A Walk in the Park

Last updated
"A Walk in the Park"
Awalkinthepark.png
Single by Namie Amuro
from the album Concentration 20
ReleasedNovember 27, 1996
Recorded1996
Genre Electronic rock [1]
Length5:39
Label Avex Trax
Songwriter(s) Tetsuya Komuro
Producer(s) Tetsuya Komuro
Namie Amuro singles chronology
"Sweet 19 Blues"
(1996)		"A Walk in the Park"
(1996)		"Can You Celebrate?"
(1997)

"A Walk in the Park" is the eighth single by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro from her third studio album Concentration 20 (1997). The song was released as the album's lead single on November 27, 1996, by Avex Trax. It was written, composed and produced by Tetsuya Komuro. The song is an electronic rock track, which features instrumentation from guitars, synthesizers, organs, keyboards and drums. Lyrically, it explores themes of loneliness, longing, and the desire for connection.

Contents

"A Walk in the Park" received positive reviews from music critics, who complimented the song's production and composition. Commercially, the song became her fourth number one single on the Oricon Singles Chart and her fourth million-selling single in Japan. The accompanying music video was directed by Masashi Mutō. Since its release, the song has appeared on several of Amuro's concert tours and subsequent live releases, as well as her greatest hits album 181920 (1998), and was re-recorded for her final compilation album Finally (2017).

Background and composition

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
"a walk in the park"
"A Walk in the Park" is musically an upbeat electric rock song.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

In summer 1996, Amuro released her sophomore album Sweet 19 Blues , which was her first release since severing ties with Super Monkey's. [2] The album was a mammoth commercial success, reaching number one on the Oricon Albums Chart, [3] receiving a triple million certification from the RIAJ, [4] spawning three number one hits, [5] [6] [7] and was even the best-selling Japanese album of all time for a brief moment. [8] By the end of the year, Sweet 19 Blues was named the second best-selling album in Japan of 1996, right behind Globe's eponymous debut album. [9] After this monumental success, recording for its follow-up began immediately.

"A Walk in the Park" is the first single from her third studio album Concentration 20 (1997). Japanese producer and composer Tetsuya Komuro had written, arranged and composed the song. [10] Komuro collaborated with Amuro on her second studio album Sweet 19 Blues (1996) and his final work with Amuro was her album Break the Rules (2000). [2] [11] [12] It was recorded in Tokyo, Japan and was mixed and mastered by Eddie Delena. [10] Musically, "A Walk In The Park" is a brisk electronic rock number with a chorus that envelops the listener in warm sunlight. [1] Lyrically, it explores themes of loneliness, longing, and the desire for connection while depicting a sense of sadness and unspoken feelings. Komuro participates by singing in the chorus. [1]

Release and promotion

Still from the music video for "A Walk in the Park" AwalkintheparkMV.png
Still from the music video for "A Walk in the Park"

Avex Trax released "A Walk in the Park" in Japan on November 27, 1996. [13] It serves as the lead single for Amuro's second studio album Concentration 20 (1997). "A Walk in the Park" served as the commercial song for Maxell UD commercials. [14]

The music video for "A Walk in the Park" was directed by Masashi Mutō. [15] The video features Amuro in a white room, wearing a black tuxedo and a white coat and dress. It ended up appearing on her video album 181920 Films (1998). [15] The choreography was done by the well-known former member of Dos, Kaba-chan. Amuro performed the song at the Japan Cable Awards in December 1996 and at the Japan Gold Disc Awards in February 1997.

Reception

Music critics gave "A Walk in the Park" positive reviews. AllMusic had previously hailed the song as a standout from Amuro's discography. [16] In his review of Concentration 20 , AllMusic's Ted Mills described "A Walk in the Park" as a terrific pop song and one of the album's highlights. [17] CDJournal gave the song a positive review, calling it "refreshing," and praised its guitar riff and uplifting synths. [1]

Commercial performance

Commercially, "A Walk in the Park" was successful in Japan. Released four months after the massive success of her first studio album Sweet 19 Blues , it became her fourth number one and million selling single. [18] [19] The single spent seven weeks into the top five and eight weeks in top ten totally. [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] "A Walk in the Park" sold 1,066,580 copies by the end of 1997, making it the 13th best-selling single of the year. [27] According to Oricon Style, it ranks as her 5th best-selling single in the country. [28]

Track listing

  1. "A Walk in the Park (Straight Run)" (Tetsuya Komuro) – 5:39
  2. "A Walk in the Park (Fabulous Freak Brothers Mix)" (Tetsuya Komuro) – 7:01
  3. "A Walk in the Park (Back Track with TK)" (Tetsuya Komuro) – 5:36

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ) [29] Million1,066,580 [30]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Namie Amuro</span> Japanese singer (born 1977)

Namie Amuro is a retired Japanese singer. She rose to prominence as a teen idol, and transitioned into a leading pop artist due to her versatility across music styles and visual presentation. Due to her career reinventions and longevity, she is known as an icon across Japan and Asia. She has been referred to as the "Queen of Japanese Pop", and her influence domestically has drawn equivalent comparisons to artists such as Janet Jackson and Madonna in Western pop culture.

