"Kiss & Cry" | ||||
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"Beautiful World" / "Kiss & Cry" cover
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Single by Hikaru Utada | ||||
from the album Heart Station | ||||
A-side | "Beautiful World" | |||
Released | May 31, 2007 | |||
Format | ||||
Recorded | 2007
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Genre | R&B | |||
Length | 5:06 | |||
Label | EMI Music Japan | |||
Writer(s) | Hikaru Utada | |||
Producer(s) |
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Hikaru Utada singles chronology | ||||
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"Kiss & Cry" is a song recorded by Japanese recording artist Hikaru Utada for her seventh studio and fifth Japanese album, Heart Station (2007). It was written, composed, and arranged by Utada, whilst production was handled by Utada, her father Teruzane Utada, and Akira Miyake. The single premiered on May 31, 2007 as the third single from the album in Japan. It was re-released as a double A-side single with "Beautiful World", which also appeared on the parent album on August 29 in Japan, and digitally worldwide. Musically, "Kiss & Cry" is an R&B song, influenced by pop and hip-hop music. Lyrically, it discusses both Utada's upbringing and social beliefs between both Western and oriental regions.
Upon its release, the track garnered generally favorable reviews from music critics. Many critics agreed that it was one of the better singles from the album, and complimented its R&B composition. Charting as an A-side single, it achieved success in Japan, peaking at number two on the Oricon Singles Chart. The single has been certified within four different categories by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). An accompanying music video was shot by Toshitaka Shinoda; it features animation in the style of Nissin's Freedom Project, including major characters such as the protagonist Takeru lip-synching to the song. The song had been promoted through several Japanese commercials and television shows.
On April 23, 2007, American website Jame World confirmed the release of a new single, entitled "Kiss & Cry". The song's original working title was "Dancing Leah", which is a reference to Filipina American model Leah Dizon. It was written, composed, and arranged by Utada, whilst production was handled by Utada, her father Teruzane Utada, and Akira Miyake. For the song, Hikaru had played the keyboards and synthesizers, and provided backing vocals. It was originally recorded for her studio album Ultra Blue by Atsushi Matsui at Bunkamura Studios and EMI Music Japan Studios, Shibuya, Tokyo in 2007, but the idea was scrapped for unknown reasons. The finished composition was then mastered by American music engineer Ted Jensen at Sterling Studios, New York City, New York. The single also included the A-side track "Beautiful World", which also appeared on Utada's seventh studio and fifth Japanese album, Heart Station (2007).