[Album Review] Colours (2nd Mini Album) – Solar (MAMAMOO)

1 week ago 12

The next album up for review on my blog is Solar’s 2nd mini-album, Colours, which was released back in April. It features the rock-ballad hybrid title track, But I, the contrasting single Colors (yeah, the spelling between this song title and the mini-album title confuses me) and an additional four songs. It follows on from Solar’s 1st mini-album, 容: Face, released two years ago (but I never got around to reviewing) and led by the single HONEY (which I reference below).

1. Colors – Click here for the full review for Colors. (8/10)

2. But I (벗아이) – Click here for the full review for But I. (9/10)

3. Empty (텅) – Empty is a pop ballad Solar had written when she was lonely. The vocals were superb (did you hear that soaring high note and those ad-libs at the end?), and the melodies had this fluttery effect. The instrumentation was more on the typical side, but I don’t think that detracts from the rest of the song. (7.5/10)

4. Honey Honey – If you think this is a double-concentrated version of her last title track (HONEY, released in 2022), you guessed wrong. Honey Honey goes down more of an R&B route. What I liked about Honey Honey is how the producers set the song apart from other R&B numbers by getting Solar to self-amplify herself in terms of vocals and a more pronounced instrumental. I love the resultant oomph Honey Honey has, and the strings in the pre-choruses were a very cool moment. (9/10)

5. Easy Peasy – Easy Peasy is a folksy song featuring acoustic instrumentation and Solar singing in a high-pitched demeanour. While the folk direction is not my cup of tea, I liked how Solar handled and controlled her delivery throughout the song. The melodies are nostalgic, as well. (8/10)

6. Blues – Blues is an epic number to end the mini-album with. I remember being blown away when I first checked out the mini-album months ago. And I love that even after all this time, Solar still amazes me with her jaw-dropping and stunning vocals in Blues. I LOVED how the sexy and sultry bluesy energy that Solar exudes from this song, as well as the grandness of the instrumental. No wonder Blues emerged as my favourite, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to be blown away. (10/10)