Casual reviews of KPOP songs, music videos & dances
Author: kpopreviewed
Hi, my name is Tony and I am the man behind the site, kpopreviewed. Currently an university student who wants to introduce people to KPOP and if you are already into KPOP, different groups and bands.
Jimin from AOA has made her comeback with a brand new song as a solo artist. For those who don’t know, she made her solo debut last year with GOD, along side N.Flying’s J.Don. Now, for this comeback, she enlisted the help of EXO’s Xiumin. Such a surprising collaboration.
As I said the collaboration was unexpected. But the quality of the song and the collaboration itself is pretty good. Not once was I disappointed with the song, the vocals, the rapping or the concept. I usually complain about Jimin’s rap, but she sounds fine in this song. It didn’t give me shivers or causes any headaches for me. Xiumin’s vocals (in this song) just shows to you how he deserve more lines in EXO. Someone commented somewhere (forgot where) that he got more lines in this song than his entire EXO career. Seems a little far fetched to me, but in reality, we might as well believe it. I do pray that was Jimin was singing (not exactly sure she can, but I assume she can sing) at the chorus when they both go high pitch (and not some stand in). The song made me smile. My only complaint is not really a complaint, but the lyrics seems a little childish in my opinion. Not immature, but the part where Jimin asks Xiumin whether he wants chicken (I assume this is KPOP’s version of Netflix and Chill) and how she raps about “Beep Bop” (alarm) in the second verse, kind of felt more like a child’s song than anything else. But those lyrics do fit very well with the song and make sense, so I am not going to make any deal of it. Oh another reason why I like the song, because I can relate to it. Not going to say much, but currently, I am in Xiumin’s position everytime I see a particular someone.
As for the music video, it matched the song really well. Don’t really have much to say about the video. It is bright, cheerful, happy. What more do you want? That chicken and alarm all played a part in the video. The emojis’ were cool, but I don’t know. Angry face when they were together doesn’t seem like that guy wanted them two together. And Jimin’s wall (or window) just conveniently became some sort of stage for Xiumin to sing on and jump into the frame. Also, I have yet to read any articles or comments that curses the daylight out of Jimin. But I am not going to say anything beside that, because that is obviously a good thing. Let’s leave it there. If you are confused, I’ll explain another day. But great video, which made sense with the song.
I think I have given it a near-prefect review. Disappointed that there are no live performances for this song, because I would love to see it. And is doesn’t matter if Xiumin is unavailable. Other artists can fill in. 10/10
CLC has made their comeback with a brand new mini album. They made their debut with 5 members last year. This year, they added two new members: Elkie and Eunbin, to make it a 7 member group, but since Eunbin is participating in the Produce 101 show, she was edited out and is currently in a hiatus.
Somewhat catchy but really boring and had no appeal to me. Listened to it a few times, it failed to please me and get me to constantly listen to it (like other songs nowadays). The song sounds a lot like the style that they were going for when they first debuted. But the song also has this aegyo side to it, which I think Korea is officially over with. It made the song quite bland and emotionless. The song has this nice retro feel to it, especially during the chorus. Vocally, the song was not exceptional. Nice high pitches, but honestly, nothing that amazing. Rather disappointing to be honest. The rapping was not even a rap sequence. More like it was the girls just speaking to us. I think I am going to cut my review on the song there. Their debut was nothing to rave about, but I loved their song Like. This just seems like a step back for them in terms of experience and style.
I don’t think Cube Entertainment is investing much into these girls. Their music video was filmed with all seven members, but due to the trainee program, Eunbin was removed for from the song, video and performances. Usually when something happens like this, the company goes all the way to remake the video. Re-film it, postpone the comeback for this new video. But here, the company decided to edit out the parts of the video that involved Eunbin, cut the song in the video and put up just close up shots of the girls. I get it that maybe the company had difficulties with reshooting a video because it was so close to release date or maybe due to financial stress, but the company should have stepped up in this situation. It is their fault for adding the new members, despite knowing about the contract with Produce 101. Now it we are left with this really boring music video that fails to capture anyone’s attention. I would never go back to watch the video (not that I don’t like the girls), because I just now know that it is just an empty piece of paper/canvas. I know that there should be dance parts to the video and also possibly a plot. Hopefully, a longer version would be put up in the future for our viewing pleasure. And then, it would look like the company gives a damn about the girls.
The performance was very boring. Dance had nothing going on and failed to light up the stage. Nothing else to say.
Overall, not the comeback for them. Very disappointed in all aspects of the comeback and their company needs to step up and address this (as i think this is either partly or mostly their fault). 1/10
Cosmic Girls are the newest girl group on the block. They officially debuted in February with their first mini album For this mini album, they have two title tracks: Mo Mo Mo and Catch Me. If I have time, I will review Catch Me. This was meant to be a Double Review, but (at the time I am writing this) the video was yet to be released and the group has been predominately promoting Mo Mo Mo. They are signed under Starship Entertainment and Yuehua Entertainment, hence consisting members of both Chinese and South Korean roots. The group is made up of 12 members: SeolA, Xuanyi, Bona, Exy, Soobin, Luda, Dawom, Eunseo, Cheng Xiao, Meiqi, Yeoreum and Dayoung. They are also known as Wu Ju Su Nyeo (WSJN).
