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.

Don’t Flirt – UKISS

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PLEASE NOTE: Some things I say in this review may be explicit to some people. I tried to keep this review “safe”, but I may have let loosed a few times. Read at your own cost 🙂

UKISS has made their return to a stage after a few line up changes. Member Dongho left the band saying that he would prefer a normal life, as he feels that his health and stamina would not keep up and also his desire to be a celebrity has weakened. Member AJ has decided to stay in Colombia to focus on his study for now, and recently tweeted pictures after some form of heart surgery. Hence, why their management had brought in member Jun as the replacement for Dongho. Jun is a vocalist and rapper (basically covering Dongho’s position). He also replaces Dongho as the maknae, who is I think is still under-age (like 17 or something), so his music video this time around has not been shown to him because he is below the legal age of 19. On top with that, I will be covering UKISS’s controversial comeback as well, so let’s get rid of the introduction and onto with the review.

I don’t know about you guys, but I really like this song. It is not as great as other UKISS songs which I like, but it still pretty good. The song opens up with this really addictive guitar instrumental which sounds really cool and then enter the hip hop feel. The vocals were pretty good. Kevin, Soohyun, Kiseop and Hoon did a really good job this time around. The instrumental is really cool and the chorus was really addictive. The “No No No” part would have to be the most catchiest part. Once again, and same with Dongho, Jun got the short hand of the stick with only 2 lines. Such a pity. Eli did a pretty good job with the rap though, but I feel since Jun is new, some focus should be on him. The bridge of the song was also pretty good as well. Kiseop did a wonderful job at bringing the song to a close, and I have to be honest, this song is pretty cool.

Here is what the group got some backlash and here is what made the whole comeback quite controversial. UKISS attempted the “sexy concept”, and I think it did the band really well. However, the music video was deemed to be a 19+ video. Mainly because of the explicit actions in the video. Ummm… what??? Not sure, but some of the stuff in movies are far worse than this. Oh a bunch of guys taking their shirts off, slapped with the 19+ rating. Oh, girl is putting her legs around the guys waist? There is another reason. After watching the music video, I felt some of the them were trying so hard to be “sexy”. Hoon was slapped across the face, but he had a look that kind of said “what do I do here?”. Though it did feel unnatural at some parts, some parts seem like the real deal. Not trying to imply anything about me or the band. Anyway, the music video, to me was well shot. It had this dark feel to it, which reflected well in what the guys were trying to portray, a darker side of them. The “sex scenes” with Eli, Hoon and Kiseop were quite heated (ha ha ha). Just was it necessary to stare at the camera? But hey, it all suited the song and the music video.

Let’s move onto something that is a little more controversial than a 19+ video, mainly because they have been around. The dance. This dance was officially the first dance ever done by a boy group that required the dance is be re-choreographed, because it was far too much for the viewers. To me, the dance was okay. Well, I might see their point when it comes down to Kevin and the girl bending over. But overall, I found the dance to be quite cool and nice to watch. “Nice”. But the new version of the dance is really cool as well. I honestly, feel no difference between the two version of the dance.

So the comeback, to me, was just fine. To be more precise, I have been digging this song and dance since it was released. I try to keep away from the music video, mainly because there are things I don’t want my parents to know that I watch. Not implying anything. 8.5/10

You You You – Fly To The Sky

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RnB duo, Fly To The Sky, has finally made their official comeback with a brand new album after 5 absence from the scene. Now that they are back, they have proved themselves to be very popular, with their songs topping charts since the very day they released their album and earning themselves two wins on the weekly music shows. They returned with what they do best, with a new RnB song and new album. This time they have vowed that they would not break up again, which they did a few years ago due to different taste in music. Not only that, but it seems like the old groups back when I was born (prior to 2000) will be making their comeback and proving to be quite popular.

To be honest, this song did not have much of an effect on me. I am not a fan of the band. I think their songs are okay, but I just don’t think their songs are that great. This song just reinforced the same idea. I did not find the song to be that great when I listen to it. It is not bad, it just lacks change. Maybe I am not good of a listener, but I find the thing was quite monotone throughout the start to end. I am a fan of Brian Joo. The vocals were really strong, which is what they are known for in the industry. I just found this song quite boring overall to listen to. Hwanhee’s high note at the end are quite good. The started the song off well, and ended the song quite well as well The song itself talks about how the guy was meant to live without his love of his life.

