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.

[DOUBLE REVIEW] Fire + So Good – Junho (2PM)

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Junho from 2PM has returned to the stage as a soloist in South Korea this month, with Fire and made his solo comeback with a brand new album. The male singer has been achieve great lengths in Japan in the past few years with a lot of solo work. He made his official debut in Korea as a solo singer last year and this is his first comeback. This is also the first time I am reviewing a song from the artist, even though it has been some time since he debuted. 2PM has had a relatively quiet year, with the main comeback of My House just a few months ago. Junho shows off a different side of himself to the audience in this comeback, but damn, why is the promotions for him so short?

I definitely enjoyed both songs. Fire appealed to me more as the better track, but So Good was pretty catchy. So Fire is your rnb infused love song that I think is really cool. Junho killed it with this vocals and I was amazed at the high pitch he was singing at for most of the song. His English lyrics for this song sound a lot like he is asking for sex, but I think he is not technically aiming for that message. Honestly, the lead up towards the chorus was amazing and the instrumental was very calming. The song flowed very well and has me jaws dropping the whole way. So Good is like you Summer party track. Both songs were released in Japan before and I feel like this song was more targeted to the Japanese audience. But either way, the beat was addictive and the  way he sings the song makes him stand out. I absolutely loved his mini rap section after the chorus. It added more depth to the song. I know Junho is capable of these things, but like what JYP is doing to him, I forget about Junho’s talents. Both song was equally amazing and showcased his talents extremely well.

I watched the Japanese version of Fire and realized it was the wrong music video. While the exact same music video was used, the Japanese version was a lot darker for some reason, while the Korean version was much brighter. I don’t know why. There is just a short video for Junho’s Fire music video that was released for the Korean audience and there really is not much to say about it. I think the girl was very pretty. But I always think that filming would have been awkward due to their language barrier. But hey, the music video did not have any of that awkwardness, so I am quite amazed. So Good has a lot of eye candy and I think aims more for the female (and male) demographic. I am going to be honest, he looks handsome and his abs are probably to die for, for most guys. It seems like he is enjoying his time and I think him interacting with the camera for this music video made it a much better video, than just clips of him partying his summer away.

I haven’t seen much of the dance for So Good. But what I see from the music video, there really is not much to talk about. As for Fire, this live stages are phenomenal. Though I do get cringe worthy when I see artists interact with their microphone stand as if it was a girl. I honestly think it would be better if there was a pretty girl on this live stages. But then again, she might have been cursed at by certain fans…

It is such a pity that JYP is not promoting Junho. Junho deserves a whole promotional run, not just a week and a bunch of music videos. Refer to my rant at DAY6’s review. But overall, this was a superb comeback that got me in the summer feel. And I am sick with a cold at a moment.

Fire – 10/10

So Good – 10/10

Mansae – Seventeen

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Seventeen is back with a brand new song for their first comeback in their career. It has only be a few months, but like Monsta X (yesterday’s review). They made their debut with Adore U back in May 2015. All I know is that Vernon has been on that rapping/hip hop show, Show Me The Money in the past few months. And according to Wikipedia, Jeonghan featured in a music video. The members have been uploading different versions of their debut song’s video on their YouTube video as well. Beside that, haven’t really seen much of them.

This song is really addictive and catchy as. I have been replaying this song non stop for the past few days. I am not disappointed with this song whatsoever. Everything from the rapping and vocals, instrumental to the beat, made the song a pretty nice song. The “mansae, mansae, mansae” part was really addictive. I also think some the members that were overshadowed in the debut song got some chances in this song to show off their talent. Joshua actually has a nice voice. He sang, like one line in the Adore U song, but here he got 3 lines, though each line is basically the same. But for some members to shine, other members had to be shoved to the back. I liked how the song started. It was just getting right into the point. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t but it managed to do a great job in the song.

The music video was okay. I think the members were all trying to woo one girl, which is kind of weird, but that is the norm in KPOP videos. It could have been much better though. There really was not much to get me into it. Some of the acting was cringe worthy in this video. The basketball guy towards the end. He does a good job, but the way he plays his cocky character seems over the top. I did like that school hallway scene. The tennis court, even though it looks cheap, they managed to make use of that and I thought it made the video looked cooler and much more “real”. Most of the video was shot in a set that was “fake”, so it added a nice touch. But honestly, some the acting could have been better and the built sets could have been made to look realistic (or at least get rid the “17” on the fixtures at the back of the court – this is a music video, not an advertising gimmick (a pet peeve of mine)).

