"Taboo" | ||||
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CD only artwork.
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Single by Kumi Koda | ||||
from the album Trick | ||||
B-side | "Always" | |||
Released | October 8, 2009 | |||
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Length | 3:55 | |||
Label | Rhythm Zone | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Hiro | |||
Kumi Koda singles chronology | ||||
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"Taboo" (capitalized as "TABOO") is a song by Japanese recording artist Kumi Koda, taken from her seventh studio album Trick (2009). It was written by Koda, and co-written and produced by Hiro. "Taboo" is a dance-pop song that lyrically discusses several taboo subjects including sex and homosexuality. It contains numerous elements including electropop and hip-hop, and employs use of vocoder. It was released as the second single from the album on October 8, 2008 by Rhythm Zone.
Critical reception towards "Taboo" has been positive, with a majority of the critics commending the catchy chorus and its production. Several critics have highlighted "Taboo" as the album's and Koda's career stand out track. In Japan, "Taboo" became Koda's fifth number one single, and reached number six on the Asian–Taiwanese Singles Chart. It has sold over 88,000 units in Japan, and "Taboo" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments of 100,000 units. "Taboo" has been professionally remixed twice, and included on her remix albums Koda Kumi Driving Hit's (2009) and Beach Mix (2012).
A music video for "Taboo" was directed by , and features Koda in a mansion. Based on themes and exploration of homosexuality and sexual content, the video has Koda dancing in different rooms with female and male companions. Another video version was edited with longer bathroom and dancing scenes. "Taboo" was included on the set list of the singer's 2009 Trick tour, and the Premium Night: Love & Songs tour. "Taboo" and its music video has been widely considered an emphasis of Koda's self-described style "Ero kawaii", and has been notified as one of her "sexiest" and most well-known videos.
"Taboo" was written by Koda, and co-written, produced, and composed by Hiro. Hiro was in charge of arranging the song, which included instrumentation of synthesizers, keyboards, and a drum machine. "Taboo" was one of two songs from Koda's album Trick (2009) to be co-written, produced, and composed by Hiro; the other song was "Your Love". It was selected as the second single from Trick and was released in Japan on October 8, 2008 by Rhythm Zone, a sub-label from Avex Trax. The Maxi CD version of the single contains the B-side "Awlays", and includes the two songs instrumental versions. A bonus DVD format was released, featuring the music video, an alternative video, and making video to "Taboo". A third format, entitled the "Playroom Edition", was released with the radio and instrumental version of "Taboo" on a CD single. The Playroom Edition includes a special notebook and clear file designed by Koda. The CD versions feature Koda in a black dress with Koda and the song title placed on the side of the image; the DVD version features Koda in a mini jumpsuit.