UTADA debut release date set!

[Chiaki Nozomi]

I posted this in the Utada thread, but in case people don't read it like the Laruku thread, here's the news for you!

-snip from Utada.com-

UTADA: FRESH NEW SOUND FOR THE FALL
Exciting singer/songwriter releases US debut EXODUS on Island Records Oct. 5


July 6, 2004--21-year-old singer/songwriter Utada will offer a fresh new sound for music fans this Fall when her US debut album, EXODUS, is released Oct. 5 on Island. An enigmatic fusion of alternative, pop, dance and funk grooves, EXODUS features witty lyrics and well-crafted melodies. The first remix single on the album is "Devil Inside," an hypnotic dance track laced with electronic Asian-flavored beats that is sure to be a club favorite. Another winning track is the sunny pop melody "Easy Breezy," which will be the first radio single off the album.

Utada is also joined on her debut album by some outstanding special guests such as drummer Jon Theodore from Mars Volta, who delivers an infectious groove on "Kremlin Dusk," and master producer Timbaland who adds his funky touch to "Exodus '04," "Wonder 'Bout" and "Let Me Give You My Love." Here's what they had to say about recording with Utada:

"She's above the typical trappings of pop music because her voice is beautiful and she writes her own music. She has discerning taste that sort of transcends the genre. It's not really classifiable." --Jon Theodore of Mars Volta

"We did some great work together-Exodus is such a fabulous song andUtada is the best!" --Timbaland

-end snip-

No Europe date though. Sorry to the Europeans on board! I believe the Japan release is on Oct. 07, and should come with a special pressing. *flames* Me = sucker for special pressings. Am I going to import Utada's domestic album?! :lololol:

Hmm.. a dance song and a pop song. Looks like I won't hear her on the R&B stations. (which, where I live, is all but two stations).

Another note, her main site has also updated with a new picture in the photobook. (And if you scroll down down down to the bottom of the little news section, you can see larger, higher quality versions of all the pics in the photobook)
But I just want one thing - SAMPLES YOU MORONS! SAMPLES~!

[divarication]

i'll post here instead of the other utada thread.

i gotta be honest--i'm prepared to be disappointed. for some reason, i just can't seem to be happy that our beloved Utada Hikaru is making an American debut. i'd be more comfortable with the idea if she were releasing japanese albums (like what TM Revolution and others are doing) instead of signing up with an American producer--an R&B producer no less.

it just makes it seem...less than she's capable of. but i'm known for being too judgemental sometimes *sweatdrop*

anybody else have any thoughts?
now playing:TM Revolution - WILD RUSH (Album Mix)

[Sakaki]

I thought that she had already put out a English album in America awhile ago, (It bombed) but it was under a different name than Utada.

I shall look for that info again.


Edit: This her Official site from the singer's US distributor, Island Records: http://www.utada.com/. It has music samples listed as "coming soon".

[phoenixfire92983]

i gotta be honest--i'm prepared to be disappointed

I agree with you. I dunno...she just really turned me off with the stuff she did for Disney's game, Kingdom Hearts. "Simple and Clean" was just simple, and I didn't think that her pronunciation was that great. That just kills me even more because I know she was born and lived in the US for quite some time.

I'm gonna have to hear some samples in order to get excited about the US debut.

[divarication]

oh i loved her Kingdom Hearts theme--did you hear the japanese version? it was excellent. but i loved the game too, so i'm biased
now playing:Utada Hikaru - Automatic

[Chiaki Nozomi]

Originally Posted by Sakaki

I thought that she had already put out a English album in America awhile ago, (It bombed) but it was under a different name than Utada.

Yeap. Called 'Cubic U', it was released when she was 12. Yes, TWELVE. Granted, it was pure crap in my opinion, but I wasn't writing music (yes, she wrote some of the songs!) when I was that age. Hell, I can't remember what I was doing at that age. Haha, needless to say she went over to Japan and became a huge success.

Her main site has had 'coming soon' under samples since it was put up a LO~NG time ago. :lololol:

I wonder if her husband will direct her music videos? That would be cute!

So many people here are pessimistic! I'll go against the flow and be postitive! But preparing yourself to be disappointed might be good too, because if its good it would be that much better? But then if its bad you can laugh about it? Hmm..

