Album Reviews – Page 2

[Album Review] HAPPY (1st Mini Album) – JIN (BTS)

December 26, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged BTS, JIN (BTS)Leave a comment

JIN is nominated for Best Male Soloist, with the Japanese version of Falling (ft. TAKA) is nominated for Best International Song by a Korean Artist (Japanese) in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. Support JIN and Falling by voting today!

Over a year ago, JIN made his first solo comeback since his 2022 military enlistment with his first solo mini-album, HAPPY. It is finally time to review the mini-album and all the songs that are featured on it, including the pre-release I’ll Be There and the title track Running Wild (links below, as usual). Per my rating below, I am quite impressed with the entire mini-album, with half the songs on the mini-album earning a 10/10 rating from me. I will admit I am easy to satisfy, but JIN really blew me away with these tracks and HAPPY overall. A definite, highly recommended album from me.

Before HAPPY, JIN made his solo debut with the digital single The Astronaut. More recently, JIN made a quick solo comeback just 6 months after the release of this mini-album, the subject of this review, with his second mini-album ECHO and title track Don’t Say You Love Me.

1. Running Wild (Title Track) – Click here for my full review of Running Wild. (8.5/10)

2. I’ll Be There (Pre-Release Track) – Click here for my full review of I’ll Be There. (8/10)

3. Another Level – Throughout this year, I have been working to an ‘epic music’ playlist, which mainly consists of cinematic instrumentals or dramatic covers of songs. Upon relistening to Another Level for this post, this can easily fit into the scope of that playlist. The intensity and power of the rock instrumentation has a ‘keeps me on the edge of my seat’ vibe, and I appreciate that JIN gives it his all to keep up with the epic nature of the backing. I also like the calculated filtering of his vocals behind autotune, which just heightens the appeal of the song. (10/10)

4. Falling (네게닿을때까지) – I really enjoyed JIN’s vocals in Falling, especially the oomph he gives to the chorus. The rock instrumentation is straightforward and very pure, with the modern style really complementing JIN’s voice. A Japanese version of Falling was released shortly after the mini-album dropped, featuring TAKA (one of the song’s writers). For me, the Japanese version had a bit more impact, especially in the choruses, which is why I nominated it for Best International Song by a Korean Artist (Japanese) of 2025. But that doesn’t mean the Korean version is anything less. (10/10)

5. Heart on the Window (ft. WENDY of Red Velvet) – JIN moves us into a blend of acoustic and pop percussion territory with Heart on the Window. He also joins forces with WENDY, who, as we all know, is an amazing vocalist. JIN holds up well alongside WENDY – I did have a concern that he could have been outdone in his own song. But that didn’t occur. In fact, Heart on the Window did not disappoint. Their harmonies and the song’s melodies were beautiful. I did feel the song was rather short, and I felt JIN was only getting started by the time it wrapped up. (8/10)

6. I Will Come To You (그리움에) – Finishing up the mini-album is the ballad I Will Come To You. As a song written for fans by JIN himself, I recommend you check out the lyrics (and a translation, if Korean is not your native language). It was so lovely to read, and it put a smile on my face – I am sure fans find it a very warm hug from JIN. As for the ballad, it simply features JIN’s heartfelt vocals and a simple piano accompaniment. To me, this helped make I Will Come To You feel much more profound and made JIN sound much more present. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9.1/10

[Album Review] DREAMSCAPE (4th Studio Album) – NCT DREAM

December 25, 2025March 8, 2026Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged NCT, NCT DREAMLeave a comment

NCT DREAM is nominated for Best Male Group and Best Dance Performance (Male Group) for CHILLER in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. Support NCT DREAM by voting today!

Next up on the hyper-focused 2024 albums yet to be reviewed is NCT DREAM’s DREAMSCAPE, which dropped mid-November 2024 and features the title track When I’m With You. Alongside the title track are 10 other tracks, including the pre-releases Flying Kiss and the group’s first English single Rains In Heaven (links below). There is a consistent theme of dreaminess in DREAMSCAPE, with many songs taking on this characteristic or leaning towards it (at the very least). It creates cohesion and works well with the album’s brighter themes (see more below). I agree with people when they say it isn’t NCT DREAM’s strongest work, but it is still a pleasant listen overall.

Previously, the group released their fifth mini-album, DREAM()SCAPE, which was a lot darker and focused on escaping pain and struggles. That mini-album was led by Smoothie. In contrast, this studio album (also titled DREAMSCAPE, without the brackets) is much brighter and focuses on freedom. More recently, the group released their fifth studio album, Go Back To The Future (led by singles BTTF and CHILLER) and their sixth mini-album Beat It Up (with the title track of the same name).