<i>Love Enhanced Single Collection</i> 2002 greatest hits album by Namie Amuro

Love Enhanced Single Collection is the second greatest hits album by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released on March 13, 2002, through Avex Trax. This was Amuro's first greatest hits album in about four years, since 181920. It was also her first greatest hits album since her return to the music scene. Although the album is labeled as a "singles collection," nearly all of the songs on the album have been re-recorded, re-mixed, or re-arranged, all of which remain exclusive to this album's release. In addition, only "Lovin' It" was recorded as a single take. The album also contains the last of the work she created with her longtime creative partner Tetsuya Komuro.

<i>Concentration 20</i> 1997 studio album by Namie Amuro

Concentration 20 is the third studio album by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released on July 24, 1997, by Avex Trax. The album's musical style is a fusion of genres including pop, dance, rock, reggae and ska. Unlike Amuro's previous effort, Sweet 19 Blues (1996), which primarily had lyrics written by Tetsuya Komuro, Concentration 20's lyrics were mostly written by Marc Panther. Komuro did, however, compose and arrange most of the album's songs and wrote the lyrics to three of them. It was Amuro's second solo album since splitting up with Super Monkey's.

<i>Sweet 19 Blues</i> 1996 studio album by Namie Amuro

Sweet 19 Blues is the second studio album by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released through Avex Trax on July 22, 1996. It is Amuro's first release with the label since leaving Toshiba-EMI, as well as her first album free of material associated with her previous band, Super Monkey's. Sweet 19 Blues was executive produced by Tetsuya Komuro and features a diverse group of collaborators, including Cozy Kubo, Akio Togashi, Takahiro Maeda, M.c.A.T, and Randy Waldman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All for You (Namie Amuro song)</span> 2004 single by Namie Amuro

"All for You" is the 27th single by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was released on July 22, 2004, by Avex Trax, and serves as Amuro's second single from her seventh studio album Queen of Hip-Pop (2005). The lyrics were written by Natsumi Watanabe, who had translated "Stop the music" into Japanese for Amuro's 1995 single. The music was composed by Ryoki Matsumoto, known for composing other hit songs at the time such as Rui's "Tsuki no Shizuku" and Mika Nakashima's "Yuki no Hana." Musically, "All For You" is a synthesizer-heavy power ballad.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can't Sleep, Can't Eat, I'm Sick</span> 2006 single by Namie Amuro

"Can't Sleep, Can't Eat, I'm Sick" is the 31st single by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released by Avex Trax in Japan alongside "Ningyo" on May 17, 2006, as a double A-single. "Can't Sleep, Can't Eat, I'm Sick" served as the second single from Amuro's eighth studio album Play (2007), but "Ningyo" was excluded from the track list. "Can't Sleep, Can't Eat, I'm Sick" was produced by her two most frequent collaborators at the time: T.Kura and Michico for Giant Swing Productions. Musically, it is an upbeat urban contemporary and dance pop song that features a hefty amount of saxophones. Lyrically, it speaks of a lovesick person who can't get anything done when he or she thinks about their lover.

<i>181920</i> 1998 greatest hits album by Namie Amuro

181920 is debut greatest hits album by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. Avex Trax released it in Japan on January 28, 1998, and it was later available in a variety of formats throughout Asia. The album contains Amuro's single releases from her debut studio album Dance Tracks Vol. 1 (1995) to her third album Concentration 20 (1997), as well as three tracks from her time with Toshiba-EMI. The album also included a new song called "Dreaming I Was Dreaming," which served as the only single from the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Put 'Em Up</span> 2003 single by Namie Amuro

"Put ‘Em Up" is the 24th single by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released on digital and physical formats by Avex Trax on July 16, 2003, and serves as Amuro's third single from her sixth studio album Style (2003). It was originally written by Jasper Cameron and producer Dallas Austin, but portions of it were rewritten by Japanese songwriter Michico because Amuro felt the demo version was too harsh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shine More</span> 2003 single by Namie Amuro

"Shine More" is the 23rd single by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was released on March 5, 2003, by Avex Trax and serves as the second single from her sixth studio album Style (2003). It was originally written by Scott Nickoley, Sandra Pires and Paul Taylor, while the lyrics were translated into Japanese by H.U.B. Amuro called "Shine More" the first part of a dance number trilogy including "Put 'Em Up" and "So Crazy."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Say the Word (Namie Amuro song)</span> 2001 single by Namie Amuro

