Want Me, Want Me

Last updated

"Want Me, Want Me"
Want me want me.jpg
CD only cover
Single by Namie Amuro
from the album Queen of Hip-Pop
B-side "Handle Me"
ReleasedApril 6, 2005
Studio Baybridge Studio
Genre
Length3:13
Label Avex Trax
Songwriter(s) Michico, Sugi-V
Producer(s) Sugi-V, Michico
Namie Amuro singles chronology
"Girl Talk/The Speed Star"
(2004)		"Want Me, Want Me"
(2005)		"White Light/Violet Sauce"
(2005)
Alternative cover
Want me want me.jpgCD+DVD.jpg
CD+DVD

"Want Me, Want Me" is the 29th single by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was released by Avex Trax on April 6, 2005, and was the last single from her seventh studio album, Queen of Hip-Pop (2005). "Want Me, Want Me" was initially supposed to be released as an album track of Queen of Hip-Pop or a coupling song, but Amuro thought it was so good she made it a single despite the opposition of her staff. The song's lyrics were written by Michico, while its music was composed by Sugi-V. Musically, "Want Me, Want Me" is an upbeat reggae-style tune with influences of reggaeton and bhangra music. Lyrically, the song is a provocative song that explores themes of desire, sexual agency, and the pursuit of pleasure.

Contents

Music critics praised "Want Me, Want Me" for its sound, which was unorthodox in mainstream Japanese music at the time, with some hailing the song as one of the highlights from her discography. Commercially, it was a success in Japan, peaking at the second position on the Oricon Singles Chart. The song was the third of three consecutive singles to sell over 100,000 copies and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for sales exceeding 100,000 units. "Want Me, Want Me" also provided Amuro with her largest first-week sales in four years.

A music video directed by Masashi Muto was filmed in an undisclosed studio to promote "Want Me, Want Me." Since its release, "Want Me, Want Me" has appeared on several of Amuro's concert tours and subsequent live releases, as well as her greatest hits album Best Fiction (2008), and was re-recorded for her final compilation album Finally (2017).

Background and composition

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
"Want Me, Want Me"
A sample of "Want Me, Want Me," which is a reggae-influenced number with sexually explicit lyrics.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

After completing her So Crazy Tour tour, [2] which was her first international tour, [3] [4] Amuro began work on her seventh studio album, Queen of Hip-Pop . Amuro collaborated on the album with Japanese producers and songwriters T.Kura, Michico, and Nao'ymt, as well as Tricky Stewart and Sugi-V. [5] Amuro enlisted Michico to assist her with new music because they had previously collaborated; she was inspired by their work together on her album Style (2003), particularly her song "Namie's Style," and both of them wanted to continue working towards Amuro's transition from dance-oriented music to R&B and hip-hop influences. [6] [7] [8]

Michico was chosen to write the lyrics for "Want Me, Want Me" and Sugi-V, a hip-hop/reggae beatmaker, was selected as the song's producer and composer. [5] Amuro recorded "Want Me, Want Me" with Toshihiro Wako at Baybridge Studio, with D.O.I. mixing at Daimonion Recordings. [5] The final project was mastered by Tom Coyne at Sterling Sound. [5] "Want Me, Want Me" is best described as a fusion of bhangra and reggaeton music. [9] Its arrangement and composition is most similar to reggaeton music, but it utilizes a sitar sample. [1] The song's accompanying lyrics are explicitly sexual, with the chorus namechecking Trojan condoms. [5] Amuro explained in an interview that when she first heard the track alone, and just from the track alone she thought, “What's this?" [7] She felt a sense of excitement and thrill that was very different from anything she had ever felt before. [7] Amuro didn't want to ruin the image or coolness of the song, so she asked Michico to write the lyrics and melody. [7] There were other candidates for a single, but Amuro decided to give "Want Me, Want Me" a wide release. [7]

The single's B-side song "Handle Me" was written and composed Akira, while its music was arranged by Junya Endo. [10] "Handle Me" is an upbeat song that features an exotic opening and lyrically describes a person who believes in the future and lives strongly. [1]

Release and promotion

The official video, depicting Amuro in a flooded room dancing with many background dancers. WANTMEWANTMEPV.png
The official video, depicting Amuro in a flooded room dancing with many background dancers.

