Ayumi Hamasaki Sekai - [Utada Hikaru] ʕ•̫͡•ʔ A Vacation for Only Two Hours in the 55th thread ʕ•̫͡•ʔ

Ayumi Hamasaki Sekai (http://www.ahsforum.com/forum/index.php)

- Artists & Bands (http://www.ahsforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=66)

- - [Utada Hikaru] ʕ•̫͡•ʔ A Vacation for Only Two Hours in the 55th thread ʕ•̫͡•ʔ (http://www.ahsforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123210)

ʕ•̫͡•ʔ A Vacation for Only Two Hours in the 55th thread ʕ•̫͡•ʔ

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ʕ•̫͡•ʔ The New Album 「Fantôme」 on Septembar 28, 2016!

Spoiler:

ʕ•̫͡•ʔ Fantôme Charts

Spoiler:

ʕ•̫͡•ʔ NEWS + PICS

The most recent interview with Hikki!

Spoiler:

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeepRiver (Post 3213497)

"Because I myself, and my own presence, has its beginnings in my mother": Utada Hikaru releases her much anticipated new album "Fantome"

--

Music listeners all over Japan have been waiting. It’s fair to say that this is not simply hyperbole. Finally ending her hiatus, her 6th original Japanese album and first in 8.5 years, “Fantome” will be released on September 28th. A French word meaning “ghost” or “shadow,” the album is a dedication to her mother who passed away in 2013. It’s her first step forward into a new chapter, and we talk with her and her feelings.

--

— This is you resuming activities after roughly 6 years…

When I announced my break, a lot of people were asking “Why?,” and I didn’t really know how to answer. I wouldn’t really say inertia, but once something starts moving it’s hard to stop, and when something’s stopped it’s hard to move. There was such an immediate commotion around my debut, and from there this identity of “Utada Hikaru” grew so much. The bigger it got, like a big truck it got hard to steer, and I found myself unable to choose my own direction. I thought, “This isn’t good,” so I decided to take a break.

— And now after 8.5 years, this new album. Why the title “Fantome”?

I knew that I wanted this album to be a dedication to my deceased mother, so I was thinking about this idea of Samsara (Buddhist idea of the cycle of death and rebirth) and the word “shadow.” There was a point where anything I laid my eyes on made me see my mother, and even seeing my son’s smile made me sad. But through the process of making this album, these jumbled feelings I was having became a bit more sorted. This feeling of, “Well if I’m feeling my mother’s presence as a shadow, that’s ok. Because I myself, and my own presence, has its beginnings in my mother.” And so as I was thinking about the title, I didn’t like the idea of using English like before, and the Japanese words that came to mind were just way too heavy, so this thought of “French seems to fit” came about. I began searching for French words, and I came across the word “Fantome,” which means ghost or shadow, and I thought “This is it!”

— I heard that the reaction from listeners to the songs “Hanataba wo Kimini” and “Manatsu no Tooriame” which were released digitally in April, had a big impact on the final album?

There were a lot of listeners who heard these 2 songs and realized, “I wonder if these are about her mother?” And it wasn’t sympathy, but more empathy or this sense of the importation of feelings. I had never really encountered with my own songs, where the reaction was so different from my expectation. And both in a good and bad sense, I’d never allowed that sort of reaction to influence my next material. But the reaction to these 2 songs in particular felt so positive to me, that unlike any other albums, I Iet the reactions influence the outcome. During the final half of the recording process, it felt like I received the courage to finish writing the remaining lyrics. The majority of the lyrics from the album were written in the roughly 3 months after that. Definitely the shortest recording up until now. With that being said, the theme for “Hanataba wo Kimini” and “Manatsu no Tooriame” was very delicate so it took a while, and 8.5 years is obviously a long time (lol). And, because everyone knew this was “about my mother,” I had this strong sense of responsibility to not make an album that would paint my mother’s face in mud.

— “Hanataba wo Kimini” was a song that was written specifically for NHK’s Asadora “Toto-Neechan,” correct?

Because it’s such a national program, more than usual I wanted to make the lyrical entry point as wide as possible. Like the (Japanese groups) OFF COURSE and TULIP, and also Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer,” I imagined something light and open, and that’s what I was aiming for. Something that a lot of different listeners could apply to a lot of different situations.

— On the other hand, “Manatsu no Tooriame” has very strong, literary lyrics. I was really taken aback by the beauty of the Japanese language.