This song shows the cutesy side of the girls, while Catch Me shows a more edgier side of the girls. It is a bright song, but honestly, I don’t think it is a good song to debut with. Yeah, it is somewhat catchy, but I am really disappointed with the outcome of the song. Their vocals are mediocre, and there really isn’t anything that sets this girl group (musically) apart from many girl groups. I think a more crude way of saying it is “I feel like the song is dead”. Once again, it is like another of those “black and white” songs or another monotone song. The rapping was okay, but not that great. It failed to change the song up and make it different. The instrumental itself isn’t that great as well. Very bland and un-colourful.
The music video wasn’t that great as well. Greatly disappointed with the outcome. That warm colour going for is very boring and failed to bring a bright feel with the video. That warm cream colour of the room that they were dancing in seemed to remind me of April’s Dream Candy. I have to be honest though, the amount of girls in the video does not seem to reflect the amount of girls that the group has. There was obviously 20 girls or more in the video, not 12. The only part of the video that I really liked is the introduction. But even the cream colour ruined my fancy for it. But the short instrumental at start seemed amazing and suited the girls more than the rest of the video. Maybe I like their edgier concept like in Catch Me. Who knows. The video doesn’t give much more for me to discuss about. It isn’t memorable and not really inviting for me to rewatch the video.
The dancing isn’t that memorable. There really is not a single thing I remember from their performances. It is as if I never saw them dance (but don’t worry, I have). Saying that, I am still amazed at how the girls positioned themselves in their formations and amazed at how they moved into their positions. With a lot of people, it is obviously much harder, but these girls do it without thinking (and it is somewhat scary, like how possibly they will ease into your life).
Overall, not the debut that I was expecting. Did not think I would that disappointed in the song, video and dance. But hopefully, they will be back with a better concept/ comeback package. 2/10
Mamamoo has returned with a brand new song and their very first album. With their unexpected (or was it expected?) success and surge in popularity for their catchy and very retro songs when they last promoted with Um Oh Ah Yeah, the group is riding the wave of popularity, earning them their first perfect all kill on the Korean charts and until the 6th of March, their first ever music show win. And yet they still manage wow even more people and bring them into their unique fanclub, Moo-Moo.
And with you are like me little to no bias whatsoever, this is by far one of the best songs that I have ever heard in KPOP’s history. Yep, I went there and I am not afraid at all. Why I think that? Their retro songs do a really good job of putting a smile on your face. Their songs are extremely cheerful and happy. Their catchy and hella addictive to listen to. The fluctuations between high and low pitches, notes etc. is amazing to listen to. Not once was I let down with any aspect of the song. Their vocals and rapping is full of energy and we should praise. them for that.Bonus marks for fitting in references to Mr Ambiguous, Um Oh Ah Yeah and Piano Man. The only smallest complaint (and this me trying to be critical, so I cannot give them the perfect 10/10 for song) I can find with the song is that really random start which the grand entrance of the “boom”or “bang”or whatever you would call it. I don’t know, it was a bit random and gave off this grand feel to the song, but really did not fit the song at all. But beside that, I have been singing the song and listening to the song so much, that I have probably listened to it over 50 times in just the last few days. Which I would say is borderline unhealthy, but it is so catchy.
Now onto the video, where do I start with these random and crazy girls who are known for everything I just described them as? Not fond of the really pale nature of the video, but the rest of the video is just fine. The girls move into a hotel (I assume) and basically fall in love with the pool sweeping guy. So they all take turns in trying to whoo hang out with him, but I think he is not interested in them. But the guys praise him and turns him into a holy grail or something along the lines of that. Every time he does nice to them, the girls feel way so comfortable, to the point where they let loose. And when I say that, I refer to Wheein eating at that restaurant, where she inhales (yes, not chew, but inhale) her meal and drink. But it is such a comic video that makes me smile and laugh when I watch to it. In a way, the video kind of mirrors Um Oh Ah Yeah’s video in many ways, but at the same time, still manages to keep that songs unique nature with it.
The dance is so sassy and has this really great attitude to it. I freaking love watching these girls dance on stage and sing flawlessly on stage. Chorus is simple and easy to follow, while the other dance moves fit well with the particular tempo of the song at that time. One of the things I love about watching Mamamoo’s stages is their improvisation. Each week, they do something different on stage (somewhat like the ending of Um Oh Ah Yeah). First week, they did that thing where the members take a selfie, one of them being pretty and the rest of them bring “ugly”. Second week into their comeback and they are slapping each other. It makes you want to watch the weeks that follow and see what they have up their sleeves next.
