Bloom (Red Velvet album)

On December 10, 2021, it was announced that Red Velvet would be releasing their first Japanese studio album, Bloom.^[1] The album will mark the girl group's first Japanese release in almost two years, following the May 2019 extended play (EP) Sappy, which featured the singles "Sappy" and "Sayonara".^[2] Five of Bloom's eleven tracks are new, including the lead single "Wildside".^[3] In addition to the digest video of the premium event Red Velvet ReVeluv-Baby Party held in 2019, the first production limited edition DVD and Blu-ray will include footage of previous activities in Japan, live videos from A-Nation, and behind-the-scenes videos of the album shoot.^[4] Each member also created individualized shots with "special" designs for the release.^[5]

The album was initially set to be released on February 2, 2022, but postponed due to production issues, with no new release date stated.^[6] By March 12, the group opened their official Japanese Twitter account and announced that Bloom would be released on April 6.^[7] A content schedule was also posted, indicating that the gradual release of various promotional content for the album.^[8] The lead single was released on March 28, ahead of the album itself.^[9]

The lead single, "Wildside", is a "cool" and "seductive" song "unique" to Red Velvet, and the lyrics contain a message that they will support themselves who do not give up to reach where they want to go.^[10] "Marionette" samples a xylophone signature line from the classic song, "The Nutcracker".^[11] "Jackpot" is a song described for its "exciting" atmosphere.^[12] "Snap Snap" expresses an era that relies on social media.^[13] "Color of Love" is a song described for its "charming" and "soft" melody.^[14] In addition, there are a total of 11 existing songs including "Sappy", "#Cookie Jar", "Sayonara", "Aitai-tai", "Swimming Pool", and "Cause It's You".^[15]

Bloom debuted at number five on Japan's weekly Oricon Albums Chart in the chart issue dated April 4–10, 2022.^[16] It also peaked at number two on the component daily Albums Chart.^[17] The album debuted at number two on Billboard Japan Hot Albums in the chart issue dated April 7–13, 2022.^[18] Additionally, it also debuted at numbers 41 and two on the component Download Albums and Top Albums Sales in the chart issue dated April 7–13, 2022.^[19][20]