All Artists:Cubic U Title:Precious Members Wishing: 0 Total Copies: 0 Label:EMI Japan Original Release Date: 1/1/1999 Re-Release Date: 3/31/1999 Album Type: Extra tracks, Import Genres:Pop, Rock Style: Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPCs:4988006159709, 766487726825
Synopsis
Album Details
Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track: How Ya Doin (Rap Version).
CD Reviews
Close but no cigar. . .
GorgeousMika | New York, NY USA | 09/30/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Cubic U, otherwise known as Utada Hikaru, had her first debut album in Japan under this Toshiba EMI label. Although I like the first debut album of Utada Hikaru "First Love" more, I have to give a lot of respect to Cubic U (same person), because at the age when these tracks were created, she was a mere 14 years old!! The HEAVY American influence is obvious in each track, as it emulates some of the late 1990 sounds of R&B artists. However the major problem I have with the album is that most of the tracks sound TOO much alike. They're generally with a slow rhythm, it's catchy, but I don't know if you want to hear the same type of rhythm for 12 tracks straight. Some of the songs that break the mold, and are among my favorites on the album are track 1: my little lover boy; track 4: i don't love you; and track 9 work things out. I got this CD to find out just what Utada Hikaru was like before she made it big, and although her voice is still the same, the styles from "Precious" to "First Love" are vastly different. It amazed me that "Precious" only sold 350K (I believe that's right) albums, but now I understand why. Thank goodness Hikki's styles got a touch-up, and now presents a much more round style set, from dance beats to love songs. If you're looking for some R&B beats, this isn't a bad CD at all, but if you've had a taste of Hikki and are coming back to check out her origins, you'll be a bit disappointed."
You are the talent girl, Hikki.
GorgeousMika | 07/20/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"when i listened this album. i like every songs especially Close to you and Take a little while. and i like your voice too. and i think that you were born to be a super star."
Wonderful music!!!
GorgeousMika | 06/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard about Hikaru when I heard her English version of 'Hikari' for the Kingdom Hearts video game. I started listening to her Japanese songs and I was seriously hooked! All her songs were wonderful, then I listened to the songs in her English album, "Precious", and they were wonderful! I really like the songs, Precious Love, Promise, and How Ya Doin. But seriously, all of her songs are just wonderful!"
Re: I paid a big $SUM for this CD! But...
Wendy Loh Lai Si | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 06/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...hei, no regrets. At the tender age of 14, Cubic U aka Utada Hikaru is impeccable. Her voice is well controlled, vibratos not overtly done, the husky lows sizzle (esp. in "I Don't Love You") and her highs are sweet.(Listen to "Take A Little While")She co-wrote all the songs except the Carpenter hit "Close To You". To be fair, the tunes are not the mainstream hip-hop/R&B type you hear from Destiny's Child, Toni Braxton or TLC. I would say that the music is a bit too mature for the young Hikaru. You would expect someone like Minnie Riperton to actually belt out the songs. However, this is not an adversity for little Hikaru because, the freshness of her voice adds a different flavor to the songs.If you are not into bubble gum tunes / commercialized R&B music, Cubic U is something you should add to your MUST BUY LIST."
Hikki ...Time will tell
Yoh Jinno | New York, USA | 12/28/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Like mother, like daughter. Hikaru's voice reminds me of her mother...who happens to be the best Enka (Japanese Equivalent of Country & Western) Singer of my time. This is one CD you must buy. If you got addicted to her voice, you end up with searching Utada Hikaru Albums in Toshiba EMI label. You will never be disappointed."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1