Album Reviews – Page 18

[Album Review] TRICKSTER (7th Mini Album) – ONEUS

August 29, 2022Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged ONEUS1 Comment

September will be one big month for this blog as I make an attempt to catch up on album reviews (and other song reviews). My plan is to publish a few album reviews during the week, in addition to reviewing multiple albums over the weekend (like this past weekend). First up in this mammoth task is ONEUS, who previously returned in May with their 7th mini-album, TRICKSTER. Headlining the album was Bring It On. This mini-album precedes the group’s next comeback, MALUS, which is scheduled for 5 September (i.e. next week).

ONEUS really delivered with the powerful and punchy tracks that form the TRICKSTER mini-album. If you ever want something super intense, boastful and/or fierce, just tune into a ONEUS album. Chances are, you will satisfy your craving. It is quite interesting, as the group also stands out for their more delicate title tracks (see LUNA or A Song Written Easily). Goes to show that ONEUS is an all rounder group. Overall, TRICKSTER is another strong release from the group and it makes me eagerly await for their comeback next week.

1. Intro: Who Got The Joker? – This intro track starts off like any introductory track. Dramatic synths, suspenseful vocals and dynamic rapping. However, when we get to the chorus of Who Got The Joker?, the track steps it up. It brings forward rock influences and gives us a taste to the intensity that is to follow through the rest of the mini-album. Ravn’s lurching ‘Who Got The Joker’ was impressive and I sense a subtle growl to that line’s delivery. This introductory track earns a massive wow from me. (9/10)

2. Bring It On (덤벼) (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Bring It On. (8.5/10)

3. Skydivin – ONEUS jumps on the pop rock train with Skydivin, and it is another massive yes from me. Skydivin comes off as a Summery track with the vibrant and refreshing tones present. As for the pop rock influences, ONEUS went in really hard with it. Said influences gave the song so much texture and oomph, especially during the chorus. The drumming left me stunned (in a good way). The vocals were clear as day and the rapping were dynamic and fun to listen to. (10/10)

4. Firebomb (두 눈 빠지도록) – Firebomb is another vibrant track added to the group’s portfolio. This is a lot heavier (thank the bass!) and falls into the realm of a dance track that we have associated with ONEUS. It starts off like any other dance track, but the chorus is where Firebomb really sets it apart from the rest. The squeaky brass synth that dominates the chorus is definitely an ear-catching piece and gives the song an interesting vibe. The bass helps add definition to the song, and the pair comes together to create a very vivid and robust number. The vocals and rapping were quite expressive and adds a further layer of ‘interesting’ to the song. (9/10)

5. Fragile (취급주의) – In the midst of dance tracks, there is always a need for a ballad or similar track to the same effect for some reason. For TRICKSTER, Fragile is that. However, it isn’t a ballad. It is more of a R&B track, with a hefty beat and bass to it. The rest of the instrumentation is pretty typical for a R&B track. I liked the upfront vocals and rapping in Fragile. They really drove Fragile forward and gave the song a neat melody to groove your body around. Overall, a decent but typical track. (7/10)

6. Mr. Wolf – The final original song on the album is titled Mr. Wolf. It is by far the most unique track, pulling its inspiration from a childhood game ‘What’s the time Mr. Wolf?’. Oh, the memories are rushing back. From the very first second, the song sets it up as a suspenseful and dramatic song, and I liked that they maintained that throughout the song. You don’t really know exactly which direction Mr. Wolf would go in, so you have to be a bit cautious. Mr. Wolf does give a few surprises, such as the heavy thumping in the midst of the verses, the simple yet highly effective ‘Na Na Na’ hook, the hollow synths used for the dance break, the screams and even a wolf growl. The rapping and vocals kept the song dynamic and were on point. (10/10)

7. Bring It On (English Version) – Refer to the link above for the full review for Bring It On.

Overall Album Rating – 8.9/10

[Album Review] DICE (2nd Mini-Album) – ONEW (SHINee)

August 28, 2022Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Onew (SHINee), SHINee3 Comments

I hate to admit it, but I actually forgot about ONEW’s April comeback. I was only reminded of it whilst I was plotting down dates for when certain album reviews would need be to posted by. However, I made sure that ONEW got his mini-album review for DICE, which is the title of both the lead single from the mini-album and the 2nd mini-album itself. This comeback followed his 2018 solo debut, where he debuted with the single BLUE and mini-album VOICE.

ONEW’s second mini-album is astounding, to say the very least. So much so that I ran out of words to describe a very key aspect of the album and ONEW himself – his vocals. So much so that I gave out 3 10/10 songs in this album review. It (probably) makes DICE one of the best albums so far this year (in my opinion). I need to update my personal records to make sure of this. But with such a high rating overall, I am certain DICE is up there.

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

2. Sunshine – Sunshine goes slightly harder with its pop sound, whilst also staying lighthearted and carefree like the title track. ONEW’s vocals find a balance between being dreamy and light, whilst also complementing that the harder tone of Sunshine (as mentioned). The flow of Sunshine helped make the song fun and captivating for me. The post-chorus, which had a memorable ring thanks to the English phrases and its rap like approach, was probably my favourite part of the song. That is closely followed by his incline towards the final chorus. The ad-libs we hear as the song fades out to a close brings back that dreamy nature. (9/10)

3. On The Way – On The Way takes down the energy a notch with a more subdued track. The instrumental takes on a disco like approach, but it has been refined to be more fitting of the subdued nature of the song/vocals. The winning element of On The Way is ONEW’s vocals. I had to listen to the song a number of times to write this review, simply because I keep on getting distracted by the vocals. Needless to say, they are stunning throughout this song, especially when he effortlessly goes into the falsettos and the more dynamic moments such as the brief jab that is the song’s title. Overall, a very perfect and well-rounded song. (10/10)

4. Love Phobia – Again, we are taken down an extra notch with an even more subdued track. Here, ONEW really conveys his emotions well and gives Love Phobia a fragile and vulnerable characteristic. Just take a listen to the bridge if you have yet to (or another listen at the bridge if you already heard the song). You can hear the fragile nature of his vocals so clearly. It is riveting. ONEW also provides harmonies in this song, helping to soothe the piece. His vocals are backed up by a R&B piece. Together with the vocals, Love Phobia is another undeniably strong track on this album. (10/10)

5. Yeowoobi (여우비) – Excuse me while I pull out the thesaurus. I am running out of ways to describe ONEW’s vocals. Enchanting, alluring, charming etc. All could be used to describe the singer in this song. Unlike in the previous songs, however, ONEW sounds a lot stronger, taking an upfront position in Yeowoobi compared to the subdued tracks that preceded Yeowoobi. I liked this change in pace, which gives us an intense look at his vocals. The chorus is so gratifying to listen to, as well. And the “Your love takes me higher than how I ever been” line is quite memorable and catchy, especially with how it ended the song. This is all over a simple slow rock instrumental, emphasizing the fact the focus of this song is on the vocals with little doubt. (10/10)

6. In The Whale – Both vocals and instrumental throughout In The Whale were captivating (no surprises here, to be honest – just look at every other song on the album). I don’t see myself having any problems with closing my eyes and drifting away to this atmospheric and ethereal track. What does set In The Whale apart from the rest of the album is the fact that the instrumental is quite prominent. The producers do an amazing job of ensuring the track is balanced out (hence why I made the drifty comments) so that ONEW isn’t overtaken. A soothing end to the album. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9.3/10

[Album Review] Arcade: V (6th Mini Album) – GHOST9

August 28, 2022Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged GHOST9Leave a comment

Next album to be reviewed this weekend is GHOST9’s Arcade: V, the group’s 6th mini-album since their debut. It was released back in April of this year and features the title track X-Ray. X-Ray is largely the reason why I checked out this mini-album and decided to put it on the reviewing list. Also, my goal to review more albums from artists whom I don’t usually write album reviews for had a play in my decision to review Arcade: V, as well. (I actually have not reviewed a GHOST9 mini-album before).

