October 28, 2010 42

Preview of Utada’s “Goodbye Happiness”!

Utada Hikaru (JPN)

Utada’s staff have posted an audio preview of Utada’s “Goodbye Happiness,” off of her upcoming best album, “Single Collection Vol. 2.” Check it out here! (or here for Mac users). Thoughts?

October 24, 2010 10

Promotional Radio and TV appearances

Utada Hikaru (JPN)

Utada’s official website has been updated today with a partial list of upcoming Japanese radio appearances, as well as several TV programs which will be running music videos in support of Utada’s “Single Collection Vol. 2.” For the full list, check out her official site.

October 24, 2010 9

Utada: “The release of ‘Utada The Best’ is entirely against my will”

Utada (US), Utada Hikaru (JPN)

Utada took to Twitter today to inform fans that the upcoming Universal Japan release, “Utada The Best,” was conceived entirely against her will. She says, “I understand that if it doesn’t sell I’m the one who will take the hit, but to be honest, I don’t want my fans putting down money for something that my heart isn’t in.” She goes so far as to call out Universal for deciding to release the compilation album on the same day as EMI’s legitimate release, “Single Collection Vol. 2.” Utada mentions a more formal announcement will be coming in the next few days. Stay tuned.

October 20, 2010 19

English Language Best Album “Utada The Best” being released on 11/24?

Utada (US), Utada Hikaru (JPN)

According to Tower Records Japan, a compilation album of Utada’s English language tracks will be released on November 24th, the same day as her forthcoming Japanese best album, “Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 2.” It appears that the Universal Music release will feature tracks from both her “EXODUS” and “This Is The One” albums, in addition to various remixes that were released during both time periods.

October 19, 2010 11

Utada Announces 2 night Yokohama Arena Concert Series “WILD LIFE”

Utada Hikaru (JPN)

Utada’s official website has been updated with more details regarding her upcoming 2 night Yokohama Arena concert series. First and foremost, the 2 shows (taking place December 8th and 9th) have received an official title: “WILD LIFE.” Tickets will be processed through a lottery system, where fans apply and are later notified about ticket availability. For full details, check out the official ticket website.

October 17, 2010 1

“Hymne a l’amour ~Ai no Anthem~” Translation

Utada Hikaru (JPN)

For those looking for a translation of Utada’s “Hymne a l’amour ~Ai no Anthem~,” check the full romanization and translation after the jump.
Read the rest of this entry »

October 17, 2010 6

Utada’s “Can’t Wait ‘Til Christmas” Next Single off of “Single Collection Vol. 2″?

Utada Hikaru (JPN)

Throw this one in the “Unconfirmed/Rumor” bin: Teruzane Utada has made several tweets today alluding to a video being shot with a Christmas theme, possibly hinting at Utada’s “Can’t Wait ‘Til Christmas” being the 2nd lead single off her upcoming “Single Collection Vol. 2″ album. His first tweet mentions an early morning due to a video shoot, and his 2nd tweet includes the statement: “We are having an early taste of Christmas today.” While not an outright confirmation, it seems logical that a Christmas themed video would imply that “Can’t Wait ‘Til Christmas” would be the next promo single off of the album. Hopefully there will be a confirmation soon.

October 15, 2010 6

Teruzane Utada talks Upcoming Concert

Utada Hikaru (JPN)

Teruzane Utada (via @u3music) mentions that talks for Utada’s upcoming 2 date concert series are well under way. A stage mock-up was created a few weeks back, and other concrete plans have begun. This will be the first time that Utada herself will produce a live show, with Mr. Utada assisting as co-producer. Their aim is to create a “warm” show, so don’t expect the high-tech visuals of the Kiriya Kazuaki produced Utada United 2006  Tour.

October 15, 2010 10

“In The Flesh” Tour Footage Coming Soon

Utada (US), Utada Hikaru (JPN)

According to both Utada and Teruzane Utada’s Twitter accounts, footage from this year’s “In The Flesh” Tour will be released in the coming months. It appears that a physical release may be eschewed in favor of a digital-only package, possibly through Apple’s iTunes Store. Mr. Utada notes that there are some technical difficulties with Apple, but that the footage is already edited and mixed. He promises a release by the end of the year.

October 10, 2010 12

Utada’s “Hymne a l’amour” Scores #1 on iTunes Japan

Utada Hikaru (JPN)

Utada’s cover of Edith Piaf’s “Hymne a l’amour” has officially hit #1 on iTunes Japan. Congratulations to Utada!

October 8, 2010 17

Utada’s “Hymne a l’amour ~Ai no Anthem~” Now Available on iTunes Japan

Utada Hikaru (JPN)

Utada’s latest digital release, “Hymne a l’amour ~Ai no Anthem~,” is finally now available in full at iTunes Japan. The track is 6:33 in length, and includes new Japanese lyrics penned by Utada specifically for this cover. Get it here.

October 3, 2010 30

“Single Collection Vol. 2″ Tracklist and Cover Revealed; First Press Details

Utada Hikaru (JPN)

Utada’s official website has been updated with the final tracklist for her upcoming “Single Collection Vol. 2″ best album. Disc 1 of the collection is in reverse chronological order, while Disc 2 contains all 5 new tracks. First Press editions include a 3-fold paper sleeve and case, along with a Kuma amulet/good luck charm, plus a chance for 1000 fans to win tickets to Utada’s upcoming concert.

September 29, 2010 10

Teruzane Utada: 2 Video Shoots

Utada Hikaru (JPN)

According to Teruzane Utada (via @U3Music’s Twitter account), the recording process for the new tracks off of Utada’s upcoming “Single Collection Vol. 2″ is now complete, but more work is just around the corner. He specifically mentions photoshoots as well as 2 separate video shoots that will be taking place in the near future. No word on specifics, but it seems safe to speculate that they may be 2 music videos to be used in promotion of the album.

September 27, 2010 22

Pepsi CM Track “Hymne a l’amour,” Announces 2-date Japanese Concert Series

Utada Hikaru (JPN)

Big news today: A new track titled “Hymne a l’amour ~Ai no Anthem~” has been announced, and will be featured in forthcoming commercials for Japan’s Pepsi NEX soft drink. Pepsi has previously tapped popular artists such as Perfume and Koda Kumi to cover Western tracks in their NEX commercials, and Utada continues this series with her take on Edith Piaf’s classic. The track features Utada singing in French along with new Japanese lyrics that were penned specifically for the track. Chaku-Uta downloads commence tomorrow, with Chaku-Uta Full and PC downloads beginning on October 9th.

UPDATE: Watch the full 15 and 30 second commercials at Pepsi’s official site. Also available are behind the scenes footage and an interview. Utada mentions in the interview that she took inspiration for the arrangement of “Hymne a l’amour” from  Chick Corea’s “Spain.”

Additionally, Utada will be performing in Japan for the first time in 4 years, playing 2 nights at Yokohama Arena on December 8th and 9th. Further details on ticket availability will be announced in October.

Finally, Utada’s official Twitter account is here! Make sure to follow!

September 16, 2010 21

Utada’s 2 Disc “Single Collection Vol. 2″ Available Nov. 24

Utada Hikaru (JPN)

Utada’s official website has been updated with more details regarding her upcoming album, “Utada Hikaru SINGLE COLLECTION VOL. 2.” The compilation will be released on November 24th, and will be divided up into 2 discs (previous singles on disc 1, 4-5 new tracks on disc 2). The tracklist is still to be determined, although the PLANiTb Acoustica remix of “Beautiful World” has officially been added.

UPDATE: Pre-orders are available at CDJapan.

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