If you were curious of the older dubstep sound I was referring to, maybe give this a shot. Let me know if it changes your opinion or not, it's all good! ua-cam.com/video/gzaTLhtSwtM/v-deo.html
Skrillex was chosen for this because he's been a huge KH fan for his entire life. His name is actually a reference to KH2 where the main bad guys got their names by mixing the letters around and adding an 'X' into it.
@@JessesAuditorium Not only that, but originally he got together with her to do a remix of the ending song, Don't Think Twice, and apparently they were vibing and getting along so well that Utada asked him to instead work with her to create an original song. So Face My Fears was born from their combined passion and a fusion of their musical styles.
Not that I doubt you (as I know next to nothing about Skrillex) but what name can you make once you remove the X? I'm staring at the letters and all I can see are 'killers' or 're-skill'...
Hikaru Utada has been the singer for the main vocal themes since KH1 so even though the dubstep part is kind of unusual for KH, Utada's voice still grounds it in traditional KH vibes. Apparently Skrillex has been a fan of KH since he was young. He and Utada met by chance at a metal festival in Germany of all things and she later contacted him about maybe doing a remix of KH3's ending theme song "Don't Think Twice" to be used in the opening of the game, which eventually turned into just recording a new song for it altogether. There's also an orchestral version of this on the soundtrack album though it doesn't play anywhere in-game.
@@dustydave961 they just released an official Kingdom Hearts playlist for Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, UA-cam and maybe others. The track is on there. Over 350 tracks and 17 hours of KH.
Most kingdom hearts games have sort of a “pop” intro which is sung by Utada and a divergence from Shimomura, so in the case of Face my Fears, it followed that tradition for kh3 :)
I personally think this song works better with the visuals of the opening than just a stand alone piece. The other two main game opening songs, Simple and Clean and Sanctuary, are better on their own but the opening to KH3 is probably my favorite (which is an achievement since all the KH opening movies are incredible, there's pretty much nothing like them in the industry). Interesting note about Utada: she's good friends with Kingdom Hearts creator Nomura and originally did the opening song for the first Kingdom Hearts as a favor to him. She's a rather big pop artist in Japan. After KH2 she realized her music was a huge part of Kingdom Hearts' identity and asked for more money for her work, which Square Enix refused. This is why she only has made songs for the main 3 games since as Nomura put it: Kingdom Hearts is Utada and refused to let any other artist provide a song for the series. Apparently they came to an understanding for KH3 hence why she recorded a new song.
As someone who doesn't regularly listen to dubstep, I was surprisingly okay with this when it was revealed. I'd say it's not close to the openings for 1 and 2, but I still enjoy it.
You could spend a full day listening to the singer's catalog and not be through all of it, I'm thrilled you got to hear them. Utada Hikaru did the main themes for all three kingdom hearts games and did the same for all the newer Evangelion movies. This is a good song, but I'm more partial to their personal album stuff where they have more control over the sound. If you were an anime ost react channel, I'd happily recommend some of the Eva tracks just to get a more accurate measure of Hikki's sound. As for this song, this is exactly how the trailer had it, so it is not a remix. The Japanese version of this song has the same title, but different tone of lyrics. Personally, I'm more partial to the other theme Utada did for this game which is called 'Chikai' (Oath) and the English version is 'Don't Think Twice'.
@senselessmind8603 their current work would run at least 11-12 hours, not counting the work they did as a child with their parents, which is pretty sizeable and would be a full day unless you just don't sleep, wash up or cook lol
I like a lot of the Kingdom Hearts songs including this one. I'm surprised Jesse hasn't reacted to "Simple and Clean" (especially the original and the orchestral versions), "Sanctuary", and "Think Twice". I'm looking forward to seeing them on this channel.
Utada is such an incredible artist and vocalist. I love her whole discography. And man, even though Kingdom Hearts 3 is 4 years old, this song hits me like a truck with nostalgia 🥺
Utada Hikaru has been in the music industry since she was like 14 years old... I think her first album was actually released in the US under the name Cubic U or something... She didn't catch on in the west initially, but became big in the Japan... I think her parents were also big in the music industry in Japan... I forget... But yeah, she started getting a cult following in the west after Kingdom Hearts 1, I believe, with the popularity of the opening/ending song, Simple and Clean (I think Hikari was the name of the Japanese version). She was brought up in New York for some time, if I remember correctly, so she can sing pretty well in both English and Japanese... She released at least a couple of English Language albums... I'm not sure they did super well outside of Japan (and maybe weren't as popular as her other stuff in Japan, for being in English), but I quite enjoy them... She started in a somewhat pop/RnB style, and kinda stuck with the version of that in each era, but is also sometimes pretty experimental sounding at times... As others have said, while this song is pretty different to the rest of the KH soundtrack, Kingdom Hearts games typically open with tracks similar to this... KH1 and 2 both open with similar tracks... Not quite as dubsteppy as this, but a similar sound... Typically the opening song is more of a remix of the more pop version at the end of the game... Although I think for KH3 they have a second song instead... I haven't had the chance to play it yet, but I know two songs exist lol... Actually, there might be a slower, cleaner version of this song too... It seems a bit jarring, but they kinda bookend things, so...yeah lol...
Oh shit, this just made me realize that you've never done the other Hikaru Utada KH songs. Its wild because for me and I think most others when they think of KH music they're what come to mind first. You're right though this one is definitely the most divisive one by far and has people really split, I warmed up to it over time but I still wouldn't say its one of my favorites
So Skrillex has called the genre of this song "future bass." Wikipedia describes the genre as "a style of electronic dance music which developed in the 2010s that mixes elements of dubstep and trap with warmer, less abrasive rhythms."
