J-pop Glossary Entry 2: Album

25 July 2006

Mini Album
A mini album is a CD release that contains a small collection of songs. Under oricon standard, CD with more than 5 songs will be classified as a mini album. The maximum number of songs allows on a mini album is 8 and those with more than 8 songs included will be classified by oricon as a full album.

There are 2 types of mini album.

The first resemble an extended single, containing 5 to 8 brand new materials or alternative version of previously released songs. This content format would usually feature an A-side, several B-sides, remix and instrumental for the included songs. Songs in this type of mini album are usually included in the next original album. Examples of this mini album format includes MISIA's "The Glory Day" and Nakashima Mika's "RESISTANCE" & "朧月夜~祈り").

The other content format is a true blue miniature original album. It may either contain 5 to 8 brand new songs (e.g. Aikawa Nanase's "The Last Quarter" and dream's "ナツイロ" & "Boy meets Girl"), or it may contain recent singles released prior to this mini album plus a few new songs (e.g. Aikawa Nanase's "THE FIRST QUARTER" and Hamasaki Ayumi's "Memorial address"). This content format is very widely used for the first album of many new artists, due to its lower production cost (e.g. ZONE's "Z").

Original Album
An original album is a CD release that contains a collection of new songs, including recent singles released prior to this album.

Under oricon standard, the minimum number of songs for eligibility as an original album is 9. Therefore, original album with less than 9 songs included will be classified by oricon as a mini album. The maximum number of songs allowable depends on the maximum playtime, which is 80min for CD. An original album would usually have 12 to 16 songs.

Content format for original album varies among different artist and record label. Generally, an original album will contain all single A-sides, which typically range from 3 to 5 A-sides. Although usually only A-sides will be included in original album, some outstanding or popular B-sides will also be included (e.g. SPEED's "熱帯夜", MAX's "I will" & Yaida Hitomi's "Life's like a love song"). Besides the single A-sides, an original album would also usually contain 1 or 2 lead songs (e.g. SPEED's "Carry On my way", Hamasaki Ayumi's "A Song for ××" & Utada Hikaru's "Deep River") that might have a promotion video (PV). Album lead songs are utilized for radio airplay and appear in the album TV-CM. Occasionally, previously released single materials are included as album version for compatibility in relation to the overall concept (e.g. MAX's "恋するヴェルファーレダンス ~ Saturday Night~ (HYPER J-EURO MIX)" & SPEED's "Wake Me Up! (RISE Mix)"), improvement (e.g. Nakashima Mika's "RESISTANCE (album version)") or marketability (e.g. Hamasaki Ayumi's "appears "Album Version"").

There is no limitation to the amount of previously released single materials an original album can contain. However, it is becoming quite common for original album to feature only 1 advance single, simultaneous single, recut single, or even without any single release. An album that contain only or extensively previously released single materials will be classified as a best album.

Original album would usually list bonus track as a first press limited release premium. Bonus track can be a new song that is of a style atypical of the artist (e.g. Koda Kumi's "キューティハニー"), a new song that do not fit the concept of the album, remix (Amuro Namie's " SO CRAZY (MAD BEAR MIX)") or alternative version of previously released songs (e.g. hitomi's "君のとなり (thermo plastic version)").

Original album would also include secret track that is not credited on the tracklisting. Like bonus track, secret track can be a song that is of a style atypical of the artist (e.g. hiro's "花"), a new song that do not fit the concept of the album (e.g. Hamasaki Ayumi's "kanariya" & Every Little Thing's "Sleepy time dog"), remix or alternative version of previously released songs. Secret track are also included for extra hype (e.g. Amuro Namie's "No (part 2)") or as a gift from the artist (e.g. Hamasaki Ayumi's "flower garden" & Every Little Thing's "Free Walkin'"). As the secret track is not credited on the tracklisting, the title and other details of the song will only be available through official media releases or future re-release of this song. Usually, secret track will be cut into a recut single as a response to feedback or new tie-up involved.

