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Deadlock (EP)
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| Deadlock | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Digital cover | ||||
| EP by | ||||
| Released | April 26, 2023 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 23:00 | |||
| Language | Korean | |||
| Label | ||||
| Xdinary Heroes chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Deadlock | ||||
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Deadlock is the third extended play by South Korean rock band Xdinary Heroes. It was released by Studio J and JYP Entertainment on April 26, 2023. The extended play features seven original tracks, including the lead single "Freakin' Bad".
Background and release
[edit]On March 6, 2023, the band announced that they plan to release a new album on April.[2] On March 31, Xdinary Heroes announced an album showcase for their upcoming album.[3] On April 7, the band announced their third EP, Deadlock set to be released on April 26.[4] On April 8, the promotional schedule for the EP was released.[5] The EP's tracklist was released on April 9.[6] On April 10, a live instrumental sampler video and a lyric spoiler was released.[7] On April 11–16, teaser images for the EP were released.[8] Visual samplers were released on April 17 and 18.[9][10] Two music video teasers for the lead single "Freakin' Bad" were released by JYP on April 20 and 21.[11] The EP's highlight film sampler were released on April 23.[12] The EP alongside the music video for "Freakin' Bad" was released on the 26th.[5]
Composition
[edit]Deadlock consists of seven original tracks written and composed by the band.[1] According to Gaon, the EP's title was derived from the computer term "deadlock." The overall theme of the EP is "the chaos that someone experiences as the inner good and evil reach a stalemate that cannot be yielded to each other."[13]
The first track, "Come Into My Head", is a song that incorporates the genres of EDM and hip hop.[14] The second track and the lead single, "Freakin' Bad", features 808 bass with lyrics that captures "the many worries between hero and villain" and "the message to get out of the world that separates good from evil."[15] The third track, "Bicycle", is an alternative rock song.[16] "Checkmate" talks on "how to get through a situation where you can neither move forward nor back down."[16] The fifth track, "Good Enough" was written by the band's leader, Gunil, and Young K of Day6.[17] "Good Enough" is the band's first official English song.[12] "Man in the Box" is a song with lyrics about people who chose to "live in their own world," eventually turning into "monsters."[14] The last track, "Dear H.", is a pop ballad song with lyrics about "the painful feelings caused by wounds that people find difficult share with others."[18]
Promotion
[edit]On April 22 and 23, the band held a showcase for their new EP as the start of their promotions for Deadlock.[19]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Arrangement | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Come Into My Head" |
|
| Lee Hae-sol | 3:14 |
| 2. | "Freakin' Bad" |
|
|
| 3:03 |
| 3. | "Bicycle" |
|
|
| 3:10 |
| 4. | "Checkmate" |
|
| Selah | 3:27 |
| 5. | "Good Enough" |
|
|
| 3:57 |
| 6. | "Man in the Box" |
|
| Lee Hae-sol | 3:09 |
| 7. | "Dear H." |
|
| Kevin Oppa (Solcire) | 2:57 |
| Total length: | 23:00 | ||||
Credits and personnel
[edit]Studios
- JYPE Studios — recording (tracks 1–6), digital editing (tracks 1, 4, 5, 6), mixing (tracks 2, 3, 5, 7)
- Solcire Studio — recording (tracks 2, 3, 7), digital editing (tracks 2, 3, 7)
- Quincy Jones — recording (tracks 1, 5, 6,)
- Studio-T — recording (track 5)
- Glab Studios — mixing (tracks 1, 4, 6)
- 821 Sound Mastering — mastering (tracks 1, 3–7)
- Sterling Sound — mastering (track 2)
Personnel
|
|
Charts
[edit]Sales
[edit]| Region | Sales |
|---|---|
| South Korea[23] | 131,871 |
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | April 26, 2023 | CD | |
| Various |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Kim, Y. (April 23, 2023). "'컴백 D-3' 엑스디너리 히어로즈, 새 앨범 하이라이트 필름 샘플러…Z세대 록 에너지" ['Comeback D-3' Exdinary Heroes, new album highlight film sampler... Gen Z rock energy]. Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
- ^ Hwang, H. (March 30, 2023). "엑스디너리 히어로즈, 4월 새 앨범 발매→팬 쇼케이스 개최 '열일'" [Xdinary Heroes to release a new album in April → Fan Showcase 'Working Hard']. Naver (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
