Wikipedia

Sweet (Tomorrow X Together album)

Sweet (stylized in all caps) is the second Japanese-language studio album (fourth overall) by South Korean boy band Tomorrow X Together. It was released by Big Hit Entertainment and Universal Music Japan on July 5, 2023. Partially acting as a compilation of tracks from the band's 2021 EP Chaotic Wonderland and subsequent standalone singles, the album contains twelve tracks, including four new original songs. Sweet was supported by the singles "Sugar Rush Ride" (Japanese ver.) and "Hydrangea Love". The album was commercially successful, debuting at number-one on Japan's Oricon Albums Chart and has been certified 2× Platinum by the RIAJ.

Sweet
Digital cover
Studio album by
Tomorrow X Together
ReleasedJuly 5, 2023 (2023-07-05)
Length37:56
Language
  • Japanese
  • English
Label
Tomorrow X Together chronology
The Name Chapter: Temptation
(2023) 		Sweet
(2023) 		The Name Chapter: Freefall
(2023)
Tomorrow X Together Japanese chronology
Chaotic Wonderland
(2021) 		Sweet
(2023)
Singles from Sweet
  1. "Sugar Rush Ride (Japanese ver.)"
    Released: June 28, 2023
  2. "Hydrangea Love"
    Released: June 30, 2023

Background and release

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After the release of Tomorrow X Together's first Japanese-language album Still Dreaming (2021), the band supplemented their Japanese discography with extended plays and singles containing Japanese versions of their previously released Korean songs. Chaotic Wonderland was released in late 2021 and included Japanese versions of "0X1=Lovesong (I Know I Love You)" and "MOA Diary (Dubaddu Wari Wari)", as well as a new song "Ito", and previously released English song "Magic",[1] followed in 2022 by the Japanese version of "Good Boy Gone Bad", which contained two original songs as B-sides ("Ring" and "Hitori no Yoru").[2]

Sweet, Tomorrow X Together's second Japanese album, was announced by Big Hit Music on April 28, 2023.[3] The announcement indicated that the album would be released on July 5, and that it would contain twelve tracks including four new original Japanese songs, tracks previously included on the band's earlier Japanese releases, as well as a Japanese version of the band's Korean-language song "Sugar Rush Ride".[4]

"Sugar Rush Ride" was released as the album's lead single on June 28, with a music video being released simultaneously with the track.[5] A second single, "Hydrangea Love" was released on June 30. [6] Sweet was officially released on July 5, 2023.[7]

Composition

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Sweet contains twelve tracks and is bookended by an intro, "Floating", and outro, "Falling". "Hydrangea Love" is a ballad about "how the days spent with 'you' accumulate to become a better 'me'"[6] The next track, Sugar Rush Ride, is a "saccharine" dance-pop song with "instantly catchy" guitar riffs and a whistle riff repeated throughout, cowritten by American songwriter Salem Ilese.[8] "0X1=Lovesong (I Know I Love You)" is an emo rock influenced song[9] co-written by BTS's RM,[10] which is followed by "Ito", a ballad that deals with the theme of fate.[1] "Ring" is a pop rock song and is the first Japanese-language self-composed song by the band, with Yeonjun, Taehyun and Hueningkai.[2] "Magic", Tomorrow X Together's first single entirely in English, is a disco pop track with "breathy falsettos and flirtatious lyrics" and a bridge that was compared to S Club 7.[11] "Good Boy Gone Bad" is a rock-influenced hip-hop song with "addictive" lyrics and melody, "Hitori no Yoru" is a ballad with lyrics about "lonely love" and a "wistful" piano melody,[2] and "MOA Diary (Dubaddu Wari Wari) is a "bright and buoyant" track serving as a love letter to the band's fans.[12]