This song was actually added into the game at the last minute. She recorded another song called "Don't Think Twice" which was supposed to be the main theme (which ended up playing over the credits instead) but they ended up using this for the opening movie instead. I actually liked this song! When I heard Skrillex I thought it was going to be irritating noise but this was more like regular electronica to me.
I instantly fell in love with Utada Hikaru's vocals back in middle school when I beat my first Kingdom Hearts game, Chain of Memories for the Gameboy Advance. I was so floored by the vocals that I beat the final boss again just so I could pull out my phone and record the already crunchy, compressed audio by holding my phone to the gba speaker. Having said that, Face My Fears is by far my least favorite of the songs she's worked on for the series, but I chalk that up to genre preferences. I don't dislike dubstep, I just don't actively listen to it. In the end it DID grow on me, but it took awhile especially since she did two songs for KH3 the other being my favorite that she's done for the series. I hope you check out more of Utada Hikaru's songs for the KH series soon, they all sound nothing like this one and they're phenomenal.
I just love how the song starts, and Utada's vocals. But I'm just not a fan of the dubstep sections. I probably don't dislike this song as much as I did when I first heard it, but for me personally it just cannot compare to her songs from KH1 and 2. But Utada did another song for KH3, "Don't Think Twice" that I like much more, so I'm thankful for that.
Utada is a prolific pop/rock fusion artist. Pretty sure she got her first big start on Evangelion. Most intro themes for KH are just remixes of her songs. Face my Fears is an Utada Hikaru and Skrillex song made *for* kh3.
Boy I never thought you’d react to a skrillex track. This is awesome. I’ve been a fan of skrillex since the beginning of his EDM career pretty much. This track is beautiful and I can say the same for the rest of his discography. It’s so cool that he got an official song in a kingdom hearts game. Also, about dubstep or EDM in general, it’s still alive and well as a genre. It’s gone through a lot since 2010 actually. Fun fact, skrillex is releasing his second LP ever this Friday. His first one came out in 2014, so skrillex is super hype right now.
Utada Hikaru has been doing the intro songs for the mainline KH games since the beginning. A lot of the side games also reuse her previous versions. Each game also has a Japanese and English versions, though I think the lyrics are different. If you want to hear Utada's original KH songs: KH1 - Hikari, and Simple and Clean; KH2 - Passion, and Sanctuary. First time I remember hearing what I thought of Dubstep, was listening to Lindsey Sterling.
So to keep it short, when kingdom hearts 3 had it's theme song released titled "Don't think twice" lots of people complained about how its slower and doesn't have the same energy as the other 2 kh theme songs (simple and clean, sanctuary) so originally, skrillex was just going to remix don't think twice to sound more upbeat like the other 2 songs, but it ended up turning into a completely new song all together. it's definitely not them trying to cash in on anything, kh theme songs have always been this lively.
The thing is . . . It does sound like kingdom hearts . . . Sort of. The opening song for most kingdom hearts games is a very techno (pardon the general term) type of music. It is usually a remixed version of the softer ending theme of the game. Kh3 was different in that way and it being dubstep is a first but it follows the same formula.
6:45 this game took like 13 years to come out. it started development in like 2012. It was definitely recorded for fans of the series. I would recommend looking in to "Simple and Clean" and "Sanctuary", both original Utada Hikaru tracks that happened to be the first thing you hear when you boot up KH1 or KH2, despite not being made specifically for the games.
I myself didn't mind because the wubs weren't over done, it's not my favorite of the KH intro songs, OG Simple and Clean/Hikari probably takes that spot, but I like it. Considering a lot of KH fans, like myself were teens/twenty somethings when when he gained notoriety I wouldn't be surprised if this choice and the whole 2010s radio hit vibe of the song was in part an intentional throwback for the people who waited 14 years for KH3.
While I’m late to this video, I will say this. From the 4 songs that Utada made for Kingdom Hearts, I think Sanctuary is the one you’ll like the most. It’s more of a rock song than the others
saying dubstep was really a 2015-2019 thing tracks, because the game game out January 2019, and the song would've been made and prepped way ahead of that (the game did take quite a while to come out after its initial announcement, long enough to be a meme), so it's of that time for sure.
I lived in Taiwan for a few years, and it seems like they lag 5 to 10 years behind the American music fad. I can guess Japan is similar, which might explain why it sounds like something that would have been popular mid 2010s
KH3 was released in January of 2019, so the style was a major divergence compared to Utada's usual style; as others below me mention, Skrillex was a huge KH fan and was jazzed to join her in this collab. 'Don't Think Twice' is more in line with Utada's usual style if you want to check it out on your own time.
I'm not sure how the song came to be 100% but I do know that Skrillex is a big Kingdom Hearts fan, so he really wanted the opportunity to contribute something to it. So can't really fault him for that if i may say so. It's definitely got energy to it, but I also think if you listen to Simple and Clean, and Sanctuary both done by Hikaru Utada there is definitely a bit of a gap between those songs and Face My Fears. In my opinion at least.
The answer to the question of why this is on KH can only be answered by hearing the opening for the first two games (Simple & Clean -Planitb remix-) and (Sanctuary). Then it will make sense. :D
I was very surprised when I heard this for the first time. It felt weird at first, but over time it's become one of my favorite video game tracks. I'm also a huge EDM fan, but it just felt strange seeing it in KH lol.