The dance was exceptional. I love the “Mansae Mansae Mansae” part where they spread out from the middle to the boundaries of the stage. Also loved their “smooth waving” ending. Don’t know what is called. The dance was cool and at the same time pretty addictive as well. It seems like they took one of the dance moves from Adore U and placed that in their dance this time as well.

Song and dance did not disappoint. While the music video could have been better, I think they did an amazing job this time around. 8/10

 

Rush – Monsta X

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Monsta X is officially back for their first comeback. A few months ago, the boy group under Starship Entertainment made their debut with Trespass and they have “rushed” back with Rush. Hahahaha.. The boys have been proven to be popular with fans. They have also been on many different TV shows and also some members have featured in different music videos for their company label mates.

Trespass did not get a great review from me. Rush kind of mirrors Trespass for me, in a sense that it really has not appealed to me. Though, I am going to say, that Rush is much more catchier. When the rappers do the chorus, I feel like they have a much better hold of the song than the vocalist. The vocalists are not bad, but I can see them using some improvement. That main vocalist is actually quite good, but I don’t think the song suits him that well as well.  I feel like that this group can definitely challenge and rival B.A.P with the rapping and vocal combination, but we haven’t anything that strong and “powerful” from them. The husky voices of the rappers do the chorus pretty well. The instrumental is pretty good, but it sounds like continuously farting at the start (very mature of me, but I don’t know how to write out the sound in words).

This music video made me laugh. And it is not a good laugh. I have to be honest the set is amazing. Even though I think they actually shot outside in a real abandoned place, where KPOP music video makers find these places beats me. This is by far, one of the best backgrounds for a K-hiphop music video in a very long time. Their acting could have been better. It is that type of video where the members are acting in a satirical way. What made me laugh is the fact decided to set up shop, in an abandoned area. It seems like nothing else but these boys inhabit the area and it also seems like these boys are the only ones to pass by. It just looks highly unlikely and very out of placed. But I understand it is a music video after all.

I am actually impressed by this dance. I think it is a lot better and much more catchier (in term of dance moves) than Trespass was. The start of this dance was pretty cool, how they ease the members into the dance. Also enjoyed the chorus as well.

A lot better in my point of view than Trespass. Though it can be improved upon. 5/10

Dumb Dumb – Red Velvet

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The girls are back with Dumb Dumb. Only a few months ago, the group returned to the stage with Ice Cream Cake. After such a successful comeback, they are back and ready to conquer again. The members also been getting solo work as well. I know for a fact that Irene and Yeri have been hosting music shows for the last few months. I don’t here much about the other girls, but I am sure they have some work on their hands as well. But now, on with the review.

This song is actually pretty cool. It is pretty addictive and catchy. Everything about this song catches my eyes (well, more like my ears). It is a really nice song that shows the lighthearted side of the band that we saw in their debut. For some reasons I thought of those Thumb Thumbs from Spy Kids when I first heard of the song and its title. But honestly, once again the girls have done a pretty nice job vocally and their rapping is pretty solid as well. I just love their Michael Jackson homage in this song. Pretty smart. While there is some talk in the world about whether the girls plagiarized, I still think that this song is pretty unique in its own way. yeah it sounds similar to Bang Bang at some parts, but at the same time there are many parts that are completely different.  I am absolutely adoring this song and I think you all should as well.

As for the music video, it looks pretty cool. It seems like SM Entertainment have defienitly stepped out of their comfort zones for many music videos in the past year and I think it is paying off. Sure they are still inside a box for this particular video, but the way it is has been presented is completely different from what the company and the band has done previously. Though I am going to put it out there, the girls look very creepy as robots. But it is a smart way to present the “Dumb Dumb” song as many people only know one way of doing things. I really loved the sets and it seems there is some sort of circle theme going on in the videos. I believe Automatic had the girls sitting around a table. Ice Cream Cake saw the girls take a slice of a circle ice-cream cake and now the table is back in this video. I don’t know why but it intrigues me. I do have one complaint. One of their outfits look particularly cheap. It seems like the company ran out of fabric and decided to not sew the extra leg on. It just makes them look … well… dumb. But all their other costumes are amazing.

The dance for this song is amazing. They managed to pull off such a great dance that looks fun but mature at the same time. I love their chorus and how they managed to fit in one or two Michael Jackson dance moves during the rap part.

Overall, this comeback is perfect. Amazing song, great music video and to top it off, a awesome dance. 10/10

Congratulations – DAY6

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JYP is definitely on a roll this year when it comes to getting his artists back on the stage (or in this case on the stage). DAY6 is JYP’s newest boy band, waiting to grace the hearts of fan girls and boys. But I don’t think they will be doing that any time soon (more about  hat later). DAY6 is a 6 member boy band, which includes: Sungjin, Jae, Junhyuk, Young K Wonpil, Dowoon. I know some of the members appeared on WIN (YG survival show for boy groups) in the past. I also know Young K from YouTube videos back when he was doing them. Any Third Degree fans out there? Anyway, they made their debut but we won’t be seeing them on stage that much. JYP Entertainment said that the boys will be start from the bottom to prove their talent etc. But that sounds a lot like ” we won’t be promoting them at all”. Due to the competition nowadays, you need to get them onto the stage. Look at the artists and songs that are released but never forgotten. Unless you have made yourself a safe spot in the industry, you are not going to get far. But who knows, maybe these guys have what it takes to shake the industry.

This song is a pretty solid song for their debut. Everything about this song is just on point. There is a lot of things that stand out about this song. They are vocally prepared. To me, I guess they can rival big name bands in the western media at the moment. This song is much more lovey dovey compared to the likes of Imagine Dragons and Maroon 5, but I see DAY6 suiting that type of style. The rapping is pretty good and suited this song quite a bit. The beat and rhythm of the song eases you into it, and it flows from left to right perfectly. The instrumental is actually sounds quite nice and seems to match the impacting feels of the lyrics. The song mainly speaks about how the guy sees his current (or actually past) relationship. Honestly, the lyrics were quite something when I first read them. Did not expect them at all, but hey, all the parts of the song come quite nicely together.

The music video tells the story that the lyrics are telling us. Essentially, the dude on the train recognises  the girl who sits opposite as his ex. And she came on with her current boyfriend. He gets all these flash back images in  his mind of their time together. He then sees reality where he is alone and she is enjoying her time with her current boyfriend. While he doesn’t want to leave cause he has feelings for her still, seeing how she is, he had to. And hence Congratulations mean that he is wishing her the best for the future, while he moves on. Hoenstly, that members acting is pretty cool. Performing on the train was quite nice as well, since most of the video was shot there. Music video was pretty well made for their debut. It was like watching a mini movie. Kind of. One that went for 3 minutes. Not that much of a movie.

Honestly, this band has so much potential (and yet their company decided to not actively promote them). Check out their whole mini album because their tracks are pretty neat. Freely and Congratulations were my favourite. As for this song and music video: 9/10

PIPPI – 2EYES

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A group I never reviewed before. But I can tell you, I liked one of their previous songs quite a bit. I just never got around to reviewing that song because it received like no attention. So, 2EYEs made their debut with Don’t Mess With Me Back in June 2013. They went on to comeback with Shooting Stars (my favourite song from them) towards the end of 2013. And that was it. We did not hear anything from them until this year, this month. Originally a five member group, 2EYEs made their first comeback in nearly 2 years with Pippi. Currently the line up for the band includes: Hyangsuk, Daeun, Dasom and Hyerin.

Pippi is a great track. No wait. It is amazing. There is no other song like this in KPOP at the moment. It is a one of a kind type of song. It is one of those cutesy songs, but damn. This is hella catchy. “Pi Pi Piya Pi Pi Piya”. So addictive and it plays inside your mind. While the rest of the song doesn’t continue with that addictiveness , the “Pi Pi Piya” really hooks people on. Though listening to this song, you can hear how well vocally prepared the girls are and their vocal work is pretty solid. As for the rapper, her husky and deep rapping voice probably caught me off guard. I have listen to the band before, but I had forgotten them. This track is a such a great way to re-introduce the girls back into the industry and it seems to be doing a great job. It is also quite fun and light hearted, so I suggest you listen to it.

As for the music video, it could have been better but it does its job still. Essentially they were not that good looking with their childish outfits and look. The guy gave them no attention. But when the guy saw another “mature” lady who dressed more modern, he gave all his attention. So the girls come back with more modern and mature looks and they won him over. Just they don’t want him anymore. My only complaint is that you dressed up as little girls. He probably assumed you were below the legal age. Otherwise it would have very weird. Their clothing is apparently based upon Pippi Longstocking. I don’t know who that is, but apparently it used to be popular. It was not my era. So I don’t know much. I really like their alley way set, but not their pink circle room.

Their dance was okay. The hook of the song had a better dance than the rest of the song. They look really cute at the “Pi Pi Piya” parts, while holding onto their 180 degree ponytails (I don’t know hair, what is the hair style called?). I guess there was some sort of western/country influence to the dance. While I listen to the song on its own, there really is not much of a country influence. But when I watch the music video and performances, I get that western/country appeal more.

