"Fighter" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Namie Amuro | ||||
from the album Finally | ||||
A-side | "Dear Diary" | |||
Released | October 26, 2016 | |||
Recorded | 2016; LAB Recorders ( Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan) | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:21 | |||
Label |
| |||
Songwriter(s) | Emyli | |||
Producer(s) |
| |||
Namie Amuro singles chronology | ||||
|
"Fighter" is a song recorded by Japanese singer Namie Amuro, released as a double A-side single with "Dear Diary". It was released on October 26, 2016 via Dimension Point and Avex Trax in two CD formats, and a DVD package; a digital release was made available for consumption on November 16. The single serves as the insert song to the Japanese drama–horror film Death Note: Light Up the New World , and the theme song to its accompanying spin-off series Death Note: New Generation (2016). "Fighter" was written, composed and produced by Japanese vocalist Emyli, with additional production credits to Reason.
Originally, one of the film producers, Takahiro Sato, intended to hire a Western musical act, namely Red Hot Chili Peppers or Lenny Kravitz, to record the themes songs. He came to believe that the series was already popular around the world; he changed his mind and felt the need to promote a foreign Japanese artist. Musically, "Fighter" is an "aggressive" electronic dance number that incorporates heavy usage of synthesizers and keyboards. The lyrical content delves into the point of view from the film's female protagonist, Misa Amane, and is heavily based on self-empowerment and courage.
"Fighter" received positive reviews from music critics, who complimented its dance nature and Amuro's delivery. Additionally, some reviews noticed the singers' ability to re-invent, and cited the single as a significant factor. Its popularity, alongside many other of her previous singles in 2016 brought her a nomination for Best Female Artist at the Space Shower Music Awards. Commercially, both recordings experienced success in Japan, peaking at number three on the daily and weekly Oricon Singles Chart, alongside scoring top ten positions on three component Billboard charts in that region.
An accompanying music video was directed by Higashi Hiroaki and released on Amuro's YouTube channel, showing the singer inside a large castle holding several corridors and mystical rooms. Furthermore, the main chorus sections feature Amuro in a large white ballroom with LED screens. Like "Dear Diary", the visuals are heavily developed with computer generated imagery. In order to promote the track, "Fighter" was broadcast on several Japanese television shows and was included on the singers 2016–17 Live Style tour in Japan.
In December 2015, Amuro returned to releasing non-album singles with "Red Carpet", months after the distribution of her eleventh studio album Genic (2015). [2] [3] Following these singles were "Mint" (May 2016) and "Hero" (July 2016), two numbers that served as a television theme song, and the opening track to the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, hosted in Rio de Janeiro for the Japanese entry. [4] [5] [6] A month after the latter song's release, Amuro confirmed her involvement with the Japanese drama–horror film Death Note: Light Up the New World , based on the anime and manga series of the same name, and intended for a late-October theatrical run. [7] Originally, the film's co-producer Takahiro Sato wanted to enlist a Western musical act to provide songs to the movie, and selected American band Red Hot Chili Peppers or American musician Lenny Kravitz as front-runners. However, knowing that the series was already popular outside of Japan, Sato decided to enlist Amuro in order to get the audience to recognized the "power of foreign artists" and also promote her work overseas. [8] Amuro herself expressed her gratitude for participating in the film's soundtrack. [8] The singer revealed the titles to be "Dear Diary" and "Fighter", which served as a double A-side; this is her first to do so since 2014's "Big Boys Cry/Beautiful". [9] [10]
