Break Down (album)

Last updated
Break Down
Super Junior-M-Break Down.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedJanuary 7, 2013 (2013-01-07)
Recorded2012
Studio SM Studios, Seoul, South Korea
Genre Electropop
Length37:57
Language Mandarin
Label S.M. Entertainment, KMP Holdings
Producer Lee Soo Man
Super Junior-M chronology
Perfection
(2011)
Break Down
(2013)
Swing
(2014)
Singles from Break Down
  1. "Break Down"
    Released: January 7, 2013

Break Down is the second studio album by Mandopop boy group Super Junior-M. It was released online on January 7, 2013 by S.M. Entertainment and distributed by KMP Holdings. It is their first release in nearly 2 years, since the release of their 2011 EP, Perfection , and their first studio album in nearly 5 years, since the release of their first 2008 studio album, Me .

Contents

Background

After their second EP Perfection released in 2011, the Korean members returned to their activities as part of the main group, Super Junior. The main group released their 5th album Mr. Simple in 2011, [1] in which Henry composed a song together with the leader Leeteuk, titled "Andante", for the repackaged version of the album, A-Cha . [2] They also released their 6th album, Sexy, Free & Single , in 2012. [3] Super Junior-M also performed at the main group's world tour Super Show 4 . [4] In 2012, Henry and Zhou Mi went on to act in a movie and a drama respectively. Henry was cast in the movie Final Recipe, alongside famous Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh. [5] Zhou Mi starred in the Chinese-Taiwanese drama When Love Walked In , alongside f(x)'s leader Victoria Song and Fahrenheit's Calvin Chen, as a main cast. [6] [7] In September 2012, it was revealed that Super Junior-M was preparing a comeback with a new album. [8] At that time, the album was in preparation. Since this announcement, Super Junior-M participated in many concerts overseas in the latter half of 2012, including Taiwan, Malaysia and China as destinations. [9] [10] [11] S.M. Entertainment revealed a promotional picture for the new lead single of Super Junior-M, "Break Down", announcing the comeback of the Chinese sub-unit to the Chinese music industry after nearly 2 years. [12] Super Junior-M performed on December 31, 2012 at the 2013 Jiangsu Satellite New Year′s Eve Concert held in Jiangsu, China, and revealed for the first time the teaser for their new lead single "Break Down". [11]

Composition

"We are releasing this new album 2 years after our last album, so we have spent a lot of time on each aspect. We hope to be able to show a different style".

— Zhou Mi, talking about the group's album. [13] [14]

The lead single of the album, "Break Down", is described as an upbeat pop dance song, mixed with elements of dubstep and synth sounds. [15] [16] [17] The song is produced and composed by Australian team Twice As Nice (consisting of Nick Audino & Lewis Hughes), Martin Mulholland and Nermin Harambasic from Dsign Music, while the lyrics are written by Zhou Weijie. It is a song about a man who can no longer hide his love for a woman, expressing his feelings to her. [15] Nick Bass, who has worked with international stars such as Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera, choreographed the dance for "Break Down". [18] [19] He was also the choreographer behind Super Junior's 2009 hit, "Sorry, Sorry". [20] and also Bonamana in 2010.

For this album, Henry worked as a producer and composer with his production team Noize Bank, and collaborated with member Zhou Mi, who had already written songs for every album of Super Junior-M. Two songs were produced and composed by Noize Bank on this album, "Go" and "It's You", with the lyrics written by Zhou Mi. [21] The track "Go" is described as an impressive song with a cheerful melody. [22] The song expresses the feeling of falling in love, being confident and free about it. "It's You" is an energetic song with bubbly lyrics, a lively melody, and a medium tempo. [22] The song "A-Oh!" is an electronic modern pop song. [21]

Famous Malaysian singer and composer Michael Wong contributed to the album by composing a song for member Zhou Mi, called "Distant Embrace", while the lyrics are written by famous Hong Kong singer and actress Crystal Cheung. [21] Super Junior-M requested a love song from Wong since the release of their first album Me, and sent him their profiles and songs, but he couldn't submit anything to them at that time. [23] [24] [25] At first, he wanted to compose a song similar to the music of Taiwanese band Xiao Hu Dui, but they specifically requested a love song. [23] The lyrics of "Distant Embrace" are about the faint pain of a love. [21] The album contains R&B and ballad songs, including "Good Bye My Love" and "Tunnel". [26] The song "Tunnel" was written by member Zhou Mi, and composed by Kenzie and Andrew Choi. It is a ballad with a dreamy sound. [21]

