W Face: Inside/Outside

In late January 2017, Koda Kumi and her record label Rhythm Zone announced plans to release two studio albums under the project name W Face.{{cite web|url=https://rhythmzone.net/koda/news/detail.php?id=1045728|title=「inside & outside～あなたはどっちの顔を持つ？～キャンペーン！」スタート!!|publisher=Rhythm Zone|date=February 1, 2017|accessdate=January 29, 2024|language=Japanese}} Titled Inside and Outside, the announcement came after Koda completed her 2016 Best Live tour and promotional activities for her previous studio album Walk of My Life (2016). Koda mentioned a track from Inside called "Yorokobi no Kakera," which was used as a commercial tie-in for Aoki Freshers in Japan, while teasing a collaboration with Japanese musicians AKLO and Chara on a track titled "Cupcake".{{cite web|url=https://rhythmzone.net/koda/news/detail.php?id=1045718|title=倖田來未,新曲「喜びのかけら」がAOKIフレッシャーズ2017の新TVCMタイアップソングに|publisher=Rhythm Zone|date=February 1, 2017|accessdate=January 29, 2024|language=Japanese}}{{cite web|url=https://rhythmzone.net/koda/news/detail.php?id=1046151|title=「W FACE～inside～」収録「My fun」でCharaと、「W FACE～outside～」収録「Cupcake feat.AKLO」でAKLOと豪華共作が実現!!|publisher=Rhythm Zone|date=February 15, 2017|accessdate=January 29, 2024|language=Japanese}} In February, she further announced tracks "On My Way" and "Ultraviolet" appearing on Inside and Outside.{{cite web|url=https://rhythmzone.net/koda/news/detail.php?id=1046437|title=「On my way」・「Ultraviolet」2曲の先行配信スタート|publisher=Rhythm Zone|date=February 15, 2017|accessdate=January 29, 2024|language=Japanese}} According to Koda, Outside was produced first, followed by Inside. She stated that formulating Inside was "harder" than Outside, because she wanted to "work on new material" immediately. As a result, she chose to release both records in the same year.{{cite magazine|first=Tetsuo|last=Hiraga|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/special/detail/1876|title=Koda Kumi: W Face (Inside) and (Outside) Interview|magazine=Billboard|date=March 15, 2017|accessdate=January 29, 2017|language=Japanese}}

Both Inside and Outside are concept albums; the former delves into personal and emotional themes that highlight her "softer" side, whereas the latter focuses on a more aggressive and sexy portrayal of the singer.{{cite web|url=http://aramajapan.com/news/music/koda-kumi-to-release-two-new-studio-albums-simultaneously-in-march/70208/|title=Koda Kumi to release two albums simultaneously in March|publisher=Arama Japan|date=February 12, 2017|accessdate=March 15, 2017}} Inside is a J-pop-driven album that mixes contemporary pop music, midtempo songs, and ballads. Koda co-wrote the majority of the album, which also includes collaborations with Back-On, Kosuke Morimoto, Shinjiro Inoue, Yoko Kuzuya, Hi-Yunk, and Chara.{{cite AV media notes|title=W Face (Inside)|others=Koda Kumi|year=2017|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=RZCD-86311}} In an interview with Billboard Japan, Koda stated that the album's opener, "Bridget Song," discusses women's hardships, while "Promise You" expresses universal love between family, friends, and lovers.

Outside has a more "aggressive" sound and incorporates elements of dance music, hip-hop, rock, and R&B from Western music. The opening track inspired the album's project title, "W Face". Koda stated that she wanted to emphasise different depictions of womanhood in tracks such as "Bassline," "Ultraviolet," and "Wicked Girls" through her lyrics. Additionally, the album songs "Insane" and "Bassline" both feature freestyle rapping.{{cite web|url=https://mdpr.jp/interview/detail/1670664|title=倖田來未「愛のうた」に続く名バラード誕生 デビュー"17年目"でも進化し続ける！|publisher=Model Press|date=March 14, 2017|accessdate=March 16, 2017|language=Japanese}} Unlike its pairing record, all tracks except "Cupcake" were arranged by various producers and collaborators outside of Japan, including Dsign Music, Andrew Goldstein, Lola Blanc, and Lindy Robbins.{{cite AV media notes|title=W Face (Outside)|others=Koda Kumi|year=2017|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=RZCD-86308}}

W Face was released on March 8, 2017 by Rhythm Zone in a variety of formats. Ten different tracks appeared on Inside and Outside, while a DVD and Blu-ray Disc on each version included the same music videos; these visuals were for the songs "Ultraviolet", "Insane", "Bassline", "Wicked Girls", "Bridget Song", and "Promise You".Inside versions listed below:

