Girls & Peace

Girls' Generation II
~Girls & Peace~
Studio album by Girls' Generation
Released November 28, 2012
Recorded April–October 2012
Genre J-pop, electropop, dance-pop
Length 40:45
Language Japanese
Label Nayutawave, Universal Music
Producer Koike Kazuhiko (exec.), Kenzie, Dapo Torimiro, DEEKAY, Trinity, Charlie Mason, Miles Walker, Dsign Music, Sebastian Thott, Allan Eshuijs, Kalle Engstrom, Erik Nyholm, Patrick Hamilton, OZGO,
Girls' Generation chronology
The Boys
(2011)		 Girls' Generation II: Girls & Peace
(2012)		 I Got a Boy
(2013)
Singles from Girls' Generation II: Girls & Peace
  1. "Paparazzi"
    Released: June 27, 2012
  2. "Oh! / All My Love Is for You"
    Released: September 26, 2012
  3. "Flower Power"
    Released: November 21, 2012

Girls' Generation II ~Girls & Peace~ is the second Japanese album (fifth overall) by South Korean girl group Girls' Generation. It was released on November 28, 2012 through Nayutawave Records. Girls & Peace is the first release by all the members since their third Korean studio album "The Boys" (2011), after the group entered a semi-hiatus to pursue solo activities in South Korea, in which time Girls' Generation-TTS, the group's first subunit, was created. Continuing the electro-influenced sound from their first Japanese album, Girls & Peace features a wide range of contribution from producers, including long-time collaborator, Kenzie, as well as multiple new producers such as Miles Walker, Deekay and Dapo Torimiro. The album sold over 116,000 copies in its first week, reaching the third spot on the Oricon Album chart, and has since received a Platinum certification from the RIAJ.

Three singles were released prior to the release of the album: "Paparazzi" reached the top of the Japan Hot 100, with "Oh!" also peaking at the same spot as well as number-one on the Oricon chart. "Flower Power" peaked at number six on the Hot 100 and number five on the Oricon chart. The group promoted the album and its singles through various Japanese music and variety shows including Hey! Hey! Hey! Music Champ and Music Lovers, as well as promoting through their Second Japanese Tour throughout February and April 2013.

Background and development

In May 2012, member Jessica revealed during an interview with Elle Korea that the group was working on the album, stating, "Our Japan album will be released sometime in the second half of the year. We're working hard on it".[1] In August 2012, Nayutawave Records' parent company Universal Music reported its quarterly earnings and revealed the group to be one of the artists expected to increase revenue for the second half of 2012.[2] The group had originally planned to make a Korean comeback during the months of October and November.[3] However, plans were ultimately scrapped for the group to focus on Japanese promotions for the remainder of 2012.[4][5]

Release and promotion

The album was formally announced along with its track list on November 1, 2012.[6] The Japanese newspaper Sankei Sports was the first to reveal concept photos for the album, which featured the group as retro-inspired flight attendants.[6] Girls' Generation II: Girls & Peace was released on November 28, 2012.[7] Offered in three editions, the regular edition contained the album with its twelve tracks.[8] A limited DVD edition was offered with a 32-page photo book as well as a DVD containing the videos to the album's singles.[9] The album was also released under a Deluxe First Press Limited Edition, which comes with a make-up case, traveler's notebook (with sticker), a set of nine solo member posters (folded), a deluxe edition 40-page photo book, as well as a bonus DVD containing seven videos to "Paparazzi", "Oh!", "All My Love is for You", "Flower Power", and the dance versions to "Paparazzi", "Oh!" and "Flower Power".[10] They promoted the album on Hey! Hey! Hey! Music Champ, performing "Oh!", "Mr. Taxi" and "All My Love is for You".[11] Girls' Generation performed with fellow SMTown acts at the Tokyo Dome to two sold out dates of 100,000 people on August 4 and 5, which were later broadcast that October.[12] On September 30, they performed "Oh!" on Count Down TV. The group pre-recorded a performance for NHK-TV's Music Japan prior to the single's release and was scheduled to be broadcast on September 30, however due to a typhoon, the broadcast was delayed. The performance was shown on October 6, with the group performing in blue cheerleading outfits.[13] Promotion for the single continued on Nihon TV's "Music Lovers", where the group recorded a performance on September 25 for the show that was broadcast on October 8, 2012. The group performed "Oh!", "All My Love is for You" and "Mr. Taxi".[14] The group also promoted the "Oh!" via a "Special Online Program" broadcast on three Japanese music websites across three consecutive nights; September 25, 26 and 27.[15] On November 13, 2012, the group performed "Flower Power" on Kayou Kyoku.[16] The same day the group held a fan meet with 10,000 people at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, the group performed "Gee", "Oh!" and "Flower Power."[17] On November 19, Japanese music site Dommune held a live chat with Japanese music critics during which "Girls & Peace" was previewed to fans.[18] The group made another appearance on "Music Lovers" on November 25, 2012.[19]