What a long review, but they are worthy of it since their song is epic and by far one of the best that I ever heard. 9.5/10
Welcome back to another monthly rewind. February is officially gone and it went super fast (despite it having an extra day, as this is a leap year). Before we all know it, March is gone and April passed us like the wind. Let’s get started shall we?
Major News
I think there are two major news that we need to cover. One that talks good about one band, and the other isn’t that good. But bad publicity is good publicity right?
GFriend made their comeback at the end of January 2016, but managed to sweep the charts with their newest mini album and title track, Rough. And when I mean “sweep the charts”, the girls stayed at the top of the digital for over hundreds of hours, a proportion of those hundreds of hours were actually perfect all kills (which are apparently extremely hard to get, but the girls did it somehow). This led them to win their first music show trophy since debut and they managed to do pretty well. And when I mean pretty well: Triple Crown on Show Champion, MCountDown and Inkigayo, 4 trophies on Music Bank and 2 on SBS The Show. That is a lot. Their hard work has finally paid off, with the help of their fanclub and fans.
In other news, Beast is in the limelight for the wrong reasons. Hyunseung was caught falling asleep during an interview, which disappointed fans and garnered a lot of criticisms. Falling asleep in an interview seems a little too much my opinion, but it just shows how tired they artists are with multiple schedules in one day, concerts, comebacks, practice, interviews, the lot. Junhyung also saw some criticism when he failed to attend a fanmeet due to sickness, but somehow managed to attend his friend’s (Jung Joon Young) birthday party. While it was cleared up with Junhyung, Cube Entertainment and Jung Joon Young each making a statement saying how he came for only a few moments, just to drop off a present. Honestly, some people need to give these guys a break. Sometimes, you need to take a sickie (or sick day) just to go somewhere or to relax and take it slowly. So why are these people so annoyed with that, when they probably do it too, when everything becomes too overwhelming?
Major Comebacks
Number of groups made their comeback this month. 4Minute, Winner, Mamamoo, B.A.P, Taemin (SHINee), NU’EST, Rainbow (even though some are speculating this will be their final release) and many other smaller, rookie bands.
Major Debuts
Astro is the first group that comes to mind with their debut this month. Actually, it is probably the only group that debuted in February that I have reviewed thus far. Their title track is Hide & Seek.
AOA has been around since 2012, but they recently debuted a brand new subunit called AOA Cream. Odd name for a subunit though. Chanmi, Hyejeong and Yuna make up this group. They made their debut with I’m Jelly Baby.
Polls
I am skipping polls this month as I am a little busy. I will be able to write about one of the polls that I have made in next month’s review.
Just a small note: I have started university again, so the rate at which reviews come out will decrease dramatically. And I have to go in everyday, so it is going to be hard to make some time.
Ladies Code has finally made their return to the industry. The group lost two of their members back in 2014 (RIP Eun.B & Rise) and causing injuries to the other three members and their staff. With the public unsure on how they will go on, the girls kept together and have been recovering from the accident ever since. Now, they feel that they are ready to return to the stage, and have done in style.
The girls went with a much edgier song than compared to their early days, where everything was much brighter. But this “edgier song” has a lot of style and class to it. While I could not get a good grasp at what genre the song belongs to until the very end, where the sounds come a lot from the jazz genre (with electronic elements), I was not bothered with it, because listening to the song, there was an air of mysteriousness to it. If that sentence is grammatically correct, praise the Lord. I feel that mysteriousness in the song was delivered very nicely with the eerie instrumental and the husky nature of the girl’s vocals. The vocals were pretty good. The song did pick up at the chorus and but somehow remained monotone throughout. But that monotone sound is used very well and is not a complaint at all in this song. Honestly, I thought this was a great song. Only complaint is that it is a little too slow for a dance song for me. But beside, I think it is a great song.
As for the music video, the unfocussed nature in some of the parts of the video was excellent. The director (or producer) of the video style in this video reminds me a lot of another video, but I don’t know which one. But this is really good. I love the use of the white background and having one or two bold colours layered on top. I was going to say that the video was very neutral in terms of the colour, but watching back, I wonder which video I was watching. The use of triangles in this video is pretty cool. How nerdy did that sound? It sounded a lot cooler in my brain, but not really when you read it hey? But that triangle chess board looks really cool. The editing of the video was done so perfectly. It is extremely hard to pick a flaw to such a good video. I think I have said enough.
The dance was a little too slow for my liking, but at least it matched the tempo and beat of the song. Not exactly impressed with the dance, but it does add that extra “air of mysteriousness” to it. I do love how composed and mysterious they are with their expressions when on stage.
