The Best (Girls' Generation album)

The Best is the first Japanese compilation album by South Korean girl group Girls' Generation. It was released on July 23, 2014, in Japan through EMI Records Japan. The album was released in three different editions, regular and two limited, with the latter containing a DVD or Blu-ray, an extra CD and a photobook. The album originally contains all of the group's previous Japanese singles, while including a previously unreleased Japanese version of "Mr.Mr." and an original track, titled "Indestructible".[1]

The Best
Digital and Regular edition cover
Greatest hits album by
ReleasedJuly 23, 2014
Recorded2010–2014
LanguageJapanese
LabelEMI Records Japan
Girls' Generation chronology
Mr.Mr.
(2014)
The Best
(2014)
Lion Heart
(2015)
Singles from THE BEST
  1. "Indestructible"
    Released: July 23, 2014
  2. "DIVINE"
    Released: October 15, 2014
New Edition cover
Standard edition cover
Music video
"Indestructible" on YouTube
"Divine" on YouTube

A new edition titled The Best (New Edition) was released on October 15, 2014. The album was released in two editions, standard and a CD+DVD, with the latter containing five new songs, two previously released Japanese versions and three new songs, "Chain Reaction", "Show Girls" and the single "Divine". Upon its release, The Best attained commercial success for the girl group, becoming their third, and to date, final chart-topper on the Oricon Albums Chart.

Background and release

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On July 23, The Best topped the Japan's Oricon daily music chart, selling more than 37,000 copies.[2] After the 1st week, the album sold more than 75,000 copies, topping the weekly chart as well. The group, as a result of this achievement, has set a new record to become the first non-Japanese female group in Asia to ever have three Japanese albums, along with Girls' Generation (2011) and Love & Peace (2013), scoring 1st place on the chart.[3][4] The album spent two weeks at number one on the Oricon chart,[5][6] and has sold more than 175,000 copies by the end of the year.[7] It is, to date, the group's final Japanese major release, and subsequently the group's last overall release to feature member Jessica before her departure from the group on September 30, 2014.

New songs

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"Indestructible", released as a promotional single, was produced by Claire Rodrigues, Albi Albertsson, Chris Meyer, and written by Kamikaoru.[8] Lyrically, the pop ballad talks about the indestructible relationship that two people, who are in love, share with each other, implying similar sentiments that Girls' Generation feels with one another as well as with their fans. "This indestructible, unbreakable bond that can never be broken/Our soul is a twin soul (twin soul)/For example, even if it looks like you’re about to fall from a cliff/At least know that I won’t let go of your hand."[9] The song was showcased for the first time as a lyric music video during Girls' Generation's last stop of their third Japan tour in Tokyo between July 11–13, 2014.[10] The music video was subsequently officially released on August 1, 2014.[11][12]

"Divine", released as the second promotional single, and was produced by Stephan Elfgren, Albi Albertsson, Sean Alexander and written by Kamikaoru,[13] There were two versions for the accompanied music video. The first version, featured with a background story, was released on September 29, 2014.[14] The second version, featured the appearances of Girls' Generation members, was released on October 14, 2014.[15] This is also the last official single and music video featuring former member Jessica.[16][17]

"Chain Reaction", was written by Kesha, E. Kidd Bogart, Michael Busbee, and Michael Brooks Linney. It was first produced for Kesha but later was sold to Girls' Generation.[18]

Promotion and live performances

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Tokyo Dome concert

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To commemorate their fourth anniversary debut in Japan, Girls' Generation held a concert titled "Girls' Generation 'The Best Live' at Tokyo Dome" on December 9, 2014. SM Entertainment announced on August 25 that the group would hold a concert commemorating their fourth anniversary debut in Japan at Tokyo Dome.[19] Girls' Generation became the second K-pop girl group after Kara to hold a concert there. The concert gathered an audience of 50,000 attendees.[20][21] This is the first concert without former member Jessica, who left the group on September 30, 2014.[22]

Set list
  1. "Flower Power"
  2. "Motorcycle"
  3. "Mr. Taxi" (Japanese Version)
  4. "Galaxy Supernova"
  5. "Mr.Mr." (Japanese Version)
  6. "Karma Butterfly"
  7. "The Great Escape"
  8. "Animal" / "Hoot" (Japanese Version, Medley)
  9. "Run Devil Run" (Japanese Version)
  10. "T.O.P" / "The Boys" / "Reflection" (Japanese Version, Medley)
  11. "Genie" (Japanese Version)
  12. "Bad Girl"
  13. "Divine"
  14. "Indestructible"
  15. "Show Girls"
  16. "Paparazzi"
  17. "Chain Reaction"
  18. "My Oh My"
  19. "Kissing You"
  20. "Flyers"
  21. "Love & Girls"
  22. "Blue Jeans"
  23. "Gee" (Japanese Version)
  24. "Not Alone"
  25. "Into the New World" (Ballad Version)

Encore

  1. "I Got a Boy"
  2. "Do The Catwalk"
  3. "All My Love Is for You"

DVD release

Girls' Generation "The Best Live" at Tokyo Dome, was released on DVD and Blu-ray on April 1, 2015. it is the eleventh release from Girls' Generation.[23] Both versions included live footage and a 100-page photobook.

