Birthday (Namie Amuro song)
"Birthday" is a song recorded by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro for her twelfth studio and third English album, Genic (2015). It was written by Emyli, composed by Andreas Carlsson, Gabrielle Symons, Michael Lerios, Demitri Lerios, Svante Halldin and Jakob Hazell, whilst production was handled by Halldin and Hazell. The promotional recording premiered on May 11, 2015, and served as the first promotional single from the album. Musically, "Birthday" is dance-pop song, influenced by pop and bubblegum pop. Lyrically, it celebrates Amuro's birthday. Upon its release, the track garnered generally favourable reviews from music critics. Many critics commended the composition and production of the track, but some criticized the lyrical content. The song peaked at number 36 on ''Billboards Japan Hot 100, and reached number five on the Radio Songs competent chart. An accompanying music video was shot by Haruka Furuya; it features Amuro celebrating her birthday, and dancing in several colorful backgrounds and sceneries. "Birthday" has been performed on Amuro's concert tour named Livegenic 2015–2016. Background and composition "Birthday" was written by Japanese recording artist Emyli, whilst production was handled by SeventyEight production member's Svante Halldin and Jakob Hazell. The song's composers: Andreas Carlsson, Gabrielle Symons, Michael Lerios, Demitri Lerios, and SeventyEight, composed the track by using a drum machine, electric guitar, synthesizers, keyboards, and a trombone. It was programmed and mixed by DJ Kensei, known by the alias D.O.I., at his recording studio Daimonion Recordings. Emyli was in control of vocal production, and hired Alisa, Gary Adkins, and Olivia Burrell to provide backing vocals during the chorus. It was finally mastered by American music engineer Tom Coyne at Sterling Sound Studios in New York City, New York. The promotional recording premiered through the Genic (2015) album sampled, released in April 2015. It was then released on Amuro's YouTube channel on May 11, alongside its accompanying music video. Musically, "Birthday" is dance-pop song, influenced by pop and bubblegum pop. During the song's verses, it includes rap deliveries by Amuro. CD Journal staff member's labelled the delivery as "hilarious", whilst calling it a "girly pop song". Lauren du Plessis from Electric Bloom magazine compared the composition to American recording artist Katy Perry, and called the production "fluffy". Similarly, Michael McCarthy, writing for Otakudx.com, compared the song to the same title tracks by Perry and American recording artist Selena Gomez, and likened the "feel good" lyrical content to "Celebration". A music editor from KpopBreak.com compared "Birthday"'s introduction to "Into the Groove" by American recording artist Madonna. Lyrically, the song celebrates Amuro's birthday and, according to McCarthy, highlights other anniversaries including weddings and parties. Critical response "Birthday" received positive reviews from most music critics. Michael McCarthy, writing for Otakudx.com, was positive in his review, saying "Like most of the album, this song is pure fun. Maybe it's slightly bubble gum but it's delicious and instead of losing its flavor it's making me fall more and more in love with it with each listening." A staff member from Japako Music was positive in