| "Baku Baku" | |
|---|---|
| Single by Psychic Fever from Exile Tribe | |
| from the album Psychic File I | |
| Released | April 10, 2023 |
| Recorded | 2023 |
| Studio | Thailand |
| Genre | Synth-pop, dance-pop |
| Label | LDH Records |
| Songwriter | ELIONE |
| Composers | SOFTSERVEBOY, SQVARE, Ryan Kim, el japo |
"Baku Baku" is a song by Japanese seven-member dance and vocal group Psychic Fever from Exile Tribe.
It was digitally released on April 10, 2023, as the lead track from their debut extended play (EP) Psychic File I . The song was released under the LDH Records label. [1] Lyrics were written by rapper ELIONE, while composition was handled by Softserveboy, Sqvare, Ryan Kim, and el japo.
The song was recorded at a studio in Thailand, with lyricist ELIONE also participating locally. The track was completed through on-site sessions with the group members. [2]
From September 2022, the group relocated their base to Thailand for approximately six months to undergo rigorous overseas training through live performances and local engagements. This international experience had a significant influence on the production of the song. Member Ren Watanabe stated that “the song might not have been born if we hadn't gone to Thailand,” referring to the new artistic expressions that emerged as a result of overcoming challenges encountered there. [2]
Musically, "Baku Baku" is an upbeat synth-pop dance track with a strong sense of velocity, capturing the realistic emotions of the members—balancing their brilliant presence on stage with the tension and excitement behind the scenes. [3] [4]
The title "Baku Baku" is a Japanese onomatopoeia representing the thumping of the heart, expressing emotional highs when seizing an opportunity. [2]
The song contains the lyric "face in the mirror" as an homage to Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror". The motif of the "mirror" serves as a metaphor for one's duality.
CBC Radio described the sound as an evolved synth-pop aesthetic influenced by the Weeknd' 's "Blinding Lights" and the Kid Laroi's "Stay", praising it as a track with potential appeal to global audiences. [5]
The music video was released on YouTube on April 10, 2023, the same day as the digital single. [6] It was directed by Keita Nakae, with choreography by Shoji of s**t kingz. This marked the group’s first music video incorporating computer-generated visual effects. [6]
The concept centers on the duality of an artist's emotions, contrasting polished on-stage performances with symbolic scenes depicting the group's past and behind-the-scenes struggles. [7]
Shoji explained that the choreography reflects the tension and doubts the members experienced after their long-term activities in Thailand—questions like "Can we take off as a group from here?" and "Will people recognize our value?"—as well as the contrast between their anxious backstage selves and confident onstage personas. [6]
The video features dance scenes on a hexagonal stage intercut with visuals of a parking lot with a large bus, a rooftop overlooking the city, and solo practice in an empty dance studio—depicting the group’s personal journey. [6]
In an interview, member Ryoga commented:
As part of its media tie-ins, "Baku Baku" was selected as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s morning program Mezamashi 8 for April and May 2023. [6]
The song was also chosen as the August ending theme on Yomiuri TV. [9]
Additionally, it was selected as CBC Radio's "Monthly Push Song" for April 2023. [9]
On the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart published April 26, 2023, “Baku Baku” debuted at number 93. [10] It peaked at number 74 on the Billboard Japan Streaming Songs chart for the same week. [11]