"Say the Word" is the 18th single by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro, and her 7th vinyl record. The CD single was released on August 8, 2001, by Avex Trax. The vinyl edition was released on September 12, 2001, by Rhythm Republic. This is Amuro's first single since severing ties with her former long-time producer Tetsuya Komuro. The song is not found on any of her studio records, but was later placed on her second best album Love Enhanced Single Collection, which was released five months later. It was produced by Swedish producers Ronald Malmberg and Thomas Johansson who are best known for their work with Swedish pop group A-Teens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can You Celebrate?</span> 1997 single by Namie Amuro

"Can You Celebrate?" is the ninth single by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. Serving as the second single from her third studio album Concentration 20, it was released on February 19, 1997, by Avex Trax. Its lyrics and composition was handled solely by Tetsuya Komuro. Musically, "Can You Celebrate?" is a power ballad that incorporates gospel and classical music. Lyrically, the song express a longing for a deep and lasting love, asking if the listener can celebrate and kiss the singer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sweet 19 Blues (song)</span> 1996 single by Namie Amuro

"Sweet 19 Blues" is the seventh single by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was composed, written and arranged by Tetsuya Komuro for her debut album of the same name. A month after its release, her label Avex Trax released the song as a recut single due to overwhelming demand. The song's subject and the album in general was about the melancholic passing of another sweet year of youth, which is a particularly Japanese obsession.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You're My Sunshine</span> 1996 single by Namie Amuro

"You're My Sunshine" is the sixth single by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released on June 5, 1996, by Avex Trax and was produced by Tetsuya Komuro. The song was the image song for the Bristol-Myers Squibb "Sea Breeze '96" commercial in which she appeared. The version used in the initial commercial had a different tempo and tune from the CD package version. The following year, 1997, she was used for the second consecutive year in a "Sea Breeze" commercial, this time using her hit song "How to Be a Girl".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Body Feels Exit</span> 1995 single by Namie Amuro

"Body Feels Exit" is Namie Amuro's debut solo single on the Avex Trax label. Released nine days after her only album with former label, Toshiba-EMI, "Body Feels Exit" debuted in the top three on the Oricon chart and would be her first of 24 consecutive top-ten solo singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Wanna Cry (Namie Amuro song)</span> 1996 single by Namie Amuro

"Don't Wanna Cry" is a song by Japanese singer and record producer Namie Amuro released on the Avex Trax label, as her third single for her debut solo album Sweet 19 Blues (1996), It is her second consecutive million-selling single as well as her second consecutive number-one single. In December, the single took home the "Grand Prix Award" from the 38th Annual Japan Record Awards. 19 years old at the time, she is the youngest artist to have been awarded the grand prize.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Have Never Seen</span> 1998 single by Namie Amuro

"I Have Never Seen" is the twelfth single by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released by Avex Trax on December 23, 1998, as the lead single to her fourth studio album Genius 2000 (2000). The song was written and composed solely by Tetsuya Komuro. It was the first single released after Amuro's return from her yearlong maternity leave, and was released approximately one week before her well-publicized official comeback at the 49th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen. Musically, the song is a melancholic power ballad.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never End (song)</span> 2000 single by Namie Amuro

"Never End" is the 17th single by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was released on July 12, 2000, as the lead single from her fifth studio album Break the Rules (2000). The track was made specifically for the 26th G8 summit that took place in Amuro's home prefecture Okinawa during July of that year. "Never End" was written, composed and arranged solely by her long-time producer Tetsuya Komuro. Musically, it is a pop ballad that takes influences from Okinawan music. Lyrically, the song describes distant memories, distant places, and distant emotions, indicating a longing for connection and understanding.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Something 'Bout the Kiss</span> 1999 single by Namie Amuro

"Something ‘Bout the Kiss" is a song by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released on September 1, 1999 by Avex Trax, and serves as the third single from her fourth studio album Genius 2000 (2000). Furthermore, all physical and digital formats included an additional B-side called "You Are the One", which appears on the parent album. "Something 'Bout the Kiss" was written by Lysette Titi, Chan Hai, and its producer Dallas Austin. Musically, it is a midtempo contemporary R&B track with a melancholic melody.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baby Don't Cry (Namie Amuro song)</span> 2007 single by Namie Amuro

"Baby Don't Cry" is the 32nd single by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was released as the second single from her eighth studio album, Play (2007). It was written, composed, arranged, and produced by Japanese musician Naoaki Yamato, under the alias Nao'ymt. The single also included the B-side track "Nobody," a reworked version of her 2005 song "White Light." "Baby Don't Cry" premiered on January 24, 2007, as the third single from the album in Japan. It was also released worldwide on February 21, 2007, through Avex Inc. Musically, "Baby Don't Cry" is an mid-tempo sunshine pop song influenced by R&B music.

