Definitely her slowest and saddest. And even though it goes back and forth between remembering the life that is gone and enjoying the life that is still here, it's not really an emotional roller coaster, the transitions are gentle. The melodies don't really grab you like they did in the past, instead you let them take you. I think Fantôme captures the beauty of life itself and the human condition. It allows you to reflect on your own existence and its eventual end. There's a consistent and coherent theme and depth that was lacking on her other albums. So while the beauty of the songs is enough to appreciate them on their own, and it's fantastic even without the back story and the lyrics, the complete work lifts each song to a new level. Her other albums, incredible as they were, were "just" pop albums. Fantôme is something different, and some will appreciate that more than others.
Definitely her slowest and saddest. And even though it goes back and forth between remembering the life that is gone and enjoying the life that is still here, it's not really an emotional roller coaster, the transitions are gentle. The melodies don't really grab you like they did in the past, instead you let them take you. I think Fantôme captures the beauty of life itself and the human condition. It allows you to reflect on your own existence and its eventual end. There's a consistent and coherent theme and depth that was lacking on her other albums. So while the beauty of the songs is enough to appreciate them on their own, and it's fantastic even without the back story and the lyrics, the complete work lifts each song to a new level. Her other albums, incredible as they were, were "just" pop albums. Fantôme is something different, and some will appreciate that more than others.
This^
While I don't think every song on Fantôme is a 10/10 or anything (for me, Jinsei Saikou no Hi does feel a bit out of place tracklisting wise after Boukyaku, even if I like it as a stand alone song) conceptually its brilliant.
This album is still selling over 10k a day btw, it's back at number one today
I think I'd appreciate Kouya no Ookami more if it swapped places with Ore no Kanojo. Idk why she insisted on going upbeat-ballad for the opening then repeat the pattern from Ningyo to the end.
I kinda like Jinsei Saikou no Hi being where it is, the last oomph before the crescendo finale.
Nijikan Dake no Vacance
Ore no Kanojo
Sakura Nagashi
Michi
Boukyaku
Manatsu no Tooriame
Hanataba wo Kimi ni
Tomodachi
Ningyo
Kouya no Ookami
Jinsei Saikou no hi
Jinsei Saikou no hi just jumped up 5 places today after it randomly snatched my edges.
Definitely her slowest and saddest. And even though it goes back and forth between remembering the life that is gone and enjoying the life that is still here, it's not really an emotional roller coaster, the transitions are gentle. The melodies don't really grab you like they did in the past, instead you let them take you. I think Fantôme captures the beauty of life itself and the human condition. It allows you to reflect on your own existence and its eventual end. There's a consistent and coherent theme and depth that was lacking on her other albums. So while the beauty of the songs is enough to appreciate them on their own, and it's fantastic even without the back story and the lyrics, the complete work lifts each song to a new level. Her other albums, incredible as they were, were "just" pop albums. Fantôme is something different, and some will appreciate that more than others.
I know it's down to personal preference and differing opinions, but Deep River is the only Utada album I can't get into. I find Traveling, Final Distance and Hikari to be fantastic, but as a whole, I think the album sounds a mess and with a lot of filler.
I know it's down to personal preference and differing opinions, but Deep River is the only Utada album I can't get into. I find Traveling, Final Distance and Hikari to be fantastic, but as a whole, I think the album sounds a mess and with a lot of filler.
You don't think SAKURA Drops is fantastic?
To be fair, it was my fave album ever since I got into her, but it took me a while to really get into. I didn't like SD as much back then, but it's just absolute perfection to me now. Maybe you should give the album more spins!
I like it It just seems out of place on the tracklist, but I get that the tracklist has a ~concept~ so it wouldn't flow smoothly anyways.
Yeah, I feel some of this but I also agree with what Jack said about it plus it's pratically the only "really" happy song on the album (in the sense of being upbeat and having really bright lyrics altogether), it's a good addition to the heavy/sad atmosphere of the album and it gives me a sense of moving forward.
Also It's really interesting to see how Michi and Sakura Nagashi - the first and last track - are both bittersweet despite having an opposite sound and feeling: Michi being an upbeat song and Sakura Nagashi, a ballad. Both have optimistic "hook" phrases ("It's a lonely road / But I'm not alone" & "Everybody finds love in the end") and personally I guess they sum up the album itself which is Hikki dealing with a lot of changes in her life especially regarding to her mother's death. Just like Kworb said, this album is after all, about life and dealing with all of the events we have to face till the end of our time. "A turn of events that would shock even Shakespeare / That's life" (Jinsei Saikou no Hi).
To be fair, it was my fave album ever since I got into her, but it took me a while to really get into. I didn't like SD as much back then, but it's just absolute perfection to me now. Maybe you should give the album more spins!
I forgot about Sakura Drops my bad.
You're definitely right though, I do need to give it a few more listens. I'm one of those people where, if something doesn't instantly grab me, I'm like, "trash!", and I had heard Hikari, etc before the album. I'll give it another chance and hopefully get into it. Feels strange not liking one of her pieces of work, especially something rated so highly.
Distance is the only album I actually find unlistenable (And I'm a huge fan of first love, messy vocals and all). I just think the material isn't as good and served a true sophomore slump tea. Distance the song is the only track I am obsessed with. The hits off that album just don't do it for me at all.
In terms of my rankings I think:
Deep River > Ultra Blue > First Love > Heart Station > Fantome > Exodus > Distance > This is the one
I find it so hard to place first love and heart station because I like one a bit better than the other depending on my mood.
Distance is the only album I actually find unlistenable (And I'm a huge fan of first love, messy vocals and all). I just think the material isn't as good and served a true sophomore slump tea. Distance the song is the only track I am obsessed with. The hits off that album just don't do it for me at all.
In terms of my rankings I think:
Deep River > Ultra Blue > First Love > Heart Station > Fantome > Exodus > Distance > This is the one
I find it so hard to place first love and heart station because I like one a bit better than the other depending on my mood.
Can You Keep A Secret, Eternally, Addicted To You, Wait and See all slay so much
I think that album just holds a special place in my heart because around the time I first listened to it helped me get through some tough times.
I love the different perspectives that people have on her catalogue, especially in one so broad as hers.
For me Distance is one of the highlights of her discography. You have Can You Keep A Secret? (one of the greatest uptempos in her discography) and Distance in its original melancholic/upbeat form.
Then Addicted To You, the original version of Hayatochiri, Sunglasses, and particularly For You (which I think is one of the most slept on highlights in her discography) exploring harder, moodier, deeper and more sensual R&B and Urban sounds than the previous album.
Again someone listing their faves from an album and not mentioning the highlights (Kettobase! and Wait & See). It's funny how we all love different things from her discography.