For this song, before I even got started, I had made the decision to write the lyrics only in Japanese. I wanted to pursue the significance of singing in Japanese, and the idea of singing a true Japanese “song.” It didn’t seem like a song that had room for English, and it also felt that for me at this moment, using English would just be an easy “escape.” I didn’t want to feel the buzz of the Roman, but rather the natural stain of the Japanese language. I wanted something that could feel beautiful, now and ever.

— The album as a whole, other than a few words in English and French, are completely written in Japanese.

From the very early stages of production, I very consciously wanted to go to battle with this album as “Japanese language Pop music.” The English phrases in my lyrics up until were really used when I didn’t want to directly sing about something, or I just wanted to add some color. But this time, I only wanted to line up the most crucial Japanese words, and only sing lyrics that I felt were beautiful.

— The album jacket, shot by French photographer Julien Mignot, is also very beautiful and artistic.

Thank you so much. I had actually known him before. When I had met him he was just a fledgling photographer, but when I recently went to his website, I saw he was so popular and his photos had gotten so good (lol). With all of my album jackets up until now, one of my directors would suggest photographers, but this was the first time that I personally said, “I think this person is great, what do you think?” I personally contacted him, and all of the scheduling and location scouting was decided by the two of us, and we shot it in Paris. It was the first time where I didn’t feel this sense of work or roles, but just as a normal girl, meeting someone and having them take my photos. It felt very natural, very human, and very freeing. That also ended up tying into my confidence with this album.

— The album opens with the danceable track “Michi.” After going through your mother’s death, your marriage, the birth of your son, the oath like lyrics to the song feel like a frank condensation of all of your current feelings.

Yes. Like, “I’m alright! Let’s go!” (lol). Through the process of writing the lyrics to this song, I felt like I was able to grasp the true subject of this album. I felt relieved being able to say what I wanted to say.

— It’s been 8.5 years, and compared to your previous albums, your voice and lyrics sound even stronger, gentler, and I get the sense that you’ve really grown up.

Besides “Michi,” I made the arrangements of the tracks very minimal, to make sure that my voice and words could be clearly heard. It was to the point of saying, “If you can’t hear the words then there’s no point,” and so my singing too is a bit more gentle and polite.

— I’d agree. The 2nd track, “Ore no Kanojo” is much more adult than anything you’ve done.

This is a song that I’d been messing around with since before my hiatus began. At the demo stage, half of the lyrics were kind of a joke, but I decided I wanted to keep the “Ore no Kanojo” line (lol). I think because I debuted at such a young age, before my hiatus, the thought of directly talking about sex felt taboo. When I would ever hint at something erotic, I avoided expressing it in a direct way. But this time, it kinda felt like going from PG13 to R (lol). I think I imposed on myself a type of censorship, so this time I just really freely picked words. Even simple words like “Dakiau (to embrace)” I felt free to use, and coming to terms with “death” and “life,” I finally felt able to utilize this idea of “sex,” which is such an integral part of “life.”

— On this track, similar to the album title, you use French.

Without any previous experience or any clear calculation, the French words just kinda came to me and I was a little shocked. I think I maybe wanted something very cool and also just very sensual sounding. Moreso than English, French requires a very evocative vocalization method. And also, right when I finished writing the lyrics to this song, I started thinking through the album title.

— Well let me ask some questions about some other tracks. “Ningyo” is very unusual for your songs in that it has a very rustic, acoustic sound.

After my mother had passed away, at a point where I felt like “I don’t know if I can make music anymore,” I picked up a guitar and this song kinda just happened. This was another song that I really felt this urge to write a “beautiful Japanese language song,” hence I struggled a lot with the lyrics. I hemmed and hawed for about a year, and at a point where I just didn’t think I’d be able to reach my goal and was about to give up, all of a sudden these words started pouring out of me. I think due to this sense of accomplishment, this is the song I’m most proud of. Actually, in the original paper-cut MV for “Hanataba wo Kimini,” there’s a scene where this woman who’s been living in this village as a human, suddenly goes to the sea and jumps in and returns to her original form as a mermaid, and when I saw the original storyboards, I felt as if the artist was comforting me, warmly supporting me, and more than anything, just truly understood and accepted “Hanataba wo Kimini,” and I just couldn’t stop crying. And that’s where this mermaid motif took over.

— On “Kayou no Ookami” my ears were really taken by the sighing sounds.