1. INTRO: DREAMSCAPE – DREAMSCAPE, the studio album’s namesake, begins with some acoustic guitar before developing into a hyperpop track. While the synth work and vocal distortion partway through the song were very cool, I wish some of that acoustic guitar had remained in the track as it developed. This would have made DREAMSCAPE unique and potentially added to the dreamy tinge of the introductory track. Alongside the instrumentation are NCT DREAM’s fresh, youthful vocals, which added to that dreaminess. (8/10)

2. When I’m With You (Title Track) – Click here for my full review of When I’m With You. (7.5/10)

3. Flying Kiss (Pre-Release Track) – Click here for my full review of Flying Kiss. (7.5/10)

4. i hate fruits – NCT DREAM continues the dreamy motif through this pop track. i hate fruits liken the idea of being in love to fruits, with the idea of hating fruits (thus love) is because of how infatuated and centred their world becomes on their lover (though they caveat it with the line that they can never hate it). I really enjoyed the vocals in this one – this is what give i hate fruits its dreaminess. I am also super impressed with the way JISUNG and JAEMIN sound in the bridge – that was a highlight for me. (9/10)

5. No Escape – Hip-hop influences, darting synth work and pounding beats take over in No Escape. Together, these create a bold, edgy track that contrasts with the album’s dreamy motif. This style allows the rappers to showcase their capabilities (which they do extremely well), but I must also commend the smooth texture the vocalists give No Escape. They also contrast nicely with the song’s boldness and edginess. (8/10)

6. Best of Me – Best of Me sees NCT DREAM visit the 80s (perhaps a hint for their July 2025 album release?) synths to create a strong dance track that is reminiscent of past boy bands. The rapping was super edgy and bold in this track. For me, this undoubtedly became one of the song’s strongest drawing points, in my opinion. The rapping also ties in nicely with the chorus’s beat and rhythm, which was another highlight of the song. There were also some great ad-libs in this track. (9/10)

7. YOU (숲) – Through YOU, NCT DREAM continues with the album’s dreamy motif with a low-key synth-based instrumental and R&B vocals that are smooth and delicate. I enjoyed the pleasantness of this number. What is interesting about YOU is that the bridge features a retro, jazzy, hip-hop sequence. This was an unexpected change-up, but it still made the song fun and enjoyable. I also enjoyed the layering in the final chorus between vocals and rapping. (8/10)

8. Heavenly (하늘을 나는 꿈) – Right off the bat, the harmonies stood out in Heavenly for me. They are warm (the same can be said about the rest of the vocals) and remind me of some of their best works (like Broken Melodies). I liked the shouty rap style added to the song. It gave Heavenly extra oomph and created a very inclusive atmosphere to enjoy. Combined with the 80s synth-pop instrumentation, you have a wholesome track that is comforting and inviting. It is hard to fault this one, so there is only one possible rating for Heavenly. (10/10)

9. Night Poem (밤) – Night Poem is another R&B number that is pleasant and enjoyable. The soft, whispery “Bam” (which means ‘night’ in Korean) in the chorus was really beautiful, as was the wispy synth faintly heard in the background. I liked the emphasis they put on some of the lines in the second verse, and the rapping throughout the song provided a nice rhythm. The layering, especially towards the end, was a little standard and didn’t feel well utilised to give Night Poem that wow factor that great layering usually delivers. (7/10)

10. Off The Wall – Off The Wall is the album’s final new offering, bringing us a fun and playful, funky and groovy disco number. With how light and soft the instrumental turned out, Off The Wall is just so easy on the ears and light-hearted at the same time, making it an ideal single to blend with the rest of the album and give us a number to dance to. The vocals and rapping are so dynamic and robust, making it an absolute delight. (10/10)

11. Rains In Heaven – Click here for my full review for Rains In Heaven. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.5/10

[Album Review] LIVE AND FALL (5th Mini Album) – Xdinary Heroes

December 24, 2025December 25, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Xdinary HeroesLeave a comment

Xdinary Heroes is nominated for Best Band Performance, Best Music Video and Best Band or Rock Song for Beautiful Life in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. Support Xdinary Heroes by voting today!

In the pursuit of the end of the year, I will be reviewing the remaining 2024 albums that I have yet to review. One of these is Xdinary Heroes’ LIVE AND FALL, their 5th mini-album, which was released in October 2024. Leading the mini-album is Night Before The End, two additional new songs and 4 (or 5 if you count the instrumental intro) singles from their Open ♭eta series released throughout June to September 2024. Put all of these songs together, and you have a mini-album full of a variety of rock styles. And it is a good variety of songs and styles to enjoy. It isn’t their strongest album release to date, but it is still worth checking out.

More recently, Xdinary Heroes released 2 mini-albums this year: Beautiful Mind (led by Beautiful Life) in March, and LXVE and DEATH (led by the single ICU) in October.