Overall, I think this is a really good comeback. Disappointed that they haven’t received much attention with this song. 8.5/10
4TEN or POTEN, I don’t know anymore, but this is a new girl group that I am reviewing. They have been around for a few years, to be precise, they made their debut in 2014, under their current name, 4Ten with Tornado. They later came back with Why in early 2015. They then came back later in the year, under the name POTEN (hence my lack of care for their name now) with Go Easy. Since debuting, the group has had members leave and new members added on. The current lineup is: Hyeji, Hyejin, Hio and Yun. The girls are under Jungle Entertainment.
This song is honestly a really good song. Once again, the girls have this retro feel with the song. The song started off with some cheerleader kind of theme, but then it changed to a more retro yet modern sound. The song is quite upbeat and the rockish themed sound they have going is really cool (I make it sound like they have 5 different sounds mashed into one, but honestly, the retro and cheerleading sounds were just what I felt). The vocals in the verses are quiet strong and at the hook of the song is very powerful and loud. I get the vocals in the chorus are sung at such a higher pitch, but the instrumental overshadows the vocals and hence makes them sound much quieter. Rapping is good, but quite short, which was disappointing to an extent for me. While I do think the song sounds good, it does sound quite ordinary. Sure the rock sound is not attempted by other girl groups that often, but this song sounds kind of “normal” to me, and I am not really wowed with anything in the song.
The music video really got my hooked to the song. It seemed like the girls went for a complete change with the concepts. I listened to the girls when they came out with Tornado and Why, (but never heard of Go Easy before actually), and this concept is completely different with the image I had associated with them. And do I like it? Hell yeah. Totally in love with what they are wearing when they are dancing in the video. Anyway, the other scenes had me a little worried. It is a much edgier concept that they are going for, but it seems to me that sitting on a basketball ring, up high is not the ideal way to display the edgier concept. I feel like that guy was a random addition to the video. And that last scene where the girls get their revenge on the guy (assuming I pieced the video together correctly) where the girls celebrate with flares or smoke flares seem very cliche nowadays. Too much partying after “revenge” plot in the video. But I love the rooms with the LCD screens, where they did most of their dancing. Quite headache inducing, but gives a really cool and fresh feel (despite it being dark colours). Those dance scenes probably hooked me to the song.
But I must make it clear, I did not like the dance. The scenes in the videos were great, but I was greatly disappointed in this choreography. Nothing grand, nothing amazing or awesome. This is the type of song and concept that needed powerful dance moves, but instead we got most of the ordinary moves girl groups tend to pull off.
Overall, I like the song and music video. Not that keen on the dance. 6/10
One of the newest groups is in town and Fantiago Entertainment is bringing you a brand new boy group. Astro is a 6 member boy group, that recently debuted with their first mini album, Spring Up and their title track, Hide and Seek. The group is made up of MJ, Jin Jin, Cha Eun Bin, Moon Bin, Rocky and Yoon San Ha. Let me give you a perspective on their age. Beside MJ and Jin Jin, I am older than the other four members. Damn, they are growing up fast.
It is an okay song. There really is not much to differentiate the song from other KPOP songs. It’s your typical bright boy group song that we tend to get from smaller companies. Not as bad as cutesy boy, but like most boy groups who tend to start off with a bright song (for some reason). Not really impressed. There was nothing that wowed me. I mean, they seem to have everything down solid, from vocals to rapping. The song itself sounds like something we would have gotten from 2011-12 in KPOP and those songs themselves sounded ordinary then. I guess one way to describe the song is: it’s flat. There were really nothing that brought the song to an amazing level but nothing that made it a bad song. A just okay song. It’s upbeat and somewhat catchy, which I guess is a plus. There is one thing that I can say about the song that really does set it apart from others and that is it made me smile. It has this bright and happy feel to it, which I like. Was I impressed? No, not really, but I wasn’t repelled away with how boring the song was. I found it easy to listen to, I guess.
The music video has this really interesting concept (and it was great). It is like the guys and the girl were in two different universes, and the only way they could see each other was through a mirror that was oddly placed in weird places, such as how did the mirror appear in the alley way at night? Anyway, they have this odd connection and I guess they could follow each other around. In the end, the girls wakes up and finds out that these boys were Astro. The girl painted on the guy’s back, which was kind of weird in my opinion. Like the song, the video also puts a smile on my face. To see the guys and the girl both happy made me smile. She was super cute, and the guys don’t look like they were forced into being fake happy boys. Their smile carried over to my face whenever I watched the video.
The dance, its fun, but not impressive. Don’t have anything to say.
I am going to go straight to the score, since I just be repeating what I said above 5 times already. 5.5/10
As I promised, the second review for the night is Press Your Number. If you are looking for the other Taemin review which I did for Drip Drop, simply CLICK HERE.