"Fighter" was written, composed and produced by Japanese vocalist Emyli, with additional production credits to musician Reason. [11] Furthermore, Emyli provided background vocals to both this track and "Dear Diary", and were recorded by Wataru Namifusa at LAB Recordings in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. [11] According to Amuro's website, "Fighter" was described as an aggressive electronic dance number that incorporates heavy usage of synthesizers and keyboards. The lyrical content delves into the point of view from the film's character, Misa Amane, whom serves as the accompanying female protagonist alongside Light Yagami, and is heavily based on self-empowerment and courage. [12] [13] During the second verse, the singer incorporates a rapping technique in comparison to the remaining parts where she sings, as noted by Japanese critic Kanako Hayawaka. [1] Regarding the singles relation towards the film, Amuro believed that both "Dear Diary" and "Fighter" shared similar themes but were expressed in different styles of music. [1] "Fighter" is Amuro's first English-language single since 2013's "Ballerina". [14]
A snippet of "Fighter" was published through the trailer of the film in September 2016. [15] Subsequently, it was released as Amuro's seventh non-consecutive album single on October 26, 2016 via Dimension Point and Avex Trax. The labels distributed it in three physical formats; two standard compact discs, and a DVD bundle. All formats, apart from a special picture disc version, included the two A-sides and their instrumentation compositions; the picture disc only included the first two tracks, and availability was limited. [11] Furthermore, the DVD included both music videos to each track. [16] The CD artwork is an outtake shot from the music video of "Dear Diary", whilst the CD and DVD cover, representing "Fighter", features Amuro in dark clothing and make-up, surrounded by black feathers. The picture disc, featuring Amuro and the film's mascot character Ryuk, was published throughout selected Japanese retails and at her 2016–2017 Live Style concert venues. [17] Two bonus posters were distributed through CDJapan for those whom pre-ordered the CD and DVD versions. [18] [19] Promotional pop-up cards were made available at her Live Style venues, which incorporated an image of the singer and promoted aesthetics of Halloween 2016. [11] On November 16, nearly three weeks since its initial release, "Fighter" and its instrumental version were issued solely for digital consumption. [20] [21]
"Fighter" received positive reviews from music critics. Japanese critic Kanako Hayawaka enjoyed the track, commending its dance ready nature and production; additionally, she also highlighted Amuro's vocal performance. [1] Similarly, an editor at CD Journal commended the dance nature of the song, and expressed delight towards Amuro's ability to continuously "update herself." [22] Rikako Morikawa from OKMusic.jp commended its "aggressive" sound and songwriting, whilst an editor at Excite.co.jp described both tracks as "charm[s]". [23] [24] Another commentator from SBS PopAsia said that "Fighter" is a "thumping dance track that is as catchy as it is exhilarating." [25] Masahiro Higashide, whom plays one of the film's protagonist characters, Tsukuru Mishima, expressed his enjoyment of the track upon its release. [8]
Commercially, "Fighter" experienced success in Japan. It opened at number four on the daily Oricon Singles Chart, but slipped to number six the following day. [26] [27] On October 28, it peaked at number three and sold 4,553 copies. [28] [upper-alpha 1] Based on the first seven-days, the single entered the weekly chart at number three with 45,000 copies sold, making this Amuro's highest first-week sales since "Go Round"/"Yeah-Oh!" in 2012. [29] [30] [upper-alpha 2] [32] By the end of October 2016, Oricon ranked the song at number 15. [33] It slipped to number 14 the following week, selling 8,911 units, and fell again to number 22, marking its final week inside the top 40 chart. [34] [35] In total, "Fighter" spent 13 weeks inside the top 200 chart, and has sold 63,974 copies in Japan. [36] [31] At the end of 2016, the organisation placed the single as the 89th best-selling single. [37]
Furthermore, "Fighter" generated minimal impact than "Dear Diary" on three component charts published by Billboard Japan. It entered the Radio Songs chart at number 73, and at number four on the Top Singles Sales chart. [38] [39] Although it fell out the top 100 on the former category, it slipped to number 13 on the Top Singles Sales chart. [40] The following week—dated October 21, 2016—the A-side fell to number 23, and spent a total of five weeks in the chart. [41] [42] After the tracks digital availability on November 16, "Fighter" entered the Japan Hot 100 at number 15, the first of two other additions of the singers ("Dear Diary" at number 30 and "Hero" at number 81). [43] Unable to reach higher, it slipped to number 40 and marked its final appearance on December 12, stalling at number 82. [44] [45]