1. XH_World_75 – Xdinary Heroes begins the mini-album with a fantastic instrumental track, which was previously featured as a side track on their Open ♭eta v6.3 single release (alongside Save Me, also featured on this mini-album). XH_World_75 begins quite atmospheric at first, then develops into an emotive rock track, before ending briefly with some synths. It definitely sets the tone for what is to come on Live and Fall.

2. Night Before The End (Title Track) – Click here for my full review for Night Before The End. (7.5/10)

3. Save Me – As mentioned earlier, the songs released as part of Xdinary Heroes’ Open ♭eta are also featured on this mini-album. First up in the series on the mini-album is Save Me, released in August 2024. It is an alternative rock ballad in which Xdinary Heroes pour their emotions into an upbeat song. I quite liked the energy of this one when it was first released, as well as its straightforward nature (relative to the other songs featured on this mini-album). (8/10)

4. Boy Comics (소년만화) – The second song on this mini-album from the Open ♭eta series is Boy Comics, which was released in June 2024. If you also cast your mind back, I also nominated Xdinary Heroes for Best Band Performance of 2024 for the 2024 KPOPREVIEWED Awards based on Boy Comics. This was because of the intense, consistent energy Xdinary Heroes put behind the upbeat rock song, and the anthemic qualities the chorus exudes, both of which I really enjoyed since its initial release. Sure, it is another straightforward track, but why mess with something that works well? (9/10)

5. iNSTEAD! (ft. Yoon Do Hyun of YB) – Xdinary Heroes join forces with Yoon Do Hyun from YB for iNSTEAD!, the third single from their Open ♭eta series, to feature on the mini-album. This collaboration unexpectedly delivers a metal track with a screamo hook. As far as I can remember, this is new territory for the band and also KPOP in genre. While I liked the edgy energy and powerful intensity from the metal side of the song, I don’t think the screamo hook resonated much with me, as I hadn’t paid much attention to the song since its release, and it is simply not my style. Based on what I am hearing, Xdinary Heroes can rock this genre, just without the screamo centrepiece. (7/10)

6. FEELING NICE – FEELING NICE is one of the three new, fresh singles on the mini-album. It features an upbeat electro-rock instrumental that evokes punk and headbanging vibes. I liked the intensity of this song (especially from the get-go), as well as the consistency the vocalists brought to it as it shifts in tempo and other ways. (8/10)

7. XYMPHONY – Hands down, XYMPHONY is very much the song on the album. From the very intense rock energy to the sinister, striking piano in the background to the catchy melodies and hooks, XYMPHONY is bold and powerful. For me, this is the unique, individualistic style I am looking for in artists. With regards to the piano, JUNGSU gets his solo moments in the song, and those parts were quite beautiful and felt calming. I appreciate that it sounds like a lot is going on in the song (I won’t deny it), but if you like Xdinary Heroes’ music or style, then XYMPHONY is definitely the one you need to check out. (10/10)

8. LOVE and FEAR – LOVE and FEAR is the final track from the Open ♭eta series featured on this mini-album. It again puts rock energy in the forefront, with the head-banging and foot-tapping potential behind it very hard to deny. I really liked the build-up during the pre-chorus of LOVE and FEAR, as well as the launch into the chorus. The way all of this was handled was very clean and straightforward. As for the vocals, I could feel the yearning and desire behind them, which makes LOVE and FEAR more impactful alongside the song’s more anthemic moments. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.2/10

Unit teaser images of Xdinary Heroes for the *LIVE and FALL* album.

[Album Review] CALL BACK (1st Studio Album) – MINHO (SHINee)

December 22, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Minho (SHINee), SHINeeLeave a comment

While I am fully aware that MINHO has made a more recent solo comeback (TEMPO, a week ago), I have just been too busy and preoccupied to review it just yet. I will definitely get around to it in the new year (just not sure when). But I have managed to find some time to review MINHO’s 1st studio album, CALL BACK, which was released over a year ago. It features 10 songs in total, with the title track sharing the same name as the album. Overall, a consistently good album from MINHO, with a few gems to keep an ear out for.

1. CALL BACK (Title Track) – Click here to read my full review for CALL BACK. (8/10)

2. Slow Down – MINHO asks for time to slow down so he can spend more time with his lover. I liked the combination of dreamy synths and trap elements in this R&B song, as well as the simple yet repetitive nature of the song’s title in the chorus. I also enjoyed the distortion in the bridge, which gave Slow Down a cooler effect. I also appreciate that Slow Down is only 2:46, yet it feels like a song that runs over 3:30. (8/10)

3. FIREWORKS (ft. SOHEE from RIIZE) – For FIREWORKS, I liked the funky and upbeat underlay in the instrumental. It creates a fun atmosphere that makes FIREWORKS quite enjoyable. MINHO’s deeper rapping vocals also add to this aspect of the song, but I also enjoyed the contrast with SOHEE’s higher-pitched vocals during the chorus and bridge. (8/10)