During the final stage of production, when I had run out of ideas, just through sheer momentum this was quickly created (lol). When I was having tea with a friend, we were discussing how we both liked Hermann Hesse, and from there I remembered his novel “Steppenwolf,” and that’s where it tied into the lyrics. I undertook it after the main vocals had been all recorded, and the entire album recording session was ended with these sighs (lol). With “Hanataba wo Kimini” as well, I felt something was missing so I added in the sighs. Actually, using these “breaths” as expression is a mini theme of the album.

— The album comes to a close with “Sakura Nagashi”

There really wasn’t anywhere but the end that this song could be placed. Up until now, I’d take a tracklist proposal from the album production team and we’d all work through it together, but this time I did it on my own. So in that sense as well, with this album, in a lot of ways, as a project leader I had to really take control. Due to my mother’s death and also coming into my own as a mother, I had to suddenly become a proper adult. Knowing that no one else could show me what road to follow, and experiencing this frantic need to keep moving forward, allowed me to grasp a sense of confidence that I’ve never had.

— The lyrics, whether direct or indirect, use the motif of your “mother.” And yet, even though these songs are so personal, the quality of these songs is so high that everyone is able to share in that music. I just have so much admiration for that.

But don’t you think this theme of a “mother” is actually one of the most “pop” motifs? I’d say that for most people, your mother or some kind of presence similar to that, becomes the basis for your own nucleus, and your world sort of forms around that. I’d say that is very very “pop.”

— Yeah when you put it that way it makes sense.

I actually think that’s why the reception to “Hanataba wo Kimini” was so strong. And I think that’s why right now, more than anytime before, I have a strong sense of trust with the listeners.

— Then finally, for you, what sort of album did “Fantome” turn out to be?

It’s an album that I was able to “accept,” and have “accepted.” I wouldn’t call it self-therapy, but listening back to “Michi,” I’ve begun to think “I’m not sad. I’m gonna be alright.” It also might be the first time that I’ve felt this sense of, “listen to this!” so strongly (lol). It’s an album that I really want people to hear. If some kind of feeling can reach the listener, and be accepted, I’d be happy. I plan on continuing to make music after this, but I really don’t think I’ll be able to make an album like this again.

Original interview in Japanese: http://trendnews.yahoo.co.jp/archives/450841/

The new album's packaging and scans!

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Hikki's promotion of her new album!

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New pictures!

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ʕ•̫͡•ʔ ABOUT HIKKI

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ʕ•̫͡•ʔ DISCOGRAPHY

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ʕ•̫͡•ʔ US DISCOGRAPHY (as Utada)

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the Previous Thread
the Official Site
Special 15th anniversary site
Official Twitter
Generasia
Official Instagram
Official YouTube

Nice title for the new hikki thread :D.

Cute title :heart
Thanks for the new thread!

I cannot stop listening to the new album... it's been released just when something like this felt missing from my recent playlists; it deserves every bit of success it's getting. 二時間だけのバカンス is permanently playing in my mind :laugh

Today's ranking: still no. 1

Fantôme: 87,088 + 49728 + 27782 + 25038 = 189,636
EXILE: 79271 + 41258 + 18053 + 10688 + 8345 = 157,615

Seems like Fantôme may be able to break through 200K on the first week!!!!

I wonder if Hikki is feeling inspired to tour. *wishful thinking*

Or make one or two concerts like Wild Life, with free streaming :P... I still remember how emotionally touched while watching the live streaming last time...

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamalley (Post 3217898)

I wonder if Hikki is feeling inspired to tour. *wishful thinking*

somebody should tweet her that omg

During Love Music, Utada mentions that while she can't do it immediately due to the baby, she would like to do something "live-related" soon ...

You can watch the Episode here :

https://goo.gl/MKw9vq

Source Twitter / U Blog

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluegie (Post 3217897)

Amazing :love

I must say I fell in love with 人生最高の日 :luv2

Damn I wish I could understand all that she was saying in the Liner Notes interview cos it seems pretty interesting... shall patiently wait for the eng subs lol

I also can't stop listening to Fântome. I'm currently obsessed with Ore no Kanojo!

Quote:

Originally Posted by oaristos (Post 3217917)

I also can't stop listening to Fântome. I'm currently obsessed with Ore no Kanojo!

Just told alvy the same thing about 2 seconds ago! Hahha whenever this song ends I feel the need to listen to it again and again ad infinitum. I'm trying not to overlisten to Ore no Kanojo, but this has been a difficult task haha

So happy to see an artist from Jpop's peak having this success!