Avex Trax released "Want Me, Want Me" in Japan on April 9, 2005, in digital formats, as well in a CD only or in a CD+DVD format. [10] [11] It serves as the final single from Amuro's seventh studio album Queen of Hip-Pop (2005). The CD single and digital format include the title track and the B-side track "Handle Me." [10] [11]

The video for "Want Me, Want Me" was shot in an undisclosed studio by director Masashi Muto. [12] It involves Amuro and several dancers performing in a flooded room. The room changes between two colors, blue and beige. Extras of various ethnic backgrounds were used as background dancers throughout the video. It was included on the DVD version of Best Fiction and her video album Filmography 2001-2005 (2005). [13] [14] In March 2005, a month before its official release, Amuro sung "Want Me, Want Me" at Japan's largest fashion event, Kobe Collection. [15] The performance surprised the approximately 2,000 audience members who had not been notified at all of her appearance. [16] Amuro commented: "I was nervous as it was a special fashion show, but I enjoyed it a lot because the audience erupted when I appeared!" [16] On May 29, 2005, she performed “Want Me, Want Me” as a performing artist at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards Japan held at Tokyo Bay NK Hall. [17] She won two awards that night: “Best R&B Video (award-winning work: GIRL TALK)” and “Most Impressive Performing Asian Artist.” [18]

Reception

Music critics gave "Want Me, Want Me" rave reviews. AllMusic cited the song as a standout from Amuro's discography. [19] Japanese magazine CDJournal reviewed the single and its appearances on Queen of Hip-Pop and Best Fiction. CDJournal praised the single as impressive with its refrain of melodies reminiscent of Okinawan and Middle Eastern folk music. [1] Its appearance on Queen of Hip-Pop was praised for being perfect for listening to on a summer night. [9] For Best Fiction, the song was lauded as a wonderful lovemaking song with a fusion of inorganic beats and sensual ethnic sounds. [20] Daniel Robison of Playlouder praised the song as "unabashed filth that fits perfectly with the grinding bass and stabbing beats." [21] Tetsuo Hiraga of Hot Express praised the song, stating: "I can't believe that Japanese people can't handle authentic R&B; and hip-hop. Because it feels so good!" [22] He also praised the song for completely breaking away from the framework of J-Pop. [22]

Commercial performance

Commercially, "Want Me, Want Me" was a success in Japan. The single debuted at number two on the weekly Oricon Singles Chart, selling 48,106 copies in its first week. [23] This marked the largest sales figure for an Amuro single since 2001 with "Say the Word." It dropped to number five the next week, selling 19,394 copies. [24] The single stayed in the top twenty one last week, ranking at number fourteen and selling 12,278 copies. [25] With sales of 102,733 copies by the end of the fiscal year, "Want Me, Want Me" ranked at number 100 on the year-end Oricon Singles Chart for 2005. [26] The single charted in the top 100 for ten weeks [27] and was eventually certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) in May 2005 for selling over 100,000 copies. [28]

Track listing

CD only format
CD
No.TitleLyricsMusicArranger(s)Length
1."Want Me, Want Me"MichicoSugi-V 3:13
2."Handle Me"AkiraAkiraJunya Endo3:30
3."Want Me, Want Me" (Instrumental)MichicoSugi-V 3:13
4."Handle Me" (Instrumental)AkiraAkiraJunya Endo3:27
Total length:13:25
CD and DVD
Disc1: CD
No.TitleLyricsMusicLength
1."Want Me, Want Me"MichicoSugi-V3:13
2."Want Me, Want Me" (Instrumental)MichicoSugi-V3:13
Disc2: DVD
No.TitleLength
1."Want Me, Want Me" (Music video)3:20
Total length:9:40

Personnel

Production

TV performances

Cover versions

Charts

RIAJ certification

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ) [29] Gold102,733 [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>Queen of Hip-Pop</i> 2005 studio album by Namie Amuro

Queen of Hip-Pop is the seventh studio album by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was released on July 13, 2005, by Avex Trax. The album's lyrical content, composing and arrangement was handled by multiple music collaborators, such as Nao'ymt, Sugi-V, Michico, Tricky Stewart, T.Kura, among many others. It is her second full-length urban contemporary record, and is made up of songs of various musical genres. Amuro uses the term "hip-pop" to describe the music on the album because it fuses pop music with other genres including R&B and hip-hop music. Three different formats were released to promote the album: a standalone CD, a limited edition Playbutton, and a digital download.