4. Came and Left Me – Chosen as the accompanying side track for promotions, Came and Left Me goes for a dance-pop style that is well catered to MINHO’s abilities and style. MINHO’s raspy vocals were definitely well-utilised. I also particularly enjoyed the percussion in the pre-chorus, the pronounced acoustic guitar riff throughout the song, and the punchy synth work. All of this comes together to create a simple yet effective track. (10/10)

5. Something About U – MINHO continues the dance style through Something About U, with the track going for an intense and synth-heavy dance track. The synths were wild, and I could hear something resembling an electric guitar at the end of the pre-choruses. MINHO delves further into this by featuring bass guitars as part of the backing for the chorus. While I do appreciate the intensity of Something About U, it could have done better with stronger hooks and melodies to really remember the song by. (8/10)

6. Round Kick – Round Kick features an awesome mix of instrumentation. There is just so much going on – synths, percussive, brass, drumming (of the retro nature) and probably a whole lot more. MINHO himself is also quite engaging throughout the track, serving as a constant throughout Round Kick. I liked how he served as a mechanism to tie everything together into one cohesive number, which was the impression I got towards the end of the song. But upon reflection and a closer listen, MINHO has been doing this from the start. (10/10)

7. Affection – MINHO steers us back into pure R&B territory with soft afrobeats being the song’s defining feature. Because of the soft afrobeats and MINHO’s deep vocals at play in Affection, the track has an alluring smoothness that makes it sound dreamy and hazy, which I quite liked. I would have liked more in terms of a hook or melody, but as is, it is also completely fine. (8/10)

8. I Don’t Miss You – Two things really stand out in this blend of R&B and pop. The first has to be the instrumental, particularly the pounding, dulled beat and prolific guitar work. The second is the combination of vocals and rapping throughout. Altogether, I Don’t Miss You is quite an engaging track.(9/10)

9. Because of You (ft. NINGNING of aespa) – The penultimate song of the studio album brings MINHO and NINGNING (from aespa) together. Similar to the other collaborative track on this album, I enjoyed the contrast between MINHO’s deep, raspy vocals and NINGNING’s refreshing, higher-pitched tone. The blend of the two was really nice, as was the acoustic-leaning instrumental. (9/10)

10. Would You Mind – Bringing the album to a close is Would You Mind. MINHO’s vocals throughout the song, particularly during the pre-choruses, were really well done. The dreamy instrumental that accompanies also has a nice, alluring R&B energy. That touch of brass at the end was quite unexpected, but really helped offset the potential for Would You Mind to be overly consistent. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.6/10

[Album Review] VOYAGE (5th Mini-Album) – VIVIZ

December 21, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged VIVIZLeave a comment

VIVIZ is nominated for Best Dance Performance (Female Group) of 2025 for La La Love Me in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. Support VIVZ by voting today!

In November 2024, VIVIZ made their comeback with their 5th mini-album, VOYAGE, led by the single Shhh!. Over a year later, here is my album review for VOYAGE. Overall, this is a mini-album that you should not miss from VIVIZ, in my opinion. Given that it has been a year since its release, I am sure you are all aware of this mini-album, but I am impressed with all but one track (i.e., the title track – reasons outlined in my full review – link below). Literally, I have given 2 out of 5 songs a perfect rating, with the other 2 tracks close to it.

VOYAGE followed their November 2023 mini-album VERSUS (led by MANIAC). Following VOYAGE, VIVIZ released their first studio album, A Montage of ( ), led by La La Love Me, in July 2025.

1. Shhh! (Title Track) – Click here for my full review of Shhh! (7/10)

2. Cliché – Following the title track is this fusion of Latin and hip-hop influences. This alone is quite a unique combination, making Cliché stand out. But what I really enjoy about this track (and what wins me over) is the sophisticated vibe that both the combination and the members exude, which just makes Cliché sound so much better for me. It has always been hard for me to pinpoint an exact sequence or moment that I liked in the song, as the whole track just excels for me. (10/10)

3. Full Moon – For Full Moon, I enjoyed the soft vibes that come from the drum and bass instrumental and the melodies (with thanks to the sweet and rich vocals of VIVIZ). Both come together quite nicely to create an effortless listen. I think Full Moon could have been better with a more prominent bass presence to lift it to a whole new level. (8.5/10)

4. Hypnotize – VIVIZ gives us R&B in Hypnotize, and like the rest of the mini-album, I am totally loving it. I really enjoyed the dreaminess of the entire package that is Hypnotize, but also really enjoyed the contrasting nature of the synths and striking piano in the background at the same time. VIVIZ also manages to make Hypnotize sound and feel luxurious in all regards. This is another great track from the group! (10/10)

5. Love & Tears – Closing out this mini-album is the twinkling pop track, Love & Tears. Another sweet and beautiful track from the group, you can feel their gratitude and appreciation behind their vocals. I loved how they sang softly together in the end. I also liked the simple instrumentation – unfiltered and uncomplicated. A great way to end a mini-album. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.9/10

[Album Review] The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY (7th Mini Album) – TXT

December 12, 2025December 12, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged TXT2 Comments

A year on from its release, it is finally time for a review of TXT’s 7th mini-album, The Star Chapter: Sanctuary. Led by the single Over The Moon, the mini-album features 6 songs in total. Overall, it was a really strong effort from TXT. Had some of the songs been longer, as I was left wanting more from most of the songs, I think the mini-album would have been much stronger. But as is, it was still an excellent mini-album to check out.