- ^ Ji, M. (March 30, 2023). "JYP 밴드 엑스디너리 히어로즈, 공식 팬클럽 1기 모집 영상 오픈..훈훈 선배미" [JYP band Xdinary Heroes, official fan club 1st recruitment video open...]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
- ^ Jeong, H. (April 7, 2023). "엑스디너리 히어로즈, 미니 3집 '데드록' 티저 공개..26일 컴백" [Xdinary Heroes, 3rd mini album 'Deadlock' teaser released...come back on the 26th]. Naver (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
- ^ a b Lee, S. (April 8, 2023). "JYP Xdinary Heroes가 신문 1면에? 컴백 스케줄러 오픈" [JYP's Xdinary Heroes on the front page of the newspaper? Comeback scheduler released]. Naver (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 8, 2023. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ^ Kim, Y. (April 9, 2023). "JYP 신예 밴드 엑스디너리 히어로즈, 26일 신보 '데드록' 발매" [JYP's rookie band Xdinary Heroes releases new album 'Deadlock' on the 26th]. Asia Today (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 9, 2023. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
- ^ Yoon, S. (April 10, 2023). "엑스디너리 히어로즈, 컴백 신곡 'Freakin' Bad' 리릭 스포일러" [Xdinary Heroes, comeback new song 'Freakin' Bad' lyric spoiler]. Single List (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
- ^ Koh, S. (April 8, 2023). "엑스디너리 히어로즈, 26일 컴백…미니 3집 스케줄러 공개" [Xdinary Heroes, comeback on the 26th... 3rd mini album scheduler released]. News1 (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- ^ Lee, S. (April 17, 2023). "JYP 엑디즈 주연·준한·오드, 물음표 카드 정체는? 비주얼 샘플러 공개" [Jooyeon, Junhan, O.de of JYP XDZ, what is the question mark card? Revealing the visual sampler]. Naver (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- ^ Kim, N. (April 18, 2023). "엑스디너리 히어로즈 가온·정수·건일, 비장한 컴백 비주얼" [Xdinary Heroes's Gaon, Jungsu, Gunil, a treasured comeback visual]. Naver (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- ^ Jung, J. (April 24, 2023). "엑스디너리 히어로즈, 풀 밴드 에너지 폭발…'Freakin' Bad' 티저 공개" [Xdinary Heroes, Full Band Energy Explosion... 'Freakin' Bad' teaser released]. Joy News 24 (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 29, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
- ^ a b Yoon, J. (April 24, 2023). "JYP 밴드 엑스디너리 히어로즈, '미발매 신곡 선공개' 컴백 스페셜 라이브 성료" [JYP band Xdinary Heroes successfully completed their comeback special live with 'pre-release new songs']. Ten Asia (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
- ^ Jung, J. (April 26, 2023). "[오늘컴백] 엑스디너리 히어로즈 "히어로↔빌런 편견 깨뜨릴 앨범"" [[Today's Comeback] Xdinary Heroes "An album that will break the hero↔villain prejudice"]. Joy News 24 (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
- ^ a b Jung, G. (April 23, 2023). "엑스디너리 히어로즈, 'Z세대 록 에너지'란 이런 것" [Xdinary Heroes, ‘Generation Z rock energy’]. Sports World (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
- ^ Cho, Y. (April 25, 2023). "'JYP밴드' 엑스디너리 히어로즈 "'빌보드 핫 100' 차트인 목표" [일문일답]" ['JYP Band' Xdinary Heroes "The goal to be on the 'Billboard Hot 100' chart" [Q&A]]. Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
- ^ a b Kim, Y. (April 23, 2023). "'JYP 신예 밴드' 엑스디너리 히어로즈, 신보 '데드록' 하이라이트 공개" ['JYP Rookie Band' Xdinary Heroes Reveals Highlights of New Album 'Deadlock']. Asia Today (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 24, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
- ^ Hwang, H. (April 10, 2023). "'내일 전역' 데이식스 영케이, 엑스디너리 히어로즈 신곡 작사[공식]" ["Tomorrow's Discharge" DAY6 Young K wrote the lyrics for a new song by Xdinary Heroes. [Official]]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
- ^ Park, S. (April 27, 2023). "'컴백' 엑스디너리 히어로즈 "이번 목표는 '빌보드 핫100' 진출" [스타@스타일]" [‘Comeback’ Exdinary Heroes “This goal is to enter the ‘Billboard Hot 100’” [Star@Style]]. Naver (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 29, 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
- ^ Yoon, S. (April 10, 2023). "엑스디너리 히어로즈, 26일 미니 3집 '데드록' 발매" [Xdinary Heroes, 3rd mini album 'Deadlock' released on the 26th]. Star Today (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
- ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2023. 22. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
- ^ "Circle Album Chart – Week 17, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 5, 2023. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
- ^ "Circle Album Chart – April 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
- ^ Accumulated sales for Deadlock:
- "Circle Album Chart – First Half, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved July 8, 2023.