I hated this song when I first heard it. It's not even the fact that it was dubstep. In fact, the opening song for KH1 was a dance remix, and I loved it. My main problem was that the traditional way of main themes for KH was that the opening and credits songs would be the same song, with the opening being a more upbeat version and the closing being more subdued. They revealed the credits song for KH3, Chikai/Don't Think Twice before Face My Fears was released, and I loved it. I was so excited to hear the opening version. And then we got this... I've warmed up to Face My Fears, but I'm still a little salty I never got what I wanted. Fun fact about Utada Hikaru though: she is a Japanese citizen, but she was born in NYC and lived in the US until she was 15, so she speaks both Japanese and English natively. So she's written all major themes for Kingdom Hearts- both in Japanese and English. I believe she starts with Japanese and then writes English lyrics to fit. But either way, she writes and performs both language versions of the each of the themes, and usually even gives them different titles (Face My Fears being the only exception).
When I got KH3, I had seen somewhere beforehand that Skrillex did the opening song before I got to listen to it. Ngl, although I like electro/EDM music and have nothing really against Skrillex in and of himself, I was very skeptical about this association, and I have to admit I booted up the game with a negative preconception, because it really felt like it would have nothing to do with KH really in my mind. I remember one of my best friends, who is also a massive KH fan and was equally as hyped up about the release of KH3 as I was, was in the same state of mind. Honestly, on first listen, I was not entirely convinced, but seeing it with the visuals of the introduction sequence does help. KH opening movies have always been one of my favourite things honestly, which is also why the visuals helped me ease into it. Also, keeping Utada Hikaru helped kinda try pulling it back into KH territory (Hikaru has been associated as the de facto vocalist for KH since the first game). After a few listens, you can hear that Skrillex did try to incorporate elements that are remindful of KH, the piano, the suspenseful melody at the very end when the song ends, the kinda cryptic vocals (although maybe that should be accredited to Hikaru, I don't know if they write their lyrics for these KH songs), etc. And to be quite honest, outside of the scope of KH, this is definitely music I can enjoy myself too. So all in all it made me accept it over time, unlike my friend who still resents it. I feel like there's a 50/50 divide within the 50/50 divide. Like, 50/50 fans like or hate it, and among the ones that hate it, 50/50 hate it because they really objectively don't like it and the other half hates it on principle, like, just for what it is and who made it lol.
it fits Kingdom hearts pretty well its always powerful emotional songs "simple and clean" is a good comparison i listen to everything sept blue grass so i like both
For the first Utada song you've heard, I recommend Sanctuary, Simple & Clean and Don't Think Twice, all 3 being KH 1, 2 & 3's main songs, however, do not stream those songs, those are HELLA copyrighted lmao
This song is personally my least favorite of the Kingdom Hearts opening songs, but not because its a bad song or anything, I just prefer the other two more. As for my first experience with dubstep, I remember that quite vividly actually! In high school I got my own laptop, which changed how I experienced music because before I only had the family computer which I shared with my siblings and parent and thus I couldn't download all the songs I wanted to on it. When I got a laptop I started ripping all my CDs onto it of course but also I started learning about free EPs and mixtapes and other such albums that got me into a variety of new songs I never listened to before (for context I had a pretty typical classic rock and hard rock/metal upbringing from my mom and uncle, and I primarily listened to VGM in my leisure). One such artist I got obsessed with was deadmau5, mostly because he was very eclectic on a free album of his he released (I believe it was called Project 52? My memory is slightly fuzzy) ranging from chiptunes to downtempo/trip hop type stuff to more traditional house and electronic styles. My obsession with him led me to have interest in his record label, so when he signed an unknown-to-me artist named Skrillex who released a free EP on that label called My Name is Skrillex. I truly had not heard anything like its first two songs at the time (particularly I loved the glitchy aural aesthetic that EP has) and it kind of became my personality for at least the rest of high school. I distinctly recall my aunt giving me aux privileges on a trip out of state and I played this album and my aunt was not nearly as enthralled with it as me
If you didn't know Jesse I'm going to be talking about my thoughts on these videos from now on. I was able to catch up with your vids so I can now keep up to date. I have heard some KH music but I haven't went through the series, it hasn't been my taste from what I've heard. I still like to give every song a chance though. I like the piano, very nice. The vocal melodies sound wonderful although I'm not a fan of auto tune which it sounds like she has some. I don't really care for straight dubstep although I do like it when it's a more subtle element to an instrumental. I feel like I would love this song a lot more if it wasn't for the more dubstep elements. Overall I don't mind the song and there are parts I really like. It's not a bad song in anyway, there are just elements that I'm not really into personally.
yeah this song divided the fanbase because dubstep was a big step away from utada's other opening themes for the series. I'm personally mixed on it because it doesn't have enough utada vocals to make it feel KH
My first experience with Dubstep? I think that was in school and it was not my thing at all. To me it sounds like noise and very aggressive and I don't like that. It scares me (a trauma trigger of me being too loud for my family and them yelling at me). I always prefered gentle and sad songs, which in turn no one else I knew was into.
when it comes to KH I generally prefer the credit versions of the songs or in this its a completely different song I just think they fit better with the general vibe of KH
The main themes have always had a dance mix version. Personally, dont really like the chorus at all for this song but i love thr versus and the paino at the beginning
Im definitely one of those that is NOT a fan of the skrillex drop stuff to this song. The lyrics tho are just so good. The other song in kh3 DONT THINK TWICE is phenomenal
You've been exposed to Kingsdom Hearts music and never heard Utada Hikaru before? Thats an almost impossible feat. Most KH games start with an upbeat, op-edm-electro opening. Utada Hikaru is a huge deal in Japan, like Madonna levels of fame, (only she's much more humble and mellow). Give Passion from Kingdom Hearts II a try, incredible song more akin to Bjork, Massive Attack style, and it even has an orchestral version for the menu trailer of the game
I like this track on its own, and I still have a soft spot of Dubstep, EDM and such, however I'm in the camp that it doesn't fit the intro of the game. I Really like Hikari and Passion, and I wish we got something more like that. The Japanese version of Face My Fears is better imo, same with Simple and Clean (Hikari), and Sanctuary (Passion), the Japanese just slaps way harder. The fact that they had two Utada tracks in KH3, the other being Don't Think Twice, makes me believe that they weren't confident with the reception towards this one. I wonder what they'll do for KH4.
