To Be (song)
"To Be" | ||||
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Single by Ayumi Hamasaki | ||||
from the album Loveppears | ||||
Released | May 12, 1999 | |||
Recorded | 1999 | |||
Genre | J-pop | |||
Length | 5:18 | |||
Label |
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Songwriter(s) | Ayumi Hamasaki | |||
Producer(s) | Max Matsuura | |||
Ayumi Hamasaki singles chronology | ||||
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Alternative cover | ||||
Official Music Video | ||||
"To Be" on YouTube |
"To Be" (stylized as "TO BE") is a song by Japanese recording artist
Upon its release, "To Be" received positive reviews from music critics. Some highlighted the single as one of Hamasaki's best works, and complimented the composition and Hamasaki's vocals. Commercially, the single was a success in Japan, reaching number four on both the Oricon Singles Chart and TBS' Count Down TV chart. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments of 200,000 units. Due to the single's success, it was re-released as a CD single and re-entered both record charts.
An accompanying music video was directed by Wataru Takeishi, which featured Hamasaki in a kaleidoscope with several clones of her in a variety of colorful clothing. To promote the single, it appeared on several remix and greatest hits compilation albums, in addition to various live concert tours conducted by Hamasaki. It was used as the official theme song for a peach water commercial that was advertised in Japan. The song was covered by Chinese recording artist An Youqi in 2006, and released as a single.
Background and release
"To Be" was written by Hamasaki herself, while production was handled by long-time collaborator
"To Be" was released by Avex Trax in Japan and Taiwan on May 12, 1999, and through Avex Entertainment Inc. it was released worldwide in September 2008.[8][9] The mini CD format featured a total of three tracks: the original recording, the instrumental track, and a remix by Japanese musician Izumi Miyazaki.[8] Then on February 28, 2001, Avex Trax distributed a CD single including the three tracks from the mini CD, plus three remixes of Hamasaki's single "Fly High" and one remix for her single "Appears".[10][11] As part of Avex's archive releases, an EP of the single was distributed worldwide on iTunes Store in September 2008.[12][13] The artwork of the CD and digital format was shot by Toru Kumazawa, and featured an image of Hamasaki wearing a patterned dress, mirrored against each other. The CD single was marked with a special colored, this being pink.[8][10]
Reception
Upon its release, "To Be" received positive reviews from
By the end of 1999, it had sold over 324,500 units in Japan, and was ranked at number 67 on Oricon's Annual 1999 chart; the single was ranked behind three of Hamasaki's other releases: "
Music video and promotion
An accompanying music video for the single was directed by Wataru Takeishi.[28] The video opens with a title screen of the song and Hamasaki's name. It then shows a boy looking towards the camera, until shifting to Hamasaki wearing a colorful outfit whilst surrounded by star-like shapes. The boy walks through the stars whilst Hamasaki sings the song; the second look is inspired by the artwork of "To Be". He opens a case that holds a kaleidoscope and looks through it, seeing various versions of Hamasaki in different colored outfits and wigs singing the song. All these scenes start to re-appear throughout the rest of the song, and ends with a black and white image of Hamasaki, apparently cracked in the kaleidoscope, which then has the boy looking upset.[28] The music video was included on several DVD compilations released by Hamasaki: A Clips (2000),[29] a self-titled DVD (2000),[30] A Complete Box Set (2004),[31] the digital release of A Clips Complete (2014),[32] and the DVD and Blu-Ray re-release edition of her 2001 compilation album A Best (2016).[33]
"To Be" has been heavily promoted on compilation albums conducted by Hamasaki. It has been included on seven of Hamasaki's remix albums, including
Track listing
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Personnel
Credits adapted from the CD liner notes of Loveppears;[1]
- Recording
- Credits
- Ayumi Hamasaki – vocals, songwriting, background vocals
- Max Matsuura – production
- Dai Nagao– composing, arranging
- Naoto Suzuki – sound producing, synthesizers, keyboards
- Eddy Schreyer – mastering
- Masayoshi Furukawa – guitar
- Takahiro Iida – programming
- Wataru Takeishi – music video director
- Dave Way – mixing
Charts
Weekly charts
|
Yearly chart
|
Certification and sales
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Japan (RIAJ)[22] Mini CD release. |
Platinum | 400,000^ |
Japan CD single release. |
— | 28,850[26] |
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
Release history
Region | Date | Format | Label |
---|---|---|---|
Japan[8] | May 12, 1999 | Mini CD | |
Taiwan[9] | |||
Japan[10] | February 28, 2001 February 28, 2016 |
CD single | |
Taiwan[11] | |||
Japan[12][13] | September 2008[A] | Digital download |
