Despite debuting two and a half years ago, Rainbow are only now releasing their first full-length album - Over The Rainbow. Although they're a full-fleged Korean success, their first album is actually a Japanese release. Korean fans may still be waiting for their debut Korean album, but for now, this Japanese album will have to suffice. And, warning - do not let that cutesy, bright cover fool you - Rainbow are sophisticated and sultry women, and Over The Rainbow proves this.
For my full track-by-track review, click the link below to read more:
1. A
A is track of many firsts - it was Rainbow's 1st Japanese single, Rainbow's 1st breakthrough and bonafide hit in Korea and the 1st track of Over The Rainbow. And as far as album openers go, you can't beat A. The track begins immediately with it's funky beats and cool bass, and you instantly know that Rainbow has arrived. Despite sounding completely current and fresh, A also has a fun, retro vibe to it. This song is really refreshing because it doesn't rely on heavy techno beats and although it's unlikely that the song was produced entirely with live instrumentation, the track has a very organic and 'live' feel to it. This broke a record in Japan (highest charting debut single for a Korean act, later to be broken by T-ARA unfortunately) and earned them the prize of Hallyu Icon Award at the Golden Disc Awards. And very much deserved in my opinion, A is truly an enigma of a track.
2. Mach
Mach is Rainbow's second Japanese single and is completely different to A. Whereas A is fun, Mach is more serious and explores a darker concept. The song is full of engine-starting sound effects and soaring vocals and is a pretty unique track overall. I don't think this is their best song by any means, but it's great hearing Rainbow tackle grittier tracks like this. There is a really interesting male vocal that echoes in the background which adds a really interesting dynamic to the song and further contributes the song's uniqueness.
3. Gonna Gonna Go !
This is Rainbow's first ever original Japanese single - both A and Mach were originally Korean singles - and wow, this song blew me away! I was beyond impressed when I first heard Gonna Gonna Go and along with To Me (내게로..), it's probably my favourite ever Rainbow song. Although the girls' vocals are incredibly sweet and sugary on this song (and they reach some incredible high notes), the song is still really anthemic and doesn't go overboard on the 'sweetness'. It's also insanely catchy: I defy anyone not to be able get "I'm gonna go, gonna gonna go..." out of their heads! The music video was equally amazing - I really enjoyed the concept of breaking free from their 'offices'. The choreography of the track was also on-point (I think Rainbow have somet of the best synchronised choreography out of all the groups at the moment!)
4. Kiss! Kiss! Disco!
OK, the title initially put me off. Kiss! Kiss! Disco! sounded like the title for a kid's song, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear that it was, in fact, a rather cool and laid-back disco number. The song uses disco elements but doesn't turn into a cheesey, over-the-top disco dance number. Instead, the track is rather light and easy-going. However, the song has little substance - without Woori's amazing rapping skills, the song wouldn't have been as exciting.
5. Touch me, Feel me, Love me
Despite it's title, Touch me, Feel me, Love me is actually quite a nice ballad. If there's one thing we can say about Rainbow, it's that they have wonderful voices. So whenever they tackle a ballad (which is quite rare), it's always an enjoyable experience for the listener. This track is a little dreary in places (even for my taste) but for a 90s inspired, retro ballad - it totally does the trick. I love how this track could fit into Japanese albums from the 1990s but to be honest, the song does sound a little dated. Nevertheless, this song is a great addition and breaks up the uptempo-heavy album.
6. Alright
After a 4-minute breather, the dance tunes return with Alright. Although the song may begin as a ballad, the beat soon kicks in and you realise that you're in for a treat. The song builds up into a fantastic pure dance number and is the first electronic-inspired track on the album. This song would sound incredible in a club (with the added help of a remix, maybe). Out of all the original Japanese tracks, Alright is the track that would totally fit into Rainbow's Korean back catalogue - especially next to To Me (내게로..). Woori's rap yet again stills the show - her rapping skills are truly remarkable and she seems to possess the ability to push a song to the next level, and consequently - Alright has become personal highlight of the whole album for me.
7. Not Your Girl
Not Your Girl was a track on their first ever Korean mini album - way back in 2009. Because the song is almost 3 years old now, it doesn't have that slick and current sound as the other tracks do. It may not sound as fresh or as polished as the other tracks, but it's still a good song. The chorus of the song - all sung in English - is really catchy and although it's not as shiny and brand-new as the other tracks, I'm glad it was included.
8. Energy
Another brand new original Japanese track, this time it's Energy. The song is really catchy and fun but it's not one of the best new tracks. However, that said, I think Woori's amazing rap and the incredible dubstep breakdown totally breathe life in this song. The first half of the song may fall a little flat, but with the second half having Woori's rap, the hot breakdown and ad-libs in the last chorus, the song proves to be a worthy addition.
9. Hello
Along with Alright and Gonna Gonna Go !, Hello is the best brand new Japanese song. It may begin as a ballad, but it totally transforms into an anthemic monster of a song. This song manages to be really powerful without relying too much on heavy dance beats or electronic sound effects. For me, it is the girls' vocals that really make this a powerful song.
10. Gossip Girl
Exactly the same as Not Your Girl, Gossip Girl was featued on their debut Korean mini album back in 2009. It definately sounds a little dated next to the other songs, but I like this song much more than Not Your Girl. My only issue - an issue that I have with a lot of albums, it seems - is the odd track placement. Gossip Girl is the final track but it is a fantastic uptempo number. I like when an album ends on either a ballad or ends poignantly - not I wanna gossip,the sexy, the pretty, OK!
Despite its short tracklist and some additions from the past, Over The Rainbow still remains a fantastic pop album. Rainbow explore many different genres on this album - yet all under the umbrella of fun, pop music - and in turn, they've created an album that will no doubt garner them more success in Japan in the future. I've said it before, but I'll say it again - Woori is by far the star of this group and without her rapping, I think that Rainbow wouldn't be as exciting.
Now that we finally have a full-length Japanese album from Rainbow, I am now beyond excited for their first ever full-length Korean album - and I'm sure I won't be dissapointed!
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