What makes This Is Love by Hikaru Utada notable?

This single achieved significant commercial success, charting at number one on the Oricon Singles Chart and solidifying Utada's status as a leading figure in Japanese pop music. Its innovative sound and production helped influence the direction of J-pop in the mid-2000s, blending elements of R&B and dance-pop that resonated with a global audience. In 2006, Hikaru Utada was transitioning from her initial rise to international fame with her earlier albums. 'This Is Love' followed her successful English-language debut, 'Exodus,' showcasing her continued evolution as an artist and her exploration of new musical styles while still rooted in J-pop.

How many songs are on This Is Love?

This Is Love has 1 track, running approximately 4 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

This Is Love

Hikaru Utada · 2006

4 min · 1 track · J-pop

A shimmering blend of electronic beats and soulful melodies intertwine, creating a dreamlike soundscape that defines contemporary J-pop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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This is Love — The title track encapsulates the album's ethereal quality, featuring a catchy chorus layered over intricate electronic instrumentation that highlights Utada's vocal prowess.

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 production and melody but is limited by its singular format.

What we noticed

The track features a steady electronic beat layered with lush synths and vocal harmonies that create a rich, immersive sound.
The structure of the song includes a verse-chorus format, with the chorus providing a contrasting emotional lift.

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

This is Love

The song’s narrative shifts from introspection to an open declaration of love, inviting listeners into an intimate emotional space.

This structural shift enhances the emotional impact by contrasting vulnerability with boldness, showcasing Utada's lyrical depth.