Akadot - Review: Mai-K: Jpop singer Mai Kuraki's First U.S. Album Release

Singer Mai Kuraki (or known as Mai-K in the U.S.) hit the music scene with her U.S.A. debut single Baby I Like at the age of 16. Her talents were discovered by Giza Studios and two months later she debuted with her first Jpop debut single Love Day After Tomorrow which was huge success. Soon after, she released numerous number one hits such as Stay By My Side, Secret of My Heart, and to this day continues to churn out chart topping songs.

Mai Kuraki's music was also featured on the popular Japanese animation series Detective Boy Conan and other TV shows. Many compare her as the "second Utada" because they both have released songs in English, they are the same age, attend college, and their styles are quite similar. This year, Mai Kuraki released her first English album entitled Secret of My Heart which includes many of her Jpop hits in English.

The Japanese version of this song was Mai Kuraki's hit single and was the ninth ending theme song for the anime TV series Detective Boy Conan. This is actually a mellow song tune and a lot slower than the Japanese version. The song is nice, however, the Jpop version has a little more impact.

This song was actually featured in a Korean TV drama series, which is quite fitting because it is a soft and romantic ballad. This was the second track coupled with Baby I Like on Mai Kuraki's U.S. debut single.

A huge change of pace in comparison to the previous track. The style of the song is very R&B influenced and sounds very similar to Hikaru Utada's style. Some of the original Japanese lyrics are preserved in this song, which surprised me since this is her English album. This song features Michael Africk, which provides the background vocals and rap for this song. Mai Kuraki also shows a little of her rapping skills in this song.

This song was Mai Kuraki's debut single as a singer. Similar to the previous track, this song is performed in R&B style. Again, even though it reminds me of Hikaru Utada's style, I think this song stands on its own. The lyrics and chorus is very smooth and fits the music really well. It is no surprise that Mai Kuraki caught the eye of Giza Studio with the song.

This was Mai Kuraki's second hit single in Japan. This song is very mellow actually and sounds like a typical J-pop song. Personally, I think this song has a nice tune and chorus, but lacks impact like some of her other songs.

This track seems like a filler track and there is nothing that really stands out in this song. This is another R&B tune, however the music is a bit choppy and it isn't on the same level with Baby I Like or Never Give You Up.

This was the title track on Mai Kuraki's first Jpop album release. When I listened to the intro, the music sounded like a song from the eighties. However, if you continue to listen, the song takes a quick turn into R&B style. This is another tune that sounds like traditional J-pop, but is a catchy and upbeat tune. One of the more unique songs on this album.

This song was Mai Kuraki's debut song on the Jpop sing and created instant stardom for the singer. The English version is a lot slower than the Jpop version. Personally, I think it is a shame because the Jpop version was had more impact. But, it is interesting to listen to the song sung entirely in English. This song is very upbeat and I feel the chorus is the best part of this track.

Again, the album takes a turn into R&B style. This song also features a couple of lines in Japanese. This song is quite interesting because the tune often changes from R&B to a more mellow sound before the chorus.

This is a much slower tune then the previous tracks. The song actually sounds like another filler song. It doesn't tug at your heart strings as Did I Hear You Say that You're in Love.

This is a remix of the third track featured on her U.S. debut single. This song has a smooth R&B sound and has an interesting intro.

Overall, this album would rank 7.5 on the Akadot scale. She has some really good songs on here and does display her talent as a singer. However, I think Mai Kuraki is better suited as a Jpop singer, and it shows in her other Jpop works. Sometimes, it is hard to understand the English lyrics she is singing. I really don't want to compare her to Hikaru Utada, but for some reason her English pronunciation of the lyrics are not as clear as Hikaru Utada's English. Also, I am a bit disappointed that the Jpop tracks that were transformed into English weren't kept the same. The music is a bit different and seems to lack the excitement and impact the Jpop versions had.

I think this album is suited for someone who likes Hikaru Utada's style or an English music listener who is interested in listening to Jpop, but doesn't know where to start. Personally, I prefer her Jpop titles that she released after this album such as Reach for the Sky, Tsumetai Umi, and Stand Up. With this album, it is easy to find similarities with her music and Hikaru Utada's music and almost inevitable not to compare the two. But, in her later releases, Mai Kuraki proves she has her own style and is in a league of her own.