New Hikaru Utada album BAD MODE! and online Concert Announced

On the 23rd anniversary of Japanese music sensation Hikaru Utada's debut, and to celebrate the occasion we've been sent news on her 8th studio album, BAD MODE!

Released digitally on January 19th and following on CD on February 23rd, the album will feature hit songs such as:

• Kimini Muchuu from TBS drama Saiai
• One Last Kiss from the final Evangelion film, Thrice Upon a Time
  
• Find Love featured in SHISEIDO's new global campaign
• Face My Fears - opening theme for action role-playing game KINGDOM HEARTS Ⅲ
• Time, the main theme for NTV Sunday drama Bishoku Tantei Akechi Goro
• PINK BLOOD, the main theme for anime series To Your Eternity
• Darenimo Iwanai, the SUNTORY Tennensui CM song

The album also features brand new songs, including the title track “BAD MODE”, and bonus remix tracks too.

The Single-Run Limited Edition CD will be bundled with a DVD and Blu-ray that contain the “Hikaru Utada Live Sessions from Air Studios” concert and behind-the-scenes documentary of the show, along with music videos of “Time,” “One Last Kiss,” “PINK BLOOD,” “Kimini Muchuu,” and “BAD MODE.” 

Online Concert Event

Further to the album, a live concert titled "Hikaru Utada Live Sessions from Air Studios" will also be streamed on January 19th (Hikaru Utada's birthday) at 8pm JST.

The studio concert was recorded at Air Studios, the legendary recording studio in London, with the concept of performing the songs for the first time from Hikaru Utada’s brand-new album "BAD MODE". Performing the majority of songs from an album on the very day of its release will be a first for the artist.

For this performance, Utada gathered a group of renowned musicians led by bassist Jodi Milliner, the band master for their tour in 2018. The session is recorded and mixed by sound engineer Steve Fitzmaurice, who also worked on the new album. Video was directed by David Barnard, whose filmography includes Radiohead's "In Rainbows - From Basement" and Eric Clapton's "LOCKDOWN SESSIONS".

The streaming nature of the concert will allow you to immerse yourself in the ultimate performance with the best sound and video in the most comfortable space of your choice.

It's a rare opportunity for fans everywhere and the artist themselves to share and celebrate the release of the first new album in 3 years and 7 months.

Tickets cost 2,800 Yen and are available here: Hikaru Utada Live Sessions from Air Studios (utadahikaru.jp)

Check out one of the headline songs from the new album, Kimini Muchuu, courtesy of the official Hikaru Utada Youtube channel: