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{{Infobox Album | | {{Infobox Album | | ||
| Name = Brotherhood | | Name = Brotherhood | ||
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| Next album = '''11th Album'''<br>[[File:11a.jpg|link=ELEVEN|border|65px|right]]<br>''[[ELEVEN]]''<br/>(2000) | | Next album = '''11th Album'''<br>[[File:11a.jpg|link=ELEVEN|border|65px|right]]<br>''[[ELEVEN]]''<br/>(2000) | ||
| Misc = {{Singles | | Misc = {{Singles | ||
| Name = | | Name = Brotherhood | ||
| Type = studio | | Type = studio | ||
| single 1 = [[File:26s.jpg|link=girigiri chop|border|28px|right]][[girigiri chop]] | | single 1 = [[File:26s.jpg|link=girigiri chop|border|28px|right]][[girigiri chop]] | ||
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}} | }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
[[Image:Tak Matsumoto with Gibson Les Paul Canary Yellow Signature Guitar.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Tak Matsumoto pictured with his first signature Gibson Les Paul in Canary Yellow. He would be only the fifth artist, joining the likes of Jimmy Page and [[Slash]], to receive a signature Gibson USA Les Paul at the time and the first from Asia.]] | |||
'''''Brotherhood''''' is the tenth [[B'z Albums#Studio Albums|studio album]] by [[B'z]], released on July 14, 1999. | '''''Brotherhood''''' is the tenth [[B'z Albums#Studio Albums|studio album]] by [[B'z]], released on July 14, 1999. The album came shortly after [[Tak Matsumoto]] was bestowed with his first signature Gibson Les Paul guitar in the unique finish of Canary Yellow. The guitar was used throughout the album and all live events from the era as well. It was at this time that B'z completed their transition into a full hard rock band—a shift that had started with the releases of 1995's ''[[LOOSE]]'' and 1997's ''[[SURVIVE]]'', culminating in the hard, full band sound present here. | ||
Notably, only one single was released prior to the album: "[[girigiri chop]]", which came just a month prior to the album's release. This version would not be collected until ''[[B'z The Best "Pleasure II"]]'', as the version found here is a reversion subtitled "Version 51". This rendition features fellow rock band Mr. Big's bassist [[Billy Sheehan]] and drummer [[Pat Torpey]] on their respective instruments. The B-side for the single, "[[girigiri chop|ONE]]", proved an immense success on its own terms. Despite not appearing on this album, it was recorded alongside the rest of the tracks and is naturally associated most with this era. It was also voted onto the fan-selected compilation ''[[B'z The Best "ULTRA Treasure"]]'' in third place and joined by album tracks "Brotherhood", "Nagai Ai", and "F・E・A・R". In fact, "Brotherhood" has become so closely associated with the image of B'z that it was voted to the top of the compilation immediately and remained there throughout voting. | |||
The legacy of ''Brotherhood'' is an enduring one in which many of the album's songs have been frequently used in future [[LIVE-GYM]] shows even after [[B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood"]]. The title song has become a special one for many reasons due to its message of unity and kinship. Years after the album was released, a special version of "Brotherhood" was performed on ''[[Music Station]]'' following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. An [[Brotherhood (English Version) (Lyrics)|English version of "Brotherhood"]] was premiered the same year as part of the United States and Canada tour [[B'z LIVE-GYM 2011 -long time no see-]], which used the rebuilding after the disaster as inspiration. The title song was also met with praise with its inclusion on all dates of [[B'z LIVE-GYM 2011 -C'mon-]]. | |||
More so than any other studio album, non-singles from the release are still routinely revived for live shows. Notably, all but two of the songs from the album have been performed for multiple different occasions after the [[B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood"|album tour]]. These include [[#Live appearances|numerous appearances]] at various shows, including for both [[LIVE-GYM#SHOWCASE_Tours|SHOWCASE]] events, [[LIVE-GYM]], and [[LIVE-GYM#List of Special Events|special events]]. Often, the songs are paired together in the same setlists as B'z tend to pair songs of the same era together on occasion. | More so than any other studio album, non-singles from the release are still routinely revived for live shows. Notably, all but two of the songs from the album have been performed for multiple different occasions after the [[B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood"|album tour]]. These include [[#Live appearances|numerous appearances]] at various shows, including for both [[LIVE-GYM#SHOWCASE_Tours|SHOWCASE]] events, [[LIVE-GYM]], and [[LIVE-GYM#List of Special Events|special events]]. Often, the songs are paired together in the same setlists as B'z tend to pair songs of the same era together on occasion. | ||
At the time of its release, ''Brotherhood'' moved 1,019,270 physical copies in its first week alone, enough to certify it as Million by the Recording Industry Association of Japan. It would debut at the top of the Weekly Oricon Album chart and finish at rank 17 for the year of 1999. It would also, releasing just prior to the advent of digital distribution of music, be the final B'z album to sell one million copies in its debut week. As of the last report, the album has 1,391,850 tracked physical sales since release. | At the time of its release, ''Brotherhood'' moved 1,019,270 physical copies in its first week alone, enough to certify it as Million by the Recording Industry Association of Japan. It would debut at the top of the Weekly Oricon Album chart and finish at rank 17 for the year of 1999. It would also, releasing just prior to the advent of digital distribution of music, be the final B'z album to sell one million copies in its debut week. As of the last report, the album has 1,391,850 tracked physical sales since release. In 2018, the album was reissued as a two vinyl set made available to visitors of their thirtieth anniversary public exhibition entitled [[B'z 30th Year Exhibition "SCENES" 1988-2018|"SCENES"]] alongside all other studio albums to that point. | ||
== Production information == | == Production information == | ||
Prior to production on the album, Gibson—the world's pre-eminent guitar manufacturer for decades—announced their latest signature artist: [[Tak Matsumoto]]. Tak had been a loyal Gibson player for many years, and after ''[[B'z The Best "Pleasure"]]'' and ''[[B'z The Best "Treasure"]]'' sold nearly ten million copies combined, the profile of B'z was raised in the music world to not only garner them a World Music Award for Best-Selling Japanese Artist but also get Gibson's attention. | |||