<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>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">White Light (Namie Amuro song)</span> 2005 single by Namie Amuro

"White Light" is a song by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released by Avex Trax in Japan on November 16, 2005, as a double A-single with "Violet Sauce". "White Light" was supposed to promote Amuro's eighth studio album Play (2007), but it was scrapped from the final track list. Instead, an alternative version of "Violet Sauce" appeared. A demo version of the song was sent to Amuro, who decided it needed a warmer tone and reworked it as a Christmas song. It was modified by Nao'ymt, the song's sole composer, producer, and writer. Musically, it's a midtempo Christmas song with lyrics about love and holiday festivities.

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

"Girl Talk" is a song by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. Avex Trax released it on digital and physical formats on October 14, 2004, and it is the third single from Amuro's seventh studio album, Queen of Hip-Pop (2005). It was also released as a double A-side with "The Speed Star", though the latter did not appear on the parent album. "Girl Talk" was written and produced by T.Kura and Michico, and is a dance song with R&B and pop influences that, like its parent album, transitions from Amuro's original dance sound to a more mature yet transatlantic sound.

<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">Alarm (Namie Amuro song)</span> 2004 single by Namie Amuro

"Alarm" is the 26th single by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was released by Avex Trax on March 17, 2004, serving as the lead single to Amuro's seventh studio album Queen of Hip-Pop (2005). The song was written by Jusme and composed by Monk. The B-side "Strobe" was first planned as the main track of this single and when Amuro got the demo for "Alarm" the song was titled "Clock."

<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.

<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). "Shine More" was originally written by Scott Nickoley, Sandra Pires and Paul Taylor, while the lyrics were translated into Japanese by H.U.B. Amuro called the song 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">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".

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">60s 70s 80s</span> 2008 single by Namie Amuro

"60s 70s 80s" is a triple A-side single by Japanese singer Namie Amuro from her third greatest hits album, Best Fiction (2008). It was released on March 12, 2008, through Avex Trax and consists of the songs "New Look," "Rock Steady" and "What a Feeling," each sampling from a specific decade in music, hence the title. "New Look" represents the 1960's and features a sample from The Supremes' "Baby Love." "Rock Steady" represents the 1970's and features a sample from Aretha Franklin's song "Rock Steady." The last song, "What a Feeling" represents the 1980's and features samples from Irene Cara's "Flashdance... What a Feeling," which was the theme for the 1983 film Flashdance.

<i>Best Fiction</i> 2008 greatest hits album by Namie Amuro

Best Fiction is the third greatest hits album by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released on July 30, 2008, by Avex Trax and features seventeen singles released between 2002-2008, which included five new songs, three of which were released as a triple A-side single called "60s 70s 80s." Furthermore, the album tracks "Do Me More" and "Sexy Girl" were released as digital singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wild (Namie Amuro song)</span> 2009 single by Namie Amuro

"Wild" is a song by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released by Avex Trax on March 16, 2009, and serves as the lead single for her ninth studio album, Past<Future (2009). Furthermore, all physical and digital formats included the A-side titled "Dr.," which appears on the parent album. Amuro intended to depart from her previous releases with "Wild" and "Dr.", her first forays into new material. Michico, T. Kura, and Nao'ymt created and produced "Wild," which was recorded at Tokyo's Azabu-O-Studio with Ryosuke Kataoka's assistance.

<i>Past Future</i> 2009 studio album by Namie Amuro

Past<Future is the ninth studio album by Japanese pop singer Namie Amuro. It was released on December 16, 2009, through Avex Trax. This was her first original album to be released in two and a half years. The record came after the release of her blockbuster greatest hits album Best Fiction (2008), which sold over a million copies. Unlike her previous studio albums, Queen of Hip-Pop (2005) and Play (2007), Past<Future features a more electropop and synth-pop sound that was prevalent in the Western music charts at the time.

