Ok... Before I am going to mention anything, let me go through each and every song (following the tracks order)...
1. Play A Love Song
When this song was released as a digital single, I immediately fall in love because it is quite a fresh song compared to other digital single she had released before this (Forevermore, Anata and Oozora de Dakishimete). It has an upbeat and cheerful tone that feels pleasant and Utada played her vocal very well. During the end, the choir that sings along with Utada gives this song a plus point because it was something that Utada never did before in any of her song (if I recall correctly lol).
Score: 3/3
2. Anata
A well paced emotional song released as a digital single as well. It was great for casual listening but I am not completely addicted to it for some reason. But I do have to give some credit towards the end due to the sudden shifting of the song emotion.
Score: 2/3
3. Hatsukoi
One of the top 3 songs for me in this album (#3). No doubt, it is emotional, great vocal control from Utada, simple yet beautiful music piece that complements Utada's voice perfectly. Initially, the beginning of the song which is the chorus does not leave any impact on me. But as it moves on, FUCK YES. That's it. The slow emotion building up and once it hits the chorus, I felt the emotional link immediately. Then the moment it enters to the climax, which is the best part, BOOM!!!
Listen to it and you will understand.
Score: 3/3
4. Chikai
Ok the song that everybody is waiting for. The theme song for Kingdom Hearts 3. Hikari and Passion was a masterpiece and I have to say I do have high expectation from this song. During the first revelation of the song from the game trailer, it was all good and nice. It started quite well with Utada-ish style, a distinct yet pleasant approach. But the moment when she start to hit the climax part, it just... Well... It is totally out of tune... It does not complement well with the music piece when she starts to rap (or sing very fast I assume). I felt that she did poorly at the climax part. But after the climax, everything went back to good when she sings "Kiss me once, Kiss me twice, Kiss me three times". I just have to say, the rapping is very unnecessary and it jeopardise the good music piece at that very point.
Score: 2/3
5. Forevermore
Needless to say, my #1 song from this album. It was released as a digital single. The well paced music piece and Utada's voice complements each other perfectly. With the lovely beat, but not too heavy and a mixture of violin or cello gives this song a strong feeling to it. As it moves on to the climax and after, BOOM!!! Trust me, the best part to sing along starts from the climax. One thing that I have to say is Utada controls her vocal very well in this song, but this is the 2nd best vocal controlled song from this album. The 1st? Let's move on.
Score: 3/3
6. Too Proud feat. Jevon
Ok let me be frank. One, who is Jevon? Two, this is a Japanese album. Three, this song is 50% English, 50% Japanese. Four, this song is heavily influenced with Western song's culture. Five, this song is definitely not my type. Not hating it, but just purely not my type.
Score: 0/3
7. Good Night
Well... This is my #2 song from this album. The song that I've been screaming about. The trailer from Penguin Highway with this song snippet was mind blowing. Fell in love with it immediately the moment I listen to it for the first time. The reason is Utada control her vocal so fucking well (1st best vocal control song from this album babe), which made the song sounds brilliant with the music piece. Although I have very high expectation from this song and it turned out a little disappointing because of merely one thing, the lyric "Goodbye" is too repetitive in the entire song. Nevertheless, it was a good song and I am fucking happy with it. Love singing along to this song and love the music piece after climax part. Really hope that Utada will release an instrumental version of this song.
Score: 3/3
8. Pakuchii no Uta
Wottt??? Coriander song??? I didn't know Utada loves coriander that much lol... This song somehow resembles Boku wa Kuma. Felt like a song meant for children. Nothing wrong with it just that I don't feel anything addictive in it.
Score: 1/3
9. Nokoriga
Serene and peaceful like a wedding song. Good for casual listening but not sing along.
Score: 1.5/3
10. Oozora de Dakishimete
The very first digital single released from this album. After Fantome album, this song is definitely something more upbeat and fresh. Slightly different from what you would listen but not in a bad way. Still loving this song.
Score: 2/3
11. Yuunagi
A slow paced song. Extremely great for casual listening and an extremely relaxing song. Might learn to sing along for this song.
Score: 2/3
12. Shittosarerubeki Jinsei
The beat of this song is quite my type and I sort of like it at the beginning. But as it goes on, felt like the beat goes out of beat a little at certain parts which was quite a let down (Perhaps I have OCD lol). But overall, this song ain't that bad. Great for casual listening but not singing along.
Score: 1.5/3
Verdict:
For my Fantome review, I gave it a 9 out of 10 because it was really a good album. However, for this, I have to say that it was quite a let down when compared to Fantome. All the singles was great and only few of the album songs was captivating enough for me. Was it because I have too high expectation from Utada?
Overall Score: 6/10
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