Tak would become the fifth artist to receive a signature Les Paul from Gibson USA, following in the footsteps of legends Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Ace Frehley of KISS, and [[Slash]] of Guns N' Roses. A press release at the time from Gibson re-iterated their partnership: | |||
{{cquote|As leader of the Japanese rock band, B’z, Tak Matsumoto has taken his trademark Gibson Les Paul to the top of the charts with album sales of nearly 60,000,000. Sold-out stadium tours and media clamor surrounding Tak Matsumoto caught the attention of Gibson who quickly made him their first Asian signature artist. "There is a lot of great music coming out of Japan right now and Tak is the number one guitar player in Asia and in Japan, no doubt," said Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. "He’s a loyal Gibson player, a major influence on young guitarists and a superstar. We couldn’t be more proud to work with Tak to produce a Signature Les Paul."}} | |||
Backorders for the original Canary Yellow edition of Tak's signature Les Paul were pushed well into the year 2000. In time, Tak became the Gibson artist with the most signature instruments by the company. | |||
It was also around this time that the band collaborated with American guitar virtuouso [[Steve Vai]]. Both Tak and Koshi joined him on his album ''The Ultra Zone'' released in the fall of 1999, with Koshi sharing lead vocals and Tak contributing guitar work. The resulting English song, "Asian Sky", was recorded at Vai's home studio. Vai had heard of the band and met Tak many times prior, but it was only then that they were able to collaborate. Vai would later be the driving force behind the international release of Tak's solo album ''[[Hana]]'' for which he described its opening song "Koi Uta" as featuring "one of the most inspired instrumental guitar melodies in existence". | |||
With their popularity reaching new heights and them then having the [[B'z The Best "Pleasure"|best-selling album in Japanese history]], there was immense pressure to deliver with their next studio album. Recording for the international effort appropriately took place in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Osaka and featured famed bassist [[Billy Sheehan]] and fellow Mr. Big member and drummer [[Pat Torpey]]. Specifically, the lyrics did not come especially easily for every song on the album, with one of those that brought difficulties being "Brotherhood". Koshi further related: | |||
{{cquote|There were two songs that caused me a lot of trouble as far as writing the lyrics. For example, "SHINE". Before going to L.A., I had already been thinking about the lyrics in Tokyo but I'd run out of ideas. I thought that maybe by going to L.A. the atmosphere would be better [for ideas]. I never thought that when I got there, not only would we still be so busy, we still had to squeeze out leisure time too. I still couldn't come up with any big ideas, so I started to panic. It was on the plane back to Osaka that I wrote a part of it, and only on a second plane back to L.A. did I finally finish it. So, really, this song was the result of me sitting inside a plane. ''(Laughs)''}} | |||
The heavier sound of the album and shift in tone was attributed to an unlikely source, as Tak noted in an interview around the time of the album's release: | The heavier sound of the album and shift in tone was attributed to an unlikely source, as Tak noted in an interview around the time of the album's release: | ||
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{{cquote|I started to feel a sense of crisis after seeing what sort of sales [''[[B'z The Best "Pleasure"]]'' and ''[[B'z The Best "Treasure"]]''] had generated. That's why I think [the next album] ''Brotherhood'' went in a hard direction.}} | {{cquote|I started to feel a sense of crisis after seeing what sort of sales [''[[B'z The Best "Pleasure"]]'' and ''[[B'z The Best "Treasure"]]''] had generated. That's why I think [the next album] ''Brotherhood'' went in a hard direction.}} | ||
This also contributed to the title, with Tak stating the staff had worked so hard to promote the two [[B'z Albums#Compilation Albums|compilation albums]] that the atmosphere was one of family and "Brotherhood". | This also contributed to the title, with Tak stating the staff had worked so hard to promote the two [[B'z Albums#Compilation Albums|compilation albums]] that the atmosphere was one of family and "Brotherhood". Regarding the meaning of the eventual title, Tak offered what it meant to him and previously noted that both members of the band came up with the title: | ||
{{cquote|"Brotherhood" means the relationship between brothers or friends. I have been working with [Koshi] for eleven years already. Our relationship over the years is the real reason behind "Brotherhood" [as the title]: sometimes we're like brothers, sometimes like old friends who have known each other for more than ten years. We titled it "Brotherhood" to clearly express the relationship of B'z.}} | |||
The album began what became known as the "full band" sound for this era of B'z music. The band also used the occasion to experiment with a new production method. For previous albums, all of the music and lyrics were prepared ahead of time. Here, Koshi suggested that they try writing in the studio as they recorded, because on previous efforts there would be times when songs written earlier would be half-forgotten by the time they decided to record. | |||
Interestingly, because many of the songs were written in the studio, many provisional [[B'z English Songs|English versions]] were made for the album's songs. An English version of "[[girigiri chop]]" B-side "[[girigiri chop|ONE]]" can be heard in ''[[The true meaning of "Brotherhood"?]]'', which was a documentary that covered both the recording process and the ensuing [[LIVE-GYM]] tour, [[B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood"]]. | Interestingly, because many of the songs were written in the studio, many provisional [[B'z English Songs|English versions]] were made for the album's songs. An English version of "[[girigiri chop]]" B-side "[[girigiri chop|ONE]]" can be heard in ''[[The true meaning of "Brotherhood"?]]'', which was a documentary that covered both the recording process and the ensuing [[LIVE-GYM]] tour, [[B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood"]]. | ||