"Stand Up", an upbeat track, will serve as the OST for upcoming Chinese movie Saving General Yang . Actors from the movie, including Adam Cheng, Vic Zhou, Ekin Cheng, Wu Chun, Li Chen, Raymond Lam, and Fu Xinbo, who play the roles of 7 brothers in the movie, will sing the Korean version of the song, against Super Junior-M who sing the Chinese version. [27]

Track listing

No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementsLength
1."Break Down"Zhou WeijieTwice As Nice, Martin Mulholland, Nermin Harambasic Twice As Nice3:22
2."Go" Zhou Mi Noize Bank (Henry Lau / Gen Neo / Isaac Han / Neil Nallas)Noize Bank (Henry Lau / Gen Neo)3:02
3."Good Bye My Love" (Chinese: 完美的再见 wán měi de zài jiàn)Liu YuanPark Hae-moon, Park Hae-woonPark Hae-moon, Park Hae-woon4:41
4."A-oh!"Tina WangSean Alexander, The Euroz Team One Sound 3:42
5."It’s You"Zhou Mi, Tina WangNoize Bank (Henry Lau / Gen Neo / Isaac Han / Neil Nallas)Noize Bank3:01
6."Distant Embrace" (Zhou Mi Solo)(Chinese: 距離的擁抱 jù lí de yōng bào) Crystal Cheung  [ zh ] Michael Wong Score5:03
7."Tunnel"Zhou Mi Kenzie, Andrew ChoiKenzie3:43
8."Stand Up" (Chinese: 我挺你 wǒ tǐng nǐ)Tina WangErik Lidbom, Herbie Crichlow Erik Lidbom, Herbie Crichlow3:21
9."Break Down" (Instrumental) Twice As Nice, Martin Mulholland, Nermin Harambasic Twice As Nice3:21
10."Good Bye My Love" (Instrumental) Park Hae-moon, Park Hae-woonPark Hae-moon, Park Hae-woon4:41
Total length:37:57
Korean Version
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementsLength
1."Break Down" (Korean version) Seo Ji-eum, Lee Seu-ran, Lee Hyo-minTwice As Nice, Martin Mulholland, Nermin Harambasic Twice As Nice3:22
2."Good Bye My Love" (Korean: 완미적재견wan mi jeok jaeg yeon)Park Shi-yeon, DK4RG, Lee Sang-baekPark Hae-moon, Park Hae-woonPark Hae-moon, Park Hae-woon4:40
3."Break Down"Zhou WeijieTwice As Nice, Martin Mulholland, Nermin Harambasic Twice As Nice3:22
4."Go" Zhou Mi Noize BankNoize Bank3:02
5."Good Bye My Love" (Chinese: 完美的再见 wán měi de zài jiàn)Liu YuanPark Hae-moon, Park Hae-woonPark Hae-moon, Park Hae-woon4:41
6."A-oh!"Tina WangSean Alexander, The Euroz Team One Sound 3:42
7."It’s You"Zhou Mi, Tina WangNoize BankNoize Bank3:01
8."Distant Embrace" (Zhou Mi Solo)(Chinese: 距離的擁抱 jù lí de yōng bào)Crystal Cheung Michael Wong Score5:03
9."Tunnel"Zhou Mi Kenzie, Andrew ChoiKenzie3:43
10."Stand Up" (Chinese: 我挺你 wǒ tǐng nǐ)Tina WangErik Lidbom, Herbie Crichlow Erik Lidbom, Herbie Crichlow3:21
11."Break Down" (Instrumental) Twice As Nice, Martin Mulholland, Nermin Harambasic Twice As Nice3:21
12."Good Bye My Love" (Instrumental) Park Hae-moon, Park Hae-woonPark Hae-moon, Park Hae-woon4:41
Total length:45:59

Charts

Album charts

Single chart

Chinese Version

CountryChartPeak PositionRef
Germany
German Asian Music Chart
3
Taiwan
G-Music Combo Chart
3
Taiwan
G-Music Mandarin Chart
2
Thailand
True Music's 'Top 20 Chart'
1

Sales

Gaon Album Chart

CountryYearMonthSalesAccumulative salesRef
South
Korea
2013February40,69640,696 [30]
March8,65049,346
April1,15950,505
May79451,299
June31951,618
July79152,409
2014June7832148
Total52,409+

Listicles

PublisherYearListicleNominee/workPlacementRef.
Billboard 2018The 100 Greatest Boy Band Songs of All Time: Critics' Picks"It's You"44th [35]

