Hikki vs BoA - Who Won The Best English Album Battle?

With both singers’ English albums now out I had a chance to listen to them over the past couple of days so which one was better? Hikki or BoA?

First off let’s start with Hikki’s This Is The One which is what I listened to first. The obvious difference from her usual Japanese output was plain to see – she’d gone back to her r’n'b roots that she started her career off. After listening to the album for the first time from start to finish I was of the impression that I really liked it but upon listening to it again I got tired of it fairly quickly. I’ve got to say I’m fairly disappointed now in this album. Many tracks are repetitive in nature. I was frankly surprised at the sexual undertones in a couple of songs, I had to pinch myself at times that it was really Hikki singing those lines although I understand it is very tongue in cheek! This Is The One isn’t all bad though – there are a couple of good songs like Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence – FYI, Apple and Cinnamon, On and On and Dirty Desire. So the final verdict is it could have been better. Was it better than her previous English album Exodus? I don’t think it is.

A couple of days later I listened to BoA’s debut English album and what a difference this one is compared to Hikki’s. It’s just magnificent and way better. I can’t fault any of the songs – it is just solid from the opening track I Did It For Love right through to the final one Hypnotic Dancefloor. It’s full of catchy upbeat tunes. I really really loved it. I’m hoping this does well for BoA because she deserves it for releasing such a brilliant album. Don’t miss out on it!

At the end of the day BoA’s album easily won this battle. I expected better from Hikki but she’ll come back strong with her next Japanese album I’m sure of it.