"First Love" is a song by the Japanese-American singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada. It was released on April 28,1999,as the third single from their second studio album,First Love,which was issued a month previously. It was released in two formats:an 8cm mini CD and 12cm standard CD both featuring different mixes. The song was used as the theme for the dorama series Majo no Jōken. It was also used as the entrance march for the opening ceremony of the Spring 2000 National High School Baseball Tournament.
"First Love" is a mid-tempopower ballad that blends elements of R&B,pop,and soul,showcasing Utada’s signature style of emotional vulnerability paired with Western-influenced production. The arrangement features soft piano melodies,subtle string accompaniments,and a laid-back rhythm section. Lyrically,the song explores the bittersweet emotions of a first romantic experience,focusing on themes of longing,nostalgia,and unforgettable love.
Commercially,"First Love" experienced success in Japan. The 8 cm CD single edition reached number six on the Oricon Singles Chart and sold over 303,000 units there. Meanwhile,the 12 cm CD single edition peaked at number two and sold over half a million units,tallying over 800,000 copies in Japan;It was certified double platinum for 800,000 copies shipped to stores in Japan. "First Love" was also the best-performing single in Taiwan for 1999. The song was later covered by various artists and featured in multiple television dramas and commercials.
In 2022,"First Love" gained renewed attention through its inclusion in the Netflix series First Love,which was inspired by Utada’s songs "First Love" and "Hatsukoi."
In March 1999, Hikaru Utada released their highly anticipated debut Japanese album First Love.[1] The album recorded the highest sales of any album in Japan with sales of eight million copies and made Hikaru Utada's name known worldwide.[2] To further accelerate the album's momentum, its title track was re-released as a single on April 28, 1999, due to its popularity. This led to increased exposure on TV and radio, further expanding the album's recognition.
"First Love" is a power ballad that incorporates piano, bass, drums, guitars and synthesizers.[3] The title "First Love" has a dual meaning: "first love" and "the love that could not be the last."[4] Lyrically, the song speaks about cherishing the powerful and unforgettable memories of a first love, even after years have passed and circumstances have changed.[4] The song is written in the key of G major with a common time tempo of 180 beats per minute.[5]
Critical reception
Since its release, "First Love" has received positive reviews from music critics. Kano, writing for Rockin'on Japan magazine, examined the single's raw emotions and described it as "heartbreaking."[6] While reviewing their greatest hits album Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol.1 (2004), Satoshi Shimada of Yeah!! J-Pop! and Kanako Hayakawa from Shinko Music both felt it was one of the strongest hits from the collection.[7][8] OKMusic's Tomoyuki Hokari praised the lyrics on the song such as the famous line: "Our last kiss had the flavor of tobacco."[9] In a 2009 survey by Oricon, asking respondents what song they wanted to hear with a broken heart, "First Love" was voted in the top 10.[10]
Commercial performance
Commercially, "First Love" was a success. The 12cm edition of the single debuted at number two on the Oricon Singles Chart with 196,850 copies sold in its first week.[11] The 8cm edition debuted at number seven with 68,040 copies sold in its first week; the following week it would peak at number six with 62,700 copies sold.[11][12] The 12cm disc was ranked as the 42nd best-selling single of 1999 in Japan,[13] while the 8cm disc was ranked as the 72nd.[13] Combining the sales of both versions, the single had 804,320 sales, which would have made it the 18th best-selling single for 1999. The song was also highly successful in Taiwan, peaking at number one on the singles chart.[14] At the end of the year, "First Love" became the annual number one song on Taiwan's Hit FM Top 100 Singles of the Year chart for 1999.[15] "First Love" was certified double platinum for 800,000 copies shipped to stores by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).[16]
Promotion
The music video for "First Love" is set in a dimly lit lounge or nightclub. The video follows Utada as they sits alone at a small table, lost in thought. The subdued lighting and quiet ambiance reflect the emotional tone of the song—a bittersweet reflection on a past relationship. As they sings, the camera lingers on their face, capturing subtle expressions of longing and vulnerability.[17]
"First Love" was covered by the Japanese R&B singer Juju in 2010, on her cover album Request. It was the main promotional single, and was released as a digital download to cellphones on September 15, 2010.[46] Juju performed the song at Hey! Hey! Hey! on September 20.[47]
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