Track listing

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The BestStandard edition[24]
No.TitleLyricsMusicOriginal albumLength
1."Genie" (Japanese version)Kanata Nakamura, Yoo Young-jinFridolin Nordso Schjoldan, Nermin Harambašić, Robin Jensen, Ronny Svendsen, Anne Judith Wik, Yoo Young-jinGirls' Generation3:42
2."Gee" (Japanese version)Kanata Nakamura, E-TribeE-TribeGirls' Generation3:21
3."Run Devil Run" (Japanese version)Kanata Nakamura, Hong Ji-YuAlex James, Michael Busbee, Kalle EngströmGirls' Generation3:21
4."Mr. Taxi"STYSTY, Scott Mann, Chad Royce, Paolo Prudencio, Allison VeltzGirls' Generation3:33
5."Bad Girl"HiroHiro, Jörgen Elofsson, Jesper Jakobson, Lauren DysonGirls' Generation3:44
6."Time Machine"Andy Love, HiroRobert Habolin, Marlene StrandThe Boys (Reissue)3:53
7."Paparazzi"Fredrik Thomander, Johan Becker, Junji IshiwatariMiles WalkerGirls & Peace3:47
8."Oh!" (Japanese version)Kenzie, Nozomi Maezawa, Kim Jungbae, Kim YounghuKenzieGirls & Peace3:09
9."All My Love Is for You"Junji Ishiwatari, Sebastian Thott, Didrik Thott, Robin LernerSebastian ThottGirls & Peace3:43
10."Flower Power"Johan Gustafson, Fredrik Häggstam, Sebastian Lundberg, Nasa Aprisia Florida, Junji IshiwatariTrinityGirls & Peace3:18
11."Beep Beep"Jeff Miyahara, Anne Judith Wik, Ronny Svendsen, Nermin Harambašić, Robin JenssenDsign MusicLove & Peace3:21
12."Love & Girls"KamikaoruErik Lidbom, Ronny Svendsen, Anne Judith WikLove & Peace3:07
13."Galaxy Supernova"Kamikaoru, Frederik Nordsø Schjoldan, Fridolin N. Schjoldan, Martin HedegaardKamikaoru, Frederik Nordsø Schjoldan, Fridolin N. Schjoldan, Martin HedegaardLove & Peace3:09
14."My Oh My"Erik Lewander, Ylva Dimberg, Louis SchoorlErik Lewander, Ylva Dimberg, Louis SchoorlLove & Peace3:10
15."Mr.Mr." (Japanese version)Kim Hee Jeong, Cho Yoon KyungThe UnderdogsPreviously unreleased3:55
16."Indestructible"KamikaoruClaire Rodrigues, Albi Albertsson, Chris MeyerPreviously unreleased3:39
First Press Limited Edition – DVD
No.TitleLength
1."Genie" (Japanese dance version) 
2."Gee" (Japanese dance version) 
3."Run Devil Run" (Japanese dance version) 
4."Mr. Taxi" (Dance version) 
5."Paparazzi" (Dance edit gold version) 
6."Oh!" (Japanese dance version) 
7."Flower Power" (Dance version) 
8."Love & Girls" (Dance version) 
9."Galaxy Supernova" (Dance version) 
10."Genie" (Music video look back) 
11."Gee" (Music video look back) 
12."Mr. Taxi" (Music video look back) 
13."Run Devil Run" (Music video look back) 
14."Bad Girl" (Music video look back) 
15."Time Machine" (Music video look back) 
16."Paparazzi" (Music video look back) 
17."Oh!" (Music video look back) 
18."All My Love is For You" (Music video look back) 
19."Flower Power" (Music video look back) 
20."Love & Girls" (Music video look back) 
21."Galaxy Supernova" (Music video look back) 
22."My oh My" (Music video look back) 
23."Girls' Generation The Interview" 
24."Making of The Best" (Location) 
Complete Limited Edition[24]
No.TitleLyricsMusicFrom the albumLength
1."Genie" (Japanese version)Kanata Nakamura, Yoo Young-jinFridolin Nordso Schjoldan, Dsign MusicGirls' Generation3:42
