Crystal (Double album) explained

Crystal
Cover:Crystal (Double album).jpg
Border:yes
Type:studio
Artist:Double
Recorded:1998–1999
Genre:J-pop, R&B
Label:For Life Music Entertainment
Next Title:Double
Next Year:2000

Crystal is the debut album by Japanese sister duo Double, released on June 2, 1999 by For Life Music Entertainment.[1] The first press edition of the album came with the CD case with a clear background, and a back insert with the duo posing with the track names on the left side. Inside the case comes with a photobook with different pages consisting of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and pink spelling Double letter by letter. The RIAJ has certified it 2× platinum, recognizing over 600,000+ shipments throughout Japan.[2] On the Oricon charts, the album's peak position was number two.

History

Double had previously released two singles without much success. Their debut single, "For Me" was a commercial failure, and their follow-up single, "Desire" failed to make a big impression with sales.

Their third single "Bed" gained some recognition in Japan and their fourth single "Shake" was their first successful single selling over 100,000 copies, becoming the only single to sell more than 100,000 copies. It would be their final single as a sister duo before Sachiko's death two months after the single's release.

On May 21, 1999, Sachiko suddenly passed away from a subarachnoid hemorrhage at the age of 25 just two weeks before their debut albumwas released. Takako was devastated by the loss of her sister and took a break from her music career.

Personnel

Production

Charts

Oricon Sales Chart (Japan)
ReleaseChartPeak positionSales total
June 2, 1999Oricon Daily Albums Chart2
Oricon Weekly Albums Chart2636,440

Notes and References

  1. https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/6606/products/115430/1/ Crystal detail page @ Oricon
  2. http://www.riaj.or.jp/e/ RIAJ Official Site