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.

Confused – AOA

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After promoting Moya, with the band subunit, AOA Black, the girls are back as AOA, with Confused. Many bands this year have gone for the more sexy look, even though bands who you thought were sexy, became a whole heap sexier this year. As competitiveness in the industry heats up, AOA had decided to make a comeback with a song style that you have never heard from the band before. I never reviewed Moya, mainly because, of time and that it was not the best song to make a review about. Seriously, why would you want to read me moaning on about how “neutral” the song was etc.

The song is amazing. I have to say it. There are some parts that i am not that fond of. For example, that little ballad part did not fit the song. It was a good intro, but compared to the rest of the song, it was not as great. I was quite surprised when I first heard the song, cause right after the intro, wow. Must I say any more. The chorus was catchy as hell, making it a really addictive song. Honestly, got me singing along throughout the song every time I am listening to it, The bridge fitted the song quite well, but I found the first rappers rap a little whiny. I don’t know why, but it seems more whiny in this song than in Get Out. Also, when I hear the song, I honestly cannot tell that there were two people rapping, it sounds like one person throughout the whole song. Really great song.

The music video opens up with something a little different to the song itself. There was this ballad song, much different from the song’s intro. Not sure if it was like the other song on their single album. Then we get introduced to the girls in black and white tight clothing. Like the clothing is really tight, but hey they look pretty good in them. I love the couch usage in this video and dance. It gives the song that more sexy appeal that it needs and also it is different to what is currently in the industry at the moment (such as Nine Muse’s usage of chairs in their choreography). Maybe the rapper went a little overboard on the couch in some parts, but I really like the music video. I do have one complaint, but it has to do with the dance.

The complaint it, when they have their fingers in their mouths, am I the only who thinks they don’t sing along or anything, cause I ain’t seeing their mouth move! And for those haters out there who think the band is copying Sistar’s Alone, well, I don’t see your logic. Yes, the dance looks similar, but they only took like 1 dance move from the whole Sistar performance, repeated that and added their own move in. And yes, the dance was quite captivating and it looked like it fitted the song real well. The feet dragging and the fingers in their mouths make the whole performance, really good looking.

9/10. Amazing comeback with a really great song, music video and live performance. Like what more can you ask for?

Day By Day – MYNAME ft. D.O

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MYNAME recently made their comeback with another song this year, being their third song already. MYNAME has opted for a more mature and more softer look this time around, giving up that cool and extreme choreography that they have built for their name. This time around though, they enlisted the help of D.O, a rapper, not the D.O most of us are familiar about. It was like that Suho guy, who got mistaken for Suho. That was rude of me. MYNAME comes out with really great songs, this being one of them.  Oh also, they are making their Japanese comeback, literally right after prompting this song, which is quite scary.

The song has that really sad and depressing Autumn feel to it, where every other Autumn song has the same feel. The song is quite warming and different to many over songs in the industry at the moment. I have to praise the rapper, D.O. His rapping voice fits the song really well. Even though it is autotuned, like the chorus in this, it sounds really cool, giving it that modern feel to it. The band seemed to have focused more on the vocal side this time around, not focusing much on the instrumental. The chorus is pretty catchy, after listening to the song, I can still hear “Oh Day By Day“. The really soft instrumental sound really good with the guitar and use of the drums. This is sounds like your typical song, it starts off slow and then reaches the climax, and then eases off to the end.

This music video is awesome!!!!! I love the different effects of this music video. Where the use of the one member in like 4 different positions in one frame. Basically a really unique video. I love how the camera moves from left to right and the member which is the camera has focused on would walk and fade in and out of the music video. I just want to know how many takes this video took, because to make something like that for approximately 4 minutes must have taken a lot of effort. And also the editing! Okay, my geek fest is over. I really liked it how they used the same set throughout the video, but basically made it like a large circle. I guess the highlight for this comeback is the music video and the use of the fading effect. Hahahaha… But really unique video.

The dance is great as well. Maybe I think the guys took it down a little too much, but the dance matches the softness of the song really well. There are no sharp movements or jagged parts to the video that you would expect in a more poppish song. The dance is smooth and passionate.

8/10. Pretty cool comeback. Softer than usual but equally as effective.

Guns – Nine Muses

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Nine Muses recently made their comeback with their first album since debut. There title song, Guns, is apparently an addicting track for females. As a male, I don’t find this video or song that great, but that may be my judgement of the song. But it has been a great experience to see the band grow. I did not like their debut, but ever since they came back with Ticket, the band has been doing really well. A bigger fanbase and better performance on the charts.

