. The feeling's it gives me are just too strong for me to stay seated. The chorus of the song is so catchy, i'll probably be singing this song for months.
Kouya No Ookami is another example of great usage of trumpets, even if they're only used at the very end, it makes the song for me. It's also another example of a song that starts out simple and build's up to something worth remembering. It's just a really great soulful song.
The song's I didn't mention either didn't leave a big impression on me, or are just being put on the back burner because i'm too busy appreciating the song's i've talked about so far. This album is definitely one that grows on you the more you listen. It's a cohesive, impressive work that i believe Utada should be proud of. I'm so happy to finally have this queen back in the music scene and have highly anticipating her next works! I will now leave you with my individual track ranking's!
(Track 1) Michi 10/10
(Track 2) Ore no Kanojo 8/10
(Track 3) Hanataba wo Kimi ni 10/10
(Track 4) Ni-jikan dake no Vacation 7.5/10
(Track 5) Ningyo 7/10
(Track 6) Tomodachi 10/10
(Track 7) Manatsu no Tooriame 7.5/10
(Track 8) Kouya no Ookami 8.5/10
(Track 9) Boukyaku 5/10 (this is the only track i have deleted)
(Track 10) Jinsei Saikou no Hi 7.5/10
(Track 11) Sakura Nagashi 10/10
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