Contrail (song)

Background and release

In March 2013, Japanese network Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) approached Namie Amuro and asked if she could record a theme song for their 2013 television series Flying Public Relations Office, which she accepted. Then in May 2013, Japanese music magazine CD Journal confirmed the release of a new single, entitled "Contrail". The track was entirely written, composed, arranged, and produced by Japanese musician Nao'ymt. It was recorded by D.O.I. at Daimonion Studios, Shibuya, Tokyo in 2013. The finished composition was then mastered by American music engineer Cris Gehringer at Sterling Studios, New York City, New York.

The single premiered on May 29, 2013 as the lead single from Amuro's eleventh studio and second bilingual (Japanese and English language) album, Feel (2013). It is also her second digital-only single after "Damage" (2012), and Amuro's second single released from her own label Dimension Point. The artwork to "Contrail" features a birds-eye view of two contrails above a cityscape. Amuro had contemplated in releasing the single as a CD single, but later scrapped the idea because she felt the digital release and promotion through the television series would be enough. In 2014, Amuro re-recorded the song for her 2014 compilation album Ballada.

Composition

Musically, "Contrail" is a dance song, as described by staff members from CD Journal. A reviewer from music website 13th Geek compared the track to her song "Hands on Me", explaining in a further detailed review; "The song evokes a summer feel similar to 'Hands On Me' but with a more relaxed and laid-back approach." Patrick St. Michel, writing for The Japan Times, included the track as part of a discussion about the Westernized music influences throughout the entirety of Feel, stating "nearly every track indulges in electronic trends, sometimes besting the American competition." Michael McCarthy from Otakudx.com believed that the song's composition was "progressive pop", saying "It's not quite a dance song and it doesn't fit your traditional pop mold either." In a detail review, he further explained the song's melody and structure:

"It starts off with a bit of keyboards that lead to a series of rapid but somewhat quiet beats over which she sings softly, almost whispering, until she reaches the chorus and fulminating beats drop. "What is life?" she asks during the bilingual chorus, which simply ends with the word "contrail." After the chorus the beats quiet down again and she once again whisper-sings. It's really quite intoxicating, the way her airy vocals gently glide over the hypnotic but subtle beats. "I didn't know then, what I know now," a loud, robotic voice sings -- well, it's more like it just says the words about two thirds into the song. And that somehow makes it more intense when Namie sings the chorus again and asks "What is life?"

Lyrically, it is a self-empowerment anthem that discusses themes of confidence and hope. In an interview with Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), Amuro stated that the song represented the "positive views of the world". She furthered explained that "So when I'm listening to the song on Sunday night, I'll wake up on Monday morning feeling happy." Nao'ymt furthered commented to TBS that he song talked about looking forward and letting go of the past, alongside complimented Amuro's "strong" vocals. In an interview with Billboard Japan, an English version of "Contrail" was written and recorded by Nao'ymt, but was replaced with the Japanese version because Amuro felt the majority of the recordings on Feel felt "better in English", and that the theme song for the television series was directed towards Japanese audiences only.

Critical response

Upon its release, "Contrail" received highly positive reviews from most music critics. A reviewer from 13th Geek was highly positive towards the track, believing that "The song is so good that even the non-Japanese speaker will want to learn the lyrics and just blare out the powerful chorus along with her." The reviewer also stated that the song's chorus was completely "off guard" to the rest of the track. CD Journal's editors were positive towards the song, commending Nao'ymt for "exhausting" the "goodness" out of Amuro's vocal abilities. The 2014 Ballada version also received positive reviews from music critics. In another review with CD Journal, a reviewer complimented Amuro's vocals and the song's background piano composition; the reviewer also labelled the production as "dramatic". In another positive review, staff member's at HMV felt that it was the best ballad on the compilation album. David Cirone from Nekopop.com was slightly mixed in his review; although he commended Amuro's use of Japanese language throughout the song, he criticized the "heavy-handed, obvious lyrics".

Commercial performance

"Contrail" was unable to chart on Japan's Oricon Singles Chart because of their restriction of digital sales and position. However, it did have success on the Japan Hot 100, provided by Billboard. It debuted at number 44 during the chart week of May 6, due to strong airplay. It had climbed steadily, eventually reached number 15 during its sixth week of charting on June 10. The following week on June 17, it peaked at number eight for one week. It fell outside the top ten the following week, stalling at number 16. It made its final appearance at number 42 on the chart date of July 29, staying in the chart for 13 weeks in total. It debuted on Billboard's competent chart, the Radio Songs, at number 21. It rose to number seven the following week, its peaking position. The song's final appearance was on June 10, where it stalling at number 39. On Billboard's Year-End chart, "Contrail" was ranked at number 65. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for digital sales of 250,000 units.

Music video

An accompanying music video was directed by production team IKIOI. It opens with a birds-eye view shot from the ground, showing several buildings and trees; just before the first verse, a short shot of Amuro is seen. The first verse opens with Amuro walking down a street in Los Angeles, California, singing to the track. During the verse, intercut scenes include various shadows of children holding instruments behind Amuro. The chorus opens with Amuro walking down along a bridge with the children playing their instruments behind her. When the second chorus starts, the camera pans over to several buildings and landscapes around Los Angeles. The camera then pans into several individuals citizens in the city: an elderly couple, a man in his car, a couple who have just finished surfing, and a woman walking her dog.

During the second chorus, Amuro and the children start marching and playing their instruments through downtown Los Angeles. The individuals walking in Los Angeles stop for a moment, and look towards the sky, which is cut off screen. As close-up shots of Amuro finish by the end of the bridge section of the song, the camera pans towards rainbow-coloured clouds, which puts all the citizens in surprise and glee. The final chorus has Amuro and the children dancing and singing at Pershing Square, surrounding by several lighting effects and rainbow-coloured clouds. Several scenes of the clouds start to float within the city, above and near skyscrapers, and the video ends with Amuro, the children, and the citizens smiling.

The music video received positive reviews from a reviewer at CD Journal; they labelled the content "refreshing", and praised the visual effects. Farea Stadmin from Far East Vibes praised Amuro's introduction to "Americanized multiculturalism", identifying the inclusion of American people as an example. The music video and its "behind the scenes" was included on the DVD and Blu-ray formats to Feel.

Live performances

The single has been performed on some of Amuro's concert tours. Its first performance was in 2013, during her Feel concert tour. It appeared on the live DVD, which was released on February 26, 2014. It was included on Amuro's 2014 Live Style Tour in Japan, which was later included on the live DVD, released on February 11, 2015.

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted by the liner notes of the Feel album.

Recording

Personnel