It has been ages since I have heard from the girls and this song does a pretty good job at bringing them back. I guess all they need is a much better song that is more catchy and addictive. Throw in a great music video and dance and I guess they can be successful? Don’t know if that is the formula anymore. 8/10

 

Wet – Joo Young ft. Superbee

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Such a steamy comeback. Joo Young is offically back with a brand new mini album. For those who don’t remember, Joo Young made his debut under Starship Entertainment last year with Hyorin from Sistar. They released Erase at the end of the year. I haven’t heard lots from Joo Young. However he has been busy on Starship’s new boy group survival show at the start of the year. He has also released songs with some of the trainees as well, some of who I assumed debuted as Monsta X members. I also know he released a duet with Kisum just a few months ago. Now the song has been out for a while now, but the music video was just released, so I was like “why not?”. If there was no music video, it was likely that I have forgotten that he had came back.

This song is pretty good. Off the first listen, I was really surprised by his smooth yet husky vocals. His vocals are really amazing with this type of RNB type songs. This particular song is pretty slow but it quite soothing to listen to. Superbee’s rap is pretty solid as well. It went well with the song and Joo Young as well. This song has so much potential, but no promotions. I don’t know if the song got banned (would not be surprised, mainly because of those dirty thoughts I have been getting from this song). When this song and the music video come hand in hand, I get a sense that he is not talking about wanting an actual umbrella. If you know what I mean ;). But the “wet, wet, wet. I need an umbrella” line for some reason throws me back to when Rihanna came out with Umbrella (eh eh eh).

Yeah, so the music video. Well that was steamy. We get steamy Joo Young in the video. Probably was a little too much for some fan girls to handle. Hahaha… Though I do find him handsome. But the whole reason why I am reviewing this song (Sorry Joo Young), is the fact that Bora is in it. Now, I don’t want to take the lime light away from the artist who sings the song, but damn Bora. That was some hot stuff. Anyway, it seems like the two had something going on in the music video. They did not look awkward at all and they looked as if it normal for them to be singing pretty close to each other.

Short review today. Now Joo Young needs a better promotional cycle and also more releases. Don’t know why the company is neglecting a stand out artist like him. 9/10

Shadow – The Legend

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So this my first time reviewing The Legend, but apparently they have been around for some time. So I checked out a few of their songs and I now know why they weren’t that well known (or least popped up on my radar). Though you should check out their other song, Left Out (their debut song), because that is pretty good. But anyway, I will be introducing this band as if they are brand new though, because most likely, many of you have not heard of them. They are a 5 member boy band. The members include: Listen, Roi, Lee Jangsun, Lito and Ryu Jaehyuk. I don’t know the nationalities of the members, but I read that some of them come from China, Japan and of course South Korea. They debuted back in July 2014.

It is a pretty nice song. It is catchy and has this foreign influence that I hear during the chorus. It doesn’t feel like a KPOP song because of that, and that is what made the song stand out for me. Their vocal work in this song is pretty good, but it isn’t amazing. Well, they didn’t seem that great at the start, but they started getting better towards the end, especially that main vocalist. His voice just got more stronger and powerful. The rapping is pretty good, but that whole rap sequence was just a total miss. Like I said, it was not bad. It just did not fit the song. It felt disconnected from the rest of the song. Those “Lose your head now”. Now that is freaking addictive and I have that ringing through my mind. Overall, it is a nice song to listen to.

Hmm… Yeah, I can’t say much. While the song did not feel like a KPOP song, the music video surely had that KPOP feel to it. But I guess that is what you get when you start out at a smaller company. They just use the same sets over and over again. This music video did not have anything that spectacular. Though I think that whole “dancing in the rain” scene was something that got everyone’s attention in the first place. It got mine. I am quite sure that if the group made their debut and continued with a much more well known company, their music video can be so much better. And for that one dude just lying about with his shirt open. You  got so much attention from the girls in the comments. But you look hella awkward with her lying around and you trying to look cool at the same time.

Their dancing on the rain though. It is on point. They looked really cool doing their thing in the rain. Their dancing looked pretty in sync and quite powerful as well.

Overall, for a group that just popped up on many fans radar, they did pretty well. Their song and dance is quite nice. Music video could have been a little better but I guess it does the job. Hopefully they come back with a better song and show the world what they are really made up of. 7/10

 

Rewind: August 2015

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August just finished, so here is a personal recap of my favourite songs for the month.