Glad she's doing well with sales so far! I really hope she is #1 for the week! :D

I'm also obsessed with Ore no Kanojo! But I still can't get enough of Tomodachi either!

Ore no Kanojo gives me LIFE!

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeepRiver (Post 3217901)

Thx for the link. I'd really like to know what she said in the itw... It seems interesting. I hope someone translate this one day ! It's good to see some old lives too :)

I can't stop listening some songs of Fantôme like Ore no Kanojo and the featuring with Shiina Ringo

:love

Michi, Nijikan Dake no Vacance and Tomodachi are my favorite songs.

I love the first track, is Michi?? I have no idea about the title tracks, only know Sakura Nagashi lmao

She said she would like to do something at the Royal Albert Hall and with the Abbey Road Orchestra now that she lives in London.

#HikkiWorldTour please.

I don't really see the big deal with Ore no Kanojo but I do think it is a standout track.:yes
I'm so glad Fantome is selling like crazy. But I'm really not surprised, I knew that with all the hype and it being Utada, it was going to be a huge success. I am getting anxious already for the next album.:laugh

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluegie (Post 3217897)

This is unreal. EXILE tried to release a day early to spoil Utada, but don't ever underestimate Hikki... :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by EndOfTheWorld (Post 3217969)

I don't really see the big deal with Ore no Kanojo but I do think it is a standout track.:yes

For me, it's the lyrics. (Usually everything is when it comes to music.) The way the lyrics go back and forth between the man talking and then the woman and their comparison of thoughts. (then of course I was totally not prepared for that French to come along which just. fits. so. well. right. there. and. then.) It was just something different and fresh, considering most things in Jpop right now is so repetitive and flat-lined. (though I'm addicted to that too, I'll admit.)

I mean, I can't speak for everyone but Ore no Kanojo and Tomodachi and Boukyaku are my favorites so I just wanted to put in my two cents.

I personally don't see what's so special about Nijikan Dake no Vacance. I just can't get into that song no matter what. I mean it's still good, no doubt, but it just... doesn't do anything for me.

^listen to it on a pair of good quality earphones. the sound production is really gorgeous.

^
Oh I always use my good quality headphones when I'm at the computer (which I usually am) and the sound production is definitely beautiful, one of the best on the album, or one of the best I've heard this year. I'm always a sucker for acoustic guitars so I absolutely love the acoustic in the beginning, and then those violins that kick in when the chorus starts. (It's very, very nice to hear actual instruments instead of the computerized stuff popular nowadays.) But the song still, as a whole, doesn't give me that OMG feeling it seems to give a lot of others on here and other sites I go to.

But that's all right. I'm not at all saying it's a bad song, cause it's definitely not. I'm just not on the same bandwagon as the majority of the fans here and there. No biggie.

when i first listened to nijikan dake no vacance, i actually hated it , but after a few listens and watching the video it has totally grown on me and it's now one of my fave tracks on the album, sounds awesome with super bass headphones too for some reason

I actually love Nijikan Dake no Vacance so much (like literally the best album track not counting Hanataba and Manatsu). I love the atmosphere of the song. The music and arrangement are so good, and the lyric is on point. Not to mention how harmonious ringo and hikki are in the song.

Anywayz...

Oct 1 ranking: still No.1 :D

Fantôme: 87,088 + 49728 + 27782 + 25038 + 28899 = 218,535
EXILE: 79271 + 41258 + 18053 + 10688 + 8345 + 8175 = 165,790

Just one more day before for the first week sales. It will break 230K for sure (well, it's not hard to get over 12K tomorrow right?). I have to say I'm amazed by the constant sales for the past two days. I thought the sales would drop to 15K on the 4th day, then 10K today. Today's number is actually higher than of the third day! :D

wow she sold more today, that's amazing. Still the Queen of Japan.

probably because its weekend, and most companies salary drops every 30th so many people was able to buy it! Yassss godtada..

So happy with the sales!! total deserving sales

HAVE MERCY ON OUR FAVES GODTADA

With this term..I think the album can sold around 450k-500k in the end. Hikki has longevity so it can reach to that number which is HUGE number for solo singer these days.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miduhyo (Post 3217993)

I also love the concept of the song. It's kind of a breath of fresh air for Jpop, a song with substance and creativity. But the whole album is like that really.:laugh
Manatsu No Tooriame was my top favorite for so long and I think I killed it by overplaying it.:dead2
Tomodachi and Jinsei are rising to the top of my favorites list.
For Nijikan Dake No Vacance, my instant reaction was that it reminded me of 2000's Utada vocally. I liked it when I first heard it and it has grown on me since. I feel like the collab with Sheena Ringo really adds to the song, without her I think the song would be a little repetitive and not as fun.
As for those new sales, wow. What if it becomes the best seller of 2016?:teek

I can't find it, but someone on twitter said the best top 3 albums in 2016 have album sales over 500K at least. Hikki needs to work really hard to get into top 3 I guess.