The music video was quite interesting. I liked the story line of the whole thing. So we see Brian Joo and Hwanhee with this girl. Brian is going out with her, while Hwanhee has a crush and also is the third-wheel of the couple. He is so jealous and immature (hence a line of the song) and also quite selfish, decides to involve the couple in an accident. The girl is saved with amnesia and I think some brain damage to make her think she is like a teenager. Anyway, so Hwanhee and the girl end up dating whie Brian was in a coma. However, good things only last so long. The girl starts to have flashbacks of the car accident, which Hwanhee fears the worst. At the same time though, Hwahee receives a call from the hospital that brain had awoken from his coma and also another call from Brian telling him that their friendship is over and that he will be taking everything back that Hwanhee took from him (ie. the girl). We see as Brian wakes up he notices a ring in his hand and realized what had happened and went ot find the girl, to which Hwanhee gets angry when he sees the ring. When Hwanhee returns after attending to Brian, the girls remembers everything and then slaps Hwanhee and dumps him. Hwanhee, who cannot live without her, leaves after her butt hen Brian appears. The guys have a very big fight, to which the girl just stands there and screams. In the end the girl chooses to stay with Brian, to which Hwanhee knows that it is too late and starts to leave, but then gets run over by a car killing him (?), which shocks both the girl and Brian. In the end, it is revealed that Hwanhee regrets everything that he had done. I think I gave the story in a lot of detail. Hahaha… But really good story line. The music video was well shot and really well done.

Song was not so great. Music video was pretty cool. I’d give it a 6/10. 

Eternity – VIXX

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VIXX returned with Eternity after a successful year of promotions which earned them their first weekly music show award and also earned them a Bonsang award at one of the important end of year awards shows (Seoul Music Award). They also managed to secure their name as one of the rising KPOP groups with their dark concepts. This time around they came back with another dark concept but with more of a traditional concept mashed into it as well. Romantic boys. Did it work out? Well, according to the fans, the group has managed to show off their immerse popularity by managing to win against big names, earning themselves two more awards than what they previous had. Definitely a group to keep you eye on.

The group has gone for a dance anthem this time around, with the song being really really well done. I have no complaints with this song. Well, there is 1. It is too freaking short. The instrumental is pretty hardcore with the cool party (dubstep) instrumental giving the song that needed “impact” for me to like.  Ravi’s rapping in this song, even though it was quite limited, sounded really good. The vocals were really top notch. Leo and Ken’s high notes at the end just blew me away. Hyuk and Hongbin both have more lines this time around, much better than Voodoo Doll, where Hyuk only had 1 line. The song built up from the moment it started and pretty much unleashed at the choruses. The song flowed pretty well, though when I first heard I thought there be some odd section where the song had slowed down a lot. Overall, a top of the game song.

In the music video, each guys has these moments with the girl. Like the girl. Only one freaking girl. Like there is no other girl in this world and that they had to chase after this one girl. This one girl who happens to disappear into thin air (literally) towards the end, leaving the guys alone. That or the girl has no idea she is dating everyone from the same group. Anyway, so they have their love moments, but then it turns out that their imagination is playing them and the girl was not there at all, leaving the boys to look lost and depressed. Good story line. However, did they have all these “loving” moments in the same room. And let’s ignore the fact there is a large wheel in the room as well. I like the dancing sets as well. Pretty cool. Especially the effect where they disappear except for Ravi and then all appear in the middle for a later part of the dance and song. That was pretty cool.

The dance was awesome. The wave dance, the clock work dance that they drop at times. And I loved the start. The slo motion backwards walking and stuff. Not only that, but they went slow motion a few times, giving that extra reinforcement that this song has something to do about the past. Really well thought out and done well. And the throwing of the members Ken and N to stand up was pretty cool as well.

I honestly have no to little complaints about this song comeback. A near prefect comeback in my point of view. 9.5/10.

1 Minute 1 Second – Jiyeon (T-Ara)

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T-Ara is back with only one member. I only kid. Jiyeon from T-Ara has officially made her solo debut with 1 Minute 1 Second. Now is it a great thing that she came back alone, I don’t know, but she has been proven to still show the support that T-Ara still gets. And also, this is the first of the many reviews that will be coming out after today. Today, I just finished my final piece of assessment for the term and tomorrow night I start my term break! Woo! However, I am still a little busy during these holidays but will try to manage to put reviews up for you guys. Hahahaha… Anyway, not only Jiyeon is going solo but also Hyomin, who has not yet released her song yet, but will be doing so very soon early next month, I believe. Saw the teaser a few moments ago, and I am not entirely sure yet.

This song is pretty awesome. A little complaints here and there, but it has to be a pretty cool song to listen to. The song itself is pretty catchy to listen to. The “Never Ever” part is pretty good. He voice is quite husky for the song which fits the “sexy” concept that this song has. But was it a chart topper in my mind? I don’t think so. It did lack that passion or that “impact” which I tend to talk about. The song started off well but it was very repetitive and kind of felt boring towards the end after listening to it a few times. There just was nothing “loud” about this song. It did not change around that much or even slightly. It just basically sounded monotone all the way through. But still a pretty good song. The chorus was pretty cool, but I think I only think it is cool because, well, when I listen to the song, I tend to pair with the dance and the dance for this was awesome. But honestly, still think it was a cool song, just it could have been enhanced a little bit to make it sound better.

