Hikaru Utada's "One Last Kiss" - A Musical Masterpiece For Evangelion's Final Chapter
When Japanese-American superstar Hikaru Utada released her extended play "One Last Kiss" on March 9, 2021, fans of both the artist and the iconic Evangelion franchise knew they were experiencing something truly special. This EP wasn't just another collection of songs; it was a carefully crafted musical journey that served as the perfect accompaniment to the final installment of the Evangelion theatrical series.
The Significance of "One Last Kiss" in Evangelion's Legacy
The release of "One Last Kiss" marks a significant milestone in the Evangelion franchise's musical history. After leading all the theme songs for the movie trilogy of Evangelion, 宇多田ヒカル (Hikaru Utada) continues her tradition of creating unforgettable music for the series by singing the theme for the last and final installment of the anime, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time.
This final chapter in the Evangelion saga demanded a musical piece that could capture the emotional weight of the series' conclusion, and Utada delivered masterfully. The song serves as more than just an ending theme; it's the emotional capstone that ties together decades of storytelling, character development, and philosophical exploration that Evangelion is known for.
The EP's Musical Composition and Arrangement
"One Last Kiss" stands out from both the Western and Japanese versions of Evangelion themes through its unique arrangement. Unlike previous versions, this song is arranged in a lonely atmosphere with prominent guitar solos and string arrangements that create a melancholic yet hopeful tone. This musical choice perfectly reflects the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye to a beloved franchise while also looking forward to new beginnings.
The song's structure and instrumentation work together to create an emotional landscape that mirrors the complex feelings of the characters and the audience. The guitar work provides a raw, intimate quality, while the strings add layers of depth and emotion that elevate the piece beyond a typical pop song.
Beyond the Title Track: The EP's Complete Tracklist
In addition to "One Last Kiss," the EP includes eight tracks from both the Neon Genesis Evangelion TV anime series and the Evangelion New Theatrical Edition film series, newly recorded and remastered for this release. This comprehensive collection serves as both a celebration of Utada's contributions to the franchise and a perfect introduction for newcomers to her musical style.
The inclusion of these remastered tracks demonstrates the careful curation that went into creating this EP. Each song has been selected and arranged to create a cohesive listening experience that takes fans on a journey through the emotional landscape of Evangelion, from its early days to its final moments.
Critical Reception and Commercial Success
"One Last Kiss" has managed to sneak an anime EP release into the international charts, defying expectations with huge critical acclaim. The song and EP have been praised for their emotional depth, musical sophistication, and perfect alignment with Evangelion's themes and narrative.
Critics have noted how Utada's music has evolved alongside the Evangelion franchise, with each new release capturing the essence of the series at that particular moment in its development. The final theme song encapsulates not just the conclusion of the story but also the growth of both the artist and the franchise over the years.
The Cultural Impact of Utada's Evangelion Themes
Hikaru Utada's involvement with Evangelion goes beyond simply providing theme songs. Her music has become inextricably linked with the franchise's identity, with each new release generating significant buzz and anticipation among fans. The "One Last Kiss" EP represents the culmination of this long-standing collaboration, bringing together years of musical and narrative development into a single, powerful release.
The cultural significance of this collaboration cannot be overstated. Both Utada and Evangelion are cultural icons in Japan, and their continued partnership has created some of the most memorable moments in anime music history. The final theme song serves as a fitting tribute to this legacy while also pointing toward new creative possibilities.
The Song's Lyrical and Emotional Depth
The lyrics of "One Last Kiss" reflect the complex emotions surrounding endings and new beginnings. Lines like "Oh, can you give me one last kiss?" capture the bittersweet nature of farewell while also hinting at hope for the future. This emotional complexity mirrors the themes explored throughout the Evangelion series, making the song a perfect thematic companion to the film.
The song's placement as the ending theme of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time gives it additional significance. In other words, this song is the last song of the entire new theatrical version of Evangelion, making it a historical piece in anime music history.
The Vinyl Release and Collectible Appeal
For collectors and audiophiles, the Deep River (2LP) vinyl record by Hikaru Utada offers a tangible way to experience her music. While not directly related to the "One Last Kiss" EP, this vinyl release demonstrates the enduring appeal of Utada's music and the various formats through which fans can engage with her work.
The vinyl format provides a warm, rich sound quality that digital formats often can't replicate, making it a favorite among serious music enthusiasts. This physical medium also serves as a collectible item, allowing fans to own a piece of music history in a format that can be appreciated for generations.
Streaming and Accessibility
Fans can listen to "One Last Kiss" by Hikaru Utada on Apple Music and other major streaming platforms, making it easily accessible to a global audience. This widespread availability ensures that both longtime fans and newcomers can experience this musical milestone regardless of their location or preferred listening method.
The song's availability on streaming platforms has contributed to its international success, allowing it to reach audiences who might not typically engage with anime music. This accessibility has helped cement Utada's status as a global music icon and has introduced Evangelion to new audiences through its memorable theme songs.
Conclusion: A Fitting Farewell to an Anime Legend
Hikaru Utada's "One Last Kiss" EP represents more than just a collection of songs; it's a musical journey that encapsulates the emotional depth, complexity, and significance of Evangelion's final chapter. From its carefully crafted arrangements to its thoughtful curation of tracks, every aspect of this release has been designed to provide fans with a fitting farewell to one of anime's most influential series.
The success of "One Last Kiss" both critically and commercially demonstrates the enduring power of both Utada's music and the Evangelion franchise. As fans continue to revisit the series and discover it for the first time, this EP will remain a crucial part of the Evangelion experience, serving as a beautiful musical reminder of the impact this story has had on audiences worldwide.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Evangelion, a follower of Hikaru Utada's music, or simply someone who appreciates well-crafted pop music with emotional depth, "One Last Kiss" offers something truly special. It's not just the end of an era for Evangelion; it's a celebration of the power of music to enhance storytelling and create lasting emotional connections with audiences.