They have her featured under the new music tab on the iTunes US home page.

Okay. Found the info.

Oricon 2016 top albums (up to the week before Fantome):

1 - Sandaime: THE JSB LEGACY (637K)
2 - Oda Kazumasa (401K)
3 - EXILE - HiGH and LOW (357K)
4 - Nogizaka46 (328K)
5 - Fukuyama Masaharu (302K)

I think Hikki could get into top 3 if Fantome has longevity.

That number 1 spot might be difficult to beat. But I also think the top 3 is a possibility. But if she did get number one I bet it would make headlines everywhere.:yes
I think Fantome will continue to chart through October.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EndOfTheWorld (Post 3218088)

I also love the concept of the song. It's kind of a breath of fresh air for Jpop, a song with substance and creativity. But the whole album is like that really.:laugh
Manatsu No Tooriame was my top favorite for so long and I think I killed it by overplaying it.:dead2
Tomodachi and Jinsei are rising to the top of my favorites list.
For Nijikan Dake No Vacance, my instant reaction was that it reminded me of 2000's Utada vocally. I liked it when I first heard it and it has grown on me since. I feel like the collab with Sheena Ringo really adds to the song, without her I think the song would be a little repetitive and not as fun.
As for those new sales, wow. What if it becomes the best seller of 2016?:teek

:laugh I did the exact same thing. When it first came out I just remember being like OHTADA!!! and just listening to it over and over and over and over and over. I've yet to do that to Hanataba wo kimi ni but I'm getting there. xD

God, I'm still in love with this album. This is and daydream by Aimer have been keeping me alive this past week. Nonstop playing. Excerising, working, even just chilling with friends these albums have been on blaassstt~~~

My favorite part (and totally random story here) has been: a couple of my friends whose only attachment to Japanese is watching some popular animes got really into Tomodachi and tried to sing along with the chorus, and oh my gosh, I wish I recorded it. It was just a bunch of friends singing gibberish together, it was amazing. :laugh

Manatsu no Tooriame has won Best Female Video at the MTV VMA 2016!

She won for a music video she didn't even appear in it! :D:D:D:D:D

^urgh queen :dead2
even she's not in the video, i really like this vid so i'm glad she won it!
but ok nowadays there aren't many good PV's out there anymore

even i love Sakura Nagashi, but i felt without it it's such a good flow after Jinsei Saikou no Hi to Michi when you listen on repeat!

Oct 2: No. 1

Fantôme: 87,088 + 49728 + 27782 + 25038 + 28899 + 32065 = 250,600
EXILE: 79271 + 41258 + 18053 + 10688 + 8345 + 8175 + 10421 = 176,211

250K on the first week! Is this the final number or oricon still reported 80-90% sales daily, then real numbers on weekly chart?

I would like to see what her baby looks like :P

my physical copy is arriving soon (along with Ayu's!) super excited to listen to all the new songs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amorphose (Post 3218092)

They have her featured under the new music tab on the iTunes US home page.

Hell yeah!

Utada and this album deserve all the success.

Ha, I knew she will sell over 200k on the first week! xD

two more days till her sales drop under 20k I's say, another week until they drop to around 10k,...probably end s between 400k and 500k..similiar to Namies P<F

Sales are incredible.

YES! I'm so happy for her! She must be really surprised. <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluegie (Post 3218096)

Okay. Found the info.

Oricon 2016 top albums (up to the week before Fantome):

1 - Sandaime: THE JSB LEGACY (637K)
2 - Oda Kazumasa (401K)
3 - EXILE - HiGH and LOW (357K)
4 - Nogizaka46 (328K)
5 - Fukuyama Masaharu (302K)

I think Hikki could get into top 3 if Fantome has longevity.