• {{cite AV media notes|title=W Face (Outside)|others=Koda Kumi|year=2017|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=RZCD-86311}}
• {{cite AV media notes|title=W Face (Outside)|others=Koda Kumi|year=2017|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=RZCD-86309/B}}
• {{cite AV media notes|title=W Face (Outside)|others=Koda Kumi|year=2017|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=RZCD-86310/B}}Outside versions listed below:
• {{cite AV media notes|title=W Face (Outside)|others=Koda Kumi|year=2017|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=RZCD-86308}}
• {{cite AV media notes|title=W Face (Outside)|others=Koda Kumi|year=2017|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=RZCD-86306/B}}
• {{cite AV media notes|title=W Face (Outside)|others=Koda Kumi|year=2017|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=RZCD-86307/B}} In Taiwan, Avex Trax distributed the CD and DVD versions of Inside and Outside on March 22.{{cite AV media notes|title=W Face (Inside)|others=Koda Kumi|year=2017|type=liner notes|publisher=Avex Taiwan|id=AVJCD10662/A}}{{cite AV media notes|title=W Face (Outside)|others=Koda Kumi|year=2017|type=liner notes|publisher=Avex Taiwan|id=AVJCD10663/A}} In Japan, first-press editions of both albums included slipcase packaging, additional leaflets about Koda's promotional activities, and a B2-sized poster of the album artwork.{{cite web|url=https://rhythmzone.net/koda/discography/detail.php?c=album&id=1014679|title=『W FACE ～inside～』『W FACE ～outside～』|publisher=Rhythm Zone|accessdate=January 29, 2024|language=Japanese}} The album artwork for both records shows close-up shots of Koda; Inside features her making a "mild" expression, whereas Outside features a greyscale portrait of her with heavy makeup. Each edition have slightly different shots of Koda.{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2017/01/koda-kumi-to-simultaneously-release-2-albums|title=Koda Kumi to simultaneously release 2 albums|publisher=Tokyo Hive|date=January 27, 2017|accessdate=March 15, 2017}}

File:Tokyo International Forum Hall A 201912.jpg, which promoted material from W Face, was filmed at the Tokyo International Forum at Hall A (pictured).]]

W Face produced two singles from both albums: "Kimi Omoi" from Inside and "Shhh!"" from Outside. The former track first appeared on Koda's mini-album Fever: Legend Live, which was distributed exclusively in promotional campaigns for the Pachinko game of the same name.{{cite AV media notes|title=Fever: Legend Live|others=Koda Kumi|year=2014|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=ANKK-1853}} A music video was also included with the mini-album's DVD release.{{cite AV media notes|title=Fever: Legend Live|others=Koda Kumi|year=2014|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=AQC1-76653/B}} Because it was included on the mini-album and not released separately, it served as a B-side to "Shhh!".{{cite AV media notes|title=Shhh!|others=Koda Kumi|year=2016|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=RZC1-86110}}

"Shhh!" was the album's only physical single, released on April 9, 2016 by Rhythm Zone. It was distributed exclusively through Mu-Mo, a shop run by Rhythm Zone's parent company Avex Trax, and was also available during Koda's Best Single Collection Live Tour in 2017.{{cite web|url=http://shop.mu-mo.net/a/item1/?jsiteid=mumo&merc_no=RZC1-86110|title=Shhh! [Live Venue•mu-mo Limited Edition] (CD+Sumapura)|publisher=Mu-Mo|accessdate=April 18, 2016|language=Japanese}}{{cite web|url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000126071|title=Koda Kumi, new song released for her 47 prefectures Best Single Collection tour, "Shhh!"|publisher=Barks|accessdate=April 18, 2016|language=Japanese}} "Shhh!"'s packaging was available in four different variations, all of which were exclusive to concert venues. Each edition featured unique cover art that, when aligned, revealed a hidden image.CD versions listed below:

• {{cite AV media notes|title=Shhh!|others=Koda Kumi|year=2016|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=RZC1-86110}}
• {{cite AV media notes|title=Shhh!|others=Koda Kumi|year=2016|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=RZC1-86111}}
• {{cite AV media notes|title=Shhh!|others=Koda Kumi|year=2016|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=RZC1-86112}}
• {{cite AV media notes|title=Shhh!|others=Koda Kumi|year=2016|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=RZC1-86113}} In addition, a special barcode was available on all four formats, which included an exclusive mobile download from SP Music in Japan. Tracks from W Face were promoted on various live shows. She appeared on Utacon on January 31 and Music Fair on February 25, where she sung "On My Way", the theme song to the Japanese television series Mahiru no Akuma {{small|(Midday Devil / 真昼の悪魔)}} (2017).{{cite web|url=http://www.fujitv.co.jp/b_hp/mahirunoakuma/|title=Mahiru no Akuma|work=Fuji TV|access-date=February 25, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.entameplex.com/archives/34950|title=田中麗奈「生で聴いたら泣いちゃいそう」|publisher=EntamePlex|date=February 22, 2017|access-date=March 16, 2017|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://aramajapan.com/news/tvmovie/musicaward-show/koda-kumi-shimatani-hitomi-mai-kuraki-and-more-perform-on-utacon-for-january-31/70432/|title=Koda Kumi, Shimatani Hitomi, Mai Kuraki, and More Perform on Utacon for January 31|publisher=Arama Japan|date=January 2017|access-date=March 16, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://aramajapan.com/news/tvmovie/musicaward-show/koda-kumi-akiko-wada-and-yashiro-aki-perform-on-music-fair-for-february-25/72023/|title=Koda Kumi, Akiko Wada, and Yashiro Aki Perform on Music Fair for February 25|publisher=Arama Japan|date=February 2017|access-date=March 16, 2017}} She also promoted the track "Promise You" on Good Time Music and Utacon in mid-March 2017.{{cite web|url=http://aramajapan.com/news/tvmovie/musicaward-show/koda-kumi-and-soda-perform-on-good-time-music-for-march-7/72377/|title=Koda Kumi and SODA! Perform on Good Time Music for March 7|publisher=Arama Japan|date=March 2017|access-date=March 16, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://aramajapan.com/news/tvmovie/musicaward-show/koda-kumi-akb48-and-more-perform-on-utacon-for-march-14/72570/|title=Koda Kumi, AKB48, and More Perform on Utacon for March 14|publisher=Arama Japan|date=March 2017|access-date=March 16, 2017}}

Several tracks from Inside and Outside were remixed by various producers and DJs and included on Koda's remix album, Koda Kumi Driving Hit's 7, which was released a month later on April 6.{{cite AV media notes|title=Koda Kumi Driving Hits 7|others=Koda Kumi|year=2017|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=RZCD-86322}} To promote the album further, Koda embarked on her W Face Live Tour in 2017, visiting all prefectures in Japan; the tour concluded on January 28, 2018. A live recording and film were shot at the Tokyo International Forum and released on December 6, that year.{{cite AV media notes|title=Shhh!|others=Koda Kumi|year=2017|type=liner notes|publisher=Rhythm Zone|id=RZXD-86422/B～C}} The DVD and Blu-ray releases debuted at number four on the Oricon DVD Chart and remained there for twelve weeks.{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/259698/products/1256253/1/|title=Koda Kumi Live Tour 2017 (W Face)|publisher=Oricon|accessdate=March 15, 2017|language=Japanese}}

{{Music ratings

| rev1 = CDJournal

| rev1Score = (positive){{cite web|url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/w-face---inside--/4117011894|title=Koda Kumi / W Face (Inside) [Blu-ray+CD]|magazine=CDJournal|accessdate=March 15, 2017|language=Japanese}}

| rev2 = CDJournal

| rev2Score = (positive){{cite web|url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/w-face---outside--/4117011891|title=Koda Kumi / W Face (Outside) [Blu-ray+CD]|magazine=CDJournal|accessdate=March 15, 2017|language=Japanese}}

}}

W Face received favourable remarks from music critics. Japanese magazine CDJournal reviewed both albums separately. The publication praised Inside's "down-to-earth" and "supple" production, citing tracks "Yorokobi no Kakera" and "My Fun" as album standouts. Outside complimented Koda's attitude throughout the album, as well as its R&B sound. The reviewer also praised Koda's vocals on the album track "Heartless" and praised its distinct piano-driven sound in comparison to the rest of the album.