When I first heard the song, I was genuinely confused about what I was hearing. But I think I got my mind around the song. The song opens up as a slow dance kind of feel, with a nice RnB style background instrumental. Not much is going on and honestly thought I would’ve gotten pretty bored of the song. A few clicks and what seems to only be a piano. It soon starts to get a little more electronic with a few “drum” sounds. But then, bam, the chorus comes along and changes it up completely, with the funky retro sounds. After the chorus, it goes back to being that slow RnB style. But then that funky beat comes in and then it continues to alternate for one more time. It is an interesting combination, and one that works quite well. It literally brought me to the edge of the seat when I was listening to it, wanting more funk and then wanting more slow RnB. Taemin’s vocals were okay in this one, not his personal best. A few times, it came out a little too soft for my liking, but other times, it was loud and clear. It also didn’t have its own style within the song. For Drip Drop, the huskiness played really well, but in this, it sounded more normal than anything else. Overall, as a song, it is a pretty good song. You might not get into it the first time around, but you get there eventually. If I were to choose between the two songs. I go with Drip Drop, since it was a song that I got into much faster than this one.
But the song sounds amazing when it is paired with the drama version of the video. Taemin goes onto the path of a thief after SM probably did refuse to pay him for the past year. Hahaha.. Love that joke. Props to whoever started it off. The video starts off with him robbing a bank. His car is later found crashed with no one else in it. From there, it gets a little confusing. We see him “enjoying” the “fruits of his labour” with his friends in a freaking mansion. And then he gets kidnapped by somebody. Afterwards, we see some kind of flashback or forward of his friends/colleagues getting caught and he feeling bad about it. And then there are scenes of two Taemin (Taemin robbing Taemin and Taemin getting away with the help of Taemin). Urgghhh… And then at the end, he ends up burning his car in an attempt to get rid of any evidence. So much to look at. Really genuinely confused. I don’t think there is a clear timeline at all, which is why it is confusing. But it draws me in. Once again, the cinematography and editing of the video makes it amazing. Oh, did I also mention that this video has this Justin Bieber feel to it? I think it is a great video, like Drip Drop and while the drama is confusing, it pulls me in and I just want to continue watching.
The dance is also great. Actually, amazing since we are talking about Taemin. Some of it, just blew me away. The rest of it, had my jaws on the ground. Some of his moves, I can only dream of doing, like that part at around 3:10 of the performance video. Damn.
Hmmm… So hard to choose between Drip Drop and Press Your Number. Such great releases and glad I found time to review them both in their whole flesh and everything. 8.5/10
Answer the poll below, which Taemin song did you like more? Drip Drop or Press Your Number? I know, possibly an impossible question to ask.
Taemin is back with his newest and first ever full album. He has released two songs with music videos, with a total of 8 other songs on the album. The two songs with music videos (and I am assuming will be his two title tracks) are Drip Drop and Press Your Number. This is the review for Drip Drop (duh?) and the review for Press Your Number will be released later today. I can guarantee that.
While SHINee and Taemin’s last solo release were hard sounding songs, this one is surprisingly calm and soft. But I am not exactly fond of the choppiness that the song has going with it. The start of the song was just perfection. Even the first chorus was great. But afterwards when the song started to pick up and have that choppy effect, I just did not feel it. Great in a musical sense, but it just doesn’t sit well with me. If I were to listen to this continuously, I probably get a headache. Not in the sense it is bad, but because of the choppiness. But when that effect stops, the song is suitable and I don’t have any issues with the song. The husky vocals of Taemin goes really well with the song’s style. Even his high notes at the end fit in well, despite it being more a dance song than a vocal centred song. Minus the choppiness, I would put this as a perfect song.
That drone camera plus scenery action at the start is amazing. But him in that bright red tracksuit, is kind of a bit too bold for my liking. Beside that, all the rest of the video falls into place. Great scenery selection, great cinematography, great dancers, great choice of Taemin, wait. Hmmm… That is it to the video. Nothing else. The video had great camera shots that complimented the choreography. Moving onto the dance, this video shows how great Taemin is at dancing and how he is capable of such artistic looking dances. It is totally in sync with the dancers, but also with the song as well. Great to know that he is not afraid to get his clothes dirty during the dance. And the ending seems simple, but with the rest of the dance just before that, that “grand” bow is much needed. And a standing ovation!
Song is great minus that one problem and the video was just too beautiful with the dance. 9/10
Answer the poll below, which Taemin song did you like more? Drip Drop or Press Your Number? I know, possibly an impossible question to ask.
B.A.P has returned as promised with a brand new mini album, Carnival. The group has been busy with concerts in Seoul, which also coincide with the comeback. Feel So Good is the title track for the new mini album and the song in which we will be reviewing today.