Second Japan Arena Tour

The group's official Japanese fan site announced in August 2012 that they would embark on their second Japanese tour in 2013. Dates were announced in September, and the tour was expected to play to fourteen crowds across six cities, including a six night stint at the Saitama Super Arena.[20] The tour began on February 9, 2013, in Kobe, Japan.[21]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Rolling Stone Japan[22]
Time Out[23]

Girls' Generation II: Girls & Peace reached number two on Oricon's Daily Album Chart, selling 46,031 copies, only beaten by veteran Japanese band Mr. Children. The album pulled 116,963 copies in its first week of release, ranking third on Oricon's Weekly Albums Chart. It also charted on Billboard Japan's Top Albums at number three. "Girls & Peace" has been certified Platinum by the RIAJ, denoting 250,000 copies sent to Japanese retailers.[24] The album peaked at no. 6 spot on Oricon's Monthly Album Chart.[25]

Singles

"Paparazzi" was released as the album's lead single on June 26, 2012.[26] It continued the group's streak of successful Japanese releases, debuting at number one on the Japan Hot 100 and peaking at number two on the Oricon Weekly Chart, with opening week sales amounting to over 92,000 copies. "Paparazzi" was released in South Korea two months later on August 16, 2012.[27] The single helped push the group's total physical single sales in the country to 647,000.[28]

"Oh!" served as the second single, being released on September 26, 2012.[29] The double A-Side single featured a Japanese remake of "Oh!" (2010), as well as an original song entitled "All My Love Is For You", which appears on the album.[30] "Oh!" provided the group with another number one single on the Japan Hot 100, as well as the Oricon Weekly Chart.[31]

"Flower Power" was released as album's third single on November 21, 2012.[32] Originally scheduled for release on November 14, the single was pushed back to November 21 due to production issues.[33] The single also contains the B-side entitled "Beep Beep", which does not appear on the album, as well as a megamix of the tracks on "Girls & Peace." The single was ultimately released on the original release date of November 14, via digital download containing "Flower Power", "Beep Beep" and "Girls' Generation II Smash Up."[34] The single reached number six on the Hot 100, and number five on Oricon's Weekly Chart.[35][36]

Track listing

CD[37]
No. TitleWriter(s)Producer(s) Length
1. "Flower Power"  Johan Gustafson, Fredrik Häggstam, Sebastian Lundberg, Nasa Aprisia Florida, Junji IshiwatariTrinity 3:18
2. "Animal"  Hank Solo, Tom Aeio, Erik Nyholm, Eric PalmqwistErik Nyholm 3:08
3. "I'm a Diamond"  Dapo Torimiro, Priscilla Hamilton, H.U.B.Dapo Torimiro 2:56
4. "Reflection"  Lars Halvor Jensen, Martin Michael Larsson, Zac PoorDEEKAY 3:50
5. "Stay Girls"  Sebastian Thott, Andreas Öberg, Melanie Fontana, Kenn KatoSebastian Thott 3:20
6. "T.O.P"  Heidi Rojas, Allan Eshuijs, Kalle EngstromAllan Eshuijs, Kalle Engstrom 3:37
7. "Boomerang"  Charlie Mason, Oscar Gorres, Danny Saucedo, OZGOOZGO 2:50
8. "Oh!" (Japanese Version)Kenzie, Nozomi Maezawa, Kim Jungbae, Kim YounghuKenzie 3:09
9. "All My Love is for You"  Junji Ishiwatari, Sebastian Thott, Didrik Thott, Robin LernerSebastian Thott 3:43
10. "Paparazzi"  Fredrik Thomander, Johan Becker, Junji IshiwatariMiles Walker 3:47
11. "Girls & Peace"  Anne Judith Wik, Ronny Svendsen, Nermin Harambasic, Robin JenssenDsign Music 3:27
12. "Not Alone"  Erik Nyholm, Patrick HamiltonErik Nyholm, Patrick Hamilton 3:31
Total length:
 40:45

