Sakurazaka46 Shonin Yokkyu

Sakurazaka46 have released their 7th single - "Shonin Yokkyu" (承認欲求) on October 18, 2023 through Sony Music Japan. This is the seventh single. The title means “esteem needs”. —  Second-gen member Hikaru Morita is back again as the Center, her 3rd Center Position after she took the same for the first 2 singles. The single also features first-gen member Mizuho Habu last song, who is set to leave the group in November. This is their 3rd single of the year.

Official Statement by Sakurazaka46 about the Single:

In 2023, Sakurazaka46 started with a new center, a new captain, and new 3rd gen members, and their 6th single "Start over!" released in June swept all charts and distribution ranking #1. This summer, the group has been active not only in Japan but also overseas, and is currently receiving the highest acclaim from all quarters. In November, they will hold their 3rd YEAR ANNIVERSARY CONCERT at a stadium for the first time. Look out for their 7th single, which will further accelerate their momentum this year.

Commercial Success: 

According to Billboard - The song launched with 545,944 CDs, surpassing the group’s own record set by the previous single (“Start Over!,” 523,606 first-week copies) to rule physical sales. Now that is staggering number, but Oricon News mentioned the group have sold 449,754 copies in the first week. Who should be believe??? Anyway, the single has also topped Oricon Singles Chart and Billboard Japan Hot 100. 

Senbatsu Formation: 

As mentioned, Hikaru Mirota is the Center. The third-gen members of Sakurazaka46 - Taniguchi Airi, Nakashima Yuzuki, Murai Yu and Yamashita Shizuki will be in the senbatsu, with both Taniguchi and Yamashita in the first row on either side of Morita.

The full Senbatsu line up is:

• Third row: Matsuda Rina, Matsumoto Kira, Nakashima Yuzuki, Koike Minami, Murai Yu, Habu Mizuho, Takemoro Yui
• Second row: Yamazaki Ten, Tamura Hono, Kobayashi Yui, Fujiyoshi Karin, Moriya Rena, Ozono Rei
• First row: Taniguchi Airi, Morita Hikaru, Yamashita Shizuki

Music Videos:

Shonin Yokkyu

Little confusing song for me. Lot of distractions in the song structure and does not have flow. Typical Sakurazaka46 singing / vocal style. They even threw the Vinyl Scratches, Tohoshinki's Android BOPs and Rap in for good measure. It's all over the place. Trust me some B-Sides are much better in this single. 

Lyricist: Yasushi Akimoto

Composer: Kenta Urashima・Yuuki Katou

Arranger: Yuuki Katou

AKA: 承認欲求

Mamoribito

A forgetful song! No Comments.

Sukimakaze Yo

Kakushin Teki Croissant: is a mellow song with some fast beats and dual singing style.

Bokutachi no la vie en rose: carries the same mellow tones and has some good vocals and a loud chorus. Good melodious song with individuals singing select parts of the song. Reminds me of Nogizaka46's Tasogare wa itsumo.

Don't cut in line: Ok Song. 

Manhole no futanoue: Is a KPop'ish take by Sakurazaka46 mixed with JPop.

Sukikamkaze Yo: Another fast paced song similar to Nogizaka46's  kokoronimonaikoto.

Special Edition Tracklist:

Listen on:

Spotify

YouTube Music

Apple Music

CD Artwork / Cover / Sleeve:

CD Types:

• TYPE-A - CD+BD / SRCL-12670～12671, ¥1,727 (+tax)
• TYPE-B - CD+BD / SRCL-12672～12673, ¥1,727 (+tax)
• TYPE-C - CD+BD / SRCL-12674～12675, ¥1,727 (+tax)
• TYPE-D - CD+BD / SRCL-12676～12677, ¥1,727 (+tax)

All the above are First edition limited edition

• Normal Edition - CD only / SRCL-12678, ¥1,000 (+tax)

Bottom Line: 3.5 Stars out of 5. I have stopped doing 46/48 Group's Single Release review for a while now but I was really impressed with the sales that this single has acheived which is now according to Billboard the best selling single to date.

Sadly, it has just 1 or 2 a good song to remember by. Now that Nogizaka46 has picked up some of its glory this year it was equally necessary for Sakurazaka46 to build on its 5th single, but it is way off Sakurazaki, released earlier in the year which packed in a lot of hits.

Note: Look out for the Year End Review of the Best 46 Group Songs of 2023. There are a lot of good hits that you cannot miss, so stay tuned for that!!

Official 7th Single Page:

https://sakurazaka46.com/s/s46/page/7th_single