|
Australia[45][46] | Avex Entertainment Inc. | ||
New Zealand[47][48] | |||
United Kingdom[49][50] | |||
Ireland[51][52] | |||
Germany[53][54] | |||
Spain[55][56] | |||
France[57][58] | |||
Italy[59][60] | |||
Taiwan[61][62] | |||
United States[43] | |||
Canada[63] |
See also
Notes
- ^ There is currently insufficient evidence to determine what date Hamasaki's digital releases appeared on online retails. The closest source for iTunes Store evidence is at Jame World, whom confirmed Hamasaki's work was released worldwide on iTunes in September 2008.[44]
References
- ^ a b c Hamasaki, Ayumi (1999). Loveppears (CD Album; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVCD-11740.
- ^ Hamasaki, Ayumi (1999). Boys & Girls. Avex Trax (CD Single; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan. AVCD-30049.
- ^ CD Journal Staff (May 12, 1999). "Ayumi Hamasaki / To Be [Out of Print]". CD Journal (in Japanese). Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "Ayumi Hamasaki – Loveppears". AllMusic. April 10, 2001. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
- ^ Takeuchi Cullen, Lisa (March 25, 2002). "Empress of Pop". Time. p. 3. Archived from the original on April 3, 2002. Retrieved November 28, 2011.
- ^ Hamasaki , Ayumi (interviewee) (March 12, 2003). "Special Website to A Ballads". Ayumi Hamasaki's official website. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- ^ "Loveppears". Beatfreak (in Japanese). 142. November 1999.
- ^ a b c d e Hamasaki, Ayumi (1999). To Be. Avex Trax (Mini CD Single; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan. AVDD-20316.
- ^ a b Hamasaki, Ayumi (1999). To Be. Avex Trax (Mini CD Single; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Taiwan. AVJSG40022.
- ^ a b c d Hamasaki, Ayumi (1999). To Be. Avex Trax (CD Single; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan. AVCD-30218.
- ^ a b Hamasaki, Ayumi (1999). To Be. Avex Trax (CD Single; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Taiwan. AVJSG40153.
- ^ a b c "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (Japan). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ a b c "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (Japan). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- Amazon.com. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
- ^ Eremenko, Alexey (2016). "Ayumi Hamasaki – Songs". AllMusic. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
- ^ a b Erik (2015). "What are Ayumi Hamasaki's most popular songs?". Goo.ne.jp; published through Arama Japan. Retrieved July 27, 2016.
- ^ Oricon Style (in Japanese). May 12, 1999. Archived from the originalon September 23, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) (in Japanese). May 22, 1999. Archived from the originalon June 28, 2008. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ a b "CDTV PowerWeb! Ayumi Hamasaki – To Be". Count Down TV; published through Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) (in Japanese). May 12, 1999. Archived from the original on June 7, 2008. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ a b "Oricon Yearly Chart – Singles, Albums, and DVD Releases of 1999". Music TV Program Japan (in Japanese). December 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ a b "CDTV PowerWeb! 1999 Annual Singles Chart". Count Down TV; published through Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) (in Japanese). 1999. Archived from the original on October 9, 2006. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ a b "GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2000年1月度" [Gold Albums, and other certified works. January 2000 Edition] (PDF). The Record (Bulletin) (in Japanese). 484. Chūō, Tokyo: Recording Industry Association of Japan: 8. March 10, 2000. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 17, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
- ^ "Ayumi Hamasaki Single's Ranking". Oricon Style (in Japanese). Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "Ayumi Hamasaki Single's Ranking". Oricon Style (in Japanese). Archived from the original on September 5, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
- ^ a b "To Be (12cm release) – Ayumi Hamasaki". Oricon Style (in Japanese). February 28, 2001. Archived from the original on October 10, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ a b "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. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
- ^ a b "CDTV PowerWeb! Ayumi Hamasaki – To Be (12cm)". Count Down TV; published through Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) (in Japanese). March 10, 2001. Archived from the original on May 6, 2008. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ a b Takeishi, Wataru (director) (November 10, 2015). "To Be / Ayumi Hamasaki (short music video)". Avex Trax; published through YouTube (in Japanese). Retrieved July 30, 2016.[dead YouTube link]
- ^ Hamasaki, Ayumi (2000). A Clips (DVD Videos; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVVD-90069.