Remix Album
Remix album is a collection of remix on previously released song. However in rare circumstances, there is remix of new song being included as a preview (e.g. Hamasaki Ayumi's "Far away "HΛL'S MIX 2000"" in "ayu-mi-x II version Non-Stop Mega Mix") or exclusively on a remix album. For most instances, remix album is released after an original album, in which the remix is based on (e.g. Hamasaki Ayumi's "ayu-mi-x II is based on songs included in her 2nd album "LOVEppears"). The remix can be a new remix product or an inclusion from previously released single. Remix album typically comes with a theme on specific genres spanning from acoustic orchestra to club remix and is either available in separate track format or as a non-stop mega mix.

Remix album with less than 5 songs included will be classified as a remix single. The maximum number of songs allowable depends on the maximum playtime, which is 80min for CD. It is very common for remix album to span across 2 or more CDs.

Unlike original album, merits of remix album are focus on the remixer who did most of the job revamping the songs rather than the artist who makes none or little new contributions. Usually, remix album does not sell very well because it is dedicated to a niche market.

Live Album
A live album contains live recording of a live concert. Do note that an album consisting entirely of live studio recording on new songs will be classified as an original album instead of live album. Songs included in a live album would normally features an arrangement very different from the original version.

The minimum number of songs for eligibility as a live album is 5, while the maximum number of songs allowable depends on the maximum playtime, which is 80min for CD. It is very common for live album to span across 2 or more CDs.

Live album would usually sell worse than a remix album due to its inferior sound quality and unwanted noise recorded.

Best Album
A best album is a CD release that contains a collection of previously released songs, which are usually popular hits of the artist. Best album would usually contain 1 or a few new songs. A best album would usually have 12 to 16 songs and it is very common for best album to span across 2 or more CDs.

Content format for best album varies among different artist and record label. Generally, best album can be categorised under 2 content formats. The first typical content format is a 'Single Collection' that contains all A-sides released within the specified time period. Some best album from this typical content format might also include a few outstanding or popular B-sides, original album lead songs or other songs released within that specified time period. The other typical content format is a 'Best Selection' that would contain popular hits of a specific theme, concept or genre. As best album comprise extensively of previously released single materials, some of the songs are included as new version for overall compatibility, improvement or marketability.

There is no limitation to the amount of previously released single A-sides a best album can contain. However, if a best album contains only or extensively B-sides, it will be commonly referred to as an urabest album. Similarly, a best album that contains only ballads will be termed as a ballad best album.

An urabest album is a sub-category of best album. An urabest album is a best album that contains exclusively or extensively B-sides. Besides B-sides, an urabest album might also include previously unreleased song, indies releases and even demo. Urabest album is dedicated to a niche market as B-sides are usually songs that are not as popular. However, it is not exactly true that B-sides are always of inferior quality. In fact, most B-sides has the ability to reflects the style of an artist better than A-sides simply because B-sides shoulders a lesser commercial stress. Artist with lots of B-sides available exclusively on single are more likely to release an urabest album. Examples of urabest album includes Smap's "pamS", Do As Infinity's "Do The B-side" & ZONE's "ura E ~Complete B side Melodies~".

In the past, only very reputable and popular artists are eligible to release a best album, which would usually only be released more than 10 years after debut; after an artist passed away or after a band's disbandment. However over the years, many popular artists and record label started releasing best album at a much earlier stage to artistically separate different segment of their career and for capitalising more profits with minimal production cost. The success of many such best album lead to an overall industry drop for eligibility to release a best album, and the standard is still dropping drastically. Nowadays, best album had evolved into a very commercialise mechanise that is typically release after 3 to 5 original albums, and young artists with little or no success are also eligible to release a best album.

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J-pop Glossary Entry 2: Album   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

J-pop Glossary Entry 1: Single

26 June 2006

Original Single
As the name imply, an original single (or simply just known as single) is a CD release that contains a single song, which is also labelled as the A-side. Original single is usually named after the title of its A-side.

Despite its name, an original single would usually contain more than 1 track. Besides the A-side, an original single can also contain another song that is termed as the B-side or coupling/with (c/w). Under oricon standard, the maximum number of songs allow on an original single is 4 songs. oricon will classify CD with more than 5 songs as a mini album and those with more than 8 songs as a full album.