Overall, it is a decent mini-album. I do think the title track is the strongest track on the mini-album (spoiler: X-Ray actually grew on me substantially and even topped one of the Weekly KPOP Charts post since its release – see below). However, the side tracks do follow through well. The mini-album predominately visits pop through the side tracks, as well as EDM via the title track (and intro track). Let me know if you agree with my thoughts of the mini-album and individual tracks down below!

1. Dot (닻) – Launching us right into the mini-album is Dot, an introductory track spanning just over a minute. The bass and accompanying EDM is quite alluring and kept the song dynamic. The rapping had a punch and brought expressive energy to the song. However, the vocals were the weakest aspect. For some reason, majority of the vocals approached Dot is a very low manner, which in turn allowed Dot’s instrumentation to really take over and dominate. Some refinement would be beneficial to the song, especially since the melodies were good. (7/10)

2. X-Ray (Title Track) – As already mentioned, X-Ray has grown substantially since I had last reviewed it, thanks to the chorus. It has grown so much that it went on to top the Weekly KPOP Charts for the 2nd Week of April 2022. As a result, I have decided to bump the rating to a 9/10 and will return in the future to explain why the rating has gone up. Click here for my initial thoughts of X-Ray. (9/10)

3. CHAMPION – CHAMPION features a combination of dramatic and punchy electro synths, a subtle groove and some common boxing sound effects. Altogether, we get a thrilling dance track that is bound to get some adrenaline coursing through your veins. I really liked the consistent intensity that features throughout the song, which helps take everything to the next level. The rapping adds a dynamic and serious touch to the song. The vocals bring a smooth inclining melody to the song via the pre-chorus, whilst also bringing a memorable melody to the chorus. (8/10)

4. T.Y.T (Take You There) – T.Y.T changes up the mini-album by infusing some pop into the tracklist. It is more vocal centric, giving the vocalists a chance to shine on the album. I appreciate it, as the vocals sound really nice and sweet throughout. The chorus has a nice fast tempo backing to it, amping the existing instrumental up in a typical but also satisfying manner. The anthem-like post-chorus hook that we get was a bit traditional, but really concentrates everything I really mentioned thus far. My only problem with the song is the not so exciting second verse. It just felt flat and didn’t live up to the rest of the song. I wished that the second verse kept the first’s atmospheric start but built on it to make it more stunning. (8/10)

5. Always, All Ways – Continuing on with the pop direction is Always, All Ways. However, Always, All Ways is not a repeat of T.Y.T. Instead, the producers really gave the song some strong and some unique moments that helps it stand out. The whispery like ‘Keep me fly’ rapping in the verses was quite cool. The subsequent rapping that follows to lead us to the chorus was definitely a nice ramp up the song’s central piece. The chorus has a dynamic kick to it and that squeaky muted brass synth was quite cool. I do think Always, All Ways could have been a bit bolder in some respects and this would have taken the song to the next level. But overall, a strong side track from the group. (9/10)

6. Stranger – Stranger has a neat backing piece, complete with pulsing beats, robust trap elements and a harp-like synth. On top of that, solid vocals and rapping throughout and a recognisable melody. Altogether, Stranger comes together to form a wholesome track. However, it is more so a typical R&B/pop dance release. I was kind of hoping for a change of momentum, ever so slightly to make Stranger more dynamic and appealing. But it was a decent track, overall. (7/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8/10

[Album Review] Apocalypse: Save Us (2nd Studio Album) – Dream Catcher

August 27, 2022August 28, 2022Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Dreamcatcher3 Comments

I time travel back to April this time to cover Dream Catcher’s second studio album, Apocalypse: Save Us. This was released mid-April with the title track, MAISON, as its lead track. The album features two halves, one full of group tracks and the other half is made up of solo tracks from each of the members. There is also an introductory track and an interlude questionably labelled as a skit (both of which do not feature as part of the final album rating as they do not feature lyrics). In total, Apocalypse: Save Us features 14 tracks to satisfy our Dream Catcher music cravings.

Another strong album from Dream Catcher, which features a number of 10/10 tracks. Find out which songs I gave the perfect rating to down below! Honestly, I am not surprised about this. Dream Catcher has always given us strong side tracks, and Apocalypse: Save Us is not exception. I also liked that the members got to explore individual sounds with their solo tracks. As a result of this, we were given very different tracks to what we usually hear from Dream Catcher as a group. There is probably something for everyone on this album! Also, each member shot a MV (branded as a ‘special clip’ on their YouTube channel). I have included a link to each video, so make sure you check the videos out as well!

1. Intro: Save Us – Beginning the album is this instrumental introductory track, which can be further broken into two halves. The first half is this haunting and sinister classical organ instrumental, and the second half is a hip guitar instrumental that feels very urban and contemporary.

2. Locked Inside a Door – Following the introductory track, we move onto the album’s first 10/10 song. This album really sets itself up from the beginning. Locked Inside a Door is a groovy track thanks to its jazzy instrumental. And like most groovy numbers these days, I find myself having a bit of a dance along to the music when I hear it. I liked how both Dream Catcher embraced this jazzy side, going with some awesome vocal and rapping delivery and styles that work hand-in-hand with the genre. I also enjoyed how they were upfront, allowing their vocals to gain a stronger vibrant and appealing tinge. (10/10)

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

4. Starlight – Starlight tackles the synthpop genre, and I am loving it! I found the instrumentation to be blissful and quite a vibe throughout. I really like the consistency from start to end. Most of the time, I am complaining about songs being too consistent. But Starlight definitely thrives and excels as a result of this consistent approach. The vocals align nicely, and I quite liked how the producers did an amazing job ensuring that the song matches up with the rest of Dream Catcher’s discography. Dami, in particular, shines in this song. (10/10)

5. Together – Together continues the experimentation with different musical styles, this time dabbling in deep house. I liked how club ready this song is. I also enjoyed the way their vocals are kept delicate and soft, placing emphasis on breathy tones. In addition, I liked the pop of energy added to the chorus through that vibrant synth, giving the catchy sequence some depth, grooviness and allowing the chorus to be quite distinct from the rest of the song. The ‘Say that you love me’ repetition in the second half of the chorus is super catchy. Siyeon’s high note was spectacular. I have to admit though, this sone is slightly more plain than what we have heard so far. But it still a strong number. (9/10)

6. Always – Once again, Dream Catcher changes it up the trajectory of this album with a different genre. This time, it is ballad. If you know me, I have a soft spot for ballads. And Always proves just that. Always is a beautiful instrumented ballad with stunning piano work as the basis of the instrumental. It is also complete with wonderful and captivating vocals. The swayable melodies are just to die for and adds a memorable aspect to the song. (10/10)

7. Skit: The Seven Doors – The Seven Doors acts as an interlude between the two halves of the album. The first half (what we have heard thus far) are the group songs, while the second half (what we are about to venture into) are solo tracks from each of the members. The Seven Doors itself brings it all back to their energetic rock roots which sounds appropriate as an anime soundtrack. It is squashed between an atmospheric wind intro and nature sounds as the outro. My biggest question is, however, why is The Seven Doors labelled a skit?