Release

RegionFormatDateLabelDistributor
WorldwideDigital downloadJanuary 7, 2013 S.M. Entertainment KMP Holdings
South Korea January 31, 2013
CDFebruary 5, 2013 [36]
Taiwan CD, digital downloadFebruary 19, 2013 [37] Avex Taiwan
Hong Kong February 28, 2013 [38] Avex Asia
Philippines June 7, 2013Avex Asia, Universal Records

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Junior</span> South Korean boy band

Super Junior , also known as SJ or SuJu, is a South Korean boy band composed of Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Siwon, Donghae, Ryeowook and Kyuhyun. Han Geng, Kibum and Kangin were originally part of the group before departing in 2011, 2015 and 2019, respectively. The group was formed by the founder of SM Entertainment, Lee Soo-man in 2005 as a 12-piece group with rotational members but the concept was abandoned after addition of Kyuhyun in 2006. They are also dubbed by the media as the "King of Hallyu Wave" due to their prominent contributions in Korean Wave.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miss A</span> Chinese-Korean girl group

Miss A was a South Korean girl group formed by JYP Entertainment. The group debuted in July 2010 with the single "Bad Girl Good Girl" as a quartet consisting of Fei, Jia, Min, and Suzy. Their debut song reached number one on the Gaon Digital Chart, which made them the first act ever to have their debut song reach the top of the chart, the song also became the best-performing single of 2010 on the chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eunhyuk</span> South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter and television personality

Lee Hyuk-jae, better known by his stage name Eunhyuk, is a South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, dancer and television host. He is a member of the South Korean boy group Super Junior and its subgroups Super Junior-T and Super Junior-H. In 2011, he joined Super Junior's Mandopop subgroup Super Junior-M and the duo Super Junior-D&E, active in China and Japan respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lee Sung-min (singer)</span> South Korean singer, actor

Lee Sung-min, known mononymously as Sungmin and also LIU, is a South Korean singer, songwriter and actor. He is a member of the South Korean boy band Super Junior and its sub-groups Super Junior-T, Super Junior-H and Super Junior-M.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lee Donghae</span> South Korean singer and actor

Lee Dong-hae, referred to as Donghae, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, composer and actor. He became a trainee under SM Entertainment after winning a prize at SM's Youth Best Contest in 2001. After four years of training, Donghae debuted as a member of boy group Super Junior in November 2005. In July 2023, Lee left SM Entertainment, although he remains as a member of Super Junior. Two months later, Lee along with Eunhyuk founded new label ODE.ent to managed his solo activities as well as D&E's activities and he also charges as a Co-CEO of the label.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kim Ryeo-wook</span> South Korean singer (born 1987)

Kim Ryeo-wook, better known by the mononym Ryeowook, is a South Korean singer, songwriter and musical actor. He is best known as a member of boy group Super Junior and its subgroups, Super Junior-K.R.Y. and Super Junior-M. Along with four other Super Junior members, he is one of the first Korean artists to appear on Chinese postage stamps. He began a solo career in 2016 with his first EP The Little Prince.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U (Super Junior song)</span> Single by Super Junior

"U" is a song recorded in multiple languages by South Korean boy group Super Junior, with the original Korean version released through SM Entertainment on May 25, 2006. A CD single was released in South Korea on June 7 and peaked at number one on the monthly MIAK album chart in June 2006, selling copies over 83,000 copies by July 2007. The song won five first place awards on South Korean music programs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Junior-M</span> Subgroup of the South Korean boy band Super Junior

Super Junior-M, is the third sub-unit of the South Korean boy band Super Junior focusing on Chinese market, currently composed of six Super Junior members Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Siwon, Donghae, Ryeowook, Kyuhyun and special member Zhou Mi. The sub-unit is known as the first international music group in the Chinese music industry to have members of both Chinese and Korean descent.The sub-unit has released two studio albums and three EP’s since their debut.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henry Lau</span> Canadian singer and musician

Henry Lau, often mononymously referred to as Henry, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer based in South Korea and China. He debuted in 2008 as a member of Super Junior-M and launched his solo career in 2013 with Trap. His song "It's You", released in 2017, became the most streamed Korean original soundtrack song on Spotify for two consecutive years in 2018 and 2019. In 2018, Henry left SM Entertainment following the expiration of his contract, and subsequently joined Monster Entertainment Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zhou Mi (singer)</span> Chinese singer

Zhou Mi is a Chinese singer, entertainer and author active in South Korea and China signed under SM and co-managed with Baymon for his China activities. He debuted in 2008 as an exclusive member of the Super Junior's china sub-group Super Junior-M and later participated in SM Entertainment's project group SM the Ballad. Aside from group activities, he also participates in various television variety shows, radio shows, and dramas. He release his first solo EP titled Rewind in 2014. In 2016, SM established own management for his activities in China, Zhoumi Studio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juniel</span> South Korean singer

Choi Seo-ah, better known by her stage name Juniel, is a South Korean singer-songwriter. She began her career in Japan before eventually debuting in South Korea. She was first known as 'Junie', but eventually changed her stage name to 'Juniel', which was derived from combining her name, Junie, and L for 'love'. She was also a member of the duo Romantic J with CNBLUE's Lee Jong-hyun under former label FNC Entertainment. In 2016, Juniel announced on her social media that she legally changed her native name from 최준희 to 최서아.

