Jung Ji-Hoon, better known by his stage name, Rain, is back for the new year, and I am amazed by this comeback.
The album, Rain Effect, has ten tracks and two singles entitled, “LA Song and 30 Sexy.” Its electro-pop flare, mixed with a bit of smooth R&B, shows off the artist’s raunchier, more adult side.
Overall, I would give this album a complete 10 out of 10. Rain totally showed off his skill and versatility. The young artist showed that he was able to push his limits, test his abilities and re-define himself as an artist.
The pop and R&B hits are reminiscent of the early Justin Timberlake and Timbaland styles. Unlike a lot of k-pop, it’s really easy to imagine these songs on radios internationally.
Ting Ooi of Unitedkpop.com agrees and believes that Rain’s double singles could easily be party favorites for UK clubbers.
The song that really stood out the most to me was the ballad, “Dear Mama Don’t Cry”. This song was written as a tribute to his mother, who died when he was young. It really showed a different, more emotional side to the otherwise macho singer.
But not all k-pop fans are as happy with this comeback as I am. For example, Kenyaq of Kpop Craze Blogspot says, “I do like some of the songs, just not every song. The album was just meh. Randomly thrown together.” The k-pop blogger gives the album a mere 6/10.
Still I believe that Rain completely knows how to test his boundaries. He could get a play in my book anytime. The once boyish charms of a 20-something singer has turned into the handsome swagger of a 30 Sexy man. This is, by far, Rain’s best album.
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