I didn't like the 'Simple and Clean' song even though I like Utada. But her more 'pop' songs always turned me off. I prefer her ballads and more 'artsy' type pop, along with her debut album. 90s R&B = :wub wub:

Hmm.. if someone other than Tofu Records managed her Japanese release here I would be happy. But that won't happen because Tofu = Sony! Hmm.. I wonder if she does really well Toshiba might import them over here? Then again, it won't help me much, considering I already imported her cds. But while Tofu appeals to the few Jpop fans in the States, Utada wants to appeal to everyone in the states. The fact that there's Jpop fans here just gives her a small fanbase to start on.

But she better tour. She better tour and come near me or else I go and hunt her down and .. yell at her for not coming here! I don't care if its not under her control! ^_~.

Oh! For you Americans, amazon.com has Utada's Deep River coupled with Colors single for only $26! Granted, its the Thai release (my friend bought it) and I don't know if its exactly like the Japanese release (she keeps forgetting to bring it so I can compare) but appearently the only sign that its Thai is the label in the corner that all cds have, and some Thai writing on the plastic that goes in the trash. And its an official release by Toshiba-Emi Thailand, NOT A BOOTLEG. For comparison, amazon has that blasted 'gaijin tax' that causes her singles to be over $20 and her albums $40. I dunno what yesasia's prices are for them. I use yesasia for K and Cpop.

... once again my power to ramble amazes me. Sorry for the long post. m(-_-)m

+2

[phoenixfire92983]

Hmm.. if someone other than Tofu Records managed her Japanese release here I would be happy. But that won't happen because Tofu = Sony!

Just curious...whats wrong with Tofu and Sony? Tofu seems like they've done good in the past, esp. when TMR was at PMX. Now you have me intrigued

[Hellychan]

Originally Posted by Chiaki Nozomi

Oh! For you Americans, amazon.com has Utada's Deep River coupled with Colors single for only $26! Granted, its the Thai release (my friend bought it) and I don't know if its exactly like the Japanese release (she keeps forgetting to bring it so I can compare) but appearently the only sign that its Thai is the label in the corner that all cds have, and some Thai writing on the plastic that goes in the trash. And its an official release by Toshiba-Emi Thailand, NOT A BOOTLEG. For comparison, amazon has that blasted 'gaijin tax' that causes her singles to be over $20 and her albums $40. I dunno what yesasia's prices are for them. I use yesasia for K and Cpop.

YesAsia's prices are quite reasonable, about $28 for an album and $11 for a single ( Japanese version releases ) If you buy the overseas version then the prices are lowered ( $18 for an album, $9 for a single ) In addition, if your cart's contents reach a definite price's threshold, the shipping fee is free! (only for eligible items, but I think all the cds, dvds...are considered eligible ) I always buy all my Cpop and Jpop there

Talking about Utada, I haven't heard many songs of her but I like what I've heard Btw I like Hikari ( the Japanese version of Simple and Clean ) ^__^

[Sakaki]

I see now that CDJapan is listing a Japanese version of her American release.

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=UICL-1046

[Chiaki Nozomi]

Originally Posted by phoenixfire92983

Just curious...whats wrong with Tofu and Sony? Tofu seems like they've done good in the past, esp. when TMR was at PMX. Now you have me intrigued

My qualm with Tofu is that they market Jpop as "anime" music. Not all Jpop is anime music. I had a mini rant talking with my friend because they advertized L'Arc~en~ciel as 'Did the theme song to Full Metal Alchemist". Not only did they do the second opening theme (which is owned by Porno Graffitti) but Laruku is 'worth more' so to say, than just a 'theme song'. Now I'm not a moron - I know that through anime/games comes fans of Jpop, probably 90% of the nonasian overseas fanbase. Just if you're going to advertize a group, do it as 'Singer A debuted at the top of the charts and had several top ten hits including Songs A, B, and C which was used as the ED theme to F anime!' not 'Singer A of Anime ED theme F!"

Still going on that tangent, I have never ever ever been able to convince someone that Jpop isn't just 'that weird song at the end of that one show?'. I can't exactly say 'no, that's not Jpop' because it is, but when I listen to Utada or any other Jpop artist I get 'That weird anime music'. Its like saying that all music here is rap and R&B, when its obviously not.

And by only bringing over Sony artists, the choices are limited.

Going on topic, the Olympic Unity cd with the song by Utada and Kiley Dean goes on sale today worldwide! Say yay!

