Hikaru Utada’s famous and popular songs
Let me introduce some songs by Hikaru Utada, a singer-songwriter who made her debut at the young age of 15.
She abruptly announced a hiatus from artistic activities in 2010, calling it a period of “human activities,” but resumed her work as an artist in 2016.
Utada is the daughter of enka singer Keiko Fuji and was born and raised in the United States.
On television she comes across as lighthearted and humorous, but while attending school in the U.S.
she reportedly skipped grades, and later enrolled at the prestigious Columbia University.
Hikaru Utada’s Greatest and Most Popular Songs (1–10)
Prisoner Of LoveUtada Hikaru
Utada Hikaru’s 21st single.
Released on May 21, 2008.
The theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama “Last Friends.” A medium-tempo love song that speaks to the feeling of yearning uncontrollably, even when you feel fulfilled.
Somewhere Near Marseilles -Around Marseille-Utada Hikaru
A track by Hikaru Utada that was selected as the campaign song for the jewelry brand Cartier.
It’s included on her eighth album, BAD Mode, released in February 2022.
The house beat, which ebbs and flows like waves, and the lyrics that convey a heartfelt longing to see a lover far away create an overwhelming world.
Although this piece runs for about 12 minutes, its immersive progression only makes you feel that it still isn’t enough to fully savor Hikaru Utada’s musicality.
It may be on the longer side, but it’s perfect for letting yourself drift on its sonic waves at a laid-back party with close friends or during solo karaoke.
It’s a song I hope you’ll try at least once.
A Two-Hour Vacation (featuring Sheena Ringo)Utada Hikaru
This is a song included on the 2016 album Fantôme.
Hikaru Utada, who had long wanted to do something together with Ringo Sheena—her debut peer at the same record label—finally made it happen within her own work with this track.
youUtada Hikaru
Released on December 8, 2017 as a digital-only single, it was used as the theme song for the film “DESTINY: The Tale of Kamakura” and as the song for Sony’s “Noise-Canceling Wireless” commercial.
It is a song about universal love, written from a mother’s perspective while imagining the time after one’s own death.
Sweet TrapUtada Hikaru
Included on Hikaru Utada’s debut album “First Love,” released on March 10, 1999.
The song portrays a woman falling into a man’s sweet trap and gradually finding comfort in it.
It’s a cool, mid-tempo love song where you can enjoy the slightly youthful quality of early Hikaru Utada’s voice.
ForevermoreUtada Hikaru
It’s a digital-only single released in 2017.
It was also used as the theme song for a TV drama.
The music video, composed entirely of a dance performed by Utada herself, was her first of its kind, and its contemporary choreography became a hot topic.
Another ChanceUtada Hikaru
Included on Hikaru Utada’s debut album “First Love,” released on March 10, 1999.
It’s a love song about wanting to start over with a precious person who has gone somewhere out of reach, saying, “I need you.” The melancholy melody conveys a sense of heartbreak in this medium-tempo track.
For YouUtada Hikaru
This song by Hikaru Utada captivates with its deep emotional expression and stirring melody.
Centered on themes of love for someone, loneliness, and self-discovery, its lyrics intricately weave delicate feelings that leave a strong impression.
Released in June 2000, the track served as the image song for Hikaru Utada’s first nationwide tour, BOHEMIAN SUMMER 2000.
A popular piece that sold a total of 889,000 copies, it can be considered one of her signature mid-tempo numbers.
The lyrics, which convey a wish to be kind not for someone else but for oneself, are sure to resonate with those who want to face themselves.
Give it a listen when you’re struggling with a relationship with someone important to you.
Mine or YoursUtada Hikaru
Hikaru Utada is known for her attractive low register, but the song I’m introducing today, “Mine or Yours,” features a lot of falsetto as well.
The overall vocal range is G3–E5, which is fairly wide, but the tempo is very relaxed, so you should be able to sing it without rushing.
You can take solid breaths at each phrase, and since the melody steps upward phrase by phrase, the song itself is easy to memorize.
Points to watch when singing are preventing your pitch from dropping and keeping your falsetto stable.
The first verse starts on the lower side, so if you begin with a throaty sound, you won’t be able to transition smoothly into falsetto.
From the start, try lifting your facial muscles and eyebrows, and aim the sound forward as if resonating in front of your eyebrows.
Just keeping this in mind will help you maintain pitch and let your falsetto come out very smoothly.
Also, to keep falsetto from feeling strained, engage your lower abdomen firmly and release your voice without hesitation!
AutomaticUtada Hikaru
The debut single by Hikaru Utada, an American-born singer-songwriter.
Released on December 9, 1998.
Many people may recall the striking music video in which she sings while crouching in front of a sofa.
It’s a medium-tempo love song that captures a woman’s feelings in love, and the lyrics—hard to believe they were written by a 15-year-old—are a must-hear.