The accompanying music video for "Fighter" was directed by Hiroaki Higashi and published on Amuro's official YouTube channel. [46] In an extensive analysis with Arama Japan, a staff member explained;
The video takes place in a floating cubical fortress chained above a body of water. The camera traverses through the interior where we meet Amuro in a long, winding hallway with doors leading to different dimension-defying locations. Between choreography (which is really… something else), she soon finds herself in a bright dining room where the shinigami Ryuk sits with a plate apples. [47]
It opens with the camera scoping over a forest, series of mountains and fields. A square-shaped castle appears, being supported by chains and rocks, whilst lifted above a lake. As the camera passes through the entrance—filled with staircases and rooms— it zooms into Amuro walking along a vast hallway. Curiously, the singer opens several doors which showcases visions of her in different landscapes; for example, the first room has Amuro standing in a white room, filled with clouds, feathers and support systems that resemble Ancient Greek architecture. In this scene, the film's character, Arma, makes an appearance. The second room shows the singer at a dining table with the film's character Ryuk, as they look upon each other questioningly yet aggressively. A third and final separate scene has staring out of window, seeing yet another vision of herself in a mystical forest with Bepo, another character from Death Note. [46]
The bridge section of the video has a distance shot of the castle at night, having the singer stand on the rooftop. Additionally, a winged-Ryuk oversees Amuro from the moon and sends her an apple—a staple item for the character's aesthetic. Eventually, a small intercut scene has each character in the dining room with Amuro. The visual ends with Amuro seated and Ryuk behind her, eventually expanding out on the castles exterior and landscape. For each chorus and other spontaneous intercut, Amuro and four background dancers perform in a grey-coloured ballroom, surrounded with black feathers, historical architecture and LED screens on the floor. [46] A promotional teaser of "Dear Diary", alongside a musical snippet of "Fighter", was uploaded on Amuro's YouTube channel. [48] Furthermore, an official lyric video was leaked online, depicting footage of the original video with red–black–white vectors and graphics. [49]
In order to promote the single, several Japanese television shows broadcast special commemorations for Amuro, the accompanying film and the respective music videos to "Dear Diary" and "Fighter"; on October 26, Music On! Japan TV hosted a visual special, including "Dear Diary" and "Fighter" and her previous releases. [50] [51] Likewise, Space Shower TV premiered a music video special dedicated to the two singles and footage from the Death Note movie. [52] The single was included on the singer's 2016–17 Live Style tour in Japan; it was revealed two months prior in August 2016. [53]
|
|
Credits adapted from the liner notes of the single's CD and DVD release. [16]
Japanese charts
| Year-end charts
Sales
|
Region | Date | Format | Label |
---|---|---|---|
Japan [11] [16] [20] [21] [54] | October 26, 2016 |
|
|
November 16, 2016 | Digital download | Avex Music Creative Inc. | |
Australia [56] | |||
New Zealand [57] | |||
United Kingdom [58] | |||
Ireland [59] | |||
Germany [60] | |||
France [61] | |||
Spain [62] | |||
Taiwan [63] | |||
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.
Sweet 19 Blues is the second studio album by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. The album was released in four different slipcases, with the first three cases limited to 1,000,000 copies each—were put on sale on July 20, 1996, throughout Japan, and were distributed two days later to the rest of Asia by Avex Trax. The album was primarily handled by Japanese producer Tetsuya Komuro, with the assistance of Cozy Kubo, Akio Togashi, Takahiro Maeda, M.C.A.T. and Randy Waldman, it is her debut solo album to date since the spilt of Super Monkey's.
