Female group Nine Muses debuted under Star Empire in 2010 and during this year, fans of the group would think that they should have released a full-length album on that year. Though like any K-Pop idol, the process of getting attention and being popular can take some time; which is what happened to Nine Muses. The ladies did a numerous trial and errors in order to gain exposure. What music sells and what the group is doing right is what the girls did. Everyone starts at the bottom and the girls did everything to climb the ladder and put them where they are today.

When their first debut song came out, it lacked viewers attention which caused it to not have enough spark amongst the public; so the girls thought of new ideas as well as did some member changes in order to make themselves known. With all these obstacles, one would assume that this group would be just another girl group that comes and goes.

Though the ladies did not come and go; by finding success with their song "Ticket," everything went great with their other songs for "Dolls" and "Wild." These three raised the recognition for all of the girls and became the highest ranking songs of all time.

 Nine Muses "Ticket"

Nine Muses "Dolls"

Nine Muses "Wild"

So with all these great hits, it is probably why the company has finally released the first full-length album of "Prima Donna" with "Gun" being their title track. With eleven tracks which include the introduction track, this album has truly made the ladies more popular.

Album

So the album starts with "Prima Donna" as the introduction song which is great at setting the mood as well as theme for the whole album. The transitions between "Prima Donna" and "Gun" is really smooth like it is one song. With the release and this far into the album, it is so easy to see the retro-inspired songs really be a niche of the girls which is nice that they continue this on their latest track.

Each component of "Gun" is okay on its own. Parts are evenly distributed to what each member can carry in-terms of vocal wise. Hyuna, Sera, and Kyungri seem to take the helm of the vocals which the others bring justice to their parts as well. The music is sassy as well as sexy that has an hint of sweetness which is what defines the group as heard in the lyrics.

 Nine Muses "Gun"

For the track "Rumor", it follows the theme of the previous song which at the first minute prior to the addition of the brass instruments as well as guitar chorus, it is flirty as well sultry which is almost a follow-up song material which makes it easy to imagine the ladies taking this song and performing it on stage later on in the promotion cycle. This song explains about the nature of rumors and how it impacts a person's life. This also might explain about the nature of K-netizens and its impact to a person's career.

"A Few Good Man" shakes things up a bit by some guitars which are heavily present in the remainder of the song. This is truly not one to sound off and is placed to insure that the album does not become stale. While it is of a different musical score than the last couple of songs, the track still does retain the sound one should expect from the ladies while still being different which keeps the album progress both sound and energy wise.

The track "Last Scene" is a mid-tempo song which is not really slow enough to be a full on run of the mill K-Pop ballad though certainly retains that feel. The song is about a girl replaying the last scene of her relationship which is when the man breaks up with her. The song that gives the brief break between the first chorus and second verse adds to the atmosphere of the song.

The next track "Just a Girl" is carried largely by a melody of an acoustic guitar which deceives the listener of the nature of the lyrics that explain about a girl depressed due to her feelings for a man. The song is definitely a must listen for those who want to listen to Nine Muses in a more stripped down nature without blows and whistles for their big production title tracks. The addition of their raps does not ruin the flow of the song which is why it is such a great song.

So after two mid-tempo songs, the album then moves to "Miss Agent" which is another song filled with energy.

Then after a good couple of songs that explains about waiting for a boy or having a nervous confession to a man with the track "Time's Up." The ladies declare that time is up for the man and that they are ready to move on.

With a title such as "OMG (Molla, Molla)" and the first line being a series of "Oh My Gosh", the fear of a listener is understood that after eight tracks, the girls would than turn to a more cute track. Though the song is not, it is light-hearted as well as calls on more of the sweetness of the ladies rather than sexy as well as sassiness. The song shows that the ladies can carry a light melody which they do a great job of doing on.

The song "Ping" is a song that is a perfect close to the album because it is the second to the last track which is "Don't Come/Whatever" which is the most filler sounding in the album.

Album Review

Overall, Nine Muses album is definitely worth the listen. There is little negative to say about their first album because it shows maturity that the girls has and each track has its own strength that cannot be overlooked. This album should be one that the girls should be proud about because after their debut of "No Playboy", it is truly understandable that the ladies would have given up from the difficulties that all faced. There is a saying, "it is better to do quality work rather than quantity" and the ladies have done this by writing quality music.

Prima Donna is definitely a fitting way to end the year for the girls; they have gain the popularity that they have wished for. All of their hard work and perseverance have placed them where there are today.

Production is strong with the album as well as the concept which is a perfect fit for the ladies which the eldest being Hyuna at age 26 and Minha being the youngest at 22. Right mixture of sexiness and cuteness amongst the group with a little touch of sassiness that makes the group unique.

The album has a variation of songs to choose which is not a mess. So depending on what you are feeling in-terms of mood, Nine Muses has it in this album.

So, strong overall first full-length album from the group which is given a 4.5 out of 5!!!

Great job ladies and hope to see more fantastic work in the coming years!!

Nine Muses Full Album for "Prima Donna"