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Best Fiction

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For the list of books recommended by the American Library Association, see Best Fiction for Young Adults.
Best Fiction
Standard edition and digital cover.
Greatest hits album by
Namie Amuro
ReleasedJuly 30, 2008
Recorded2002–2008
Genre
Length73:53
LabelAvex Trax
Producer
Namie Amuro chronology
Play
(2007) 		Best Fiction
(2008) 		Past<Future
(2009)
Alternative cover
CD+DVD cover
Singles from Best Fiction
  1. "60s 70s 80s"
    Released: March 12, 2008

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.

Music critics praised Best Fiction for featuring prominent songs from Amuro's music catalogue, as well as her evolution from a Japanese idol performer. However, some publications dismissed certain material for its lasting impression. Despite minor criticism, Best Fiction and its content have received numerous awards and recognition. The album was a major commercial success in Japan, debuting at number one on the Oricon Albums Chart and becoming her first album to sell a million copies since 181920 (1998). To promote the album, Amuro embarked on her Best Fiction Tour that traveled across Japan, China, and Taiwan, which received a home media release the following year.

Background and content

[edit]

In June 2007, Amuro released her seventh studio album, Play.[1] The album was a critical and commercial success in Japan, peaking at number one on the charts and selling over 500,000 copies.[2][3][4] Its commercial success, combined with a string of successful singles, relaunched Amuro's career, which had stalled during the early 2000s.[5][6] In 2007, Amuro wrapped up her Play promotion with a tour throughout Japan and Taiwan.[7] After finishing her Play Tour, it was announced in early July 2008 that she would release a greatest hits album titled Best Fiction.[8]

Best Fiction is her third compilation album, after Love Enhanced Single Collection (2002) and 181920 (1998).[9][10] The album features twelve singles released between "Wishing on the Same Star" and her most recent release, "60s 70s 80s" in 2008. "Do Me More," "New Look," "Rock Steady," "What a Feeling," and "Sexy Girl" are among the five new songs on the album.[11] "New Look," "Rock Steady" and "What a Feeling" are influenced by the music decades of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, and sample tracks from each era, those being The Supremes's "Baby Love" (1964), Aretha Franklin's "Rock Steady" (1971) and Irene Cara's "Flashdance... What a Feeling" (1983), respectively.[12]

Promotion

[edit]

Avex Trax promoted the album with "60s 70s 80s" on March 12, 2008.[13] It is a triple A-side featuring the album tracks "New Look," "Rock Steady," and "What a Feeling," with instrumental versions and music videos included on the physical release.[13] Additionally, the songs were featured in TV commercials promoting Vidal Sassoon products across Japan.[14] The single received positive reviews from music critics and peaked at number one on the Oricon Singles Chart,[15] becoming her first chart-topper in nine years and three months since "I Have Never Seen."[16] The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) certified it platinum for shipping over 250,000 units.[17]

The album tracks "Do Me More" and "Sexy Girl" were released as promotional singles in Japan. Both songs received music videos, which were included on the album's DVD formats.[11] "Sexy Girl" was the theme song for the NHK Japanese television drama series Otome no Punch, which aired on June 19, while "Do Me More" was used as a campaigned track to Vidal Sassoon promotions in the country.[18] Only "Do Me More" had chart success in Japan, peaking at 14 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.[19] However, both songs received RIAJ certifications: "Do Me More" was certified double platinum for ringtone downloads exceeding 500,000 units,[20] as well as platinum for digital sales,[21] whereas "Sexy Girl" was certified gold for more than 100,000 music downloads.[21]

On July 26, 2008, Amuro participated at the 2008 A-nation music concert in front of 25,000 spectators.[22] This was the first time she performed at A-Nation in the concert's history.[23] In the scorching heat of over 30 degrees Celsius, Amuro appeared as the opening act, performing four songs including her new song "Sexy Girl" and her 1995 song "Chase the Chance."[24] On October 25, 2008, Amuro began her Best Fiction Tour, which traveled through Japan, China, and Taiwan for 60 dates.[25][26] The tour ended on July 12, 2009, and broke attendance records for a female Japanese singer, with nearly 500,000 spectators between three countries.[27][28] On September 9, 2009, a live DVD and blu-ray were released to chronicle the tour.[29] It was a commercial success, selling 155,000 copies in its first week, becoming the fastest-selling DVD from a Japanese female soloist.[30] It shifted more than 250,000 units in the country and earned a platinum certification by the RIAJ.[31] After the success of the tour's parent album, NHK invited Amuro to perform at the 59th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, but Amuro declined.[32]

