Ballada (album)

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Ballada
A woman in a tartan dress and a black hat looks to her right.
CD/DVD and digital download editions' cover
Compilation album by
Namie Amuro
ReleasedJune 4, 2014 (2014-06-04)
Recorded1996–2014
Genre
Length1:16:21
Language
Label
  • Dimension Point
Producer
Various
Namie Amuro chronology
Feel
(2013) 		Ballada
(2014) 		Genic
(2015)
Singles from Ballada
  1. "Tsuki"
    Released: January 29, 2014

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.

Commercially, it was a success in Japan, reaching the top spot on the Oricon Albums Chart and Billboard Hot Albums Chart. It was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ), recognizing shipments of 500,000 units. In order to promote the album, Amuro conducted her annual Live Style tour in August 2014, and finished it four months later. A live release—titled Namie Amuro Live Style 2014—was issued inside Asia, and was a commercial success in Japan.

Background and release[edit]

In early 2013, Amuro had started her own record label titled Dimension Point, offering her 11th studio album Feel (2013) as its first commercial work.[1][2] She then release a series of digital singles: "Neonlight Lipstick" and "Ballerina".[3][4] These tracks were included on her January 2014 recording "Tsuki", a ballad written for the Japanese film Dakishimetai: Shinjitsu no Monogatari (2014).[5] A month later, the singer revealed a special website that included a voting poll with all her ballad songs on it; this would later be revealed that selected tracks would appear on Ballada.[6] Not long after, Amuro announced the release of Ballada. Out of 38 ballads listed on voting poll, 15 were selected.[7] All apart from four tracks were featured in their original form; "Sweet 19 Blues" and "Can You Celebrate?" were re-recorded for the compilation; "Tsuki" being the only new recording added to the release; and "Contrail" being re-recorded and re-arranged by Nao'ymt, whom produced the original version. Japanese composer, Taro Hakase, was credited as a featured artist on "Can You Celebrate?", performing the violin.[8]

Ballada was released by Dimension Point and Avex Trax on June 2, 2014 in three physical formats, and for digital consumption.[8][9] The three physical formats include a standard package that includes a 15-track compact disc, and the other two are DVD and Blu-Ray bundles that include 17 music videos, respectively. Included in the DVD/Blu-Ray formats are re-created visuals of her singles "Sweet 19 Blues"—blending a mixture of the original video and new footage of Amuro in the same setting—and a completely re-done video of "Can You Celebrate?".[10][11][12][13] The cover art and photoshoot was photographed by Yasunari Kikuma, which has Amuro sitting in an empty room, wearing a red plaid dress and military-esque hat; additionally, art direction and the album's booklet was designed by Masaru Yoshikawa from AEI.[8] First-press editions come with a digipak and a special lenticular photographic print, alongside a generic poster of the album's photoshoot.[7]

Critical reception and legacy[edit]

Upon its release, Ballada received positive reviews from music critics. Japanese magazine CDJournal praised Amuro's "subtle vocal techniques" and "rich emotional expression" displayed in the ballad collection.[14] Kanako Hayakawa of EMTG felt that no matter which era of Amuro's music the songs were from, her ballads showcased the strength of women, where fragile parts of herself were sung with boldly real vocals. She felt that her ballads had similar lyrical matters to her up-tempo songs, such as the joy of feeling loved or someone starting again after a loss. Hayakawa felt that many of the songs on the compilation were not strictly ballads, such as the mid-tempo R&B "Sweet 19 Blues", the 1990s UK club jazz "Dreaming I Was Dreaming", and the slow R&B "White Light". Hayakawa praised the album's re-recorded tracks, noting the "divine beauty" of the Taro Hakase pairing and the dignity in her voice.[15]

Commercially, the album was a success in Asia. Ballada debuted at number one on the daily and weekly Oricon Albums Chart in Japan, opening with a six-day sales of 254,944 copies; this made it her highest-selling first week sales for a compilation since Best Fiction in 2008.[16] It remained at number one on the weekly chart for a second run, but only shifted 66,274 units.[17] In total, Ballada lasted six weeks in the top ten, and stay in the top 300 chart for 40 weeks.[18] Additionally, it was ranked the fourth best-selling album of 2014 with 431,356 copies sold in Japan, making Amuro the highest-selling solo artist in terms of album sales that year.[19] Ballada was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments of 500,000 units.[20]

Ballada reached number six on the Taiwanese G-Music chart, and topped the East Asian category for a sole week.[21][22] In September 2017, Amuro announced her retirement from the music industry. Because of this, her music catalogue skyrocketed on several digital stores; Ballada was included, and debuted at number 7 on the Oricon Digital Albums Chart with sales of 1,933 copies. In total, the compilation has achieved 3,541 recognized digital downloads.[23][24]