Chikai is the Japanese name of Don't Think Twice. The title of Face My Fears is the same in English and Japanese. Its only one of the KH Utada songs that are like this. Its because she still sings the words Face My Fears in English even in the Japanese version.
I don't generally like dubstep, but I do like EDM (or just dance music, as we used to call it in my day!), so I can appreciate the structure of instrumental tracks that have strong beats and build up to a drop instead of a chorus. I give this song a pass thanks to the softer vocals and lack of harsh screeches and 'wub wub's that are more common to the dubstep genre (and still make me wince in discomfort when I hear it in real life...)
Its interesting you say that since the genre of this song is 'future bass,' which combines elements dubstep and trap with warmer and less abrasive elements.
It probably doesn’t sound like kingdom hearts if you’re listening without the opening video. Imo kh1 and 3 have the best intros, 2 use to be my favorite but it just hasn’t aged as well for me personally
Of all the themes for KH, Face My Fears isn't one I go out of my way to listen to. It's creative for sure, but still feels kinda weird to call a KH song, even more so if Utada's vocals weren't present. I feel like they tried to build a little bit off the back of the Simple and Clean: Ray of Hope remix from 2.8, which is an absolute banger and is one of my favorites. At the same time, I fell out of the Dubstep scene for liquid DnB-centric music, so FMF doesn't click all that well with me.
This song would probably feel less out of place if you: Heared the opening songs for the previous games (Simple and Clean, and Sanctuary, respectively, which I highly reccomend listening to soon anyway) And/or watched the openong cinematics that it/they play over. Simple and Clean has a few versions, and the openng cinematic uses a shortened version, so, make sure to get a full length version, and just watch the cinematic later or afterward in the same reaction video.
I definitely remember when I first heard this song I thought it was very meh. Wasn't crazy about it at all but after some time has passed I've warmed up to it a bit. Still not crazy about it and prefer the 1st and 2nd game's openings.
I hated this song originally like I disliked most dubstep when I first heard it. It felt like they were cashing in on an awful dub trend from the past decade and cheapening the history the series had built with its music and themes. But then I kept hearing it and actively listening to it and finally changed my mind.
It's been 4 years and I still hate this song or at least hate the dubstep portion. Really soured the first time starting up this game for me. Thankfully there's an end game song that's much better. You nailed it this really was a "How do you do fellow kids?" moment considering the dubstep "craze" ended several years before this game came out.
Definitely not my favorite of the openings. I don't think it's bad but.... the dubstep was a little too "hard" I guess. The reception was pretty mixed. I don't think people minded the dubstep, but maybe more how different it was from the previous two opening songs. If it isn't on your list already, I'd definitely suggest listening to the other two openings for Kingdom Hearts 1 and Kingdom Hearts 2. Copyright on them might be sketchy as far as video game music goes but you can check it out on your own time.
I'm not into this song at all, that being said, I appreciate the fact that the team behind KH tried something new. It didn't stick with me, but I prefer that over something too formulaic
![First Time Reacting To Hikaru Utada & Skrillex - Face My Fears [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/xdwkcDQiXCk/mqdefault.jpg)
If you were curious of the older dubstep sound I was referring to, maybe give this a shot.
Let me know if it changes your opinion or not, it's all good!
ua-cam.com/video/gzaTLhtSwtM/v-deo.html
this song was Skrillex's remix of Don't Think Twice, apparently Hikaru Utada requested the remix after making it
Skrillex was chosen for this because he's been a huge KH fan for his entire life. His name is actually a reference to KH2 where the main bad guys got their names by mixing the letters around and adding an 'X' into it.
Oh that's awesome :D
@@JessesAuditorium Not only that, but originally he got together with her to do a remix of the ending song, Don't Think Twice, and apparently they were vibing and getting along so well that Utada asked him to instead work with her to create an original song. So Face My Fears was born from their combined passion and a fusion of their musical styles.
@@JessesAuditoriumyou should watch the kh3 face my fears ( opening cutscene) for kh3
Not that I doubt you (as I know next to nothing about Skrillex) but what name can you make once you remove the X? I'm staring at the letters and all I can see are 'killers' or 're-skill'...
@@bigthecat100 It's Killers, apparently
Hikaru Utada has been the singer for the main vocal themes since KH1 so even though the dubstep part is kind of unusual for KH, Utada's voice still grounds it in traditional KH vibes. Apparently Skrillex has been a fan of KH since he was young. He and Utada met by chance at a metal festival in Germany of all things and she later contacted him about maybe doing a remix of KH3's ending theme song "Don't Think Twice" to be used in the opening of the game, which eventually turned into just recording a new song for it altogether.
There's also an orchestral version of this on the soundtrack album though it doesn't play anywhere in-game.
and skrillex name is a nobody org name its killers scrambled up with a x thats how much of a kingdom hearts fan he is
@@morrison5106 omg i just realized that ! hahaha he's a nobody !
If that orchestral version is real, I'd love to hear it.
@@dustydave961 they just released an official Kingdom Hearts playlist for Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, UA-cam and maybe others. The track is on there. Over 350 tracks and 17 hours of KH.