<i>Mr. Simple</i> Album by Super Junior

Mr. Simple is the fifth studio album by the South Korean boy band Super Junior. It was released on 3 August 2011, by SM Entertainment, distributed by KMP Holdings and digitally release on 2 August. On 19 September 2011, a repackaged edition was released, re-titled A-Cha. It features four new tracks including title track "A-Cha" and "Superman" which was previously released in version B only. This is the group's second album that features ten of the original 13 members and the first being their previous album, Bonamana (2010).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Show 4</span> 2011–12 concert tour by Super Junior

Super Show 4 was the first live world concert tour and fourth international tour by South Korean boy band Super Junior, in support of their fifth studio album, Mr. Simple. The world tour commenced with two shows in Seoul in November 2011 and continued onto Japan, Taiwan, China, other Asian countries, and France.

<i>Mama</i> (EP) 2012 EP by Exo-K and Exo-M

Mama is the debut studio extended play (EP) by South Korean-Chinese boy band Exo-K and Exo-M. It was released by SM Entertainment on April 9, 2012, in two language editions – Exo-K's Korean version and Exo-M's Mandarin version.

<i>Sexy, Free & Single</i> Album by Super Junior

Sexy, Free & Single is the sixth Korean studio album of South Korean boy band Super Junior. It was released on July 4, 2012, by SM Entertainment, distributed by KMP Holdings and available from online music portal sites at midnight on July 1, 2012. It is their first album in 11 months following Mr. Simple released in August 2011. This was followed by the release of Version B on July 16, with a different cover which features the 10 members in their teaser photo makeup. A repackaged edition, re-titled Spy was released on August 6, with four new tracks including follow-up single "Spy".

<i>Re:Blue</i> 2013 EP by CNBLUE

Re:Blue is the fourth Korean extended play by South Korean rock band CNBLUE. It was released on January 14, 2013 with the track "I'm Sorry" as the promotional single.

<i>Mamacita</i> (album) 2014 studio album by Super Junior

Mamacita is the seventh Korean studio album of South Korean boy band Super Junior. It was released on September 1, 2014, by SM Entertainment and was released online on August 29, 2014. This is their first Korean album since Sexy, Free & Single was released in 2012. On October 16, 2014, it was announced that a special version of the album, named This is Love, would be released on October 27, 2014.

<i>Error</i> (VIXX EP) 2014 EP by VIXX

Error is the second mini-album by the South Korean boy band VIXX. It was released on October 14, 2014 under the label of Jellyfish Entertainment. It features the single of the same name. The song, along with its music video was also released in Japan in Japanese under CJ Victor Entertainment as their Japanese debut. The song was then finally released in China and Taiwan in Chinese through QQ and in Taiwan through KKBOX.

<i>At Gwanghwamun</i> 2014 EP by Kyuhyun

At Gwanghwamun is debut extended play by South Korean singer Kyuhyun. It was released on November 13, 2014, by S.M. Entertainment and distributed by KT Music. The EP features seven tracks in total, including the lead single which shares the same name as the title of the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zhou Mi filmography</span>

Zhou Mi is a Chinese singer, actor, songwriter, presenter, MC, and radio DJ based in South Korea and China. He is a member of the Boy band Super Junior's sub-unit Super Junior-M and SM Entertainment's project group SM the Ballad. Aside from group activities, he also participates in various television variety shows, radio shows, and dramas.