Although the action-style cover art is mostly computer-generated, Koshi actually did climb onto a high apparatus for the source image to be taken. A composite was made from there, though the band went through several prospects before settling on the final cover. Two prospects showed the additional art included in the package of the two members with interlocked hands on the front instead. | |||
== Track listing == | == Track listing == | ||
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#: [[File:a10_01.ogg]] Quickly reaching its status as a fan favorite, "F・E・A・R" is one of the band's hardest rock songs in their catalogue. The fierce guitar riff is paired with crowd-pleasing vocal sections in which fans are encouraged to repeat the "Yeah, yeah, yeah" refrain. It has been performed numerous times since its original release and was later voted onto ''[[B'z The Best "ULTRA Treasure"]]'' by fans in 2008. The reversion, titled "F・E・A・R (2008 Mix)", is a slight remix of the existing track. Additionally, the original version was used as the theme to Fuji TV's ''F1 Grand Prix 1999 & 2000'' program. | #: [[File:a10_01.ogg]] Quickly reaching its status as a fan favorite, "F・E・A・R" is one of the band's hardest rock songs in their catalogue. The fierce guitar riff is paired with crowd-pleasing vocal sections in which fans are encouraged to repeat the "Yeah, yeah, yeah" refrain. It has been performed numerous times since its original release and was later voted onto ''[[B'z The Best "ULTRA Treasure"]]'' by fans in 2008. The reversion, titled "F・E・A・R (2008 Mix)", is a slight remix of the existing track. Additionally, the original version was used as the theme to Fuji TV's ''F1 Grand Prix 1999 & 2000'' program. | ||
#'''[[girigiri chop (Lyrics)|girigiri chop (Version 51)]]''' — ''on the edge chop'', ギリギリchop | #'''[[girigiri chop (Lyrics)|girigiri chop (Version 51)]]''' — ''on the edge chop'', ギリギリchop | ||
#: [[File:a10_02.ogg]] An alternate version of the album's [[girigiri chop|only single]] and titled "Version 51" because it was the fifth version the band came up with and was recorded in one take from there. Various differences persist between the [[girigiri chop|single version]] and that of the one found here. Primarily, the bass and drums for the track are now performed by Mr. Big members Billy Sheehan and Pat Torpey, who also performed the version of the song live on ''[[Music Station]]'' with B'z as a collaboration. The melody is intensified in this version, with a shout of laughter added by Koshi just prior to the final chorus, along with numerous high-pitched shrills added in the track's final moments. {{girigiri chop Song}} | #: [[File:a10_02.ogg]] An alternate version of the album's [[girigiri chop|only single]] and titled "Version 51" because it was the fifth version the band came up with and was recorded in one take from there. Various differences persist between the [[girigiri chop|single version]] and that of the one found here. Primarily, the bass and drums for the track are now performed by Mr. Big members [[Billy Sheehan]] and [[Pat Torpey]], who also performed the version of the song live on ''[[Music Station]]'' with B'z as a collaboration. The melody is intensified in this version, with a shout of laughter added by Koshi just prior to the final chorus, along with numerous high-pitched shrills added in the track's final moments. {{girigiri chop Song}} | ||
#'''[[Brotherhood (Lyrics)|Brotherhood]]''' | #'''[[Brotherhood (Lyrics)|Brotherhood]]''' | ||
#: [[File:a10_03.ogg]] | #: [[File:a10_03.ogg]] As one of their most representative works and arguably their most popular album song, "Brotherhood" has withstood the test of time since its original 1999 release. Koshi wrote the lyrics thinking, "I made the theme as if there are friends that are connected even when far away." Recorded in Osaka, it was originally expected to be the final song on the album. In time, it became clear it was a special song, and thus it was moved to this position. Its popularity with fans has not waned either—for 2008's fan-selected ''[[B'z The Best "ULTRA Treasure"]]'', it was voted to first place immediately and retained that position throughout the voting period. The song was also performed on an April 2011 edition of ''Music Station'' during which it was performed with slightly altered lyrics to reflect the earthquake disaster that occurred weeks earlier. The change saw a portion changed from "me" to "us" to make the struggle everyone's instead of only specifically the protagonist of the song. Lastly, an [[Brotherhood (English Version) (Lyrics)|English version]] of the song was premiered live during the United States and Canada tour [[B'z LIVE-GYM 2011 -long time no see-]]. | ||
#'''[[Nagai Ai (Lyrics)|Nagai Ai]]''' — ''Love Me Longer'', ながい愛 | #'''[[Nagai Ai (Lyrics)|Nagai Ai]]''' — ''Love Me Longer'', ながい愛 | ||
#: [[File:a10_04.ogg]] | #: [[File:a10_04.ogg]] Although the song is a hard rock ballad, "Nagai Ai" actually begins with a strings section. The song was recored early in the sessions and was Tak's preferred choice for a single over "[[girigiri chop]]". It has remained popular both with the band and fans, having been performed at both [[B'z SHOWCASE 2007 -19-]] and as part of one-off show [[B'z Special LIVE at EX THEATER ROPPONGI]]. It was also voted to twenty-first place on ''[[B'z The Best "ULTRA Treasure"]]'' and included on the album. | ||
#'''[[Yume no Youna Hibi (Lyrics)|Yume no Youna Hibi]]''' — ''Those Dreamlike Days'', 夢のような日々 | #'''[[Yume no Youna Hibi (Lyrics)|Yume no Youna Hibi]]''' — ''Those Dreamlike Days'', 夢のような日々 | ||
#: [[File:a10_05.ogg]] The most upbeat and lightest of all the album's tracks, "Yume no You na Hibi" features the full band performing chorus vocals together. The opening to the song is a half-minute clip of the band speaking and joking in the studio that was recorded in a clandestine fashion. Interestingly, Tak actually participates in the main vocals for the first time in the B'z catalogue. Prior to this, Tak had primarily only participated in chorus and backing vocals with regard to B'z works. Notably, he had released his first ever single on which he was lead vocalist just months earlier with "[[THE CHANGING]]". The song has [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live|never been performed live]] or [[B'z Albums#Compilation Albums|collected elsewhere]], though it was used as the [[Ending SE]] for [[B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood"]] later in the year. | #: [[File:a10_05.ogg]] The most upbeat and lightest of all the album's tracks, "Yume no You na Hibi" features the full band performing chorus vocals together. The opening to the song is a half-minute clip of the band speaking and joking in the studio that was recorded in a clandestine fashion. Interestingly, Tak actually participates in the main vocals for the first time in the B'z catalogue. Prior to this, Tak had primarily only participated in chorus and backing vocals with regard to B'z works. Notably, he had released his first ever single on which he was lead vocalist just months earlier with "[[THE CHANGING]]". The song has [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live|never been performed live]] or [[B'z Albums#Compilation Albums|collected elsewhere]], though it was used as the [[Ending SE]] for [[B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood"]] later in the year. | ||
