Genic

Genic
A shiny metallic pattern, with a diagonal strip removed. Inside of the strip is the image of a woman wearing a black lace veil.
Digital and bonus DVD cover
Studio album by
ReleasedJune 10, 2015 (2015-06-10)
Recorded2014–2015
Studio
  • ABS Recordings (Tokyo, Japan)
  • Bunkamura Recordings (Tokyo)
  • LAB Recorders (Tokyo)
  • Prime Sound (Tokyo)
Genre
Length49:00
Language
  • English
  • Japanese
LabelDimension Point
Producer
Namie Amuro chronology
Ballada
(2014)
Genic
(2015)
Finally
(2017)

Genic (stylized as _genic) is the twelfth studio album by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released on various physical and digital formats on June 10, 2015 by Amuro’s label Dimension Point, and serves as the singers final studio album before her retirement in September 2018. Amuro began working on the album in 2014 and received over 200 demo recordings from her team, which included a diverse group of collaborators. Finally, she chose tracks based on their introductions and what was trending in music at the time.

Stylistically, Genic is influenced by electronic dance music from the 1970s and 1980s, and R&B elements from the 1990s, with additional elements of pop, rock, house, and electronic music. Lyrically, the album addresses topics including self-empowerment, fun, glamour, and fashion. Genic is also Amuro’s third bilingual record; majority of the songs on the album are in English, with a few Japanese phrases interspersed.

Music critics gave Genic positive reviews, with many praising the album's mix of sounds, production quality, and overall appeal. However, some reviewers were divided on Amuro's English delivery and use of EDM music. Since its release, Genic and its material have received numerous nominations and accolades. It was a commercial success in Japan, reaching number one on the Oricon Albums Chart and component charts provided by Billboard Japan, and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for exceeding sales of 250,000 units.

Genic did not have any singles before its release, but her cover of "What I Did for Love" with French DJ David Guetta served as the album's only promotional single. Several songs from the album received music videos and commercial attention, particularly "Golden Touch", which was highlighted by Western media. To promote the album, Amuro embarked on her Livegenic tour throughout Asia, as well as her annual Live Style show, which included songs from Genic on the set list. Following each tour, a live release was subsequently distributed.