@@turnedofftvchanel Thanks, I'll look for it
Most kingdom hearts games have sort of a “pop” intro which is sung by Utada and a divergence from Shimomura, so in the case of Face my Fears, it followed that tradition for kh3 :)
I personally think this song works better with the visuals of the opening than just a stand alone piece. The other two main game opening songs, Simple and Clean and Sanctuary, are better on their own but the opening to KH3 is probably my favorite (which is an achievement since all the KH opening movies are incredible, there's pretty much nothing like them in the industry).
Interesting note about Utada: she's good friends with Kingdom Hearts creator Nomura and originally did the opening song for the first Kingdom Hearts as a favor to him. She's a rather big pop artist in Japan.
After KH2 she realized her music was a huge part of Kingdom Hearts' identity and asked for more money for her work, which Square Enix refused. This is why she only has made songs for the main 3 games since as Nomura put it: Kingdom Hearts is Utada and refused to let any other artist provide a song for the series. Apparently they came to an understanding for KH3 hence why she recorded a new song.
If I was nomura I woulda tried to pay her out my own pocket lol
As someone who doesn't regularly listen to dubstep, I was surprisingly okay with this when it was revealed. I'd say it's not close to the openings for 1 and 2, but I still enjoy it.
I loved this song when I first heard it as well! I mean still do honestly…
@@Leonsbane personally I’d say from best to worst, sanctuary, face my fears, simple and clean. Instrumental simple and clean is the best though
You could spend a full day listening to the singer's catalog and not be through all of it, I'm thrilled you got to hear them. Utada Hikaru did the main themes for all three kingdom hearts games and did the same for all the newer Evangelion movies. This is a good song, but I'm more partial to their personal album stuff where they have more control over the sound. If you were an anime ost react channel, I'd happily recommend some of the Eva tracks just to get a more accurate measure of Hikki's sound.
As for this song, this is exactly how the trailer had it, so it is not a remix. The Japanese version of this song has the same title, but different tone of lyrics. Personally, I'm more partial to the other theme Utada did for this game which is called 'Chikai' (Oath) and the English version is 'Don't Think Twice'.
@senselessmind8603 their current work would run at least 11-12 hours, not counting the work they did as a child with their parents, which is pretty sizeable and would be a full day unless you just don't sleep, wash up or cook lol
I like a lot of the Kingdom Hearts songs including this one. I'm surprised Jesse hasn't reacted to "Simple and Clean" (especially the original and the orchestral versions), "Sanctuary", and "Think Twice". I'm looking forward to seeing them on this channel.
Utada is such an incredible artist and vocalist. I love her whole discography. And man, even though Kingdom Hearts 3 is 4 years old, this song hits me like a truck with nostalgia 🥺
4 YEARS?! ITS BEEN 4 FUCKING YEARS ALREADY?!
Utada Hikaru has been in the music industry since she was like 14 years old... I think her first album was actually released in the US under the name Cubic U or something... She didn't catch on in the west initially, but became big in the Japan... I think her parents were also big in the music industry in Japan... I forget... But yeah, she started getting a cult following in the west after Kingdom Hearts 1, I believe, with the popularity of the opening/ending song, Simple and Clean (I think Hikari was the name of the Japanese version). She was brought up in New York for some time, if I remember correctly, so she can sing pretty well in both English and Japanese... She released at least a couple of English Language albums... I'm not sure they did super well outside of Japan (and maybe weren't as popular as her other stuff in Japan, for being in English), but I quite enjoy them...
She started in a somewhat pop/RnB style, and kinda stuck with the version of that in each era, but is also sometimes pretty experimental sounding at times...
As others have said, while this song is pretty different to the rest of the KH soundtrack, Kingdom Hearts games typically open with tracks similar to this... KH1 and 2 both open with similar tracks... Not quite as dubsteppy as this, but a similar sound... Typically the opening song is more of a remix of the more pop version at the end of the game... Although I think for KH3 they have a second song instead... I haven't had the chance to play it yet, but I know two songs exist lol... Actually, there might be a slower, cleaner version of this song too... It seems a bit jarring, but they kinda bookend things, so...yeah lol...
She was actually born in NYC and lived there until she was 15, so she speaks both Japanese and English natively
@@NuiYabuko I was not aware. Though according to Wikipedia (with a citation to her IG), she uses both she/her and they/them.
Oh shit, this just made me realize that you've never done the other Hikaru Utada KH songs. Its wild because for me and I think most others when they think of KH music they're what come to mind first.
You're right though this one is definitely the most divisive one by far and has people really split, I warmed up to it over time but I still wouldn't say its one of my favorites
Now he has to hear Simple and Clean, Sanctuary & Don’t Think Twice.
So Skrillex has called the genre of this song "future bass." Wikipedia describes the genre as "a style of electronic dance music which developed in the 2010s that mixes elements of dubstep and trap with warmer, less abrasive rhythms."
This song was actually added into the game at the last minute. She recorded another song called "Don't Think Twice" which was supposed to be the main theme (which ended up playing over the credits instead) but they ended up using this for the opening movie instead. I actually liked this song! When I heard Skrillex I thought it was going to be irritating noise but this was more like regular electronica to me.
I instantly fell in love with Utada Hikaru's vocals back in middle school when I beat my first Kingdom Hearts game, Chain of Memories for the Gameboy Advance. I was so floored by the vocals that I beat the final boss again just so I could pull out my phone and record the already crunchy, compressed audio by holding my phone to the gba speaker.
Having said that, Face My Fears is by far my least favorite of the songs she's worked on for the series, but I chalk that up to genre preferences. I don't dislike dubstep, I just don't actively listen to it. In the end it DID grow on me, but it took awhile especially since she did two songs for KH3 the other being my favorite that she's done for the series.
I hope you check out more of Utada Hikaru's songs for the KH series soon, they all sound nothing like this one and they're phenomenal.