A really bright and fun song. It seems like KPOP is going 100% retro with these comebacks. Exactly, my initial feelings with the song. It really makes you want to get up and dance. It just puts a smile on my face. The song is extremely catchy and addictive. I just want to listen to this track over and over again. Everything within the song goes really well together. I hear spoons clicking, but I feel like cow bells would make this song 100 times better. But I think we got what we all wished. Everyone’s vocals were perfect (per usual though, Daehyun and Youngjae were amazing). The rapping fits in very well as well. Yeah, sometimes the rapping can be a little awkward in these sorts of song, but this is just a prime example of how good the rapping can be in the bright style. Also loved the slow down at the bridge. Sure, I miss the dark and powerful B.A.P, but these fun and bright songs really suit them as well.
The music video also paints this really happy feeling. It was bright and fits with the song quite well. Very quirky video. Himchan pulling the trolley with the members in it (or on it) with his ‘tongue” and the hiding in that store. Yeah, acting in that particular scene was cringeworthy. But overall, I think the members did a pretty good job with having a good time and also “hanging around”. My attempt to utilise that coat hanger scene. Hehehehe… I am going to be honest as well, but the members look hella attractive in this video. Daehyun looks handsome as hell in this video and his smiles. Okay, let’s get back on track. Minus the fact that some of the scenes looked a little forced, I think this is a great video that goes well with the bright and fun song.
The dance also seems to have that fun and bright feel to it. Nothing complex and nothing that is too loud. Just right for the song and the concept that they were going for. Love the passion these guys have when performing. Also love the leg swinging and the whole dance in general.
Woah, I think it is safe to say that everyone who watched this video “Feel So Good” afterwards. Hehehehe… 9.5/10
This is the second song from SM Station, where new songs from SM artists constantly. The previous song released from this Station project was Taeyeon’s Rain, which has performed wonderfully on the charts, as expected of the main vocalist of SNSD. Now the baton has been passed onto D.O (otherwise known as Kyungsoo) from EXO, who collaborated with Yoo Young Jin for his first solo release.
And damn, is this a good song or what? Both artists are so good, it is was pretty hard to differentiate between the two as they sang and as the song progressed, it got harder and harder to do so. For a ballad, there is a lot of different things going on at once, and that makes this track really good, but for some reason, it just seems like a simple song. It isn’t monotone or relies heavily on the instrumental. A song with “colour” in it. Actually, it sounds like a RnB type of song, which consists of lots of body rolls. From my guess, the really good high note or adlib at around 1:53 in the song was performed by Yoo Young Jin and was amazing. Actually, their vocals from start to end were amazing. The adlibs from the start gave the song a really nice impact to our ears from the start. There is no other way to describe their vocals, just amazing and it blows you away. They have this really nice vocal chemistry and they harmonise together really well. Not a single flaw could be found in the song. Might not be your cup of tea, but it was mine and I would recommend this to anyone, any day.
The music video was a little disappointing. The song first of all, was around 4:42 minutes long. But the video only lasted for 3:19 minutes, so the song was awkwardly faded out at the end of the video. Don’t know why and we haven’t got any clue to why that was the case. But beside that, I think it was a nice video. The girl goes along and puts down pictures of what seems to be the two singers recording and producing the song. Have no clue what’s going on, but it seems to go hand in hand with the song. The video was shot entirely in black and white (well, edited I think). Minus the short video, I think it is a nice video that fits in well the style that the song was going for. Simple yet artistic.
Overall, I think this is a great release from the two and it just makes me want to know what SM Station has coming our way. 9.5/10
NU’EST has finally returned after a year with their newest mini album, Q is. Last year they did release I’m Bad, but no live promotions were held for the release. It also did not feature Baekho due to health reasons. So, we technically last saw them on stage in 2014 with Good Bye Bye. But now they are back with Overcome as their newest title track.
This is a unique track which I think is pretty good. It starts off slow and within 5 seconds of listening to the song, it just picks up and turns into a dubstep filled song. That is what I think gives the song a really nice and unique feel to it. Not that I am complaining, because I feel like I have been deprived of the style of music for some time. I actually like how the start gave off that mysterious feel. The chorus probably was the best part of the song for me. The vocals were superb and stable. The rap was a little disappointing. Not exactly feeling the background vocals for the rap. It just adds a fake layer to the song, and ruins it for me. But still, it is not terrible. I think the song is pretty good (dammit, just said the same thing at the start again).
The music video is pretty confusing. It seems like they are in some kind of mystical land or some place that could be considered as the ideal fantasy place. But it kind of odd, how one moment they are in the snow, the next they are inside a castle, wearing normal looking clothes. I guess the girl goes missing in the end, and the guys all set out into the snow to look for her, while some hang back at the, what is now, an abandoned castle. Yeah, as you can see, I don’t really have it yet. I have to say the sets look cool. Just where can I address Ren’s hair. Not that I have anything against the long hair men in the world, it is just, this particular hairstyle really does not suit him. When I first watched the video, I thought I missed the news where a female member joined NU’EST. Then I realize, I could not find Ren anywhere and connected the dots from there. Can’t he, for once, have short hair for a comeback?
