Album Reviews – Page 11

[Album Review] Golden Hourglass (9th Mini Album) – OH MY GIRL

October 16, 2023November 4, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged OH MY GIRL4 Comments

OH MY GIRL made their comeback back in July of this year with their 9th mini-album, Golden Hourglass. It is the focus of this album review today. The mini-album features a total of five songs, including the title track Summer Comes. Golden Hourglass is another example of an album release where the title track was the weakest of all tracks on the mini-album, and the side tracks stood out more (and by a great deal). Further, if you have a desire to return to the warmer months (or are heading to Summer if you live where I am), I recommend that you should check out Golden Hourglass, which is very summery and upbeat. I also applaud Mimi, who is my pick for MVP on this mini-album, standing out in most of the tracks on the mini-album. There is a lot to like in Golden Hourglass, so have a listen to the tracks below.

1. Celebrate – If you ever want a very bright and poppy track that does not skimp on blastful energy, then Celebrate is the song for you. I just love the summery rush and energy that Celebrate provides. It is a track that genuinely makes me want to find a reason to celebrate by getting up and dancing along. The vocals from OH MY GIRL are also bright and bubbly. Even the rapping breakdown mid-way into the song felt right and adds some flair to Celebrate to keep it dynamic and fun. (10/10)

2. Summer Comes (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for Summer Comes. (7/10)

3. Queen B – I freaking love the tenacity and fun energy that the chorus of the Queen B exudes. The chorus is the primary reason as to why the song was stuck in my head for days when the album was first released. And now that I am revisiting the song for the purposes of this review, it is now stuck in my mind once again. Mimi’s rapping throughout Queen B was excellent, particularly in the second verse, as it cuts through the song very well and prevents the song from being overly repetitive. The high-pitched vocals during the pre-choruses were equally as nice, and also served a similar effect. (10/10)

4. Dirty Laundry – Dirty Laundry is actually quite a pretty song, when it comes to the choruses. I find that to be quite ironic. The “La La La Hoo” was very nice and easy-on-the-ears centrepiece. The vocalisation that brings that to life is definitely a successful aspect of the song. Mimi’s rapping is quite punchy, but I felt like it goes down a heavy-handed road that doesn’t quite match up with the rest of Dirty Laundry. I wished there was more balance. But Dirty Laundry was still a good listen. (8/10)

5. Paradise – For me, I like that Paradise brings out a different side of OH MY GIRL, whilst also keeping the usual profile of OH MY GIRL alive. OH MY GIRL have always had “pretty” songs, with the prettiness is a characteristics of the instrumentation or the melodies or vocals. And I feel like the chorus and melodies of Paradise maintains this side of the group quite well. But the post-chorus sequence led by Mimi gives off an edgier vibe, which I don’t register as much with OH MY GIRL. Both come together to create a strong and powerful track that I found to be quite enjoyable. I also like the brass in the instrumentation, which gives Paradise some flair and oomph. (9/10)

6. Miracle – The mini-album finishes up with Miracle, a sweeter and softer toned mid-tempo track. I like how upbeat and tropical the track was, which aligns it well with the rest of the mini-album. The vocals are comforting, the melodies were very nice and the track was easy on the ears, overall. The placement of Miracle at the end of the mini-album is smart, as it helps ease us out of from all the upbeat and summery energy that the mini-album is built around. (8.5/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.8/10 [Updated due to missing song]

[Album Review] ISTJ (3rd Studio Album) – NCT DREAM

October 13, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged NCT, NCT DREAM6 Comments

I am moving some things around today as I am feeling a little unwell. So instead of posting tomorrow’s album review tomorrow, I will be posting it today. Song reviews will be posted tomorrow, instead. And as you can tell from the title of this post, the album review is for NCT DREAM’s ISTJ, their 3rd studio album. This album dropped in July of this year. Featured on this album is the title track ISTJ, the pre-release track Broken Melodies and an additional 8 tracks. For my thoughts on the tracks of this album, keep on reading below!

1. ISTJ (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for ISTJ. (8/10)

2. Broken Melodies (Pre-Release Track) – Click here to read the full review for Broken Melodies. (9/10)

3. Yoghurt Shake – Adding some sweetness and youthful energy to the album is the single Yoghurt Shake, the track in which NCT DREAM followed up promotions of ISTJ with. It is a bright pop track, almost bubble gum-like thanks to the light and delightful instrumentation and melodies. This very much could have been a track from their early days. But there is a hint of maturity in Yoghurt Shake that makes it fit in with NCT DREAM discography today. Also, Yoghurt Shake also puts the vocalists in the forefront, with their vocals and harmonies being the main selling point of the track. (8/10)

4. Skateboard – EDM and hip-hop takes over in Skateboard. I really like the upbeat energy that this track exudes. I also like the 2000s flair the track brings. The hip-hop aspect of Skateboard, which comes through the beats and the members’ delivery, was very pronounced and the EDM was energetic but not overwhelming, which makes Skateboard so easy to get into. My pick for favourite track on this album. (10/10)

5. Blue Wave (파랑) – Blue Wave serves as the sequel to the single Dive Into You (which was featured on the group’s first studio album, Hot Sauce). It is also referenced during the outro of this track. Blue Wave is a very tropical sounding single, thanks to the pan flutes in the background that adds a level of freshness to the track. I really execution of the fast-paced lyrics/melodies in the pre-chorus, and the harmonies during the chorus of this track. A fun and pleasant track. (8/10)

6. Poison (모래성) – The sensual track video for Poison that was released in the lead up to the release of ISTJ shows a completely different side to the group, miles away from where they started off with. And those sensual vibes come through the entire R&B song. I like the groovy bass in the background, along with the body-wave vibe the chorus exudes. I also like the flirty rapping and the smooth vocals that feature in Poison. Whether this release alludes to even more mature sounds/concepts in the future is still to be seen, but I honestly wouldn’t mind seeing the group venture down this path at least once in the future. (9/10)

7. SOS – The group takes us down a more experimental direction with SOS. The track itself features hip-hop beats and the EDM creates suspense. The booming bass in SOS also gives the track a dynamic flair. I really like the very breathy whisper that kicks off the chorus. The rappers really have a strong hold in this track and nail their parts. I wish the vocalists had more presence in the track, as it felt like they were missing from SOS for the most part. (7.5/10)