Promotion[edit]

In order to promote the album, Amuro announced her annual Live Style tour in early April 2014. The dates were confirmed via a flyer given out with the purchases of Ballada, enclosed in the album's booklet.[8] Tickets were offered to the public that were subscribed to the singer's Fan Space fan club, which gave them early access and a unique code to submit to secure tickets; the entire ticket system was handled as a general lottery.[25] A total of 36 shows in thirteen different cities were scheduled in Japan, spanning from August 22 at the Shizuoka Eco-Pure Arena, and finishing on December 23 at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Shibuya, Tokyo.[26][27] One show in Kobe was cancelled for unknown reasons, but rescheduled two extra dates. In order to promote the material from Ballada, Amuro added a particular song from the album on the setlist of every performance.[28]

A live album and DVD/Blu-Ray were recorded at the Yoyogi National Gym on November 6, alongside a bonus disc that featured the selected ballads performed. A total of 30 songs were added on the track list, alongside the bonus disc that included an extra 11 live recordings.[29] Titled Namie Amuro Live Style 2014, the formats were a success in Japan; it reached the top spot on the Oricon DVD and Blu-Ray Chart, and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments of 100,000 copies.[30][31][32]

Track listing[edit]

No.TitleLyricsMusicLength
1."Sweet 19 Blues" (new vocal)Tetsuya KomuroT. Komuro5:33
2."Can You Celebrate?" (featuring Taro Hakase; new vocal)T. KomuroT. Komuro6:16
3."Dreaming I Was Dreaming"Marc Panther, T. KomuroCozy Kubo4:43
4."Never End"T. KomuroT. Komuro5:15
5."Himawari" (Sunflower)T. KomuroT. Komuro4:46
6."Think of Me"Dallas Austin, Junko KudoD. Austin4:28
7."I Will"Namie AmuroHiroaki Hayama5:34
8."Wishing on the Same Star"Diane Warren, Kenko-PD. Warren4:25
9."Four Seasons"JusmeMonk3:50
10."All for You"Natsumi WatanabeRyoki Matsumoto5:58
11."White Light"Nao'ymtNao'ymt5:17
12."The Meaning of Us"Momo "Mocha" N.Momo "Mocha" N., U-Key Zone4:26
13."Love Story"TigerT-SK, Kim Tesung, Liv Nero, Mim Nervo4:44
14."Let Me Let You Go"Shelly Peiken, JD WalkerS. Peiken, JD Walker4:03
15."Tsuki" (Moon)TigerZetton, Fastlane, Lisa Desmond3:36
16."Contrail (Ballada Ver.)" (bonus track)Nao'ymtNao'ymt3:19
Total length:1:16:21
DVD/Blu-ray
No.TitleDirectorLength
1."Sweet 19 Blues"Wataru Takeishi5:38
2."Can You Celebrate?"W. Takeishi6:15
3."Dreaming I Was Dreaming"Masashi Muto4:43
4."Never End"M. Muto5:15
5."Himawari"YKBX4:46
6."Think of Me"M. Muto4:28
7."I Will"M. Muto5:34
8."Wishing on the Same Star"M. Muto4:25
9."Four Seasons"YKBX3:50
10."All for You"M. Muto5:58
11."White Light"M. Muto5:17
12."The Meaning of Us"Shigeaki Kubo4:26
13."Love Story"Kensuke Kawamura4:44
14."Let Me Let You Go"Daisuke "Nino" Ninimoya4:03
15."Tsuki"Naokazu Mitsuishi3:36
16."Sweet 19 Blues" (new video)Kanji Suto5:33
17."Can You Celebrate?" (new video)K. Kawamura6:16

Charts[edit]

Certification and sales[edit]

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ)[35] 2× Platinum 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history[edit]

Region Date Format Distributing Label Catalogue codes
Japan June 4, 2014 (2014-06-04)[36] CD, CD/DVD, CD/Blu-ray, digital download Dimension Point AVCN-99010/B, AVCN-99011/B, AVCN-99012
South Korea June 5, 2014 (2014-06-05)[37] Digital download SM Entertainment
Hong Kong June 17, 2014 (2014-06-17)[38][39] CD, CD/DVD Sony Music 88843093622, 88843093832
Japan June 21, 2014 (2014-06-21)[40] Rental CD Dimension Point AVCN-99012

