Album Review - Rain – Special Album – Back to the Basic

Rain – Special Album – Back to the Basic

01
Love Song – Korean Version
02 Hip Song
03 One
04 Same
05
Love Song – English Version

Purchase This Album

Hallyu
star, Rain has returned this past month with a special album, titled
Back to the Basic, after taking a break from the music scene for about a
year and a half. During the meantime, the multi-talented artist had
been busy filming Hollywood film, Ninja Assassin and preparing the debut
of his own boy group, MBLAQ. The singer, however, has not forgotten his
music loving fans, as his heart and much effort was put into this
album. A total of five tracks are included in this special release, with
genres ranging from ballads, smooth R&B numbers, to dance tracks.

The
title track is “Love Song” which unlike Rain’s previous promotion
numbers, is a slow ballad. Beautiful piano instruments play a key role
in the melody of this song, which was composed and penned by the artist
himself. Listeners can definitely hear Rain’s emotions run through the
song as he sings about wanting a loved one back in his arms. The last
track in the album is an English version of the single, which I believe
does not do justice to the song. I think the album could have done
better without this version as English speakers might just cringe
listening to Rain’s accent.

The next song in the album is “Hip
Song,” a dance number Rain fans are probably most familiar with. The
heavy beats and synth sounds heard throughout the track is suitable for
clubs with heavy dancing. Rain has worked with JR GROOVE for this song,
who was also responsible for composing past hit, “Rainism.” That fact
probably says it all for the style of this song.

The last two
tracks, “One” and “Same” are possibly the two that I enjoyed most. Both
are medium tempo R&B numbers with smooth vocals and trendy beats.
The melodies of the two, especially “Same” is very chill and I believe
listeners can easily fall in love with its sounds.

As much as I
feel that Rain can get overrated at times, I must admit that I enjoyed
this album. I loved the fact that he chose a ballad as his title track,
despite the fact that most people know him for his seductive voice and
dancing skills. However, he has not forgotten his roots by including a
dance track that showcases the style he is known for. The English
version of “Love Song” was probably the only mistake in this album; but
otherwise, a solid album.

5/5

5/5 – Even if you’re not a
fan of this artist/group this album is a must buy.
4/5 – If
you’re a fan of this artist/group, you must buy this album.
3/5 – If
you’re a fan of this artist/group, you might want to add this one to
your collection.
2/5 – I don’t think a fan would even buy this.
1/5
– You might as well just flush your money down the toilet