8. Pretzel (♡) – Pretzel’ssynth line was very bold – it sounded very crunchy, but also spongy and dragged out a tiny bit. It makes for a very interesting backing to the track. Elsewhere in Pretzel, the members stay very much in hip-hop territory, which I think all members (vocalists and rappers alike) do an amazing job in embodying in this track. The bridge was also very delectable, just like the references to the baked good in the lyrics were. (9/10)

9. Starry Night (제자리 걸음) – We enter mellow territory towards the end of the album, with the first of the last two tracks taking on a R&B pop sound. Starry Night also features bossa nova influences, which contributes to a softer direction in the verses and bridge. But Starry Night also features pop leaning choruses that takes things in a slightly bolder approach. Together, the two meld together quite cohesively to create a nice vocal-centric track. (8/10)

10. Like We Just Met – Written by all of the members, Like We Just Met features more of an acoustic R&B sound. The instrumentation was beautiful, from the acoustic guitar that starts and end the track to the orchestral peak. In addition to that, you can hear the sincerity behind the members, their vocals and lyrics. The all-in chorus was very fitting, especially following Jisung’s vocals (which is a moment I find myself returning to constantly). It is hard to fault song a like this. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.7/10

[Album Review] THE UИSEEN (1st Mini Album) – SHOWNU x HYUNGWON (MONSTA X)

October 12, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged MONSTA X, SHOWNU X HYUNGWON (MONSTA X)Leave a comment

Today, I am posting another album review – this one is for MONSTA X’s first subunit SHOWNU x HYUNGWON. Their first mini-album, THE UИSEEN, was released at the end of July 2023. This mini-album features the title track, Love Me A Little, and four other side tracks. To me, THE UИSEEN is one of those albums where the title track was the weakest track of all and the side tracks all surpassed the standard created by the title track. There is definitely a side track on this mini-album that would have served better as the title track. To see which of the side tracks I thought had what it take to be title track material, continue reading below.

1. Love Me A Little (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for Love Me A Little. (6.5/10)

2. Love Therapy – Love Therapy would have made a far more convincing title track than the actual title track. Grungy vibes feature in Love Therapy thanks the ongoing presence of a very texturally crunchy synth. But as the song enters chorus territory, Love Therapy becomes groovier, which a very cool development in the song. The duo comes off as very charismatic in Love Therapy, with strong vocals from both. SHOWNU really oozed a lot of sleekness and style through his vocals, while HYUNGWON’s rap-speak moment in the bridge was a highlight. I think the song could have benefited from a more robust hook that isn’t repetition of the song’s title. But as it is, it is quite a strong side track already. (8.5/10)

3. Roll With Me – For me, there was a fair bit to like in Roll With Me. The element that resonates the most with me in this track are the soft and gentle vocals from both SHOWNU and HYUNGWON. There is just something so captivating about their vocals and the melodies that rolls along in Roll With Me. However, as equally as strong as the vocal work, the instrumentation was quite something. The haunting vibe and striking piano makes for a solid base, and the contrast with the vocals made Roll With Me even more compelling to listen to. (9/10)

4. Play Me – Groovy and funky vibes take over in Play Me. I like how the track keeps the soft trajectory going from the previous track. It is a motif that I find works well with SHOWNU and HYUNGWON, especially when it came to the post-chorus sequence of the song. The falsettos were also a nice touch to the song. I would have liked to hear more riveting melodies, as this would have helped take Play Me to the next level. But what we got was pretty good already. (8/10)

5. Slow Dance – Ending the mini-album is Slow Dance, which is a R&B track. There isn’t much to talk about in this song, other than it is a solid effort from the duo. Once again, they take the soft direction and the groovy air does remain in Slow Dance. But I do like the upbeat nature and the oomph they do put into the chorus, which makes it more charged and appealing listen. But once again, punchier hooks and stronger melodies would have made Slow Dance even better. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8/10

[Album Review] 2023 S/S Collection (5th Mini Album) – Kim Sung Kyu (INFINITE)

October 11, 2023October 11, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged INFINITE, Kim Sung Kyu (Infinite)Leave a comment

The next album to be reviewed on the blog belongs to Kim Sung Kyu’s 5th mini-album. 2023 S/S Collection, which dropped in June of this year. There is a total of 6 songs on the mini-album, including the title track Small Talk. There is one recurring element on this mini-album that I consistently come back to. And that is Kim Sung Kyu’s vocals. Trust me, you will not be disappointed by his voice in any song on this mini-album So, if you are looking for some amazing vocal work, I highly recommend you check out this album release (and honesty the rest of Kim Sung Kyu’s discography, as he has some really great songs throughout his solo career thus far).

1. Intro: Time Lapse – Kicking off the mini-album is a very atmospheric and calming introductory instrumental piece. Time Lapse features the sound of waves crashing onto a shoreline or beach, synths and band instrumentation that builds up the track into a very pleasant opener.

2. Small Talk (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for Small Talk. (8/10)

3. It Will Be – I really liked the captivating mix of orchestration and synths in It Will Be. The combination isn’t anything new, especially for Kim Sung Kyu. But the execution of the pairing makes for an interesting background piece. The backing vocals add so much depth to the song in the chorus, while Kim Sung Kyu himself just stuns me throughout with his vocal delivery that adapts to the changes in the music so effortlessly. (9/10)

4. Jump – Jump sounds like it is going to be a dynamic and active track. But what I did not expect is the amazing balladry melodies that features in this song. These are brought to life by Kim Sung Kyu’s heavenly vocals, turning Jump into a beautifully and soft euphoric number. The harmonies and high note was amazing. The instrumentation of Jump puts a piano dominant orchestral piece with band instrumentation, which is pretty much Kim Sung Kyu’s style, to create such a beautiful backing piece. Another captivating listen from the soloist. (10/10)

