[Not Fade Away]

^ I agree completely. I actually think it will be amazing if she explores different cultures/areas of the world on her hiatus because we might get a totally new sound from her when she returns. Also everyone is always like "Oh Ayu is the Queen of lyrics, blah blah" which -- she does write amazing lyrics - but most of Utada's lyrics also move me in the same way.

Like Teiku 5 has one of my favorite set of lyrics by Utada. And even though that song cuts off abruptly it makes sense concerning the theme of the song.

The five songs she wrote before her hiatus also held a lot of meaning. I think you're right in saying that it was what she wanted to do and it 'was' captivating because of that. She wrote about everything from the strength of her mother to her actual hiatus. The lyrics and compositions of all five songs are just really beautiful. They also encompassed different genres in their own way.

I honestly think she will return sooner rather than later as well. I wouldn't even mind if she returned and just did a series of live concerts and didn't release new material for like 2-3 years haha. I know that sounds crazy but I loveeeeee her lives. Her vocals are better than CD quality and she always adds something to her songs when she sings them live that I'm like "OMG WIN" haha.

For example, the "la da da da daaaaaaaaaaaa" in Hikari was soooo moving. Speaking of, I've also been a fan of hers since Hikari -- it's crazy that it's almost been 10 years lol.

*Sighhh* she really is just amazing.