2."Gee" (Japanese version)Kanata Nakamura, E-TribeE-TribeGirls' Generation3:21
3."Run Devil Run" (Japanese version)Kanata Nakamura, Hong Ji-YuAlex James, Michael Busbee, Kalle EngströmGirls' Generation3:21
4."Mr. Taxi"STYSTY, Scott Mann, Chad Royce, Paolo Prudencio, Allison VeltzGirls' Generation3:33
5."Bad Girl"HiroHiro, Jörgen Elofsson, Jesper Jakobson, Lauren DysonGirls' Generation3:44
6."Hoot" (Japanese version)Kanata Nakamura, John Hyunkyu LeeAlex James, Lars Halvor Jensen, Martin Michael LarssonGirls' Generation3:17
7."The Boys" (Japanese version)Yoo Young-jinDOM, Richard Garcia, Taesung Kim, Teddy RileyGirls' Generation Re:package Album ~The Boys~3:51
8."Time Machine"Andy Love, HiroRobert Habolin, Marlene StrandGirls' Generation Re:package Album ~The Boys~3:53
9."Paparazzi"Fredrik Thomander, Johan Becker, Junji IshiwatariMiles WalkerGirls & Peace3:47
10."Oh!" (Japanese version)Kenzie, Nozomi Maezawa, Kim Jungbae, Kim YounghuKenzieGirls & Peace3:09
11."All My Love Is for You"Junji Ishiwatari, Sebastian Thott, Didrik Thott, Robin LernerSebastian ThottGirls & Peace3:43
12."Flower Power"Johan Gustafson, Fredrik Häggstam, Sebastian Lundberg, Nasa Aprisia Florida, Junji IshiwatariTrinityGirls & Peace3:18
13."Beep Beep"Jeff Miyahara, Anne Judith Wik, Ronny Svendsen, Nermin Harambašić, Robin JenssenDsign MusicLove & Peace3:21
14."Love & Girls"KamikaoruErik Lidbom, Ronny Svendsen, Anne Judith WikLove & Peace3:07
15."Galaxy Supernova"Kamikaoru, Frederik Nordsø Schjoldan, Fridolin N. Schjoldan, Martin HedegaardKamikaoru, Frederik Nordsø Schjoldan, Fridolin N. Schjoldan, Martin HedegaardLove & Peace3:09
16."My oh My"Erik Lewander, Ylva Dimberg, Louis SchoorlErik Lewander, Ylva Dimberg, Louis SchoorlLove & Peace3:10
17."Mr.Mr." (Japanese version)Kim Hee Jeong, Cho Yoon KyungThe UnderdogsPreviously unreleased3:55
18."Indestructible"KamikaoruClaire Rodrigues, Albi Albertsson, Chris MeyerPreviously unreleased3:39
Complete Limited Edition Disc 2: Member's recommendations (CD)
No.TitleLyricsMusicFrom the albumLength
1."The Great Escape" (recommended by Hyoyeon)STYSTY, Andre Merritt, E.Kidd Bogart, Greg Ogan, Spencer NezeyGirls' Generation3:49
2."Blue Jeans" (recommended by Jessica)Obie Mhondera, Tim Hawes, Katerina Bramley, Tom DiekmeierObie Mhondera, Tim Hawes, Katerina Bramley, Tom DiekmeierLove & Peace3:28
3."Flyers" (recommended by Seohyun)Steven Lee, Sebastian Thott, Didrik ThottSebastian ThottLove & Peace4:03
4."Not Alone" (recommended by Sooyoung)Erik Nyholm, Patrick HamiltonErik Nyholm, Patrick HamiltonGirls & Peace3:31
5."Karma Butterfly" (recommended by Sunny)Grace Tither, Christian VintenChristian VintenLove & Peace3:12
6."Stay Girls" (recommended by Taeyeon)Sebastian Thott, Andreas Öberg, Melanie Fontana, Kenn KatoSebastian ThottGirls & Peace3:20
7."Let It Rain" (recommended by Tiffany)HiroHiro, Love, HabolinGirls' Generation3:40
8."Born to Be a Lady" (recommended by Yoona)Kanata NakamuraLeah Haywood, Daniel James, Shelly PeikenGirls' Generation3:56
9."Beautiful Stranger" (recommended by Yuri)HiroHiro, Leah Haywood, Daniel James, Carl Sturken, Evan RogersGirls' Generation2:42
