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Face My Fears

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"Face My Fears"
Single by Hikaru Utada and Skrillex
from the album Bad Mode
Language
  • English
  • Japanese
ReleasedJanuary 18, 2019
Recorded2017–2018
Genre
Length3:42
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Skrillex
  • Poo Bear
  • Utada
Hikaru Utada singles chronology
"Chikai"
(2018) 		"Face My Fears"
(2019) 		"Time"
(2020)
Skrillex singles chronology
"Agen Wida"
(2018) 		"Face My Fears"
(2019) 		"Warlordz"
(2019)

"Face My Fears" is a song by Japanese-American singer Hikaru Utada and American DJ Skrillex. It was released on various formats by Epic and Sony Music Japan on January 18, 2019, and serves as the lead single from Utada's eleventh studio album, Bad Mode (2022). It was recorded in both English and Japanese and serves as the theme song for Square Enix's 2019 action role-playing game Kingdom Hearts III. After being approached by Square Enix to work on the video game, Utada asked Skrillex to remix "Don't Think Twice" for the game, but later decided to collaborate and create a new song as well.

The song was written, composed, and produced by Utada, Skrillex, and Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd. Written in the same key as Utada's single "Sanctuary" (2006) and the song "Dearly Beloved" from the Kingdom Hearts video game series, "Face My Fears" is an electronic dance number with elements of future bass, featuring varying tempos and structure changes. The song's lyrics are about taking risks in life and confronting one's own fears. Furthermore, "Face My Fears" was packaged as an extended play, and featured the English and Japanese B-side song "Don't Think Twice", both of which appear in the same video game.

Many music critics praised "Face My Fears" for its sound, production quality, and faithfulness to the video game. Commercially, it performed moderately in Japan, reaching number six on the Oricon Singles Chart and number three on the Japan Hot 100. Additionally, it charted in France, New Zealand, Scotland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, marking Utada's first success outside of Japan. To promote the single, a music video featuring Kingdom Hearts III visuals was uploaded to YouTube.

Background and development

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In early 2018, Utada announced that she was collaborating with Square Enix to create a theme song for the third Kingdom Hearts game.[1] She revealed the song "Chikai," which was translated into English for the game's international audience and titled "Don't Think Twice."[1] It marks Utada's third collaboration with Square Enix and the video game franchise, following "Simple & Clean" and "Sanctuary" for the first and second instalments.[2] "Chikai" was released on January 27, 2018, as the sixth single from Utada's tenth studio album, Hatsukoi (2018).[3]

In September, Utada confirmed she was collaborating with American DJ Skrillex and producer Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, and would work together on a single called "Face My Fears".[4] Square Enix later revealed that it would be the opening theme song for Kingdom Hearts III, Utada's fourth inclusion to the series.[5] Utada and Skrillex first met in 2012 at the German metal concert Rock am Ring and Rock im Park.[6] Four years later, Utada approached Skrillex about remixing "Don't Think Twice," which would be featured in the video game. However, he preferred the original version because it "didn’t feel like that jazzy melody lent toward a dance remix."[6]

Skrillex approached Utada in 2017 while they were in London to collaborate on a project with Poo Bear.[6] They decided to work on new material "just for fun" after the remix of "Don't Think Twice" fell through, and wrote "Face My Fears" in one hour.[6] The song was written in the same key as Utada's single "Passion" (2006) and the composition "Dearly Beloved," which is used throughout the video game series.[7] Masahito Komori helped to record both the Japanese and English versions at Metropolis Studios in London, England.[8] Skrillex and Tom Morris mixed the songs, while Bob Ludwig mastered them at Gateway Mastering Studios.[8]

Composition

[edit]
American DJ Skrillex serves as a collaborative artist to "Face My Fears".

"Face My Fears" is a musical departure from Utada's previous Kingdom Hearts contributions, shifting from a mid-tempo pop sound to more emotional EDM-infused music with elements of future bass.[a] The song starts with a piano melody and Utada singing the lyrics, "Breath, should I take a deep?" The lyrics and chorus were cited as early examples of self-empowerment themes.[6][13] The pre-chorus changes tempo, and Utada repeats the song's title several times, accompanied by synths and electronic music.[6] The song's drop incorporates brostep and further future bass elements, noted in Skrillex's individual music, and "reflect the pace of the adventures depicted in the game, expressed through a contemporary style infused with elements of the current post-EDM trend."[6]

Many critics also noted the song's varied structure, with PopMatters writer Peter Piatkowski describing it as a "skittery, EDM-styled ballad."[10] Piakowski also stated that the song's composition, production, songwriting, and Utada's vocals were "shredded, mutilated, and processed to melt with the rest of the busy production."[10] Nick Yopko of EDM.com described the track as a "love letter to a series both artists have held near and dear to their hearts."[11] Bradly Stern of MuuMuse thought its "mainstream EDM festival-friendly" sound was a musical departure from Utada's previous two albums, Fantôme (2016) and Hatsukoi, which Stern described as "somber."[12] Mick Jacobs of Spectrum Culture compared the sound to Jack Ü, a collaboration between Skrillex and American producer Diplo.[13]

Release and promotion

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"Face My Fears" was first revealed in October 2018, with previews of both the song and "Don't Think Twice" appearing in trailers for Kingdom Hearts III.[15] On January 18, 2019, Epic and Sony Music Japan released it in a variety of formats, and serves as the lead single from Utada's eleventh studio album, Bad Mode (2022).[8] The bonus editions of the album also included an A.G. Cook remix.[16] The Japanese version was released seven days before the game's release, and on February 1, Skrillex posted a music video to his YouTube channel that included a montage and trailer of various Kingdom Hearts III scenes.[17][18] Additionally, the song was packaged as an extended play titled Face My Fears, featuring both the Japanese and English versions of "Face My Fears" and "Don't Look Twice", and was collectively produced by Utada and long-time collaborators, Akira Miyake and Utada's father Teruzane.[8][19] In March, a vinyl format was released in Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.[20] A live recording of the English version was uploaded to Utada's YouTube channel.[21]

Critical reception

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"Face My Fears" received positive reviews from music critics and Kingdom Hearts fans.[6] The song was praised by Billboard, who said it "contains universal qualities of how game music ought to be while also embracing a modern sound and beat design, and hit producer Poo Bear's prowess presumably contributed to the achievement of this fine balance."[9] Mike Salbato of RPGFan described it as "upbeat" and "energetic," adding, "It's a fun song that I quickly warmed to, and once I saw it accompanying game footage, I was even further convinced."[14] Mick Jacobs of Spectrum Culture praised the song's sound and overall production, writing: "'Face My Fears' may not bring much new to the table, but it does signify the staying power of a J-pop icon."[13]

According to Bradley Stern of MuuMuse, the song "feels fresh for all parties involved" and highlights Utada's "signature vulnerability and bravery".[12] EDM.com writer Nick Yopko described it as a "uplifting future bass anthem fully encapsulates the epic, adventurous nature of the game it accompanies," while Rolling Stone editor said it "builds from a simple piano ballad to a dizzying EDM chorus filled with heavy programming and vocal processing."[11][22] Peter Piatkowski of PopMatters was slightly critical of its structure and production, calling it "jerky" but "catchy".[10] Sputnikmusic, on the other hand, was critical of its inclusion in Bad Mode, claiming that its overall structure did not fit with the rest of the album's content.[23]

Commercial performance

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"Face My Fears" was a modest commercial success in Japan. The physical format debuted at number two on the Oricon Daily Singles chart.[24] It later reached number six on the Oricon Singles Chart, selling 12,732 units in its first week, Utada's lowest peak in the country.[25] Across all formats, it moved 33,462 single-equivalent units.[26] It spent 15 weeks on the chart and sold over 31,000 physical units in the country, making it one of Utada's least successful singles in the region.[27] Furthermore, the Japanese version debuted at number six on the Oricon Digital Singles Chart, with 14,686 downloads.[28] "Face My Fears" also reached number three on the Japan Hot 100, number 52 on the France Download chart, number 24 on the New Zealand Hot Singles Chart, number 31 on their Scottish Singles Chart, and number 30 on the UK Singles Download Chart.[b]