Deadlock (EP)
View on GrokipediaBackground and release
Background
JYP Entertainment announced on April 9, 2023, that Xdinary Heroes would release their third mini-album, titled Deadlock.[6] This followed the band's second mini-album, Overload, which had been released on November 11, 2022, and marked a continuation of their discography under JYP's sub-label Studio J, preceding their fourth mini-album Livelock on October 11, 2023.[7][8] The concept for Deadlock drew inspiration from the computer programming term "deadlock," which describes a situation where two or more processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for the other to release a resource, leading to a standstill.[9] This metaphor represented the band's exploration of internal conflicts, particularly the tension between good and evil, as members grappled with questions of self-identity and societal standards that create personal stalemates.[9] In developing the EP, Xdinary Heroes emphasized self-production to highlight their rock band identity. All six members actively contributed to writing lyrics, composing music, and recording tracks, aiming to infuse the project with authenticity and a rebellious spirit that broke free from conventional constraints.[9] This hands-on approach under Studio J allowed them to deepen their musical expression following the foundational work established in Overload.[9]Release
Deadlock was released on April 26, 2023, through Studio J and JYP Entertainment.[6] The EP was distributed in digital download and streaming formats worldwide, alongside physical CD editions available primarily in South Korea.[10] The physical releases feature a CD and an 88-page photobook, offered in two distinct versions to provide collectors with varied artwork and content layouts.[11] Digital versions became available simultaneously on international platforms including Spotify and Apple Music, as well as domestic Korean services such as Melon and Genie.[12] This release marked the group's third mini album, featuring the lead single "Freakin' Bad" as its title track.[6] No vinyl editions were produced for the EP.[11]Composition
Musical style
Deadlock exemplifies a predominant rock genre infused with alternative and hard rock elements, characterized by heavy guitar riffs, dynamic drumming, and subtle electronic accents such as keyboards and synths that add layers of texture to the band's sound. This blend creates an energetic and modern K-rock aesthetic, drawing from 80s and 90s rock influences while incorporating hip-hop rhythms and EDM undertones for a contemporary edge.[13][14][15] The EP's production style underscores the band's self-composed approach, with all seven tracks written and composed by the members themselves, allowing them to highlight their instrumental prowess as a six-member rock group. This hands-on involvement results in bold, dramatic arrangements that emphasize live-band dynamics, including distorted guitars, prominent bass lines, and consistent percussion that drive the momentum across the release.[16][17] Sonically, Deadlock features aggressive verses that build tension through intense instrumentation, culminating in anthemic choruses designed for broad appeal, seamlessly blending K-rock's raw energy with pop sensibilities. Tracks showcase varied structures, from chaotic rock bangers with feverish raps to more restrained ballads supported by minimalistic elements, fostering a psychedelic and experimental vibe.[14][15][13] In comparison to the band's debut EP Hello, World! (2022), Deadlock marks an evolution in intensity, shifting from gritty rebellion to a more introspective and boundary-pushing sound while retaining core rock foundations and introducing greater diversity in subgenres. This progression reflects the group's growing confidence in experimenting within their rock framework.[15][18]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of Deadlock revolve around an overarching theme of internal deadlock, depicting the psychological chaos arising from a stalemate between one's inner good and evil forces, as the band members described in an interview where they explored the desire to break free from societal standards of morality.[9] This moral duality manifests as self-doubt and rebellion, with the EP questioning who defines good and evil, and portraying characters trapped in a hero-villain struggle while yearning for authentic self-expression.[9] Drawing on the computer programming term "deadlock" for its title, the lyrics employ technology metaphors to illustrate mental gridlock and everyday conflicts, resonating with young audiences navigating personal turmoil in a digital age.[19] In the title track "Freakin' Bad," the lyrics highlight unleashing inner demons, embracing a "born to be bad" identity beneath a facade of goodness, as the narrator declares, "Pretend to be good, but born to be bad," symbolizing rebellion against imposed norms.[20] This track, co-written by band members including O.de, underscores personal storytelling through defiant lines like "I’ve got no limits, not yet," capturing the thrill and tension of rejecting duality for unfiltered freedom.