Other meanings of music
Album
Music is the third studio album by Japanese singer Mika Nakashima, released on March 11, 2005, by Sony Music Associated Records. The album debuted at number one on the Oricon Albums Chart and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan, becoming one of her best-selling records.1 It features a blend of pop, rock, and ballad styles, with lyrics often exploring themes of love and introspection.
Music was released on March 11, 2005, following the success of her previous album, Love (2004), and the single "Sakurairo Mau Koro" (2005). The album was issued in both standard CD and limited CD+DVD editions, the latter including music videos for selected tracks. It was her first album to be released after her acting debut in the film Nana, though the album itself is not a soundtrack to that film.
Music debuted at number one on the Oricon weekly albums chart, selling over 200,000 copies in its first week. It remained on the chart for 22 weeks and was certified double platinum by the RIAJ for shipments of 500,000 units.1 The album's lead single, "Sakurairo Mau Koro", had already topped the Oricon singles chart in February 2005, contributing to the album's strong start.
Music showcases a diverse range of genres, from the rock-influenced "Rocking Horse" to the piano-driven ballad "Hitori" (which was used as the theme song for the television drama Koi ni Ochitara).2 Critics noted Nakashima's vocal versatility and the album's cohesive production, which blended contemporary J-pop with more mature, introspective tones. The album received positive reviews for its emotional depth and was praised as a strong follow-up to her earlier work.
Despite its commercial success, Music is often overshadowed by Nakashima's later concept albums, such as Yes (2007) and Voice (2008). The album includes a cover of the Japanese folk song "Kaze no Tōri Michi" (originally by Yōsui Inoue), which was not released as a single but became a fan favorite.3 Additionally, the limited edition DVD featured a documentary of her 2004 concert tour, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her live performances. The album's title, simply "Music", was chosen to reflect Nakashima's focus on the essence of her artistry, a departure from the thematic titles of her previous albums.
All chart and certification data are based on official Japanese industry sources.
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