The music video is quite confusing. I assume Jiyeon is a patient in a metal hospital. However because of her love, she believes she lives in a house with no rooms. Everyday she would wake up and do the same thing. She cuts up a few vegetables, she waters her plant and then she sits down and knits. That is all. Nothing amazing about your life girl. So the girl each time wakes up notices something ifs off and I think everything that does become off, it reminds her of her past. That is basically what I think the video is about. Not sure about the rain indoors though, nor do I think the dance scenes are relevant in any way. The music video plot line was pretty bright but then the dance scenes were so freaking dark and it really ruined the feel of the story and actually made the music video quite distracting.

The dance was mighty cool. I have to be honest, when they said that they were creating a song and concept that mirrored Park Ji Yoon’s Adult Ceremony, they were not kidding. This reminds me of that a lot. Maybe I just read it too many times, but the dance did have the same feel. I love the dance with the wall and the chorus as well. The jacket dance was awesome.

7.5/10. I like the song and the dance, but not entirely sure about the music video. The comeback is pretty cool as well. However, as you may have noticed recently that other female soloists have made their comeback in the pop genre. So who was your favourite? G.Na? Jung Hyosung? Or Jiyeon? Or you did not like any? Answer below!!!!

Night and Day – Wheesung

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Wheesung was released from his mandatory military service late last year and it has been a while since we have seen on the stage. He has been back being a very busy producer, but finally we get to hear him on stage once again. He made his comeback last month with Night and Day that showcases his talent and vocals.

This song is so freaking good. I love a good old ballad, but to me, this is mashed up somewhat with a rnb feel, making it sound so cool. There is not one thing I would change in this song. His vocals are superb. The song was so lovely and the lyrics were really good as well. The lyrics itself were talking about how a guy is willing to show his love, by loving a girl “night and day” or in other words 24 Hours. His raspy voice in this song gives it that extra roughness making it sound so good. The song built up to the chorus and when it finally reached its peak, it gave a really good punch to the face. His high notes at the end were also really good, further showcasing the amazing skills he has. Overall it was an amazing song that I keep coming back to.

The music video features C.A.P from Teen Top and Yura from Girl’s Day who plays old friends who love each other. We than get a flashback to the past where Yura was about to leave C.A.P, as if they were going to break up. She gets into a car with her suitcase and then the driver drives off. C.A.P relazies that the can’t live without her so he runs after the car, to which Yura notices and manages to stop the car and run back into him. But in reality, she does not notice him and actually drives off. Hence the music video goes back to the first scene and it seems like they recently met each other again. C.A.P notices a ring on Yura’s finger and as she leaves, realizes that it is probably not too late to express his feelings since both were so sad of breakup with each other. Pretty solid plot, I just hope I read into it right. Wheesung also shows up in the video for his solo singing parts, which is pretty cool as well. Though not sure about the “Greece pillar” backdrops though.

Though this song does not rely heavily on dance, I still think the dancing is pretty good.

10/10. Have little to no complaints about this comeback and this probably have to be one of the best comebacks of the year.

Last Romeo – Infinite

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Infinite has recently made their comeback with a new album. After solo promotions and solo activities such as acting, the group has finally hit the stage as romantic men again. However, this is not the first album from the group this year. In March 2014, the group released “The Origin” which is an instrumental album which consisted of all of their hit songs and other popular non-title track songs. The album itself was split into three version, each with their own category. An amazing album, that you all should check out. But this is there first release of the year that contained their voices and it seems they are getting a lot of love with four awards already and we are still counting the endless number of the awards that are yet to come.

I guess this song takes rock and roll, brings down the level of power of the song and mushes it into a love song. Okay, if I put it that way its sound like a horrible type of song doesn’t it? But I think it is a cool Infinite style song. It was quite upbeat, powerful like their past songs. I really liked the drums throughout the whole thing. Though to me, the song was not as memorable as their past songs, but it sounded pretty good. Dongwoo and Hoya sound like they are really good professional rappers and to me, they improved greatly.  I find the vocals of this song pretty good as well. The rock feel of the song makes it a stand out compared to the rest of the songs that have been released recently. The whole song to me seemed to be written around Romeo’s point of view of Romeo and Juliet. Overall a pretty cool song, however it could have been better.

The music video is pretty cool I loved the short intro they had at the start. The music video is back to the dark ages which I really enjoy from the band. The music video tells the story of a couple who seems to be lost in time (I assume that is what the start was) and somehow they conjure themselves up at a library. At the library, Woohyun find clues to find the missing girl. They meet but unable to reach other, so Woohyun goes running after her, to which the girl just walks off, as if she is teasing him. The she disappears and he reaches the middle of the libaray, where he is so angry that he unleashes the 1000 years of fury and blows everything up, to which he is transported back to wherever he first was (or he died). Not sure. The plot seems to fit in partly to the song, but really some things could have been much better. I like their dance scenes, with the fake White House like structure and those pillars. Without the reasoning with the song, I think the music video was much better than expected, but with the song, not so great.

