Who is the Queen of J-POP | POP 101: A Guide to Hikaru Utada (Part 1)

In Part 1 of our POP 101 series on Hikaru Utada, Chris and Chantel Nicole explore the early career of one of J-pop’s most influential artists - tracing their rise from Cubic U to the record-breaking success of "First Love" and the sonic expansion of "Distance". We discuss how Utada’s unique background, artistry, and lyrical perspective reshaped the Japanese music landscape, set new industry standards, and laid the foundation for a career that would span decades. From underground beginnings to instant icon status, this episode unpacks the origins of a legend. Join us on Patreon!:   / cctvpops   Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops 0:00 - Intro 1:56 - A Brief History of J-Pop 4:52 - The Beginnings, Cubic U and "Precious" 6:11 - "Close To You" 12:58 - "Automatic" / "Time Will Tell" 20:45 - "Movin' On Without You" 25:41 - "First Love" album and single 33:13 - "Addicted To You" 37:50 - "Wait and See -Risk-", "For You" / "Time Limit" and "Can You Keep A Secret?" 39:28 - POP QUIZ! Give us your answers in the comments for a shout-out! 46:07 - "Distance" album References: “Close To You” (Cubic U) MV    • Cubic U (Utada Hikaru) - Close To You   “Automatic” MV    • 宇多田ヒカル - Automatic   “Automatic” Live 1999    • Utada Hikaru 宇多田ヒカル - Automatic   Natural ...   “Movin’ On Without You” MV    • 宇多田ヒカル - Movin'on without you   “First Love” MV    • 宇多田ヒカル - First Love   “Addicted To You” MV    • 宇多田ヒカル - Addicted To You (UP-IN-HEAVEN MIX)   “Wait & See ～リスク～” MV    • 宇多田ヒカル - Wait & See ～リスク～   “For You” MV    • 宇多田ヒカル - For You   “タイム・リミット” MV    • 宇多田ヒカル - タイム・リミット   “Can You Keep A Secret?” MV    • 宇多田ヒカル - Can You Keep A Secret?   About CCTV: Hosted by music industry specialists Chris and Chantel, CCTV: The Nonstop Pop Show provides in-depth discussion, review, and analysis on the best pop acts, songs, albums, and concerts from around the world. Check out our intro video to learn more:    • Introduction to CCTV: The Nonstop Pop Show   #cctvpops #ratedcc #Albumcview #ChantelNicole #Musicreview #albumreview #music #popmusic #welovemusic #musicshow #musicpodcast #reaction #podcast #albumreview #popmusic #ratedcc #ambw #musicshow #popmusic #musicreview #isitboppin #quickfix #albumcview #songreview #ChrisandChan #ChanandChris #chaoticcuteness #sassysaviness #宇多田ヒカル