Release and critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[33]
CDJournal(positive)[34]

Avex Trax released Best Fiction on July 30, 2008. The album artworks were revealed on Oricon, and both covers feature Amuro heavily airbrushed.[8] In Japan, the album was released on CD, with a bonus DVD containing all of the music videos from the parent album.[11] Avex Trax later released both versions of the album in various Asian markets, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea.[35][36][37] In 2012, Avex Trax reissued the album in two formats: a second limited edition CD commemorating Amuro's 20th career anniversary, and a memory stick packaged in a small box.[38][39]

Music critics gave Best Fiction positive feedback, with Adam Greenberg of AllMusic rating the album three and a half stars. He praised Amuro's versatility on several tracks, including her energy ("Do Me More"), vocals ("Wishing on the Same Star"), and diverse sound ("Alarm," "Want Me, Want Me").[33] Although he thought the album was "covered in full detail," he was disappointed with the rest of the material, writing, "There's some standard fare along the way -- items that are sure to hit the charts but leave less lasting impressions." Nonetheless, he concluded that "there's a lot of range covered here, and it all performed quite well."[33] The Japanese magazine CDJournal praised the album's overall sound, citing "Do Me More" and "Sexy Girl" as standouts.[34]

Best Fiction and its content received numerous awards and nominations. At the MTV Video Music Awards Japan, "New Look" was nominated for Video of the Year but won Best Female Video. Additionally, "Sexy Girl" won Best R&B Video.[40] Best Fiction was named one of the top ten albums of 2008 by the Japan Gold Disc Awards, and it also received the Excellence Award.[41] At the 50th Japan Record Awards, Best Fiction won Best Album.[42]

Commercial performance

[edit]

Commercially, Best Fiction was extremely successful in Japan. The album debuted atop the Oricon Albums Chart, selling 681,187 copies in its first week, becoming her second number-one compilation after 181920.[43] These astounding sales made it have the highest first and second week album sales in 2008 to that point.[44] In its third week, Best Fiction accumulated sales of 1.092 million copies, making Amuro the only artist to have at least one million-selling album in their teens, twenties, and thirties.[45][46] Best Fiction eventually spent six consecutive weeks at number one, becoming the first album to do so in over 14 years, dating back to Dreams Come True's 1993 release Magic.[47]

By the end of 2008, it ranked second on Oricon's annual albums chart with 1,447,149 units sold, trailing behind Exile Love by Japanese band Exile,[48] and had spent 94 weeks on the chart overall.[49] In addition, it was the second best-selling digital album by a Japanese artist on the iTunes Japan's year-end charts behind Hikaru Utada's Heart Station.[50] Best Fiction sold an additional 92,939 copies in 2009, becoming the 95th best-selling album of that year.[51] The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) certified the album million for sales exceeding one million units, with Oricon reporting a total of 1,554,654 copies sold in the region.[52][53] Since Oricon began tracking digital downloads in November 2016, Best Fiction peaked at number two on the Digital Albums chart.[54] According to Oricon Style, Best Fiction is Amuro's sixth best-selling album overall.[55]

Track listing

[edit]
Track list
No.TitleOriginal albumLength
1."Do Me More"New song 
2."Wishing on the Same Star"Style 
3."Shine More"Style 
4."Put 'Em Up"Style 
5."So Crazy"Style 
6."Alarm"Queen of Hip-Pop 
7."All for You"Queen of Hip-Pop 
8."Girl Talk"Queen of Hip-Pop 
9."Want Me, Want Me"Queen of Hip-Pop 
10."White Light"Single 
11."Can't Sleep, Can't Eat, I'm Sick"Play 
12."Baby Don't Cry"Play 
13."Funky Town"Play 
14."New Look"New song 
15."Rock Steady"New song 
16."What a Feeling"New song 
17."Sexy Girl"New song 
DVD track list
No.TitleDirector(s)Length
1."Do Me More"Yusuke Tanaka 
2."Wishing on the Same Star"Masashi Muto 
3."Shine More"Ugichin 
4."Put 'Em Up"Ugichin 
5."So Crazy"Muto 
6."Alarm"Ugichin 
7."All for You"Muto 
8."Girl Talk"Ugichin 
9."Want Me, Want Me"Muto 
10."White Light"Muto 
11."Can't Sleep, Can't Eat, I'm Sick"Muto 
12."Baby Don't Cry"Muto 
13."Funky Town"Hidekazu Sato 
14."New Look"Yuichi Kodama 
15."Rock Steady"Tanaka 
16."What a Feeling"Hidekazu Sato 
17."Sexy Girl"Kensuke Kawamura 