Promotion

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In support of the album, Tomorrow X Together held their first-ever stadium shows in Japan, performing two concerts at Kyocera Dome Osaka on July 1 and 2 as part of their Act: Sweet Mirage tour.[13] The setlist consisted of 28 songs, including several songs from Sweet: "0x1 Lovesong", "Good Boy Gone Bad", "Ring", "Hitari no Yoru", "Hydrangea Love" and "Sugar Rush Ride".[14] The band also held a showcase on the day of the album's release at Roppongi Hills Arena in Tokyo, performing "Sugar Rush Ride" and "Hydrangea Love" for about 1,000 fans who were selected by lucky draw.[15]

To further promote Sweet, Tomorrow X Together appeared on several Japanese television shows. The band performed on Nippon TV's The Music Day on July 1, TV Asahi's Music Station on the July 7, Fuji TV's 2023 FNS Music Festival "Natsu" on July 13, and TBS Television Music Day on the 15th. The band's July 1 appearance on The Music Day was broadcast live from their Act: Sweet Mirage concert.[16]

Several of the album's songs have been used in Japan's visual media. "Ito" served as the opening theme to the TV Tokyo drama series Rasen no Meikyu: DNA Kagaku Sosa (らせんの 迷宮 - DNA 科学捜査, lit. Spiral Labyrinth - DNA Forensic Investigation) in 2021, becoming Tomorrow X Together's first Japanese soundtrack appearance,[1] while "Hydrangea Love" was used as the theme song for Nippon TV's drama Saiko no Seito: Yomei Ichinen no Last Dance (最高の生徒 〜余命1年のラストダンス, lit. The Best Student: The Last Dance with One Year Left to Live), which began airing shortly after the album's release.[6]

Commercial performance

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Sweet was commercially successful in Japan, selling 216,257 copies in its first 24 hours, more than tripling the first day sales of the group's previous album, Still Dreaming.[15] On the Oricon Albums Chart, the album debuted at number-one, selling 303,000 copies in its first week.[17] With Sweet, Tomorrow X Together became the first foreign artist to have eight consecutive number-one albums on the chart. [18][17] In the United States, Sweet debuted at number 54 on the Billboard 200 album chart dated August 19. At the time, Tomorrow X Together was one of only two Korean acts to chart on the Billboard 200 with a Japanese album (the other being BTS).[19]

Sweet was certified 2× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan in recognition of sales exceeding 500,000.[20]

Track listing

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Track listing and credits adapted from the album's liner notes.[21]

Sweet track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Intro: Floating"MaizMaiz1:51
2."Hydrangea Love" (紫陽花のような恋[i])Yuuri
  • Yuuri
  • Kentz
3:52
3."Sugar Rush Ride" (Japanese ver.)
Slow Rabbit3:06
4."0X1=Lovesong (I Know I Love You)" (Japanese ver.; featuring Lilas Ikuta)
Slow Rabbit3:25
5."Ito"Greeeen
  • Greeeen
  • Alysa
4:03
6."Ring" (君じゃない誰かの愛し方[ii])
  • Adora (singer)
  • Hueningkai
  • Junji Ishiwatari
  • Slow Rabbit
  • Taehyun
  • Yeonjun
Slow Rabbit3:24
7."Magic"
  • The Six
  • Aaron Hibell
  • Jenna Andrews[a]
  • Rob Grimaldi[a]
  • Stephen Kirk[a]
2:39
8."Good Boy Gone Bad" (Japanese ver.)
  • Bang
  • Blvsh
  • Chris James
  • Fontana
  • Michel "Lindgren" Schulz
  • Slow Rabbit
  • Supreme Boi
  • Yeonjun
  • Cho Yun-kyoung
Slow Rabbit3:11
9."Hitori no Yoru" (ひとりの夜[iii])
  • El Capitxn
  • Slow Rabbit
  • Takaya Kawasaki
  • Kawasaki
  • El Capitxn
3:38
10."MOA Diary (Dubaddu Wari Wari)" (Japanese ver.)
Arcades3:08
11."Ring" (ひとりの夜[ii]; Unplugged ver.)
Slow Rabbit3:25
12."Outro: Falling"RevinRevin2:09
Total length:37:56