The dance is pretty cool. It is such a pity that Woohyun got injured and now he looks really awkward dancing the whole thing with his hands gripping his belt, but that can’t be helped.  But overall, I liked the dance.

7.5/10. A pretty cool comeback this time around, it just needed that something more to add to it to make it sound and look better.

8Dayz – Megan Lee

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Another famous YouTuber has finally made her debut onto the stage. Mega stars such as Ailee, Eric Nam who have received successful love from the people of Korea have all been scouted from YouTube. Now it is Megan Lee’s turn. From singing amazing covers to now, Megan has finally made her official debut onto the stage. Though she was quite nervous on her first stage, she has managed to pull it off successfully. As well, she has feutring in her song and music videos, the rapper of Beast, Yong Junhyung, who recently have been appearing a a lot of other songs. However, enough with the introduction, excited about the review and the song itself.

I have to say, this is an amazing song. There is no doubt in that. From beginning to end, I completely love this song. I have no complaints at all. I have been listening to this song non stop. Megan’s voice in this song sounds really cute and to me, suits this style of song very well. The song itself is extremely catchy and manages to do well. Her singing is superb (check out her English version of the song). The instrumental gives off that amazing fresh summer vibe that this song is trying to get at, making it fun and light hearted. I really love it how the English has been mashed up a lot with the Korean in the song to make it sound something that is quite different. Sometimes, songs do have quite a bit going on, but it really does not make sense. However here, everything is amazing and it all makes sense. Junhyung’s rap in the Korean version also matches the song and does not clash with the overall feel of the song. So in the end, this song is amazing, stunning and really really catchy.

The music video is really nice. As the song has that fresh summer “new start” vibe to it, the music video reflects that. I also really like the transition between various scenes. For example, when she is singing about piano, she comes around and starts playing on a piano (well keyboard to be exact, but hey, still they are quite similar). The bed scene for the introduction was something quite new and different for once. Not entirely sure about the horse heads and stuff, but I guess they add that more fun side to the video and song. I like her solo shots where she is just strumming on her guitar singing. Though here is that complaint I have, I found the blurring along the sides of the video and at different parts kind of distracting as well. But hey, I guess the rest of the video makes it up. Also, Junhyung’s scene introduced the night time, was a little too dark and lighting could have been a little more better there. Also did you see a little featuring of the Fiction dance by Beast!!! It actually fitted into the video and song.

To me, the dance was so so. Not entirely the best dance out of all the dances. It still maintains the fun that is contained in the song, just not entirely sure if she should be swinging her guitar around back and forth to dancing to just singing. Kind of seems like she is rushing from one thing to another, giving it that really off feeling. But still overall, pretty good.

I find this debut amazing. Though there was some let downs, I think Megan Lee still did an amazing job considering she entered the industry with little fan base and had finally got people cheering for her when she performs. 9/10

Pretty Lingerie – G.Na

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G.Na is finally back with a new song for her fans. This time around however, she released a single called Pretty Lingerie or G.Na’s Secret depending which title you wish to look at. Honestly, I don’t really understand any of the titles for the song. Not that I am dissing her or anything, I just find both titles quite misleading in terms of the music video. Also, how awkward this song looks for her. Honestly, I was expecting a mini album or album from her this time, and I guess I am mostly disappointed by the lack of songs that she has released this year. Usually, she would have released a few songs but all she has this year is one song that is not that actually popular overall. I feel very rude for the introduction for this song, just everything does not live up to the standard that she has presented to herself.

The song is not overall a great song to listen to. I am hugely disappointed with the direction of the song. It was made into a bright and bubbly song while singing about how to get guys. Though it is a good type of concept, the way the song turned out was not as great. I felt the song sounded awkward and it looks like she is forcing the words to come out of her mouth when she sings it. The instrumental was pretty mainstream and it is these type of songs that don’t really yell out “HEY I AM HERE” that I don’t like. I really liked her past songs, just this one did not cut out for me. I’ll give her props for her brightness, but when you string everything together, the song is so out of place and really disappointing. I honestly expected something a little more harder or had more impact on the audience, but really, it just left me thinking that maybe it is time to change to a new song.

The music video is so so. I honestly have trouble watching this video. It just G.Na looks mature and the whole concept does not fit her image. She is the type to suit a powerful concept, but that does not fulfil this time around. Sure I guess she can act cute, but to me, it really does not suit her. I don’t know but the quality of the music video seemed to be shot using a really grainy camera. That distracted me a lot. I guess she tries to get her crush to come along to a party that she is having to get to him, but honestly, it sounds really cheesy. And the acting here is quite bad. And I don’t know, that dude in the store (don’t know his name) always gets the pervert roles. Check SNL Korea out. Like wouldn’t G.Na notice that the dude is staring at her changing in the store? And I doubt any girl would just walk out of the store when there was a guy staring through the cracks perving on them. The rest of the video did not end as well as the video should have. Honestly it seemed to be quite rushed and slapped together with minimal thoughts and thinking time.