8. Cherry (Real Miracle) – The first solo track on the album belongs to JiU. It is a cute track about her dog named Cherry. Cuteness is not something I would ever associate with Dream Catcher, so a track like this is actually quite refreshing and different. I enjoyed the upbeat funky and groovy vibes that’s Cherry (Real Miracle) had. A lovely and satisfying track, overall. (8/10)

9. No Dot – On a much more serious note is No Dot, which is SuA’s solo track. This is more within Dream Catcher’s wheelhouse for obvious reasons. No Dot is quite intense, thanks to the trap and rock elements in the instrumental. I also liked how the bass bolstered and added definition to the song towards the end, concentrating the darker and more intense notes of No Dot. SuA also sounds amazing, particularly when she uses her lower and breathy tones in the post-chorus hooks. (9/10)

10. Entrancing (황홀경 (极夜)) – As mentioned earlier in the review, I am a sucker for ballads. And Siyeon’s solo track, Entrancing, does exactly as the title suggests. It is a ballad that is draws influences from traditional Korean music. But it is not just that. Entrancing sounds like it uses a mix of classical, traditional and modern instruments to bring the captivating effect to life. It is very unique and leaves me floored (imagine my jaws dropping to the floor). Siyeon’s vocals were stunning and breathtaking throughout Entrancing, drifting along with the melodies. There was also a soft rap in the song, something I would not have expected with such a delicate song. (10/10)

11. Winter (한겨울 (寒冬)) – The next solo song (belonging to Handong) is another ballad. But this time, it takes the form of a R&B ballad. This song is quite delicate and remains quite soft throughout, reminding you of a winter’s day. Personally, Winter is not my type of song. Usually, I find the style dry and Winter did fall into that trap. Handong does surprise me at the end with an acapella ending that did perk my interest. Also interesting is that she ended the Korean centric song with Chinese lyrics. (7.5/10)

12. For – Yoohyeon‘s solo track, For, is an old time jazzy number. The track is well executed. From the jazzy instrumental to the sweet vocals from Yoohyeon, everything was on point and sounded ideal for the direction in which the influences had directed the song to go towards. What was quite unexpected was the fact majority of For is in English (sans a couple of Korean words in the choruses). To me, that is quite a surprise and give Yoohyeon a unique edge with her solo track (when compared to the other members). (8/10)

13. Beauty Full – Beauty Full is up next, headed by Dami. I have high expectations with her solo track, simply because she is my favourite member of the group! Consider Beauty Full to hit those expectations! Her track taps into the pop rock genre that has been in abundance in KPOP with some more recent releases. Beauty Full is pretty nostalgic for me (as are the other pop rock KPOP tracks), as pop rock is what I grew up with. I liked the vibrant energy that is coming from the song, with some really satisfying head nodding sequences. Dami’s vocals are superb and her rapping is top notch (per usual). The anthem direction of the bridge was very cool, as well. I might be bias heading into this track, but I leave happy and satisfied. (10/10)

14. Playground – We end the lengthy album with a vibrant and cheerful track from Gahyeon. Playground is a pleasant track that makes me smile while I listen to it. It is largely pop, but there are also some funky and jazzy elements as well. I also liked the subtle violin and brass in the instrumental. Gahyeon sounds really nice throughout Playground, though I think a high note (which might be beyond her abilities) would have really added the cherry on top for me. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9/10

[Album Review] GOT7 (12th Mini Album) – GOT7

August 27, 2022August 27, 2022Posted in Album ReviewsTagged GOT72 Comments

I continue to skip back and forth in time with my album reviews. This time, I land at the end of May to review GOT7’s self-titled 12th mini-album, GOT7. For those who somehow missed out on this momentous comeback, it serves as the group’s first album release since leaving JYP Entertainment and their first music release in over one year and four months. Lead by the title track NANANA, the mini-album also reunites the GOT7 members in another five tracks.

I quite liked how the mini-album is self-titled, a statement that the group owns GOT7 (which is actually the case). News stories have emerged that each of the members own the GOT7 brand and name, which usually isn’t the case given that the group was created under a label (and usually ownership goes towards the label). With that in mind, GOT7 really goes down their own path with this mini-album, dabbling heavy in their R&B sound and breathy vocals that is pretty much their wheelhouse. Overall, I consider this to be a decent album release. I would like to see where GOT7 will take themselves in the future, given that they now have full control. But I don’t expect them to be making a comeback anytime soon given that they are all doing their own things, as well. But for now, I am happy with the likes of GOT7.

1. TRUTH – TRUTH begins the album as a R&B number. GOT7 has put out many R&B tracks over the years, so this is familiar territory for the group. However, there many elements within TRUTH that helps make the song individualistic. The metallic and percussive synths add a layer of intriguingness and uniqueness to the track. The slower pace and beat also adds a slow and sensual vibe to TRUTH. The breathy vocals, alluring raps and pop melodies tie up the song nearly into a very attractive opening track. (8/10)

2. Drive Me To The Moon – Drive Me To The Moon brings upbeatness to the album. Alongside the chill nature of the instrumental as well, Drive Me To The Moon becomes a great song to listen as you go for a drive, like on a road trip or another scenic route. The vocal work and rapping were ideal and I liked how it was kept all light to complement the instrumentation. The melodies and hooks were all very pleasant and enjoyable, as well. It isn’t my go-to song on the album, but it was still a decent one. (7/10)

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

4. TWO – TWO is a R&B track that exudes very mature and sensual vibes. Actually, I think the correct description to TWO is that it oozes sensual vibes. I really like the slow and paced beat of the song, which embodies the genre perfectly. Again, the breathy vocals throughout TWO were on point, show so much charisma and features melodies that would go in tandem with body rolls. All of this contributed to the conclusion that I would love to see the members perform this track live as this would be one wild performance to drive fans (including myself) insane. (8.5/10)

5. Don’t Care About Me – We end the album with two ‘Don’t’ tracks. First up is Don’t Care About Me – my pick for favourite side track on this mini-album. Don’t Care About Me has some powerful moments and sequences, all relative to the other tracks on the mini-album. The trap and synth-pop instrumental comes together to create a sleek atmosphere and there were some dynamic flair to the instrumental break during the bridge. Catchy hooks help make the song continually ring in my mind even after it is completed. The refined and held back explosions of energy featured in the back of the choruses and the electric guitar in the pre-choruses were some of my favourite moments in the song. The vocals were really well done, with Youngjae’s stealing the show in my opinion. (10/10)

6. Don’t Leave Me Alone – The next ‘Don’t’ song, Don’t Leave Me Alone, also serves as the album’s final track. It is a R&B ballad for their fans (IGOT7s), as GOT7 is asking them to not leave alone, which I find to be very fitting given the group’s circumstances. Even without the context behind Don’t Leave Me Alone, I think the heartwarming effect was very noticeable. The synth-heavy instrumental feels soothing as it could be. The vocals and rapping were nicely executed and complements the soothing nature of the song. A fulfilling ending to the mini-album. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.3/10

[Album Review] LIBERTY: IN OUR COSMOS (1st Studio Album – Part 2) – CRAVITY

August 21, 2022August 21, 2022Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged CRAVITY1 Comment

CRAVITY made their comeback last year with Part 1 of their 1st studio album, The Awakening: Written In The Stars. This was headlined with the title track Gas Pedal and the secondary track VENI VIDI VICI. 7 months on (to March 2022), CRAVITY returned with the second part of their 1st studio album. This time, the album is titled LIBERTY: IN OUR COSMOS and features the title track Adrenaline. Alongside that, there are 6 other songs and an outro track.

Between the two halves of the studio album, it appears I enjoy LIBERTY: IN OUR COSMOS more (but only by a smidge). This is based on final rating of both halves (which is simply the average of the all the song ratings on that album). That is just my attempt to quantify it though (because I like numbers). To be more truthful, I enjoyed both equally. Sorry for being so diplomatic and fair. But that is the case. Both parts had some great tracks and both had more generic singles as well. But altogether, it was all an enjoyable listen. Do you agree with me, or do you think one or the other is significantly better than the other? Let me know in the comments below.