Other than the A-side and B-side, an original single would usually contains remix, instrumental (karaoke) and/or alternative version of the included A-side, B-side or other previously released songs. Do take note that only A-side and B-side are counted as songs. Remix and instrumental of included A-side and B-side are counted as track, whereas a remix or an alternative version of other previously released songs (i.e. songs that are not the included A-side and B-side) are counted as song.

Content format for original single varies across different artist and record label. Generally, original single can be categorized into 2 content formats. The first typical content format contains an A-side, one or more B-sides and instrumentals for the included songs. The other typical content format would contain an A-side coupled with remixes and instrumental of the A-side or other songs.

There is no limit on the number of singles that can be release prior to an original album. According to industry standard, usually 3 to 5 original singles will be released prior to an original album. But there is some original album that are being released with only 1 advance single. Simultaneous single and recut single might be cut from the album. Original album without any single release is becoming quite common.

A-side
A-side refers to the lead song of a single. To promote the single, A-side would usually have a promotion video (PV) and it is also featured in the single TV-CM.

The term A-side derived from the 2 reversible sides of a vinyl record. Initially, vinyl single contains 2 songs which are randomly recorded on either side. This causes confusion in identifying which is the lead song. To overcome this, record label started recording the lead song on the A-side. This tradition persists for cassette single, which also has 2 reversible sides, when it replaced the vinyl. However, with the popularization of CD, A-side becomes a virtual term as CD does not has any physical separation.

Most original single contain only 1 A-side. Single with multiple A-sides are called double-A-sides single, triple-A-sides single (e.g. Hamasaki Ayumi's "H") or quartet-A-sides single (e.g. Hamasaki Ayumi's "A"), depending on the number of A-side the single contain. Under oricon standard, the maximum number of A-side allow on a single is 4.

Although marketed as a multiple A-sides single, some of the included A-sides are actually glorified B-side, because it does not have a PV, TV-CM or tie-up. The reasons for upgrading these B-side into A-side might be because of high quality B-side that deserves re-classification as an A-side, lack of budget to film a PV, or simply to make the single appear more value for money.

B-side
Besides the A-side, a single can also contain another song known as B-side or coupling/with (c/w). B-side is included to increase the 'value for money' of the single. To maximize sales for the single, B-side is seldom included in an original album. Minus the A-side, the maximum number of B-side allows on a single is 3, as under oricon standard, a single can only have 4 songs.

Usually, B-side is a song that is not of A-side quality and never planned to be release as an A-side. However, B-side might be a song that was initially planned as an A-side, but switched out due to last minute commercial tie-up, lukewarm reception during preview, or decision from the management. B-side can also be a song that is of a style atypical of the artist; B-side of advance single or simultaneous single can be song of a style different from the original album. B-side of recut single can be a previously unreleased song recorded for the original album.

Occasionally, B-side might have a PV (e.g. SPEED's "熱帯夜"), TV-CM or tie-up (e.g. SPEED's "季節がいく時"), thus receiving equal or more publicity than it's A-side. In some instances, the B-side is even more popular than its A-side. This might result in the B-side being included in an original album (e.g. Kuraki Mai's "think about") or best album (e.g. Do As Infinity's "SUMMER DAYS") rather than the A-side.

Advance Single
Advance single is actually of no technical difference from an original single. Advance single is pretty much just a marketing strategy deployed to promote the upcoming original album.

The main distinction of an advance single is that the decision to release an advance single is make together with the announcement of the original album or after the decision to release an original album is confirmed (e.g. hiro's "Notice my mind). Advance single is release within a month before the upcoming album and is usually included as an album version in the album so as to achieve optimal sales for the advance single. Advance single also usually features similar concept, art direction and image as the album (e.g. Do As Infinity's "Desire").

Usually, the A-side of the advance single is initially not planned for single release, but for particular reasons, the artist, management or record label decided to cut the song into an advance single. Common reasons are exceptionally high quality of a particular album track, song that truly reflects the style of the album, strong tie-up involved, or simply just a last-minute single recorded for the album (e.g. Hamasaki Ayumi's "Bold & Delicious").

Advance single usually don't sell as well as original single due to its close release date to the original album and typically has much fewer songs/tracks included. Advance single appeal more towards fans who will buy the advance single as a collectible while casual listeners would usually opt for the more value-for-money original album.