Wow! Oda Kazumaza selling really good! Didn't know he have released something this year.

wow i kinda expected 250.000 but with the current situation in the industry i lowered myself to 130-150.000 lmao

good numbers Hikki!!
well deserved tho, one of my fave albums this year and we had really strong releases in 2016! :heart

Really proud of her. those sales are amazing :D and michi is the most downloaded song on iTunes Japan for the second week in a row :D

I am saved, Dear God!
I wasn't honestly expecting some bops and such, but that KOHH song, when I listened to it in my headphones, it's like Heaven talks to me, lmao.

With all this (renewed) utada obsession, I wanted to watch my most favourite concert from her, Utada United 2006. And I remembered that I always wanted to know what is she saying at the begining of Devil Inside; someone knows if there are subs or translations? That would make me the happiest person on earth ♥

And btw, I'm not sure about it, but in the middle of my search I found this; apparently M-ON will be broadcasting the concert within a week to commemorate the release of Fantôme. (But I wouldn't trust the crappy translator, so I hope someone can confirm this!)

Second week's sales so far:
10.3: No. 1 - 14,028
10.4: No. 2 - 12,794
10.5: No. 1 - 11,807

Total est. sales: 38,629

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deibel (Post 3218236)

It's a poem she wrote. I'm not sure she gave a title to it:

The sound of air
The sound of water
The sound of sand
The sound of particles flowing above me
The sound of blood running through me

Little things gradually begin to connect
Large things, growing ever larger, begin to crumble
Becomes smaller. Disappears. Appears. Disappears.
No one is present; no one is present inside my heart
Quiet and vast
There stands a giant tree
Quiet and vast, between the sky and grassy plain it stands

Why is it that we try and show ourselves in a positive light?
Why is that we try so hard everyday to have others like us?
Why is that, when people finally like us, we want to be alone?
I want to be spoiled by someone
I want to be drawn to something soft
I want to reveal a secret to someone
I want people to see my true self
Or do I not want them to see?
I want people to see, but I am afraid of being seen
Which is why I am sad.
That is what I think.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluegie (Post 3218241)

Second week's sales so far:
10.3: No. 1 - 14,028
10.4: No. 2 - 12,794
10.5: No. 1 - 11,807

Total est. sales: 38,629

At the rate it's selling, it will sell around 80,000 to 90,000 in its second week. I wonder if it will sell enough to overtake the #1 spot YEARLY ORICON ranking? The current best selling album is around 600,000 copies.

Utada is going to end its second week at 340,000 copies.

I kinda doubt that it can overtake no. 1 spot. I think she will be no. 3 this year, counting the fact that Arashi's gonna release album this month. She will definitely break 400K at the very least with only one edition and no bonuses :D (really proud saying that lol).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deibel (Post 3218236)

I was JUST watching that the other day. So much memories. I loved this live.

10.3: No. 1 - 14,028
10.4: No. 2 - 12,794
10.5: No. 1 - 11,807
10.6: No. 1 - 10,676

Total est. sales: 49,305

Total so far: 301,886

Is this right or I missed sth?

I've been listening to the album everyday. The more I listen the more I like it.

The latest song I'm really feeling is "Kouya no Ookami".

"Ore no Kanojo" remains the favorite. That latter half is precious.

I need her to do a world tour ASAP.

Wow. Her sales are so steady. So happy for Hikki.

Manatsu no Tooriame performance was broadcasted.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

I like the album but I'm somewhat disappointed.Don't get me wrong, I do like it and the music quality is truly amazing, but when I listen to some of the songs I go into a really deep sadness state that I don't like, don't know how to explain it, it is like i can feel her pain in the lyrics and melodies and i get really emotional. I can't listen to Sakura Nagashi without my eyes getting wet. At this point of my life I can't listen to songs like Hanataba wo kimi ni, boukyaku and SN.
Nevertheless, I really love ore no kanojo, seriously that song is pure perfection. The way she interchanges from the guy's point of view to the girlfriend's one in the lyrics and her voice is awesome. I'm also in love with kouya no ookami, one of the most original songs of the last few years in jpop :) Overall i think it is a good album, and the music quality is better that it was prior the hiatus imo, but the album itself is really sad (well...not surprised, she dedicated it to her mother)

^ I don't think you should be disappointed in the album just because it gives you some sad feels.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toniayu123 (Post 3218374)

I know what you mean, like some ayu songs for example Over, I love that song, for me it's really perfect but I only can listen to it on certain times because I get so emotional with it

I've always felt that Utada's music has a tinge of melancholy. Even the happy sounding songs are nostalgic.

