BOW WOW rainy train SM06-54

A 7-inch single representing the peak of Bow Wow’s exploration into pop-rock is the focus for this entry. We are looking at “Rainy Train,” released in May 1980 on SMS Records with the catalog number SM06-54.

This 45 RPM vinyl captures the band during their brief but significant move away from pure hard rock. The single was notably produced by Toru Yazawa of the popular group Alice, further emphasizing its polished, mainstream-friendly sound.

The single features two tracks:
A: Rainy Train (Music by Toshihiro Niimi)
B: Last Song (Music by Kyoji Yamamoto)

“Rainy Train” is often cited by fans as a high-quality song from this era, perfectly blending rock instrumentation with pop sensibilities. This release is historically significant as it represents the very end of Bow Wow’s pop phase; their subsequent releases would mark a deliberate and aggressive return to a hard rock and heavy metal sound. SM06-54 is a fascinating snapshot of this unique detour.