"Better" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Twice. It is the group's seventh Japanese maxi single, featuring three other tracks. It was pre-released for digital download and streaming on November 11, 2020, by Warner Music Japan as the second single from their third Japanese studio album, Perfect World. The single and its B-side, "Scorpion", were physically released on November 18 in Japan.

"Better"
Digital and standard edition cover
Single by Twice
from the album Perfect World
LanguageJapanese
B-side"Scorpion"
ReleasedNovember 18, 2020
Length3:44
LabelWarner Music Japan
Composer(s)
  • Eunsol
  • Lauren Kaori
Lyricist(s)
  • Lauren Kaori
  • Mio Jorakuji
Twice singles chronology
"I Can't Stop Me"
(2020)
"Better"
(2020)
"Cry for Me"
(2020)
Twice Japanese singles chronology
"Fanfare"
(2020)
"Better"
(2020)
"Kura Kura"
(2021)
Music video
"Better" on YouTube

Background and release

edit

On September 23, 2020—a week after Twice released their third Japanese compilation album, #Twice3—the group announced the release of their seventh Japanese single titled "Better", along with several teaser images for the new track.[1][2][3] It marked the group's first Japanese single since "Fanfare" (2020).[2][4] The song was composed by Eunsol and Lauren Kaori, with lyrics written by the latter and Mio Jorakuji. According to JYP Entertainment, the song was "produced with the yearning of Twice members to be able to meet with fans around the world in person".[3]

"Better" was released for digital download and streaming in various countries on November 11 by Warner Music Japan.[5][6][7] The single includes the B-side track "Scorpion", and instrumentals of both "Better" and "Scorpion".[8] The accompanying music video was released simultaneously with the single's release.[9][10] The song was made available as a CD single in Japan on November 18 in four versions: Standard Edition, First Press Limited Edition A, First Press Limited Edition B, and Fan Club Edition (Once Japan Limited Edition).[1][11][2][12] The Standard Edition contains the CD with a trading card.[13] First Press Limited Edition A contains the CD single, a lyric-book of the members, a trading card, and a DVD containing the making of the music video of "Better" and the making of album jacket photos. First Press Limited Edition B contains the CD, a trading card, a jacket design, and an original photo sticker sheet. The Once Japan version contains the CD, two trading cards, and a 3x3 folded poster.[1][14][15][16]

Promotion

edit

Twice performed "Better" for the first time on TV Asahi's Music Station on November 13, 2020.[17][18] On November 18, the group performed the song at a special showcase to commemorate the single's release, which was broadcast live through YouTube.[19] A dance practice video was also released the same day, featuring the group practicing their choreography.[20]

Commercial performance

edit

The CD single debuted at number two on the daily ranking of Oricon Singles Chart with 54,152 units sold on its release day.[21] It also ranked number two on the weekly Oricon Singles Chart with 83,764 copies sold.[22] It also debuted at number three on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, recording 93,548 unit sales on November 16–22, 2020.[23]

Track listing

edit
Digital download EP [5]
No.TitleLyricsMusicLength
1."Better"
  • Lauren Kaori
  • Mio Jorakuji
  • Eunsol
  • Lauren Kaori
3:44
2."Scorpion"Kiee
  • Woo Min Lee "collapsedone"
  • Krysta Youngs
  • Julia Ross
3:29
3."Better" (Instrumental) 
  • Eunsol
  • Lauren Kaori
3:44
4."Scorpion" (Instrumental) 
  • Woo Min Lee "collapsedone"
  • Krysta Youngs
  • Julia Ross
3:29
Total length:14:22
First press limited edition A DVD
No.TitleLength
1."Better" (Music video making movie) 
2."Better" (Jacket Shooting making movie) 

Credits and personnel

edit

Credits adapted from CD single liner notes.[24]

  • Twice – lead vocals, background vocals
  • Lauren Kaori – lyricist, composer (on "Better")
  • Mio Jorakuji – lyricist (on "Better")
  • Eunsol – composer, arranger, all instruments (on "Better")
  • Kate – background vocals
  • Armadillo – vocal director (on "Better")
  • Park Eunjung – recording engineer
  • Tony Maseratimixer (on "Better")
  • Chris Gehringermastering engineer (on "Better")
  • Kiee – lyricist (on "Scorpion")
  • Woo Min Lee "collapsedone" – composer, arranger, all instruments (on "Scorpion")
  • Krysta Youngs – composer (on "Scorpion")
  • Julia Ross – composer (on "Scorpion")
  • Emily Yeonseo Kim – vocal director (on "Scorpion")
  • Shin Bongwon – mixer (on "Scorpion")
  • Park Jung Un – mastering engineer (on "Scorpion")

Charts

edit
Chart performances for "Better"
Chart (2020) Peak
position
Japan (Japan Hot 100)[25] 3
Japan (Oricon)[22] 2

Certifications

edit
Certifications for "Better"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ)[26] Gold 100,000^
Streaming
Japan (RIAJ)[27] Silver 30,000,000

