"Bubble" is the fifth single by Japanese rock band Band-Maid, released in Japan on January 16, 2019, by Crown Stones. The song was used as the theme song for the Japanese drama show Perfect Crime. It was released on the same day as "Glory".
Composition and lyrics The lyrics for "Bubble" were inspired by the manga Perfect Crime. Rhythm guitarist/vocalist Miku Kobato wrote the lyrics to be "good enough so that those who read the original would appreciate it". They were originally going to use one of their unreleased songs for the show, but lead guitarist Kanami Tōno "realized that the demo I just happened to be working on at the time was a better fit for the drama."
The lyrics for "Smile" were written as a thank you to their fans. The music was written by their long time collaborator, Kentaro Akutsu, because some of his compositions are considered popular by fans and they thought that their fans would enjoy another composition by him.
Critical reception JaME said that the title track "...mixes slow parts with sudden adrenaline outbursts" and that "We bet you will return to this song over and over again for fuelling[sic] up." And said that "Smile"'s use of "...acoustic guitar and Saiki's warm vocal" "...creates a soft, cosy atmosphere, which wraps you up like a comfortable blanket, while the other instruments serve as support." Marc Bowie of J-Generation called the title track "...a typically melodic pounder" and that it "...features a crunching riff".
Music video The music video for "Bubble" was released on January 15, 2019. The music video is a tribute to the Queen biographical film Bohemian Rhapsody.
Live performances Live versions of "Bubble" were later released on their video albums Band-Maid World Domination Tour [Shinka] at Line Cube Shibuya (Shibuya Public Hall) and Band-Maid Online Okyu-Ji (Feb. 11, 2021).
Track listing CD
Credits and personnel Band-Maid members Miku Kobato – vocals, guitar Saiki Atsumi – vocals Kanami Tōno – guitar Misa – bass Akane Hirose – drums
Recording and management Sound Produced by Band-Maid, Tienowa (track 1), Kentaro Akutsu (track 2) Recorded at Nasoundra Palace Studio Recording engineer: Masyoshi Yamamoto Mixed at Mix Forest Mix engineer: Masahiko Fukui Mastered by Masahiko Fukui Art Direction: Satoshi Kohno Account Executive: Motoki Hirota Design by Akira Yamaguchi, Kazu Yamamoto, Misaki Fujioka
Charts Chart (2019)PeakpositionJapan (Oricon)14Japan Top Singles Sales (Billboard)13
Release history Region Date Format Label Note Japan January 16, 2019 CD Crown Tokuma CRCP-10420 Digital download Worldwide Digital download
Notes Footnotes
References
External links Discography – Band-Maid official website