COLORS / Hikaru Utada

COLORS / Hikaru Utada. Front. Click to zoom.
COLORS / Hikaru Utada
Front
Composed by Hikaru Utada
Arranged by Hikaru Utada / Kei Kawano / Russell McNamara
Published by Toshiba EMI
Catalog number TOCT-4455
Release type Game Soundtrack - Official Release
Format 1 CD - 4 tracks
Release date January 29, 2003
Duration 00:18:53
Genres
Rate album!

Overview

A mixture of a Japanese single of Utada Hikaru's, "COLORS," and the English version of "Hikari" from Kingdom Hearts, "Simple and Clean," this single is an unusual fusion that is intended to appeal to two different audiences. When "Simple and Clean" is available on the American version of the Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack, why would a game music fan want to reach out into the depths of a Japanese artist's single to hear the international version of "Simple and Clean" rather than buy the Original Soundtrack? To be honest, I don't know. Is it an album for two groups of people or something that nobody would love? Read on and see...

Body

"COLORS" is a simple fusion of traditional J-Pop and chillout electronica. Featuring a sweet and dreamy melody projecting against a simple synthesizer bass line and a drum kit, colours are created with the contrast of the ethereal synthetic and tuned percussion elements of the theme, Utada Hikaru's mesmeric Japanese vocals, and an eventual piano line. Though instrumentally a tad cheesy and repetitive, when the vocals are added, everything seems to fit and become enchanting. Unfortunately, the theme barely develops, based on a simple popular song format that lacks a memorable chorus or interesting instrumental bridges. The timbral diversity of the track and Utada's gorgeous vocalisation of the verse is the track's only asset. Given this is the title song, it's quite a blow for the single that it really doesn't offer much original. Can the album recover?

The track most Kingdom Hearts fanatics are looking for, "Simple and Clean" is the English version of "Hikari" used in the international version of the game and the domestic Tokyopop soundtrack. It's not as good as the original due to the jarringly cheesy English lyrics, lack of relation to the Kingdom Hearts storyline, and Utada Hikaru's somewhat cringe-worthy pronunciation, which almost sounds like a southern USA accent in places (I swear she says 'Simple and Cletus' (aka the slack-jawed yokel) rather than 'Simple and Clean'). However, on a stand-alone basis, it's a pretty good light-hearted J-Pop theme with a gliding and catchy melody, interesting echoing and manipulation of vocals, and functional but effective instrumentation. People who enjoyed the performance at the end of Kingdom Hearts' international version should consider listening to it in album or single, though also ought to be aware of the strength of the Japanese version "Hikari" and the fact this version is available in the domestic soundtrack. 

"Simple and Clean -PLANITb Remix-" is an extended version of the opening theme to the international Kingdom Hearts. It's very similar to "Hikari -PLANITb Remix-" with the exception of the lyrics. Russell McNamara daringly transforms the original J-Pop ballad into an unrecognisable dance remix featuring lots of electronic effects and vocal distortion. Upbeat, funky, and fun, the vibrant beats synchronise well with Utada Hikaru's superb vocals and the unusual music technology manipulation makes the track original and intellectually appealing. The extended and highly experimental opening of the track will be unfamiliar for those who have played the game or heard "Hikari -PLANITb Remix-" on the Original Soundtrack. It's long-winded and techno-influenced with little relevance to the core of the track and was likely added to the track after the so-called 'short edit' so that those who have heard the Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack think they have something to gain. 

The album ends with a rendition of "COLORS" except without the vocals. All those who have checked out Japanese vocal singles before will know the trick. Blah. 

Summary

This single only really exists for a commercialistic purpose. Were Square to place "Simple and Clean" and its PLANITb Remix into the Kingdom Hearts: Hikari - Utada Hikaru single instead of this one, the redundancy of having two Kingdom Hearts singles would have been avoided and the empty "Hikari" single would have had more meaningful content. It seems rather like a cheap trick to get game music fans to buy two singles and the lack of relevance of "COLORS" to Kingdom Hearts makes "Simple and Clean" seem further misplaced. Though this album might appeal to hardcore fans of Utada Hikaru, given it constitutes an official single from her and "COLORS" is fairly pleasant, most Kingdom Hearts fans would be better off without it.



Album
5/10

Music in game
0/10

Game
0/10

Dave Valentine

Overview

Utada Hikaru is the female voice that gave us "Hikari" for Kingdom Hearts, which was remixed to produce some great songs. Utada returns with the English version of the song, entitled "Simple And Clean" for a special single called "Colors".

Body

The first track "Colors" is her own track made especially for this release. It shows her writing talent and is an excellent dance pop song. The chords are different from the norm and the Eastern influence is made clear from the outset. The song is sung in Japanese but is so feet stompingly great, you'll not notice!

"Simple And Clean" is the English version of "Hikari" and, while in essence nothing but the language has changed, the song is captured whole again and seems like a new song. The lyrics are good enough to not be slushy, and the elocution is spot on!

"Simple And Clean - PLANITb Remix" is the real dance version of the song but in English again. Although the lyrics at times seem ever so slightly too rushed, it all slots into place for a real dance anthem. This is how a dance remix should be done. The final track is a karaoke version of "Colors", so you can grab a translation and sing along in your language to the excellent tune.

Summary

Overall, if you love pop music, dance music, J-Pop, or just great music, then this single is highly recommended.



Album
8/10

Music in game
0/10

Game
0/10

Simon Smith

Overview

This is Utada Hikaru's 12th single and it was released on January 29, 2003. This single reached #1 on the Oricon Weekly Charts and it has sold 893,790 copies. It includes the English theme song for Kingdom Hearts, "Simple and Clean". Here are my thoughts about the release.

Body

"Colors" might seem ancient and outdated as a single (since it was released back in 2003), but I still think it's a great song. I also thought it was a wise choice for Hikaru to include the song on her album Ultra Blue because the overall mood and BGM go along well with the newer songs on the album since it also has a somewhat synthetic influence.

First things first, "Simple and Clean" is NOT the English version of "Hikari". It's the BGM of Hikari set to English lyrics. The English lyrics are not similar to the Japanese lyrics at all. Aside from that, I like this song because it introduced me to Hikki and J-pop altogether.

The same thing applies to the PLANITb Remix as well. It is a fresh perspective on the original suitable for the opening of the game. Thank you, Kingdom Hearts!

Summary

This song will be special to fans of Kingdom Hearts and Utada Hikaru alike. That said, gamers should be advised there is a domestic edition of the Kingdom Hearts soundtrack for those wishing to hear the English versions. However, this single is worth it for "Colors" alone.



Album
9/10

Music in game
0/10

Game
0/10

Lex

The second track "Simple and Clean" is the theme song for the Western release of Kingdom Hearts (Kingdom Hearts -Final Mix- in Japan).
Album was composed by Hikaru Utada and was released on January 29, 2003. Soundtrack consists of 4 tracks tracks with duration over about 20 minutes. Album was released by Toshiba EMI.

CD 1

1
COLORS
04:03
2
Simple and Clean
05:03
3
Simple and Clean -PLANITb Remix-
05:45
4
COLORS -Original Karaoke-
04:02
30.04.12

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