Girl Talk/The Speed Star is a double a-side by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro from her 7th studio album Queen of Hip-Pop (2005). The a-side, which consists of the tracks Girl Talk and The Speed Star, was released as the album's third single on October 14, 2004. Girl Talk was written and produced by T.Kura and Michico while The Speed Star was written and produced by Akira and Monk. The songs are R&B-dance tracks, which features instrumentation from synthesizers, violins, keyboards and bass guitars. Both Girl Talk and The Speed Star were used as the commercial songs for cosmetic company Lucido-L.
"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".
Baby Don't Cry is a song recorded by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro for 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 re-recorded version of her single White Light. It 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 Entertainment Inc. Musically, Baby Don't Cry is a pop ballad, influenced by R&B music.
Play is the eighth studio album by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was released on June 27, 2007, by Avex Trax and was available in 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 a R&B-influenced record with elements of pop music, rock, dance-pop, and hip-hop. Lyrically, the record explore themes of love, frustration, and relationships.
"Wild" is a song by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro from her ninth studio album Past<Future (2009). The song was released as the album's lead single on March 18, 2009, featuring the b-side "Dr." "Wild" was written and produced by Michio and T. Kura, while the latter track was written and produced by long-time collaborator Nao'ymt. The songs are electropop tracks, which features instrumentation from synthesizers and keyboards. "Wild" and "Dr." appeared as the advertising theme songs for Coca-Cola Zero and a Vidal Sassoon commercial.
Feel is the eleventh studio album by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was released on July 10, 2013 in both physical and digital formats, and it is her first studio release through Dimension Point, a sub-division of Amuro's label Avex Trax. Feel, like its predecessor Uncontrolled (2013), features a diverse range of producers and songwriters from outside of Japan, including collaborations with Zedd, Dsign Music, Anthony Maniscalco, and Steven Lee.
Ballada is the sixth compilation by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was released by Dimension Point on June 4, 2014 in three physical formats, and for digital consumption. It works as a concept album that compiles ballads released during her time with Avex Trax, including three re-worked tracks. Additionally, the album features its only single "Tsuki". Upon its release, Ballada received positive reviews from music critics, most whom praised Amuro's maturity and vocals, alongside the re-worked tracks.
"Contrail" is a song by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro, taken from her eleventh studio and second Japanese–English bilingual album Feel (2013). The singer was approached by the Tokyo Broadcasting System team to record the official theme song for their television series Flying Public Relations Office, which resulted into the process of "Contrail". The track was written, composed, arranged and produced entirely by long-time collaborator Nao'ymt, and recorded at Daimonion Studios in Shibuya, Tokyo. Musically, "Contrail" is a dance number that includes instrumentation of synthesizers, keyboards and a drum machine. A self-empowerment anthem, the title derives from the literal term, and is delivered as a metaphor for confidence and hope.
Genic is the twelfth and final studio album and final bilingual (English–Japanese) album by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was released on June 10, 2015 in three physical formats, and for digital consumption; additionally, it serves as the singer's final studio record since her retirement announcement for September 2018. The album was handled by Western producers, including David Guetta, Bardur Haberg, Joacim "Twin" Persson, Sophie, amongst others. Stylistically, Genic divides its sound between electronic dance music and R&B, and focuses on themes of self-empowerment, having fun, glamour and fashion.
"Tsuki" is a song recorded by Japanese singer Namie Amuro for her ballad-inspired concept compilation, Ballada (2014). It was distributed by Avex Trax and Amuro's record label, Dimension Point, on January 29, 2014 in Japan, and released worldwide as a digital single by Avex Music Creative Inc. The physical and digital formats included the two B-side tracks "Neonlight Lipstick" and "Ballerina", which later served as promotional singles online. "Tsuki" was written by Tiger, whilst production was handled by Hiro Doi and Zetton. Musically, the single is a J-Pop ballad with instrumentation consisting of synthesizers, bells, and chimes.