#'''[[Gin no Tsubasa de Tobe (Lyrics)|Gin no Tsubasa de Tobe]]''' — ''Fly on the Silver Wing'', 銀の翼で翔べ | #'''[[Gin no Tsubasa de Tobe (Lyrics)|Gin no Tsubasa de Tobe]]''' — ''Fly on the Silver Wing'', 銀の翼で翔べ | ||
#: [[File:a10_06.ogg]] | #: [[File:a10_06.ogg]] As one of the more popular songs from the album, "Gin no Tsubasa de Tobe" has been played several times since its initial debut. While the band has opted to play it multiple times including as part of [[B'z LIVE-GYM 2001 "ELEVEN"|LIVE-GYM 2001 "ELEVEN"]] and [[B'z SHOWCASE 2007 -19-|SHOWCASE 2007 -19-]], the song is one that Tak considers difficult to play on guitar. For the album version, Koshi also performs the harmonica section. | ||
#'''[[Sono Te de Furete Goran (Lyrics)|Sono Te de Furete Goran]]''' — ''Touch With That Hand'', その手で触れてごらん | #'''[[Sono Te de Furete Goran (Lyrics)|Sono Te de Furete Goran]]''' — ''Touch With That Hand'', その手で触れてごらん | ||
#: [[File:a10_07.ogg]] A brooding, darker rock song, "Sono Te de Furete Goran" was the first track to be completed for the album. It opens with a distorted guitar intro before picking up with drums and a full band sound. The lyrics directly mention Linda Yamamoto by her first name, and specifically contain a reference to her song "Dounimo Tomaranai" from 1972. The song has [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live|never been performed live]] or [[B'z Albums#Compilation Albums|collected elsewhere]]. | #: [[File:a10_07.ogg]] A brooding, darker rock song, "Sono Te de Furete Goran" was the first track to be completed for the album. It opens with a distorted guitar intro before picking up with drums and a full band sound. The lyrics directly mention Linda Yamamoto by her first name, and specifically contain a reference to her song "Dounimo Tomaranai" from 1972. The song has [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live|never been performed live]] or [[B'z Albums#Compilation Albums|collected elsewhere]]. | ||
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#: [[File:a10_08.ogg]] A dark, hard rock ballad, "Nagare Yuku Hibi" runs for nearly five full minutes but has minimal vocals. There is no refrain with four distinct verses used instead. Most notably, the song ends with a two minute guitar solo outro. Probably for this reason, the song has [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live|never been performed live]], and also has never been [[B'z Albums#Compilation Albums|collected elsewhere]]. | #: [[File:a10_08.ogg]] A dark, hard rock ballad, "Nagare Yuku Hibi" runs for nearly five full minutes but has minimal vocals. There is no refrain with four distinct verses used instead. Most notably, the song ends with a two minute guitar solo outro. Probably for this reason, the song has [[B'z Songs Never Performed Live|never been performed live]], and also has never been [[B'z Albums#Compilation Albums|collected elsewhere]]. | ||
#'''[[SKIN (Lyrics)|SKIN]]''' | #'''[[SKIN (Lyrics)|SKIN]]''' | ||
#: [[File:a10_09.ogg]] | #: [[File:a10_09.ogg]] In addition to the literal reference to one's flesh, the title "SKIN" in English is also understood to be a euphemism for prophylactics and this is reflected in the overtly sensual lyrical content. Following its appearance during [[B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood"]], the song was performed again for the first time in fourteen years as part of a one-off premium show titled [[B'z Special LIVE at EX THEATER ROPPONGI]]. The production process that follows the song's inception through its recording is recounted in documentary ''[[The true meaning of "Brotherhood"?]]''. | ||
#'''[[Ikasete Okure! (Lyrics)|Ikasete Okure!]]''' — ''Let Me Go Now!'', イカせておくれ! | #'''[[Ikasete Okure! (Lyrics)|Ikasete Okure!]]''' — ''Let Me Go Now!'', イカせておくれ! | ||
#: [[File:a10_10.ogg]] Along with the following song, the lyrics to "Ikasete Okure!" were written on a flight to Los Angeles. While not a fan favorite in and of itself, the song does exhibit the band's shift toward hard rock well. Its only live appearances came during the hall portion of the album tour, leaving it with no [[B'z Home Videos|home video release]]. | #: [[File:a10_10.ogg]] Along with the following song, the lyrics to "Ikasete Okure!" were written on a flight to Los Angeles. While not a fan favorite in and of itself, the song does exhibit the band's shift toward hard rock well. Its only live appearances came during the hall portion of the album tour, leaving it with no [[B'z Home Videos|home video release]]. | ||
#'''[[SHINE (Lyrics)|SHINE]]''' | #'''[[SHINE (Lyrics)|SHINE]]''' | ||
#: [[File:a10_11.ogg]] | #: [[File:a10_11.ogg]] Opening with a Spanish-inspired Flamenco guitar intro, "SHINE" is the only song to be added late into [[B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood"]] and be featured on its [[once upon a time in Yokohama ~B'z LIVE GYM'99 "Brotherhood"~|resulting home video]] but not be performed again since. Capping off the album's "full band" approach, the interlude features Tak and [[Billy Sheehan]] exchanging guitar and bass solos, respectively, amidst an "Olé! Olé! Olé!" chant. The provisional title for the song was the romanized title "KIZUNA" (''Bond'') which still appears in the lyrics. This title was carried late into production, as the documentary ''[[The true meaning of "Brotherhood"?]]'' shows it still being used whilst the band decide the track order for the album. | ||
== Reversion history == | == Reversion history == | ||
Latest revision as of 05:58, 25 May 2018
| Brotherhood | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by B'z | ||||
| Released | July 14, 1999 | |||
| Recorded | 1998-1999 | |||
| Genre | Hard rock | |||
| Length | 47:15 | |||
| Label | Rooms Records | |||
| Producer | Tak Matsumoto | |||
| B'z chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Brotherhood | ||||
| ||||
Tak Matsumoto pictured with his first signature Gibson Les Paul in Canary Yellow. He would be only the fifth artist, joining the likes of Jimmy Page and Slash, to receive a signature Gibson USA Les Paul at the time and the first from Asia.