Guns is a song about how cowardly a guy is acting towards his crush, to the point where the girls can tell that he likes them. Interesting storyline in the song, but honestly where does “Guns” come into this video? I am a little confused. This song is really not the best song by the girls. Wild was a much better song and I think this is just a letdown. I feel like the instrumental took over the vocals and competed with the vocals too much in this song. The rapper is really strong, I must say and also the chorus is mildly catchy. I am not just sure if the song as a whole is the right choice. I did like the cowboy/girl feel to it, and I guess that is where the “Guns” come into play.

The music video is very deserted. Like seriously, there is nobody on that stretch of desert land! And what petrol station is built right next to a mining place?  There are a few more things that I am totally unsure about. The girls really do seem to be “showing” off their body. Not sure if they are trying to tease the poor guy or if it is just for the music video, but really? Girls posing like that while fixing a car, really is not ideal and really stereotypical. It seems like the guys is shy at frist, but he slowly builds up courage to ask her out. And then she just walks off? Does that mean the girls were playing with with all along? And also it seems like the girls have returned to their modelling days, because it seems like they are modelling a lot of different fashion here in this video. But beside that, I feel quite neutral about the music video. Not as confused as with the song, but the video definitely is much better than the song,

It is really a pity that the station decided to just cut all of their performances during the first week of promotions. They should at least allow all bands to perform a full song during their comeback week right? But returning to the video, the dance is okay. I love the use of chairs. Where some of the girls stand up and sit down at different parts of the video. But, the performance was so short. However for the one I have linked in the playlist below, I feel like the one colour theme does not suit them. They do well with green on all of them, but it does not look right for this performance.

I have to say 4/10. Not that great for a comeback in my opinion, but it still has its good points.

Everybody – SHINee

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SHINee has finally returned with their first mini album of the year. After successful promotions of Dream Girl and Why So Serious?, the band has returned with a new modern concept, showcasing their skill and and cool choreography.  It is also the first promotions for Jonghyun, who only took part in the last week of promotions for Why So Serious. I would like to take some time to talk about something. Usually, SHINee does not promote 3 times in a year, but I think SMent is now scared that EXO would take over the company. To those who think it is not a big deal, I think SM released that despite it is great for rookie bands to become top and whatnot, bands that SM do care about and gain a lot of profit from (such as Super Junior, SNSD, SHINee, TVXQ and F(x)), SM may become like what JYP is at the moment. JYP is literally now dependant on 2PM for profits, earning 60% or something like that worth of profit for the company. Basically if that was to happen to SMent, it i would not only mean the downfall of the giant company, but also the possibility disbandment for the other groups, who basically “lived through their prime”. And that, my friends is the analysis of what I think SM is doing, that or they are just profit hungry people.

The song is not that great. I love the idea of dubstep and the “complextro” theme, but this song is really not that great as expected. Putting this song up against T-Ara’s Number 9, IU’s Red Shoes, Busker Busker’s Love, At First or even EXO’s Growl which is still growing strong at the moment, this song would probably come last. It is different to the usual pop, hip hop style songs that we hear. But I find the song not as strong. As many of you guys know, I tend to complain about the amount of lines that “visuals” and all of that get, for example Sistar where 70% of the song belongs to Hyorin, and rest of the song goes out to Dasom, Soyu and Bora. Here, it seems like most of focus is on Taemin. Both on stage and the vocals seems to be mostly Taemin. Now, I am sure that the main or lead vocals are Jonghyun and Onew, but Taemin just randomly came through and took over the song. But beside that, the song is pretty okay. Not sure about the “whubb, whubb” part of the song, but I guess they do. And the 10 high notes towards the end is pretty cool, but may be a little excessive.

As for the music video, the video is pretty okay. Not the best video out there, but it does its job. That masked dude at the start, that was kind of scary and it seems like the company is reusing the same wiring used for the microphone stands and the set of F(x)’s Electric Shock. Not sure about the chess pieces and a shirtless Taemin, but I think the music video is pretty cool. Honestly, the music video set seems to come out of Japan or something, I have never seen anything like this in KPOP that is that big or large. Again, not sure about the coloured lense that Taemin is wearing or Key’s long hair in this video.

Now, I know the dance was choreographed by an American, and hence there was this american feel to the dance.  It seems like the guys had fun at parts, but also was tired as hell at other parts, But the dance was amazing. I loved the end part where Onew is like spinning his arms like crazy. And also the start where they all get up, was pretty cool as well. Not entirely sure about the legs splitting, because last time Taemin did something like that, his pants ripped. Also, the guys look like those little army men toys, with their outfits on and at some parts of the dance, like that scene after the second chorus (1:51).