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

edit
Release dates and formats for "Better"
Country Date Format(s) Edition Label Ref.
Various November 11, 2020 Standard Edition Warner Music Japan
Japan November 18, 2020 CD single
CD + DVD Limited Edition A
CD Limited Edition B
Fan Club Limited Edition

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c TWICEの日本7枚目シングルは「BETTER」、ジャケット4種公開 [TWICE's 7th single in Japan is "BETTER", 4 types of jackets released]. Natalie (in Japanese). September 23, 2020. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c Jeon, Hyo-jin (September 23, 2020). 트와이스, 11월 18일 日 싱글 7집 ‘BETTER’ 발표 [Twice announces 7th single album 'BETTER' on November 18th]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  3. ^ a b "TWICE to drop new Japanese single album in November". The Korea Herald. September 23, 2020. Archived from the original on September 28, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  4. ^ Lee, Woo-jung (October 6, 2020). "[Starzip]'Japan Comeback' NU'EST, TWICE, GFRIEND, IZONE, take a break to go global". The Chosun Ilbo. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c "Better by Twice". Tidal. Archived from the original on November 10, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  6. ^ 会えなくてもつながってる、TWICEが9人一体のパフォーマンス [TWICE's performance of 9 people who are connected even if they can't meet]. Natalie (in Japanese). November 11, 2020. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  7. ^ TWICE、11月18日リリースの日本7thシングル表題曲“BETTER”MV公開。発売日にYouTube LIVEでの生配信も実施 [TWICE releases MV for Japan's 7th single title song "BETTER" released on November 18th. Live distribution on YouTube LIVE on the release date]. Tower Records. November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  8. ^ a b TWICE、日本7thシングル「BETTER」リリース決定 [TWICE to release Japan's 7th single "BETTER"] (in Japanese). BARKS Japan Music Network. September 23, 2020. Archived from the original on October 9, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  9. ^ TWICE、「いつも一緒」の思いを込めた「BETTER」MV公開 [TWICE releases 'BETTER' MV with the feeling of 'always together']. Billboard Japan. November 11, 2020. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  10. ^ "TWICE 「BETTER」 Music Video" (in Japanese). YouTube. Archived from the original on November 10, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  11. ^ "TWICE to drop new Japanese single album in November". The Korea Times. September 23, 2020. Archived from the original on November 10, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  12. ^ TWICE|日本7枚目シングル『BETTER』|先着でタワレコ特典クリアトレカ付き [TWICE | Japan's 7th single "BETTER" | First-come-first-served basis with Tower Records bonus clear trading cards] (in Japanese). Tower Records. September 23, 2020. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  13. ^ "Better [Regular Edition]". CD Japan. Archived from the original on November 10, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  14. ^ "Twice Japan 7th Single Better" (in Japanese). Twice Japan Official - Better. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  15. ^ "TWICE『BETTER』11月18日発売" (in Japanese). Tower Records. Archived from the original on November 4, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  16. ^ TWICE、「BETTER」MV公開。“いつも一緒”の思いを込めたパフォーマンス披露 [TWICE, "BETTER" MV released. Performance performance with the feeling of "always together"] (in Japanese). BARKS Japan Music Network. November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  17. ^ Ji, Min-kyung (November 11, 2020). 트와이스, 日 '엠스테'서 새 싱글 'BETTER' 무대 최초 공개 [Twice unveiled its new single 'BETTER' for the first time in Japan's 'Music Station']. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2020 – via Naver.
  18. ^ 次回「Mステ」にSixTONES、TWICE、福山雅治、milet、ラストアイドル、和楽器バンド [SixTONES, TWICE, Masaharu Fukuyama, milet, Last Idol, Wagakki Band for the next "Music Station"]. Natalie (in Japanese). November 11, 2020. Archived from the original on November 6, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  19. ^ TWICE「BETTER」MV解禁 スペシャルショーケース生配信も決定 [TWICE "BETTER" MV lifted special showcase live distribution also decided]. Model Press (in Japanese). November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  20. ^ "TWICE「BETTER」Dance Practice Video" (in Japanese). YouTube. November 18, 2020. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  21. ^ "デイリー シングルランキング – 2020年11月17日付". Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon ME inc. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  22. ^ a b "週間 シングルランキング – 2020年11月30日付" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  23. ^ "【ビルボード】LiSA「炎」が総合首位返咲きV5達成 優里「ドライフラワー」総合8位に急伸". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). November 25, 2020. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  24. ^ Twice (2020). Better (CD). Warner Music Japan.
  25. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot 100 (2020/11/30 付け)". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  26. ^ "Japanese single certifications – TWICE – Better" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved December 10, 2020. Select 2020年11月 on the drop-down menu
  27. ^ "Japanese single streaming certifications – Twice – Better" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved January 27, 2022. Select 2021年12月 on the drop-down menu
  28. ^ "TWICE – Better [Regular Edition]" (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 10, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020 – via CDJapan.
  29. ^ "TWICE – Better [w/ DVD, Limited Edition / Type A]" (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 10, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020 – via CDJapan.
  30. ^ "TWICE – Better [Limited Edition / Type B]" (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 10, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020 – via CDJapan.