The dance is pretty cool itself. While there was not much to be excited for, the dance that came with the song had pretty good formations and transitions. None of the moves were impressive, but I guess I was impressed by the formations and transitions between each member and such.
Overall, fans seem to miss the guys a lot, and I guess what the guys came out with lived to my and (from what I can read off YouTube) the fans expectations. 7/10
Brave Girls made their debut back in 2011, with “Do You Know?”. They then returned in 2011 with “Easily”, “Nowadays, You” in 2012 and For You in 2013and has since disappeared off the face of Earth. Three years later, the girls have returned as a seven member group (originally a 5 member group) with their new title track: “Deepened”. The current lineup includes: Hyeran, Yoojin (the two original members) and Minyeong, Yoojung, Eunji, Yuna, and Hayun.
This song really does not sit well with me. Not saying it is a bad song, but it just doesn’t appeal to me or really make me want to listen to it. It just lacks the colour and poppy sound that I want in my songs. But damn, this song reminds me of the days of slow RNB, where the artists would do some sort of dirty dance to the music. It also sounds like a song I would have associated with After School. Let’s leave it there, before I start any fan wars. The song just sounds monotone in my opinion. The rap was added to give it more a faster tempo, but I actually thought the rap was pretty boring. I can see the rapper trying her best and does a pretty good job overall, but in the song, it just felt boring. The chorus does pick the song a little bit (and is the exact bit that gives me those After School feels), but it really does not change much for me. I thought the rhythm, vocals, lyrics (a bit suggestive, but I think we can all handle it like grown adults) and tune was all pretty good, just it sounds monotone and that really ruins it for me. I just can’t imagine this song any other way.
The music video was interesting. Seems like the girls have gone down the sexy concept route. And I think it does wonders for them. I am inclined to watch the video since I think it is quite a nice video to watch. It matches the monotone of the song. And I say all of that in a good way. Love how they use the one shot form to introduce the video at the start of the song/video. Goes hand in hand with the way the song is structured. Their sets looks pretty good and realistic as well. Gives off that hip hop and edgy vibe. The only thing that troubles me is the fact that they look like they are wearing fitness clothes. It looks good on them, but it just makes me giggle everytime I see them in it, because I think they are going to workout or something later. Don’t mind me, if you have been following me since the start, I have a weird sense of humour. That slow dance scene was pretty good as well.
A lot of sexy in this dance and a lot of swaying hips. On stage they look more like hip hop girls, but in the video the sports bra really brings out the fitness side of them, I guess. Not exactly fond of the extremely slow squat. The speed of the dance fits the song perfectly, but the squat just looks uncomfortable and unimaginative.
Overall, the whole comeback is okay. Sum it up for you guys in a few words. 6/10
Jo Kwon has made his solo comeback after 4 years. His first ever solo song was I’m Da One, released back in 2012. He has joined 2AM in a comeback since then, in both Korea and Japan. He is the only member to remain at JYP Entertainment after contracts between the other members and JYP Entertainment ended, hence putting the band in hiatus mode for the past year. Nonetheless, he has decided to continue on with JYP, with this solo release.
One of the few songs which I have not heard of yet, so everything I write today is based on initial thoughts. This time he has returned with a pretty nice ballad. His vocals really suit the ballad genre (and I guess that is why he is apart of 2AM and 2AM is so good at the genre). When he first sang, I almost did not recognise his voice, but I managed to as he continued. The ballad was neither too fast or too slow. Just at the perfect speed so I could detect the emotion that was pouring out of his voice. The lyrics are quite nice and the way the song present the lyrics with Jo Kwon’s vocals is superb. Overall, I think this has the potential to be a perfect song. Not exactly sure how it is going on the charts, but damn, this is one good song.
The video features the one and only Suho from EXO. It is quite funny, but I have read some comments on YouTube, that said that they went to watch Suho, but instead fell for the song straight away. The power of Jo Kwon’s vocals. Okay, about the video. I think it is a very beautiful video. We see the couple break up and Suho walks off the cross walk. But a little later on, the video screen splits into two and there forms two scenarios. Suho either continues with the break up, or goes running back (and hence regretting his decision). One obviously ended up in tears while the other ended up with smiles. I have to compliment and praise Suho’s acting in this video. It is so good, you could see the emotion in his acting (and it is not as cringe worthy as some Korean actors). Love the cross walk effect that appears in the sad part of the video. I think it makes it seem like sad Suho still has a chance to turn back, as the crosswalk that the two were one extended for that one opportunity, until it faded away. Also love the black and white feel.
Needless to say, I think you all know what is coming next. 10/10
The final award ceremony in this very busy season. The 5th Gaon Chart KPOP Awards was held on the 17th of Feburary of this year, to celebrate achievements of artists in 2015 on the widely known KPOP chart. For those who don’t know, the Gaon Chart is one of the important charts and well publicised chart in South Korea, which is known for calculating weekly and monthly rankings for songs, albums, karaoke, social media and many other categories. The award ceremony is based on performance of each artist, along with recorded values from the year 2015 and also popularity voting.
