Flavor Of Life / Utada Hikaru

11 April 2007

宇多田ヒカル Utada Hikaru
Flavor Of Life

28.2.07
18th single
TOCT-40095

tracklisting
1 Flavor Of Life
2 Flavor Of Life -Ballad Version-
3 Flavor Of Life (Original Karaoke)
4 Flavor Of Life -Ballad Version- (Original Karaoke)
5 Flavor Of Life -Antidote Mix-

purchase date 23.3.07

review
"Flavor Of Life" is a reasonably good ballad comparable to her older works. Tied as the theme song for Japan's version of "Meteor Garden 2", "Flavor Of Life" is hikki first oricon #1 single after the release of "Be My Last" in 2005, and hikki manage to secure this top spot for 3 consecutive weeks. Unlike any of her post-best singles with pathetic few tracks, "Flavor Of Life" has 3 versions for a total of 5 tracks, which might be the key reason for the good sales result.

Arranged solely by hikki, the original version retains her recent mild dance beat that is similar, but better than "COLORS". The original version do link back a little to her R&B roots. However, the beats of this original version makes the song sounds very rushed. Furthermore, hikki's vocal is a little incompatible with the electone arrangement, making her voice floating randomly above the instrumental.

Being the lead track, the -Ballad Version- obviously has better arrangement backed by a full orchestra. Compared to the original version, the ballad version is more relaxing and laidback, which I think suits the lyrics and melody better.

Remixed by Alexis Smith, the -Antidote Mix- can be classified as a simplified version, as it is recorded with only drum beat and minimal programming. This version is very similar in style to the "Passion ~after the battle~" and is more in line with hikki's recent works.

Overall, I really like "Flavor Of Life". I think this is her best single since "誰かの願いが叶うころ", because I actually like "Flavor Of Life" upon my first listen, as contrast to her post-EXODUS singles which requires a long digestion period.

recommending #2 Flavor Of Life -Ballad Version-, #5 Flavor Of Life -Antidote Mix-
rating 8/10 good

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