The dance was so so. Nothing major to talk about here.

Overall, I thought it was quite a lacking comeback. A lot more could have been done or them could have waited a little longer for something more extravagant. 1/10

Want U – JungGiGo

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After countless number of awards for his official debut single into the KPOP scene, JungGiGo is back with a brand new song as a solo artist. This time, he does not rely on any other featuring artists (with the exception of the rapper, who only takes up 15% of the song). He released his “first” single back in February titled as “Some” earning him an all kill and also 11 first place awards with this new song. Now that he is back, classy and simple as ever to make sure he secures his position as a rising soloist in Korea. And that he did. This song is not quite as successful as his earlier song, but still managed to rank quite high in the charts, being nominated first place a number of times and also ranking from memory in the top three (not sure if he ever made it to the top position on the charts) and basically rivalled the big names that recently made their comeback. So basically in summary, I think it is same to say that JungGiGo has secure his position in the ever-expanding industry.

This song has its RnB roots, in which JungGiGo has been known for and what he has been doing for the past decade (yes, he was originally a singer, but with lesser known songs). Secondly, this song has Justin Timberlake era attached to it. Like seriously, as soon as I heard this song, Justin Timberlake popped into my mind. This song further showcases his unique vocals and I think he did a pretty damn good job with the song. As I said before, this song is quite simple. There is literally nothing loud about this song and it still seems amazing. The chorus “Only one for me” is so addictive. Like I continued to listen to the song. for the beat of the chorus since it sounded so good. The one thing, though I don’t think is much of a complaint, but like “Tiggy Tock” sounds awkward, but at the same time fits the song’s classy feel as well. The rapping was perfect and I am not going to say anything else because I know how professional Beenzino sounds and is. Overall a pretty strong and good song.

The music video is really simple. Like, to the point where I can outline the video and then just finish off the review. LOL. Basically it was shot in a black room, with that type of one shot camera style (cringes). Nothing that amazing to be honest and I don’t think purple was a good choice in colour lights. Maybe it is and I am just overlooking it, but to me, it really did not suit the video. And he looks pretty cool with the glasses and microphone. Basically this looks really low-budget, but shot as if it was a music video with a very high budget. Pretty good.

7/10. Pretty good song that I think will be from an artist that is well-loved by the public.

Good Night Kiss – Jung Hyosung (Secret)

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As many of you guys know, I am a vivid fan of the girl group Secret. We all know that one group is also a solo artists, while still working with the band, and now another one has decided to go solo. Hyosung, the leader of the band, has finally gone solo with a really cool rocking song. You should how I have been dying to review this song. Now it has been out for  3-4 weeks now, further indicating how behind I am with my reviews, but hey guys, I am on a roll. And June was meant to be the World Cup and not that many bands are meant to be making their comeback. *Cough Cough* Beast, Boyfriend, Z:EA, UKISS, B.A.P, Davichi, Taeyang, AOA, Psy, Infnite, VIXX, Jiyeon, the list just goes on. (Unimpressed face).

But do you hate did impress my face, this song. Awesome link!!! Nah, but seriously. At first when I heard this song, I thought it was really awkward and not that catchy, but this song has grown a lot onto me. Like a lot. From a cringing face to a guy who now officially smiles when he hears this song. The song is described to be a “hip hop trend trap crossover”. I think someone used Google Translate for that. But this song does have the very subtle hip hop feel to it and it also has this really cool dance number sound to it. The vocals are really good, in fact, this song brings out the good qualities of her voice. As I said before, I did cringe when I first heard the song. I really did not like that part right after the chorus with the really high pitch vocals. It sounded weird and off putting. Now, I dig that part. I don’t know what is wrong with me. The chorus is really catchy and the “Baby Kiss Oh My, Baby Kiss Oh My” was also really catchy. Overall an amazing song.

The music video is so so. Not that memorable and not that outstanding, but it does have its good point. So we see a girl trying to seduce a guy. And I guess she succeeded in her mission. That is all. That was basically the plot. Okay, so lets get analysing. The scene where she rips the rose off the wall and also that heart beating on the painting scene reminded me of Song Ji Eun’s (fellow member of Secret) Hope Torture. The lighting and the background looks really similar and  the darkness of both really showed something that is underlying and obviously troubling them. Okay, it was also said that Hyosung had 12 different outfits for the music video, transforming from cute to sexy within seconds, and I think that actually fitted the video. The sets for the video overall were not that great and reminded me of a large medieval party, which I don’t think it the right place to have a party overall.

The dance is pretty upbeat and it matches the song really well. It is slow and matches the clicks when they occur. Just come to the stage, there are a lot of people on the stage, making it hard to see things. But I love the dance, though sometimes it does seem a little too face (such as the dance for the last chorus seems like one that would suck the energy out of you).