In the United States, the English version debuted at number 98 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Utada's first entry on the chart.[34] Additionally, it peaked at number 9 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, number 18 on the Digital Songs chart, and topped the World Digital Songs chart.[35][36][37] In its first week, it sold 10,000 downloads and generated 2.5 million streams in the United States.[9] It's also Utada's first appearance on a Billboard chart since 2009, when "Dirty Desire" peaked at number 16 on the Dance Club Songs chart.[38] By the end of the year, "Face My Fears" was ranked 49th on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and sixth on the World Digital Songs chart.[39][40]

Track listing

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Japanese release[c]
No.TitleLength
1."Face My Fears" (Japanese version)3:42
2."Chikai"4:34
3."Face My Fears" (English version)3:42
4."Don't Think Twice"4:34
International release[d]
No.TitleLength
1."Face My Fears" (English version)3:42
2."Don't Think Twice"4:34
3."Face My Fears" (Japanese version)3:42
4."Chikai"4:34

Credits and personnel

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Credits adapted from the liner notes of the Face My Fears EP.[8]

Locations

  • Recorded at Metropolis Studios in London; mastered at Gateway Mastering Studios.

Personnel

  • Hikaru Utada - vocals, background vocals, arranger, composer, producer, programmer, songwriter
  • Skrillex - featuring artist, composer, mixing, producer, programmer, songwriter
  • Chris Dave - drums
  • Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd - arranger, composer, songwriter, producer
  • Jodi Milliner - bass
  • Reuben James - piano
  • Steve Fitzmaurice - recording engineer
  • Masahito Komori - vocal engineer
  • Tom Norris - mixing engineer, programmer
  • Bob Ludwig - mastering engineer (all tracks)

