Why is Rainbow struggling to obtain popularity?

[sergel02.livejournal.com]

Article: The problem with Rainbow is their song!

Source: Hankyeorae via Naver

3. [+1,012, -14] I feel like DSP put Rainbow in a bad spot. A and Mach were songs that definitely could've shot them up but their coordi and visual concepts just didn't live up to the song quality. They have decent songs, just that the members don't have anything that helps them stand out since they all look the same, have the same clothes, same hair... And when they were on the rise with Sweetune songs, DSP shipped them over to Japan, which didn't end up going all that well either. Then they randomly pull out Daishi Dance for their Korean comeback... To Me and Sweet Dream were decent songs but not enough or what they needed ㅠ People wanted another A or Mach... and then again, another random cute concept ㅠ Not a Rainbow fan but I do like them and it's disappointing to see them up in the air like this.



Article: The problem with Rainbow is their song!

Source: Hankyeorae via Naver

1. [+1,672, -13] A was okay but everything after that was mediocre

2. [+1,515, -58] I think it's their talent that's the problem. They don't have a strong vocal line and it's not like their dancing is any better either. They're not this or that.

3. [+1,012, -14] I feel like DSP put Rainbow in a bad spot. A and Mach were songs that definitely could've shot them up but their coordi and visual concepts just didn't live up to the song quality. They have decent songs, just that the members don't have anything that helps them stand out since they all look the same, have the same clothes, same hair... And when they were on the rise with Sweetune songs, DSP shipped them over to Japan, which didn't end up going all that well either. Then they randomly pull out Daishi Dance for their Korean comeback... To Me and Sweet Dream were decent songs but not enough or what they needed ㅠ People wanted another A or Mach... and then again, another random cute concept ㅠ Not a Rainbow fan but I do like them and it's disappointing to see them up in the air like this.

4. [+945, -63] I like their songs... just not their concepts.

5. [+218, -29] I feel like Rainbow, Nine Muses, and Dal Shabet look like they could do well but they never do.

6. [+173, -11] I'd say A was a daebak track that could've all killed girl groups but they didn't do much with it... All things considered, I wouldn't expect anything more from them anymore.

7. [+163, -6] A's concept was so poorly planned. They put all seven members in the same black haired pony tails. Go Woori didn't even stand out until their next comeback and I realized what a pretty member she actually was.

8. [+163, -6] Loved A and Mach, but their concepts after that were awkward innocent types... Rainbow should've pushed the sexy concept and left the cute concepts to KARA.

9. [+135, -3] Specifically, they never had a concept that fit their song. Their songs have been alright since Mach but they never had a style that was distinctly theirs. I really want them to do well and find their own image.

10. [+124, -10] For an idol song, I thought Mach was pretty up there in terms of quality.

11. [+119, -8] I'd say it's too late for them... They lost the time to win #1 or hit their peak.

12. [+106, -9] Honestly speaking, they're visually prettier than KARA -_-;; It's weird to me how A Pink and Crayon Pop can get popular but not Rainbow;; It's not like their songs are bad either;;

13. [+100, -3] They need a song like SISTAR's and I think they could do well

14. [+96, -4] They're in an awkward spot... Not innocent, not sexy, not cute, no outstanding members... but they're not exactly nugu either since we've at least heard of their name.

15. [+91, -5] Jaekyung was considered the group's one top but didn't receive the support she needed because the company looked like they were deciding between Jaekyung and Woori to market as the group's one top.


Source: Netizenbuzz

I don't typically post netizen comments, but these ones are pretty thought out and bring up good points. Number 3 is right on many accounts.

Comments

[sergel02.livejournal.com]

To add my own opinion, I don't believe the shipping off to Japan was what hurt them. They did sell over 100,000 copies while there. It's the fact that after their album in March 2012, they did NOTHING until Tell Me Tell Me. That's a year with no sorts of real activities other than a few shows. No new single, no comeback as a whole group, not even a Pixie comeback.
Now they haven't released a Japanese single in two years and their loyal fanbase in Japan is shrinking, like what happened in Korea.

