Universe (Koda Kumi album)

Universe
Booklet artwork that was included in the conjoined album Best: Third Universe & 8th Al. Universe
Studio album by Kumi Koda
Released	February 3, 2010
Recorded	2009–2010
Genre	J-pop EDM rock pop
Length	61:21
Label	Avex Music Creative Inc. Avex Trax Avex Taiwan Rhythm Zone
Producer	Adam Watts Andy Dott Figge Hiro Hiroto Suzuki Hugo Lira Hum H-Wonder Ian-Paolo Lira Markie STY Taro Iwashiro Thomas Gustafsson Tim Larsson Tommy Henriksen U-Key Zone Yuuki
Kumi Koda chronology
Koda Kumi Driving Hit's (2009) Universe (2010) BEST ~third universe~ (2010)
Singles from Universe
"It's All Love!" Released: March 31, 2009 "3 Splash" Released: July 8, 2009 "Alive/Physical Thing" Released: September 16, 2009 "Can We Go Back" Released: January 20, 2010

Universe (sometimes stylized as 8th Al. Universe or 8th AL "UNIVERSE")^[A] is the eighth studio album by Japanese recording artist Kumi Koda. It was released as a double album with her third greatest its album Best: Third Universe on February 3, 2010, by Rhythm Zone. Beginning in early 2009 after completing two mini-concert tours, the album's production was handled by several music producers, such as Andy Dodd, Adam Watts, Figge, Tim Larsson, Tommy Henriksen, U-Key Zone, Thomas Gustafsson, and H-Wonder. It also features a guest appearance from Koda's sister and Japanese recording artist Misono. Koda contributed towards the album as the executive producer and songwriter. Universe is primarily a J-pop album with numerous elements of dance-pop, rock, R&B, electropop, and pop ballads.

As a double album, it was released in four different formats; a two album bundle, a two album and DVD bundle, a two album first pressing bundle, and a two album digital release. A fifth format was released, but only featured the compilation. Upon its release, Universe was met with generally positive reviews from music critics, many of whom complimented the singles, composition, and labelled it as Koda's strongest and most essential album to date. However, critics were divided on its production; many felt it was fresh, but criticized some of the song's repetitive nature. Commercially, Universe was a success. Charting together as a double album, Best: Third Universe and Universe became Koda's third and fourth number one compilation and studio album to reach the top spot on Japan's Oricon Albums Chart respectively. Best: Third Universe and Universe was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments of 250,000 units. It also charted in Taiwan, entering the top twenty on two competent charts.

Four singles were released from Universe. Its lead single "It's All Love!" was a commercial success, peaking at number one on the Japanese Oricon Singles Chart and Japan Hot 100 chart. It sold over 100,000 physical and 250,000 digital units in that region. Following singles "Alive" and "Physical Thing" were limited to 50,000 units, reaching the top spot on the Oricon Singles Chart. A cover song of Kelly Clarkson's "Can We Go Back" was released as the album's final single, peaking a two on the Oricon Singles Chart. 3 Splash, the album's only extended play single, reached number two on the Oricon Singles Chart. Koda promoted the album on her 2010 Universe Tour and her 10th Anniversary Tour, and followed up with remix albums; Koda Kumi Driving Hit's 2 and its third issue.

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