5. Go Again – Go Again is the mini-album’s most upbeat number. Synth-pop rock influence instrumentation serves as the backing of Go Again, moving away from the orchestral touch that featured in the previous two tracks. I really like the foot-tapping energy that is given off by Go Again. Kim Sung Kyu sounds like he is having a good time delivering this track, and I like the vocals used as part of the instrumentation, which adds a fun element to the song. The best part has to be at the 3:08 mark, where he utters the words ‘Let’s go again’ to lead us into the final chorus. Simple, but highly effective. (9/10)

6. Sometimes – Alterative rock instrumentation kicks into play with Sometimes. Again, I quite like the upbeat vibes of the song (though it is a bit more subdued that compared to Go Again), especially how straightforward the chorus of Sometimes comes across. The straightforwardness of the song does mean, however, that Sometimes doesn’t have much else going on. That being said, Kim Sung Kyu adds a bit of oomph into this song, particularly towards the end, adding a tinge of complexity and cool energy to the song. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.8/10

[Album Review] ★★★★★ (5-STAR) (3rd Studio Album) – Stray Kids

October 9, 2023October 9, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Stray Kids4 Comments

After a series of posts reviewing the side tracks from ★★★★★ (5-STAR), I am finally getting around to posting the entire album review for ★★★★★ (5-STAR) today. Slight apologies in the delay, as this was supposed to be posted on Sunday, but I become preoccupied with some personal stuff yesterday night. So I have rescheduled it for today instead. ★★★★★ (5-STAR) dropped in early June 2023 with S-Class leading a total of 12 songs. Many of the side-tracks, as mentioned above, have their own song review post as they had their own music video. But there are a few tracks that hadn’t received a music video, so my thoughts on throe songs are contained below. Overall, ★★★★★ (5-STAR) is a very positive and dynamic listening experience. One might even say – there is not a bad song on this album release!

Oh, as a side note, guess what officially announced last week – Stray Kids comeback for November 2023 with 樂-STAR (ROCK-STAR). So I most likely will be doing multiple Stray Kids review in the near future all over again.

1. Hall of Fame (위인전) – Kicking off Stray Kids’ 3^rd studio album is Hall of Fame. And it does so with a very bold approach. Felix’s lyrics “Shaking the industry, Quaking reality” actually sums up Hall of Fame quite succinctly, with the group making sure to do just that in its opening track. It brings together R&B and trap metal, the latter is actually a unique sound in KPOP as far as I can remember. The rapping works extremely well in the track, channeling the energy very well. The vocals were iffy in some parts, but powerful at other moments. (8/10)

2. S-Class (특) (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for S-Class. (8.5/10)

3. ITEM – The fact that ITEM doesn’t have a music video is a massive mysterious for me. To me, ITEM is the most recognisable track following the title track. And it due to the aggressive nature of the chorus. It is BOLD, shocking to the core and just so damn memorable. The vocals help balances out the track, so it isn’t too much. I also like the piercing end of the vocal lines in the choruses, which helps its rise to the same level of the rapping. And the rapping had amazing flow and fire to it. The arcade-like sample in the background is also a memorable aspect of the song. (10/10)

4. Super Bowl – Super Bowl ended up having a music video, but as part of its Japanese release (but I will be passing that up to review Super Bowl in this album review post). On ★★★★★ (5-STAR), however, Super Bowl is an all-English track. From what I am reading, Super Bowl was the original God’s Menu. The whispery aspect of the song reminds me of ASMR, with cooking featured heavily as part of that trend. The rapping and all-member parts were very cool. The chorus is also quite iconic, given it features both whispery and all-member delivery that I liked in the track. (8.5/10)

5. TOPLINE (ft. Tiger JK) – Click here to read the full review for TOPLINE. (8.5/10)

6. DLC – Click here to read the full review for DLC. (8/10)

7. GET LIT (죽어보자) – Click here to read the full review for GET LIT. (9/10)

8. Collision (충돌) – The final track that did not get a music video is Collision. But no music video is fine here, as the R&B track still manages to capture my attention with its jazzy vibes, saxophone feature and the vocal-centric approach. The rapping in the track is equally as good, but I think the jazzier sound helps the vocalists flourish in this song more so than the rappers. (8/10)

9. FNF – Click here to read the full review for FNF. (8/10)

10. Youtiful – Click here to read the full review for Youtiful. (9/10)

11. THE SOUND (Korean Version) – I previously reviewed the Japanese version of THE SOUND and will be carrying my thoughts/rating from that review to this review. Click here to read the review for the Japanese version of THE SOUND. (9/10)

12. Mixtape: Time Out – Click here to read the full review for Mixtape: Time Out. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.6/10

[Album Review] HARD (8th Studio Album) – SHINee

October 7, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged SHINee2 Comments

Next album on the blog to be reviewed is SHINee’s HARD, their 8th studio album that celebrates the group’s 15th anniversary since their debut in 2008. The studio album features a total of 10 tracks, including the title track HARD and the pre-release track The Feeling (which I have binging as part of the preparations and writing for this review). For me, I found the album to be a mix bag of tracks – some of them were very good (and most songs on HARD leaned towards this end of the spectrum), whilst some others were rather weak. Find out where the side tracks lie on the spectrum down below.

1. HARD (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for HARD. (8/10)

2. JUICE – JUICE is quite overwhelming from the first second, with so much going on in the instrumentation alongside the vocals. The track is obviously designed to be bold and ‘hit hard’ from the first second, but it just took over and it all sounded jarring. As JUICE progresses, the EDM and hip-hop song does settle a bit and becomes a little more appreciable. However, it does feel like it could become too much at any moment. The different detailing in the instrumentation already, along with the softer direction of the bridge does turn JUICE into a messy affair, and I guess I wished there be more cohesion in the track. On a more positive note, the members do sound quite good with their bold vocals in the chorus, and the hooks are definitely all there. (6.5/10)

3. 10X – Following on from JUICE is 10X, which production is much more streamlined and cleaner. The breathy vocals throughout the chorus or MINHO’s deeper vocal repetition, along with the jazzy influence from the piano, makes 10X so groovy. I had a hard time getting this track out of my head. (9/10)

4. Satellite – Satellite is such a smooth number, one that I can listen to again and again. The vocals at the start and throughout the chorus just brings the members together so well. The vocals elsewhere in the track follows a similar direction and each member sounds so good in the song. I also really loved the wavy flow of Satellite that just propels the song forward. Altogether, you have one dreamy track in Satellite. (10/10)

