Genic

Genic

A shiny metallic pattern, with a diagonal strip removed. Inside of the strip is the image of a woman wearing a black lace veil

CD/DVD edition cover
Studio album by Namie Amuro
Released June 10, 2015
(see release history)
Genre EDM, R&B
Language English, Japanese
Label Dimension Point
Namie Amuro chronology

Ballada
(2014)		 Genic
(2015)

Genic (stylized as _genic) is the eleventh solo/twelfth recorded studio album by Japanese entertainer Namie Amuro. It will be released on June 10, 2015 by Avex sublabel Dimension Point, almost two years since her previous studio album, Feel. The album will feature thirteen new songs by Amuro, inspired by 1980s dance music and 1990s R&B.[1]

Background

In 2013, Amuro released her 10th original album Feel, an album released under the newly formed Dimension Point sublabel of Avex Trax.[2] This was followed in January 2014 with "Tsuki", a ballad single written for the film Dakishimetai: Shinjitsu no Monogatari. In April 2014, Amuro collaborated with R&B singer Ken Hirai on the single "Grotesque".[3] These releases were followed by Ballada, a compilation album featuring pop ballads released by Amuro between 1995 and 2014.[4] To promote the album, Amuro performed a 37-date national concert tour, Namie Amuro Live Style 2014, from August to December.[5][6] During this tour, Amuro released a new single in November, "Brighter Day", which was used as the theme song of the season two of the Erika Sawajiri-starring fashion drama First Class.[7] It was commercially successful, becoming certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan for downloads three months after its release.[8] In November, Taiwanese singer Jolin Tsai released "I'm Not Yours", a collaboration with Amuro from Tsai's 2014 album Play. The singers shot a music video for the song, which was uploaded to YouTube in February 2015.[9]

In January 2015, Amuro parted ways with her management company Rising Production, and signed a new management contract with Dimension Point.[2] Her first release under the label was the release of her video album Namie Amuro Live Style 2014.[2]

Writing and production

All of the songs planned for inclusion on Genic are unpublished songs, featuring classical dance beats and R&B grooves, bringing back a revival of the sound of the 80's and 90's. [1][10] Both Japanese and international song producers were enlisted to create music for the album, including Australian DJ Hook N Sling, German/Russian DJ Zedd, French DJ David Guetta, Swedish songwriter Joacim "TWIN" Persson, UK music producer SOPHIE, and Swedish songwriting team SeventyEight.[1][10][11][12]

Promotion and release

In April, Amuro became the spokesperson for cosmetics company Kosé's Oleo d'or range of hair-care products.[13]

Starting in on September 5, Amuro will perform a forty-four date national tour of Japan, Namie Amuro Livegenic 2015-2016. Starting at the Saitama Super Arena, the tour will be performed at fifteen different locations, including concerts at the Osaka-jō Hall, Yoyogi National Gymnasium and the final in February at the Makuhari Messe.[1]

Track List

The songs "Anything", "Birthday", "Fashionista", "Golden Touch" and "Stranger" have all been announced as songs that will receive music videos.[1]

Release history

Region Date Format Distributing Label Catalogue codes
Japan June 10, 2015[1] CD, CD/DVD, CD/Blu-ray, digital download Dimension Point AVCN-99024/B, AVCN-99025/B, AVCN-99026

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "安室奈美恵、全曲未発表の2年ぶりアルバム＆44公演アリーナツアー". Natalie. April 10, 2015. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "安室奈美恵「ファーストクラス」主題歌をCD化". Natalie. October 16, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  3. ↑ "平井堅×安室奈美恵、"法廷で対峙"するコラボ曲PV公開". Natalie. March 20, 2014. Retrieved June 12, 2014.
  4. ↑ "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.
  5. ↑ "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.
  6. ↑ "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.
  7. ↑ "安室奈美恵「ファーストクラス」主題歌をCD化". Natalie. October 16, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  8. ↑ "レコード協会調べ　1月度有料音楽配信認定" [Record Association Investigation: January Digital Music Download Certifications] (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. February 20, 2015. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  9. ↑ "安室奈美恵×台湾の歌姫ジョリン・ツァイ、妖艶オリエンタルなコラボPV" (in Japanese). Natalie. February 6, 2015. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "New Album「_genic」発売決定および全国アリーナツアー開催決定！".
  11. ↑ "安室奈美恵　NEW ALBUM「_genic」SPECIAL WEBSITE". Dimension Point. April 10, 2015. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "安室奈美恵 / New Album「_genic」 -Trial listening of all songs-" on YouTube
  13. ↑ "安室奈美恵、満面の笑みで荒野を闊歩するツヤ髪新CM" (in Japanese). Natalie. April 3, 2015. Retrieved April 10, 2015.