Gossip Candy is an extended play by Japanese recording artist and songwriter Kumi Koda. It was released on July 7, 2010, by Koda's record label, Rhythm Zone. Koda's fifth extended play, Gossip Candy consists of five recordings; Lollipop, Inside Fishbowl, Outside Fishbowl, For You, and a cover of Got to Be Real, originally performed by Cheryl Lynn. It was released in three different formats: Digital EP, CD and CD+DVD. The CD only version was re-released as the "Dream Music Park" edition with a bonus baseball cap. The Dream Music Park concert was later released on the CD+2DVD edition of Dejavu.[1][2][3][4]
Gossip Candy contains predominantly pop-rock and dance music. Kumi contributed by writing the lyrics to all songs except Got to Be Real. Several composers were hired to help with the EP's content. Gossip Candy received favorable reviews from music critics who commended the EP's production and commercial appeal. It reached #4 on the Oricon Singles Chart and was certified gold by the RIAJ for shipments of 100,000 units.[5]Lollipop, Inside Fishbowl, and Outside Fishbowl served as the promotional singles. Lollipop was certified platinum for 250,000 digital shipments.
Along with the success of the single, Lick me♥ reached #31 on the Japan Hot 100 chart on the week end of July 19, 2010.[6]
Lollipop was certified platinum for 250,000 downloads in January 2014.[7]Inside Fishbowl and Outside Fishbowl did not chart in any Japanese music charts, but were marketed as promotional singles by Rhythm Zone.[8] All three songs featured an accompanying music video, which were included on the DVD version of Gossip Candy.[1]
On July 1, 2010, Kumi announced the release of her summer single Gossip Candy while on her 2010 Universe tour. Kumi confirmed that the EP would include four tracks, which were untitled at the time.[9]Gossip Candy is her fifth extended play single, one year after the release of her summer single 3 Splash.[15]Gossip Candy consists of four original recordings and one cover song: Lollipop, Inside Fishbowl, Outside Fishbowl, For You, and a cover of Got to Be Real, originally performed by Cheryl Lynn.[1]
Gossip Candy opens with the first track, Lollipop, which has been described as a pop and R&B song.[16] A song that metaphorically describes men as "accessories", Lollipop boasts themes of erotica and kawaii culture.[16] Both Inside Fishbowl and Outside Fishbowl feature the same lyrical content, but are arranged different: both are arranged and composed by Niclas Lundin and Joakim Hahlin.[1] Both tracks were noted for its rock and electronic elements.[17] Also, much like her 2006 winter single Yume no Uta/Futari de..., both tracks have similar melodies: one darker and one lighter. For You has been described as a low-tempo love song.[17]
Promotional Adevertisements
Lollipop was used as the promotional song for 7-Eleven in Japan, Sony Ericsson and was chosen as the POWER PLAY song for NTV's Happy Music (HAPPII Music / ハッピーMusic).[18]
Outside Fishbowl was used as the ending theme to the Japanese release of season three of Prison Break.[19]
Inside Fishbowl was used as the ending theme for Guru Guru NAINTINAIN (ぐるぐるナインティナイン / Round-Round 99).[20]
Got To Be Real was used as the promotional theme for Pepsi's new product in Japan, PEPSI NEX.[21] The promo for the product was alongside Japanese band L'Arc-en-Ciel, who performed I Love Rock 'n' Roll.[22][23]
Reception
Gossip Candy received favourable reviews from music critics. Chris True from AllMusic highlighted Lollipop as a career stand out track from Kumi's discography.[24] A reviewer from CD Journal complimented the production of Lollipop, labeling it a "gracious candy pop chorus".[16] The reviewer also commended Kumi's "wide range" and "outstanding" vocal abilities on the EP.[16] An editorial review from Amazon.co.jp complimented her "different" vocals and praised the songs "rich music".[25]
^倖田來未ニューシングルにキー＆歌詞が異なる同曲2曲 [Kumi Koda new single features two different songs that are the same song, with the key and lyrics changed]. Natalie (in Japanese). May 26, 2010. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
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