5. Identity – The synth instrumentation here makes Identity interesting. There is a funkiness to the song that is a good starting point in making this track. The flourishes help liven up the track and creates a dynamic piece. Some of them are quite punchy, as well. The vocal work follows a similar set up as per Satellite, with the members singing individually in the verses and all the members coming together in the chorus. In both cases, the vocals are tenacious, which makes it a strong track. (9/10)

6. The Feeling (Pre-Release Track) – Click here to read the full review for The Feeling. (9/10)

7. Like It – Just like in Identity, the funkiness in the instrumental starts off Like It strongly. But it is the shrilly-like synth in the chorus that really makes the song pop out. The electric guitar at the end was also a really nice touch. Like It is the type of track you expect to hear on the dance floor, and I would gladly dance along to the music should I ever hear it pop up. The vocals, particularly in the chorus, felt nostalgic and were definitely a solid effort from the members. The melodies and hooks were quite pleasant, as well. Another strong track, overall. (9/10)

8. Sweet Misery – Sweet Misery could have been a stunner. Vocally, I quite liked where the song was going. I really love the wispy and soft ‘Sweet Misery’ in the chorus, which I find to be an iconic aspect of the track. The rest of the vocals that follow through in the chorus were nicely done, as well. The verses were sounded so good, as well. But the instrumentation in the latter parts of the choruses does overwhelm Sweet Misery and detract it away from what should have been a vocally beautiful track. (6.5/10)

9. Insomnia (불면증) – Insomnia enters R&B territory with a sensual and smooth number. I really like the jazzier moments in the instrumentation. SHINee has proved themselves vocally with R&B numbers in the past, and they do it again in Insomnia. The harmonies add to the appeal of the track, while the rapping parts keep the song interesting and intriguing. (8/10)

10. Gravity – The final song on this album is Gravity. It is a soft pop track, with the members’ vocal work and melodies feeling so comforting and inviting. I like how the members add to the softness of the track, by keeping the vocal work consistent through and through. The only exception “Gravity Gravity” pierces through the softness, creating a bold moment in the song that keys the song’s title and hook into your head. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.3/10

[Album Review] THE WORLD EP.2: OUTLAW (9th Mini Album) – ATEEZ

October 7, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged ATEEZ1 Comment

ATEEZ returned in June this year with their 9th mini-album THE WORLD EP.2: OUTLAW. If you haven’t guessed it by no by looking at the title of this post, this mini-album is the focus of this album review. The title track featured on this mini-album is BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS), and there is an additional five side tracks on the mini-album. All my thoughts on the song are down below, with a few songs getting a 10/10 from me. Also, intensity is the recurring theme in all of the song on this mini-album, featuring in some form in each song.

1. This World – Opening up the mini-album is This World, which features such an intense and electrifying set of synths. The way the song starts and ends with the incline towards the fast tempo was quite striking from the get-go. When This World reaches its chorus, the song turns into an equally intense rock sound appears. The vocals and rapping were all so riveting all throughout, from the soft vocals at the start to the powerful and explosive rapping at the song’s peak. A very strong opener. (9/10)

2. Dune – Where does one even begin with Dune. It clearly continues the group’s exploration of intense and aggressive synth work that they featured in the previous track and even some of their past tracks (like Guerrilla from last year). But ATEEZ always introduces something new to differentiate their tracks. And for Dune, that comes in the form of the very interesting guitar-like instrument at the start. It is quite ear-catching and gives off a very unique sound. This is followed by San’s falsetto ending pre-chorus, which I found to be quite memorable. The group then takes things to a whole new level of intensity with its chorus, but it is not until the bridge and final chorus sequence that I just completely blows me away as I am always convinced that ATEEZ cannot do more. Yet, they prove me wrong once again. The deeper and rougher vocals from Yeosang in the chorus was super cool and his presence alongside Jongho’s vocals in the final chorus was perfect. Jongho’s high notes and ad-libs pierces through. The blastful and rush of energy from the instrumentation was also just so intense that it felt blissful. I found so much to enjoy and be in awe within Dune. (10/10)

3. BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS) (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS). (8/10)

4. DJANGO – Taking the mini-album down a notch ever so slightly is DJANGO. I do appreciate the faintest relief that DJANGO provides the mini-album, especially following Dune and the title track. That being said, the track is still super intense in its own ways, like how it subtly built intensity by way of atmospheric synths (or is a choir background?) in the bridge. I also found like the vocalists got a chance to shine by the melodies in the chorus (which is my favourite aspect of DJANGO). Sure, the vocals do come off shouty to match the synth intensity and boldness, but they really do hold their ground in the track. The rappers themselves do an amazing job nonetheless to still give DJANGO that a powerful hip-hop and hyped edge that makes it another captivating listen overall. (10/10)

5. Wake Up – That faint relief in DJANGO didn’t last long, with DJANGO ending its run with intensity on par with what was present prior to DJANGO starting. Wake Up adds to the intensity, once again. You got Jongho’s high notes in the choruses, the rapid synth drumming, Hongjoong’s fast pace rapping and the other members shouting in the background behind said high notes all contributing to the intensity in Wake Up. On the other hand, I also did like the dips that Wake Up provided via the verses, heavenly vocals in the pre-choruses and the autotuned chanting/background harmonisations that kicks off the choruses. It balances it all out so Wake Up isn’t another overwhelming number on our ears. A well conceptualised track on this mini-album. (9/10)

6. Outlaw – Outlaw ends with what felt like the album’s blandest track, simply because I found it to be the least intense track of the bunch. I wished for cohesiveness that Outlaw followed through on this front. For the most part, it didn’t. But I did like the balance between vocals and rapping in this track. It wasn’t until the bridge of Outlaw does things get interesting. It sees some piano work, Jongho’s dragged out high-note, some bouncier synths and a sharper chant to end the track on. Some of these elements (i.e., the chant) was heard earlier in the song, but the end just adds a bit more body to make it punchier and impactful. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9/10

[Album Review] Youth In The Shade (1st Mini Album) – ZEROBASEONE

October 4, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged ZEROBASEONE2 Comments

The next album on the reviewing block is ZEROBASEONE debut mini-album, Youth In The Shade. The mini-album dropped in July 2023 and is lead by the single In Bloom. ZEROBASEONE’s debut is one of the most successful debuts we have ever seen, with the group becoming the first debuting group to sell over 1 million albums with their debut album ever. They also broke the record for most sold debut album in first day of sales and in a week from dropping the mini-album.

