Album Review - Orange Caramel – The First Mini Album

Orange Caramel – The First Mini Album

01 Magic Girl [MV] [Live]
02 Can We Delay Love
03 Magic Girl INST
04 Can We Delay Love INST

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After School forms its first sub-group, Orange Caramel which consists of members Nana, Raina, and Lizzy. In contrast to After School’s sexy and powerful style, Orange Caramel makes a slight detour with its image to show yet another side of the girls – one of “candy culture.” Through this, the girls hope to show an innocent, cute, and bright side of themselves. The album consists of two songs, their respective instrumentals, and a mini photo booklet of the girls in cutesy colorful dresses.

The album starts off with the title track, “Magic Girl,” a retro bokgo dance number composed by the famous Jo Young Soo and penned by artist, Wheesung. This medium tempo number has an easy melody line embedded with cute lyrics about falling in love with a boy. The girls do a wonderful job singing in their bright, cheerful voices to match the scenario. At first listen, I thought this was a Japanese remake as the bubbly music style was reminiscent of something J-pop girl group, Morning Musume would do. If that was Orange Caramel’s goal, props to them, because that was the first thing that came into my mind upon listening to the song.

The second track is “Can We Delay Love,” a beautiful medium tempo R&B song sung by Raina. This solo track showcases her vocal skills and her potential in expressing the song with great emotion. The lyrics are about a breakup on the girl’s birthday and her wish that he delayed it just one more day. Although Orange Caramel wanted to stray from After School’s usual style, this song reminded me of the latter group’s “With U” and “When I Fall,” both which are great songs. Fans of After School’s music will probably get a kick out of Raina’s solo song.

Overall, I felt that Orange Caramel’s debut mini album was too short – it seemed more like a single. It’s good to see After School experimenting with different music styles as shown through “Magic Girl” but honestly, I don’t think the song is for everyone. The cuteness may get to some listeners. “Can We Delay Love” on the other hand, reminded me of some of After School’s work; the R&B style ballad was very soothing, and I would pick it over the title track any day. In conclusion, I feel that both songs were great, but the album itself was too short.

3.5/5

5/5 – Even if you’re not a fan of this artist/group this album is a must buy.
4/5 – If you’re a fan of this artist/group, you must buy this album.
3/5 – If you’re a fan of this artist/group, you might want to add this one to your collection.
2/5 – I don’t think a fan would even buy this.
1/5 – You might as well just flush your money down the toilet