Earlier in 2024, TXT released their 6th mini-album, Minisode 3: TOMORROW (led by the single Deja Vu). Since the release of The Star Chapter: Sanctuary, TXT has returned with the digital single Love Language; their 4th Korean studio album The Star Chapter: Together (led by the single Beautiful Strangers); and their 3rd Japanese studio album, Starkissed (led by the single Can’t Stop).

*The Star Chapter: Sanctuary* Album Cover

1. Heaven – For me, Heaven was a really nice pop song. I liked the dreamy atmosphere within the song and the stunning vocals from TXT throughout this opening track. I also love that the melodies were pleasant and hummable. While I want to give Heaven a 10/10 because it deserves it, I am not sold on the way it ends. In a matter of seconds, the momentum building in Heaven was cut short, and it felt deliberate, as if the producers were told the song could only be in the 2:30-minute range. I was left wanting more, so I don’t think I can give Heaven its 10/10 it truly deserves. (9/10)

2. Over The Moon (Title Track) – Click here for my full review of Over The Moon. (7.5/10)

3. Danger – Following on the title track, we see TXT take on an edgier vibe with Danger. I really enjoyed the low-key chorus, with the really catchy “You got me in Danger, Danger, Danger” on repeat in my head. I also enjoyed the very sexy, deep, raspy ‘What you doin’ to me?” that followed the choruses. This definitely takes me back to some of the music I grew up on. The subtle, groovy underlay in the instrumentation ties everything nicely together and also helps make Danger sound alluring. (9/10)

4. Resist (Not Gonna Run Away) – The “I can resist” line is quite a memorable opener and makes quite a presence in Resist. The instrumental was also quite cool, with the fresh guitar, thumping beats, alluring synths and (what sounds like) hand drumming. It all came together to create a stunning backing for TXT to bring Resist (Not Gonna Run Away) to life. (8/10)

5. Forty One Winks – Forty One Winks is quite a groovy R&B dance number. I do like the old-school vibes of the song, as well as how consistent the track is. TXT executed their vocals well, especially those small ad-libs throughout the song. I would have liked to hear more of Forty One Winks, given its short length of just 2:30 minutes.(8/10)

6. Higher Than Heaven – Finishing off the mini-album is Higher Than Heaven, a bright and fun rock track. Everything about the track is dynamic, and I love that consistent aspect of Higher Than Heaven. TXT’s vocals were very refreshing, and the instrumentation was just so uplifting and energetic. My favourite bit has to be the post-chorus, with the ascending ‘High’, which leaves quite a strong impression. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.6/10

TXT’s teaser image for The Star Chapter: Sanctuary

[Album Review] DRIP (1st Studio Album) – BABYMONSTER

December 7, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged BABYMONSTERLeave a comment

Less than a year since their debut, BABYMONSTER released their 1st studio album, DRIP, in November 2024. And more than a year later, I am finally reviewing it. DRIP featured two title tracks: one sharing the same name as the album and CLIK CLAK. The album also features the pre-release track FOREVER (released in July 2024), a remix of their debut single BATTER UP, and 5 side tracks. There are some terrific songs on the album, and others that were questionable. But I was nonetheless excited for their first studio album and satisfied with how far they had come in the first year of their career.

Since the release of DRIP, BABYMONSTER embarked on their first world tour, released the single HOT SAUCE (which I have yet to review) and returned with their second mini-album, WE GO UP, featuring the title track of the same name.

1. CLIK CLAK(Title Track) – Click here for my full review of CLIK CLAK. (5/10)

2. DRIP (Title Track) – DRIP has definitely grown on me since its release. Thus, I am willing to bump the song rating by 0.5. Click here for my full review of DRIP. (8/10)

3. Love, Maybe – Following the two title tracks, I did not expect to hear an intimate ballad. But that is what Love, Maybe is. BABYMONSTER puts their stunningly emotional vocals over a minimalistic guitar-led instrumental to make a beautiful track. I don’t have much to say aside from that BABYMONSTER nailed it. (9/10)

4. Really Like You – I quite like the old school hip-hop vibe that Really Like You gives off. The track is softer than the title tracks, serving as a nice bridge between the ballad preceding it and the rest every time I listened to Really Like You. The same goes for the music video that I forgot to review. (8/10)