<i>Play</i> (Namie Amuro album) 2007 studio album by Namie Amuro

Play is the eighth studio album by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was released on June 27, 2007, by Avex Trax and was made available in both physical and digital formats. Following the success of her previous album, Queen of Hip-Pop (2005), Amuro enlisted long-time collaborators Nao'ymt and T. Kura to produce the album. Play, like its predecessor, is an urban contemporary record with elements of pop music, rock and dance-pop. Lyrically, the record explores themes of love, frustration, and relationships.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 CD Journal Staff (July 24, 1997). "Namie Amuro – Concentration 20 [CD]". CD Journal (in Japanese). Retrieved March 16, 2024.
  2. 1 2 Japanese formats for Sweet 19 Blues listed below:
  3. ↑ "Sweet 19 Blues - Namie Amuro" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  4. ↑ "GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 1996年8月度" [Gold Albums, and other certified works. August 1996 Edition](PDF). The Record (Bulletin) (in Japanese). 443. Chūō, Tokyo: Recording Industry Association of Japan: 5. October 10, 1997. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 10, 2014. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Chase the Chance - Namie Amuro" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  6. ↑ "Don't Wanna Cry - Namie Amuro" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  7. ↑ "You're My Sunshine - Namie Amuro" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  8. ↑ "歴代アルバムランキング TOP267" (in Japanese). Music TV Program. Archived from the original on October 10, 2007. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  9. ↑ "1996年 アルバム年間TOP100" (in Japanese). Oricon (via Geocities). 1996. Archived from the original on December 8, 2013. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  10. 1 2 Amuro, Namie (1997). Concentration 20 (Liner notes). Namie Amuro. Japan: Avex Trax, Avex Taiwan. AVCD-11581.
  11. ↑ Amuro, Namie (2000). Genius 2000 (Liner notes). Namie Amuro. Japan: Avex Trax, Avex Taiwan. AVCD-11756.
  12. ↑ Amuro, Namie (2000). Break the Rules (Liner notes). Namie Amuro. Japan: Avex Trax, Avex Taiwan. AVCD-11876.
  13. ↑ Amuro, Namie (1996). a walk in the park (liner notes). Japan: Avex Trax. AVDD-20161.
  14. ↑ "Maxell UD 　CM 安室奈美恵". YouTube (in Japanese). Retrieved 2024-06-11.
  15. 1 2 181920 Films (DVD liner notes). Avex Trax. 2000. AVBD-91025.
  16. ↑ "Namie Amuro - Songs". AllMusic . Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  17. ↑ "Concentration 20 - Namie Amuro". AllMusic . Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  18. 1 2 "a walk in the park - Namie Amuro" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  19. ↑ "GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 1997年1月度" [Gold Albums, and other certified works. January 1997 Edition](PDF). The Record (Bulletin) (in Japanese). 449. Chūō, Tokyo: Recording Industry Association of Japan: 9. March 10, 1997. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 6, 2014. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
  20. ↑ Oricon Style Staff (December 9, 1996). "Oricon Singles Chart – Chart Week December 9, 1996". Oricon; published through Yahoo! GeoCities (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  21. ↑ Oricon Style Staff (December 16, 1996). "Oricon Singles Chart – Chart Week December 16, 1996". Oricon; published through Yahoo! GeoCities (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  22. ↑ Oricon Style Staff (December 23, 1996). "Oricon Singles Chart – Chart Week December 23, 1996". Oricon; published through Yahoo! GeoCities (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  23. ↑ Oricon Style Staff (December 30, 1996). "Oricon Singles Chart – Chart Week December 30, 1996". Oricon; published through Yahoo! GeoCities (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  24. ↑ Oricon Style Staff (January 13, 1997). "Oricon Singles Chart – Chart Week January 13, 1997". Oricon; published through Yahoo! GeoCities (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  25. ↑ Oricon Style Staff (January 20, 1997). "Oricon Singles Chart – Chart Week January 20, 1997". Oricon; published through Yahoo! GeoCities (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  26. ↑ Oricon Style Staff (January 27, 1997). "Oricon Singles Chart – Chart Week January 27, 1997". Oricon; published through Yahoo! GeoCities (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  27. 1 2 "オリコン 1997年TOP100". Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  28. ↑ "Namie Amuro's Top 20 Single Sales" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved March 7, 2024. [Additional ranking information provided by corporate service Oricon Biz]
  29. ↑ "Japanese single certifications – Namie Amuro – a walk in the park" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan.Select 1997年1月 on the drop-down menu
  30. ↑ "オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved January 29, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.