Sakaki, thanks for the link. CURSES! THOSE STUPID AMERICAN MORONS NEED TO GIVE US SPECIAL CRAP TOO. Just imagine how sales would spike if you release a special edition that was only available for the first week of sale, or limited to a few hundred thousand copies? (although for some artists you can still get the limited release months after its initial release... :lol

+3

[divarication]

My qualm with Tofu is that they market Jpop as "anime" music. Not all Jpop is anime music. I had a mini rant talking with my friend because they advertized L'Arc~en~ciel as 'Did the theme song to Full Metal Alchemist". Not only did they do the second opening theme (which is owned by Porno Graffitti) but Laruku is 'worth more' so to say, than just a 'theme song'. Now I'm not a moron - I know that through anime/games comes fans of Jpop, probably 90% of the nonasian overseas fanbase. Just if you're going to advertize a group, do it as 'Singer A debuted at the top of the charts and had several top ten hits including Songs A, B, and C which was used as the ED theme to F anime!' not 'Singer A of Anime ED theme F!"

i think they just need something that people might identify with. i think generally more people have a better knowledge of anime than jpop, and they need a market to appeal to. it makes sense to me, anyway

[Chiaki Nozomi]

Soul Bruda Sista Diva-ri (gave you a soul bruda sista name, my soul bruda sista!), err.. I already said that I knew what you said and qualified the statement. My qualm is more 'I know that it's like this, but I wish it would be more like that and less like this'.

BUT

Lookie at this little blurb from cdjapan -

- Hikaru Utada's "Exodus" makes her USA debut and is released in Japan four weeks in advance. This Japan edition includes a special booklet and comes housed in a cardboard slipcase.

-end snippet-

....... So, they get it a month early AND special edition? ...... I'm fighting really hard NOT to import this. Though I can understand why they would, considering that Hikki is like their little media darling.

[llama]

Yay! I'm so excited! ^_^ I just hope it's good. It will be interesting to see how much her voice has matured since her Cubic U release as well. I'm hoping for some better songs on this one. Cubic U had some that I really liked, but also some that I was really disappointed with. I just hope the new album really shows off her amazing vocals! She has such a wide range! Does anyone know of any places that have preview tracks yet? I'm dying to hear it!

[Sabin]

Slightly OT but Utada has done a song with Foxy Brown called Blow My Whistle. Apparently it was on the Rush Hour 2 soundtrack though I didn't see it listed on the jewel case when i checked it out in stores.

Heres a link

[llama]

Originally Posted by Sabin

Slightly OT but Utada has done a song with Foxy Brown called Blow My Whistle. Apparently it was on the Rush Hour 2 soundtrack though I didn't see it listed on the jewel case when i checked it out in stores.

Heres a link

Yeah, I heard that one. I thought it was ok except for the annoying rap in certain parts. >_< I can't stand rap. But I think so far Simple and Clean has been my favorite English song by her.

[divarication]

....... So, they get it a month early AND special edition? ...... I'm fighting really hard NOT to import this. Though I can understand why they would, considering that Hikki is like their little media darling.

well..look at it this way...if it debuts in japan first, we'll have...*ahem*...material to determine if its good enough to buy when it gets to the US
now playing: Sailor Moon Musical 5 - Galaxia and Followers - Galaxia Gorgeous

[Uesugi-sama]

When my friend first told me that she was making a new english album, I was crushed. I have all her albums + singles + DVDs + VHS performances, and the only ones I was ever disappointed with was the Cubic-U album.
The reason why I like her music, after the fact that she has such a rich, powerful voice for such a cute and small little woman, is the fact that she is very rythmic and lyrical when she speaks in Japanese.
Simple and Clean was alright, I really preferred the Hikari version, and I'm really not too thrilled with this.
Her latest single Dareka no Negai no Kanau Koro was absolutely beautiful and I was thinking all this time "Man when is she going to announce her next CD?" Since Deep River is a CD I play a lot, I really hoped she would bring out another Japanese CD next, but no, she's turning towards the American market now.
Which is understandable, because there is no limit to how much money you can make in America. I hope she retains her professional demeanor and the excellence of her work in her new english CD, and she better not disappoint me, or I just might have to believe that she's not the best Japanese singer in the..uh.. world.
Well, I'll be crossing my fingers and hoping that it will turn out good.
*Starts burning incense and praying for her good fortune*

[indicatoto101]

People from another forum are saying negative things about one of the songs from her yet to be released Exodus album, Easy Breezy. One of lines from this song include : "Easy breezy I'm japanesey".