Really, don’t know what to give this song. I liked the dance, music video was standard, but the song did not stand out for me. I guess, I give a 6.5/10. But hey, thats my idea of the song. But what is your idea? What song do like better? Dream Girl? Why So Serious? Everybody? Or maybe another song?

Number 9 – T-Ara

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T-Ara has finally made their 6 member comeback after a little over a year of trouble. First, it was Hwayoung who was kicked out the group, and this happened mid last year. After that Ahreum was removed from the group after shocking rumours earlier this year. Now, the only members of the group are Eunjung, Qri, Soyeon, Jiyeon, Boram and Hyomin (the original 6 members) . And I think fans are liking the line-up now. Hwayoung’s addition to the group did not cause that much trouble, however with Ahreum’s and the potential debut of Dani in the group annoyed fans. It seems like CCM has finally worked out their mistake and despite covering up, we know they are scrapped their plan and working from square one. T-Ara’s comeback is well received, doing very well on the charts, reaching up to second place on charts, behind IU.

The song is another amazing song. I love the western mashup with pop style. It is unique and sounds really awesome. Not sure about the upbeat parts after the “Ooooo~” parts at the start, but they have their charm. I love the different parts to the song, as though they seems to be mish mash of mistaken identity, however a combination of glory. Yes, GLORY!!!! The chorus was also amazing as well. I really love the vocals and the rapping in the song. Especially Boram’s voice in this song. It sound much better than normal and it is a pity that she only got like one part, The only thing I dislike in the song is the “I’m headache” part, just before the rap. Ummm…. Your headache? Engrish to the max here. But beside that, It is really cool song. I also like the club version of the song. It is just the instrumental changed around a little bit and sounds pretty cool.

As for the music video, I find it okay. Not the best T-Ara music video, but I love the change from those mini two parts movies to the normal standard music video length. Those sets where they dance are pretty amazing and I really like the close-up shots. However, I find those excessive flashing lights pretty annoying. They are like in most of the video and throughout all of the video. And what is with this weird obsession with the bathtub in the middle of the room. Last time that happened, it was in Teen Top’s To You! There is also something troubling about breaking up for me. I have never been in a relationship before, but I am quite sure you don’t rip paper with your mouth or sleep in a bathtub that is in the middle of the room.  No, it is just me? Oh okay, then. But, it is lovely video.

As for the dance, I love the chorus bit. So cool! And the dance at the rapping, was so cool. But I am not sure about the dance during the instrumental part here it sounds like you’re at a club and the bridge. The girls falling to their knees on the floor, does not like great. It seems like they’re begging their hated lover to come back or something.

8.5/10. Pretty amazing and is uplifting to see such a great comeback after a rough year in the industry. T-Ara Hwaiting~!

 

 

Red Shoes – IU

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IU has finally made her comeback to the stage after what seems to be a really rough year for her. Scandal after scandal has literally shoved her out of her spotlight, making her one of the most hated (by ELFS) person in the world. This is her first comeback to Korea after countless number of promotional runs in Japan and also her first Korean comeback since the Spring of a Twenty Year Old, last year. It is also her first comeback onto the stage since You & I. I must comment now, but who freaking amazing is IU and like every song she has put out? This song, and the rest of the album is freaking amazing. I tweeted a lot about it, since its release.

She also now has a perfect all kill, taking out Busker Busker, who had an all kill and all of the other artists on the charts at the moment! You know what, in celebration of that, we should all take our shirts off. You know, as a gesture towards IU. 

The song is freaking amazing. I am surprised and amazed about the quality of this song. It definitely tops You & I and Good Day, which were all really good songs as well. If you have not noticed from her many teasers, she has gone for a more mature image this time around, rather that “Little Nation’s Sister” image that she got taken away from her. The jazz feel that this song has is really cool. I find that IU’s voice fits this style really well, (Likewise, the whole album is to the same standard). The lyrics itself tells us a story of a girl who wants to find a guy she met during the summer, but does not know who he is. I really love the English bits in the chorus and also the “Ooma loompa doom dubi duba doom“and “Again Again” part. I found that rather cute.