1. I Feel You – Wonder Girls

2. 10 Years – B1A4

3. So Crazy – T-Ara

4. Beautiful Liar – VIXX LR

5. You Think – SNSD

6. Lion Heart – SNSD

7. Sweet Girl – B1A4

8. Shadow – The Legend

9. Pippi – 2EYES

10. Roll Deep – Hyuna (4Minute) ft. Ilhoon (BTOB)

11. Married To The Music – SHINee

12. Where U At – JJCC

13. Cross The Line – Kim Hyung Jun (SS501) ft. Kebee (ELUPHANT)

14. Hold On – AXODUS ft. Key (SHINee)

15. Zutter – GD&TOP (Big Bang)

16. Let’s Not Fall In Love – Big Bang

17. The Light – VIXX

18. Sorry – Juniel

19. Shut Up – Baechigi ft. Solji (EXID)

20. Puppy – FT Island

There is one poll that I released, but it is so soon since I released it, there is no point giving out the results. But vote below!!

More reviews to come. If you can’t tell, I have found some extra time to post more reviews. So far, I have been releasing a review daily, mainly because I am currently on break. Staring next week, the reviews will be slowing down, since I return to university and battle the 2nd half of semester. But in the mean time, check out the following reviews that I recently posted and that you all have been viewing!!!

Roll Deep – Hyuna (4Minute) ft. Ilhoon (BTOB)

Dream Candy – APRIL

You Think – SNSD

Lion Heart – SNSD

Beautiful Liar – VIXX LR

Dream Candy – APRIL

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A brand new group is on the block. Coming straight from the very company that formed FinkL, KARA, Rainbow and AJAX, APRIL is probably the youngest KPOP group at the moment. Yeah, they just debut and their youngest member is 13. I’m nearing 19 and I am starting to feel a little old. The oldest member is my age, and here I am trying to figure out how to make money grow on trees. This girl group is dubbed as the “next generation FinkL and Kara” (well, that is what their company claims). The group members as Somin, Chaewon, Hyunjoo, Naeun, Yena and Jinsol. Somin in particular has been a past member of Puretty (up until their disbandment) and both Somin and Chaewon participated in the Kara Project.

This is a pretty weak song for a debut. It really does not live much of an impact on the people who listen to the song. It just sounds like a song from a group that will just disappear. Not saying it is bad or anything, it just doesn’t tell the world how great this new group is. The song itself managed to work as an introduction to the band, but it is rather disappointing. Rookie girl groups like GFriend and Lovelyz had debut songs that got people to remember them.  They were catchy and powerful. But this, it is weak. Not catchy, not addictive. Their vocals are so-so. I am sure they will improve with future releases (like every other band). The song did have more of a Christmas but Summer (and princess) feel to it, in my point of view. While there are many intense songs, it is quite nice to get a song like this from time to time that is soft and calming. But yeah, they should have gone for a much stronger song to showcase their talents.

As for the music video, it was rather boring. I was easily distracted by other things and that took me away from the video. They are cute and definitely suit the cute concept, but I am sorry. This just does not do a good job at appealing to me. I honestly be creeped out if I woke up with a lot of plants growing next to me. I guess in this video, they went on a quest to find the unicorn. I wasn’t really that clear cause the video is basically 90% of them being cute and 10% of actual unicorns, so… I feel like DSP should have invested a little more into the music video. The sets, they look cheap. I am not expected everything to be made out of diamonds and gold, but there is that cheap feel accompanying the video. Also their dresses. The solid colours work. The German inspired dresses need to go. Also, those lacey bottoms to the dresses can go. That is so out of fashion. And that is coming from one who knows nothing about fashion.

For the dance, this is quite weak. Nothing wowed me. It was just a standard, boring dance. For their expressions, I feel like maybe they only just debut. But they look quite stiff and awkward on stage. But it is far too early to criticise them on that.

They are in need of a strong comeback. Debut didn’t do wonders for them, which is disappointing, because there was so hype around these girls. 4/10

Roll Deep – Hyuna (4Minute) ft. Jung Ilhoon (BTOB)

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Hyuna’s back. Now sing it like how she sings it in Red. Hahaha… The sexy soloist is back with a brand new mini album. This time she has enlisted more people to help her with their mini album. Her title track features Jung Ilhoon, the rapper from BTOB. Now her group is rumoured to be having a comeback sometime towards the end of the year. They made their last comeback in February, with the really popular and successful Crazy. But let’s focus on the rapper of the group. She has taken sexy to a whole new level this time around.

There are always a few things that annoys me when I listen to Hyuna’s song. The first is that she is a rapper and her singing is not the best. To be honest, it is whiny and really disappointing to listen to. However, this track seems to prove me wrong. Her voice, to me, has been manipulated in a way that allows her to take advantage of it. I don’t think her vocals in this song is at all whiny nor terrible. Sure they can use some work, but damn, her vocals fit in this song really well. Would people described this as “dirty” dubstep or electro? Cause that is what I think I would catergorise it. Is it even a genre? I don’t even know. Her English needs a little bit of work. Sometime I hear “You Can Touch Me” instead of “You can’t touch me”. Ilhoon’s rap is pretty good in this song. It is quite short, but after all he is featuring in this track and not forming some kind of subunit. The song is catchy and addictive. It is a pity that it is not ranking high on the charts.

