Kingdom Hearts II: Passion – Hikaru Utada

	Album Title: Kingdom Hearts II: Passion – Hikaru Utada
	Record Label: Toshiba EMI
	Catalog No.: TOCT-5003
	Release Date: December 14, 2005
	Purchase: Buy at CDJapan

Overview

This is Hikaru Utada’s 15th single and it was released on December 14, 2005. This single reached #4 on the Oricon Weekly Charts and it has sold 112,345 copies, making it her lowest selling single to date. Not only was it used in Kingdom Hearts II, but it’s also one of her best songs to date. Here are my thoughts about the release.

Body

The first track is the ~single version~ of “Passion”. I love the beginning of this song because it sounds so epic. Her voice sounds so mystical and ethereal throughout the whole song. The strong mix of synth and percussion is amazing. Hikaru’s vocal range at the end of the song is astounding as well. I only wish the verses were a little longer and the my “heart’s a battleground” sequence from the Kingdom Hearts II opening version was included in the single version.

The next track is the slower piano-based ~after the battle~ version. This version is used as the ending theme of Kingdom Hearts II. The chorus is the biggest change for me because there are no background vocals and her voice is calmer and more relaxing. I also thought it was a nice touch to add the instrumental of the single version at the end because the instrumental alone is great and unique compared to her past work.

Summary

Overall, “Passion” is an excellent song in both its version here. However, the single might not satisfy as the English version “Sanctuary” is not present and there are no B-sides. But for what it features, this release is delightful.

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