[4] Similarly, the closing track "Deadlock" intensifies psychological tension, portraying a trapped consciousness in repetitive conflict, with imagery of being "stuck" echoing the EP's core motif of unresolved inner battles.[9] Across the EP, all six band members contributed to co-writing the lyrics, infusing K-rock with intimate narratives of self-confrontation, as seen in tracks like "Bicycle," where metaphors of riding toward "heaven, not hell" represent escaping hesitation and moral constraints.[9][21] This collaborative approach emphasizes raw emotional arcs, blending everyday rebellion with profound self-doubt to create a cohesive exploration of human complexity.[22]Promotion
Lead single
"Freakin' Bad" served as the lead single for Xdinary Heroes' third mini-album Deadlock, released simultaneously with the EP on April 26, 2023, by Studio J and JYP Entertainment.[23] The track embodies the EP's hard rock intensity, blending aggressive guitar riffs and pounding drums to capture a sense of rebellious energy, positioning it as a key teaser for the album's overall sonic direction.[2] The music video for "Freakin' Bad," directed by 725 and produced by SL8 under chief producer Seunghyeon Jo, premiered on the same day and features high-energy visuals that highlight the theme of inner turmoil through chaotic, edgier cinematography. It incorporates dynamic performance shots of the band amid distorted, surreal environments, interspersed with narrative elements depicting personal conflict and defiance, enhancing the song's portrayal of embracing one's darker side.[24][25] To build anticipation, JYP Entertainment released teaser content for the single from April 17 to 20, 2023, including individual visual samplers on April 17–18 showcasing the members in intense, hard rock-inspired settings, followed by the first music video teaser on April 19 and the second on April 20.[24] These clips effectively previewed the EP's rock-driven aesthetic without additional B-sides or remixes exclusive to the single release.[26][27]Promotional activities
To promote the EP ahead of its April 26, 2023 release, Xdinary Heroes released a series of concept photos featuring individual and unit images of the members, starting with Jungsu's chic and daring visuals on April 14, 2023.[28] Similar teasers followed for the other members, emphasizing a rebellious and intense aesthetic tied to the EP's theme. The tracklist was unveiled on April 9, 2023, highlighting seven tracks including the lead single "Freakin' Bad."[10] A comeback special live stream served as a countdown event on the release day, allowing fans to engage in real-time with the band via the official YouTube channel.[29] Following the release, Xdinary Heroes promoted the EP through performances on major Korean music programs, debuting "Freakin' Bad" on M Countdown on April 27, 2023.[30] The group continued with appearances on Show! Music Core on April 29, Inkigayo on April 30, and subsequent episodes of Show Champion and M Countdown in early May, showcasing dynamic stage productions that amplified the EP's rock energy.[31] Fan engagement included album signing sessions and video call events organized through official channels like the JYP Shop and global platforms. Winners for the fan sign events were announced for sessions held on May 7, 2023, where selected fans interacted directly with the members.[32] Video call events were held via platforms like MyMusicTaste, with one having sales from April 10 to 25, 2023, and another from May 12 to 16, 2023 (event on May 20), targeting international participants and fostering direct connections with global supporters.[33][34] For international outreach, the promotions leveraged YouTube for accessible content, including highlight samplers and full music show performances uploaded to the official channel, reaching K-rock enthusiasts worldwide.[35] These efforts extended the EP's visibility beyond Korea through subtitled videos and global fan event entries.Content
Track listing
All tracks are written and composed by members of Xdinary Heroes in collaboration with external songwriters, as detailed below.| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Come into My Head" | Shim Eun-ji, Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, Jooyeon | 3:14 |
| 2. | "Freakin' Bad" (title track) | O.de, Jun Han, Jooyeon, Song Hee-jin (Solcire) | 3:03 |
| 3. | "Bicycle" | Jungsu, O.de, Jun Han, Song Hee-jin (Solcire) | 3:10 |
| 4. | "Checkmate" | Selah, Jungsu, Gaon | 3:27 |
| 5. | "Good Enough" | Shim Eun-ji, Jungsu, Jooyeon, Young K | 3:57 |
| 6. | "Man in the Box" | Shim Eun-ji, Gunil, Gaon, Jooyeon | 3:09 |
| 7. | "Dear H." | Jun Han, Song Hee-jin (Solcire), Kevin Oppa (Solcire) | 2:57 |
Artwork and packaging