As for the music video, wow. Hyuna has gotten a little… kinky. Whips and different outfits (even the leashes) all point to some sort of kinky concept. Though I do think it suits her, maybe for this video, it is going a little over board. There is one outfit/scene that need to be removed from this video.  Hyuna’s money bathing suit. It looks bad. It doesn’t suit her. Nor does the set of money decorating the table. As for Ilhoon, I want to talk to the stylist or director. If you need tattoos like that to look cool and sexy, there is obviously something wrong. I don’t mind one or two tattoos. But as soon as I see them over the body, there is some rethinking that needs to occur. The rest of Ilhoon’s appearance though, they can be removed. While I don’t mind him, the things he do draws attention way from Hyuna.  But beside all of those minor complaints, I think this video is pretty good. The lighting and sets highlight the concept further and brings a lot of attention to her.

I do hope 4Minute is not recycling their dance moves. There is one dance move that I saw in Crazy, that occurs here. Not saying she or 4Minute owns the dance move, but really? I’m talking about her “head down, butt in the air” shaking move. Actually, while the dance break fits the song, I think it would draw more criticisms than compliments for this video. But the dance, once again, does a pretty good job at highlighting the extent that the “sexy concept” has been brought up for this comeback.

Sexy enough? I probably think so. It is a solid comeback. Minor complaints here and there, but I just want to know why it is doing poorly on the charts! 7.5/10.

You Think – SNSD

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I promised and I delivered. Always. Hahaha.. This is the second song of their comeback for their album. Yesterday, I reviewed Lion Heart. So let’s continue the jam packing year for Girl’s Generation. There is a poll at end for you all, so stick around.

I fall in love with any electro song that SNSD puts out. I was a mega fan-boy when I first heard Mr.Mr and was totally digging Catch Me If You Can. This is amazing. This song is on point. This song is fleek. Yes, yes yes. This song any day over Lion Heart. That is what my opinion is. I would say, you can kill me for my choice, since it seems most of Korea don’t really think You Think is that great, but I just solved a massive maths problem that has troubling me for weeks, so I want to submit it. NERD OUT. But honestly, why isn’t this song at the top of the charts? Okay, maybe the song can use a little tweaking, but so far, what we are presented with is good enough to satisfy me for some time. The instrumental and their high pitch vocals in this song go well and hand in hand with each other. The ad-libs during the chorus were really cool. The rapping is pretty good as well. Not as great as in Lion Heart, but good enough. The one thing about the song that erks me is towards the end. The members just seem to sing over each other. Like during the start and the chorus, there is a member who handles the chorus and then the one who does the ad-libs. But, the ending, there seemed to be like 5 members or so singing at once. And that really got to me. And while it sounds good, I just couldn’t handle it. But beside that, this is a song that is on point.

For the music video, there is something that is missing between this video and Lion Heart. We see posh and mature girls in the Lion Heart video and then we get this sexy video for this song. And it totally fits. But I want to know what made them go for the 180 degree change. Not 360, because you will be at the starting point again. While I love the tunnel/abandoned rail-way scenes and the girls dressed in black, them colourful scenes where the girls just sit around and where long elegant dresses, really don’t fit in with the overall feel of the song. Yeah , they look sexy and all but I don’t really find singing to yourself in a mirror and singing the lyrics “You think you’re so cool?” matching. And it seems like the producer just brought the jewelled car along for looks. There is not need for it. I would have been fine with those scenes of them in black leather and the abandoned rail rail-way. It adds mysterious. It makes me ask “why do you think you’re so cool?”. The lounging around in jewellery does not have that same effect on me.

The dance. Wow. Seohyun’s ummm… leg spreading on the floor. Wow. Ummm… DAMN. Never knew she was so flexible before. I am amazed. As for the rest of the dance, I think they did a pretty good job. They managed to make me go wow. And I am sure it made loads of other people go wow as well.

This particular song. They owned it. From the song to the dance, they were totally on point. Once again, the video was not that great. Well half of it. 8/10

My question is: Which 2015 Girl’s Generation song that has been released was your favourite? You have 4 options. Choose wisely.