I just love how the song starts, and Utada's vocals. But I'm just not a fan of the dubstep sections. I probably don't dislike this song as much as I did when I first heard it, but for me personally it just cannot compare to her songs from KH1 and 2. But Utada did another song for KH3, "Don't Think Twice" that I like much more, so I'm thankful for that.
Utada is one of the all-time biggest pop stars in Japan, with more than 50 million records sold. I've been a huge fan since I played KH1.
Utada is a prolific pop/rock fusion artist. Pretty sure she got her first big start on Evangelion. Most intro themes for KH are just remixes of her songs. Face my Fears is an Utada Hikaru and Skrillex song made *for* kh3.
Boy I never thought you’d react to a skrillex track. This is awesome. I’ve been a fan of skrillex since the beginning of his EDM career pretty much. This track is beautiful and I can say the same for the rest of his discography. It’s so cool that he got an official song in a kingdom hearts game. Also, about dubstep or EDM in general, it’s still alive and well as a genre. It’s gone through a lot since 2010 actually.
Fun fact, skrillex is releasing his second LP ever this Friday. His first one came out in 2014, so skrillex is super hype right now.
Utada Hikaru has been doing the intro songs for the mainline KH games since the beginning. A lot of the side games also reuse her previous versions. Each game also has a Japanese and English versions, though I think the lyrics are different. If you want to hear Utada's original KH songs: KH1 - Hikari, and Simple and Clean; KH2 - Passion, and Sanctuary.
First time I remember hearing what I thought of Dubstep, was listening to Lindsey Sterling.
So to keep it short, when kingdom hearts 3 had it's theme song released titled "Don't think twice" lots of people complained about how its slower and doesn't have the same energy as the other 2 kh theme songs (simple and clean, sanctuary)
so originally, skrillex was just going to remix don't think twice to sound more upbeat like the other 2 songs, but it ended up turning into a completely new song all together.
it's definitely not them trying to cash in on anything, kh theme songs have always been this lively.
The thing is . . . It does sound like kingdom hearts . . . Sort of. The opening song for most kingdom hearts games is a very techno (pardon the general term) type of music. It is usually a remixed version of the softer ending theme of the game. Kh3 was different in that way and it being dubstep is a first but it follows the same formula.
6:45
this game took like 13 years to come out. it started development in like 2012. It was definitely recorded for fans of the series. I would recommend looking in to "Simple and Clean" and "Sanctuary", both original Utada Hikaru tracks that happened to be the first thing you hear when you boot up KH1 or KH2, despite not being made specifically for the games.
'very 2015 to 2019-'
I mean. Pretty much nailed it right up on the head there yup!!!
I myself didn't mind because the wubs weren't over done, it's not my favorite of the KH intro songs, OG Simple and Clean/Hikari probably takes that spot, but I like it. Considering a lot of KH fans, like myself were teens/twenty somethings when when he gained notoriety I wouldn't be surprised if this choice and the whole 2010s radio hit vibe of the song was in part an intentional throwback for the people who waited 14 years for KH3.
Awesome song with those two the opening of the video game is awesome with this song
Utada is my first intro into j pop as a genre and she is amazing.
While I’m late to this video, I will say this. From the 4 songs that Utada made for Kingdom Hearts, I think Sanctuary is the one you’ll like the most. It’s more of a rock song than the others
saying dubstep was really a 2015-2019 thing tracks, because the game game out January 2019, and the song would've been made and prepped way ahead of that (the game did take quite a while to come out after its initial announcement, long enough to be a meme), so it's of that time for sure.
I lived in Taiwan for a few years, and it seems like they lag 5 to 10 years behind the American music fad. I can guess Japan is similar, which might explain why it sounds like something that would have been popular mid 2010s
I say we should have more "story time with uncle Jesse" ~
Lol naw, I ramble too much. Appreciate it though :D
@Jesse's Auditorium you should know the internet loves people rambling lol...that's what most popular UA-cam channels do these days 😂
Kingdom Hearts is the best series since ps2 glad to see you reacting to the opening of kingdom heart 3 next should be 1 and 2 🔥
KH3 was released in January of 2019, so the style was a major divergence compared to Utada's usual style; as others below me mention, Skrillex was a huge KH fan and was jazzed to join her in this collab. 'Don't Think Twice' is more in line with Utada's usual style if you want to check it out on your own time.
I can't believe Jesse hasn't reacted to simple and clean and sanctuary yet
Ooohhh I'm EXCITED for this reaction.
I'm not sure how the song came to be 100% but I do know that Skrillex is a big Kingdom Hearts fan, so he really wanted the opportunity to contribute something to it. So can't really fault him for that if i may say so. It's definitely got energy to it, but I also think if you listen to Simple and Clean, and Sanctuary both done by Hikaru Utada there is definitely a bit of a gap between those songs and Face My Fears. In my opinion at least.
This truly was an interesting time period for the KH community some liked it and some didn’t.
The answer to the question of why this is on KH can only be answered by hearing the opening for the first two games (Simple & Clean -Planitb remix-) and (Sanctuary). Then it will make sense. :D
Holy shit we reacting to Utada lets goo
Id love to see your reaction to Little V’s metal cover of this song.
Oh my Gooood, you should listen to all of her songs from Kingdom Hearts, she's amazing! ❤️
The first Kingdom Hearts was released in 2002.
All time favorite themes in KH ( lord of castle )
(Somnus) final fantasy 15
KH version (Nachtflügel)
I was very surprised when I heard this for the first time. It felt weird at first, but over time it's become one of my favorite video game tracks.
I'm also a huge EDM fan, but it just felt strange seeing it in KH lol.
