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Hikki is exquisite on this album. You can definitely see the growth between First Love and Distance. Hikki has come into her powers as an enchanting songtress. She loves what she does and it shows.

The beats are kickin'. The production is bangin'. Mind you I am not one for current flavors of R&B & Pop but Hikki makes it fresh. She's a creative force to reckon with and I just can't wait for more.

Also, while I do not have a good grasp of the Japanese Language (I can speak it but my vocabular and understanding of grammar is limited), I thoroughly enjoy listening to the words spoken. While I may not be able to visit Japan, I can immerse myself in Japanese through Hikki.

By the Way, did you know that Hikki was born in New York? She also attends Columbia University. It just goes to show you that the world is big and opportunities are waiting to be grabbed.

BTW, for all those in the States that love Hikki... Hikki has inked a deal with Island Records. Look out America ... here comes Hikki!!


I can't keep Japan's secret: Hikki is ready for the world!   April 20, 2001
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

I've been listening to popular music for three decades, keeping myself open to rising young talents who take contemporary styles and give them substance...emotionally, stylistically, whatever. I've loved the sound of contemporary r&b/hip-hop from day one, but found that true visionaries like India.Arie are the exception rather than the rule. Based on this album and her debut (FIRST LOVE), the young Japanese superstar Hikaru Utada is in my opinion another of those rare talents that open-minded music fans of all ages live to discover!

Hikki, who lists a number of 1970s soul icons (e.g., Minnie Riperton) among her influences, basically has the total package. Her vocals display a soulful vulnerability that one expects of singers twice her age, a trait that creates an irresistable tension when channeled through the vocal cords of someone who is barely a post-teen (think of Michael Jackson at that age). Her tunes almost without exception commit themselves to one's memory--even if one cannot understand Japanese there are still a wealth of memorable melodies and nuances to absorb and retain. Furthermore, the production is state-of-the-art, confidently blending today's hip-hop sound with the beauty of classic soul, and throwing in everything from hip-hop and rock to jazz, rap and reggae over the course of the album. Hikaru turns to such legendary producers as Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis at times, but her musical vision remains consistent no matter who is/are shaping the sounds behind her. Amid all of this, she avoids the shallow plastic/profane images that are a turn off to content-conscious watchers of popular culture.

This CD contains a number of stellar tracks recently issued as singles (ADDICTED TO YOU, WAIT & SEE-RISK, FOR YOU, CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET?), several b-sides (with a remix or two), and a fair amount of new material. Even the couple of lesser tracks are still worth repeated listens. Meanwhile, the vast majority of DISTANCE is truly addictive...and a reminder that up-and-coming generations of musical talents will always have a few up to the challenge to walk in the footsteps of their most brilliant predecessors.


I would like to point out...   August 11, 2001
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

This CD rules and I already wrote a review because of that fact, but I believe it is important to point out that this CD is NOT the original Japanese printing of the CD. This is in fact a Chinese/Taiwan (probably) authorized release of the album. The original Japan print album is the more expensive incarnation of this CD available here. Although most Taiwan/Chinese release of albums are normally undistinguishable in the audio itself, the packaging can be severely inferior (Ex. Book portion could be printed on cheaper paper, lower resolution of letters or photos, abridged/removed pages, etc.)

**This can be distinguished because of the wrong name on the left side of the cover scan. In Chinese characters/Kanji, written vertically, it says 'Utada Hikaru,' but the problem is that 'Hikaru' is written as a single kanji (the first 3 is 'Utada', the last being 'Hikaru,' top to bottom). Her Japanese name is instead the same 3 kanji for 'Utada', but 3 katakana letters, phonetically written as 'Hi-ka-ru' instead of a single kanji letter. Since a phonetic alphabet does not really exist in Chinese, her name is written in the single kanji that is also read 'Hikaru' in Japanese.


Wonderful, wonderful CD!   May 8, 2001
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I bought this CD while in Japan. I heard the catchy tune "Can You Keep A Secret" being played on the radios of every store, shop, mall, everywhere I went.

I took the CD home, still un-opened and left it that way for a few weeks after I came back to the US. When I finally listened to the album, I was blown away...and hooked!

I know a little Japanese and am studying the language, but I think that even those who don't speak Japanese would love and appreciate this CD, it is truly awesome! It has a wide range of sounds and styles of music, from R&B to Alternative Rock. I think I'll have to buy her first CD, now!

I'm also learning to sing "Secret" in Japanese! Get this CD!!!


Hikki does it again.   May 12, 2001
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Man I just can't get enough, I have this CD playing in my car constantly, Utada's music is the kind of music that keeps playing in your head, all of the tracks on this CD are incredibly well produced. On this album Hikki covers a wide range of genres, from her usual R&B arrangements to even some Rock tracks. Almost every track on this CD sounds like a #1 single. It is in your best favor to lessen the "Distance" from you to this album.