Released November 6, 2015 Genre Heavy metal Writer(s) Yoshiki | Format Digital download Length 5:33 Producer(s) Yoshiki | |
"Born to Be Free" is a song by Japanese heavy metal band X Japan, released on November 6, 2015.
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It reached number 21 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100. It topped the iTunes rock charts in France, Sweden, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan.
Background and release
Yoshiki said that he wants listeners to interpret "Born to Be Free" as a reflection of their own personal journey; "All of us are born free to dream what we want without any limits." It was recorded in Los Angeles at Yoshiki's own recording studio, which was formerly known as Larrabee East, and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge.
The song was first unveiled on July 1, 2010 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles during the filming of its music video, which took place following an acoustic set by the band. It was played live by X Japan for the next five years.
The final recording made its debut as an audio stream, limited to 24-hours, on Metal Hammer's website on October 13, 2015. The web-traffic caused the site to crash several times. The song was made available for download on November 6, marking its official release. It was used in a television commercial for the film Last Knights.
Music videos
A music video of the band performing "Born to Be Free" in front of a live audience was filmed at Club Nokia on July 1, 2010, as mentioned above. The video was directed by Yoshiki and, with cooperation of Panasonic, was shot using a new prototype 3D camera in addition to regular 2D cameras. Comic book creator Stan Lee makes a cameo appearance as Satan. The footage and music video have not yet been officially released.
A second music video, created using various live footage of the band and testimonials from fans, was premiered on Kerrang!'s website on November 19, 2015.
Track listing
Written and composed by Yoshiki.
- "Born to Be Free" - 5:33