Lion Heart – SNSD

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I guess Party time is now over, and Girl’s Generation is back for some serious business. But they must first tame the Lion Heart to be able to continue on their quest. Wow, I am so bad at this pun game. But yes, 2015 seems to be an eventful year for the girls, as they have made their comeback (once again) in a matter of weeks after their Party promotions ended. Earlier in May, they released Catch Me If You Can as a single, Party as a single and now their full album is out with double title tracks. Lion Heart is one, while You Think (review should be out tomorrow) is the other title track.

When I first heard the song, I thought “Oh Boy, another Dancing Queen track”. It is probably the one song that I still absolutely dislike in KPOP. But after a few listens, who would believe this song grew so much on me? Now I look forward to listening to the song every single day. It is a much more classy song for the girls, that really hinder their talents. However it is a style that I think does suit the girls pretty well. It is a very happy and bright song for the group that to me just reminds me of smiles. Their vocals fit the song pretty well, and it seems something that would have came out back in the day. But the chorus, it is pretty cringe worthy. Not that it is bad, it just does not have that same punch as other Girl Generation song. Not going to say it was boring, as the song does go into different tempos throughout the song (that or my ears are playing jokes on me). I felt like the “Oh Oh Oh Oh” parts should have been replaced with something else and the bridge could have been so much better. That small rap part at the end of the song probably was my highlight for the song. If Hyoyeon rapped like that in every other song, I would totally dig it. Great song though, just some bits I am not that fond of.

As for the music video, I am going to say it was boring. I liked nothing about it. Though the girls look like they went through a transformation. I don’t know. Their past songs (and their more recent songs) compared with what they look like this video, kind of didn’t match up. Not saying they looked bad or anything a long the lines of that, but going from Party to the 1930s is a pretty big jump, in my point of view. It was very interesting. But anyway, the pizza at the start looked very nice. I aml hungry now. It just find the whole idea of them falling in love with a lion’s face and human body really odd. Though it fits in with the song and all, but it just really weird and well, out of this world. Their acting in this video is not their best. It felt cliché and really over dramatic. But I guess, for the laughs.

As for the dance, I am impressed. The girls managed to combine sexy and classy very well in this dance. I don’t think anyone expected the chorus, with their leg spreading. I really love how they changed positions throughout the dance as well. As for their costumes and outfits, wow, they make the girls look amazing.

Overall, a pretty nice comeback. Great song and dance. Music video, not so much. 6.5/10. You Think’s review should be out tomorrow.

My question is: Which 2015 Girl’s Generation song that has been released was your favourite? You have 4 options. Choose wisely.

Beautiful Liar – VIXX LR (VIXX)

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VIXX is back, but in the form of Leo and Ravi. Yes, VIXX has launched their LR subunit, which I totally thought stood for Left and Right. For those who don’t know, Leo is the very capable main vocalist known for his quiet and “calm” persona, while Ravi is the rapper of the group, who is known for his sexual lyrics. Yeah, if you can’t tell, I am a bit of a fan of VIXX. But I am not bias. Trust me. It has been a while since we heard of VIXX. At the start of the year, they made their comeback and has since ventured into Japan and the group has focused mainly on solo work.

This is a song that I would highly recommend. Not because I am bias, but this is a beautiful song that mixes the ballad genre with more a rap and hip hop type of vibe. Yeah, not a big fan of the whole rapping in ballad type of songs, but this song really does it well. Leo, we all know, has this wonderful voice and Ravi is known for his powerful rapping style. Put the two together and you get a really powerful ballad. Each member is given equal opportunities to show off what they have under their sleeves. Leo’s high notes that he belts out during the song is truly amazing. Ravi’s powerful rapping did wonders. And them two when they come together and sing together at certain parts, match each other so well. The instrumental won me over. It is by far definitely one of the brightest highlights for the song. I really enjoyed how they mixed the ballad song with a more electronic type of sound during the second verse when Ravi is rapping. The lyrics for this song is quite ingeniously written as well. We hear “Beautiful Lair” throughout the song, but the final words of the song is actually “cowardly liar”.

Odd place to end the final paragraph, but it leads nicely into the plot of the video. In the video, Ravi and Leo is one person. Kind of like the Jekyll and Hyde concept they were going for in the past. Leo is the lie, while Ravi is the truth. The truth is, Ravi is an accurate representation of the feelings Leo have. But Leo wants to let her go, so she can have a great life (she is going to get married to another guy). They struggle throughout the video, but Leo ends up winning. In the end, he sings “cowardly liar” because that is what he is. Because he did not have the guts to tell the girl his true feelings. Love the play on the black and white in the video. Their acting is pretty impressive in this video as well. Their “struggle” scene is pretty good and was an impressive way to showcase the plot. I also love it how they give you two kind of ending. One shows Ravi dying (strangled by the Leo, probably wanted to do that for some time) and the other is where Ravi “slips” away. I thought this was an amazing video. Well showcased.

