"Better" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Twice. It is the group's seventh Japanese maxi single, featuring three other tracks. It was pre-released for digital download and streaming on November 11, 2020, by Warner Music Japan as the second single from their third Japanese studio album, Perfect World. The single and its B-side, "Scorpion", were physically released on November 18 in Japan.
Background and release
On September 23, 2020—a week after Twice released their third Japanese compilation album, #Twice3—the group announced the release of their seventh Japanese single titled "Better", along with several teaser images for the new track.[1][2][3] It marked the group's first Japanese single since "Fanfare" (2020).[2][4] The song was composed by Eunsol and Lauren Kaori, with lyrics written by the latter and Mio Jorakuji. According to JYP Entertainment, the song was "produced with the yearning of Twice members to be able to meet with fans around the world in person".[3]
"Better" was released for digital download and streaming in various countries on November 11 by Warner Music Japan.[5][6][7] The single includes the B-side track "Scorpion", and instrumentals of both "Better" and "Scorpion".[8] The accompanying music video was released simultaneously with the single's release.[9][10] The song was made available as a CD single in Japan on November 18 in four versions: Standard Edition, First Press Limited Edition A, First Press Limited Edition B, and Fan Club Edition (Once Japan Limited Edition).[1][11][2][12] The Standard Edition contains the CD with a trading card.[13] First Press Limited Edition A contains the CD single, a lyric-book of the members, a trading card, and a DVD containing the making of the music video of "Better" and the making of album jacket photos. First Press Limited Edition B contains the CD, a trading card, a jacket design, and an original photo sticker sheet. The Once Japan version contains the CD, two trading cards, and a 3x3 folded poster.[1][14][15][16]
Promotion
Twice performed "Better" for the first time on TV Asahi's Music Station on November 13, 2020.[17][18] On November 18, the group performed the song at a special showcase to commemorate the single's release, which was broadcast live through YouTube.[19] A dance practice video was also released the same day, featuring the group practicing their choreography.[20]
Commercial performance
The CD single debuted at number two on the daily ranking of Oricon Singles Chart with 54,152 units sold on its release day.[21] It also ranked number two on the weekly Oricon Singles Chart with 83,764 copies sold.[22] It also debuted at number three on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, recording 93,548 unit sales on November 16–22, 2020.[23]
^ abcTWICEの日本7枚目シングルは「BETTER」、ジャケット4種公開 [TWICE's 7th single in Japan is "BETTER", 4 types of jackets released]. Natalie (in Japanese). September 23, 2020. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
^ abcJeon, Hyo-jin (September 23, 2020). 트와이스, 11월 18일 日 싱글 7집 ‘BETTER’ 발표 [Twice announces 7th single album 'BETTER' on November 18th]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
^会えなくてもつながってる、TWICEが9人一体のパフォーマンス [TWICE's performance of 9 people who are connected even if they can't meet]. Natalie (in Japanese). November 11, 2020. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
^ abTWICE、日本7thシングル「BETTER」リリース決定 [TWICE to release Japan's 7th single "BETTER"] (in Japanese). BARKS Japan Music Network. September 23, 2020. Archived from the original on October 9, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
^TWICE｜日本7枚目シングル『BETTER』｜先着でタワレコ特典クリアトレカ付き [TWICE ｜ Japan's 7th single "BETTER" ｜ First-come-first-served basis with Tower Records bonus clear trading cards] (in Japanese). Tower Records. September 23, 2020. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
^TWICE、「BETTER」MV公開。“いつも一緒”の思いを込めたパフォーマンス披露 [TWICE, "BETTER" MV released. Performance performance with the feeling of "always together"] (in Japanese). BARKS Japan Music Network. November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
^Ji, Min-kyung (November 11, 2020). 트와이스, 日 '엠스테'서 새 싱글 'BETTER' 무대 최초 공개 [Twice unveiled its new single 'BETTER' for the first time in Japan's 'Music Station']. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2020 – via Naver.
^次回「Mステ」にSixTONES、TWICE、福山雅治、milet、ラストアイドル、和楽器バンド [SixTONES, TWICE, Masaharu Fukuyama, milet, Last Idol, Wagakki Band for the next "Music Station"]. Natalie (in Japanese). November 11, 2020. Archived from the original on November 6, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
^TWICE「BETTER」MV解禁 スペシャルショーケース生配信も決定 [TWICE "BETTER" MV lifted special showcase live distribution also decided]. Model Press (in Japanese). November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