I do agree with the flip-flopping concepts. The chameleon aspect is nice, but I think it works better for groups like SNSD. With them, it evolved over time, while for Rainbow it seems a bit more wishy-washy. Should have stuck with the elegant and sexy style.

Lol though, netizens don't want them to be cute. I'm like "C'mon, these viscous netizens want you to be sexy! Take advantage of that!"
It's ironic, but I don't mind.

And I'm just happy people are seeing the glory that is "Mach" aka best kpop song of 2010.

[timetobegin.livejournal.com]

'Mach' is such a fantastic track and DSP didn't even bother with a Korean mv for it. If that doesn't say it all...

[4minutesluts.livejournal.com]

the point about them all being styled the same in A is a good one, that's probably one of the worst things you can do for a debut

[parkjsun.livejournal.com]

A wasn't their debut but yeah, when you're relatively unknown, you need to make the members stand out from each other.

[miuratenshi.livejournal.com]

Loved A and Mach...Rainbow should've pushed the sexy concept and left the cute concepts to KARA.

MTE.

[taylorniw.livejournal.com]

They don't keep a constant presence and just haven't clicked. Hell, DSP only got lucky with Kara. That they haven't been able to make Rainbow big isn't exactly surprising.

[jesymphony.livejournal.com]

I know almost everyone preferred A and Mach to what Rainbow are releasing now, but I actually only really started paying attention to them because of Tell Me Tell Me and Sunshine. I love those two songs.

[bubblyshades.livejournal.com]

Just listened to Sunshine. What a cute, upbeat song! It's almost too cute, so I can see why some people wouldn't/didn't like it.

[bubblyshades.livejournal.com]

Mach is such a great jam. Idk much about the group, but just wanted to show my appreciation for that song, lol. A isn't bad either. I hope Rainbow can find a concept and sound that works for them.

[hellociara.livejournal.com]

tbh, i've never given rainbow the time of day. i just went and listened to a and i like the song. however, the all black hair probably wasn't the best look. that concept can work, if you do it properly.

for instance, b.a.p, all of them had blonde hair, but they made it work with their quirks. saying they were from a different planet, showing their individual styles, ect.

i don't want to judge too much b/c idk about rainbow, but it's all about marketing. if your company doesn't market you right, the less fans you have and the less opportunities you get. hopefully this rainbow blaxx comeback will be good. i'll be watching!

[bunny-hime07.livejournal.com]

I think they would've been more popular if DSP handled their A and Mach promotions better. They were both digital singles, and Mach didn't even have an MV. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't they only do like four performances of Mach? Every release since have been handled better, but the songs aren't as good as A or Mach.

[lazmy.livejournal.com]

i didnt even think about how their hair is all the same but it makes a difference. it's intimidating to see 7 girls that look the same and coupled with average songs (to me and sweet dream sucked) they didn't have any staying power.

then their idiot company locked them in the basement with no promo only to release them for some stupid sugar concept

if they had stayed in the league of a and mach nobody would be saying 'rainbow who?'

[mad-nux.livejournal.com]

if dsp promoted mach better they would have slayed all the girl groups
mach>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>everything

[mycorrhizoid.livejournal.com]

I agree with the comment about their styling not helping - I mean they're one of the few girl groups I actually follow, although I'm not much of a stan, and I still have to play the who is that game every time they release a new MV. They're too busy making them pretty to make them stand out from each other.

EDIT: Looking at that picture, they also seem to be pretty much all the same height except for Hyunyoung who is slightly shorter. Doesn't help because she's the one whose face I always know right off the bat.

[921227.livejournal.com]

DSP's biggest mistake is not utilizing the fact that each member is assigned a color -- give me my rainbow Rainbow dammit

[lightframes.livejournal.com]

I was just thinking this doesn't happen enough. I liked when they performed in their assigned colors in Hoi Hoi performances.

[ilovekonkon.livejournal.com]

if it hasn't happened after 5 years it never will, they just weren't destined for fame!

i like a couple of their songs but there's nothing appealing about them (for me, at least) to make me take any real interest in them.