1. Adrenaline (Title Track) – Click here for the full review of Adrenaline. (7/10)

2. POW! – Heavy thuds, dulled guitars and the super bold hook of POW! opens up the song and keeps me from turning away. The hook was quite aggressive from the first listen. But after multiple listens, I have become used to the hook and find it to be quite an ear-catching piece. POW! draws on hip-hop influences and I really liked their expressive rapping in the verses. The choruses were energetic and had a vibrant feel to them that helped make POW! so enjoyable for me. I particularly enjoyed the definition added to the beat for the final chorus, helping make the final chorus more climatic and punchier. (10/10)

3. BOPPIN’ – BOPPIN’ has me grooving about and this is probably the best thing for me to experience with a hip-hop based song. There is a bit of a sexy vibe to BOPPIN’, especially when the vocals are in play. It smooths out the song, balancing out the energy and powerfulness that the rappers give the song (which gives the song so much body and energy). The “We’re boppin’” and the ”Its Bubbling Bubbling … Bubbling” in the chorus are super catchy lines and has coming back for more. (10/10)

4. Chandelier – Chandelier continues the hip-hop influence that has been coursing through the last few songs, though it is less prevalent this time around. As a result, I find this to be more on the generic side. It wasn’t as exciting. The vocals take more of a hold in the song, which might explain why the Chandelier took on a softer edge and smoother vibe. They sound good, but not as great as the preceding tracks, with exception for the duo who sung the bridge. The bridge was definitely the highlight of the song for me. The rappers help add some energy to the song, but it isn’t on par with what I have heard so far. (7/10)

5. FLIP THE FRAME – The way FLIP THE FRAME started was quite interesting. It appears to be quite a long instrumental intro to the song. It is quite an atmospheric piece. What comes next was quite unexpected, with a heavy beat and strong vocals. The chorus literally flips the frame with another unexpected change in momentum. I didn’t think the verses (nor the intro) would have led us to this chorus. The first half is so sleek and edgy, whilst the second half brought more of a pop vibe to the song. The rapping in the second verse also literally stood out, pairing well with the heavy beats. (8.5/10)

6. Maybe Baby (좋아하나봐) – Maybe Baby goes into pop territory. Maybe Baby is not as heavy as the other tracks that come before it, but the EDM used still kept the song upbeat. The melodies helped bring the pop vibe to life and also give the song such a pleasant appeal. The members, on both vocals and raps front, sound very nice and remained in line with the pop and chill vibes of the song. I particularly enjoyed the interchanging vocals and rapping at the very end, which closed out the song in a neat manner. (8/10)

7. Late Night – More pop comes through Late Night. But instead of EDM, Late Night’s instrumental is more acoustic based. Despite that, the song remains upbeat and enjoyable. The members made me smile throughout the song with their delivery and I loved the inclusiveness of the chorus where they all sing together. I liked how the rapping was done in this song. What we have heard so far on the album was heavier and powerful sides of the rapper, but here they fitted the pop vibe extremely well. (8/10)

8. Outro: In Our Cosmos – Closing out the album and era of Gas Pedal and Adrenaline is the outro track: In Our Cosmos. The track starts off with a breathtaking backing and soothing vocals, before the instrumental starts ramping up alongside some powerful rapping. It then moves onto an EDM instrumental that continues the breathtaking vibe, before ending with the instrumental at the beginning and some more vocals. Thus, returning full circle to how it began. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.4/10

[Album Review] Color (2nd Mini Album) – Kwon Eun Bi

August 20, 2022Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Kwon Eun BiLeave a comment

The next album on the reviewing front is Kwon Eun Bi’s Color, her second mini-album since her debut last year with Door and Open. I unfortunately have not reviewed Open. However, I put on her second mini-album on my reviewing agenda as I wanted to expand on the different artists who I commonly write album reviews for. And with the title track Glitch (and ESPER, her single for the UNIVERSE app) impressing me, it felt logical for me to expand and include Kwon Eun Bi. After all, who knows what I might discover.

While Color might not be the knockout album I am looking for, it was still a particularly decent one. The album, consisting of five tracks and one introductory track (not included in the final rating), starts off with dance tracks and eased out a series of ballads. It is two sides of the spectrum, but we get a bit of variety as a result (and that is always a good thing). Check out the mini-album and let me know what you think on the overall album and the individual tracks, as well!

1. The Colors of Light – Starting off this mini-album is the intro track The Colors of Light. This is primarily an instrumental track (aside from the faint whisper of ‘Like a glitch’ in the background towards the end of the song). The track begins with this scenic and dreamy instrumental piece that reminds me of the playlist I play when I go to sleep. But The Colors of Light hints at what is to come as it glitches up. Some of the glitches resembles the title track, while others are much harsher and abrasive. However, the track soon normalizes back on the dreamy aspect just before we ease out of the song.

2. Glitch (Title Track) – Click here for the full review of Glitch. (9/10)

3. Magnetic – The violins make Magnetic intriguing and keeps me around for the rest of the song. And I am glad that was the case as Magnetic was a pretty awesome song overall. Its chorus was quite charming and there was some nice flow in the song. Kwon Eun Bi sounds amazing throughout and impressed me with her more powerful moments and ad-libs. I think it would have been nicer to hear the very brief rapping earlier in the song (i.e. second verse) but in a more fulfilling manner. I think Magnetic calls for it and this potentially could have taken the song to the next level for me (provided it was executed well). (8/10)

4. Colors – Colors is a neat R&B ballad track. While the entirety of the song is pretty straight forward, I enjoyed Kwon Eun Bi’s is delicate vocals at the start of the song and how it builds towards the end to give the ending a definite and conclusive ending. The presence of both delicate and defined vocals helps keep the song from falling into neutral territory and allows the song to be somewhat more impressive. (7/10)

5. Speed of Love (우리의 속도) – Next up is a ballad, slowing the album down even further. The combination of the jazzy styled instrumentals and Kwon Eun Bi’s youthful and smile-inducing vocals in this song makes it a really soothing piece. Speed of Love features swayable and drifty melodies that makes this a strong track. I liked the golden aura that comes from the song, and the old Hollywood style start. (9/10)

6. OFF – OFF continues the slow momentum of the album with another ballad. The swaying melody is a lot more noticeable in this song, as it isn’t masked up by other elements or characteristics. This is because the producers allow Kwon Eun Bi’s vocals to be the focal point of the song, with the accompanying instrumental being small and soft for the most part. It isn’t something unique, but it is spectacular and ends the album the opposite manner to how it started. (8.5/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.3/10

[Album Review] INTERSECTION: BLAZE (3rd Mini Album) – BAE173

August 14, 2022Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged BAE1731 Comment

I jumped to May earlier, and now I jump right back to March as I am not just finished with the albums from that month just yet (PS. I have a somewhat ambitious plan to cover the last few months of albums, so keep your eyes out for more album reviews coming your way). The album for this review is BAE173’s 3rd mini-album, INTERSECTION: BLAZE, which dropped at the end of March alongside the title track JAWS. A total of five songs featured on the album, one of which is the instrumental for JAWS.

Given the title track, which is usually my first impression of the album, I did not expect the other tracks to swing into the pop realm. I expected a harsher, rougher and edgier album. As I mentioned below, I am not complaining about this unexpected swing given that I liked BAE173’s past pop releases and I am totally for them delving back into the genre. Read onwards for more of my thoughts on the album and the side tracks.

1. Runnin’ – Dohyun opens up the album with a solo track. With BLAZE for the title of the album, this one hits the brief for being a blaze. It was a fierce hip-hop track, merged with EDM for the instrumentation. It was energetic and gave me a kick of energy to look forward to in this mini-album. Dohyun really worked it in this track and delivered Runnin’ without a hitch. Personally, not my cup of tea. But I can definitely imagine a lot of people enjoying this track, as there isn’t anything wrong with this introductory track. (8/10)

2. Annoyed (짜증나게) – Next up on the album is Annoyed. For those who may have missed my review for Loved You, I was an absolutely a fan of BAE173 pop direction. And I am so glad that they revisited that pop sound (even if it was just a brief tinge) in this song. Naturally, it is an instant favourite in my book. I would love BAE173 to venture down more of this pop path, especially since Annoyed pretty much summarised KPOP in a nutshell for me – that is the mergence of house and pop in one song. The house element really filled out the track, while the pop influence came through with the members’ vocals and melodies. I also really enjoyed the piano peeking out in background and giving off a twinkling like effect, and the falsetto-like approach the members brought to the chorus. (10/10)

3. JAWS (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for JAWS. (6/10)

4. Not Alone (혼자가 아니야) – Not Alone also ventures down the pop path. It is a lot softer compared to the three tracks preceding it and features a neat instrumentation that is quite upbeat and textured. The vocals and melodies are sweet sounding, while the instrumental adds a cheerfulness to the song. I find Not Alone quite suitable to be an OST for a drama, playing in the background of a sweet and heartwarming scene. It doesn’t draw my attention as did Annoyed, but it definitely what I wanted! (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.3/10

[Album Review] FEARLESS (1st Mini Album) – LE SSERAFIM

August 14, 2022Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged LE SSERAFIM3 Comments

LE SSERAFIM’s debut mini-album is next up on the reviewing block. LE SSERAFIM, the newest female group that hails from HYBE Entertainment and Source Music, debuted back in May with the title track and mini-album of the same name, FEARLESS. It features a total of 5 songs, including the already mentioned title track. FEARLESS originally featured 6 members. But as of last month, Kim Ga Ram exited the group due to her bullying controversary that emerged whilst the group was promoting their debut. She was quickly sidelined and the group temporarily reformed into a 5 member group before becoming a permanent formation in July.