10."Into the New World" (bonus track)Kim Jeong BaeKenzieBaby Baby4:25
11."Kissing You" (bonus track)Lee Jae MyungLee Jae MyungBaby Baby3:18
12."Gee" (Korean ver.) (bonus track)E-TribeE-TribeGee3:20
13."Mr. Taxi" (Korean ver.) (bonus track)STYSTY, Scott Mann, Chad Royce, Paolo Prudencio, Allison VeltzThe Boys / Mr. Taxi3:32
14."Dancing Queen" (bonus track)Yoon Hyo-sang, Jessica Jung, Tiffany HwangStephen Andrew Booker, Aimee Ann Duffy, KenzieI Got a Boy3:35
15."I Got a Boy" (bonus track)Yoo Young JinWill Simms, Anne Judith Wik, Sarah Lundbäck Bell, Yoo Young JinI Got a Boy4:31
Complete Limited Edition (Blu-ray)
No.TitleLength
1."Genie" (Japanese version) 
2."Genie" (Japanese dance version) 
3."Gee" (Japanese version) 
4."Gee" (Japanese dance version) 
5."Run Devil Run" (Japanese version) 
6."Run Devil Run" (Japanese dance version) 
7."Mr. Taxi" 
8."Mr. Taxi" (Dance version) 
9."Bad Girl" 
10."Time Machine" 
11."Paparazzi" 
12."Paparazzi" (dance edit gold version) 
13."Oh!" (Japanese version) 
14."Oh!" (Japanese dance version) 
15."All My Love is For You" 
16."Flower Power" 
17."Flower Power" (dance version) 
18."Beep Beep" 
19."Love & Girls" 
20."Love & Girls" (dance version) 
21."Galaxy Supernova" 
22."Galaxy Supernova" (dance version) 
23."My oh My" 
24."Into The New World" 
25."少女時代" 
26."Kissing You" 
27."Gee" (Korean version) 
28."Genie" (Korean version) 
29."Oh!" (Korean version) 
30."Run Devil Run" (Korean version) 
31."Run Devil Run" (Korean story version) 
32."Hoot" 
33."Hoot" (dance version) 
34."The Boys" 
35."The Boys" (English version) 
36."I Got a Boy" 
37."Mr. Mr." 
38."Everyday Love" (From Free Live "LOVE&PEACE" in Yokohama-Arena 2013.12.14) 
39."Mr. Taxi" (Split Screen version) 
40."Girls' Generation The Interview" 
41."Making of The Best" (studio) 
42."Girls' Generation Live History 2010-2014" 
Famima Edition (CD only)
No.TitleLength
1."Genie" (Japanese version)3:42
2."Gee" (Japanese version)3:21
3."Run Devil Run" (Japanese version)3:21
4."Mr. Taxi"3:33
5."Paparazzi"3:47
6."Oh!" (Japanese version)3:09
7."Flower Power"3:18
8."Love & Girls"3:07
9."Galaxy Supernova"3:09
10."Chain Reaction"3:06
The Best ~New Edition~ (Standard Edition) CD Only [25]
No.TitleLength
1."Genie" (Japanese version)3:42
2."Gee" (Japanese version)3:21
3."Mr. Taxi"3:33
4."Paparazzi"3:47
5."Oh!" (Japanese version)3:09
6."Flower Power"3:18
7."Love & Girls"3:07
8."Galaxy Supernova"3:09
9."Indestructible"3:39
10."Divine"4:09
The Best ~New Edition~ Limited Edition CD
No.TitleLength
1."Genie" (Japanese version)3:42
2."Gee" (Japanese version)3:21
3."Mr. Taxi"3:33
4."Oh!" (Japanese version)3:09
5."Run Devil Run" (Japanese version)3:21
6."Hoot" (Japanese version)3:17
7."The Boys" (Japanese version)3:51
8."Paparazzi"3:47
9."Flower Power"3:18
10."Love & Girls"3:07
11."Galaxy Supernova"3:09
12."Mr. Mr." (Japanese version)3:55
13."Chain Reaction"3:06
14."Indestructible"3:39
15."Divine"4:09
16."Show Girls"3:38
The Best ~New Edition~ Limited Edition DVD
No.TitleLength
1."Divine" (music video) 
2."Indestructible" (lyrics video) 
3."Divine" (music video behind the scenes) 
4."Making of Photo shooting" 