On top of being insanely popular before even debuting (which was built during the unfolding Boy Planet survival competition), there is a particular reason as to why I really wanted to review this mini-album. ZEROBASEONE’s vocals was a recurring element that I consistently return to in each song on the mini-album. And for a debut mini-album to do that constantly speaks volumes as to where this debuting group is already at and where they can go. For more about those comments, continue reading my thoughts on Youth In The Shade down below.

1. Back To Zerobase – What I really liked about Back To Zerobase is how blissful the track is. The drum and bass in the instrumental felt extremely light, but the percussive background had a forward motion that propels the song towards their debut single. I also liked how the members’ vocals captures the realisation that their dreams of debuting are finally becoming true. Their tone and delivery in Back To Zerobase is just so heartening and emotional, creating a meaningful beginning to their careers. (10/10)

2. In Bloom (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for In Bloom. (8.5/10)

3. New Kidz On The Block – New Kidz On The Block is an even brighter pop take on their determination to rise to the top, which they consistently emphasise and communicate via the English parts of the song. While I did like the upbeat and bright tone of New Kidz On the Block, I did think the song could be have been more buoyant, given that everything was already heading in that direction. The song is fantastic as it is, but I think just some additional energy would have made the song even better. (9/10)

4. And I (우주먼지) – Vocals is what speaks to be instantly in And I, and I (Ha!) am enjoying it. The rapping is also quite good. I like And I’s positive energy and bright tone that both the pop arrangement and vocals exude in the track. The melodies in the choruses are lovely and sweet. The bridge takes the song in a R&B direction and that also sounds very nice. A good song overall. (8/10)

5. Our Season – Again, ZEROBASEONE showcases their vocals in Our Season. The guitar work in the background does mellow out the energy a bit, making this a more pleasant-sounding track. I really like the vocal melodies in the chorus, which instantly won me over when I first checked out the album months ago. The rap-speak in the pre-chorus bring a nice punch to the song, and I liked the heftier rock energy that comes about in the bridge. Altogether, you have another great song on the mini-album. (9/10)

6. Always – The final song on the album is sung by Zhang Hao, who placed first on Boy Planet (and hence is the centre of the group). Always starts off in R&B territory, but the chorus infuse more of a pop energy to the track. The rhythmic beat contrasts very nicely with Zhang Hao’s sleek vocals. The song does feel a bit rushed, given that it just ticks over 2-minutes and the ending does make Always feel incomplete. But overall, a nice solo track from Zhang Hao. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.8/10

[Album Review] REALIEZ (4th Mini Album) – KANG DANIEL

October 2, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged KANG DANIELLeave a comment

I finally wrote a review for WASTELAND, the early June pre-release single for KANG DANIEL’s REALIEZ mini-album the other week. And with that review out the way, I can now post an album review for REALIEZ. Alongside WASTELAND is the title track SOS, which was also released in June of this year. REALIEZ follows on from KANG DANIEL’s first studio album release from Summer and Autumn 2022 – The Story/The Story: Retold. As usual, links to the full review for the title and pre-release tracks and my thoughts on the side tracks are down below.

1. Wasteland (Pre-Release Single) – Click here for the review of Wasteland. (9/10)

2. SOS (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for SOS. (8.5/10)

3. Supernova – Later released in Japanese, Supernova is pop rock track that some really cool instrumental moments. The pop rock aspect of Supernova is already quite adequate in itself, but the producers really amped it up with some dynamic drumming kicks in the chorus that itches something within me that I didn’t know needed to be itched and a short guitar solo that is so satisfying. There is also a funky undertone to the track, which makes it a cooler track. KANG DANIEL’s vocals and rapping are superb and he turns it into an effective track. (9/10)

4. Liar – The switch between guitars and atmospheric synths in Liar is very intriguing. But it all somehow comes together. In this track, KANG DANIEL talks about the lies he and his former partner/lover told themselves, which ultimately resulted in their breakup, and him hoping that by opening up about them will allow the pair come back to one another. It is an emotional track that KANG DANIEL does well in delivering. (8/10)

5. Dreaming – Ending the album on a dreamy note is Dreaming. Out of all the songs on this mini-album, KANG DANIEL’s vocals fit the best in Dreaming. The instrumentation for Dreaming is layered with synths, guitars, drumming and piano – all of which does come together to feel tranquil. But there is quite a bit going on when paired with the vocals, to the point where it does feel a bit heavy handed. But somehow, KANG DANIEL’s vocals poke through the instrumentation just fine and allows the track to take you away. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.5/10

[Album Review] Unlock My World (1st Studio Album) – fromis_9

October 1, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Fromis_91 Comment

fromis_9 debuted back in 2018 and it has taken them one full contract over a five year period to finally release their 1st ever studio-length album. Unlock My World was released in early June this year and features the title track #menow and 9 additional side tracks. For me, fromis_9 is a group who has released multiple underappreciated gems over their half-a-decade-long careers, with tracks like DKDK, Love Bomb (still one of absolute favourite tracks of all time) and DM under their name. I found this album to be full of these gems as well! 4 of the side tracks earned a 10/10 rating from me and the rest of the tracks also earning a high rating as well. Keep on reading to find out which 4 tracks got a 10/10 rating and my thoughts on the rest of the long time coming album.