"Brighter Day" is a song by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. Released as a single on November 12, 2014 by Amuro's label Dimension Point through Avex Trax, the release contained the B-sides "Sweet Kisses", and "Still Lovin' You". It received mixed reviews from music critics; many commended Amuro's vocal abilities while some criticized the song's composition and production. Charted as a single on the Japanese Oricon Singles Chart, it reached number eight, becoming her lowest chart single since "Alarm" which peaked at eleven. The title track was certified platinum by Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for digital sales of 250,000 and all three tracks charted on the Japan Hot 100.
"Go Round" is a song by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro from her tenth studio album Uncontrolled (2012). It was released as a double a-side single with another album track "Yeah-Oh" and was served as the fourth single on March 21, 2012 by Avex Trax. "Go Round" was written by Aili, produced by T-Sk and co-composed by Tesung Kim and Australian duo Nervo. With a cover sleeve, photographed by Takaki Kumada, showing Amuro in front of a blurry window pane, "Go Round" was recorded both in English and Japanese language and is a dance-pop song.
"Red Carpet" is a song recorded by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released on December 2, 2015 via Avex Trax and her label Dimension Point as the singer's third consecutive non-album single, being supported by B-side track "Black Make-Up". "Red Carpet" was distributed in two physical formats—a standard CD, and a CD and DVD bundle—and was made available for digital consumption. The recording was written and composed by Matthew Tishler, Paula Winger, Stephanie Lewis and Tiger, whilst production was handled by Tishler. Musically, the track features guitars, synthesizers, keyboards and drums as instrumentation. Lyrically, the songwriting focuses on themes of self-confidence, empowerment and narcissism, and uses the title as a metaphor for life experiences.
"Mint" is the 44th single by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released on May 18, 2016 in Japan and May 27, 2016 in Taiwan as a CD single, DVD single, and worldwide on May 18 as a digital download by Avex Trax, Avex Taiwan and Amuro's own label Dimension Point. It also served as Amuro's fifth non-album maxi single, after the release of her December 2015 single "Red Carpet", and features the B-side song "Chit Chat". The track was written by Andreas Öberg, Emyli, Maria Marcus, and Tiger, while production was handled by Oberg and Marcus.
"Hero" is a song by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was released as a stand-alone single on July 27, 2016 by Avex Trax and Amuro’s own label Dimension Point; it was distributed physically in Japan and Taiwan, and digitally worldwide. The song was written by Ryosuke Imai and Sunny Boy, whilst production and composing was handled by the latter collaborator. Originally slated to appear as a B-side track to her previous single "Mint", it served as the official Japanese theme song to the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, broadcast by the NHK. Alongside this, a B-side track titled "Show Me What You’ve Got" appeared on the release of "Hero".
"Dear Diary" is a song by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro, released as a double A-side single with her track "Fighter". It was released on October 26, 2016 via Dimension Point and Avex Trax as Amuro's seventh consecutive non-album single, and is the theme song to the Japanese drama–horror film, Death Note: Light Up the New World (2016). It was distributed with "Dear Diary" in two physical formats—standard CD and CD/DVD bundle. "Dear Diary" was written, composed and produced by Matthew Tishler, Felicia Barton, Aaron Benward, and frequent collaborator Tiger. Musically, the recording is a pop ballad that lyrically focuses on the films title and recurring theme; furthermore, it delves into themes of empowerment and rising from pain and sorrow.
Finally is the seventh compilation album by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released on November 8, 2017, by Dimension Point in three physical formats, alongside limited edition goods. Additionally, Finally is also Amuro's final musical release before she retired from the music industry on September 16, 2018.
"Dr." is a song by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro, taken as the only A-side single from her ninth studio album Past<Future (2009). The track was written, composed, arranged and produced entirely by long-time collaborator Nao'ymt, and recorded at Azabu-O Studios in Minato, Tokyo. Musically, "Dr." is a dance number that is influenced by modern club music, and also samples an orchestral section from the musical piece "Boléro", composed by French conductor Maurice Ravel. Lyrically, it is a love song that uses the titular term to metaphorically describe Amuro's lover.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)