Release Date: February 27, 2017
Tracklist:
- Rainbow
- 나 같은 애 (A Girl Like Me)
- 미워지려 해 (Hate You)
- 거리 (One Step Closer)
- 소원 들어주기 (Make a Wish)
Total Runtime: 00:17:35
Recommended for: Dear Friends and Korean Pop fans in general, those who seek to improve their self-esteem and to deeply love and appreciate themselves thus maintaining a positive attitude.
NOT recommended for: Debby Downer or Negative Nancy.
Gugudan is back with their second act “Narcissus”! The theme is loosely based on Narcissus from Greek mythology, following their fairy tale-inspired début “The Little Mermaid”. The title song “A Girl Like Me” draws inspiration from the story of Narcissus itself, about a beautiful young man who falls in love with his own reflection in a pool and ultimately turns into a narcissus flower. The extended play consists of five (5) tracks and one (1) instrumental.
Track Review:
Track 1 – Rainbow
Rainbow sounds exactly as you thought it would. Fun, sweet, and upbeat. It’s catchy enough to stand out among most b-sides offered by other girl groups. A very welcoming track to start your journey towards self-confidence.
Track 2 – 나 같은 애 (A Girl Like Me)
Here comes trouble. Fortunately, in a good way. This song is all about confidence, the lyrics speak for itself really. The verses start off well but less impactful than what comes next — the chorus. The chorus artistically sends a powerful message (of wanting them) to the one they love, while at the same time being cool and coy about it. Narcissistic in the form of music. The snares really sticks in your head and the “nae nae” part right before the chorus is a complete hook. There are two rap parts in this song, performed by Kang Mina and Sally. Kang Mina has surprised us before with her rapping skill in IOI’s Very Very Very and she made another admirable effort in A Girl Like Me. Although I am not sure why adding Sally to the rap part is necessary (because it’s not that long), I do realize that Sally doesn’t have many parts in the song to begin with. Oh!
Track 3 – 미워지려 해 (Hate You)
Written by Ravi from labelmate and boy group VIXX, you wouldn’t expect Hate You to be the cutest song of the bunch. The arrangement is really neat; you have to give him credit for that. Clever incorporation of synth throughout the song really sticks. Well done, Ravi.
Track 4 – 거리 (One Step Closer)
One Step Closer is a typical Pop/R&B track that is often heard and ever present in many South Korean girl group discographies. Don’t get me wrong. The song is really nice, the vocals are great, but it’s nothing new.
Track 5 – 소원 들어주기 (Make a Wish)
Make a Wish makes the best out of Gugudan’s vocal prowess. The girls are above average singers and this song showcases that in a soothing way. Not all ballads need high notes or several octaves (common stereotypes in determining good and bad singers), but this track dignified Gugudan as a multitalented girl group.