1. Attitude – fromis_9 begins their first studio album with a 180° change with a darker and mature sound in the form of Attitude, which feels miles away from what we have heard from the group thus far. I really like how this track turned out. Alluring and very sexy sounding. I enjoyed the synth work in this track, giving Attitude so much texture to work with. This is smoothed out by the members’ vocals, which glides and moves the song forward. I also enjoyed the lower notes and tones the members adopted in the track. It is a hard to forget track on this album. (10/10)

2. #menow (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for #menow. (8/10)

3. Wishlist – Jiwon and Chaeyoung come together to perform the first unit track on the album. Wishlist is a R&B all-English track. I like the messaging behind the lyrics – that you should not make yourself fit the ideals of another person (i.e., their wishlist) and that you should be yourself. The pair brings a vibrant tone to the mid-tempo R&B track, which helps makes Wishlist a bit more impactful. (8/10)

4. In the Mirror – In The Mirror is a dance pop track that features Seoyeon and Nagyung. It brings back the darker tones that the album kicked off with. The synth work is very atmospheric in In The Mirror, which helps makes it a captivating listen. The vocals were very nice, particularly during the choruses where the melodies literally felt like you were drifting along. The rapping is also a stilling moment in the track. While In The Mirror doesn’t exceed the expectations of Attitude, it definitely up there as one of my favourite side tracks from the album. (10/10)

5. Don’t Care – Don’t Care is one of tracks that really jump out with you instantly thanks to its groovy and funky synth work. It features Jiwon, Jisun, Seoyeon and Nagyung. With the tracks before it, I appreciate Don’t Care’s boldness and upbeatness, which is quite enjoyable. The beats do get bolder around the bridge (though the transition was a tad overwhelming). I like the members’ powerful tone and tenacity in Don’t Care, as well. All of this made for a strong listen. (9/10)

6. Prom Night – Saerom, Hayoung, Chaeyoung and Jiheon feature on the last unit track of the album. The pre-chorus was a very intriguing aspect of Prom Night and I liked the vividness of the bouncy aspect of the UK-garage synth-based background. But aside from that, Prom Night is the least interesting unit track to me. And it simply comes right back to the instrumentation, which I personally felt overpowered the members’ vocals in the chorus, sans that short push from Hayoung and Chaeyoung to rise above the instrumentation. (7/10)

7. Bring It On – Personally, I felt that Bring It On could have had a more vibrant pop instrumentation. I don’t think the R&B pop backing that Bring It On featured did the vocals justice. The hooks and melodies, and the vocals delivering them, were all catchy and a solid effort from the members. But the instrumentation wasn’t eventful as I wished for and turned an otherwise good showing into something bland and boring. (7/10)

8. What I Want – I will make the rating straight up. What I Want is another 10/10 track on this album. Everything in the track had me dancing along and there was never any weak moment. What I Want was a very interesting electro pop track that really caught my attention. The upbeat nature of the track was fun. The members’ vocals and delivery back it all in. I like the burst of energy in the chorus, which comes about by the combination of vocals and instrumentation, and that is my pick of highlight of the track. The hooks and melodies were all catchy and added to the fun listen. (10/10)

9. My Night Routine – My Night Routine softens and mellows out the energy that precedes it with another R&B track. I like the jazzy vibe of the instrumental, as well as the bass. The vocals are pleasant. Altogether, My Night Routine comes off as dreamy. (7.5/10)

10. Eye Contact (눈맞춤) – Unlock My World ends with a fun pop rock track that had me smiling throughout. I may have also danced along to this track as well. The energy of Eye Contact was very extremely likable and the members sound like they were having a blast. The inclusive parts where the members were singing together were my favourite and just made everything more wholesome. An easy 10/10 and great ender to this album. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.7/10

[Album Review] Deadlock (3rd Mini Album) – Xdinary Heroes

September 29, 2023October 1, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Xdinary HeroesLeave a comment

Ahead of their upcoming comeback next month in October, I am finally reviewing Xdinary Heroes’ 3rd mini-album, Deadlock, which was released in April of this year. The mini-album features 7 tracks in total, including the title track Freakin’ Bad, the side tracks Good Enough and Dear H. and four additional side tracks. Links to the named songs and my thoughts on the additional side tracks can be found below, as usual.

To me, this is their best mini-album to date. The band has really grown on me since their debut, and my thoughts on this mini-album would be evident of this. And given the trajectory of my interest in this band and the fact that they still in the early days of their career, I expect my initial comment on Deadlock will be short lived with their future releases coming our way. But until I do form a view on their future comebacks, I will continue to enjoy the likes of Deadlock.

1. Come Into My Head – Starting off the mini-album is Come Into My Head. And it does so with a lot of energy from the members and the instrumentation. The track mixes the likes of EDM, hip-hop and rock into one singular track. Throw in what I know of Xdinary Heroes from their previous work, and the expectation for a dynamic track was very much fulfilled. The rapping in the second verse felt very sleek and the distorted guitars gave Come Into My Head a very intriguing element. There is a lot to like in the first track already, kicking off the mini-album positively. (8/10)

2. Freakin’ Bad (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Freakin’ Bad. (8/10)

3. Bicycle – Going down the alternative rock path, Bicycle adds a lot of head banging to the album. The guitar work in this song is amazing, from the twangs following the first chorus to the shredding just before the final chorus. The bass guitar adds so much momentum to the song, while the drumming concentrates that head-banging energy already mentioned. The keyboard adds a level of freshness to the track, as well. The vocals/rapping was on point, and the buildup in the instrumentation was very worthwhile. A very strong side track from the group. (10/10)

4. checkmate – Toning down the instrumentation is checkmate. The rock sound does still come through, but it kind of simmers in the background. Even the instrumental break where we got the guitar solos was held back. The drums were quite consistent throughout checkmate, and the beat gave it potential to be a dance track. The vocals were also consistent, but there wasn’t any edge. Overall, checkmate is a decent track, but not the most eventful one on this mini-album. (7/10)

5. Good Enough – Click here for the full review for Good Enough. (10/10)

6. Man In The Box – Man In The Box blows my mind. I really like how playful and strong their delivery and vocals are in the song, which just gives Man In The Box so much character. The rapping adds to that feeling, with the members sounding like they are rapping/speaking to me and breaking the fourth wall. The melodies have a spooky edge to it and the rock instrumentation just adds so much dynamic energy and flair. It is also super catchy, with the “I am a man in the box, yeah” and the “Bum Bum Bum” both etched into my mind by the time the song is complete. I highly recommend this track. (10/10)

7. Dear H. – Click here for the full review of Dear H. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.9/10

[Album Review] OK Episode 2: I’m OK (6th Mini Album) – CIX

September 27, 2023September 27, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged CIX1 Comment

The next album review to be reviewed on the blog is CIX’s sixth mini-album, OK Episode 2: I’m OK. As you can probably tell, this is the second instalment in the OK series that CIX began two years ago through their OK Prologue: Be OK studio album and their OK Episode 1: OK Not mini-album (lead by singles WAVE and 458, respectively). The latest instalment of the OK series sees Save me, Kill me serve as the lead single alongside 3 additional new side tracks. Overall, this latest mini-album is top-notch and feature high quality tracks throughout. For more on the songs, continue reading below.