[lightframes.livejournal.com]

I really liked A and Mach, like I love those songs, but I still think To Me is their best song. Sweet Dream wasn't bad, either, so at the time So Girls came out I thought they were on the right path. Their singles always sounded different from other music in the idol scene so they always stood out (except I think they got criticized a little for Rainbow Pixie being too much like Orange Caramel). I think they went with the safe/bland choice for their singles from Rainbow Syndrome, which makes sense if they're trying to reach a bigger audience, but it just didn't work. There are other more "Rainbow-style" songs on the album they should have promoted instead.

[burqaswag.livejournal.com]

I still can't believe how awful their last promotion round was. I don't mind cute concepts but they need to be catchy. Both tracks were so forgettable.

A and March were great singles and could had a Alone/Loving U effect if managed properly.

I hope DSP get it together. Rainbow is really all that have left. Not including AJAX but no one cares about them.

[batterydead.livejournal.com]

side-eyeing at the nine muses shade
how dare u i will flip u like fried eggs netizen i know where u live

[tothechangmin.livejournal.com]

i laughed at your comment then i looked up at your icon and laughed some more

[allegsiseu.livejournal.com]

i'm going to need netz to leave nine muses and dal shabet out of this

[baireoseu.livejournal.com]

+1

[oppameansit.livejournal.com]

honestly their japanese discography > korean

japanese A's lyrics/tempo are better, mach was better, gonna go was great...

just get don't touch into japanese and i'm set

but i do with they had more popularity in korea, they're a fun group

[uguukawaii.livejournal.com]

they consisently have great music and the members are very likable with good visuals on both ends (ie v sexy jaekyung woori and very cute jisook) but the problem is dsp keeps giving them wishy washy concepts and it comes across desperate.
would anyone ever win w a song like tell me tell me? no its filler that sounds like filler and it sounds like u dont believe in the group.

[sergel02.livejournal.com]

True words =\
And as far as i know Rainbow picked TMTM. Maybe they shouldn't pick their concepts and songs anymore.
Well hopefully they're over their cute fresh phase. they can still be and have fun, but c'mon, they're one of the few groups fans and Korea wants to see being sexy.

[sadistic-dance.livejournal.com]

DSP messed up their momentum. A and Mach was a great combo and even To Me and Sweet Dreams were good songs but then we just didn't hear anything and when they came back they had the weak ass song.

[21banged.livejournal.com]

I totally agree with these netizens, especially the one saying DSP screwed them over. They really should have stuck out the sexy concept and had the same composers that made A and Mach :\

[ohlookshiny.livejournal.com]

yeah i agree. they haven't found their niche, they stopped working with sweetune, dsp give them crappy concepts + they were in japan for too long and never really made headway there either (in the beginning they were riding the ~hallyu wave~ and did better than expected but then their sales started to decline).

tbh, dsp got lucky with kara and their success in japan/korea. if the knew what they were doing they could have done the same for rainbow.

[timetobegin.livejournal.com]

I think the problem with them is (and I could say this about a few other groups too), they're practically invisible on the scene. They release an album every now and then, but hardly seem to promote it and do nothing during a hiatus. On top of that, their latest title tracks were pretty blant... They have good stuff in their discography, but DSP doesn't seem to have a clue how to make it work.

[aleash1989.livejournal.com]

I'd love to be able to read the articles and don't like when they aren't posted with netizen comments.

[fabledlamb.livejournal.com]

Couldn't agree more!! We've been having a lot of posts like this lately and there's hardly anything to be gleaned from them except a translated headline and what the average anonymous Korean internet user thinks about it. Netizenbuzz is purely about netizen comments but posting them here without a translation of the original article they're referring to can be a little frustrating to read, like only getting second-hand information or something.

[mayam-mj90.livejournal.com]

Like Jaekyung said, one of them needs a scandal.

Hahahaha.

On a more serious note, they need more uplifting and powerful songs. Like A, Mach and Come To Me. Their last two singles were too soft and whispery for my liking. I hope they get much better songs after this. Something like KARA's Step It Up or something..