Brotherhood is the tenth studio album by B'z, released on July 14, 1999. The album came shortly after Tak Matsumoto was bestowed with his first signature Gibson Les Paul guitar in the unique finish of Canary Yellow. The guitar was used throughout the album and all live events from the era as well. It was at this time that B'z completed their transition into a full hard rock band—a shift that had started with the releases of 1995's LOOSE and 1997's SURVIVE, culminating in the hard, full band sound present here.
Notably, only one single was released prior to the album: "girigiri chop", which came just a month prior to the album's release. This version would not be collected until B'z The Best "Pleasure II", as the version found here is a reversion subtitled "Version 51". This rendition features fellow rock band Mr. Big's bassist Billy Sheehan and drummer Pat Torpey on their respective instruments. The B-side for the single, "ONE", proved an immense success on its own terms. Despite not appearing on this album, it was recorded alongside the rest of the tracks and is naturally associated most with this era. It was also voted onto the fan-selected compilation B'z The Best "ULTRA Treasure" in third place and joined by album tracks "Brotherhood", "Nagai Ai", and "F・E・A・R". In fact, "Brotherhood" has become so closely associated with the image of B'z that it was voted to the top of the compilation immediately and remained there throughout voting.
The legacy of Brotherhood is an enduring one in which many of the album's songs have been frequently used in future LIVE-GYM shows even after B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood". The title song has become a special one for many reasons due to its message of unity and kinship. Years after the album was released, a special version of "Brotherhood" was performed on Music Station following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. An English version of "Brotherhood" was premiered the same year as part of the United States and Canada tour B'z LIVE-GYM 2011 -long time no see-, which used the rebuilding after the disaster as inspiration. The title song was also met with praise with its inclusion on all dates of B'z LIVE-GYM 2011 -C'mon-.
More so than any other studio album, non-singles from the release are still routinely revived for live shows. Notably, all but two of the songs from the album have been performed for multiple different occasions after the album tour. These include numerous appearances at various shows, including for both SHOWCASE events, LIVE-GYM, and special events. Often, the songs are paired together in the same setlists as B'z tend to pair songs of the same era together on occasion.
At the time of its release, Brotherhood moved 1,019,270 physical copies in its first week alone, enough to certify it as Million by the Recording Industry Association of Japan. It would debut at the top of the Weekly Oricon Album chart and finish at rank 17 for the year of 1999. It would also, releasing just prior to the advent of digital distribution of music, be the final B'z album to sell one million copies in its debut week. As of the last report, the album has 1,391,850 tracked physical sales since release. In 2018, the album was reissued as a two vinyl set made available to visitors of their thirtieth anniversary public exhibition entitled "SCENES" alongside all other studio albums to that point.
Production information
Prior to production on the album, Gibson—the world's pre-eminent guitar manufacturer for decades—announced their latest signature artist: Tak Matsumoto. Tak had been a loyal Gibson player for many years, and after B'z The Best "Pleasure" and B'z The Best "Treasure" sold nearly ten million copies combined, the profile of B'z was raised in the music world to not only garner them a World Music Award for Best-Selling Japanese Artist but also get Gibson's attention.
Tak would become the fifth artist to receive a signature Les Paul from Gibson USA, following in the footsteps of legends Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Ace Frehley of KISS, and Slash of Guns N' Roses. A press release at the time from Gibson re-iterated their partnership:
| “ | As leader of the Japanese rock band, B’z, Tak Matsumoto has taken his trademark Gibson Les Paul to the top of the charts with album sales of nearly 60,000,000. Sold-out stadium tours and media clamor surrounding Tak Matsumoto caught the attention of Gibson who quickly made him their first Asian signature artist. "There is a lot of great music coming out of Japan right now and Tak is the number one guitar player in Asia and in Japan, no doubt," said Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. "He’s a loyal Gibson player, a major influence on young guitarists and a superstar. We couldn’t be more proud to work with Tak to produce a Signature Les Paul." | ” |
Backorders for the original Canary Yellow edition of Tak's signature Les Paul were pushed well into the year 2000. In time, Tak became the Gibson artist with the most signature instruments by the company.