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Amuro Namie transfers to Avex's Dimension Point". Tokyo Hive. January 14, 2015. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  2. ^ Feel (CD Album). Namie Amuro. Dimension Point. 2013. AVCD-1950713.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  3. ^ "Ballerina – Single by Namie Amuro" (in Japanese). iTunes Store (Japan). October 23, 2013. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
  4. ^ "Neonlight Lipstick – Single by Namie Amuro" (in Japanese). iTunes Store (Japan). October 16, 2013. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
  5. ^ Tsuki (CD Single). Namie Amuro. Dimension Point. 2014. AVCN-99005.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ^ "特設サイトにてバラード曲投票スタート！" (in Japanese). Namieamuro.jp. February 26, 2014. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  7. ^ a b "自身"初"のバラードベストアルバム『Ballada』発売！" (in Japanese). Namieamuro.jp. June 4, 2014. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  8. ^ a b c d Ballada (CD). Namie Amuro. Dimension Point. 2014. AVCN-99012.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  9. ^ "Ballada by Namie Amuro on iTunes" (in Japanese). iTunes Store. June 4, 2014. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  10. ^ Ballada (CD and DVD Album). Namie Amuro. Dimension Point. 2014. AVCN-99010/B.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  11. ^ Ballada (CD and Blu-Ray Album). Namie Amuro. Dimension Point. 2014. AVCN-99011/B.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. ^ "安室奈美恵「CAN YOU CELEBRATE?」新録バージョンPV". Natalie. May 22, 2014. Retrieved June 12, 2014.
  13. ^ "安室奈美恵「SWEET 19 BLUES」新PVで18年前セット再現". Natalie. May 28, 2014. Retrieved June 12, 2014.
  14. ^ "Namie Amuro / Ballada [CD+DVD]". CDJournal. June 4, 2014. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
  15. ^ Kanako Hayakawa (June 3, 2014). "レビュー" (in Japanese). EMTG. Retrieved April 16, 2015.
  16. ^ "Oricon Weekly CD Album Rankings" (in Japanese). Oricon News. June 16, 2014. Archived from the original on June 12, 2014. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  17. ^ "Oricon Weekly CD Album Rankings" (in Japanese). Oricon News. June 23, 2014. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  18. ^ "Ballada – Namie Amuro" (in Japanese). Oricon News. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  19. ^ a b "Oricon Yearly CD Album Rankings" (in Japanese). Oricon News. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  20. ^ ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2014年6月 [Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (June 2014)] (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. July 10, 2014. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
  21. ^ a b "G-Music Albums Chart" (in Japanese). G-Music.tw. July 8, 2014. Archived from the original on July 16, 2014. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  22. ^ a b "G-Music East Asian Albums Chart" (in Japanese). G-Music.tw. July 8, 2014. Archived from the original on July 7, 2014. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  23. ^ "Oricon Weekly Digital Album Rankings" (in Japanese). Oricon News. October 2, 2017. Archived from the original on October 3, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  24. ^ "オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」" [Oricon Ranking Information Service 'You Big Tree']. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved May 21, 2014.
  25. ^ "「namie amuro LIVE STYLE 2014」開催決定！" (in Japanese). Namieamuro.jp. April 30, 2014. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  26. ^ "安室奈美恵、4カ月13都市36公演ツアースケジュール発表". Natalie. May 2, 2014. Retrieved June 12, 2014.
  27. ^ "渋谷＆新宿に安室奈美恵の巨大ツアーセットが登場。撮影可能". Barks. February 10, 2015. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  28. ^ "Namie Amuro – Namie Amuro Live Style 2014". Jame-World. June 10, 2015. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  29. ^ Live Style 2014 (Live DVD). Namie Amuro. 2015. AVBN-99019.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  30. ^ "Oricon Weekly DVD Rankings" (in Japanese). Oricon News. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  31. ^ "Oricon Weekly Blu-Ray Rankings" (in Japanese). Oricon News. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  32. ^ "ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2015年2月" [Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (February 2015)] (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. March 10, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  33. ^ "Oricon Weekly CD Album Ranking" (in Japanese). Oricon News. November 20, 2017. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
  34. ^ "Oricon Monthly CD Album Rankings" (in Japanese). Oricon News. June 2014. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
  35. ^ "Japanese album certifications – Namie Amuro – Ballada" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved January 27, 2021. Select 2014年6月 on the drop-down menu
  36. ^ "安室奈美恵バラードベスト発売、あのヒット曲の新PV制作". Natalie. April 10, 2014. Retrieved June 12, 2014.
  37. ^ "Ballada" (in Korean). Bugs. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
  38. ^ "安室奈美惠 AMURO NAMIE - BALLADA" (in Chinese). hmv.co.hk. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
  39. ^ "安室奈美惠 AMURO NAMIE - BALLADA (+DVD)" (in Chinese). hmv.co.hk. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
  40. ^ Ｂａｌｌａｄａ (in Japanese). Tsutaya. Retrieved June 10, 2014.

External links[edit]

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