8/10. Amazing solo debut. Can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us. Maybe a Secret comeback? After B.A.P and the new girl group? Maybe? Yes? No? Please?

Overdose – EXO K

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EXO is back with a return to their Chinese and Korean subunits. A note to fans that this review is not as great as their other ones. In fact, I am going to state it here. I don’t like it all. And while they have been promoting this sing, it seems that the members have been plagued by such bad news of a member filing for termination of his contract. Basically if you are an EXO fan and you have not heard about this, you have been basically living under a rock. I just have one thing to say about the whole issue. Everyone from day 1 turned their backs on each other. No need for an explanation. Well, that is how the media portrays everyone as. But anyhow, good luck to EXO for now and the future.

This song is not a great song. Let me get that off my chest. I don’t hate it as much as their other songs, I just find it lacking a lot, compared to Growl, their song from last year. It just did not have that feel. It was not catchy for me. It was actually pretty boring. The song itself felt way too foreign and awkward for me to listen to. The claps or clicks were okay and the English lines was okay. But like “Someone call the doctor” was really cheesy. Not only that but lines that were way too cliche were used in this song. The vocals were not strong and were overshadowed by the electro instrumental. The drums beats were pretty good but failed to wrap the song up. The bridge felt too out of placed. It got high and then slowed down. The rapping though was pretty good. The raspy and deep voice fitted the song. But overall, the song was not my suiting.

The music video was pretty bad. Guess they decide to use the box sets with EXO now that they are successful. Disappointed. Usually I won’t have a complaint, but it was so god damn distracting for me. The lighting was awkward and really did not show the members that well. Though I did like the set where the 11 or 12 guys danced in. My major complaint would have to be the fashion on the band. Like, clothes from the 90’s is not in trend at the moment (and I don’t think they ever will be). Why are their clothing on stage so much better than in the music video beats me, but the clothing was just so painful to look at. One last thing, and I think majority of people agree with me here, but: please get rid of the bucket hats. You do humanity a great favour by destroying the existence of those hats. Not only were they distracting, but awful, once again, to look at.

The dance was really something to look at. It gave that loud wow found factor with the hexagon shape the members formed with their body. It looks awesome and really cool. The addictive, “knocking on the cheek” dance move is pretty catchy. Those two are basically the two moves I remember the most from the dance. I don’t think EXO has ever left me unimpressed by their dance.

Overall, if you could not tell from the review, I liked the dance much more than the song or music video. It was such a pity, because I was looking at what they could do after such a great song. Expected so much so it can be like this. 2/10.

Melting – Akdong Musician

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Okay, I promised weeks back that I would make a review for this song and video. And here it is, just like a month later than expected, don’t blame me. Anyway, Akdong Musician recently made their official debut with 200%. Melting, the song in the spotlight for this review, was their second title track for their promotional run. After earning a triple crown with their song, 200%, they put both songs away and started to promote a more lively and fun song. Basically the same along the lines of 200%, but Give Love gave off a more soothing tune. I won’t be reviewing Give Love this time around and may end up being one of the few songs that I go back to review at the end of the year. But on with this review.

The song is completely different to the other songs that they have promoted. This song is a ballad and was a pretty slow one. And this one did not make fall asleep, which is a miracle. We get a soft piano intro to the song, and then to me, the song started to feel like it went back and forth like a pendulum. This was carried through to the vocals as well. The chorus was really catchy and I could feel the emotion that was oozing out of this song. The vocals swept and hit my ears really hard. So amazing. The high peak of the chorus sounded really cool and polished. The girl, repeats: “Why are they so cold?” giving that extra cool and cold freezing feel the song presents to us. The rapping though was something that I would not have liked, fitted well. The guys deep voice fitted the song really well. The song talks about how the world just fails to love them, protraying the world as a place full of ice and coldness. When you listen to the song, I will guarantee that you will really like this song.

The music is really amazing. It basically is the visual representation of the song. Did it bring me to tears though? No not really, but you could fill the sadness in it. The whole thing was shot with very subtle colours and a grey colour took up most of the frame. In the video we meet a kid on the side of the highway. He gets into a stranger car, but soon annoys the stranger to the point, where the kid is kicked out of the car. The kids goes in search for food and ends up buying a banana and film for this camera. The old man at the counter offers no exchange and isolates himself from the boy but not refusing him or actually accepting his coins. With little to go on, the kid is in the town centre. The world functions around him. Just it ignores him. Until the first person we see to actually show some kind of “love” to him comes along (which to me seems pretty dodgy). This new found person and the kid goes to a bar, where the person manages to get some love of her own that night and leaves the boy alone, showing abandonment once again. The kid runs after to catch up to the lady, but the manager stops him and demands him for money. The kids gets punched and bashed up for not having the money. This further shows nothing but coldness to the boy. Another thing is when he goes for help, he is ignored by that police officer.  Anyway, the boy ends up leaving the area, and stumbles upon a caravan, and he is pretty injured. Though he is faced with another form of hatred (ie. angry dog barking), where he is more aware of what is going around him. His frustration takes advantage and he lashes out at the dog, to the surprise of the owner of the caravan, who takes the boy in and cares for him, giving the video more colour.