The cover art for the Deadlock EP comes in two primary versions, A and B, each emphasizing dark, conflicted imagery that symbolizes the internal stalemate between good and evil. The designs incorporate abstract elements representing entrapment, such as chained and locked motifs, overlaid with stylized portraits of the band members to convey duality and moral ambiguity. This aesthetic aligns with the album's core theme of chaos arising from unyielding inner good and evil forces.[9] The accompanying 88-page photobook serves as a central visual element, filled with thematic photography that blends a sporty high-teen vibe with chic, mad-art-collector aesthetics and street-boy influences. It includes rebellious and mischievous shots of the members donning cute yet ferocious masks—such as bloodied rabbits and teddy bears—alongside full lyrics and behind-the-scenes images from the concept sessions, reinforcing the EP's exploration of personal freedom from societal binaries.[9] Physical editions utilize a digipak-style packaging containing the CD, with random inclusions to enhance collector appeal: two photocards (selected from 24 types), one folding photocard (from 6 types), a four-piece set of mini lyric posters (in two variants), a door hanger (two versions). Pre-order bonuses featured a random limited-edition poster (from two types) and additional unit or frame photocards, all coordinated under JYP Entertainment's art direction to maintain the good-versus-evil visual consistency.[37]Credits and personnel
Production credits
The production of Deadlock was led by Xdinary Heroes' members, who received composition and arrangement credits on all seven tracks, reflecting the band's emphasis on self-production for its rock-oriented sound.[38] External collaborators from JYP Entertainment's network, including Shim Eun-ji and Lee Hae Sol, contributed to composition and arrangement across multiple tracks, while specialists like Song Hee-jin (Solcire) and Kevin Oppa handled specific elements.[38] The EP was overseen by Studio J, a JYP Entertainment subsidiary, ensuring integration of the band's creative input with professional polish.) Mixing duties were shared among JYP in-house engineers Lee Taesub, Lim Chanmi, and Shin Bongwon, who balanced the raw rock instrumentation with polished vocals.[4] Mastering was primarily handled by Kwon Namwoo at JYP's facilities, providing a cohesive dynamic range suitable for the EP's intense and introspective tracks.[39]| Track Title | Composers | Arrangers |
|---|---|---|
| Come into My Head | Shim Eun-ji, Lee Hae Sol, Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, Jooyeon | Lee Hae Sol |
| Freakin' Bad | O.de, Jun Han, Jooyeon, Song Hee-jin, Kevin Oppa, Young Won-hee | Young Won-hee, Kevin Oppa |
| Bicycle | Jungsu, O.de, Jun Han, Song Hee-jin, Yipro, MOGT | Yipro, MOGT |
| Checkmate | SELAH, Jungsu, Gaon | SELAH |
| Good Enough | Shim Eun-ji, Lee Hae Sol, Jungsu, Jooyeon, Young K (DAY6), Gun-il | Shim Eun-ji, Lee Hae Sol |
| Man in the Box | Shim Eun-ji, Lee Hae Sol, Gun-il, Gaon, Jooyeon | Lee Hae Sol |
| Dear H. | Jungsu, Jun Han, Jooyeon, Song Hee-jin, Kevin Oppa | Kevin Oppa |
Performance credits
The Deadlock EP showcases the core instrumentation and vocals provided by Xdinary Heroes' six members in their established roles: Gunil handling drums, Jungsu contributing keyboards and vocals, Gaon delivering guitar and rap, O.de managing synthesizer and vocals, Jun Han on guitar, and Jooyeon performing bass and vocals.[40] Across the tracks, the band members share vocal duties, with background vocals typically featuring Gaon, Jooyeon, Jungsu, Jun Han, and O.de. On the lead single "Freakin' Bad," Jooyeon serves as the primary lead vocalist, supported by the group's collective instrumentation including electric guitars from Gaon and Jun Han, bass from Jooyeon, keyboards from Jungsu and O.de, and drums from Gunil.[41][42] Session musicians augmented select tracks with additional elements; for instance, Jeong So-ri provided extra electric guitar on "Freakin' Bad," while Young Won-hee (of Solcire) contributed keyboards on the same song. No other guest performers are credited for strings or effects on the EP. Recordings for the EP were conducted primarily at JYP Entertainment's studios in Seoul, with supplementary sessions at Solcire Studio.[43]Commercial performance
Chart performance
Deadlock debuted at number 8 on South Korea's Circle Album Chart for the tracking week of April 23–29, 2023, selling 93,891 copies during that period.[44] It subsequently peaked at number 17 on the monthly Circle Album Chart for April 2023, with total sales of 93,891 copies for the month.[45] The EP charted for multiple weeks on the Circle Album Chart following its release. In Japan, the EP debuted at number 216 on the Oricon Weekly Album Chart for the week ending May 15, 2023, with 176 copies sold.[46] The EP's peak on the Circle Album Chart occurred in its debut week on April 29, 2023, and it spent at least four weeks on the chart based on subsequent sales data.[47]| Chart (2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Circle Album Chart (South Korea) [weekly] | 8 |
| Circle Album Chart (South Korea) [monthly] | 17 |
| Oricon Weekly Album Chart (Japan) | 216 |
