HAMADA, MARI rainbow dream VIH-28204
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Artist = HAMADA, MARI
Title = rainbow dream
Label = INVITATION
Catalog# = VIH-28204
Barcode = none
Release = JAPAN
Year = 1985
RPM = 33rpm
Disc Size = 12"
Number of Discs = 1
Mono/Stereo = stereo
9trk, takahiro matsumoto(g, b'z)
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Bridging Eras: Mari Hamada’s ‘Rainbow Dream’ (VIH-28204)
Let’s explore the fourth studio album from Japanese rock vocalist Mari Hamada, titled “Rainbow Dream.” Released on January 21, 1985, via the Invitation label (Victor), this 12-inch vinyl LP (catalog number VIH-28204) captures a key moment in her career. This particular copy includes the original obi strip.
This 9-track album is often seen as a transitional work, bridging the gap between the raw, early heavy metal of her first trilogy (ending with “Misty Lady”) and the more polished melodic rock of her breakout album “Blue Revolution” (released later the same year). “Rainbow Dream” is significant as it’s produced by Mari Hamada herself, showcasing her growing artistic control. It features her signature powerful vocals, with many fans noting this is the album where her unique, vibrato-heavy singing style became fully established.
The album is bolstered by high-quality musicianship, most notably featuring the guitar work of Takahiro “Tak” Matsumoto, who would later achieve immense fame with B’z. The 9 tracks blend original compositions penned largely by Hamada with two well-chosen cover songs: Survivor’s “The Moment Of Truth” and Gary Moore’s “Love, Love, Love.”
While some fans feel the album is slightly uneven or rushed, its highlights are considered exceptional. The track “Free Way” is often hailed as a masterpiece, worth the price of the album alone. Other tracks like “Last Scene” are praised for their blend of cool guitar work and Hamada’s sharp, powerful vocal delivery, which elevates the entire record. VIH-28204 stands as an essential snapshot of Hamada’s evolution, capturing her perfecting her vocal style and featuring the early talent of a future guitar legend.