"S.O.S." (S.O.S. (エスオーエス), Esu Ō Esu) is a song Yū Aku and Shunichi Tokura wrote for Japanese idol duo Pink Lady. It was released as the group's second single in November 1976, and became their first number-one hit on the Japanese Oricon singles chart in the following year.[1]
"S.O.S." features Morse code which stands for the song title at the opening of the song. Because its sound effect might be mistaken for genuine Morse code, the intro of the track was omitted occasionally during radio airplay. The song has been one of favorites for both the duo and the fans, and it is also one of the essential songs performed in their concerts.
Reception
Led by commercial success of its predecessor "Pepper Keibu" which reached the number-4 on the Japanese Oricon chart, "S.O.S" climbed the top of the country's hit parade three months after its release. The single remained on the chart for 38 weeks, selling approximately 650,000 copies.[2] According to the record label Victor, "S.O.S." has sold in excess of 1.2 million units to date.
According to Oricon it was the eighth best selling single from 1977.[3]
A re-recorded version of the song was included on the two-disc greatest hits release, INNOVATION, released in December 2010.
Track listing (7" vinyl)
All lyrics are written by Yū Aku; all music is composed and arranged by Shunichi Tokura.
No.
Title
Length
1.
"S.O.S."
2:45
2.
"Pink no Ringo" (Pinku no Ringo (ピンクの林檎, "Pink Apple"))
American power pop band Jellyfish covered the song in two live performances on their 1993 Spilt Milk tour, which is part of their 2002 boxed set Fan Club. It was also included in the 2015 reissue of their 1993 album Spilt Milk.
Girl group MAX covered the song for the 1997 Yū Aku tribute album VELFARRE J-POP NIGHT presents DANCE with YOU.
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