5. Billionaire– Billionaire was quite a surprise for me. R&B kicks off the song, and I really enjoyed the guitar work in the track. It gives off a distinct Latin flair that feels very unique and mature. I also really enjoyed the vocal work in this one, with the members keeping their voices low. It adds to those mature vibes already mentioned. The rapping gives Billionaire its edge and reminds us of BABYMONSTER’s hip-hop roots. The deep vibrating synth during this part and the bridge was spectacular. (9/10)

6. Love in My Heart – Click here for my review of Love in My Heart. (7/10)

7. Woke Up in Tokyo (Ruka & Asa duet) – The rappers of BABYMONSTER come together to give the album, and us, an English/Japanese track. With RUKA and ASA at the helm, I expected something powerful. What I didn’t expect was a hip-hop rendition of a nursery rhyme. Safe to say, Woke Up In Tokyo is not my cup of tea, and I’m not sure the album needed this track. But here we are. (5/10)

8. FOREVER – Click here for my review of FOREVER. (8/10)

9. BATTER UP (Remix) – Per usual, I don’t review remixes and include a rating for them on album reviews. But I would like to point out how much 2010s nostalgia the remix instrumental brings to me. For my thoughts on BATTER UP, click here for my review of BATTER UP.

Overall Album Rating – 7.4/10

[Album Review] Tipi-Tap (6th Mini-Album) – Kep1er

December 6, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Kep1erLeave a comment

Next up for an album review is Kep1er’s Tipi-Tap mini-album, the group’s 6th. Leading this five-track mini-album is the title track, which gives the album its name. Both the Tipi-Tap song and mini-album mark Kep1er’s first Korean release since June 2024’s Shooting Star and the studio album Kep1going On, as well as Kep1er’s first release as a 7-member group (following the departure of MASHIRO and YESEO, who redebuted as part of MADEIN).

More recently, Kep1er released their first Japanese mini-album, Against the World (led by YUM), and their seventh Korean mini-album, Bubble Gum, (led by the single of the same name).

1. sync-love – First song out of the gate is sync-love, a hyper-pop track, which features some really cool synth work and rapping work from HIKARU.I really liked how pronounced both these elements were throughout the track. Contrasting them are the less-pronounced vocals and the backing to the vocal’s sequences, but they bring such a nice grounded and R&B touch to the song. I also really enjoyed the outro, with the autotune filtering of DAEYEON’s lines and HIKARU’s acapella line. Overall, a strong start to the mini-album. (9/10)

2. TIPI-TAP (Title Track) – Click here for the full review of TIPI-TAP. (6/10)

3. Drip – Out of all the different aspects that make up Drip, it is the chorus that speaks the most to me. It is so catchy and addictive, even though the main hook is just simple repetition. That and the combination of the tight beats during the refrain was super cool. I did wish there was a bit more to the rest of the instrumentation. I also like the mature vibe of the vocals, which complements the mature-leaning lyrics well. Also, Drip has HUENING BAHIYYIH performing the more substantial rapping part and completely nailing it. (8/10)

4. Bitter Taste – Aside from the title track, Bitter Taste is probably the second most skippable song to me. I just don’t remember anything from it, even after listening to the song to write this review. After really focusing in on the song, the only thing I do get out of it is that it has dreamy instrumental and vocal moments. Unfortunately, nothing else stands out to me that I find worth mentioning here. (6/10)

5. Heart Surf – Heart Surf also has a dreamy and soft vibe to it, but it is the vocal work and harmonies in this song that set it apart from the previous song. The flow of the vocals and the song overall was extremely nice. I love the subtle piercing nature of the ‘Just stop the motion’ line just before the choruses. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 7.4/10

[Album Review] 導火線 (TRIGGER) (9th Mini Album) – THE BOYZ

November 30, 2025November 30, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, ReviewsTagged THE BOYZLeave a comment

Released at the end of October 2024 is THE BOYZ’s 9th mini-album, 導火線(TRIGGER). Over a year later, I am finally getting around to reviewing the mini-album (sorry about that). Led by the single that shares the same name as mini-album, the release features a total of 6 songs and is a fairly consistently good mini-album from the group.

A lot has happened with THE BOYZ since the release of 導火線(TRIGGER), including the release of a studio album (Unexpected, led by VVV) and another mini-album (A:effect, led by Stylish), a change in label to ONE HUNDRED, and line-up changes due to military enlistment, health issues and other matters.