Charts

[edit]

Certification and sales

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ)[60] Million 1,554,654[53]

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Japan July 30, 2008
Avex Trax [11]
Hong Kong 2008 [35]
South Korea [36]
Taiwan [37]
Japan 2012
[38][39]
Various N/A
[61]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Play (liner notes). Namie Amuro. Avex Trax. 2007. AVCD-23343.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. ^ "Play - Namie Amuro" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  3. ^ "安室奈美恵、7年5ヵ月ぶりに首位返り咲き" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  4. ^ "ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2007年7月" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). Archived from the original on November 2, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  5. ^ Lewis, Leo (2005). "Comeback queen of J pop". The Times. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
  6. ^ Brasor, Philip (August 4, 2002). "Can you celebrate? Not yet, Amuro- chan". The Japan Times. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  7. ^ "過激！安室奈美恵がムチ持ってプレイの現場をキャッチ！" (in Japanese). Barks. June 6, 2007. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  8. ^ a b "安室奈美恵のベストアルバムは「最高のフィクション」" (in Japanese). Oricon. July 1, 2008. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  9. ^ Love Enhanced Single Collection (liner notes). Namie Amuro. Avex Trax. 2002. AVCD-17102.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  10. ^ 181920 (liner notes). Namie Amuro. Avex Trax. 1998. AVCD-11624.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  11. ^ a b c d Japanese editions listedbelow:
  12. ^ "安室奈美恵、ニュー・シングル"60s 70s 80s"にMURO、大沢伸一（MONDO GROSSO）ら大物プロデューサー陣が参加" (in Japanese). Tower Records Online. February 28, 2008. Retrieved August 24, 2018.
  13. ^ a b 60s 70s 80s formats listed below:
  14. ^ 安室奈美恵、夢のコラボで新曲初披露 (in Japanese). Oricon. January 18, 2008. Archived from the original on February 3, 2008. Retrieved October 30, 2010.
  15. ^ "60s 70s 80s - Namie Amuro" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  16. ^ 安室９年３カ月ぶりにオリコン１位獲得 (in Japanese). Sports Daily Online. March 25, 2008. Archived from the original on April 9, 2008. Retrieved August 7, 2008.
  17. ^ ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2008年3月 [Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (March 2008)] (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. April 10, 2008. Archived from the original on April 21, 2008. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
  18. ^ "Namie Amuro releases new masterpiece collection". Natalie.mu. May 27, 2008. Archived from the original on December 20, 2008. Retrieved October 30, 2008.
  19. ^ "Japan Billboard Hot 100". Billboard (in Japanese). August 11, 2008. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
  20. ^ "レコード協会調べ 11月度有料音楽配信認定". RIAJ. Archived from the original on January 23, 2009. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  21. ^ a b "レコード協会調べ 1月度有料音楽配信認定". RIAJ. Archived from the original on March 5, 2014. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  22. ^ "安室奈美恵a－nation初参加２万5000人悩殺". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). July 27, 2008. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  23. ^ "ベスト盤が話題の安室､a-nation初参戦で新曲を初披露". MSN (in Japanese). July 30, 2008. Archived from the original on August 8, 2008. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  24. ^ "安室が「ａ－ｎａｔｉｏｎ」に初登場" (in Japanese). Yahoo Japan. July 28, 2008. Archived from the original on September 17, 2008. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  25. ^ 安室奈美恵:ファンクラブ先行受付ご案内の発送に関して (in Japanese). Vision Factory. August 19, 2008. Retrieved October 28, 2008.
  26. ^ 安室奈美恵、またもや新記録を達成 (in Japanese). livedoor. August 5, 2008. Retrieved October 28, 2008.
  27. ^ "安室奈美恵 中国・上海で２万人ライブ開催" (in Japanese). Sports Nippon. March 23, 2009. Archived from the original on March 25, 2009. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  28. ^ "安室奈美恵、50万人動員ライヴのDVDスペシャルサイトを開設" (in Japanese). Barks. August 31, 2009. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  29. ^ Namie Amuro Best Fiction Tour 2008-2009 (liner notes). Namie Amuro. Avex Trax. 2009. AVBD-91736.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  30. ^ "安室奈美恵、DVD初動売上で女性アーティスト歴代1位" (in Japanese). Oricon. September 19, 2009. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  31. ^ ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2009年9月 [Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (September 2009)] (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. October 10, 2009. Archived from the original on October 16, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  32. ^ ドリカム辞退...フラれたＮＨＫ (in Japanese). Daily Sports. November 26, 2008. Archived from the original on December 20, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2008.
