Hey Joeri, lets keep this a productive discussion instead of a heated argument. I totally agree with you that Ultra Blue is one of Hikki's best albums. My favorite album is between that and Deep River. I love all the songs from both albums. As for Heart Station there are several songs I never really grew to like. Rarely does a Hikki song not grow on me on one point or another like Flavor of Life.

The part I take offense is that you say that the quality of her songs have dropped. It never has. Its just that the tone and style has changed. Looking at all her albums none of them are similar to one another. Maybe just don't like what Hikki has been putting out these last couple times but many of fans still love them, myself included.

Also, if you read articles and interviews you would know that Hikki identifies herself as a musician and is very passionate about it. Accusing her of "i must do this for a living mentality" is wrong. I have never heard a 'fan' tell the artist to stop producing music. For Hikki, you might as well tell her to stop living or breathing because thats what it amounts to for her.

Its fine that you want to be subjective but you should also be productive at the same time. Instead of saying Hikki should throw in the towel you should say what you didn't like and why, say what you think needs improvement, and then hope she meets your expectations the next time. Telling Hikki to jump ship now would be to disappoint millions of fans. You also got to understand that not all the songs are always going to fit your standards. Its called progression and its what makes Hikki stand out from most artists. She constantly changes. For example Sakura Nagashi, a beautiful song filled with emotion, was different than anything she had written before. How can you say none of her songs after Ultra Blue lack emotion.

She always tries her best and cares about her fans. She promised to be back in 2-5 years and she did, and when Utada the Best was released she stated that she didn't wish her fans didnt have to buy the album because there was nothing new on it. Does this seem like the type of artist that puts out work that is subpar just so she can make more money?

Calling me a blind fan isn't completely wrong but not right either. If there is ever a day Hikki starts pushing out albums annually like Ayumi, I would abandoned ship because I know she wouldn't be trying anymore. But I know for a fact that day will never come.

For the second song, Manatsu no Tooriame, you can find it on youku. It was also on youtube but stupid copyright took it down. Type in the kanji for it not the romanization.