Hikaru Utada
Ultra Blue


3.5
great

Review

by pizzamachine USER (626 Reviews)
August 2nd, 2023 | 23 replies


Release Date: 2006 | Tracklist

Review Summary: ultra sex

When it comes to pop, many albums exist. One such existing album is Ultra Blue, which has red in the art. The colour difference is no implied reference to subverted musical expectations, but rather a distraction. Ultra Blue is an average pop album that also happens to be a very good, average pop album. It’s not super hot fire, but hot dang, these tracks are precise.

Let’s cut to the chase, this album is no Britney Spears. There’s a handful of bangers, but otherwise it’s a chill assortment of fresh cookies that go down tastefully. The music is wet, it is a little bit catchy, and most importantly vibes hard. Sponge bath synth massages set the dinner in a sultry method, sure to relax. There’s a wittle bit of jazzy inclinations: not enough to distract from simple pop tunes. The way Hikaru sings along on a scale is crazy, though! Practicing is evident. Back to the music: anytime tracks go boppin’, the singer starts stoppin’ and instead gives us meticulous introspection, yet those vocals are poppin’. Poetry in motion, yesiree.

The best part: the singing. Man, they get across that they’re the boss of the candy floss. Their singing is so clean, yet so sweet, and of course so savoury. Mixed metaphors be damned though, because their dramatic flair and consistency in hitting notes is inspiring enough to forget to mention more metaphors. You will be amazed, you will be shocked, and quite delighted at Hikaru’s effortless singing style.

So maybe this album is great, but this is pop. There are not enough bops to compete in the scene with the Queens (here comes the hate mail). Disagree? It’s fair to have beef, considering this pop music is done with silky smooth ease like a polished egg. Ironic, because the production is stunning. Long story summarized: the album is worth the time for any pop fan, though not the most memorable release.



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user ratings (113)
3.9
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
pizzamachine
August 2nd 2023


27133 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Obligatory review

JohnnyoftheWell
Staff Reviewer
August 2nd 2023


60325 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

fix your pronouns for this, but yes obligatory review/obligatory album

3-4 Utada classics here and not much more but definitely obligatory

pizzamachine
August 2nd 2023


27133 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Fixed, thanks. Obligatory as heck, Sputcore.

JohnnyoftheWell
Staff Reviewer
August 2nd 2023


60325 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Deep River is the sputcore that was, this is the sputcore we kinda ended up with, and Heart Station is the sputcore we very much deserved all along

Azazzel
August 2nd 2023


937 Comments


I only just added Deep River to my que after seeing it on Ryus list a few hours ago
https://www.sputnikmusic.com/list.php?listid=203856&memberid=1037980
are you gang stalking me?
-
E: oh no, this is def not for me, nor Deep River tho less bland.
I'll stick with my Yoko Kanno and Sheena Ringo

JohnnyoftheWell
Staff Reviewer
August 2nd 2023


60325 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

pizzaメカ explain this behaviour

pizzamachine
August 2nd 2023


27133 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

I was stalking one of Mort’s lists haha

Get Low
August 2nd 2023


14208 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

gud ablum

pizzamachine
August 2nd 2023


27133 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

hrad

Pikazilla
August 2nd 2023


29743 Comments


is this her best album?

JohnnyoftheWell
Staff Reviewer
August 2nd 2023


60325 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

absolutely not lol

pizzamachine
August 2nd 2023


27133 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

It is 3.5 though

pizzamachine
August 2nd 2023


27133 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

hrad

Pikazilla
August 2nd 2023


29743 Comments


okay hit me with her best album

Pikazilla
August 2nd 2023


29743 Comments


figuratively of course

JohnnyoftheWell
Staff Reviewer
August 2nd 2023


60325 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

it is a hard 3.5

and uh start Deep River then do Heart Station then do Fantome, their best album is one of those it doesn't matter which

Trebor.
Emeritus
August 2nd 2023


59843 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

based

StonedManatee
August 3rd 2023


544 Comments


A lot of attention for the artist who did the first two KH theme songs.

MoM
August 3rd 2023


5994 Comments


https://youtube.com/watch?v=FKRqPbulfTc&feature=sharec

^ and they did two songs for KHIII

BaselineOOO
August 4th 2023


2470 Comments


I always felt this record had crazy potential but too many times it lacks ambition and production sounds too pillowy. Heart Station does the 00s sound so much better.



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