I hated this song when I first heard it. It's not even the fact that it was dubstep. In fact, the opening song for KH1 was a dance remix, and I loved it. My main problem was that the traditional way of main themes for KH was that the opening and credits songs would be the same song, with the opening being a more upbeat version and the closing being more subdued. They revealed the credits song for KH3, Chikai/Don't Think Twice before Face My Fears was released, and I loved it. I was so excited to hear the opening version. And then we got this... I've warmed up to Face My Fears, but I'm still a little salty I never got what I wanted.
Fun fact about Utada Hikaru though: she is a Japanese citizen, but she was born in NYC and lived in the US until she was 15, so she speaks both Japanese and English natively. So she's written all major themes for Kingdom Hearts- both in Japanese and English. I believe she starts with Japanese and then writes English lyrics to fit. But either way, she writes and performs both language versions of the each of the themes, and usually even gives them different titles (Face My Fears being the only exception).
I don't like dubstep usually but MAN this is such a good song for me
this was made a WHILE after the dubstep crazy
finally kingdom hearts again :D
Bro 😢 every time I listen to song I always get so emotional
When I got KH3, I had seen somewhere beforehand that Skrillex did the opening song before I got to listen to it. Ngl, although I like electro/EDM music and have nothing really against Skrillex in and of himself, I was very skeptical about this association, and I have to admit I booted up the game with a negative preconception, because it really felt like it would have nothing to do with KH really in my mind. I remember one of my best friends, who is also a massive KH fan and was equally as hyped up about the release of KH3 as I was, was in the same state of mind.
Honestly, on first listen, I was not entirely convinced, but seeing it with the visuals of the introduction sequence does help. KH opening movies have always been one of my favourite things honestly, which is also why the visuals helped me ease into it. Also, keeping Utada Hikaru helped kinda try pulling it back into KH territory (Hikaru has been associated as the de facto vocalist for KH since the first game). After a few listens, you can hear that Skrillex did try to incorporate elements that are remindful of KH, the piano, the suspenseful melody at the very end when the song ends, the kinda cryptic vocals (although maybe that should be accredited to Hikaru, I don't know if they write their lyrics for these KH songs), etc. And to be quite honest, outside of the scope of KH, this is definitely music I can enjoy myself too. So all in all it made me accept it over time, unlike my friend who still resents it. I feel like there's a 50/50 divide within the 50/50 divide. Like, 50/50 fans like or hate it, and among the ones that hate it, 50/50 hate it because they really objectively don't like it and the other half hates it on principle, like, just for what it is and who made it lol.
it fits Kingdom hearts pretty well its always powerful emotional songs "simple and clean" is a good comparison i listen to everything sept blue grass so i like both
For the first Utada song you've heard, I recommend Sanctuary, Simple & Clean and Don't Think Twice, all 3 being KH 1, 2 & 3's main songs, however, do not stream those songs, those are HELLA copyrighted lmao
This song is personally my least favorite of the Kingdom Hearts opening songs, but not because its a bad song or anything, I just prefer the other two more.
As for my first experience with dubstep, I remember that quite vividly actually! In high school I got my own laptop, which changed how I experienced music because before I only had the family computer which I shared with my siblings and parent and thus I couldn't download all the songs I wanted to on it. When I got a laptop I started ripping all my CDs onto it of course but also I started learning about free EPs and mixtapes and other such albums that got me into a variety of new songs I never listened to before (for context I had a pretty typical classic rock and hard rock/metal upbringing from my mom and uncle, and I primarily listened to VGM in my leisure). One such artist I got obsessed with was deadmau5, mostly because he was very eclectic on a free album of his he released (I believe it was called Project 52? My memory is slightly fuzzy) ranging from chiptunes to downtempo/trip hop type stuff to more traditional house and electronic styles. My obsession with him led me to have interest in his record label, so when he signed an unknown-to-me artist named Skrillex who released a free EP on that label called My Name is Skrillex. I truly had not heard anything like its first two songs at the time (particularly I loved the glitchy aural aesthetic that EP has) and it kind of became my personality for at least the rest of high school. I distinctly recall my aunt giving me aux privileges on a trip out of state and I played this album and my aunt was not nearly as enthralled with it as me
If you didn't know Jesse I'm going to be talking about my thoughts on these videos from now on. I was able to catch up with your vids so I can now keep up to date.
I have heard some KH music but I haven't went through the series, it hasn't been my taste from what I've heard. I still like to give every song a chance though. I like the piano, very nice. The vocal melodies sound wonderful although I'm not a fan of auto tune which it sounds like she has some. I don't really care for straight dubstep although I do like it when it's a more subtle element to an instrumental. I feel like I would love this song a lot more if it wasn't for the more dubstep elements. Overall I don't mind the song and there are parts I really like. It's not a bad song in anyway, there are just elements that I'm not really into personally.
I love skrillex music I think skrillex is great Dj he make the dubstep sound do the goods in my ears yay
Utada has always been a part of Kingdom hearts from the very beginning, the only part that's new here is skrillex.
yeah this song divided the fanbase because dubstep was a big step away from utada's other opening themes for the series. I'm personally mixed on it because it doesn't have enough utada vocals to make it feel KH
My first experience with Dubstep? I think that was in school and it was not my thing at all. To me it sounds like noise and very aggressive and I don't like that. It scares me (a trauma trigger of me being too loud for my family and them yelling at me). I always prefered gentle and sad songs, which in turn no one else I knew was into.
when it comes to KH I generally prefer the credit versions of the songs or in this its a completely different song I just think they fit better with the general vibe of KH
The main themes have always had a dance mix version. Personally, dont really like the chorus at all for this song but i love thr versus and the paino at the beginning
Hikaru Utada s music is so so good
Oh man this is going to be so good! Unrelated but when are we getting more Kirby Jesse? there is like 20 Kirby songs requested T-T
Definitely consider watching the KH 2 opening music video (game opening) it hits a bit different with context
Im definitely one of those that is NOT a fan of the skrillex drop stuff to this song. The lyrics tho are just so good. The other song in kh3 DONT THINK TWICE is phenomenal
this isn't dubstep, this an EDM genre called Future Bass
Maybe not but Skrillex is dubstep
This was definitely well after Dubstep's hayday. I don't get the vibe that they were cashing in on a craze or anything.