1. Back To Life – My praises of CIX’s vocals in the title track goes one step further in Back To Life. Their vocals in the first track of this mini-album are stunningly beautiful. Again, you can feel the emotions behind their vocals. But this time, they are very captivating. To the point where if you wanted to take it all in, you cannot do anything at the exact same time. Their vocals are over a soft piano and orchestral instrumentation that very much stayed in the background and served as an accompaniment, allowing CIX’s vocals to be in the forefront and focus of Back to Life. A breath-taking start to the mini-album. (10/10)

2. Save me, Kill me (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for Save me, Kill me. (8/10)

3. Curtain Call – Curtain Call is another ballad that focuses the limelight on the members’ vocals. I did like the more positive tone that came from the melodies (more on this in a second) and BX’s rapping in the track. Curtain Call starts off with some acoustic guitars, but it slowly builds from there with the emerging presence of band instrumentation and even light presence of synths. The lyrics of the song talks about how the end of one thing is the beginning of another, and that a curtain call is a beautiful event. (9/10)

4. Color – In an album that features ballads and softer songs thus far, Color is quite the outlier in terms of its sound. It goes in much harder during the choruses, with a rock instrumentation taking over. The verses didn’t have that same oomph, but it did feature a consistent guitar strumming in the background that in hindsight does allude us to the rock instrumentation that was to come. In line with the rest of the album, Color features nice vocals in this song from all the members and I also enjoyed the hopeful lyrics that Color delivered. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9/10

[Album Review] The Future Is Ours: LOST (7th Mini Album) – AB6IX

September 25, 2023September 25, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged AB6IX2 Comments

Kicking off the blog this week is the album review for AB6IX’s 7th mini-album, The Future Is Ours: LOST. For me, AB6IX’s latest comeback has been lost and forgotten, so I thought an album review would be a great way to re-spark some interest in the comeback. I find some of their side tracks are absolute highlights on my playlists and I can always rely on AB6IX to have one or two amazing side tracks on each of their album releases. Headlined by the single LOSER, The Future Is Ours: LOST features four additional side tracks. There is one particular side track that I really enjoyed and gave a 10/10 for. Find out which side track that is and the rest of my thoughts on the album down below.

1. BLAZE – To me, the chorus of BLAZE was extremely blissful. It is odd to describe a dance track like that, but I was captivated with the pop melodies the members brought to life, Woojin’s lines and echoing shout and the forward momentum of the EDM instrumentation during this part. Elsewhere, BLAZE was delivered very cleanly in all aspects of the song. While the trap instrumentation was a bit generic, it did a great job of helping making the chorus more impactful. A very promising start to the mini-album. (10/10)

2. LOSER (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for LOSER. (7/10)

3. REALITY – REALITY highlights AB6IX’s vocals so well. The harmonies throughout REALITY are so good, the use of low notes in the chorus serves as an extra piece of appeal in the chorus and the multiple falsettos in the bridge was amazing (and is also the part that I constantly return to in REALITY). WOOJIN’s rapping was very suave. The instrumental features a groovy bass, with twinkling synths to give the track some detailing and an electric guitar-like synth to give some much needed texture and crunch to the song. (9/10)

4. EDEN – The funky instrumentation is what attracts my attention to EDEN and has me coming back for more. There is a lot of retro elements to the track, with scratching disks and brass to exudes those retro feels. The most unsettling element in the instrumentation was the distorted vocals in the background. I am on the fence with this. I think it has charm, but it just highlights such a distinct unnatural feel to EDEN, whereas everything else just sounded normal and fitted in nearly into the track. The members do a neat job in this track, with the vocals and rapping both having a dynamic flair to them. (8/10)

5. SUCKER – SUCKER follows on from their previous side-track single of a similar title, Sucker For Your Love (from their A to B 5^th mini-album), with SUCKER carrying over some melodies from Sucker For Your Love. SUCKER takes on a R&B instrumentation, and as result, carries less punch as a result of the change in instrumentation. But there were some nice touches, such as the jazzy piano and the whistling in the background. And the members do sound quite nice, particularly Woong’s growl in the second verse and the ad-libs as the end. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.4/10

[Album Review] Apocalypse: From Us (8th Mini Album) – Dreamcatcher

September 24, 2023September 23, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Dreamcatcher2 Comments

As you can tell by the title of this post, Dreamcatcher’s 8th mini-album, Apocalypse: From Us, is the focus of this album review post. Released back in May of this year, Apocalypse: From Us features the title track BONVOYAGE and four additional side tracks (one of which is an introductory track). Per usual with Dreamcatcher, each rock is influenced by some form of rock, making for another consistent mini-album from the group. To find out what I thought about each song on the mini-album, keep on reading below!

1. Intro: From Us – Twinkling keyboard and a consistent electric guitar instrumental piece kicks off the introductory track before the electric guitar turns into a full-on electrifying rock instrumentation. The keyboard does fade into the rock instrumentation but does return at the very end. Another bold start to a Dreamcatcher album.