While LE SSERAFIM’s debut isn’t necessary the best start to the group’s career for obvious reasons, FEARLESS (the title track) was quite successful. It grabbed the attention of a lot of people, including myself. Based on what I saw, it also become a hit and hopefully people will remember the group for their debut track from this era and not because of something else. As for the mini-album, it was a fair one. I am not head over heels over the entire mini-album, but there was at least some good songs on there. Do you agree with me? Let me know in the comments below (after reading my thoughts below, of course!).

1. The World Is My Oyster – Starting off their debut mini-album and their overall debut is the intro track, The World Is My Oyster. The instrumental for this track takes on psychedelic trance, which is right up my alley. There is an epic vibe simmering away in such songs, which makes me like the style. I also enjoy the suspenseful nature behind it. The World Is My Oyster features each of the members speaking in their own languages, introducing themselves as fearless, fitting for a group whose name is an anagram of I’M FEARLESS and begins their career with the title track titled Fearless. Not much else to the track, but a potentially epic one. (8/10)

2. FEARLESS (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for FEARLESS. (9/10)

3. Blue Flame – The secondary promotion track for LE SSERAFIM’s debut is Blue Flame. It is groovy number, going into down the disco route. The vocal work extremely nice and showcases potential behind the group’s vocals. However, Blue Flame was pretty generic and plain. While I really enjoy the retro sound that has been dominating KPOP for a while now, I am a bit disappointed about the lack of excitement or energy behind the song. If there was some sort of zing or vibrancy to Blue Flame, maybe I would have liked the song more. But it is just too consistent and doesn’t offer anything unique to the group. (6.5/10)

4. The Great Mermaid – To me, the difference between Blue Flame and The Great Mermaid is night and day. The Great Mermaid had so much oomph to its instrumentation thanks to the bass that featured in the song. The energy is exciting and memorable. The instrumental was so textured due to the combination of synths and bass. The vocals, while autotuned, felt fitting for The Great Mermaid, and well rounded. The ‘Na Na Na’ that follows the chorus was so catchy and the retelling of The Little Mermaid story in the lyrics was quite unique. (9/10)

5. Sour Grapes – The final song on this mini-album is Sour Grapes, a much softer track compared to any of the above tracks. It taps into the R&B realm and again features neat vocals. I liked the wavy melodies that the members deliver. It gives Sour Grapes a comforting and dreamy vibe. I did want a bit more to the song. It feels pretty elementary without going further and I am not entirely sure if I enjoy that. As an ender, however, Sour Grapes eases us away from the commotion that the title track caused, along with the upbeat backings of the other tracks on this album. (7/10)

Overall Album Rating – 7.9/10

[Album Review] Glitch Mode / Beatbox (2nd Studio Album / 2nd Studio Album Repackaged) – NCT DREAM

August 14, 2022Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged NCT, NCT DREAM4 Comments

Next album on the reviewing block is NCT DREAM’s 2nd studio album, Glitch Mode, and its repackaged version, Beatbox. It has been a while since these albums dropped, with Glitch Mode dropping back in March and Beatbox dropping in May of this year. And I am finally getting around to reviewing them! A total of 15 tracks are present on these albums, including the title tracks Glitch Mode and Beatbox. This makes this album review a lengthy one, so I am going to get straight into it!

Once again, NCT DREAM delivers on quality and quantity. While it was a doozy to write up this album review, I really enjoyed the final product. I even handed out quite a few 10/10’s whilst writing this review. However, I expected this happen as NCT DREAM always has amazing side tracks that needs more attention directed at them. Let me know if you agree with my ratings of each song below in the comments section after reading through my thoughts, of course.

1. Beatbox (비트박스) (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for Beatbox. (9/10)

2. Fire Alarm (파이어 알람) – Right off the bat, the initial track of the Glitch Mode album grabs your attention. To me, it doesn’t really grab your attention in the same way that a fire alarm alerts you to a fire. But rather, it is fire! Each time I end up listening to the album, I can’t help but groove along to this track. The synth-centric instrumentation was memorable and exciting. The fast tempo of Fire Alarm adds to the excitement and hype energy of the song. It feels relentless without going overboard or overwhelming with synths. The chanty nature of Fire Alarm adds to the memorability if the song, while the rapping was dynamic and the adlibs were effortless. (10/10)

3. Glitch Mode (버퍼링) – Click here to read the full review for Glitch Mode. (6.5/10)

4. Arcade – Arcade is an extremely satisfying mix of EDM and hip-hop influences. That alone makes Arcade a standout track, as everything felt cohesive and the styles naturally go hand-in-hand with each other. But the winning element in Arcade are the members. From the vocal side (my favourite side of this song), it was so flowy and smooth. It left me floored and I always want to delve back into the song due to the vocals. As for the rapping and the chanty sections, they give Arcade so much oomph and heftiness, balancing out the smoothness from the vocals. Another standout track, in my opinion. (10/10)

5. To My First (마지막 인사) – To My First is one of the new tracks on the Beatbox repackaged version. Its position following Arcade was perfect, as it continues those smooth vocals from the previous track. But instead of a EDM and hip-hop hybrid, To My First takes on a R&B sound profile instead. To My First has such amazing harmonies on top of the stunningly smooth vocals and you can feel the emotions that the group pours into this song about their first loves. (9/10)

6. It’s Yours (너를 위한 단어) – Despite being a light track, I really liked the thumping instrumental for It’s Yours. I quite liked how consistent the thumping nature of the instrumental was. It was intriguing, unique and cool. Again, the vocals bring a vibrant factor to the song, whilst the melodies and hooks bring forth a happy and cheerful tone to the song. I particularly like little uptick in melody when one of the vocalists begin their solo part in the chorus. The rapping also gets a tick of approval from me, with the rapping adding a bit of oomph to the song, as well. The simple repetition as the hook was a bit generic, but it caught on quite fast. (9/10)

7. Teddy Bear (잘 자) – Teddy Bear delves into R&B territory, even though the instrumental still has a foot within the EDM genre. I liked the punch the chorus had, which really woke me up from the soft and dreamy vocals. Teddy Bear was quite smooth as well, but I am not as excited about this aspect as per the other songs on this album. The vocal work was a bit linear in terms of trajectory and made the song less engaging as it progressed to the end. (7/10)

8. Sorry Heart – The Beatbox repackaged version brings us the second of two unit tracks (I consider this second as the first unit track consisting of the other members initially featured on the Glitch Mode album). Sorry Heart features Renjun, Haechan and Chenle. This lineup immediately means this is a vocal-centric track, and they do not mess around in this track. It was very stunning, emotionally packed and extremely captivating. The best parts, however, were the harmonies, the ad-libs and the acapella harmony sequence at the very end. This was all done over a soothing guitar instrumentation that allowed the vocals to do all of the speaking. (10/10)

9. Replay (내일 봐) – NCT DREAM regroups following the vocalists’ unit track for Replay. Replay takes me back to the 2000s with its old-school boy group style that easily could have been passed off as a promotional single. NCT DREAM fits in with this sound perfectly! The rapping was on point throughout, and the smooth vocals continue on in this song. Great melodies, but I feel the hooks were undeveloped. (8/10)