It was also around this time that the band collaborated with American guitar virtuouso Steve Vai. Both Tak and Koshi joined him on his album The Ultra Zone released in the fall of 1999, with Koshi sharing lead vocals and Tak contributing guitar work. The resulting English song, "Asian Sky", was recorded at Vai's home studio. Vai had heard of the band and met Tak many times prior, but it was only then that they were able to collaborate. Vai would later be the driving force behind the international release of Tak's solo album Hana for which he described its opening song "Koi Uta" as featuring "one of the most inspired instrumental guitar melodies in existence".
With their popularity reaching new heights and them then having the best-selling album in Japanese history, there was immense pressure to deliver with their next studio album. Recording for the international effort appropriately took place in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Osaka and featured famed bassist Billy Sheehan and fellow Mr. Big member and drummer Pat Torpey. Specifically, the lyrics did not come especially easily for every song on the album, with one of those that brought difficulties being "Brotherhood". Koshi further related:
| “ | There were two songs that caused me a lot of trouble as far as writing the lyrics. For example, "SHINE". Before going to L.A., I had already been thinking about the lyrics in Tokyo but I'd run out of ideas. I thought that maybe by going to L.A. the atmosphere would be better [for ideas]. I never thought that when I got there, not only would we still be so busy, we still had to squeeze out leisure time too. I still couldn't come up with any big ideas, so I started to panic. It was on the plane back to Osaka that I wrote a part of it, and only on a second plane back to L.A. did I finally finish it. So, really, this song was the result of me sitting inside a plane. (Laughs) | ” |
The heavier sound of the album and shift in tone was attributed to an unlikely source, as Tak noted in an interview around the time of the album's release:
| “ | I started to feel a sense of crisis after seeing what sort of sales [B'z The Best "Pleasure" and B'z The Best "Treasure"] had generated. That's why I think [the next album] Brotherhood went in a hard direction. | ” |
This also contributed to the title, with Tak stating the staff had worked so hard to promote the two compilation albums that the atmosphere was one of family and "Brotherhood". Regarding the meaning of the eventual title, Tak offered what it meant to him and previously noted that both members of the band came up with the title:
| “ | "Brotherhood" means the relationship between brothers or friends. I have been working with [Koshi] for eleven years already. Our relationship over the years is the real reason behind "Brotherhood" [as the title]: sometimes we're like brothers, sometimes like old friends who have known each other for more than ten years. We titled it "Brotherhood" to clearly express the relationship of B'z. | ” |
The album began what became known as the "full band" sound for this era of B'z music. The band also used the occasion to experiment with a new production method. For previous albums, all of the music and lyrics were prepared ahead of time. Here, Koshi suggested that they try writing in the studio as they recorded, because on previous efforts there would be times when songs written earlier would be half-forgotten by the time they decided to record.
Interestingly, because many of the songs were written in the studio, many provisional English versions were made for the album's songs. An English version of "girigiri chop" B-side "ONE" can be heard in The true meaning of "Brotherhood"?, which was a documentary that covered both the recording process and the ensuing LIVE-GYM tour, B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood".
Although the action-style cover art is mostly computer-generated, Koshi actually did climb onto a high apparatus for the source image to be taken. A composite was made from there, though the band went through several prospects before settling on the final cover. Two prospects showed the additional art included in the package of the two members with interlocked hands on the front instead.
Track listing
All music and guitar by Tak Matsumoto. All lyrics and lead vocals by Koshi Inaba.
- F・E・A・R
- File:a10 01.ogg Quickly reaching its status as a fan favorite, "F・E・A・R" is one of the band's hardest rock songs in their catalogue. The fierce guitar riff is paired with crowd-pleasing vocal sections in which fans are encouraged to repeat the "Yeah, yeah, yeah" refrain. It has been performed numerous times since its original release and was later voted onto B'z The Best "ULTRA Treasure" by fans in 2008. The reversion, titled "F・E・A・R (2008 Mix)", is a slight remix of the existing track. Additionally, the original version was used as the theme to Fuji TV's F1 Grand Prix 1999 & 2000 program.
- girigiri chop (Version 51) — on the edge chop, ギリギリchop
- File:a10 02.ogg An alternate version of the album's only single and titled "Version 51" because it was the fifth version the band came up with and was recorded in one take from there. Various differences persist between the single version and that of the one found here. Primarily, the bass and drums for the track are now performed by Mr. Big members Billy Sheehan and Pat Torpey, who also performed the version of the song live on Music Station with B'z as a collaboration. The melody is intensified in this version, with a shout of laughter added by Koshi just prior to the final chorus, along with numerous high-pitched shrills added in the track's final moments. Organized as a four-piece band composition, "girigiri chop" is one of the most enduring B'z rock songs. The unusual title was explained by Koshi as him merely wanting to convey the "destructive power" present in the hard tune of the song and that no deeper meaning was intended. As a high-energy rock song, "girigiri chop" has become one of the band's most-performed songs at their LIVE-GYMs. Typically, it has been included near the end of setlists at peak energy moments of shows. Home video performances can be seen on more than ten releases, including prominent showings during 2006's MONSTER'S GARAGE, 2008's GLORY DAYS, and 2013's ENDLESS SUMMER tours.
- Brotherhood
- File:a10 03.ogg As one of their most representative works and arguably their most popular album song, "Brotherhood" has withstood the test of time since its original 1999 release. Koshi wrote the lyrics thinking, "I made the theme as if there are friends that are connected even when far away." Recorded in Osaka, it was originally expected to be the final song on the album. In time, it became clear it was a special song, and thus it was moved to this position. Its popularity with fans has not waned either—for 2008's fan-selected B'z The Best "ULTRA Treasure", it was voted to first place immediately and retained that position throughout the voting period. The song was also performed on an April 2011 edition of Music Station during which it was performed with slightly altered lyrics to reflect the earthquake disaster that occurred weeks earlier. The change saw a portion changed from "me" to "us" to make the struggle everyone's instead of only specifically the protagonist of the song. Lastly, an English version of the song was premiered live during the United States and Canada tour B'z LIVE-GYM 2011 -long time no see-.