My review is getting too long. Nearly 700 words. 10/10. By far a really deep video with a strong message and a beautiful song to listen to and reflect upon.

Jackpot – Block B

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Block B, back in April, announced that they will be making a comeback in April with their new song, Jackpot. However, after the events of the Sowel Incident, along with the recent cancellation of majority of dramas, music shows and variety programs in Korea for the mourning, the group had decided to cancel the promotions of this mini album. We must applaud these guys. Usually, they would want to promote the song, however out of the best interest of the people who were affected they made a brave choice to cancel their promotions. However, their music video is still online and song is floating around somewhere on the Internet, which means a review is possible!!! Oh top of that, I recently came back after studying hard, and today is basically like my day off. So let’s get going.

This song is pretty good. It carried that Block B feel that Very Good contained and I think Block B is making these type of songs into their own style. The piano start gives off that really creepy feel which the video has and then bam, we enter a pretty good start to the song. Zico starts rapping first (and this where I forget who is who). I have to say, the vocals are quite weak for a song like that. I expected like something with more power. The chorus is pretty good, but it does not carry the same level of impact. I think the “La, La, La” part sounds much better compared to the chorus of the song. The bridge with Zico and P.O sounds oddly out of place, but at least the song managed to go back into the same level the song had before. I liked the song and I think it sounds like a Block B type of song, but the way they delivered the song did not cut out for me.

The music video is pretty creepy. I like the circus theme and how it was used to scare (and be completely confusing). The girl gets kidnapped by the band after she gets frightened and faints from a scary clown who creeped up upon her. she then wakes up to a room full of guys and tries to scream her way out. And then, I basically lose Zico’s part with the interrogation scene and P.O eating the cockroach. P.O I think it is time that someone tells you that is not how you get the ladies. She then gets a chance to escape when some of the members start fighting. However another member scares her, but is soon distracted by the girl’s mirror. She soon runs away and thought she finally got away from the dudes. Well, she gets caught once again and has knives thrown at her. Then she gets a haircut by some psycho dude. But then in that end scene, she manages to escapes. Like, she just walks away. I liked the sets where the music video is shot. They were pretty cool. Pity that we did not see much of a dance, but maybe one day we will.

Overall, it would have been a great comeback. 7/10. Sorry if this review was a little rushed or less of what I usually do in terms of content, trying to get back into the hang of it.

I’m Different – N.CA

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idnca

 

N.Ca is finally back with a new song. After debuting with My Student Teacher and making her comeback with Oh My God, the singer is back with I’m Different. I’m Different follows on from her song Oh My God, in terms that it is quite upbeat and fun to listen to. Now, I have to be honest with you. I am procrastinating and I have an assignment due in a few days and here I am writing a review. Happened to decide to continue and review songs. So behind and I thought the last few weeks allowed me to catch up. Anyway, since it has been like 5 years since I wrote the first line,  I am going to end the introduction here.

This song is pretty good. To me, her voice sounds really cute and at the same time quite mature. She is my age, which to me is pretty scary, but at the same time, her voice does not match her age. And that is a good thing. The song, as mentioned above, is quite upbeat and has this kind of mainstream party theme to it, which makes it catchy and really addictive. The “1,2,3,4” chorus is really amazing and got me into the song. From start to end, it was the perfect song that I fell in love for it. It was not upbeat and electronic to make it sound like a Summer song, however the song did manage to give off this moving vibe from it, such as moving from Autumn to Summer (in the Northern Hemisphere of course. Don’t mind me, I will just freeze my ass off).  Overall a really great song.

The music video to me is so so. I just want to get something off my chest, but with her makeup, I don’t get the new look with the stars under eyes. I just have not been able to look at them and not get distracted. But anyway, she still looks stunning. Music video tells of a story where these two people happened to meet by chance (or the balloons were attracted towards each other). And then they date. Well, to me, it does not look like they are dating, but the girl is trying to still get to the guy. Anyway, I liked the sets. Though it still gives off that little under-budget look, I think who ever edited this video did a splendid job and managed to make it look like a 100% well budgeted video. I love the backup dancers and their moustaches. So cute.

Her clothing to me, was a little messed up. Looked like someone threw someone else’s wardrobe onto her. The dance is also quite simple but also quite cute as well.

That is my rushed review. I should stop procrastinating. 8/10. 