References

  1. "Super Junior releases 5th album "Mr. Simple"". Koreaboo. August 1, 2011. Archived from the original on March 30, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  2. "Super Junior to release repackaged album, "A-Cha"!". Allkpop . September 14, 2011. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  3. Kim, JiYeon (July 9, 2012). "Super Junior Breaks Through Album Charts with 'Sexy, Free & Single'". CJ E&M enewsWorld. Archived from the original on February 16, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  4. Hicap, Jonathan M. (November 11, 2011). "Super Junior kicks off first world tour". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  5. Farther, Patrick (May 24, 2012). "Yeoh stirred by CJ Cooktales". Film Business Asia. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  6. "f(x)'s Victoria to play leading role in new Taiwanese drama". Allkpop . January 11, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  7. Ho, Stewart (September 7, 2012). "Super Junior-M's Zhou Mi, f(x)'s Victoria's 'When Loved Walked In' Hits First Place in Ratings". CJ E&M enewsWorld. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  8. "Super Junior-M to resume activities in China soon". Koreaboo. September 21, 2012. Archived from the original on March 11, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  9. "EXO-M and Super Junior-M perform in '2012 Tainan International Friendship Music Festival'". Allkpop . September 10, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  10. "Asia Super Showcase In Malaysia!". Hype Malaysia. November 28, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  11. 1 2 Choi, EunHwa (January 2, 2012). "Super Junior-M and EXO-M Perform Among Top Stars in China". CJ E&M enewsWorld. Archived from the original on February 16, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  12. "Super Junior-M reveals promotional image for "Break Down"". Allkpop . December 29, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  13. "Takungpao Exclusive Interview: SJM talks about the new album, "Break Down" – From 130109". Sup3rjunior. January 9, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  14. "大公娱乐独家专访:SJ-M谈新专辑《Break Down》(Takungpao Exclusive Interview: SJ-M talks about the new album, "Break Down")". Takungpao (in Chinese). January 9, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  15. 1 2 "Super Junior M releases music video for "Break Down"". Koreaboo. January 7, 2013. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  16. "Super Junior-M Releases MV Teaser for "Break Down"". Soompi . December 31, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  17. "Super Junior-M releases "Break Down" MV teaser". Koreaboo. December 31, 2012. Archived from the original on January 6, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  18. Lee, Wei Lin (February 17, 2013). "Super Junior-M: Worth The Wait". Xin MSN Entertainment. Archived from the original on July 18, 2013. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  19. "Nick Bass". The Official Michael Jackson Site. Archived from the original on July 28, 2013. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  20. "Famous choreographers work with Super Junior's third album, "Sorry, Sorry"". Newsen (in Korean). 2009-03-05. Retrieved 2009-03-05.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 Kwon, SuBin (January 7, 2013). "슈퍼주니어M 새앨범 음원-뮤비 한중 동시공개 (Super Junior M's new album – music video released together)". Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  22. 1 2 Yi, JeongHyeok (January 7, 2013). "슈주-M, 7일 정규 2집 공개 (SJ-M's second album to be released on January 7)". Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  23. 1 2 "Michael Wong working with Super Junior-M". The Daily Chili. 2009. Archived from the original on November 22, 2010. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  24. "SJM records congratulatory video for Guang Liang's new album release, expresses intentions to work together". Korea.com. June 1, 2011. Archived from the original on March 23, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  25. Wong, Jerome (June 1, 2011). "Michael Wong's latest album". Yahoo! News Philippines. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  26. "Super Junior releases comeback album "Break Down"". Koreaboo. January 7, 2012. Archived from the original on March 23, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  27. "Super Junior-M唱普通話主題曲 (Super Junior M to sing the OST for the movie "Saving General Yang")". ON.CC (in Chinese). January 3, 2013. Archived from the original on October 14, 2014. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  28. "Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard .
  29. "Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard .
  30. 1 2 ":: 가온차트와 함께하세요 ::". Archived from the original on 2012-11-30. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
  31. "Login". remarkable.forumieren.com. Retrieved 2015-11-23.
  32. "G-Music 風雲榜 (綜合榜)". Archived from the original on 2012-07-10. Retrieved 2013-05-03.
  33. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-07-22. Retrieved 2013-03-01.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  34. "Super Junior M's Break Down dominates Music charts in Thailand". Allkpop . Retrieved November 23, 2015.
  35. "The 100 Greatest Boy Band Songs of All Time: Critics' Picks". Billboard. 23 April 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  36. "YESASIA: Super Junior-M Vol. 2 - Break Down (Korea Version) CD - Super Junior-M, SM Entertainment - Korean Music - Free Shipping - North America Site". www.yesasia.com. Retrieved 2015-11-23.
  37. "YESASIA: Break Down (Preorder Version) (Taiwan Version) CD - Super Junior-M, Avex Taiwan Inc. - Mandarin Music - Free Shipping - North America Site". www.yesasia.com. Retrieved 2015-11-23.
  38. "YESASIA: Break Down (Hong Kong Special Version) (CD + Postcard) CD - Super Junior-M, Media Asia Music - Mandarin Music - Free Shipping - North America Site". www.yesasia.com. Retrieved 2015-11-23.