Charts

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Release history

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"Face My Fears" release history
Region Date Format Label Ref(s).
Various January 19, 2018
[41][42][43]
Japan CD single [8]
Taiwan
  • Epic
  • Sony Music
 [44]
Japan March 6, 2019 Vinyl Epic Japan [20]
United Kingdom 29 March 2019
[20]
United States [20]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ [6][9][10][11][12][13][14]
  2. ^ [29][30][31][32][33]
  3. ^ The track listing for the Japanese/Taiwanese release are used on physical and digital formats, referenced here:[8][41]
  4. ^ The track listing for the International release are used on physical and digital formats, referenced here:[20][42][43]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "新曲『誓い』（ゲームソフト「KINGDOM HEARTS III（キングダム ハーツ3）」テーマソング）を発表！ゲーム最新トレーラーが全世界に向け本日より公開！" (in Japanese). Hikaru Utada's official site (utadahikaru.jp). February 10, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  2. ^ "7枚目のオリジナルアルバム「初恋」収録曲『誓い』がテーマソングの「キングダム ハーツ」シリーズの最新作、「KINGDOM HEARTS III（キングダム ハーツ3）」の発売日が決定！最新トレーラーも公開！" (in Japanese). Hikaru Utada's official site (utadahikaru.jp). June 12, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  3. ^ "Chikai – Song by Hikaru Utada". Apple Music. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  4. ^ "ゲームソフト『KINGDOM HEARTS III』オープニングテーマ『Face My Fears』をSkrillexと共に制作！ 2019年1月18日にシングル発売決定！" (in Japanese). Hikaru Utada's official site (utadahikaru.jp). September 28, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  5. ^ "Skrillexと共に制作されたゲームソフト『KINGDOM HEARTS III』オープニングテーマ『Face My Fears』も含むシングルCD 2019年1月18日に発売！本日より予約スタート！" (in Japanese). Hikaru Utada's official site (utadahikaru.jp). October 26, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i Russell, Erica (January 31, 2019). "Skrillex on His 'Kingdom Hearts III' Theme 'Face My Fears' With Utada Hikaru: 'I Think I Did It Justice'". Billboard. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  7. ^ "Skrillex on X: "Also I wrote that chords for face my fears in the same key as Passion as well , good for live mashups !"". X. January 22, 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g Utada, Hikaru (2019). Face My Fears (CD: liner notes). Japan: Epic, Sony Music Japan. ESCL 5150.
  9. ^ a b c "How Hikaru Utada & Skrillex's 'Face My Fears' Became a Billboard Hot 100 Hit". Billboard. March 1, 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  10. ^ a b c d Piatkowski, Peter (January 27, 2019). "Hikaru Utada: Bad Mode (Album Review)". PopMatters. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  11. ^ a b c Yopko, Nick (January 18, 2019). "Skrillex & Hikaru Utada Release their Kingdom Hearts II Theme "Face My Fears"". EDM.com. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  12. ^ a b c Stern, Bradley (January 2019). "'Face My Fears': Hikaru Utada & Skrillex Lead Us Into the Future (Bass)". MuuMuse. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  13. ^ a b c d Jacobs, Mick (February 4, 2019). "Hikaru Utada: Face My Fears EP". Spectrum Culture. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  14. ^ a b Salbato, Mike (January 25, 2019). "Face My Fears / Hikaru Utada". RPGFan.com. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  15. ^ Reed, Ryan (December 10, 2018). "Hear Skrillex, Utada Hikaru's Dizzying Preview of New Song 'Face My Fears'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  16. ^ "Bad Mode 22.01.19 on sale". Sony Music Japan. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  17. ^ "Kingdom Hearts III (Japanese・English Version), the Official Sequel to Disney and Square Enix's Kingdom Hearts Series, and PlayStation®4 Pro Kingdom Hearts III Limited Edition Confirmed to Be Released Additionally, Kingdom Hearts III (Chinese subtitle Version) Localiation Confirmed!" (Press release). Hong Kong: Sony Interactive Entertainment. November 22, 2018. Archived from the original on November 27, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  18. ^ "Hikaru Utada & Skrillex - Face My Fears [Official Video]". YouTube. February 1, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  19. ^ "Available Today For Digital Pre-Order Face My Fears EP From J-Pop Star Hikaru Utada". Sony Music. December 10, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  20. ^ a b c d e Vinyl formats listed below:
  21. ^ "宇多田ヒカル『Face My Fears (English Version)』Live ver". YouTube. January 20, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  22. ^ Legaspi, Althea (January 31, 2019). "Skrillex, Hikaru Utada Take a Nostalgic, Animated Trip in 'Face My Fears' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  23. ^ "Review: Hikaru Utada – Bad Mode". Sputnikmusic. January 23, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  24. ^ "デイリー　シングルランキング 2019年01月17日付" (in Japanese). Oricon. January 17, 2019. Archived from the original on January 20, 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  25. ^ a b "週間 シングルランキング 2019年01月28日付" (in Japanese). Oricon. January 28, 2019. Archived from the original on January 23, 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  26. ^ "週間　合算シングルランキング 2019年01月28日付" (in Japanese). Oricon. January 28, 2019. Archived from the original on January 24, 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  27. ^ "Face My Fears - Hikaru Utada" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  28. ^ "週間　デジタルシングル（単曲）ランキング 2019年01月28日付" (in Japanese). Oricon. January 28, 2019. Archived from the original on January 24, 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  29. ^ a b "Billboard Japan Hot 100". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Japan. February 4, 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  30. ^ a b "Le Top de la semaine: Top Singles Téléchargés (Week 4, 2019)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. January 25, 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  31. ^ a b "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. January 28, 2019. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  32. ^ a b "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 26, 2019.
  33. ^ a b "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  34. ^ a b "Hikaru Utada Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  35. ^ a b "Hikaru Utada Chart History (Hot Dance/Electronic Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
  36. ^ "Digital Song Sales". Billboard. February 2, 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  37. ^ a b "World Digital Songs Sales". Billboard. February 2, 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  38. ^ "Dance Club Songs". Billboard. January 10, 2010. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  39. ^ a b "Year-End Charts - Hot Dance/Electronic Songs". Billboard. 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  40. ^ a b "Year-End Charts - World Digital Song Sales". Billboard. 2019. Archived from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  41. ^ a b "Face My Fears – EP by Hikaru Utada" (in Japanese). Japan: Apple Music. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  42. ^ a b "Face My Fears – EP by Hikaru Utada". United States: Apple Music. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  43. ^ a b "Face My Fears - EP by Hikaru Utada". Spotify. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  44. ^ Utada, Hikaru (2019). Face My Fears (CD: liner notes). Taiwan: Epic Records, Sony Music. 19075933152.
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