1. Bite Back – Bite Back sets the intense scene that is the TRIGGER mini-album with atmospheric choir, before switching into a hip-hop track featuring afrobeats. I really liked the chorus for this track, with the afrobeats, the members’ husky vocals and simple repetition of the song’s title creating quite a catchy hook. The rapping was also quite cool in this track, with SUNWOO and ERIC taking the spotlight with their parts. I wish the rest of the vocals in Bite Back were more prolific, as they gave off a one-dimensional feel. (8/10)

2. TRIGGER (導火線) (Title Track) – Click here for TRIGGER’s full review. (9/10)

3. bAd – THE BOYZ continues with the hip-hop influence through bAd. I liked how bAd contrasts with the preceding songs by having a more minimalistic instrumental. I really liked the beat to the chorus – it brings forth an old-school vibe and the rhythm was catchy. I also appreciated that the vocals had a larger part to play in the song, and that they were a lot stronger on this single. (8/10)

4. Slip Away (숨바꼭질) – Slip Away is a R&B track, with sensual vibes oozing out of the song. I love the different paces of vocal delivery, the higher tones and harmonies throughout the track. This gives Slip Away a little more intriguing factor and colour, which is beneficial for a genre that can easily come off as flat. Whilst toned back, the rapping does go hand-in-hand with the R&B colour and vibes. But there was a risk that did eventuate as a result of toning back – the raps were lost to the rest of the song. (8/10)

5. Re-Wind – Re-Wind combines the R&B and hip-hop influences we have heard thus far on the mini-album, creating a groovy and sleek intersection. I enjoyed the smoothness, and the brighter feel-good vibes, that the song gives off. The opening line “Can you re-wind it again?” is also another catchy one-liner on the mini-album. Definitely an enjoyable song, and my second favourite off the mini-album. (9/10)

6. They See Me Dream – They See Me Dream stands in place of the mandatory ballad that usually appears at the end of an album. But THE BOYZ takes the vocal focus forward into this track, combining it and their emotions, with an atmospheric instrumental that changes momentum slightly on a number of occasions to keep the track dynamic. I like how the vocals and harmonies pull the song together, while the instrumental was refreshing and dreamy at the same time. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.3/10

THE BOYZ teaser image for 導火線 (*TRIGGER)*

[Album Review] Whiplash (5th Mini Album) – aespa

November 25, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged aespaLeave a comment

aespa really hit it big last year with their lead singles. After the likes of Supernova (which took the industry by storm), followed by their Armageddon title track and studio album, aespa also returned in October 2024 with another hit – Whiplash. Just over a year after its release, I have finally gotten around to reviewing the mini-album of the same name, which features 6 songs (including the title track itself). And it is a super excellent mini-album, ranking quite highly on my list of album releases. All tracks on this mini-album are highly recommended for you to check out if you haven’t already!

Since Whiplash, aespa has released one digital single (Dirty Work) and a new mini-album, Rich Man, featuring the title track of the same name.

1. Whiplash (Title Track) – Whiplash definitely grew on me after I posted my review for the track. Given the growth, I am bumping the original review score to 8/10, though most of my thoughts remain the same. Click here for Whiplash’s full review. (8/10)

2. Kill It – The intensity and powerful energy from Kill It’s instrumental brings me to the edge of my seat each time the song plays. Combined with aespa’s commanding presence and strong vocals, aespa presents us with a killing combination that feels like a natural follow-up to 2023’s Drama. (10/10)

3. Flights, Not Feelings – If there is one sequence within Flights, Not Feelings to recommend you check out, it is definitely the chorus. Sure, the centrepiece is meant to be the most memorable part of the song. But the all-member vocal delivery of it, as well as the steady R&B beat of the entire length of the chorus, was just stunning. I find myself vibing to the song every time it comes up in my Spotify queue. Elsewhere in Flights, Not Feelings, you have some equally stunning harps and piano, and a consistent presence of amazing vocals from the members. (10/10)

4. Pink Hoodie – Seeing Pink Hoodie on the tracklist and the fact that the first two words of the song are ‘Baggy Jeans’ instantly remind me of NCT U’s Baggy Jeans. While there are some similarities between the two songs (i.e., both fall under the hip-hop and dance genres), Pink Hoodie is definitely more palatable. The execution of the chorus was much better – there was such a cool vibe to it that I couldn’t help but nod along to the beat. The bridge has a soothing presence, driven by vocals, contrasting with the rest of the hip-hop-based track. I also liked how intense the final chorus got, giving Pink Hoodie a final push to close out the song. (9/10)

5. Flowers – Flowers put the mini-album back in the R&B genre. I like how this is more of the classical R&B, with the prominent guitar riff in the background. The members sound stunning throughout the track, and I like how the melodies create a swaying effect. I also really enjoyed the subtle presence of autotune in the bridge, giving the track a little extra to offset it from being overly consistent. (9/10)

6. Just Another Girl – Hearing aespa have another go at the pop-rock genre is exciting. Whilst writing this review, I will admit I got slightly distracted and found myself checking out Live My Life. While not as explosive as the former track, aespa still does a great job with Just Another Girl. The deep vocals they used were intriguing, but I guess they were being nonchalant about calling out a cheating partner. The bridge is definitely the strongest and best sequence of the track. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9/10

aespa’s solo teaser images for *WHIPLASH*

[Album Review] I’LL LIKE YOU (2nd Mini Album) – ILLIT

November 22, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged ILLITLeave a comment

Another album review for a 2024 release. ILLIT’s I’LL LIKE YOU was released October last year and serves as the group’s 2nd mini-album since their debut earlier in 2024 (with Magnetic). Leading the 5-track mini-album was the title track Cherish (My Love) and follow-up promotional single Tick-Tack. Overall, this was a fair mini-album in my opinion.