Notes

  • ^[a] signifies an additional vocal producer.
  • ^ lit. "Love like a hydrangea"
  • ^ lit. "How to love someone who is not you"
  • ^ lit. "One night"

Charts

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Certifications and sales

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Sales certifications for Sweet
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ)[30] 2× Platinum 335,149[29]

Release history

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Release history and formats for Sweet
Region Date Label Format(s) Catalog Ref.
Various July 5, 2023 (2023-07-05)
— [31][32]
Japan Universal Japan CD TYCT-69267 [33]
CD + DVD TYCT-69266 [34]
CD + Photobook TYCT-69265 [35]
CD (Weverse shop Japan exclusive) [36]
CD (Universal Music Store exclusive) D2CE-12410 [37]
CD (Seven Net Shopping exclusive) 00THN-38642 [38]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Sun, Mi-kyung (November 9, 2021). "투모로우바이투게더, 오늘(10일) 일본 첫 EP 'Chaotic Wonderland'발매" [Tomorrow X Together releases first Japanese EP 'Chaotic Wonderland' today (10th)]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Yoo, Byeong-cheol (August 30, 2022). "투모로우바이투게더, 31일 日 싱글 3집 'GOOD BOY GONE BAD' 발매" [Tomorrow X Together to release 3rd Japanese single 'GOOD BOY GONE BAD' on the 31st]. The Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  3. ^ Young, Ha-na (April 28, 2023). "투모로우바이투게더, 7월 日 두 번째 정규 앨범 발매...현지 쇼케이스 개최" [Tomorrow X Together to release second full album in July... Hold local showcase]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  4. ^ Yoo, Byeong-cheol (April 28, 2023). "투모로우바이투게더, 7월 5일 日 정규 2집 발매...'총 12곡 수록'" [Tomorrow X Together, 2nd full-length album to be released on July 5th in Japan... 'Total 12 songs included']. The Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  5. ^ Yoon, Jun-ho (June 27, 2023). "투모로우바이투게더, 28일 'Sugar Rush Ride' 日 버전 MV·음원 선공개" [Tomorrow X Together to Pre-Release Japanese Version of 'Sugar Rush Ride' MV and Soundtrack on the 28th]. Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c Yoo, Byeong-cheol (June 22, 2023). "투모로우바이투게더, 일본 신곡 'Hydrangea Love' 현지 드라마 주제가 낙점...막강 인기 입증" [Tomorrow X Together, New Japanese Song 'Hydrangea Love' Selected as Local Drama Theme Song... Proving Massive Popularity]. Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  7. ^ Kyung, Ji-min (July 4, 2023). "투모로우바이투게더, 日 정규 2집 'SWEET' 발매+현지 방송 출연" [Tomorrow X Together, Japanese 2nd full album 'SWEET' released + local broadcast appearance]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  8. ^ Delgado, Sara (January 27, 2023). "TXT Reveal New Chapter Is About "Solidifying Identity" on the Road to Adulthood". Teen Vogue. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  9. ^ "TXT Shows Impressive Range in 'The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE'". PopMatters. July 7, 2021. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  10. ^ Delgado, Sara (May 24, 2021). "The Tracklist and Preview for TXT's "The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE" Is Here". Teen Vogue. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  11. ^ Siroky, Mary (June 15, 2021). "The Relentless "Magic" and Optimism of TOMORROW X TOGETHER: Video Interview". Consequence (publication). Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  12. ^ Williams, K-Ci (August 17, 2021). "For TXT, Growth Never Stops". Teen Vogue. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  13. ^ 박세연 [Park Se-yeon] (May 1, 2023). "투모로우바이투게더, 7월 데뷔 첫 日 돔 투어 개최" [Tomorrow X Together to hold first Japanese dome tour since debut in July]. Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  14. ^ Seon, Mi-kyung (July 3, 2023). "투모로우바이투게더, 데뷔 첫 日 교세라 돔 공연 개최.."꿈만 같아"" [Tomorrow X Together Holds First Debut Concert at Kyocera Dome in Japan... "It's Like a Dream"]. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  15. ^ a b Yoo, Byeong-cheol (July 6, 2023). "투모로우바이투게더, 日 정규 2집 'SWEET' 발매 첫날 오리콘 데일리 앨범 랭킹 1위" [Tomorrow X Together, 2nd Japanese regular album 'SWEET' release day 1st place on Oricon daily album ranking]. The Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  16. ^ Hwang, Hyo-yi (July 13, 2023). "투모로우바이투게더, 日 대표 음악방송 강타" [Tomorrow X Together hits Japan's representative music show]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  17. ^ a b "TOMORROW X TOGETHERが8作連続アルバム1位、初週で自己最高を記録【オリコンランキング】" [TOMORROW X TOGETHER's 8th consecutive album No. 1, their highest first week total [Oricon Ranking]]. Oricon (in Japanese). July 11, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  18. ^ "투모로우바이투게더, 8개 앨범 연속 日 오리콘 주간 앨범 차트 1위" [Tomorrow X Together, 8 consecutive albums top Japan's Oricon weekly album chart]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). July 11, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  19. ^ Sun, Mi-kyung (August 16, 2023). "투모로우바이투게더, 日 정규 2집 'SWEET'로 '빌보드 200' 진입[공식]" [Tomorrow X Together enters Billboard 200 with Japanese 2nd full-length album 'SWEET' [Official]]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  20. ^ "Japanese album certifications – Tomorrow X Together – Sweet" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved August 10, 2023. Select 2023年7月 on the drop-down menu
  21. ^ Tomorrow X Together (2023). Sweet (cd). Japan: Big Hit Music, Universal Music Japan.
  22. ^ "Oricon Top 50 Albums: 2023-07-17" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  23. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Albums: 2023-07-12" (in Japanese). Billboard Japan. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  24. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Tomorrow X Together – Sweet". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  25. ^ "Tomorrow X Together Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  26. ^ "Tomorrow X Together Chart History (World Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  27. ^ 月間 アルバムランキング 2023年07月度 [Monthly album ranking – July 2023] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on August 10, 2023. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  28. ^ 年間 アルバムランキング 2023年度 [Yearly album ranking – 2023] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on May 20, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  29. ^ Oricon references for Sweet sales:
  30. ^ "Japanese album certifications – TOMORROW X TOGETHER – Sweet" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved November 11, 2024. Select 2023年7月 on the drop-down menu
  31. ^ Citations regarding the release of "Sweet" for digital download:
  32. ^ Citations regarding the release of "Sweet" on streaming services:
  33. ^ 楽天ブックス: SWEET (初回限定盤A CD+24Pフォトブックレット) - TOMORROW × TOGETHER - 4988031571576 : CD [Rakuten Books: Sweet (First Press Limited Edition A CD + 24P Photo Booklet) --TOMORROW x TOGETHER --4988031571576: CD]. Rakuten (in Japanese). Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  34. ^ 楽天ブックス: SWEET (初回限定盤B CD+DVD+12Pフォトブックレット) - TOMORROW × TOGETHER -  : CD [Rakuten Books: SWEET (First Press Limited Edition B CD + DVD + 12P Photo Booklet) --TOMORROW x TOGETHER --4988031571552: CD]. Rakuten (in Japanese). Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  35. ^ 楽天ブックス: SWEET (初回盤B CD+DVD) - TOMORROW × TOGETHER - 4988031571545 : CD [Rakuten Books: SWEET (First Edition A CD+Photobook) --TOMORROW x TOGETHER --4988031571545: CD]. Rakuten (in Japanese). Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  36. ^ "TOMORROW X TOGETHER". Weverse. July 4, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  37. ^ "TOMORROW X TOGETHER". Universal Music (in Japanese). May 5, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  38. ^ "Tomorrow X Together". Seven Net Shopping. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
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