Greetings
Welcome to Animato, a small website dedicated to Utada Hikaru, an established superstar in Japan and an emerging face in the American music industry. The goal here is to introduce Utada to new audiences, and to show my appreciation for this young woman's contribution to music. So, sit back, and enjoy the show. ^_^
Last updated 2005-03-12.
"Animato"
My mind is set on bigger business
This is not a time for reminiscing
This is something new and interesting
Why are you trying to classify it?
This is music for all humanity from me...
Who?
Her name is Utada Hikaru (or Hikaru Utada, depending on how you read names). A prodigy in the Japanese pop world, she brings her vocals to the American market with the release of her album, Exodus. Unlike other Asian singers who have tried to break into the English-language pop charts, Utada was born in New York City and grew up fluent in both Japanese and English. Around 1999, she released her debut album, "First Love," in Japan. Though she was virtually unknown, the album sold millions of copies, and pushed Utada, also known as Hikki to her loyal Japanese fans, into the spotlight. In 2002, she signed a contract with Island Def Jam Records, and began working on her English-language debut, delaying her studies at Columbia University and her continuance in the Japanese music industry. The album, Exodus, was finally released on October 5, 2004, and its energy-filled single, "Devil Inside," has already climbed the Billboard dance charts. Will her success continue? That's up to you to decide.
Exodus?
Under the name "Utada," Utada Hikaru released her fifth album, Exodus, on October 5, 2004, to the American market. A sultry mix of dance, pop, and R&B, Exodus contains fourteen eclectic, high-pumping tracks, from the farewell of "Exodus '04" to the confessions of "About Me." Utada wrote and co-wrote the songs, and also produced along with other big names, such as Timbaland, proving that she is no "Britney Spears." The album includes the following:
- Opening
- Devil Inside
- Exodus '04
- The Workout
- Easy Breezy
- Tippy Toe
- Hotel Lobby
- Animato
- Crossover Interlude
- Kremlin Dusk
- You Make Me Want to Be a Man
- Wonder 'Bout
- Let Me Give You My Love
- About Me
If you'd like to know more about Exodus, please feel free to read my personal review of this album. Don't forget to go pick up a copy of Exodus in your nearest music store!
Interactive
Interested in showing your support and gratitude for Utada as well? Suggestions are welcome.
- Fanbook
Sign your name, write a message. - Gallery
Showcase your newest Utada fanart in our small gallery. - Media
Lyrics, photos, and more of the like. - Linkage
Related links to other Utada websites.