- Nagai Ai — Love Me Longer, ながい愛
- File:a10 04.ogg Although the song is a hard rock ballad, "Nagai Ai" actually begins with a strings section. The song was recored early in the sessions and was Tak's preferred choice for a single over "girigiri chop". It has remained popular both with the band and fans, having been performed at both B'z SHOWCASE 2007 -19- and as part of one-off show B'z Special LIVE at EX THEATER ROPPONGI. It was also voted to twenty-first place on B'z The Best "ULTRA Treasure" and included on the album.
- Yume no Youna Hibi — Those Dreamlike Days, 夢のような日々
- File:a10 05.ogg The most upbeat and lightest of all the album's tracks, "Yume no You na Hibi" features the full band performing chorus vocals together. The opening to the song is a half-minute clip of the band speaking and joking in the studio that was recorded in a clandestine fashion. Interestingly, Tak actually participates in the main vocals for the first time in the B'z catalogue. Prior to this, Tak had primarily only participated in chorus and backing vocals with regard to B'z works. Notably, he had released his first ever single on which he was lead vocalist just months earlier with "THE CHANGING". The song has never been performed live or collected elsewhere, though it was used as the Ending SE for B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood" later in the year.
- Gin no Tsubasa de Tobe — Fly on the Silver Wing, 銀の翼で翔べ
- File:a10 06.ogg As one of the more popular songs from the album, "Gin no Tsubasa de Tobe" has been played several times since its initial debut. While the band has opted to play it multiple times including as part of LIVE-GYM 2001 "ELEVEN" and SHOWCASE 2007 -19-, the song is one that Tak considers difficult to play on guitar. For the album version, Koshi also performs the harmonica section.
- Sono Te de Furete Goran — Touch With That Hand, その手で触れてごらん
- File:a10 07.ogg A brooding, darker rock song, "Sono Te de Furete Goran" was the first track to be completed for the album. It opens with a distorted guitar intro before picking up with drums and a full band sound. The lyrics directly mention Linda Yamamoto by her first name, and specifically contain a reference to her song "Dounimo Tomaranai" from 1972. The song has never been performed live or collected elsewhere.
- Nagare Yuku Hibi — Days Flowing Away, 流れゆく日々
- File:a10 08.ogg A dark, hard rock ballad, "Nagare Yuku Hibi" runs for nearly five full minutes but has minimal vocals. There is no refrain with four distinct verses used instead. Most notably, the song ends with a two minute guitar solo outro. Probably for this reason, the song has never been performed live, and also has never been collected elsewhere.
- SKIN
- File:a10 09.ogg In addition to the literal reference to one's flesh, the title "SKIN" in English is also understood to be a euphemism for prophylactics and this is reflected in the overtly sensual lyrical content. Following its appearance during B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood", the song was performed again for the first time in fourteen years as part of a one-off premium show titled B'z Special LIVE at EX THEATER ROPPONGI. The production process that follows the song's inception through its recording is recounted in documentary The true meaning of "Brotherhood"?.
- Ikasete Okure! — Let Me Go Now!, イカせておくれ!
- File:a10 10.ogg Along with the following song, the lyrics to "Ikasete Okure!" were written on a flight to Los Angeles. While not a fan favorite in and of itself, the song does exhibit the band's shift toward hard rock well. Its only live appearances came during the hall portion of the album tour, leaving it with no home video release.
- SHINE
- File:a10 11.ogg Opening with a Spanish-inspired Flamenco guitar intro, "SHINE" is the only song to be added late into B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood" and be featured on its resulting home video but not be performed again since. Capping off the album's "full band" approach, the interlude features Tak and Billy Sheehan exchanging guitar and bass solos, respectively, amidst an "Olé! Olé! Olé!" chant. The provisional title for the song was the romanized title "KIZUNA" (Bond) which still appears in the lyrics. This title was carried late into production, as the documentary The true meaning of "Brotherhood"? shows it still being used whilst the band decide the track order for the album.