The music video, at first I thought it would be a “Wizard of Oz” theme to it because those red shoes look exactly like the ones that Dorothy wears. Instead we get a totally different plot. We see a girl, IU, enjoying her Summer with a group of guys (surprised not one of them does not have their shirt off). She however falls in love with the servant, and after that tries to find him. But it seems Mr. Shoe is willing to help her by rushing her to the servant or trying to chase her down, because she is his one true love. But then there is that scene where she gets the shoe, which now confuses me. I found that little “credit scene” in the video, quite cute. I found the teasers quite cute. However, I did overcome with the thought that the guys were gay. They seemed that way. Despite that, I love the black and white feel of the video, giving that authentic 1930’s look.  I also love the scene where she dances, both solo and as the performance. Grand scale for such a lovely girl.

The dance is pretty cool. Have not looked at in detail, but boy do the ending of the performances seem awesome or not? That little disappearance act sets the bar high for future performances from other bands, groups and soloists.

9.5/10. Really amazing. To all of her fans out there that I may have offended, I am sorry. I only put them in there as a joke. But seriously, really good song. IU daebak!

Very Good – Block B

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Block B has finally returned after a little trouble with their previous company, Stardom Entertainment. But now, the boys are back with a brand new mini album, ready to rock the stage with their latest song: Very Good. I really like the direction that the band is going in and for those who really do think that they are copying Big Bang and G Dragon now… Ummm… What??? I have watched this video a lot of time, and even though is is quirky and random, it does not necessarily suggest that is “trademark” by Big Bang or YG Ent. The only thing that I got from this video that is similar is Zico’s hair, which looks like Taeyang’s famous Sushi roll hair (on the other hand, Taeyang’s hair at the moment looks oddly familiar aka. most females in Korea).

This is an amazing song for a comeback. It seems like the band is going for a brand new image. They used to do songs that were not that serious, but this time around, I think the band has gone for a more hardcore look. A ballad by the band? Be With You, the pre released single. A hardcore pop, hip hop song? Very Good, their title track. I have not listened to the rest of their album yet, but I assume it is to the high standard that both songs mentioned. I love the chorus, simple, yet really addictive. The only part that I am kind of not happy about is Taeli’s (I think that is his name) rap. It did not really fit the song. Not really the best rap in the song. Also that small part Zico has was not that great as well. Probably the only let down of the song. I did love P.O’s rap. Downright hardcore and changed the song up a bit, giving it more of an addictive side to the song. Let’s just say: “I’m Very Very Good” when I listen to this song.

The music video is down right weird. We see the band trying to break into a bank. To steal what? Nothing exactly, cause they don’t really leave with any money. They find money, not as much as I thought that would be in a bank, cause they only party with one trolley worth of money, and I think banks have like much more than one trolley. But let’s focus on something else: How to rob a bank according to Block B. Okay. Firstly, you must wearing an intimidating mask to “mask” you identity. Check. Then after entering the the bank and making sure the cameras are watching you, take off your mask. The proceed to dance. That is what I saw in the video. Can’t really disagree with me. Oh, also, I think the purpose of going through someone’s bag is to steal something valuable like their phone or wallet or purse. But P.O, you took a girl’s lipstick and did you face with it. Well at least that is much better  than what Jaehyo did, he flirted. Did not get anywhere near the bag. Last thing before we move on: that scene where they partied, P.O started to play with Zico’s shoe. Yeah, I don’t you are doing it right.

In fact, I don’t think the band is doing anything right. I think the band should stop stealing things. They failed in Nillili Mambo and now here. Zico, you should lead your team more careful next time.

The dance is amazing. Down right simple and quite easy. Nothing to complain. Well maybe, I should lodge a complaint with the KPOP hotline about Zico’s hair. Not the ideal hairstyle mate.

9/10. I feel like I am on a nice strike. Really great song and music video.

Tears – Leessang ft. Eugene (The Seeya)

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It has been a while since we all last got something from this hip hop and rap duo, Leessang. Tears was released way back in January 2013, 10 months ago. It instantly topped charts and to me is one of the best songs of the year. Gary, who participates in Running Man and Gil who participates in Infinity Challenge, have received love through those means, but now, it seems like they are missing from the scene. We have been told that the duo will make their comeback, sometime this year, if the rumours are true. I am also hoping that rumours about this website celebrating its second year are true. which they are. Too easy??? I will let that one slide for now.

The song is another emotional song. As soon as you hear the title of the song, you can tell that the song is gonna be a bigger tear jerker! I should really stop. No, but the raps  by Gary and the vocals of Gil and Eugene are very strong and portray the true feelings of the song in great detail. Seriously amazing. Despite it being released 10 months, it is a song that I have been going to over and over again, because it is that great. It also warms your heart, particularly in winter (or cause you to sweat more). The instrumental does not get in the way with the vocals or rap. It is quite soft and plain, but with the voices it is big and loud. You may think the drums are quite loud, but I find it louder with the vocals.