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Chart (2012-13) Peak
position
Japanese Albums (Oricon)[39] 3
Japanese Top Albums (Billboard)[40] 3
Taiwanese Albums (G-Music)[41] 11

Year-end charts

Chart (2012) Position
Japanese Albums (Oricon)[42] 41
Chart (2013) Position
Japanese Top Albums (Billboard)[43] 24

Certifications

Region Certification Sales/shipments
Japan (RIAJ)[44] Platinum 250,000^

^shipments figures based on certification alone

Release history

Region Format Date Label Edition
Japan[45] CD, Digital download November 28, 2012 Nayutawave Records Deluxe First Press Limited Edition, First Press Limited Edition, Regular Edition
United Kingdom[37] Digital download Universal Music Regular Edition
Taiwan[46] CD December 7, 2012 First Press Limited Edition, Regular Edition
Hong Kong December 21, 2012
Thailand January 31, 2013 First Press Limited Edition
Philippines February 11, 2013 MCA Music

References

  1. ↑ "Jessica Talks About Herself in ‘Elle Korea’ Magazine". soshified.com. May 22, 2012. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
  2. ↑ Ed Christman (August 30, 2012). "Universal Music Group Reports Quarterly Revenue Gain". billboard.biz. Retrieved Nov 4, 2012.
  3. ↑ jennywill (November 5, 2012). "Girls' Generation Will Not Be Having a Korean Comeback This Year". allkpop.com. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
  4. ↑ 김상호기자 (November 5, 2012). [단독]소녀시대, 2012 가요계에서는 못본다 (in Korean). news.sportsseoul.com. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
  5. ↑ "Girls' Generation (SNSD) to Focus on Japan Promotions until End of this Year". kpopstarz.com. November 5, 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2012.
  6. 1 2 소녀시대, 미녀 승무원 ‘단체 변신’…각선미로 올킬! (in Korean). November 1, 2012. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  7. ↑ "タイトル未定(豪華初回限定盤)(DVD付) [CD+DVD]" (in Japanese). amazon.co.jp. October 2, 2012. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  8. ↑ "Girls' Generation II – Girls & Peace – (Regular Edition)". CD Japan. Retrieved 03/11/2012. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  9. 1 2 "Girls' Generation II – Girls & Peace – (w/ DVD, Limited Edition / Type B)". CD Japan. Retrieved 03/11/2012. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  10. ↑ "GIRLS' GENERATION II – Girls & Peace – (ALBUM+DVD+GOODS)(Deluxe First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version)". YesAsia. Retrieved 03/11/2012. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  11. ↑ "Girls’ Generation Performs ‘Oh!’, ‘MR. TAXI’, and ‘All My Love Is For You’ on ‘HEY!HEY!HEY! Music Champ’". soshified.com. September 25, 2012. Retrieved Sep 25, 2012.
  12. ↑ "SM Town Attracted 100,000 People at a Concert in Tokyo Dome". KBS Global News. 7 August 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  13. ↑ "Girls’ Generation Performs ‘Oh!’ on ‘MUSIC JAPAN’". soshified.com. October 6, 2012. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  14. ↑ "Girls’ Generation Performs ‘Oh!’, ‘MR. TAXI’, and ‘All My Love Is For You’ on ‘Music Lovers’". soshified.com. October 8, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  15. ↑ "少女時代Special Programがwebで続々決定！". sonejapan.net.net. September 24, 2012. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  16. ↑ bhost909 (November 14, 2012). "Girls’ Generation Performs ‘FLOWER POWER’ on ‘Kayou Kyoku’ and Releases ‘FLOWER POWER’ Single on iTunes Japan". soshified.com. Retrieved November 14, 2012.
  17. ↑ 少女時代、1万人に新曲初披露　ファンの"完コピ"に大感激 (in Japanese). November 13, 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2012.
  18. ↑ "TALK LIVE ｢少女時代 2ndアルバム『GIRLS' GENERATION II ~Girls&Peace～』発売記念・世界最速全曲視聴会｣". dommune.com. November 19, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