Reversion history
Main article: B'z Reversioned Songs
| Original Song | Reversion History |
|---|---|
| F・E・A・R ALBUM SONG (1999)
|
REMIX: F・E・A・R -2008 Mix- (2008) |
| girigiri chop SINGLE & ALBUM SONG* (1999)
|
RE-RECORDING: girigiri chop (Version 51) (1999) |
| Brotherhood ALBUM SONG (1999)
|
ENGLISH: Brotherhood [LIVE ONLY] (2011) |
Live appearances
Live Performances
- F･E･A･R [78 SHOWS]
B'z LIVE-GYM '99 -Brotherhood- SHOWCASE "B'zepp" [1/1 SHOWS]- B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood" [24/24 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2003 "IT'S SHOWCASE!!" [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM The Final Pleasure "IT'S SHOWTIME!!" [18/23 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2003 "BANZAI IN NORTH AMERICA" [7/7 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2007 -19- [6/6 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2007 -B'z In Your Town- [5/7 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2013 -Pleasure75- [1/1 SHOWS]
- AEROSONIC [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2013 -ENDLESS SUMMER- [12/30 SHOWS]
- B'z Special LIVE at EX THEATER ROPPONGI [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2020 -5 ERAS 8820- [1/5 SHOWS]
- girigiri chop [218 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM '99 -Brotherhood- SHOWCASE "B'zepp" [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood" [24/24 SHOWS]
- B'z juice guerilla live [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2000 "juice" [21/21 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM in Taipei & Hong Kong 2001 [4/4 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE "Kobushi wo Nigire" [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2001 "ELEVEN" [46/46 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE "SAPPORO DEVIL" [1/1 SHOWS]
- 2002 FIFA World Cup International Day Concert [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2002 "GREEN ~GO★FIGHT★WIN~" [18/18 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2002 "Rock n' California Roll" [3/3 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2003 "BANZAI IN NORTH AMERICA" [7/7 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2003 "BIG MACHINE" [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2003 "BIG MACHINE" [12/12 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2006 "Yokosuka MONSTER" [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE" [9/17 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE in Namba 2006 [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2008 -GLORY DAYS- [6/6 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2011 -long time no see- [3/3 SHOWS]
- AEROSONIC [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2013 -ENDLESS SUMMER- [23/30 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2015 -Shimonoseki Uchouten NIGHT- [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2015 -EPIC NIGHT- [3/40 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2015 -Shinagawa Uchouten NIGHT- [1/1 SHOWS]
- TV Asahi Dream Festival 2015 [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2017 -Hissatsu Hiokinin- [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2017 -B'z In Your Town- [11/11 SHOWS]
- ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2017 [1/1 SHOWS]
- RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL 2017 in EZO [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2018 -The Wall Of Rock- [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2018 -HINOTORI- [11/23 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2020 -5 ERAS 8820- [1/5 SHOWS]
- Brotherhood [123 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM '99 -Brotherhood- SHOWCASE "B'zepp" [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood" [24/24 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2003 "IT'S SHOWCASE!!" [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM The Final Pleasure "IT'S SHOWTIME!!" [20/23 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2003 "BANZAI IN NORTH AMERICA" [7/7 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE" [11/17 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2008 -GLORY DAYS- [6/6 SHOWS]
- TV Asahi Dream Festival 2011 [1/1 SHOWS]
- Pepsi NEX presents B'z 1DAY LIVE [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2011 -C'mon- [26/26 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2018 -HINOTORI- [23/23 SHOWS]
- B'z PARTY Presents B'z Pleasure in Hawaii [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2020 -5 ERAS 8820- [1/5 SHOWS]
- Nagai Ai [44 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM '99 -Brotherhood- SHOWCASE "B'zepp" [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood" [24/24 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE "SAPPORO DEVIL" [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2002 "GREEN ~GO★FIGHT★WIN~" [3/18 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2007 -19- [6/6 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2007 -B'z In Your Town- [7/7 SHOWS]
- B'z Special LIVE at EX THEATER ROPPONGI [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2020 -5 ERAS 8820- [1/5 SHOWS]
- Yume no Youna Hibi
- Gin no Tsubasa de Tobe [93 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM '99 -Brotherhood- SHOWCASE "B'zepp" [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood" [24/24 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2001 "ELEVEN" [45/46 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM in Taipei & Hong Kong 2001 [4/4 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2002 "GREEN ~GO★FIGHT★WIN~" [2/18 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM 2002 "Rock n' California Roll" [3/3 SHOWS]
- B'z SHOWCASE 2007 -19- [6/6 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2013 -ENDLESS SUMMER- [8/30 SHOWS]
- Sono Te de Furete Goran
- Nagare Yuku Hibi
- SKIN [26 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM '99 -Brotherhood- SHOWCASE "B'zepp" [1/1 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood" [24/24 SHOWS]
- B'z Special LIVE at EX THEATER ROPPONGI [1/1 SHOWS]
- Ikasete Okure! [8 SHOWS]
- SHINE [12 SHOWS]
- B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood" [12/24 SHOWS]
Home Videos
- F.E.A.R
- girigiri chop
- LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood"
- LIVE-GYM 2002 "GREEN ~GO★FIGHT★WIN~"
- LIVE-GYM 2002 "Rock n' California Roll"
- LIVE-GYM 2003 "BANZAI IN NORTH AMERICA"
- LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE"
- LIVE in Namba 2006
- LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2008 -GLORY DAYS-
- LIVE-GYM 2011 -long time no see-
- LIVE-GYM 2001 -ELEVEN-
- LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2013 -ENDLESS SUMMER-
- LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2013 -ENDLESS SUMMER- (Hall Tour)
- DINOSAUR Limited Edition: ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2017
- LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2018 -HINOTORI-
- SHOWCASE 2020 -5 ERAS 8820-
- Brotherhood
- Nagai Ai
- Yume no Youna Hibi
- Gin no Tsubasa de Tobe
- Sono Te de Furete Goran
- Nagare Yuku Hibi
- SKIN
- Ikasete Okure!
- SHINE
Sales data
Main article: B'z Sales Records
| No. | Cover | Album | Physical Copies Sold | Chart Positions | Certification | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIRST WEEK | LIFETIME | WEEK | MONTH | YEAR | ||||
| 10 | 
|
Brotherhood |
1,019,270+ |
1,391,850+ |
1 |
— |
17 |
Million |
Personnel
B'z
- Tak Matsumoto: Guitar, Music Composition, Arrangement
- Koshi Inaba: Vocals, Lyric Composition, Arrangement, Harmonica (Track 6)
Support Members
- Kaichi Kurose: Drums (Tracks 1, 3-11)
- Pat Torpey: Drums (Track 2)
- Billy Sheehan: Bass (Tracks 2, 3, 8, 10, 11)
- Showtaro Mitsuzono: Bass (Tracks 1, 4-9)
- Akira Onozuka: Organ (Tracks 5, 8, 11)
- Shinozaki Strings: Strings (Tracks 4, 9)
- Shiro Sasaki: Trumpet (Track 6)
- Hiroshi Sawano: Trumpet (Track 6)
- Hideaki Nakaji: Trombone (Track 6)
- Kazuki Katsuta: Saxophone (Track 6)
- Satoru Suzuki: Manipulator
Production
- Daisuke Ikeda: Strings Arrangement, Brass (Tracks 4, 6, 9)