Behold, Snow Man, J-POP’s undisputed monarchs, as they unveil their fourth album, Rays! Like gods among mortals, their sublime harmonies and chiseled physiques affirm their divine status – transcending mere idols, they are THE idols, commanding reverence and worship.
As a standalone piece, 『Rays』 is an exhilarating album that masterfully explores the full spectrum of sound. From emotional power ballads to infectious dance tracks and empowering anthems, Snow Man takes listeners on a sonic journey that has something for everyone.
「EMPIRE」
Scorching-hot and set against the beauty of a historic Spanish town, the guys seamlessly blend sensuality and sex appeal with their unique blend of pop, dance, and hip-hop with synthesized classical strings and an industrial beat that showcases the group’s unique style and synchrony.
「One」
Their first digital release, is also the ending theme to the second season of the popular anime Blue Lock (second season title: Blue Lock VS. U-20 JAPAN). This sweet and sensitive song is about perseverance, strength, and fueling a fierce determination that refuses to back down . Especially when you’re chasing your dreams.
「Dangerholic」
The theme song for Ren Meguro’s 2023 drama “Trillion Game,” showcases Snow Man’s playful side. The group splits into two teams: Power (Meguro, Watanabe, Sakuma, Iwamoto) and Brains (Fukazawa, Mukai, Abe, Miyadate, Raul). They roll dice on a special board, transporting them from home to a game world where they must outsmart a greedy corporate lion. True to Snow Man’s style, the video features an energetic dance sequence with neon-lit choreography.
「Love Trigger」
The theme song for Hikaru Iwamoto’s romantic drama 24-hour Love Guard is a catchy disco-infused track with a danceable beat and lyrics that get stuck in your head – for days. The vibrant music video features a bold color palette, blending bright pinks, pastel blues and Ozian greens
「We’ll go together」
This charming video offers a glimpse into a dream date with Snow Man’s members. The perfect fit for Shota Watanabe’s drama “Goodbye Teacher,” it explores love transcending lifetimes. It’s a beautiful song.
「君へ贈る応援歌」
The English translation to this song is “A Cheering Song For You” and that’s exactly what it is. It’s got the fun and energy one has come to expect from a Snow Man song – and is giving me serious 「Kitta Kitanai」 vibes from their second album Snow Labo – which is one of my favorites.
Other non-single highlights include the guitar driven 「ROCK ‘N’ ROLL」 is just an incredibly fun ‘let’s get ready to party’ song. The sensually (and worldly) dance beat of 「Wha cha cha」 makes it an instant hit for me. There is something incredibly sexy about 「リンディーララ」
The unit tracks are an absolute delight. I particularly appreciate how each video seamlessly transitions into the next throughout the various discs, creating a cohesive narrative. The new edits bring a fresh perspective, even to familiar versions. The updated cuts are equally enjoyable, injecting new energy into the content in glorious 1080 HD.
「Glitch」
Of course a track featuring Iwamoto and Raul would not only be fierce, but incredibly sexy, and this one is. The music, the dancing, the costumes, it’s a video worth of two of Snow Man’s steamiest members.
「HOT FLOW」
While group member Daisuke Sakuma is known oor his humorous antics, Ren Meguro is often serious and romantic. Not here. He’s absolutely adorable – especially the scenes that feature both members in a warm dub.
「ナイトスケープ」
Featuring the group’s most dramatic members – Tatsuya Fukazawa, Ryohei Abe, and Ryota Miyadate – the minimalist aesthetic and raw energy evoke memories of some of the classic indie rock videos of the 90s. The simplicity is part of its charm, allowing the haunting song to take center stage.
「星のうた」
Koji Mukai and Shota Watanabe have two of the most distinct voices in the group and this dance tracks is simple but powerful. The unique blend of their voices is probably one of my most favorite pairings – a notable feat considering Sakuma and Meguro’s visually stunning (and shirtless) music video.
Building on the phenomenal success of i DO ME, – selling nearly 1 million physical copies sold in 24 hours – RAYS has catapulted Snow Man to new heights. Already reigning supreme as Japan’s hottest group, they’re pushing the boundaries of their artistry and are ready to take on the rest of the world.
You may now bow down and exalt! There will be more Snow Man soon so…
Stay Tuned!