Automatic/Time Will Tell cover

Automatic/Time Will Tell

Hikaru Utada · 1998

16 min · 3 tracks · J-pop

A blend of sultry R&B grooves and ethereal pop melodies that showcases a new era in J-pop.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Automatic — This track combines smooth R&B rhythms with an unforgettable chorus, establishing Utada’s signature style and capturing listeners with its emotional depth.
  • →
    time will tell — With its introspective lyrics and laid-back groove, this song exemplifies Utada's lyrical maturity and mastery of blending genres.
  • →
    time will tell (dub mix) — The dub mix offers a fresh perspective on the original track, showcasing Utada’s versatility and the potential for remix culture within J-pop.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

This single blends R&B and pop effectively, establishing Utada's unique style in J-pop.

What we noticed

  • The lead track 'Automatic' features a steady groove with layered vocals that create a rich, atmospheric sound.
  • The dub mix of 'time will tell' emphasizes rhythmic elements and adds an experimental twist to the original.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This single established Utada's reputation and topped charts, marking her entry into J-pop.
Themes
Japanese pop revolution· R&B-infused nostalgia
Career context
When 'Automatic/Time Will Tell' was released in December 1998, Hikaru Utada was a fresh face in the music scene, having just transitioned from the U.S. to Japan. This debut single set the stage for her subsequent success, marking her emergence as a defining voice in Japanese pop music.
Stylistic neighbors
Namie Amuro· Kyary Pamyu Pamyu· Aimer
New to Hikaru Utada? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Automatic 5:15
  • 2 time will tell 5:29
  • 3 time will tell (dub mix) 5:36

What to play next

First Love
Listen next

First Love

1999

Continues the blend of R&B and pop with emotional depth, building on the breakthrough sound.
Precious
Go back to

Precious

1998

Offers a smooth transition with similar vibes and themes from the same era.
Full Hikaru Utada discography Where to start with Hikaru Utada Artists like Hikaru Utada
J-pop contemporary R&B funk

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Sweet 19 Blues

Sweet 19 Blues

Namie Amuro

Shares sultry R&B grooves and a similar pop sensibility, capturing late '90s Japanese trends.

Aquarius

Aquarius

Tinashe

Merges ethereal pop with contemporary R&B, echoing themes of introspection and emotional complexity.

Fable

Fable

Faye Wong

Blends ethereal soundscapes with pop melodies, reflecting a nostalgic vibe akin to Utada's work.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata