1. Wait and See ~risk~
Kicking off this album is a Utada Hikaru classic. In fact, it was one of the first songs by Hikki I heard. This is a very mid-tempo, laid back song. The first thing you're likely to notice is the percussion. There are also some nice background vocals. However, the stand-out part of this song is definitely the chorus. It has just the right amount of attitude. Hikaru's voice is very strong in this song, but she never tries to overpower the music. This is definitely R&B at its best, and one of my favorite songs. The PV is pretty cool too.

2. Can You Keep a Secret?
This song starts off very quietly with Hikki singing along with a Spanish guitar. When the percussion enters, it does give a more R&B feel, but maintains an interesting kind of ethnic feel. The use of synthesized sounds in this track is really interesting; some of them have a kind of sci-fi feel. Hikki's singing is generally very restrained, and the quavering edge in her voice adds an element of emotion. There is a spoken voice part that adds to the song's uniqueness. This song might not be as good as Wait and See, but it's definitely worth a listen.
Rating: 8 out of 10

3. Distance
This song starts with some chimes that give it a bright, happy kind of feel right off the bat. Again, it is also mid-tempo, but it's more uplifting than the previous tracks. The arrangement is pretty basic, with lots of percussion and some record scratch sounds, but the simplicity keeps it from overpowering Hikki's beautiful singing. The chorus is so sweet you can't help but smile. For some reason, this song has a very 'American' feel to me, possibly because Hikaru was raised in the US. Regardless, it's an excellent piece, and one of her best efforts.
Rating: 9 out of 10

4. Sunglass
This song falls into the category of what I think of as "R&B love songs," specifically the kind you put on when you want to put the moves on your significant other. Unfortunately, Hikki's singing isn't quite seductive enough, and this is the 4th relatively slow song in a row. At this point, I'm starting to feel ready for a nap. Nothing in this song makes it stand out, and to top it off it has a really cheesy synth section in the middle. Can we say bad 70's porn? Okay, that was mean, but it's just not a very good song. I have yet to see why every R&B artist feels the need to include these songs on their albums.
Rating: 6 out of 10

5. Drama
Finally, something a little more exciting. This song is actually more rock than R&B. There are some nice, crunchy guitars, and the arrangement has a rather dark feel. This song still isn't fast, and at times the melody feels a bit unnatural, but at least it is a change of pace. The filtered sound used on Hikki's voice at times really adds to the mood. This track might not appease all j-rock fans, but it should interest those of you who like harder music.
Rating: 8 out of 10

6. Eternally
I would call this the first true ballad on the album. Hikki excels at this kind of song; her voice can be so tender and moving. As you'd expect, this song mostly features piano and percussion. Hikki shows off her range to good effect, and the chorus has a very classic melody. This song could easily be the theme song for a movie; it has that soundtrack kind of feel. The lyrics might not be the most original, but really this is a very touching song. Fans of 'Distance' and 'First Love' will like this one a lot.
Rating: 9 out 10

7. Addicted to You [Up in Heaven Remix]
Ah, my first Hikki experience was with this song. Or maybe it was 'First Love'. Anyway, this is another mid-tempo song, with VERY minimalistic intrumentation. Actually, there's only some percussion and Hikki going "Chica-chica-ah." She sings in her lower register pretty frequently in this song, which is a nice change of pace. Overall, I'd say this is a very 'sexy' song. My friend who loves R&B called it "Japanese Janet Jackson." One warning: at 5:20, this song can seem to drag a bit.
Rating: 9 out of 10

8. For You
Yup, this album really is putting me to sleep, despite the relatively good scores. This is a strange piece. Some of the harmonies seem kind of atonal, and the melody itself is odd. There is no background music except percussion until the first bridge. The chorus is a bit more accessible, but really the verses ruin it for me. Fans of hardcore R&B might enjoy this, but more pop oriented fans will be perplexed. If they are still awake.
Rating: 7 out of 10

9. Kettobase!
Let me at first say that I NEVER expected to hear "I want your baby" in a jpop song. Don't ask me why; it's just not the kind of thing that pops up too often. However, once I got over that, I found that I really enjoy this song. It is incredibly sexy and maybe even a little suggestive in tone. Moreover, it is UPBEAT! Finally! There is some nice guitar in this song during the verses, which are kind of low and dark. The chorus, however, is bright and soaring and just screams to be karaoked. I have to say that this is probably my favorite song on the album.
Rating: 10 out of 10

10. Parody
Okay, now for a complete change of pace. This is a relatively laid back piece with some interesting jazz piano and a bouncing beat. It does seem kind of repetative at times, but it is kinda fun. I can't really think of a way to describe it. However, I will say it is one of Hikki's best vocal performances. And I enjoy the meshing of hip-hop, rock and jazz that is attempted. Just check it out.
Rating: 8 out of 10

11. Time Limit
My ex-roommate would have called this track "ghetto." It has a very hip-hop beat and some guest rappers. The chorus has a nice melody and interesting harmonies, but it feels a little too familiar. I think this would be a good song to play at a club, but on this album it just feels like more of the same. As always, I love listening to Hikki's voice, and the rap section adds some variety. I want to give it a 7, but that feels a little harsh. *sigh*
Rating: 7.5

12. Kotoba ni Naranai Kimochi
Oh, good. Another slow to mid-tempo song that isn't a ballad and not a dance song. Well, this one has some synth-y sounds and heavy percussion... just like all the others. Oh, and Hikki is singing in a soft, quavering way except in the chorus... just LIKE ALL THE OTHERS! Honestly, this isn't a bad song, but couldn't there have been more upbeat pieces on this album? Really, there's nothing I can say about this track that I haven't said before. It's okay.
Rating: 7

13. HAYATOCHI - Remix
Zzzzzz.... oh, there's one more track to review! Well, this is a remix of a song I've never heard before. It has lots of scifi sounds and a weird piano. Oooh, and percussion that is louder than Hikki's voice. This is really just a mesh of various sounds with Hikki singing and some "doo doo doo's" thrown in for good measure. I can only hope the orinigal of this song was better than this. I would write more, but I think you get the drift. This is making me want to curse, and this is a family website.
Rating: 6 out of 10

Well, the mathematic rating is a 7 leaning toward an 8. However, this album was just way too repetative and slow to get an 8. I like Hikki a lot, but I'd recommend "Deep River" over this album any day.

Overall Rating: 7 out of 10