10. Saturday Drip – The first unit track from NCT DREAM on the album (even though the second on for this review/on the Beatbox version of the album) features Mark Jeno Jaemin and Jisung. Like Sorry Heart, when you look at Saturday Drip’s lineup, you know that this track will be rap heavy and go down the hip-hop hole. Every time I listened to this track when I play the albums, I find myself fighting an urge to dance. As you may know, hip-hop tracks are not really my style, so this urge to dance comes as a surprise and definitely shows you how much I enjoy the track. I also enjoyed the use of their deep vocals, which felt stylish and trendy. (10/10)

11. Better Than Gold (지금) – Better Than Gold brings a retro flair to the album with its funky and synth track. This one too gives me an urge to dance, but admittedly not as strong as the preceding track. What I think makes this track appealing is its brightness and upbeat nature. With the brass in the bridge, it is very hard to deny that this track is bright and upbeat. The vocals and rapping make it cheerful. A fun track, overall. (8/10)

12. Drive (미니카) – Drive has this feel-good vibe without stepping into the preppy and upbeat territory. Instead, I find the track to be calming and soothing. But it still puts a smile on your face. It is quite a mature and refined approach to this intention, if you think about it. Again, amazing vocals and rapping takes hold over a simple pop instrumentation. There is absolutely nothing wrong about this song, just one to enjoy. (8/10)

13. Never Goodbye (북극성) – NCT DREAM almost enters balladry territory with this track. I specifically say ‘almost’, as I feel like the instrumentation doesn’t follow. It remains atmospheric as result to electronic elements and I liked the twinkling detailing the background had. The vocals were very dreamy throughout the song, and the rapping (another not-so-common balladry element) was well executed for this softer track. In terms of me liking this track, I will say Never Goodbye is easily forgotten when considering the bigger picture of the album. But standalone, it is a nice and pleasant track. (7/10)

14. Rewind – Rewind revisits that retro style that NCT DREAM had already touched upon on this album. The piano and synth detailing in the instrumentation definitely brings this retro style to life. The melodies and rapping adds a fun element to the song that I thoroughly enjoy, whilst the vocals brought a youthful appeal to the song. (8/10)

15. On The Way (별 밤) – The final track on the Beatbox album (and the conclusion of the Glitch Mode / Beatbox era for NCT DREAM) is On The Way. It is such a neat ender, summing up the albums in a meaningful manner. I find On The Way had the best parts of the album, such as cool and trendy rapping, smooth vocals and soothing harmonies. The ending of the track was extremely well done, with the harmonies and beautifully sung chanty melodies. There is also a meaningful tinge to this song, which makes it super appropriate at the end. This is all on top of a simple but atmospheric synth instrumental. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.6/10

[Album Review] memeM (3rd Mini Album) – PURPLE KISS

August 12, 2022Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged PURPLE KISS2 Comments

Next album to get the review treatment is memeM, PURPLE KISS’ 3rd mini-album since their debut last year. It was released way back at the end of March of this year, and features the title track of the same name. I know this album review is very much delayed, especially since PURPLE KISS has returned more recently with another comeback (NERDY) and their fourth mini-album, Geekyland. That unfortunately won’t be getting the album review treatment until the end of September (if I remember my reviewing schedule correctly). But hopefully the album review for memeM will be a sufficient dose of PURPLE KISS for the time being.

memeM is a solid release from PURPLE KISS. They are only in their second year of their career, so there is still a lot to discover about this group. But if the memeM mini-album is indicative of anything, it has to be the fact that they have a lot of potential, as highlighted by the strong rating this mini-album received. Do you agree with my overall thoughts and individual thoughts on the songs? Let me know in the comments below.

1. Intro: Illusion – The mini-album kicks off with a mysterious intro track. Illusion just spans for over a minute, but considered me intrigued and interested with this opener. There is an exotic colour to this track thanks to the instrumental. And the vocals were sleek and alluring. I would have loved for this to be a full track on its own. (9/10)

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

3. Oh My Gosh (날 좀 봐) – Oh My Gosh started off with a pretty chill instrumentation. It is trendy, but there wasn’t really much going on in the background. The vocal work and rapping were solid, and remains so throughout the rest of the track. I did wish the hooks and melodies were more engaging, as better hooks and melodies would have made Oh My Gosh more memorable and better. What I did enjoy with this song is how Oh My Gosh changed momentum and develops itself into a substantial dance track. The chorus felt more amplified and the heavier presence of synths and percussion following the chorus made the song much more attractive and robust. (8/10)

4. Pretty Psycho – Pretty Psycho is my favourite side track from this mini-album. A large part of this is due to the instrumentation – groovy and bass-prominent. There is also a dynamic side of Pretty Psycho, as the tempo changes between sequences. The instrumental sequence of the bridge was very cool, while the twinkling effect during the second half of the bridge gave the song a haunting aspect. All of this could easily rival the likes of NERDY, the group’s more recent comeback, which I enjoyed. But this is only one aspect of Pretty Psycho. The other aspects that I usually comment on – vocals and rapping were really well done in this song, especially during the chorus. Memorable hooks and delivery here. (10/10)

5. JOAH (좋아) – JOAH turns the attention onto the members’ vocals, which have been strong so far on this album. But JOAH magnifies the focus onto the vocals with the song’s slower approach. I like the R&B pop vibe that the instrumental had and the melodies in this slower song were very calming and soothing to listen to. (8/10)

6. Hate Me, Hurt Me, Love Me – This song infuses an upbeat pop energy back into the mini-album with its electronic instrumentation. Its vibrant and bright, which is instantly appealing to me. I did think the actual execution of the instrumental was a bit generic and straightforward, but this isn’t a big deal for me. The vocals keep Hate Me, Hurt Me, Love Me light and pleasant. The chorus melody was vibrant and catchy for me. All of this made the song enjoyable to listen to. (8/10)

7. Cursor (빈틈) – The most captivating song on this album comes at the very end. Cursor really took hold of me during the start, with a balladry-like motif in both instrumentation and vocals. Following the first chorus, the song abruptly tacks on some EDM to the song. This was quite an unexpected change, but one that works. We soon return to those balladry vocals and the captivation continues. I am more upset on how the EDM transitioned into rapping (and into the final chorus). I thought this ruined the flow of the song (more so than the EDM itself), and weakened the integrity of the song. But other than that, a neat track. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.3/10

[Album Review] Real Love (2nd Studio Album) – Oh My Girl

August 7, 2022Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged OH MY GIRL3 Comments

Next up on the album review chopping block is Real Love, Oh My Girl’s second studio length album since their debut. It was released at the end of March. Leading the album is the title track that shares the same name as the album and features an additional eight tracks. While the release of Real Love is all good news to fans, Real Love also is the final release to feature Jiho as a member, who left the group and their company (WM Entertainment for those who are wondering) following the album’s release and associated promotions following the completion of her contract. All the best to Jiho for her future endeavours and to Oh My Girl as they reform into a six member group.

When I was writing this review, I was wondering how I would best sum it up for you in this initial paragraph. And my best idea was to describe as an ‘pleasant experimentation’. It sounds odd, but it actually the hybrid of two different styles Oh My Girl had attempted on Real Love. There are a handful of songs that I actually describe (repetitively) as pleasant, while there were also a handful of songs that were experimental, unique and different from other artists. Do you have any other ways to describe the album? Let me know in the comments below once you have finished reading my review for Real Love.