  33. ^ a b c Greenburg, Adam. "Best Fiction - Namie Amuro". AllMusic. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  34. ^ a b "Namie Amuro / Best Fiction". CDJournal (in Japanese). Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  35. ^ a b Best Fiction (liner notes). Namie Amuro. Avex Trax. 2008. AAJCD20023D.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  36. ^ a b Best Fiction (liner notes). Namie Amuro. S.M. Entertainment. 2008. SMJTCD265/B.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  37. ^ a b Best Fiction (liner notes). Namie Amuro. S.M. Entertainment. 2008. AVJCD10365/A.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  38. ^ a b Best Fiction (liner notes). Namie Amuro. Avex Trax. 2012. AVCD-38610.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  39. ^ a b Best Fiction (liner notes). Namie Amuro. Avex Trax. 2012. AQZD-50740.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  40. ^ "Coldplay, Ne-Yo Up For MTV Video Music Awards Japan". Billboard. March 19, 2009. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  41. ^ "第23回日本ゴールドディスク大賞" [The 23th Japan Gold Disc Awards]. Japan Gold Disc Awards (in Japanese). Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  42. ^ "安室奈美恵がレコ大最優秀アルバム賞" (in Japanese). Sports Hochi. December 1, 2008. Archived from the original on December 4, 2008. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  43. ^ Oricon Style Staff (August 11, 2008). "Oricon Albums Chart – Chart Week August 11, 2008". Oricon; published through Yahoo! GeoCities (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 6, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  44. ^ ノンフィクションからフィクションへ…安室強さのヒミツ. Oricon. August 8, 2008. Retrieved October 30, 2010.
  45. ^ "安室、史上初３年代ミリオンアルバム達成！" (in Japanese). Sanspo. August 19, 2008. Archived from the original on August 22, 2008. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  46. ^ "安室しか出来ない！史上初３年代ミリオン" (in Japanese). Sports Hochi. August 19, 2008. Archived from the original on August 21, 2008. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  47. ^ "安室奈美恵の勢い衰えず！ドリカム以来14年8か月ぶりの6週連続首位" (in Japanese). Oricon. September 9, 2008. Retrieved September 9, 2008.
  48. ^ a b "2008年　アルバム年間TOP100". Archived from the original on November 6, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  49. ^ a b "BEST FICTION 安室奈美恵". Oricon. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  50. ^ "2008年、「iTunes Store」で最もダウンロードされた楽曲が発表" (in Japanese). Barks. December 3, 2008. Retrieved December 3, 2008.
  51. ^ a b "2009年　アルバム年間TOP100". Archived from the original on November 6, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  52. ^ "ゴールド等認定作品認定　2008年8月" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). Archived from the original on September 18, 2008. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  53. ^ a b "オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  54. ^ "安室奈美恵のランキング情報 / デジタルアルバム" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  55. ^ 安室奈美恵のアルバム売上TOP20作品 [Namie Amuro's Top 20 Albums Sales]. Oricon News (in Japanese). Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  56. ^ "Combo Chart". G-Music. September 11, 2008. Archived from the original on September 13, 2008. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  57. ^ "J-Pop Chart". September 11, 2008. Archived from the original on September 13, 2008.
  58. ^ "2000年代アルバム売上ランキング" (in Japanese). Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  59. ^ "歴代アルバムランキング TOP280" (in Japanese). Music TV Program. Archived from the original on January 3, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  60. ^ "Japanese album certifications – Namie Amuro – Best Fiction" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved January 31, 2024. Select 2008年8月 on the drop-down menu
  61. ^ "Compilation by Namie Amuro". Spotify. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
Preceded by
Ketsunopolis 4
(Ketsumeishi)
 Japan Record Award for the Best Album
2008 		Succeeded by
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