2. BONVOYAGE (Title Track) – Drafting up this album review, I have been going back and forth as to whether I should bump up the rating. 8/10 is already pretty high in my books. But I shouldn’t ignore the fact that the song has grown exponentially on me and it has become one of the best tracks (if not the best) of 2023 for me. So, I have decided to bump the rating up by one full mark, noting the weak points I mentioned in the original still apply to some extent. Click here to read the full review for BONVOYAGE. (9/10)

3. DEMIAN – Holy moly was my first thoughts to DEMIAN. It may have been a while since the album dropped, but I vividly remember being blown away with DEMIAN when I first listed to the album upon its release. We get a groovy jazz beginning that I would love the group to explore more in the future. But in true fashion with Dreamcatcher, the rock takes over. And they lean in hard into the genre. I also love the peek of piano in the bridge, just as a small moment of relief before we go back to the rock energy. The group themselves sound so balanced and calm throughout the track, making DEMIAN also blissful in its own way. (10/10)

4. Propose – The rock continues in Propose taking on a more traditional form. But woah, I consistently found myself head nodding or banging to the song every time it popped up on my radar. The start to Propose was quite atmospheric and this continues onwards into the first verse/pre-chorus. It did get a bit sluggish for a moment, but the emergence of rock in the chorus saved the day. The vocal work was strong and definitely a highlight throughout Propose. Also, a highlight was Dami’s charismatic rapping in the second verse. Again, another promising song from Dreamcatcher. (9/10)

5. To. You – To. You also continue the rock sound, but takes it down a balladry path. As a bit of a change, I find this track to be the least memorable number of the mini-album. But that being said, it is still a super nice rock track. I don’t think the heaviness of the rock instrumentation that does come through in To. You can constitute it as a ballad, but I do appreciate the pace and slowness of the track. The members sound really good and I like the mellow synth that features in the midst of the rock instrumentation. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9/10

[Album Review] DARK BLOOD (4th Mini Album) – ENHYPEN

September 22, 2023September 21, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged ENHYPEN2 Comments

DARK BLOOD is the next album to be reviewed following my recently posted review for the follow-up single Sacrifice (Eat Me Up). Alongside the follow up single, the May 2023 release DARK BLOOD has features the title track BITE ME and four additional side tracks. Like all my album reviews, the links for the full reviews for BITE ME (noting that I have bumped up the song score from what I had in the original review) and Sacrifice (Eat Me Up), along with my thoughts on the sides tracks can all be found below.

1. Fate – Starting off the mini-album is Fate, their usual introductory track. The instrumental for this one was show-stopping. The harp, the synth-organ, the slight hint of a choir humming/vocalising in the background and even the synths in the latter half of Fate was really striking and makes for a powerful piece. The narration work by all the members was extremely suspenseful, while the vocal work in the latter half was gripping and served as a nice vehicle to carry us to the end of the intro track. (9/10)

2. BITE ME (Title Track) – As alluded in the song review I posted recently for ENHYPEN, BITE ME has grown considerably on me since its release in May. As a result, I have decided to bump up the rating by one full point. My sentiments in the original review does still stand, however. Click here to read the full review for BITE ME. (7.5/10)

3. Sacrifice (Eat Me Up) – Click here to read the full review for Sacrifice (Eat Me Up). (7/10)

4. Chaconne – Chaconne takes the group into hip-hop territory, which isn’t unfamiliar territory for the group. I liked the darker and more sinister tone that this track had, which allows the members to dig deep. We even hear some low notes to really hone into that side of the song. The electric guitar was also very a nice touch and gives the track some edge, especially since it was layered underneath the rest of the instrumentation. I just wished the melodies were a little more prolific to take Chaconne to the next level. (7.5/10)

5. Bills – Switching up the album is Bills, which refocuses the mini-album a brighter and distinct sound. The vibrancy that the members give via their vocal work makes Bills stand out from the pack. It also definitely helps that the melodies of Bills is catchy and I found myself humming to the song each time it appeared on my playlists/recommendations. The instrumental of Bills takes on lo-fi hip-hop, and this helps makes the track quite a dreamy one. (8/10)

6. Karma – The brighter touch that Bills gave the mini-album ends up being transitioned into an energy-packed ender to the mini-album by Karma. The brighter punk rock instrumentation feels miles away from how the mini-album started, while ENHYPEN brings strong vocals, harmonies and hype energy to the track. It is a bit plain and traditional, and I wished the track went somewhat experimental to keep us on our toes. But still, a solid ender to the mini-album. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 7.8/10

[Album Review] I FEEL (6th Mini Album) – (G)I-DLE

September 20, 2023Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged i-dleLeave a comment

Next up on the album review front is (G)I-DLE’s I FEEL, which is the group’s 6th mini-album to date. The mini-album is headlined by the hit Queencard, the pre-release single Allergy and four addition title track. More recently (as this mini-album dropped back in May of this year). the group has been touring the world with their successful discography and have also signaled their English debut with the single I Do and the upcoming release of their 1st English mini-album HEAT.

1. Queencard (퀸카) (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for Queencard. (7/10)

2. Allergy (Pre-Release Track) – Click here to read the full review for Allergy. (8/10)

3. Lucid – Lucid is a club-like pop track with a consistent thumping beat and some interesting bass-organ element in the background. Quite striking, if you ask me. The members sound very sleek and mature in the song. Both styles complement that club-like nature the song immediately makes me think of. The chorus was a strong centrepiece and exudes a sensual vibe, thanks to the vocals and instrumentation working together. (8/10)

4. All Night – Kicking off All Night is a very suspenseful piano. But this is soon left behind, after the song switches up into club-banger territory and stays in that realm for the rest of the song. Groovy bass and a mixture of soft and crunchy rock guitar riffs make up the backing of All Night. Throw in a super cool and catchy chorus, in terms of both melodies and hooks, and you pretty much have the best song of the tracklist. (10/10)

5. Paradise – Paradise takes the form of a pop ballad, with the members showcasing their vocals in this track. Their vocals are beautiful and soothing to listen to, while the instrumentation features a peaceful and atmospheric set of synths. The melodies and chorus were stunning. The bridge features Soyeon’s rapping, and she does it at a paced manner that allows it to fit Paradise nicely. It is a hard song to dislike. (9/10)

6. Peter Pan (어린 어른) – Finally, Peter Pan ditches the synths and brings us back to an acoustic form of instrumentation with this pop number. We get acoustic guitars and a consistent beat in Peter Pan. The members deliver their vocals and rapping in a punchy and fun manner. Overall, it’s a light and an easy-going pop track to close out the mini-album. (7.5/10)