This year, the award show was hosted by Leeteuk (Super Junior) and Yura (Girl’s Day). Artists who attended the show included: Big Bang, EXO, Mad Clown, GFriend, VIXX, BTS, Red Velvet, Seventeen, iKON, Taeyeon (SNSD), Zico (Block B), Mino (Winner), Kang Seung Yoon (Winner), Baek Ah Yeon, B.A.P, AOA Cream, Zion.T, Lee Ae Ran, So Chan Whee and Hyukoh. Psy and Miss A (Min and Fei only) attended the award show to accept awards, but did not perform.
To recap the awards, it was a very long list and also had a hard time of trying to work out how to present it. I split it into 3 parts to make it easy for me to type it out and for you to read it all.
Artist Of The Year (Song) January – Mad Clown February – Naul March – MC Mong April – Miss A May – Big Bang June – Big Bang July – Big Bang August – Big Bang September – iKON October – Taeyeon (SNSD) November – Zico December – Psy
Artist Of The Year (Album) 1st Quarter – EXO 2nd Quarter – EXO 3rd Quarter – Super Junior 4th Quarter – EXO
New Artist Of The Year – iKON, GFriend Discovery Of The Year (World Rookie) – Seventeen, AOA Discovery Of The Year (Hot Trend) – Baek Ah Yeon, B.A.P Long Run Song Of The Year – Naul’s “You in The Same Time” Popular Singer Of The Year – So Chan Whee (Tears) International Song Of The Year – Adele’s Hello Hot Performance Of The Year – Red Velvet, VIXX Best Hip Hop – Mino (Winner) Best Indie – Hyukoh Best Trot – Lee Ae Ran Best R&B – Zion.T Mobile Popularity Vote Award – EXO Weibo Kpop Star Award – Sehun (EXO) KPOP World Hallyu Star Special Award – BTS Most Influential Group of Asia – Big Bang Composer Of The Year – Black Eyed Pilseung Lyricist Of The Year – Kim Eana Best Back Up Vocal – Lee Tae Yoon Best Instrumental – Kang Sung Ho Best Cheographer – Yama & Hot Chicks Best Stylist – Ji Eun Producer Of The Year – Yang Hyun Suk (YG Entertainment)
Not technically sure how I can judge this, since most of the awards are based on the values of purchases or downloads. I find it odd how AOA got the World Rookie award. Not that I am really complaining, but they have been in the industry for around 4 years now, so a rookie award for them seems a little weird. And B.A.P for Hot Trend seems a little far fetched. Last time I checked, they were not a trend last year nor did their comeback achieve such an award in my eyes. Big Bang took out the most awards this year with 4 Artist of the Year Months awards and Most Influential Group of Asia . EXO followed closely behind with 4 awards, 3 of which were Artist Of the Year Album Awards and the Mobile Populairty Award. I don’t consider Sehun’s award to be EXO’s award, but if I did count it, Big Bang and EXO would have been even. Congrats to Big Bang, EXO and all other award recipients.
Talking about Big Bang, apparently, they only appeared at their table when it was their award or when they were performing. That is what I am reading online. Now I was not there, so I cannot really judge them, but if that was the case: Taeyang should never have said anything because now he sounds like a hypocrite. Think back to Taeyang at the MAMA awards, in which he was said he was disappointed in nearly everyone leaving just before Big Bang’s Artist of The Year award. They left because of schedules and how MAMA was poorly planned. I haven’t seen nor can I think of any other reason to why Big Bang would not have sat at their table like all other bands. I personally don’t care if he is royalty or a hard to approach sunbae, it is just out of respect that you support other people’s stage. While I cannot confirm if this actually occurred, it just makes Big Bang look like they did not give a damn about anyone else but themselves. Hopefully, they were out and about during the show and that people are just picking up on how they disappeared behind the stage just for an excessive amount of times. After all, if you are successful, people will attack you for the littlest of things.
Performance wise, probably the crappiest stage to date. Maybe because I have been recapping these performances, but none of them seems to bring anything new or different to the table. Really disappointed that AOA did not perform as a whole group. Not a big fan of them, but they got an award as a whole, so I really wanted to see them perform. Really suprised about Lee Ae Ran’s and So Chan Whee’s stages. I thought they would not get any attention (since everyone just want to see their bias or bias’ band), but they managed to prove me wrong and bring everyone together. I personally loved So Chan Whee’s stage. So many supported Lee Ae Ran’s speech, which surprised me but also put a smile on my face.
And that is it. All of the big awards ceremonies have been recapped. How did you like this small segment? Did you like it or was it a waste of time? Please leave comments below. This one was a long one, to be honest, but we got there.
KPOPREVIEWED 