What makes Keep Tryin' by Hikaru Utada notable?

Keep Tryin' reached number one on the Oricon Singles Chart, marking another commercial success for Utada. Its impact extended beyond sales; the song's themes of perseverance resonated with audiences, reflecting a cultural moment of resilience in Japan during the mid-2000s. Released in 2006, Keep Tryin' is Hikaru Utada's fifth single from her album Ultra Blue, following her successful breakout in the early 2000s. At this point in her career, she had already established herself as a leading figure in J-pop, particularly after her debut album First Love which sold millions. This single continued to solidify her status in the Japanese music industry while showcasing a mature sound evolution.

How many songs are on Keep Tryin'?

Keep Tryin' has 3 tracks, running approximately 14 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Keep Tryin'

Hikaru Utada · 2006

14 min · 3 tracks · J-pop

An uplifting blend of pop and R&B, layered with ethereal vocals and infectious melodies that resonate deeply.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Keep Tryin' — This title track encapsulates the album's hopeful message, driven by an infectious beat and soaring chorus that encourages listeners to persevere through challenges.
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WINGS — WINGS features a more introspective tone, showcasing Utada's vocal range and emotional depth, making it a poignant counterpart to the upbeat nature of Keep Tryin'.
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Keep Tryin' [Original Karaoke] — The karaoke version invites fans to engage directly with the song, emphasizing its widespread appeal and sing-along quality, vital to J-pop culture.

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

The single showcases strong melodies and production but is limited in depth due to its short length.

What we noticed

The title track features a steady mid-tempo beat with layered harmonies that build throughout the song, creating a sense of uplift.
The second track, WINGS, shifts to a more upbeat tempo and incorporates a prominent bassline, contrasting with the first track's mood.
The single includes an original karaoke version of Keep Tryin', allowing listeners to engage with the melody without vocals.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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 — Further solidified Utada's commercial success after her early hits, resonating widely with audiences.
Themes: personal resilience· Japanese pop culture· freedom and aspiration
Career context: Released in 2006, Keep Tryin' is Hikaru Utada's fifth single from her album Ultra Blue, following her successful breakout in the early 2000s. At this point in her career, she had already established herself as a leading figure in J-pop, particularly after her debut album First Love which sold millions. This single continued to solidify her status in the Japanese music industry while showcasing a mature sound evolution.
Stylistic neighbors: Namie Amuro· Kyary Pamyu Pamyu· Aimer