200% – Akdong Musician

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I am sorry that I am extra slow with the reviews. School is back and I am dying here. But at the same time, I trying to drag out the time between each review so I can be able to post reviews. As you can tell, KPOP has had no significant releases in the past few weeks and we are all not sure of the next few weeks as well. A few comebacks have been confirmed for May, but since the World Cup is coming up, most of the companies have pushed the comebacks to July. But anyway. The famous duo has finally made their debut. YAY!!! Akdong Musician, for those who don’t know, are siblings who started off on one of those Korean music survival shows and have made it big, prior to their debut. Literally, I think most fo the fans know of these two. The duo consist of Lee Chan Hyuk and Lee Soo Hyun, who actually live in Mongolia. Interesting hey? Also, the male part of the duo is actually my age (and we are only 2 months a part). Hahahaha… Those are some interesting facts, let’s continue right?

This song is, to me, pretty good. I don’t really expect much, but some parts of the song I really like, but the other parts kind of were not to my liking. You know what I mean? They have taken Korea by storm and have won numerous awards, which they have earned. The song is a really great Spring time song. It is fun and vibrant. I don’t mind the guy’s rap, however was it a good combination for a Spring time song and such a fun song, not really sure. I did like the girl’s vocals and the chorus when both of them sing add this extra romantic feel to the song . I find the “It’s must be l.o.v.e, 200%”, where they pronounce 200 in Korean. It sounds really nice. I also liked the bridge of the song. It gave it a nice touch. Now I did not look it up, but I assume the song talks about the feelings that this person have towards their first love.

This music video to me was so so. And I guess it talks about the girl’s first love. We see this girl who is like the worst person ever to have a crush on someone. Like giggling like that kind of ruin the fact that your in love with him and may frighten the guy away from you. But anyway, she totally has a massive crush on him and happen to be the one of the three people on the bus. Like seriously? The other two were the guy she likes and the creepy old bus driver who is massively judging them. And then proceed creepy girl stalking mode. Like she follows him everywhere and then hides everytime he notices a presence. Would not be surprised if she collected his hair when he went to sleep. We then assume they becomes best of friends. Let’s skip to the end of the video, where it turns out that there was another girl the whole time and he liked her, not the creepy girl. And it also turns out the whole time, she was third wheeling them, and the couple did not argue or tell her to get lost. Amazing hey. yeah, I think you know why the music video was so so. Also, it lacked the feel of a YG video. Maybe because of the song, but for some reason I expected something within a set. Dunno why guys.

8/10. Pretty good song and another so so music video. Did I also tell you I shall be reviewing another of their videos and song? I shall be reviewing Melting. Not sure when, but from what I heard, it seems like a heart moving music video.

Ooh Ooh – Eric Nam ft. Hoya (Infinite)

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Eric Nam is back with a brand new song. It has been over a year since we last saw the man himself on stage promoting a song, the last being his debut single: Heaven’s Door. Since then, he has picked up on being a host for a show called After School Club and I believe have sung many OSTs. Now that he is back, we see what seems to be a more fun side to him. If you don’t remember him, he is that contestant on one of those variety music competitions in Korea which got him well-known. Eric Nam also collaborated with labelmate Spica’s BoA for a cover of Say Something, which was amazing and that you can watch it HERE. I also believe it is my first review for a Monday where I have school the next day. I still have school tomorrow, I just cannot be a whole day in the rain for athletics. Oh the joy.

This song is pretty good. I really enjoyed and it sounds really, really well done. Giving off that 70-80 vibe in the song, the song is pretty cool. The song itself also features Hoya who does a pretty amazing job with the rapping in the song, while at the same time, not ruining the “vocal” line of the song. The start of the song is a really good start to an amazing song, which leads to a really soft vocal part from Eric, but then bam, the chorus. It makes you want to dance along. Another thing I want to mention, is that throughout the whole song, the instrumental remained constant. There were no major fluctuations between the speed of the instrumental or the loudness which makes it a pleasant song. Well, expect for the bridge, but that lasted for like 15 seconds until it picked up again, which was pretty good. The song talks about how this guy finds the perfect girl whom he (or she) does not even know, but everything about her is perfect. I have no complaints what so ever.

The music video. Oh boy. I think you know what I am talking about. Those socks have to go. LOL. Just joking. That stereo with the click of a finger needs to be in my house NOW. Wait, I can’t click my fingers together. Wait, not that. Anyway. The music video is pretty cool (not for that reason, I am not perverted). But that first scene was mildly hilarious for me, mainly because I am trying to see if he had buttoned up any extra buttons, cause it looked like it either fell out or he completely failed. And also, I really like how Kevin, BoA and Brian from Busker Busker was used in this video. Well I shouldn’t say it in that way. But their appearance gives off a good vibe for the video. The set is amazing (though I think one was a little too dark for me, but the flashing lights lightened up the place). But beside that, not really tough complaints.

The dance is pretty catchy. A lot of clicking, and I think it only consisted of the hand movements. Also the dude filling in for Hoya is pretty good.

Anyway, the school managed to cancel the athletics think I was talking to about (at the worst hour possible), so I am in a somewhat happy mood. 9/10