Commercially, W Face was a moderate success in Japan. Outside debuted at number one on the Oricon Daily and Weekly Albums Chart, selling 20,246 copies in its first week, while Inside debuted and stalled at number two, selling 20,157 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/d/2017-03-07/|title=デイリー　アルバムランキング|publisher=Oricon|date=March 7, 2017|accessdate=March 15, 2017|language=Japanese|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308142917/http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/d/2017-03-07/|archivedate=March 8, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2017-03-20/|title=週間　アルバムランキング|publisher=Oricon|date=March 20, 2017|accessdate=January 29, 2024|language=Japanese|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315223932/http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2017-03-20|archivedate=March 15, 2017}} On the Oricon Digital Chart, the positions were reversed, with Inside selling 1,200 units and Outside selling 1,000 digital copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/dia/w/2017-03-20/|title=週間　デジタルアルバムランキング|publisher=Oricon|date=March 20, 2017|accessdate=January 29, 2024|language=Japanese|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315071204/http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/dia/w/2017-03-20/|archivedate=March 15, 2017}} Despite ranking first and second in Japan, it was her lowest-performing album at the time, selling significantly less than her previous release Walk of My Life (2016). Inside spent nine weeks on the chart, while Outside lasted ten weeks.{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/259698/products/1217407/1/|title=W Face (Inside) - Koda Kumi|publisher=Oricon|accessdate=January 29, 2024|language=Japanese}}{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/259698/products/1217404/1/|title=W Face (Outside) - Koda Kumi|publisher=Oricon|accessdate=January 29, 2024|language=Japanese}} On the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart, Inside debuted at number two, while Outside peaked at number three.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot_albums&year=2017&month=03&day=20|title=Billboard Japan Hot Albums - Charts|magazine=Billboard Japan|date=March 20, 2017|accessdate=January 29, 2024|language=Japanese}} Both Inside and Outside have shipped over 28,000 units in Japan.{{cite web|title=オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」|url=http://ranking.oricon.co.jp|publisher=Oricon|url-access=subscription|accessdate=January 29, 2024|language=Japanese}}

{{Track listing

| headline = W Face: Inside track listing

| all_writing =

| extra_column = Composers(s)

| title1 = Bridget Song

| note1 =

| writer1 = Hi-yunk

| extra1 = {{hlist|Hi-yunk|UTA}}

| length1 = 3:59

| title2 = Bring It On

| note2 =

| writer2 = {{hlist|Koda|Back-On}}

| extra2 = Back-On

| length2 = 3:08

| title3 = Yorokobi no Kakera

| note3 = 喜びのかけら / Piece of Joy

| writer3 = {{hlist|Koda|Kosuke Morimoto}}

| extra3 = Shimada Masanori

| length3 = 4:26

| title4 = Stand By You

| note4 =

| writer4 = Koda

| extra4 = {{hlist|Hi-yunk|UTA}}

| length4 = 5:49

| title5 = Sukideshite

| note5 = 好きでして / I Like You

| writer5 = {{hlist|Koda|Shinjiro Inoue}}

| extra5 = Inoue

| length5 = 3:55

| title6 = Kimi Omoi

| note6 = 君想い / Your Thoughts

| writer6 = {{hlist|Koda|Yoko Kuzuya}}

| extra6 = {{hlist|Sayala|Mitsuki Shiokawa|Yoko Kuzuya}}

| length6 = 5:17

| title7 = On My Way

| note7 =

| writer7 = Koda

| extra7 = Ryuji Yamamoto

| length7 = 4:42

| title8 = What's Up

| note8 =

| writer8 = Koda

| extra8 = Katsuhiko Yamamoto

| length8 = 3:20

| title9 = Promise You

| note9 =

| writer9 = {{hlist|Koda|Hi-yunk}}

| extra9 = Hi-yunk

| length9 = 4:38

| title10 = My Fun

| note10 =

| writer10 = Koda

| extra10 = Chara

| length10 = 4:02

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = W Face: Outside track listing

| all_writing =

| extra_column = Composers(s)

| title1 = W Face

| note1 =

| writer1 = Koda

| extra1 = {{hlist|Andrew Goldstein|Jesse St. John|Lola Blanc}}

| length1 = 3:17

| title2 = Ultraviolet

| note2 =

| writer2 = Koda

| extra2 = {{hlist|Valeria Del Prete|Sean Alexander}}

| length2 = 3:43

| title3 = Insane

| note3 =

| writer3 = Koda

| extra3 = {{hlist|Anne Judith Stokke Wik|Ronny Vidar Svendsen|Che Pope|Claus Holm|Rewan Riko}}

| length3 = 3:11

| title4 = Damn Real

| note4 =

| writer4 = Koda

| extra4 = {{hlist|Avalanche|Ryohei Yamamoto}}

| length4 = 4:15

| title5 = Heartless

| note5 =

| writer5 = Koda

| extra5 = {{hlist|Lindy Robbins|Emanuel Kiriakou|Shanna Crooks}}

| length5 = 3:18

| title6 = Bassline

| note6 =

| writer6 = Koda

| extra6 = {{hlist|Wik|Svendsen|Nermin Harambasic|Pope|Claus Holm}}

| length6 = 3:18

| title7 = Shhh!