As for the music video, it is equally as amazing. Credits to Daniel from Dalmatian and NS Yoon G for their amazing acting in this video. I don’t think credit is the right word for me to use. We see them at the start breaking up, and from then, like Busker Busker’s video, we see two lives, complaint shaken and different from the life they had as a couple. The screen splits into two, showing a bright side of the picture (them being a couple) and a much more darker side (for their sad lonely times). but what makes this video much better is that despite it being the bright side, we still see some of those lonely times as well. The video was also made to trick us into thinking the two are going to meet up, but it seems we get from the ending that they are two different people from two different worlds, and hence, they cannot be together. That last scene where they cross each other paths just tells us that they have decided to go their different ways, but as all couples, still have hope that they have not realized yet.

10/10. Two 10/10’s in a row. Wow, that is a first. Amazing song and also amazing music video.

Love, At First – Busker Busker

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Busker Busker has finally returned after over a year of rumours of disbandment, with a brand new album. Yet to make a comeback onto the stage, Busker Busker has lived up to fan’s expectations, slaughtering all charts in Korea with their new song, most of them (or all) of the songs charting in the top 10. I never got to review Cherry Blossom Spring, mainly because I hated the song, but this song, is amazing. Now I know they are an independent band, but why have they not promoted on any shows yet? MCountdown? Inkigayo? Music Core? Show Champion? Music Bank? Where are you guys????? So yeah, this review will be quite short, mainly because there has been no performance of the song yet. If there are, and I am still under this rock (points to rock), please link it to me in the comments. Would love to see a performance.

The song is heartbreaking. Let’s just start off with that. The emotions in this song is very overwhelming but for the right reasons. You could literally feel it through the ballad and slow feel of the song and the smooth vocals of the song. The sorrow you can feel is very deep. I find this the “perfect song”, because, to me, everything in this is perfect. Vocals, lyrics, instrumental all make the song ‘successful’. This is the award winning song of the month. There is nothing wrong with the song. It showcases the member’s talent to a very high extent. I must say the guys nasal vocals add a little something to the song that we cannot see that much. Most likely, they will win a lot of awards (no more rookie awards I hope though), proving their success in the industry.

The music video fits the same level of emotion within the song. We see a couple breaking up at first. Then we see each of the couple’s life in turmoil, as if they cannot do anything properly. The guy has lost his passion in his day, which lacks a lot of colour. As for the girl, she cannot function properly with her breakup in the back of her mind. A very beautiful music video. The black and white feel to it adds more to the loneliness and sadness of the music video which makes it so great.

The emotion in the song and the music video can be felt as if we were apart of their world. 10/10. Which is great considering that I did not like their debut song. Hahahaha…

Also an extra word. I kind of lied it being my third year doing this. I can’t count. Hahahaha… WordPress just notified a little while ago that I have been with wordpress for 2 years now. Which makes it my two year anniversary. Thank you all for those who have been supporting me by reading this blog. You guys are amazing. Let’s all wish for another two years and more together.  ^^

Memory – FT Island

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FT Island has finally made their anticipated comeback after nearly a year with Memory. The song along with the mini album is celebrating their 6 year anniversary. 6 years??? That is quit a long time, and this is coming from a teenager which has spent approx. 12 years in school. One more for me. And hopefully plenty more years for the band. This is the type of song that I enjoy listening to from this band. Much better and amazing than their Spanish ballad stuff they have been releasing in the past few years.

As I said the song is much better than than I Wish or Severely or any of their ballads from the past. I loved the rock feel it has, which makes it so good. Seriously, to remember 6 years, this song would be the perfect song to do so. I am also quite happy that they gave more parts to Jaejin, I think that is his name. He did not get much in Severely and only a small section in I Wish, so this time around, giving him more parts as the rapper was pretty cool. I also love the keyboard/piano feel of the song and the softness of the voice at the start. But those parts where he is like “Love Is Painful” need that little autotune part in the background.  Beside that though, I am quite satisfied with this song. Nothing too much to complain about.

The music video is quite boring. Nothing exciting here. Just clips of them being them. Honestly, I would have expected something like screens of their past music videos to commemorate their past and some images of fans, but instead just them playing on stage and stuff like that,  So yeah, music video is a no no.

As for the performance, I think we only get to see them for a week or two. AOA is making their comeback on the 10th and the company did say that the girls will be making their comeback after FT Island promotes, so we only see FT island for a short amount of time. In terms of stage, I love Inkigayo and MCountdown’s stage. Really amazing and fitted the song. Different to the usual boring stages that we see.