Simultaneous Single
Simultaneous single is release on the same day as the original album. Decision to release a simultaneous single is usually made together with the decision to release the original album. Simultaneous single is usually included as an album version in the album so optimal sales can be obtain for the simultaneous single. Simultaneous single usually features similar art direction and image as the album (e.g. Hamasaki Ayumi's "appears").

Usually, the A-side of simultaneous single is initially planned as the lead song of the album. Common reasons to cut the song into a simultaneous single might be an exceptionally high quality for a lead song, song that truly reflects the style of the album, strong tie-up involved or popular feedback receives through airplay and live performance.

Like advance single, simultaneous single usually don't sell as well as original single due to it being release on the same day as the original album and much fewer songs included. Simultaneous single is very much a fans collectible as casual listeners would usually opt for the more value-for-money original album.

Recut Single
Recut single is release after an original album has been released.

Usually, the A-side of recut single is the lead song (e.g. Amuro Namie's "SWEET 19 BLUES"), extremely popular song (e.g. Utada Hikaru's "First Love") or secret track (e.g. Hamasaki Ayumi's "kanariya") of the album. Common reason to cut the song into a recut single is because of exceptionally popular feedback received for the song or new tie-up involved. For a successful original album, recut single might be release to maintain popularity of the album. Sometimes, a recut single is release to shorten interval between an original album and a new original single (e.g. Hamasaki Ayumi's "Fly high").

The song is usually included as a different version or a new remix to obtain optimal sales for the recut single. The album version of the song might still be included in the recut single as an included track (e.g. Utada Hikaru's "DISTANCE" in "FINAL DISTANCE").

Remix Single
Remix single is a single that contains remix of a previously released song. The remix can be a new remix product (e.g. TRF's "Burst drive Mix") or a recut off previously released remix album (e.g. Hamasaki Ayumi's "excerpts from ayu-mi-x III"). Appealing more towards loyal fans and Dance DJ, remix single is a novelty release and is usually released in both CD and vinyl format. Produced in limited quantity, remix single is generally published under indies dance label.

Remix singles is usually double A-sides. It can be 2 different songs being remix by the same remixer or a song being remix by 2 remixers. The A-side of remix single usually features the main extended Club Mix of the remix. Other version included can be the Radio Edit, Dub Version, Alternative Version and Instrumental of the remix.

Promotional Single
Printed in very limited quantity, promotional single is a marketing tool to promote the upcoming original album and is not for sale. Promotional single is distributed free to various radio stations, music retail shops and dance clubs for airplay or as a free gift to fans through events and campaigns.

Promotional single is usually the lead song of the album and only contain 1 track. Promotional single typically comes in cupboard cases with little or no linear notes. As promotional single is very rare, it is able to fetch an incredibly high selling price in the black market.

Digital Single
Digital single refers to song that is sold through download and usually only consist of 1 songs and its instrumental. Some single are only available solely through the digital single format.

8cm mini single & 12cm maxi single
Prior to the "maxi single revolution" of 1999, singles are printed on the smaller 8cm mini disc. The 8cm mini single has a maximum play time of 21min and normally contains a maximum of 4 tracks. Singles that cannot fit into the standard 8cm mini single will be printed on 12cm maxi single, which has a greater storage volume with a maximum playtime of 80min.

In mid-1999, production cost for printing 12cm maxi single drop drastically. Furthermore, 12cm maxi single boost a significantly larger storage volume. The increase in storage volume allows the addition of more B-sides and remix tracks that leads to a much longer play time. This phenomenon is further popularized by Hamasaki Ayumi, leading to many artists and record labels opting for the more economical 12cm maxi single. By December 1999, the 12cm maxi single had effectively replaced the 8cm mini single as the main single format. This is later known as the "maxi single revolution".

Capitalising the storage of 12cm maxi single. Hamasaki Ayumi "kanariya" is the longest 12cm maxi single in J-pop history with 13 tracks and a playtime of 78min. This causes another "remix revolution" that peaked in early 2000.

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J-pop Glossary Entry 1: Single   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.