I think Passion is one of the good examples for a happy sounding song with melancholic lyrics.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toniayu123 (Post 3218374)

I kinda understand what you mean. You really like the album but you don't like the mood of the album. Maybe she'll make a happy album next time (in another 8 years probably lol).

Utada I personally feel is the Queen of that type of song. The happy-yet-sad, hopeful-yet-defeated type of music. I don't know how to describe it :laugh but IMO no one does it better than her.

10.3: No. 1 - 14,028
10.4: No. 2 - 12,794
10.5: No. 1 - 11,807
10.6: No. 1 - 10,676
10.7: No. 1 - 13,113

Est. weekly sales: 62,418 (Total est: 314,999)
Week 1 sales: No. 1 - 252,581

I think she will/can pass the 400k mark this month... =O

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zahara (Post 3218398)

I've always felt that Utada's music has a tinge of melancholy. Even the happy sounding songs are nostalgic.

My thoughts exactly!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluegie (Post 3218433)

10.3: No. 1 - 14,028
10.4: No. 2 - 12,794
10.5: No. 1 - 11,807
10.6: No. 1 - 10,676
10.7: No. 1 - 13,113

Est. weekly sales: 62,418 (Total est: 314,999)
Week 1 sales: No. 1 - 252,581

Her sales went up again! Yay! I feel like the sales will continue to impress us for a while. I heard MICHI is a big hit on the radio and iTunes.

Kouya no Ookami gives me Kiss & Cry vibes sometimes

I don't think it's impossible for her to snatch the #1 spot! Maybe not high probable, but you never know! I bet she will definitely at least overtake #2!

I'm backtracking her music with some insights...i never was a huge utada fan - I found her personality somewhat off-putting, yet entertaining, her music quite catchy, yet a bit generic. Even tho, I really love all her songs somehow and can sing along. Her relationship with me is very strange and hard for me to explain.

I'm at HEART STATION again, and I new some facts about it and read some more on wikipedia. Can you recommend me more such infos for the other albums - maybe interviews or something like that?

Her Father tweeted

Made 3 MV and started producing the 3rd. teruzane RT @bokuwaneko I wonder if Mr. Utada and Hikki's team have made a decision on the third MV

Quote:

Originally Posted by URANUS (Post 3218450)

Her sales went up again! Yay! I feel like the sales will continue to impress us for a while. I heard MICHI is a big hit on the radio and iTunes.

It's weekend people have more time to buy music

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeepRiver (Post 3218470)

Her Father tweeted

Made 3 MV and started producing the 3rd. teruzane RT @bokuwaneko I wonder if Mr. Utada and Hikki's team have made a decision on the third MV

My bet is on "MICHI" or "Tomodachi".

This is one of the least favourite albums for me. I like only 2 songs. I think most of the songs are not radio friendly and don't have mass appeal. Michi is the only classic Utada hit that could appeal to wide audience.

I finally got the chance to listen to this album after a week of dealing with agonizing pain in my legs.

I like the album! So many pretty songs on here. Although damn this album makes me sad lol. The song with KOHH was a surprise for me. Love that track.

I really hope the new video is for Tomodachi!

^

:yes :yes :yes :yes :yes :yes

edit: By the way, can any of you guys tell the English she's saying in the pre-chorus in Michi? 'Only you can (something something something) even when you're not around.' It's been driving me nuts. I wanna know~~~

I found it on the web, not sure if it's 100% correct.

First pre-chorus:
Only you can hear me now...
... And I hope you'll hear me out.
It's so puzzling here when we're off...

Second pre-chorus:
Only you can show me love...
... Even when I'm all alone.
Only you can make me fall...

__________________________________________________ __

10.3: No. 1 - 14,028
10.4: No. 2 - 12,794
10.5: No. 1 - 11,807
10.6: No. 1 - 10,676
10.7: No. 1 - 13,113
10.8: No. 1 - 14,470

Est. weekly sales: 76,888 (Total est: 329,469)
Week 1 sales: No. 1 - 252,581

So, because for some reason this is really driving me crazy, I did some research of my own.

I used Adobe Audition, removed the main vocals twice, upped the backup vocals, and used my Sony Dynamic Stereo Professional headphones to listen in and this is what I got.

First pre-chorus:

Only you can hear me now
And I hope you'll hear me out
Yes (maybe guess) I finally came around.

Second pre-chorus

Only you can show me love
Even when you're not around
Only you can make me found

Edit: Apparently only you can make me found is written in the physical album. My bad everyone. I tried my best. :bdig But thank you for the corrections!