If you think her voice is nice here, have I got a huge back catalog for you!
You've been exposed to Kingsdom Hearts music and never heard Utada Hikaru before? Thats an almost impossible feat. Most KH games start with an upbeat, op-edm-electro opening. Utada Hikaru is a huge deal in Japan, like Madonna levels of fame, (only she's much more humble and mellow).
Give Passion from Kingdom Hearts II a try, incredible song more akin to Bjork, Massive Attack style, and it even has an orchestral version for the menu trailer of the game
I like this track on its own, and I still have a soft spot of Dubstep, EDM and such, however I'm in the camp that it doesn't fit the intro of the game. I Really like Hikari and Passion, and I wish we got something more like that. The Japanese version of Face My Fears is better imo, same with Simple and Clean (Hikari), and Sanctuary (Passion), the Japanese just slaps way harder. The fact that they had two Utada tracks in KH3, the other being Don't Think Twice, makes me believe that they weren't confident with the reception towards this one. I wonder what they'll do for KH4.
Chikai is the Japanese name of Don't Think Twice. The title of Face My Fears is the same in English and Japanese. Its only one of the KH Utada songs that are like this. Its because she still sings the words Face My Fears in English even in the Japanese version.
@@turnedofftvchanel thanks, completely slipped my mind
I don't generally like dubstep, but I do like EDM (or just dance music, as we used to call it in my day!), so I can appreciate the structure of instrumental tracks that have strong beats and build up to a drop instead of a chorus.
I give this song a pass thanks to the softer vocals and lack of harsh screeches and 'wub wub's that are more common to the dubstep genre (and still make me wince in discomfort when I hear it in real life...)
Its interesting you say that since the genre of this song is 'future bass,' which combines elements dubstep and trap with warmer and less abrasive elements.
It probably doesn’t sound like kingdom hearts if you’re listening without the opening video. Imo kh1 and 3 have the best intros, 2 use to be my favorite but it just hasn’t aged as well for me personally
I still burn music on CDs lol
Didn't know skrillex was part of this cool
As much as I wanted Porter Robinson to be the one to have made the music for KHIII, I think I grew to appreciate what Skrillex made over the years.
Of all the themes for KH, Face My Fears isn't one I go out of my way to listen to. It's creative for sure, but still feels kinda weird to call a KH song, even more so if Utada's vocals weren't present. I feel like they tried to build a little bit off the back of the Simple and Clean: Ray of Hope remix from 2.8, which is an absolute banger and is one of my favorites. At the same time, I fell out of the Dubstep scene for liquid DnB-centric music, so FMF doesn't click all that well with me.
This song would probably feel less out of place if you:
Heared the opening songs for the previous games (Simple and Clean, and Sanctuary, respectively, which I highly reccomend listening to soon anyway)
And/or watched the openong cinematics that it/they play over.
Simple and Clean has a few versions, and the openng cinematic uses a shortened version, so, make sure to get a full length version, and just watch the cinematic later or afterward in the same reaction video.
This reminds be he has yet to listen to "to much" from final fantasy 15
I definitely remember when I first heard this song I thought it was very meh. Wasn't crazy about it at all but after some time has passed I've warmed up to it a bit. Still not crazy about it and prefer the 1st and 2nd game's openings.
You should listen to the Ray of Hope version of Simple and Clean
Ahh yes the English version
Nomura fancies the singer is the gist lol
Nomura fancies gackt too he isnt picky
This song had to grow on me. Dubstep was never my thing. I prefer the other Hikaru Utada song for this game.
I hated this song originally like I disliked most dubstep when I first heard it. It felt like they were cashing in on an awful dub trend from the past decade and cheapening the history the series had built with its music and themes. But then I kept hearing it and actively listening to it and finally changed my mind.
Ohh a banger... but... isn't this... a copyright hell?? dmca?? cause utada hikaru?
Definitely got dmca look in the description lol
Please listen to (stall for time - dragon ball z budokai 3) Trust me it’s a banger
I love this song but still hate dubstep It will never be music to me but To reach his own
It's been 4 years and I still hate this song or at least hate the dubstep portion. Really soured the first time starting up this game for me. Thankfully there's an end game song that's much better.
You nailed it this really was a "How do you do fellow kids?" moment considering the dubstep "craze" ended several years before this game came out.
Definitely not my favorite of the openings. I don't think it's bad but.... the dubstep was a little too "hard" I guess. The reception was pretty mixed. I don't think people minded the dubstep, but maybe more how different it was from the previous two opening songs. If it isn't on your list already, I'd definitely suggest listening to the other two openings for Kingdom Hearts 1 and Kingdom Hearts 2. Copyright on them might be sketchy as far as video game music goes but you can check it out on your own time.
Yeah, whatever you do, dont make a reaction to "Dont think twice" by Utada Hikaru... there won't be a dry eye watching you
How could you do Kingdom Hearts and not review the Sanctuary cinematic? It's almost blasphemous. LOL
I'm not into this song at all, that being said, I appreciate the fact that the team behind KH tried something new. It didn't stick with me, but I prefer that over something too formulaic
I still don't like this song
A disappointing track, for a disappointing game.