COLORS (Japan Version)

Utada Returns to Offer Fans Mini-CD "COLORS"

J-pop queen Utada Hikaru's twelfth mini-CD "COLORS" contains four tracks the title song "COLORS", "Simple and Clean", which is the theme of the 'Kingdom Heart-Final Mix' game, the "Simple and Clean - Planitb Remix " plus the Karaoke version of "COLORS". Recently a lot of Japanese singers arrange the release of their new albums in the month of their birthday, like Hirai Ken who recently turned 31 or Utada Hikaru who just celebrated her twentieth birthday. Perhaps they believe that sharing their new music and songs is a kind of birthday pleasure.

"COLORS" is a mid-tempo primarily using electronic-sound-input based production. Yet, it also incorporates real instruments like violins and double-bass as accompanying rhythms, which is the usual practice of Utada's emotional compositions. "Simple and Clean" comes in two versions: As the theme of the "Kingdom Heart-Final Mix" game, it offers a very surprising intro arrangement, only to suddenly overwhelm the listeners with drum sounds and voices. Just like the title of the song, things are kept simple and straightforward. Ensuing, there is a gap of three seconds total silence that leads the listener to the terrifying assumption that there may be something wrong with the CD! However, everything is fine and it is only a brilliant compositional technique that definitely surprises the listener. The early part of the track provides the crisp sounds of an acoustic guitar with Anglo beats and is performed in an easy-going style. Utada Hikaru's high-key voice could sound even better if she added some more harmonic sounds. As for her English pronunciation, it is clear on this remarkable release.

Ever since her eighth "Distance", ninth "Travelling" and tenth "Hikari" mini-CD, Utada loves to blend more Remix sounds into her releases and the track "Simple and Clean - Planitb Remix" on this album also contains a lot of Techno flavor. The relevant song was produced in London's renowned recording studio Planitb. If you like, you can make a detailed comparison of the effects used on the two versions of "Simple and Clean". The first utilizes more sound programming, whereas the second one primarily experiments with sound effects and you will discover that the adding of voices results in a kind of vibrating feel.

Finally, as this mini-CD is equipped with CD extra modes, the listeners can use their computers to open its wallpaper file. This file offers all the album and mini-CD images of the star, and especially that of "Can You Keep A Secret?" is very beautiful.

Recommended Songs: "Simple and Clean", "Simple and Clean - Planitb Remix".

Reviewed by Lewis Tse
Translated by Snoopy