Hikaru Utada as Japanese R&B: 15 songs to listen to

Japanese R&B

Japanese R&B could be the next thing after city pop. (Well, gradually growing in some region.) Talking about Japanese R&B, the impact of this singer/songwriter is undeniable. Let’s take a look at Hikaru Utada’s discography from the perspective of Japanese R&B. Various R&B related songs are covered within this page, including the debut single to the latest duet with Sam Smith.

Hikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada who’s just finished their tour “SCIENCE FICTION TOUR 2024” across Asia, celebrating 25 years of their career is undoubtedly one of the biggest music acts in Japanese History. They are definitely recognized as the giant pop star, however the R&B factor has been in their music from the very beginning.

15 songs to listen to

Here are 15 R&B songs of Hikaru Utada you might want to listen.

time will tell

This song once was supposed to be their debut single. They ended up choosing “Automatic” as the single. You already know what happened to the music chart back then regarding “Automatic”, which was a huge success. Nevertheless, this song was included as the side B of the single and left much impact since the lyrics are very encouraging and touching. Utada opened “SCIENCE FICTION TOUR 2024” with this song and I truly believe the song must be the very special one to them and to the fans as well since this masterpiece is strongly related to their unforgettable debut era.

In My Room

It’s very authentic 90’s HIP HOP/R&B style with some vinyl scratches and rapping phrases added to the song.

Addicted To You

Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis who’ve produced big artists like Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey. Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis came to Japan to tour for the first time in 2024. Wonder if they met Utada during the stay.

For You

Produced by Utada Teruzane and Miyake Akira. The sound is very thick probably because the great master Goh Hotoda was in charge of the mixing.

タイム・リミット (Time Limit)

Produced by Rodney Jerkins who’s produced Brandy & Monica, Destiny’s Child and Toni Braxton. Takuro Kubo of GLAY contributed to the writing as well. The song is basically about fickleness of people and the importance of time limit.

光 – Godson Mix

People outside of Japan may be familiar with this song because of “KINGDOM HEARTS.” The song was also released in English as “Simple and Clean” This Godson mix is more club-friendly than the original version. Produced by Alex “Godson” Richbourg.

Exodus ’04

Produced by Timbaland who’s produced R&B classics for Aaliyah and Ginuwine. Can’t believe this could be our Exodus ’24 this year. Time Flies.

Wonder ‘Bout

Utada, Danja and Timbaland teamed up and made this fresh R&B.

Kiss & Cry

Groovy and catchy. “Nissin cup noodle” mention was unexpected but fun.

Apple And Cinnamon

StarGate who’s a producer for Ne-Yo and Beyonce was part of making this song. The love once was simple and innocent like apple and cinnamon.

Come Back to Me

Again, StarGate joined forces to create this emotional R&B track. This was the first single off of the album “This Is The One.” It has some “We belong Together” by Mariah Carey vibe maybe due to the piano sound and the theme of lost love. We wish we could “photoshop” all our bad memories and regrets for sure.

Too Proud featuring Jevon

Bouncy and addictive. Jevon’s verse is lit as well.

Time

Produced by Hikaru Utada and Nariaki Obukuro. Simple yet sophisticated.

Stay With Me feat. Hikaru Utada (Song by Sam Smith)

Sam Smith did this song with Mary J. Blige, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul back then. At the 10-year anniversary of “In The Lonely Hour”, Smith chose Utada as the new collaborator. Such a magical collaboration of the two beautiful singers.

Automatic (2024 Mix)

The history-making debut single of Hikaru Utada. While considering which song to put to their best album “SCIENCE FICTION”, they said they got emotional and cried, listening to this song. During the encore of “SCIENCE FICTION TOUR 2024”, They closed the show with this song. The new mixing gives new dimension to the song. Can you tell the difference?

25 years of Hikaru Utada

Finally, how was a digging journey of Hikaru Utada from the aspect of Japanese R&B? Wish I could have added more songs since they have a large amount of catalogue.

Their music is beyond genre and more diverse for sure. However, Utada literally paved the way for other artists to incorporate “R&B” to the pop world.

If you want to check their recent works and news, please check out their website → https://www.utadahikaru.jp/

Very much looking forward to witnessing what’s to come from Hikaru Utada in the near future. History is still in the making.