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

"So Crazy" is a song by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released on October 16, 2003, by Avex Trax, and serves as the fourth and final single from her sixth studio album, Style (2003). Furthermore, all physical and digital formats included an additional A-side titled "Come," which appears on the parent album. "So Crazy" was written by Full Force, Jennifer "JJ" Johnson, Michico, and Tiger, and produced by Cobra Endo.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 NAMIE AMURO / WANT ME、WANT ME [CCCD]. CD Journal (in Japanese). Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  2. ↑ "安室奈美恵、ベストシングルをフィーチャーしたライヴ・レポ". barks.jp (in Japanese). January 22, 2004. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  3. ↑ "『namie amuro SO CRAZY Tour In Taipei』". Archived from the original on July 10, 2004. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  4. ↑ "『namie amuro SO CRAZY Tour In Seoul』". Archived from the original on July 10, 2004. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Amuro, Namie (2005). Queen of Hip-Pop (liner notes). Japan: Avex Trax. AVCD-17692.
  6. ↑ "Namie Amuro "Queen of Hip-Pop" Interview" (in Japanese). Barks. July 11, 2005. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Hiraga, Tetsuo. "Namie Amuro "Queen of Hip-Pop" interview". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Japan. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  8. ↑ "安室奈美恵" (in Japanese). Japan: Tower Records . Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  9. 1 2 CD Journal Staff (July 13, 2005). "Namie Amuro – Queen of Hip-Pop [CD]". CD Journal (in Japanese). Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  10. 1 2 3 "Want Me, Want Me" formats listed below:
  11. 1 2 "WANT ME, WANT ME (EP) by Namie Amuro". Spotify . Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  12. ↑ "Want Me, Want Me: ミュージックビデオサーチ" (in Japanese). Space Shower. Archived from the original on April 7, 2005. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  13. ↑ Best Fiction formats listed below:
  14. ↑ Amuro, Namie (2005). Filmography 2001-2005 (Liner notes). Japan: Avex Trax. AVBD-91359.
  15. ↑ "安室奈美恵、神戸コレクションで新曲を初披露！". barks.jp (in Japanese). October 19, 2004. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  16. 1 2 "安室奈美恵、神戸コレクションにシークレットゲストで出演!". Oricon . March 22, 2005.
  17. ↑ "安室２冠　４年連続受賞" (in Japanese). Yomiuri. Archived from the original on June 1, 2005. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  18. ↑ "MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2005が決定！". barks.jp (in Japanese). June 1, 2005. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Namie Amuro Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic . Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  20. ↑ "Namie Amuro / Best Fiction". CDJournal (in Japanese). Japan. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  21. ↑ "Review - Queen of Hip-Pop". Playlouder . December 16, 2005. Archived from the original on March 21, 2006. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  22. 1 2 Tetsuo Hiraga. 安室奈美恵 WANT ME, WANT ME (in Japanese). Hot Express. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  23. ↑ Oricon Style Staff (April 18, 2005). "Oricon Singles Chart – Chart Week April 18, 2005". Oricon; published through Yahoo! GeoCities (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  24. ↑ Oricon Style Staff (April 25, 2005). "Oricon Singles Chart – Chart Week April 25, 2005". Oricon; published through Yahoo! GeoCities (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  25. ↑ Oricon Style Staff (May 2, 2005). "Oricon Singles Chart – Chart Week May 2, 2005". Oricon; published through Yahoo! GeoCities (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  26. 1 2 "オリコン 2005年TOP100". Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  27. 1 2 "WANT ME, WANT ME - Namie Amuro" (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  28. ↑ ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2005年5月 [Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (May 2005)] (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. June 10, 2005. Archived from the original on September 10, 2006. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  29. ↑ "Japanese single certifications – 安室奈美恵 – WANT ME, WANT ME" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan.Select 2005年05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」 [Oricon Ranking Information Service 'You Taiju']. Oricon . Retrieved March 23, 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.