[Chiaki Nozomi]

XD Man, I was so over this this morning.

Err.. last night.

TWO leaked songs from her album -

Easy Breezy
Devil Inside - Richard Vission Experience Mix

Easy Breezy has the lyrics 'You're easy breezy/ and I'm Japanese-ey/Soon you'll be exactly nothing to me'

Which made me laugh like hell the first time I heard it. But before we go all anal I sent this to five non Jpop loving friends and they loved it. They were singing it like nothing. So in other words - it's hella catchy. Hell, even I was singing it all day, and I only heard it a couple of times. And the song is more Jpop than I expected. They lyrics could use a little work (the first stanza annoys me) and the whole 'she's got a new microphone' bit is classic. (Although do I detect a small ode to her 'Until I can sing a new song' bit from "First Love"?)

But I still don't think this is worthy of a leadoff single. It's one of those breakup songs. Not the angsty ones, but the "I don't need you anymore you LOSER! Uh-NUH :head shake snap finger:" Not to mention the little synth bit in the back just screams Nintendo. The original. Remember those? Did I just reveal my retro-ness? Anyway, it should be an album filler. Maybe she'll do a Destiny's Child and release practically their entire album as singles? XD

Now, Devil Inside.... FARKING HECK YAH! This song is going to be huge in the clubs. I love it on the first listen. Her amazing alto voice... the mix I heard was trance=esque, and awesome. It's also just begging to be danced to. Heck, I'm grooving as I type this. Lyrics snippet-
Everybody wants me to be their angel
Everybody wants something they can cradle
Oooh

They don't know I burn!
They don't know I burn!
They don't know I burn burn burn!

Maybe there's a devil!
There's something like it inside!
Maybe there's a devil!
There's something like inside of me!
Devil! Inside!
Maybe there's a devil!
Somewhere in me! Deep inside me!
Devil! Inside of me!

Now tell me you won't get up and go to that hot cat and shake it like a saltshaka.

Okay, okay, I'm starting to go off the deep end. Rap is too easy. Too too easy.

I'm glad her english sound is different from her Japanese one.

[Chiaki Nozomi]

Man, after two years of NOTHING, hearing shite feels goo~d.

Two songs weren't enough. Now we have a sampler featuring the original version of Devil Inside, Exodus '04, Easy Breezy, ?? (some unknown song), and what we're assuming is 'The Workout'.

I'm really happy with this. Hikki sounds amazing, Timbaland is his fresh self, and the tracks in general = amazing. Devil Inside has that same midi-esque sound in the background too. XD It has these 'asian' beats, which aren't really asian in my opinion, other than the semi-traditional sound. It's not as traditional sounding as DAI's "Shinjitsu no Uta" (that was used as an anime song, right?) or Berryz Koubou's 'Piriri to Ikou'. Actually, it reminds me more of Indian beats than asian. But it also has that instrument in the background that the name slipped my mind... it's the instrument that's like a horizontal harp that the players have those finger picks and they pluck at it....

Exodus '04 - Awesome. Timbaland added an asian flavor, much in the same way as Devil Inside. This time it's that other instrument I can't remember the name, but it's the one stringed cello thingie... err... ah! The same instrument as DAI used in "Shinjitsu no Uta". And she wins for using 'Daddy' in lyrics. XD Actually all these songs are not as poppy as Easy Breezy and more... Utada. ^^; It's not her Japanese sound, but it suits her perfectly.

Easy Breezy - Already been said. It's so sugar sweet and poppy it's killing me. But it's hella catchy. In fact, the only people that don't seem to like it much are the ones who've heard her Japanese stuff. I like it; it grew on me.

??? song - a ballad. Uses her range quite a bit here. Background is quite boring though. A bass beat and a simple melody. But the simplicity suits it nicely.

The Workout - Perfect dance song. Sounds more hip hop than anything else. I can imagine this one being a big club hit as well as Devil Inside.

Okay, after the dissappointment of easy breezy, and getting her Japanese works out of my head (Deep River and Dareka... = amazing), I'm getting excited about her release again. Go Hikki~