BoA - Vivid

Released on the 4th of June 2008, BoA's 26th Japanese single, Vivid, immediately reached 3rd place on the Oricon Chart. Working incredibly hard on her Japanese carreer, BoA showed us a new side of her talent with this single, which sold more than 7,000 copies on the first day. This single includes 6 tracks (3 songs + 3 instrumentals).

The first song, Kissing You, begins with a joyful introduction that's almost childish, with a playful piano and violins. Then BoA's voice comes in, sweet and smooth, and yet able to hit a very high note. If you listen carefully, you can clearly hear a few electronic effects in the background, giving a hint of originality to the sound. It almost brings to mind an anime, as does the music video for this song. Kissing You's melody will stay in your head for the rest of the day, and you might even find yourself smiling while you listen.

Sparkling continues with the same atmosphere. Starting very slowly, it makes you think of a ballad... wrong! Right after the short introduction, an electronic tempo kicks in, perfectly blending with the young singer's voice. Then the rhythm changes and delivers a catchy hook. It's time to sing! "Every Me, Every You". BoA's voice becomes a little deeper in this song and the melody will sweep you off of your feet. The special characteristic of this song is its change of rhythms, and thanks to Sparkling you'll be in an excellent mood. It is easily the best song on this single.

In the end comes Joyful Smile. When we hear the introduction, it has an undeniable "summer" feeling. This song's atmosphere reminds us of a beautiful holiday and BoA's voice fit's it perfectly. The rhythm is punctuated by a handclap as well as electronic effects, but there is also an acoustic guitar that contributes to the plesant mood of the song. Joyful Smile, with its light-hearted atmosphere, is definitely a pop song that will make you smile.

This single has a lot of potential and in the CD + DVD version, you'll also be able to see Kissing you and Sparkling's music videos, as well as the 'making of' of both.

BoA, who is only twenty two, is now beginning her career in the US. She already has a successful career in Korea and Japan, and having already won fans' hearts with her US debut album BoA, she seems ready to conquer the world.