| note7 =

| writer7 = Koda

| music7 = {{hlist|Jamie Sellers|Nicole Simpson}}

| extra7 = Sellers

| length7 = 3:17

| title8 = Bangarang

| note8 =

| writer8 = Koda

| extra8 = {{hlist|Viktoria Hansen|Levi Lennox}}

| length8 = 3:24

| title9 = Wicked Girls

| note9 =

| writer9 = Koda

| extra9 = Yuka Otsuki

| length9 = 2:41

| title10 = Cupcake

| note10 = (featuring AKLO)

| writer10 = {{hlist|Koda|AKLO}}

| extra10 = Dylan Kelly

| length10 = 2:13

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = W Face DVD/Blu-ray

| total_length = 21:25

| title1 = Ultraviolet

| note1 = music video

| length1 = 3:50

| title2 = Insane

| note2 = music video

| length2 = 3:19

| title3 = Bassline

| note3 = music video

| length3 = 3:26

| title4 = Wicked Girls

| note4 = music video

| length4 = 2:46

| title5 = Bridget Song

| note5 = music video

| length5 = 4:01

| title6 = Promise You

| note6 = music video

| length6 = 4:43

}}

Personnel details were sourced from the Inside and Outside liner notes booklet.

Visuals and imagery

{{div col begin}}

• Toshiyuki Suzuki - art direction
• Katsutoshi Yasuhara - film director
• Kohei Takeda - film producer
• Jun Hirota - graphic designer
• Ryoji Imaizumi - hairstylist
• Kouta - makeup artist
• Tisch - photographer
• Kazuyo Shinato - stylist

{{div col end}}

Musicians

{{div col begin}}

• Kumi Koda - vocals
• Naoki Ikumoto - guitar
• AKLO - vocals
• Back-on - guitar
• Hideki Matsubara - bass
• Yasuo Sano - drums
• Yoshiaki Kanoh - guitar
• Masanori Shimada - piano
• Hiroo Yamaguchi - bass
• Udai Shika - cello, strings
• Tom Tamada - drums
• Hi-yunk - guitar
• Yoko Oki - violin
• Ryota Imamura - bass
• Hiroomi Shitara - guitar
• Motoaki Fukanuma - guitar
• Yuki Saito - piano
• Mitsuki Shiokawa - piano
• Shinjiroh Inoue - guitar
• Taizo Nakamura - bass
• Tadashi Iwamaru - drums
• Toshiyuki Takao - drums
• Fire - bass
• Sammy - guitar
• Chara - keyboards, vocals

{{div col end}}

Technical and production

{{div col begin}}

• Koda Kumi - songwriting
• Andrew Goldstein - producer, composer, songwriter
• Jesse St. John - songwriter
• Lola Blanc - songwriter
• Sean Alexander - producer, songwriter
• Valeria Del Prete - songwriter
• Anne Judith Wik - songwriter
• Che Pope - songwriter
• Claus Holm - songwriter
• Rewan Riko - songwriter
• Ronny Svendsen - songwriter
• Avalanche - composer, producer
• Ryohei Yamamoto - composer
• Emanuel Kiriakou - producer, songwriter
• Lindy Robbins - songwriter
• Shanna Crooks - songwriter
• Jamie Sellers - producer, songwriter
• Nicole Simpson - songwriter
• Levi Lennox - songwriter
• Viktoria Hansen - ssongwriter
• Yuka Otsuki - songwriter
• Dylan Kelly - songwriter
• AKLO - songwriting
• Hi-yunk - arranger, composer, songwriter
• UTA - arranger
• Makoto Yamadoi - studio recorder, mixer
• Back-on - songwriter, composer, arranger
• D.O.I. - mixer
• Kosuke Morimoto - songwriter
• Toshiro Kai - mixer
• Kosuke Morimoto - composer
• Atsushi Hattori - studio recorder
• Shinjiroh Inoue - songwriter, composer
• Yoko Kuzuya - songwriter, composer
• Sayala - composer
• Ryuji Yamamoto - composer
• Kenichi Asami - arranger
• Yoshiyuki Minegishi - mixer
• Katsuhiko Yamamoto - composer
• Chara - songwriter, producer, arrangement
• Satomi Nanseki - mixer
• Keiji Tanabe - mixer

{{div col end}}

• List of Oricon number-one albums of 2017

{{reflist}}

• [http://rhythmzone.net/koda/ Koda Kumi Official Site] Retrieved February 25, 2017

{{Kumi Koda}}

{{Kumi Koda singles}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:W Face: Inside Outside}}

Category:2017 albums

Category:Koda Kumi albums

Category:Avex Group albums