Red Carpet (Namie Amuro song)

"Red Carpet"
CD and digital artwork.
Single by Namie Amuro
B-side	"Black Make-Up"
Released	December 2, 2015
Format	CD single DVD single digital download
Recorded	2015
Genre	Neo soul
Length	3:43
Label	Avex Trax Dimension Point
Writer(s)	Matthew Tishler Paula Winger Stephanie Lewis Tiger
Producer(s)	Tishler
Namie Amuro singles chronology
"Revolution" (2015) "Red Carpet" (2015) "Mint" (2016)

"Red Carpet" is a song recorded by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released on December 2, 2015 via Avex Trax and her label Dimension Point, as the singer's third consecutive non-album single; along with it came the B-side track "Black Make-Up". It was distributed in two physical formats—a standard CD, and a CD and DVD bundle—and for digital consumption. The recording was written and composed by Matthew Tishler, Paula Winger, Stephanie Lewis and Tiger, whilst production was handled by Tishler. Musically, it is an upbeat neo soul ballad with elements of contemporary R&B, and features guitars, synthesizers, keyboards and drums through its instrumentation. Lyrically, it focuses on themes of self-confidence, empowerment and narcissism, and uses the title as a metaphor for life experiences.

Upon its release, "Red Carpet" received positive reviews from music critics. Majority of the reviews commended the production and pop-friendly delivery, and also highlighted the inclusion of "Black Make-Up". Commercially, it experienced moderate success in Japan, peaking inside the top five on both the Oricon Singles Chart and Japan Hot 100. An accompanying music video was directed by Hisashi Kikuchi, depicting Amuro through several streets at night, decorated by fairy lights. In order to promote "Red Carpet", it was used as the commercial track to a campaign hosted by Kosee, and included on the singer's 2016 Livegenic concert tour in Japan, and additionally throughout Asia.

Background and release

On November 3, 2015, Amuro announced the release of a new single titled "Red Carpet" alongside its corresponding music video; she also added details about the inclusion of the B-side track, "Black Make-Up".^[1][2] This marked a return to Amuro releasing non-album singles, having released "Tsuki" (January 2014) and "Brighter Day" (November 2014) previously.^[3][4] The singer revealed that the track would premiere as the theme song for Oleo D'or, a commercial campaign created by Japanese cosmetic company Kosee. Additionally, "Black Make-Up" was used as the theme song to Japanese anime series One Piece: Adventures of Nevlandia (2015–16).^[5] "Red Carpet" was written and composed by Matthew Tishler, Paula Winger, Stephanie Lewis and Tiger, whilst production was handled by Tishler. The song contains backing vocals by Japanese recording artist Emyli, whom previously worked on songs for Amuro in the past.^[6]

Musically, "Red Carpet" was described by Japanese journalist Kanako Hayakawa as a neo soul tune with elements of contemporary R&B.^[7] Similarly, CD Journal noted elements of neo soul and noted instrumentation of guitars, pianos and drums.^[8] Alex Shenmue, reporting from Land of Rising, labelled the composition as a "pop tune".^[9] An editor of Billboard Japan noted musical similarities to Amuro's previous singles "Love Story" and "Baby Don't Cry", and labelled the sound as an "upbeat neo soul tune".^[10] "Black Make-Up" was noted by critics as a "danceable" track that incorporates dance-pop and R&B elements.^[7][10] Lyrically, it focuses on themes of self-confidence, empowerment and narcissism; subsequently, the line "walking on the red carpet" was described as a metaphor for life experiences.^[7]

Release

"Red Carpet" was released on December 2, 2015 via Avex Trax and her label Dimension Point, as the singer's third consecutive non-album single.^[11] It was distributed in two physical formats—a standard CD, and a CD and DVD bundle—and for digital consumption.^[6][12][13] All three formats include the two tracks and their instrumental versions, whilst the DVD edition came with two videos (the official music visual and the making of video). The cover art for all three formats featured Amuro in front of a large red silk fabric, resembling the aesthetic of a red carpet; she is wearing the same dress from the music video.^[12] The physical formats included an extra lyric booklet,^[6][12] whilst pre-ordered versions through Japanese retail CDJapan came with a limited edition bonus poster.^[14]

Reception

Upon its release, "Red Carpet" received positive reviews from music critics. Alex Shenmue of Land of Rising awarded it seven points out of ten, labelling the sound more "mature" than her previous releases. Despite commending the composition production, Shemnue did believe that the material was neither 'breaking any boundary or reaching outstanding levels...".^[9] Similarly, a member from CD Journal complimented the composition and its commercial appeal; the review also highlighted the production of the B-side track, "Black Make-Up".^[8] An editor from Billboard Japan was positive towards the songs production and composition, and complimented the lyrical content for its "hero"-esque content.^[10]

Commercially, "Red Carpet" experienced moderate success in Japan. It entered the daily Oricon Singles Chart at number two, staying there for three consecutive days.^[15] Subsequently, it debuted at number two on Oricon's weekly chart, accumulating sales of 25,866 copies, marking it the singers lowest first week sales since 2013's "Big Boys Cry/Beautiful".^[16][17] However, it also became her highest charting release after her triple A-side release "Naked/Fight Together/Tempest".^[18] It dropped to number 18 the following week, selling an additional 4,962 units and marked its final week inside the top 40.^[19] It spent nine weeks inside the top 200, and sold 30,828 units by the end of 2015; as of October 2016, "Red Carpet" has sold over 35,521 physical copies in Japan.^[15][20] The single opened at number five on the Japan Hot 100, number three on the Hot Singles Sales and number nine on the Radio Songs chart, all hosted by Billboard Japan.^[21][22][23] Additionally, "Black Make-Up" peaked at number 96 on the Japan Hot 100 chart.^[21]

Promotion

An accompanying music video for "Red Carpet" was directed by Hisashi Kikuchi, and was uploaded on the singer's YouTube channel on November 19, 2015.^[24] It opens with Amuro walking through two large doors, wearing a coat-like dress; on the DVD editions of the single, a special customization function allows the viewer to change the colour of the dress.^[12] She strolls through several streets and sits down briefly, with several members of the public out including a young couple and small children. The second chorus has her gazing through a fashion boutique, admiring several pairs of heels. By the bridge section, sparks fall from the sky and are seen behind Amuro as she looks upwards. Whilst the final chorus has her dancing as the sparks fall, the visual ends with the singer walking about a flight of stairs and posing for the camera.^[24]

In order to promote the single, it was used on Japanese commercials and live tours conducted by Amuro. As aforementioned, "Red Carpet" was used as the commercial track for Kosee's Oleo D'or campaign, whilst "Black Make-Up" was used as the theme song to Japanese anime series One Piece: Adventures of Nevlandia (2015–16).^[5] Additionally, the singer included "Red Carpet" and "Black Make-Up" on the setlist for her 2016 Livegenic concert tour in Japan, and additionally throughout Asia.^[25]

Track listing and formats

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of the single's CD and DVD release.^[12]

Recording and management

• Recorded by Wataru Namifura at LAB Recordings, Japan in 2015; mixed and mastered by D.O.I. and Tom Coyne at Sterling Studios, New York City, New York. Management by Stella88 and Avex Trax.

Credits

Charts

Sales

Release history

References

External links

• "Red Carpet" at Namie Amuro's official website. (Japanese)