And that takes us to the end of the review. Score? 8.5/10. Really great comeback. Let’s hope AOA can do equally as great or even better!

Hope Torture – Song Ji Eun (Secret)

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Song Ji Eun, today, made her official comeback as a solo artist, with Hope Torture. It has been two years since we have seen anything from the singer, beside her usual Secret promotions. Back then, she paired up with Bang Yong Guk for Going Crazy, which became a hit to fans of both artists. Since then however, she returned with her group through songs such as Starlight Moonlight, Love Is Move, Poison, Talk That and YooHoo, along with numerous Japan singles like Madonna (Jap Ver), Love Is Move (Jap Ver) and Twinkle Twinkle, just to name a few. It is so great that we finally get to hear a song from her and with the official album release and music video release today, making fans, along with me excited. Not to mention that she has already made her comeback on the weekly music shows, last week.

Okay, the song is rather slow. I listened to the live performance, the music video and the release, but I find way too slow for me. I find it too does not fit Song Ji Eun’s style. However, I still find the song attractive and great to listen to. Yeah, I maybe bias just a little, but hell, I find this song so great. Many songs are about falling in love or an emotional breakup, but not many songs focuses on that thin ice or that thread of string that many people hold onto. In this song however, it is referred to that last piece of hope that is thrown away by one, but their partner holds onto it, facing the torture of love. Really poetic. I love the little English phrases scattered throughout the song, it adds that extra RnB touch to it. Also, her little al-lib at the end was pretty cool, on top of that the pretty epic sounding instrumental. As I said, I dig violins. I should learn how to play one, shouldn’t I?

Wow, the music video is really artistic. They portrayed in her in a way, where she looks beautiful in the video, but when she looks sad, we feel the emotion too. To me, the ending is such a show stopper. They use a light background, but then fade into a depressing and sad tone. That scene where that cake was destroyed (what a waste of cake) really showed the build up in the emotion, which actually links in the music video, where at one part she remembers her lover, but the very next moment, she hates him again. The dead spiral of leaves and branches, along with the burning guitar and sunflower added more to the scene that really gives that extra umph to to which makes it pretty cool. I am not sure about the hole in the hand part and the nail. Are they trying link something to Jesus, cause I don’t really understand much. Torture yeah, but that would raise a lot of controversies would it not?

As for the performance, she sounds amazing live. Great for all. Not sure about the dancers, because despite being a slow song and the dancers are dancing with very slow movements, this song really does not need the use of dancers. Oh and the dresses she wears are pretty beautiful. Not from my experience, but the point of views of others.

8.5/10. Pretty amazing. Maybe a little fine tuning in some parts, but seriously overall, I think she is going to do really well. That or I blame the slaughter of comebacks and debuts all schedule for tomorrow and beyond. Sorry, I was rather busy with my homework yesterday, so i could not upload Leessang’s review, but I will try to get it done tonight.

Stupid In Love – Mad Clown ft. Soyu (Sistar)

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Mad Clown recently signed with Starship-X entertainment, the sub label company of Starship Entertainment which houses Sistar, K.Will and Boyfriend. He collaborated and debuted with Stupid In Love, with Sistar’s Soyu featuring in the song. Now I am not sure about Mad Clown too much, but I think he was on that rapping show awhile back or something. Not really that sure about the whole thing. Anyway, the song itself recorded an all kill on the day of its release, proving to be a big hit. It too has been nominated over and over again to be first place on the weekly music shows, but have fallen short to G Dragon and Kara. However, they are still proving to be a hit, as it is still one of the hottest songs to come out so far.

As soon as I heard the song, I was totally amazed. The rapper did a really good job showing how much effort and emotion he can put into the song through his rapping. It was powerful and by far one of the best male rappers I have heard since starting out with KPOP. Soyu as well did a splendid job with her vocals and sounded really, really amazing. Honestly, I would did any song that these two will do in the future, together. I am glad that they did not put in Hyorin into this song, as I find that sometimes her voice is too powerful and may conflict with the song. The lyrics were also quite sad. They talked about how a couple feels when their love is about to end. So beautiful, so sad.

There really isn’t any music video, except for something that lasts like less than a 1 minute However, I find the complexity of the music video fits the song. It is not simple as the two are on a white background with black and white lighting, making the whole thing look pretty cool. However, the I am not too sure about the crow outfit that Soyu was wearing. Kind of looked creepy. Hey Soyu, that the perfect costume to wear for Halloween, which is a little over a month away.