Not really going to mention the dance, mainly because there isn’t anything to talk about. The members focus on singing and rapping, which I felt was enough. The need for the backup dancers was nice but I don’t think they were needed.

Wow. I wrote so much. But honestly, check out this song. 10/10

Rewind: July 2015

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This has been long overdue. I haven’t forgotten about it, I’ve just been too busy to put this out. But here it is. Recapping the releases for July 2015. I’ve also put them in order for my most favourite track for July as well.  I will be back soon with the August rewind post, so don’t you worry.

1. Ring My Bell – Girl’s Day

2. Hurt Locker – Nine Muses

3. Just Right – GOT7

4. Yey – Beast

5. Bad – Infinite

6. Me Gustas Tu – GFriend

7. Party – SNSD

8. Cushion – Sonamoo

9. Rise As One – Max Changmin (TVXQ)

10. Devil – Super Junior

11. Remember – APINK

12. I’m Ill- Hello Venus

13. I’m Okay – BTOB

14. If You – Big Bang

15. We Can – Super Junior KRY

16. Vanilla Shake – N.Ca

17. Champagne – U-Know (TVXQ)

18. Sober – Big Bang

19. Queen – Miryo (Brown Eyed Girls)

20. Kaleidoscope – Leessang ft. Miwoo

[PLAYLIST COMING SOON]

A while back, I did post a poll which I did promise I would announce more official results. Here we go!!!

  • I asked you, “Which Big Bang song from the month of May did you like more?”. 60% of the voters put Bang Bang Bang as their choice, compared to the 33% result released back in July. 40% preferred We Like 2 Party, compared to the 66% back in July. What a change of events!
  • Also, I asked you the exact same question for the month of June. Sober was much preferred with 67% of the results, while If You had 33% of people backing it.

See you for the Rewind: August 2015 post (which happens to be coming up in just a few days). In the mean time, check out these reviews that many people have been viewing:

Let’s Not Fall In Love – Big Bang

Zutter – GD&TOP (Big Bang)

I Feel You – Wonder Girls

Cushion – Sonamoo

I’m Ill – Hello Venus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zutter – GD&TOP (Big Bang)

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Another Big Bang review. This time. the song was not released by Big Bang, but it served as the comeback for the popular duo GD & TOP. For those who don’t know, GD & T.O.P formed their subunit in 2011 and made their subunit debut back in the distant 2010. That was five years ago. Like, we age pretty quickly.  Out of all the subunits to date in the whole of KPOP, I don’t think any subunit had surpassed the popularity of this subunit to date. They debuted with Oh Yeah, High High and Knock Out. Since then, we never saw the subunit again as they focused on regrouping Big Bang and a lot of solo work.

I was never a fan of the whole GD&TOP album and the songs on there weren’t that great in my opinion. I feel like I’ve seen better days with the duo than that album. So when I heard that they would be returning, I just groaned. But after so long, I thought they would branch off to a new genre (as their new album has been hinting at). But I was very surprised. This song, at least to me, mirrors their song, Knock Out. This song is much more subtle though. It does, however, have a more edgier sound and a more chilled vibe. I think this song can definitely come and go with trends.  The song is a lot catchier than Let’s Not Fall In Love, but then again it is really stupid to compare this song with a ballad. This song has it perks. Sounds a like a title track (see yesterday’s review) and it is a nice “pick me up” from the groups ballads and slow songs. I would listen to it continuously, no. I am already bored of it.

Lemme take a 3 minute toilet break. Hahahaha… Well… 3 minutes toilet break and they were probably still going. And it seems like they have been holding it in for quite sometime.  And it nice to see them close. Like very close. Like “let me check your dick” close. And also “let’s pee all over the toilets” close. Hahahaha… To me, it either looks like a remake of the Hangover series (without the waking up part and the hangover part as well)  or a terrible Chinese Mafia oriented story. Yeah, once again they show their wild side in this music video. It seems like G-Dragon is addicted to gambling in this video and T.O.P is some sick killer. But nevertheless, the ending shows how the two, from different worlds, can have fun and a nice dance off. Hehehe… T.O.P’s “I must try” dance vs. G-Dragon’s “zoned out dance”.

It is nice that they incorporated some of their amazing (this is a T.O.P reference) dancing skills in the performances. Yeah, there really is not much of a dance beside the fact that they can become crazy just about everywhere.

Nice song, out of this world video and Bingu TOP is always there to embarrass his colleagues. 8.5/10