With the rest, however, this it is still all subjective until Utada (if Utada) tells us herself. I remember the whole "Passion" confusion when the official lyrics were finally released and most of us were so puzzled because some parts were so not what we thought they were. :laugh but I'm pretty confident in what I heard this time around. Though if anyone knows of any other differences please tell me because it's been driving me nuts. xD

I think it's. Only you can make me found..

Isn't you make me found? If I'm not mistaken, this second part is written in her physical album, where you put the CD, you know? behind it. If anyone has the physical album, would mind taking a look for us?

(lol me and the person above posted the same thing at the same time lol)

That would totally explain that weird sound I heard! It wasn't the effects, it was a completely different word! xD
I do not own the physical CD so I have noooooooooooooooooooooooooo idea. (once I have the money, I'll definitely buy it. It's too beast for me not to own.)

But y'all got me two against one and seem to have reliable resources. xD 'Found' it is. Though I'd still like to see that written on the physical album because I'm anal like that. xD

This album is pure perfection! It's so simple, minimalistic, yet so rich.

First I liked "Kouya no Ookami" and "Boukyaku" most. Then started liking "Ore no Kanojo" and "Tomodachi". The least I like is "Hanataba wo Kimi ni". Album is so Japanese, it's perfect to listen while wandering around in Kyoto.

I wish she did some live!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris85 (Post 3218495)

I think most of the songs are not radio friendly and don't have mass appeal. Michi is the only classic Utada hit that could appeal to wide audience.

The numbers disagree on you. And not being radio friendly is not a bad thing at all. To appeal a commercial audience we have Kpop, Koda Kumi, and lots of other artists. Hikki has reached a point in her career that if she wanted to release a album full of rain sounds, she could.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahtka-chan (Post 3218582)

The numbers disagree on you. And not being radio friendly is not a bad thing at all. To appeal a commercial audience we have Kpop, Koda Kumi, and lots of other artists. Hikki has reached a point in her career that if she wanted to release a album full of rain sounds, she could.

:roflmao :roflmao :roflmao :roflmao :roflmao :roflmao :roflmao :roflmao

Just sharing my customized fantome cover

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...0.jpg~original

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahtka-chan (Post 3218582)

I'm glad it's selling so good, but such album wouldn't make me her fan. For me it's too different from her best works.

^^thx UHPlus love it
i hoped for that alternative cover since the promo pic came out lol

^well you never know Chris85...
i got into Björk with her Medúlla album which she made her beats of voices/acapella stuff and it's still her hardest album to get into her, but she made me still a fan...
so i think even it's not commercial af there a many people out there who probably got into her through Fantôme!

still glad she's selling well and i expect Michi to get the PV treatment!!

10.3: No. 1 - 14,028
10.4: No. 2 - 12,794
10.5: No. 1 - 11,807
10.6: No. 1 - 10,676
10.7: No. 1 - 13,113
10.8: No. 1 - 14,470
10.9: No. 1 - 26,587

Week 1 sales: No. 1 - 252,581
Est. Week 2 sales: 103,475
(Total est: 356,056)
__________________________________________________ ____

My intuition didn't fail me this time :D. She had great sales on Sunday!
Pass 100K on the 2nd week!! Yeah!!!!!!!

so she's def going to sell more than 400k <3 let's hope for the 1 mi now lol

26,587 copies yesterday?!!! This longevity is scary!!! She will pass 400k this week and 500k is a REAL possibility now. If she releases the new PV just in time, she may fight for 600k.

She hit #1 for this week with sales of 104k bringing her up to 356k SLAY QUEEN <3 http://news.ameba.jp.2-t.jp/tEmb?utm...medium=twitter

Wow, amazing figures! Releasing a PV later on was definitely a good idea!

Quote:

Originally Posted by URANUS (Post 3218640)

26,587 copies yesterday?!!! This longevity is scary!!! She will pass 400k this week and 500k is a REAL possibility now. If she releases the new PV just in time, she may fight for 600k.

She will pass the 500k for sure. Right now have a little less sales than Uncontrolled (that sold around 550k), but Fantome even have a better week 2 than Namie's album. I think it will have more longetivity so the 600k sales can happen.

Any new albums this week that might end Utada's streak? Because I know for sure Arashi would end that streak, but their album is scheduled to release in two weeks' time...

But hey, two weeks in a row at #1 is surely awesome! 500k possible? Hmm...