The only complaint I am gonna make with the performance is that the two have very expressionless faces on when they are singing. Like no emotion. They guy seems too hard to remember the lyrics, so he probably forgot about his face, but Soyu? She literally sings the same set of lyrics twice in the song.

9.5/10. Really amazing. Will love more from this duo.

Can You Love Me? – 5Dolls ft. Dani (T-Ara N4)

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5Dolls (the six-member group) recently made their comeback onto the stage after promotions of Soulmate #1, with their repackaged mini album, First Love. This song also marks the debut of Dani, the long awaited trainee that was meant to be a part of T-Ara, but a lot of stuff happened and the company don’t really know where to put her. Little more on that a little longer. But I think the company is starting to confuse the number 5 with 7. Okay, they got a little confuse with the name 5Dolls when there were 6 members, but now 7 people on stage? I think someone needs to go back to counting class.

The song is boring. It does not really appeal to me and I find this the worst song that I can possibly ever listen to. Okay, maybe I am exaggerating it a bit, but seriously, there was not one bit in this song that I would call “amazing”. Most of it was average and honestly, it does not appeal to many people around there. Maybe they were taking a step away from their previous disco phase, but this song is not the right way to go. Ballads are not really 5Doll’s piece of cake, let alone Coed School. And that song that they released after this one, that too was really awful. Another thing: this song is not promoting 5Dolls. No, it is promoting Dani and only Dani. Nothing is focused on the band, but Dani. For the love of KPOP, she is just “featuring” in the song but it seems like CCM are making this her breakthrough song. Oh, by the way, her rap was awful.

The music video is not any worse. But it was equally as boring. There is actually nothing to say about the video, so I am going to skip over that part. As for the live performance, the dance was rather weak but fitted the song. As for CCM promoting Dani than 5Dolls, yeah, evident with the eye-catching uniform that Dani wears. It is like Dani formed her own group and 5Dolls are the backup dancers. Come on. She could’ve at least walked onto the stage when it was her turn and then left.

1/10. Soz. Not good at all. I actually prefer Soulmate #1 then this song.

Koi Oto to Amazora – AAA

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AAA is back with a new song. It has been some time since I last reviewed on of their songs, Party It Up being the last one. Since then, they have released their eighth album and another single called Love Is In The Air. Koi Oto to Amazora is their 38th single to date, which peaked on the charts at 3rd place. The band has been around for like 8 years now and still ranking very high, being one of the many successive bands in Japan at the moment. I know I have been lacking in my JPOP reviews recently and wanted to review other JPOP artists, like Perfume and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, but was quite unsure how to even start writing about them. Thankfully, Perfume recently just released a new single, so who knows, maybe a Perfume review is coming really soon.

The song is a different style that AAA has hardly attempted before. It is a ballad, but it sounds really amazing. Party It Up was a pop song that had me dancing, but this song, you can feel right down to the emotion of it. It is  basically like a 180 degree change for the band. Miss You, another previously released song, that was also a ballad has a more sadder feel to it, whereas this song carries a more happy feel that makes the song sound great. The word “Koi Oto to Amazora” I think translate to wishes to the skies or something like that. I just took that from an English translation website. The vocals sound amazing in this song, particularly the rapping, where it was incorporated really well into the song. Usually, I would say things about the rap being in the wrong place, but it seems they fitted the rap perfectly into the song, a rap that was not too powerful or too soft.

The music video fits the feel of the song. It is dark and mysterious, which emphasis the same emotions found in the song. Honestly, I think it is an awesome video and love the close up shots of the members. Pretty amazing. I am, however, not sure about them walking about the abandoned circus. Though it looks cool, the plot line for that is really confusing and came out of nowhere. Disappointed? No not really. I was actually surprised they decided to upload the full version of the music video. Probably made a mistake, because for some reason, the shot videos are released onto YouTube, not the actual full ones. I love the brown colour that was emphasised in the whole video making it look pretty cool and amazing.

It would only make sense for me to give it a 9.5/10 right? Not a 10/10 for the plot of the video, but still 9.5 is pretty high and I think it is the highest a JPOP song has ever gotten on my scale.

Crooked – G-Dragon (Big Bang)

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G-Dragon recently returned with his latest two part album. Previously, we have already reviewed Coup D’etat which did not do well in terms in the review. However, while that was the title song on the first part of the album, the second part of the album was  much better and the song will be getting a much better review. I think he already has won 2 awards for this song, as it gets confusing because like all of his tracks are on the charts and when they say “G Dragon won this week’s award”, it is not exactly that we won that award for Coup D’etat or Crooked. I am sure Black and some other song are on the charts as well. Now many people are saying this and honestly I think too, but is it me or YG is having a lot of flops this year. It seems like Big Bang is the only thing now YG has up his sleeve to gain back the crowd. SM has taken over the scene a lot.

