Also BEAST’s second mission to conquer Japan is a success.
The single BAD GIRL is the second Japanese release of pop group BEAST. The single came out on June 15th, and immediately gained a spot in the top three of the Oricon Charts, Japan’s national charts. With this, the single follows the success of their first Japanese single SHOCK. The song BAD GIRL was released in Korea about two years earlier, and was featured on their first mini-album BEAST is the B2ST. The Japanese version of BAD GIRL came out in four different editions, this is a review of the Limited Edition A.
Compared to the original Korean version, there aren’t any large differences to be found in the song BAD GIRL, except that it is sung in Japanese. The song starts quite slowly with the sound of a beating heart, and then Yoon Doo Joon joins in with his first English line, before the six guys burst out with the chorus. The energetic, electro-pop song is undoubtedly catchy and, exactly according to the K-pop-recipe, it invites the listener to sing along. During the verses the band members alternate their voices, during which they are supported by a funny, explosive synthesizer sound. In the lyrics you can hear that the guys have been working hard on their Japanese, and this is shown even clearer in Young Jun Hyun’s rap.
Also, the second song Mystery, is a re-make and was previously released on BEAST is the B2ST. This version is still sung in Korean, but has been mixed by 80kidz and has a completely new style. The Japanese electro-duo 80kidz are known for their experimental remixes and this time they have tried their best to make the song as different from the original as possible. Mystery starts with a heavy beat that is reminiscent of drum’n’bass and the raps are strongly emphasised. The chorus is mostly the same, and becomes even more exhilarating with the electro-beat.
Not entirely unexpected is the third and final song, EASY (SINCERE VERSION), no new track. Actually, for EASY this is already the second version and is entirely the same as the one that came out in Korea. The ‘sincere’ in the title means that the song, which was originally already a ballad-like, slow pop song, has turned into an even sweeter ballad. Even though it comes close to being a really sappy track, it has to be said that the six band members definitely have enough vocal talent for a romantic ballad.
On the bonus DVD is a video named BEAST to issho ni ippaku futsuka, where you can watch how the band members spend a day with their Japanese fans. As a bonus, the single also has a photo booklet.
It seems that the release of BAD GIRL in Japan was a smart move. The single offers three different styles, in which everybody can find something that they like. With three old tracks and because of that few production costs, which makes it easy for the group’s label to make profit. Regardless of the commercial aspects, BAD GIRL is a fun single that will help BEAST to conquer Japan, and maybe even the rest of Asia.