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

2. Drip – If you were listening to the song for the first time, you would have noticed that there were so many twists throughout Drip. You wouldn’t know where the song is heading, so it keeps you on the edge of your seat. This style might be disjointed, complicated and overwhelming for some, but I really liked it. This pop song’s chorus featured catchy hooks and the verses were felt fashionably sleek. I think there was room for the group to be bolder in some of the segments as some of them were relative forgettable, but it is a great track nonetheless. (8/10)

3. Eden – Acoustics opens up the pleasant sounding Eden, paired with such soft vocals from some of the members. But Eden doesn’t stay acoustic all the way through. Synths are eased in and Eden features an interestingly paced pre-chorus, before proceeding to a glitchy chorus. It is so intriguing that the synths and glitchy chorus doesn’t detract from Eden’s soft and pleasant beginning. It is different overall, but so enjoyable at the same time. The song repeats the same set up of verse, pre-chorus and chorus as described above. But after all this time, Eden still sounds refreshing and original after all this time. (10/10)

4. Replay – Replay forgoes melodies, but brings the bass and rhythm in this freaking amazing song. Replay brings forth voguing vibe, which I believe the group has previously approached in another side track from the top of my memory. But Replay feels just right for a club and/or party. Its groovy, its attitude/sassy and its sleek. And it is super catchy and memorable as a side track on this album. (10/10)

5. Parachute – Parachute feels like it easily could have traded places with Real Love as it too delves into the disco pop genre. While the instrumental was great (I enjoyed the buoyancy the steelpan brought to the instrumental), I did feel the vocals was pretty generic and didn’t bring much excitement. Real Love played around with the vocals, which helped make it interesting for me, whereas Parachute was pretty straight forward. It is slightly disappointing that the vocals weren’t as memorable, as I felt the hooks were. (7/10)

6. Kiss & Fix – Kiss & Fix is another pleasant and soft track on this album. I liked the soft drumming in the instrumentation, as it helps sets the soft tone of the track. The vocals also help out with this. The best showing of vocals comes from Binne and YooA in the bridge. That part of the song floored me. The chorus goes with this nursery-rhyme-chant-esque style which was memorable and easy on the ears. Another great track on the album. (9/10)

7. Blink – Turning to pop, Blink is a nice track. It has pleasant instrumentations that doesn’t catch you off guard or overwhelm you by being excessive. I enjoyed the underlaying guitar in this song. It felt hidden, but it peeked out enough for me to recognise it. The melodies and vocals were nice and enjoyable, as well. The rapping changes up the momentum just enough and at the right time to keep the song from falling into a ‘too consistent’ state. All is good with Blink. (8/10)

8. Dear Rose – Dear Rose is another pleasant track, even though the instrumental and rapping might not be in agreeance with this observation at first glance. I attribute the pleasantness to the vocals, which were quite soft and doesn’t ever stray from how it the song first started. I also find the softness might have come about from another nursery rhyme-like melody that the lyrics were delivered in. The ‘Pretty Little Rose’ hook was quite catchy as well. As for the instrumental, we get dance synths suitable for the club. And the rapping added an edgy tinge to the Dear Rose. Quite the opposite of soft, but somehow Dear Rose makes it work. (8.5/10)

9. Sailing Heart – The album ends with a stunning ballad. I liked the pulsing bass in the background, which added so much depth to the song. Sailing Heart also features a piano-centric instrumental. And the warm and drifty vocals lays on top. Interestingly, Sailing Heart doesn’t have a swayable melody, as the ad-libs were added throughout the song. But that doesn’t instantly mean it is not good. Sailing Heart still managed to captivate and end the album on such a dreamy note. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.5/10

[Album Review] ODDINARY (6th Mini Album) – Stray Kids

August 6, 2022Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Stray Kids2 Comments

Over the last week or so, I have been reviewing some of Stray Kids’ older (given that they did release new music at the start of this week – I will be reviewing it soon!) but recent releases. And this is all in preparation for this particular album review. ODDINARY is the group’s 6th mini-album, and was released back in March of this year. Headlining this mini-album is the title track MANIAC. But like their recent comebacks, there have been multiple music videos for different tracks as part of the promotions for their comeback. For this mini-album, VENOM, FEVER and Lonely St. all got the music video treatment alongside the title track.

But that is not all, ODDINARY also features 3 additional tracks (one full group and two unit tracks), giving this album a grand total of seven songs. And ODDINARY is another solid release from the group (though not their best to date). The tracks are right up Stray Kids’ alley and were all pretty much cool in their own way. There was a range of good to amazing tracks, with the mini-album containing another 10/10 track on this album, in my opinion. Find out which one by reading onwards.

1. VENOM (거미줄) – Click here to read the full review for VENOM. (7/10)

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

3. Charmer – The first track on the mini-album to not get a music video is Charmer. I quite like this song for the catchy flute work we get in the instrumental-centric chorus. It is quite a focal point for such a hefty and serious sounding track like Charmer. The rest of the track falls squarely into Stray Kids comfort zone of hip-hop and raps, just without the noisy EDM that has become synonymous with Stray Kids’ title tracks. All of this is makes Charmer a strong track. There was also a great display of vocals, especially when all the instrumental was all stripped away. (8/10)

4. FREEZE (땡) – Click here to read the full review for FREEZE. (9/10)

5. Lonely St. – Click here to read the full review for Lonely St. (7.5/10)

6. Waiting For Us (피어난다) – Waiting For Us is the first of two unit tracks. It features Bangchan, Lee Know, Seungmin and I.N, with the quartet giving us this atmospheric rock ballad. My first impression of this song remains vividly in my mind, simply because it was stunning the first time around and it still is! The vocal work in this song was spectacular and riveting, especially the harmonies during bridge. In particular, Lee Know genuinely surprised me with his ability to keep on par with the other members in this song. The melodies were so drifty, and I really liked the kick and amplification of everything during the chorus. It was all captivating, and that earns this song a 10/10. (10/10)

7. Muddy Waters – The other half of the group (Changbin, Han, Hyunjin and Felix) show off their rapping skills with this old school hip-hop track. Again, I am not a hip-hop or even a rap song person. But Muddy Waters was definitely cool and hip. I really enjoyed the jazzy roots of the instrumentation, which gave the song a golden and vintage type of feel. The members went hard with their raps, impressing me with their delivery. Altogether, we have a groovy and enjoyable track to round out the album. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.4/10

[Album Review] MY (1st Mini Album) – MIYEON ((G)I-DLE)

August 5, 2022August 5, 2022Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged i-dle, Miyeon ((G)I-DLE)1 Comment

I believe I mentioned that this particular album review was going to be published on Monday, but I had to postpone to the end of this week as I couldn’t complete it in time. So without further delay, here is my review for MIYEON’s solo debut mini-album, MY, released at the end of April of this year. In addition to the title track DRIVE, MY features an additional five tracks. MIYEON’s solo debut follows her group’s comeback with TOMBOY and I NEVER DIE (which I posted the album review for over the weekend).

MY is a great start to MIYEON’s solo career. There was a strong showing of her potential as a solo artist, with a number of the songs on the album ranking on the higher end of the scale. She also scores a 10/10 from me for a side track. I am glad MIYEON had the opportunity to shine herself and showcase her vocals. Hope her next solo release isn’t too far off.