The song is definitely much better than Coup D’etat. Way better. I love the pop feel this song carries and also that hint of sadness that you can hear in the song. The song is very modern. As soon as I heard G-Dragon singing, it seemed pretty cool. The chorus is pretty catchy, being the highlight of the song for me. Not technically fond of the verse, but loving the moments before the chorus which G Dragon sings. Honestly, I think this song will do well as a club song. Imagine all the people jumping around to the music, not knowing what it even means. That little vocal part at the end was pretty amazing as well. Pretty good for the lead rapper of the band.

The music video is pretty cool as well. We see what seems to be a high end (or try hard or insane partygoer or persistent underage kid) person trying to make his way into the clubs, which of course he is denied. And because of that he gets angry and cries? Throwing a little hissy pissy much? And the crying seemed a little exaggerating, which is quite disappointing but still worked. Not sure about his successive outfit changes in one music video. I counted 18 outfits changes and heck, I am not even at the end of the video. Most of the changes were in the first 1 minute, which is quite a lot of outfits for one video. While counting however, I did notice one scene. GD, are you really pissing on the wall? Cause that is really traumatising. On top of that, we see a neglected GD, where his acting was quite fine. I feel for you mate, if that ever happens to you.

I did not like the live performance that much. Not really impressed with the dance. I was just watching G Dragon’s stage for this song, and wow, I really like it how he actually has a stage made for him only. Pretty amazing.

8/10. Much better than Coup D’etat. Way better. Let’s just wait for more music videos to come out for his other songs. Also, I don’t think I will be reviewing any more G Dragon videos anymore. There are like another two coming out. Have not made an exact decision yet, but it is most likely going that way.

Thriller – BTOB

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BTOB is finally back with a new song and a much more mature and serious side. Their last comeback, Second Confession, was the aegyo, cutesy boy style. However this song, it seems the boys has taken the whole term of sexy and seduction to a whole new level. That was weird of me to say that. Not but seriously, which band comes out with a song and all of these teasers of abs that no girls have ever seen. I had to check that fact with one of my friends, and she confirms it. Hardly do BTOB fans get to see the guys abs or them shirtless. However, enough with eye candy, but do I find this song awesome and cool like it is said to be? Keep on reading below!!!!

The song is pretty good. However, if I was to compare it to he other songs that they released in the past, the song is still lacking. It sounds amazing, but does not have that flowing effect like 2nd Confession or Wow. This song sounds choppy and awkward in many parts. Truthfully, the band should go back to their Wow days where their songs were amazing and ranked high on the charts. Songs with this level of seriousness, to me, does not fit the band that well.The song itself mixes up rap and vocals, but to me, it sounds pretty messy. Moving along, the vocals and the raps on their own sounds pretty cool, but the raps did not sound as strong as in previous songs. The chorus is not technically the best, where the verses actually sound much better. It is a great song (digging the violin instrumental), but some parts were not as great.

The music video is pretty cool. As per usual, the music videos from Cube are not a let down. Adding to the “Thriller” feel, we get a dark feeling in the music video, which somewhat accompanies the song. Honestly, I feel the song is quite different to the music video altogether. In comparision between the two, I feel the song is too poppish for the video. You know? But I like the dark feeling that this video has, which leads to me second point. Those who agree that BTOB are copying VIXX because of the dark theme, you are clearly wrong. I actually remember a million bands before VIXX doing this type of music including Super Junior, MBLAQ, SHINee, Brown Eyed Girls etc. Just because one band is good at doing a style, it does not mean that others will copy them. It is like saying Girl’s Day, Orange Caramel, Secret and 4Minute are all copying SNSD because of Gee. Logical these is applicable. One thing that I am most concerned about: one green “thriller”. Not really that great, but it seems too ‘pop culture like” to be in the music video. We have a cemetery and then green thriller. We have a spider webs and skulls, turn around and you have the word thriller in slime font and green. Not the best addition to the music video.

Honestly, don’t get me started with the dance. I am really disappointed. The start seems awful and the hand position when they move about curing the chorus seems unoriginal. Really, you guys look like monkeys having trouble keeping your head up while moving.

5.5/10. Quite disappointed with this comeback. Go back to Wow or Second Confession. I don’t mind the aegyo phase of these boys anyway. Did you like the comeback? Comment below!