  19. ↑ "Music Lovers" (in Japanese). tv.yahoo.co.jp. November 25, 2012. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  20. ↑ pinebuffalo (September 5, 2012). "SNSD to hold 14 concerts in 6 different cities for 2013 Japan Tour". en.korea.com. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  21. ↑ "少女時代「Oh!」日本版ビジュアル公開＆アリーナツアー" (in Japanese). natalie.mu. September 15, 2012. Retrieved December 3, 2012.
  22. ↑ "'Girls' Generation II: Girls & Peace' Review". Rolling Stone Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 18, 2014.
  23. ↑ Hadfield, James. "Kara vs Girls' Generation". Time Out (Tokyo edition). Archived from the original on May 23, 2013.
  24. ↑ 一般社団法人 日本レコード協会｜各種統計 (in Japanese). RIAJ. December 9, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  25. ↑ "2012年11月のCDアルバム月間ランキング（2012年11月度）" (in Japanese). oricon.co.jp. December 9, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  26. ↑ "少女時代 1年2ヶ月振りのシングル発売決定！". May 30, 2012. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  27. ↑ "소녀시대, 日 발매된 'PAPARAZZ' 16일 국내 발매" (in Korean). news.naver.com. August 16, 2012. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  28. ↑ Jeff Benjamin (July 12, 2012). "Girls' Generation Push Japanese Domination With 'Paparazzi,' 1 Million Albums Sold". billboard.com. Retrieved July 12, 2012.
  29. ↑ "少女時代　ニューシングル＆映像作品集　9/26同時発売決定！". universal-music.co.jp. August 10, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
  30. ↑ "9月26日(水)発売の表題曲が「Oh!」に決定！" (in Japanese). sonejapan.net. September 10, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  31. ↑ "【オリコン】少女時代、女性初の同時3冠　日本デビュー2年でシングル初首位". oricon.co.jp. October 2, 2012. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  32. ↑ "FLOWER POWER [Maxi]". amazon.co.jp. October 2, 2012. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  33. ↑ "Audio preview for Girls’ Generation’s "Flower Power" aired on Japanese TV". allkpop.com. October 27, 2012. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  34. ↑ Apple Inc. (November 14, 2012). "FLOWER POWER – 少女時代". iTunes Japan. Retrieved November 14, 2012.
  35. ↑ ORICON STYLE編集長のTwitter 2012年11月28日の発言 on Twitter. November 27, 2012. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  36. ↑ "Billboard Japan Hot 100" (in Japanese). billboard-japan.com. year=2012, month=12, day=3
  37. 1 2 Apple Inc. (November 18, 2012). "Girls' Generation 2 (Girls & Peace)". iTunes. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  38. ↑ "Girls' Generation II – Girls & Peace – (w/ DVD, Limited Edition / Type B)". CD Japan. Retrieved 03/11/2012. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  39. ↑ "Weekly CD Rankings: Week of December 10, 2012" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved May 14, 2015.
  40. ↑ "Top Albums: December 10, 2012". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved May 14, 2015.
  41. ↑ "Albums Chart: Week 49, 2012" (in Chinese). G-Music. Archived from the original on December 14, 2012.
  42. ↑ "アルバム Top 100" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
  43. ↑ "Top Albums of 2013". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved May 14, 2015.
  44. ↑ "Japanese album certifications – Shojou Shidai (Girls' Generation) – Girls & Peace" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved May 14, 2015. Select 2012年11月 on the drop-down menu
  45. ↑ "少女時代 / GIRLS' GENERATION II ～Girls & Peace ～【通常盤】【CD】【2012年11月28日発売】" (in Japanese). store.universal-music.co.jp. November 1, 2012. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  46. ↑ "第二張日文專輯 Girls & Peace 初回限量盤CD+DVD". umusic.com.tw. December 7, 2012. Retrieved December 7, 2012.
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