- ^ Hamasaki, Ayumi (2000). Ayumi Hamasaki (DVD Videos; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax.
- ^ Hamasaki, Ayumi (2004). A Complete Box Set (DVD Videos; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVBD-91181~3.
- ^ "A Clip Box 1998-2011, Vol. 1 – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (New Zealand). January 1, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- ^ Hamasaki, Ayumi (2016). A Best: 15th Anniversary Edition (CD + DVD + Blu-Ray; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVZD-93409/B~C.
- ^ The list below are the compilations that "To Be" has been featured in;
- Hamasaki, Ayumi (2000). Super Eurobeat Presents Ayu-ro Mix (Remix Album; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVTCD-95326.
- Hamasaki, Ayumi (2000). Ayu-mi-x II Version US+EU (Remix Album; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVCD-11797.
- Hamasaki, Ayumi (2000). Ayu-mi-x II Version JPN (Remix Album; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVCD-11798.
- Hamasaki, Ayumi (2000). Ayu-mi-x II Version Acoustic Orchestral (Remix Album; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVCD-11799.
- Hamasaki, Ayumi (2000). Ayu-mi-x II Version Non-Stop Mega Mix (Remix Album; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVCD-11800~1.
- Hamasaki, Ayumi (2002). Ayu-mi-x 4 + Selection Acoustic Orchestra Version (Remix Album; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVCD-17098.
- Hamasaki, Ayumi (2003). RMX Works From Super Eurobeat Presents Ayu-ro Mix 3 (Remix Album; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVCD-17381.
- Hamasaki, Ayumi (2012). Ayu-mi-x 7 Version House (Remix Album; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVCD-38296.
- ^ Hamasaki, Ayumi (2000). Seasons (CD Single; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVCD-30119.
- ^ Hamasaki, Ayumi (1999). Boys & Girls (CD Single; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVCD-30049.
- ^ Hamasaki, Ayumi (2001). A Best (CD; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVCD-11950.
- ^ Hamasaki, Ayumi (2007). A Ballads (3xCD Compilation Album; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVCD-23676~8.
- ^ Hamasaki, Ayumi (2003). A Ballads (CD Greatest Hits; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVCD-17278.
- ^ Hamasaki, Ayumi (2007). Days/Green. Avex Trax (CD and DVD Single; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan. AVCD-31582/B.
- ^ Hamasaki, Ayumi (2006). Arena Tour 2006 A: (Miss)understood (Live DVD; Liner notes). Ayumi Hamasaki. Japan: Avex Trax. AVBD-91452~4.
- ^ Youqi, An (2006). Talk About Love (CD; Liner notes). Angela An. China, Taiwan: Avex Trax Taiwan.
- ^ a b "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (United States). February 28, 2001. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "Avex Artists Available at US iTunes Store". Jame World. September 5, 2008. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (Australia). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (Australia). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (New Zealand). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (New Zealand). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (United Kingdom). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (United Kingdom). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (Ireland). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (Ireland). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (Germany). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (Germany). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (Spain). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (Spain). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (France). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (France). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (Italy). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (Italy). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (Taiwan). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (Taiwan). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ^ "To Be – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki". iTunes Store (Canada). May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
External links
- "To Be" at Ayumi Hamasaki's official website. (in Japanese)