Charts and certifications

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Certifications

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Region Certification
Japan (RIAJ)[32] Gold

Release history

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Region Title Date Edition Format Label
Japan The Best July 23, 2014 Normal CD Universal Music
First Press Limited CD+DVD+Photobook
Complete 2CD+Blu-ray+Booklet+Trading Card Set
The Best (New Edition) October 15, 2014 Standard CD
Limited CD+DVD+Earphone Jack

References

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  1. ^ Girls' Generation finish up their Japan tour in Tokyo while showcasing new ballad 'Indestructible' Allkpop.com (July 14, 2014). Retrieved on July 14, 2014.
  2. ^ SNSD’s Japanese Best Album Ranks No.1 on Oricon Ph.Celebrity.Yahoo.com (July 24, 2014). Retrieved on July 25, 2014.
  3. ^ Girls' Generation surpasses 12 Girl Band to set a new record - 3 albums at 1st place (in Japanese) Originally from Oricon. Archived on July 28, 2014. Retrieved on July 28, 2014.
  4. ^ Ock Hyun-ju (August 6, 2014). "Girls' Generation rewrites history of Oricon chart". The Korea Herald. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
  5. ^ Oricon Chart's Weekly Album Ranking (July 21-27, 2014) Originally from Oricon.co.jp (July 2014). Archived on July 29, 2014. Retrieved on July 29, 2014.
  6. ^ Oricon Chart's Weekly Album Ranking (July 28 - August 3, 2014) Originally from Oricon.co.jp (August 2014). Archived on August 5, 2014. Retrieved on August 5, 2014.
  7. ^ a b "Oricon 2014". Oricon Style (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 22, 2014.
  8. ^ "The Best by Girls' Generation". S.M. Entertainment. SM Town. July 23, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  9. ^ Girls’ Generation Are ‘Indestructible’ On Heartfelt New Greatest Hits Track Popdust.com (July 16, 2014). Retrieved on September 23, 2014.
  10. ^ Girls' Generation finish up their Japan tour in Tokyo while showcasing new ballad 'Indestructible' Allkpop (July 14, 2014). Retrieved on September 23, 2014.
  11. ^ Girls' Generation release lyric video for 'Indestructible'
  12. ^ "「THE BEST」のプレオーダー(予約受付)7月16日より開始! 「Indestructible」を先行配信!" (in Japanese). Universal Music Japan. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  13. ^ "The Best by Girls' Generation". S.M. Entertainment. SM Town. September 11, 2014. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
  14. ^ http://www.soshified.com/2014/09/girls-generation-to-release-new-japanese-song-and-music-video-divine
  15. ^ Girls' Generation prove to be 'Divine' in PV
  16. ^ "少女時代9人最後合體!潔西卡哭唱:we are always one". ETtoday (in Chinese). October 16, 2014. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
  17. ^ "新曲「DIVINE」先行配信開始!" (in Japanese). Universal Music Japan. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  18. ^ 少女時代 JAPAN OFFICIAL (in Japanese) Originally from Twitter (July 16, 2014). Archived on March 2, 2015. Retrieved on March 2, 2015.
  19. ^ "初の東京ドーム単独公演12月9日(火)開催決定!!!"GIRLS' GENERATION THE BEST LIVE at TOKYO DOME"". Universal Music Japan (in Japanese). August 25, 2014. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  20. ^ "소녀시대 8인 체제 첫 무대…도쿄돔에서 5만 관객 열광" [The first stage of Girls' Generation as a 8-member group ... 50,000 fans watches at Tokyo Dome]. Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). Naver. December 10, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
  21. ^ "소녀시대, 도쿄돔 공연 전석 매진". Weekly Today (in Korean). December 11, 2014. Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  22. ^ "소녀시대, 8인 체제 첫 도쿄돔 콘서트 성료". Naver (in Korean). December 12, 2014. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  23. ^ "GIRLS' GENERATION THE BEST LIVE at TOKYO DOME". Universal Music Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  24. ^ a b Girls' Generation's The Best Information & Tracklist Girls-Generation.jp. Retrieved on July 14, 2014.
  25. ^ YESASIA: THE BEST - STANDARD EDITION - (Normal Edition) (Japan Version) CD - Girls' Generation - Japanese Music - Free Shipping
  26. ^ "Weekly CD Rankings". Oricon Style (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
  27. ^ "Top Albums: August 11, 2014". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
  28. ^ "Top Albums" (in Chinese). G-Music. Archived from the original on January 10, 2015.
  29. ^ "G-Music Weekly Albums Chart" (in Chinese). G-Music. Archived from the original on May 29, 2015.
  30. ^ "Top Albums of 2014". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  31. ^ "2015 Taiwan Music Chart" (in Chinese). G-Music. Retrieved March 6, 2016.
  32. ^ "Japanese album certifications – Girls' Generation – The Best" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved May 15, 2015. Select 2014年7月 on the drop-down menu
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