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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rain Creates a Masterpiece for All Time, May 24, 2007
Rain, also called "Bi" in native Korea, is a 25 year old supermodel who became an R&B singer. Now, South Korea has of late been a hot spot for some of the most fantastic music (even better than most US R&B/Hip-hop releases), and this particular album is noted as genre-making.
In case you have heard about Rain through Time Magazine (he was voted No.1 of the most influential people in the world in 2007), but don't know of his music, heres a lowdown - he sounds like Maxwell + Justin Timberlake + Robin Thicke all filtered through the production of Timbaland. In fact, his music exactly sounds like that. In this particular case, it's a great thing, because this CD features beats and rhythms not heard since 1996 when Timbaland collaborated with Aaliyah on her "One in a Million" CD. Its just that rock solid.
The prime standouts here are the opening interlude (a symphony even!) and the lead single "I'm Coming". Other than the sexual innuendo (which Rain exploits to full extent on his histrionic stage shows - even if you don't speak Korean you should watch those), the song is a perfect amalgamation of tight beats with some gorgeous melody, complete with a singalong chorus sung by some `fierce' girls. All in all, the effect is stunning.
Lets be honest - not many of us speak Korean. I most certainly don't, but I am open to the notion of world music artists. That said, I would rate this album higher than Justin Timberlake's latest, only because Rain seems totally involved in the intricate art of music production, and the entire running time of this marvelous CD proves that. Not one track is filler, and when I start preferring a foreign language album to one in my own native tongue, its time to sit up and take notice.
Also, I am not much of an experimental listener these days. Most of the music I listen to is of the Tori Amos/Nine Inch Nails variety. And to add to that, I'm pretty picky. So for me to not only notice this album, but to endorse it by writing a review on it is something indeed. I would say, despite the sticker price, go ahead and get this. Its so much more listenable than whats clogging the airwaves. If you want a CD that you'll listen to all the way through and tap your feet and remember the choruses at the end of it, you can't do better than this.
Also, if this CD sparks your interest in Rain (As it did for me), you might want to check out a TV Show from Korea called "Full House" which marked his debut as an actor (though I think it lists him by his real name - Jeong Hi Joon). Rain is also called "Bi" in many forms of multimedia, so when you're doing a search for him, make sure to include these terms. Also check out his third album - I did, and it rocks!
What I like about Rain at the end of it, is that even though he is exceptionally beautiful and physically blessed (he's the face of Giordano), he doesn't stick with his looks but goes ahead and makes some amazing music. Discovering Rain also made me discover the person considered his `rival' in South Korea - a guy called Se7en. Se7en has this awesome album called "24/7" which is another unique and truly revolutionary CD (get that one blindly too).
Five Stars. Recommended without any reservations.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Music is universal!, January 12, 2008
I have to say it brings a big smile to me when i read about the previous 3 reviews about Rain. Rai/Bi/JJH, is truly someone very special. This is a break-through album for the western world due to the world tour and promo. After reading everyone's review here, i strongly recommend Rain's previous 3 albums as well(no, i do not speak nor understand Korean, hence my title for this review), plus one Japanese album. Rain is currently working on his debut English album in US as we speak, in May 2008, his Hollywood movie debut "Speed Racer" will be showing world-wide. This is the time for the rest of you to know Rain, to follow his amazing journey and I can't tell you how happy I am to have found out about him through his voice.
Rain also is an amazing actor, not to mention his passion for dancing. My advice is try to get anything on Rain, his concert dvd (first concert is lengendary), his drama/movie, all cds, and for the lucky few, attend his live concert! You won't regret any minute of it.
To the western world, it is easy to compare him with Justin Timberlake, but Rain is extremely humble--even though he has been bigger than anything in all Asian countries, his passion for learning and bringing the best he can, is admirable.
Rain's Coming.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
My Favorite CD Yet....., August 14, 2007
Rain is only the most spectacular performer on the planet. Koreans triple threat he dabbles in music, dance and acting and does everyone to the best of his ability. I have literally wore out his CDs and take them with me wherever I go. I am a white girl from Seattle and only know a tiny bit of Korean but that does not stand in the way of my love for this incredible person. I have turned everyone of my family members on to his music and this CD is no exception. It has a little of everything; smooth ballads, deep R & B soul and funky hip hop tracks that get you dancing. His voice has incredible range and if you are lucky enough to get your hands on one of his concert CDs then you can really see his charisma. Buy it, buy it, buy it is all I can recommend you will not be disappointed!
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