1. Rose – Starting off is Rose, which also doubles as a lovely beginning to the album. Rose has an extremely pleasant instrumental, drawing on a really nice waltz pace that aids Rose’s loveable appeal. The melodies in this song are a highlight, as they really caught hold of me and I could not help sway along to both Rose’s melodies and waltz instrumental. Miyeon herself was very inviting with her vocals and they bring a smile to my face every time I listen to the song. Rose genuinely surprised me, as its style is usually not my cup of tea. But it is a strong start to the album, nonetheless. (9/10)

2. Drive (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Drive. (9/10)

3. Softly – I quite enjoy the upbeat nature of Softly. It isn’t expected for a song titled Softly, but it somehow works. It might be due to Miyeon, who brings a brightness and vibrant factor to the song. There is a spring to her voice that makes Softly so enjoyable. Or it could be due to the accompaniment of that intriguing string instrument (not sure if it is some sort of metallic harp or a different type of guitar) and classical instrumentation in the background. It is relatively soft, but it definitely makes itself known. To me, it is an interesting combination and it constantly feels like it is on a forward trajectory to clash. But as stated in my second sentence – it works. I just wished the hooks were more promising and memorable. (7.5/10)

4. TE AMO – TE AMO is probably my pick for hidden gem on this mini-album. There was just so much to get out of the track and to enjoy from it. I love Miyeon’s use of her nasally vocals in this song. It is the first thing that stands out on this track. Her vocals build as the song progresses, creating a riveting piece. The strength of her vocals as the song moves along was also very impressive. I also really enjoyed the pop instrumentation of TE AMO, particularly the bolstered nature of the chorus and the acoustic guitars in the bridge. The repetition of TE AMO was so simple, but it works wonderfully as the hook. A 10/10 from me. (10/10)

5. Charging (ft. JUNNY) – Best described as a R&B ballad, Charging excelled when both Miyeon and JUNNY were singing together. Those harmonies were the best part of the song. I found the solo moments to be a drawing point. Miyeon’s solo sequences featured over the top of slow and balladry instrumentation throughout the entirety of the song. As a result, Miyeon was on the blander side, but her solo sequences get better as Charging progresses. On the other hand, JUNNY’s vocals/solo moments were accompanied by a more upbeat tinge, which made his solo section more appealing to my taste. But as mentioned at the start, it is when they are together that Charging is at its peak. (7/10)

6. Rain (소나기) – The album closes out with Rain, a ballad with an interesting guitar-led backdrop. With Rain, you can feel her emotions through her vocals more vividly. Due to this, I found her vocals to be quite captivating and stunning in this track. The instrumental had an upbeat tinge to it, and also delves slightly into rock territory. This makes for an interesting dynamic for a ballad that I actually quite enjoyed. It spins the emotional side of the song in a different light, but sounds so good at the same time. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.6/10

[Album Review] I NEVER DIE (1st Studio Album) – (G)I-DLE

July 31, 2022Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged i-dle3 Comments

I jump back to mid-March for the next album review. More specifically, (G)I-DLE’s first studio length album since their debut in 2017. It is titled I NEVER DIE, and features the title track TOMBOY. Since the release of this album and TOMBOY, the group has embarked on their first world tour and Miyeon also made her solo debut with Drive. An album review for her release is coming tomorrow, so keep your eyes out for that.

I NEVER DIE features 8 tracks, which includes the title track. It is a strong album from the group, as I would recommend all of them to any new listeners. There are different genres, so I am sure everyone will find something they will enjoy. I NEVER DIE is a momentous release. Not only is this release their first studio length album, but it is also the first release since the group’s reformation as a quintet. And if this album is the basis as their future as a five member group, the group has it in the bag. That may or may not be a failed pun in reference to the trendy MY BAG single, which is featured on this album as well.

1. TOMBOY (Title Track) – Since the release of the TOMBOY, the song has grown on my considerably. Hence, I have decided to increase the song ranking for TOMBOY from a 6.5/10 to an 8/10. I will address this in a future post on the blog. Click here to read the original review for TOMBOY. (8/10)

2. Never Stop Me (말리지 마) – Following the title track is the awesome pop rock, Never Stop Me. It brings me back to the early 2000s when pop rock was the rage (a time that I wouldn’t mind reliving music wise, as I grew up in that era). I love the energy that is exuded from the song, especially during the blastful chorus. I did think some of the vocals could have been tweaked to be a lower register, as the higher pitched vocals just didn’t fit in. (8/10)

3. VILLAIN DIES – I just love the haunting side of this track, with the use of the bass and violins in the instrumental of this electro-pop anthem. The haunting nature extends over to the vocals as well, particularly in the pre-chorus. The anti-drop of a chorus was also very cool, and I think it would enable a great performance on stage. I also liked how the song ended, bringing that haunting vibe full circle. However, I wished there was a tidbit of instrumentation at the very to feel fully complete. (9/10)

4. ALREADY – ALREADY dials the music back a bit, dipping into R&B territory. The instrumental is sleek and refined, bubbling away in the background. At one point, the instrumental enters dramatic territory, with a militaristic drumming being the focal point for the instrumental/dance break. I quite enjoyed the consistency behind the vocals and melodies in this song. I think this helped ALREADY become so balanced and distilled. (8/10)

5. POLAROID – Also dipping into R&B territory is POLAROID, which I thought was a fantastic song. The acoustic guitar instrumental was stunningly beautiful. What this track does extremely well is that it highlights the members’ vocals. The airy tone they give to each end of each line in the chorus made the English so memorable. The melodies are stunning and so drifty to listen to. (10/10)

6. ESCAPE – (G)I-DLE bring a taste of euro-pop to the album with ESCAPE. I find the instrumental to be quite atmospheric, chill and laidback. I enjoyed the zing that the rock elements bring to ESCAPE, and I feel this song is super perfect for a breezy road trip down the coast. Again, standout vocals in this track. And the melodies and hooks are very enjoyable. I just wished the ending eased us out, rather than just ending as it did. (9/10)

7. LIAR – LIAR brings back the amped up energy and vibes with this rock centric song. ‘Amped up’ is the right phrase, as they do not mess around with this bolstered instrumental. I love the rock feel of LIAR, head banging along to the music. However, I am not too keen on the glitches in the instrumental. I think this is their way of giving the rock genre a more modern take. But it felt unneeded. I really liked the vocals, with Yuqi suiting this style of music. The hooks could have been more profound, given the domination of the instrumentation in this song. (8.5/10)

8. MY BAG – The album ends with a hip-hop song. Personally, MY BAG is not my cup of tea. But even I admit that it is a banger, and I can see why it was chosen as a secondary promotional track and why it has caught on with some listeners. Listening to this song, I feel cool, hip and on trend (sorry if I sound like a grandparent). (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.6/10

[Album Review] A to B (5th Mini Album) – AB6IX

July 30, 2022Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged AB6IX1 Comment

As I catch up on album reviews, I will be jumping back and forth a bit. And for today, I jump forward to mid-May, when AB6IX made their comeback with SAVIOR and their fifth mini-album, A to B. Alongside the title track SAVIOR, there are an additional four side tracks on the album. This release follows their January comeback with 1, 2, 3 and the special mini-album COMPLETE WITH YOU.

A to B is pretty strong effort from the group and is worth you checking out. There is one 10/10 song that I highly recommend from this mini-album, so make sure you find out which song that is by reading my thoughts of each song below!

1. PARACHUTE – While there isn’t anything innovative with the percussion and synths of PARACHUTE’s instrumentation, I quite enjoyed its punchiness and the energy that comes from it. It starts the album in a positive manner. I also enjoyed the latter half of the chorus, where the beat is much tighter and amped up. The rapping sequence were strong, but it is the vocals that really stood out in PARACHUTE. The falsetto, in particular, were a memorable aspect of the song. On the other hand, however, the hooks were weak and could have been stronger. (8/10)

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

3. Sucker For Your Love (우리가 헤어졌던 이유) – As the song progresses, Sucker For Your Love became my favourite side track from this mini-album. It takes on a softer pop rock sound, ladled with a heavy dose of emotion (where the members regret breaking up and want to get back together with their former partners). Courtesy of Woojin, the rapping was awesome. The rest of the members put their vocals on display and sounded quite crisp in this song. My favourite part from Sucker For Your Love is at around the 1:40 mark where the drums become dominate and Woojin shares his line with Woong and Daehwi. (10/10)

4. EINSTEIN – EINSTEIN had an upbeat R&B sound. It was a fun and playful track, which AB6IX has done before. EINSTEIN actually reminds me of MXM’s (the duo which Donghyun was part of prior to debuting with AB6IX) work. But compared to the other songs on the album, it felt pretty standard and is the album’s most skippable track. There isn’t anything wrong with the song, other the fact it doesn’t stand out for me. (7/10)

5. We Could Love – The album closes out with We Could Love, but the members make it sound like ‘Weak Love’. I wish the two words were not merged together, as it has a completely different meaning. Apart from that, We Could Love acts as the mini-album’s ballad. There is a flowy melody to the track that I thought was very warming. And the members’ vocals (in combination with the melody) make the song sound so lovely. (8/10)