After School may have debuted on the Japanese music scene only this year, but what makes them stand out in the crowd are their catchy tunes and unique charm. Their previous single Bang! was a very successful debut and Diva should prove no less successful. Diva was released on November 23 in a very hectic period for the band who, apart from promotions back at home, also participated in many side projects. The single has only two tracks: the title song which was previously released on the group’s Korean single from 2009, and Ready to love, which is a new song. Instrumental versions of both are also available on the release.
From its very first moments, Diva will win you over with its party character. The words ‘I love my boy’ uttered at the beginning will definitely not fool anyone into believing it will be a ballad, as a very bouncy, party beat with electronic and synthesizer elements appears right after. One can easily say that the song was made for the dance floor as it has everything a proper dance track needs – catchy tunes, variety, changes in the rhythm as well as interesting vocal and rap parts. The singing itself is good – even though the girls from After School have quite girly, delicate voices, they manage to carry the more edgier parts off pretty well.
The B side is, unlike what one might suspect, not a ballad, but another party song, Ready to Love. The rhythm is not as fast as it is in the first track, but it’s danceable enough to get you off your feet and onto the dance floor. The most prominent aspect of the song is its optimistically infectious chorus and listener may find themselves singing the words ‘It may be love’ together with the band. The group’s voices are delicate here, especially in the sweet bridge. The song is only three minutes long and it leaves one wanting more.
Diva is the second and very enjoyable Japanese single from After School. The girls present two catchy party songs which will definitely make you want to listen to them again.
