Play | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | June 27, 2007 | |||
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Genre | ||||
Length | 50:45 | |||
Label | Avex Trax | |||
Producer |
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Namie Amuro chronology | ||||
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Alternative cover | ||||
Singles from Play | ||||
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Play is the eighth studio album by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was released on June 27, 2007, by Avex Trax and was made available in both physical and digital formats. Following the success of her previous album, Queen of Hip-Pop (2005), Amuro enlisted long-time collaborators Nao'ymt and T. Kura to produce the album. Play, like its predecessor, is an urban contemporary record with elements of pop music, rock and dance-pop. Lyrically, the record explores themes of love, frustration, and relationships.
Play received positive reviews from music critics; the album was praised for its production standard and sound, while its dance-oriented content and overall energy received minor criticism. Play was a commercial success in Japan, debuting at number one on the Oricon Albums Chart and ranking in the top 20 of the year's album sales in the country. The album was also certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for exceeding 500,000 unit shipments.
Play spawned four singles: the double A-side "White Light/Violet Sauce," "Can't Sleep, Can't Eat, I'm Sick/Ningyo," "Baby Don't Cry," and "Funky Town." Various tracks from the album were also promoted in commercial campaigns throughout Japan. Amuro promoted Play by embarking on her Play Tour 2007, which included dates in Japan and Taiwan; a live DVD and Blu-ray were released to chronicle the concert tour.