AKB48 may be a cute girl group, but that doesn't mean they lack in power.
RIVER is the 14th single of the popular girl group AKB48 and their third of this year. The single debuted on the Oricon charts at number one and held this spot for another few weeks.
When listening to the main track, RIVER, it becomes clear why this song is such a success in Japan. It starts out with a fast, drummed rhythm that sounds like tap dancing combined with traditional hand drums. The girls join in soon, singing in a fashion that has just as much spice and power as the frantic percussion has. During the verses and choruses, they quiet down a little to create a friendlier and smoother sound, but the catchy, rhythmic bits keep on returning throughout the song. This song definitely has the potential to get stuck in your head, maybe even for days.
The second track of the single, Kimi no koto ga suki dakara, is sung by the sub-unit Under Girls. This song is more like typical bubblegum girl pop, which means it’s rather fast paced, catchy and cute. Even the lyrics are very sweet and uplifting, fitting perfectly with the happy feeling that this song radiates. Overall, it is an adorable song, but at the same time it's rather shallow.
Hikouki kumo is also sung by a sub-group, this time by the newly formed Theater Girls. The song contains even more sugary cuteness, but this time there is a more romantic edge to it. The horn section during the chorus gives it a slightly 80’s feeling, making it sound a little cheesy. Due to the slightly slower pace of the rhythm, the girls get the opportunity to focus on their vocals, and they show that AKB48 isn’t just about cute girls - they can sing very well too!
In addition to these three tracks, the single has the instrumental counterparts of RIVER and Kimi no koto ga suki dakara for the karaoke-loving fans.
AKB48 is a unique group; they might be a manufactured group like many of Japan’s idol groups, but these girls have their own concept. With this formula, they've managed to reach the whole of Japan and even overseas. Overall, the single carries a youthful and joyful air, a vibe that says “let’s have fun together!” and this spirit is one of the keys to their success.