More recently, ILLIT released their 3rd mini-album, BOMB, featuring the singles Do The Dance and Jellyous, as well as their first Japanese single, Toki Yo Tomare. The group is also due to make their comeback next week with the single album NOT CUTE ANYMORE.

1. I’ll Like You – The mini-album’s namesake track, I’ll Like You, is both cute and smooth. ILLIT themselves, as well as the bright pops of synth in the background, contribute to the track’s cuteness. The smoothness comes from the dreamy side of the instrumentation and the melodies, which were catchy and fun. While I did enjoy this opening number, I’ll Like You does feel a bit straightforward and plain (relative to other tracks on the album). (8/10)

2. Cherish (My Love) (Title Track) – Click here for Cherish (My Love)’s full review. (7/10)

3. IYKYK (If You Know You Know) – IYKYK is another plain song on the mini-album. I wish the song was punchier, particularly for the chorus, which feels flat. This could have potentially made the “IYKYK” hook more prolific and given the song some additional flair. I did enjoy the synths in the background, particularly the panning effect, which made it sound warpy. IROHA, WONHEE, and MINJU’s rapping was also quite nice and seamless. (7/10)

4. Pimple – ILLIT puts their vocals on display in Pimple. This makes the track extremely appealing to me (after all, I am a vocals guy). I loved how dreamy they made the track sound, especially with the harmonies and pretty melodies. The medium-pop instrumental was also extremely pleasant and made for a nice background. (8/10)

5. Tick-Tack – I had plans to review Tick-Tack separately, but I (and time, but more so I) got in the way of those plans. Anyhow, Tick-Tack is definitely the hidden gem of this mini-album. It was mostly because of the fun, super-catchy chorus that Tick-Tack features. But I also enjoyed the retro video game-esque synths in the background, as well as the underlying grooviness of the instrumental. The members sound great in the track, as well. My only gripe about Tick-Tack is that it finishes as soon as it starts, leaving me disappointed each time I play the song. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 7.8/10

ILLIT’s teaser image for *I’LL LIKE YOU*

[Album Review] GOLD (9th Mini Album) – ITZY

November 8, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged ITZY1 Comment

The next album up for review comes from last year. In October 2024, ITZY made their comeback with their 9th mini-album, GOLD, which was led by the title track of the same name. Also featured alongside that track were five new songs and five re-released versions of songs ITZY had released earlier in 2024 as part of their BORN TO BE studio album, to include LIA, who was on hiatus at the time of their release. For the purposes of this review, given that I have already reviewed those tracks as part of the album they were initially released on, I will focus primarily on the new songs added to ITZY’s discography in October 2024.

While I am still not a fan of the title track, the rest of the mini-album was a solid release from the group. More recently, ITZY made comebacks in Korea with Girls Will Be Girls and Japan with Rock & Roll. In fact, the group will be making another Korean comeback (yup, this backlog of album reviews is definitely growing out of control) this coming Monday with Tunnel Vision. But before we can get there, here are my thoughts on GOLD.

1. GOLD (Title Track) – Click here for GOLD’s full review. (7/10)

2. Imaginary Friend – Click here for Imaginary Friend’s full review. (10/10)

3. Bad Girls R Us – The instrumental for this track was quite the surprise. From the house elements in the foreground to the thumping beat in the background and then the switch to an acoustic country twang, Bad Girls R Us was a very intriguing mix. This instantly draws my attention to the song. But ITZY seals the deal with their crisp vocals and rapping. Bad Girls R Us is an awesome and unforgettable track. (10/10)

4. Supernatural – To me, Supernatural somewhat feels like a follow-up to the earlier track Imaginary Friend. Both songs have a subdued nature. But there are differences. Unlike Imaginary Friend, which was subdued through all elements, ITZY’s vocals are what bring the subdued nature to light in Supernatural. I liked that approach, but I wished the melodies were a little more developed. As for the instrumental for Supernatural, which does have a hint of that subduedness, it is also more upbeat and bouncier, which brings in energy to the song. However, those subdued notes still remain and help make the track feel aesthetically pleasing. (8/10)

5. FIVE – The message that ITZY is better as five is such a meaningful message, especially since this comeback sees LIA return from a hiatus and the group reforming back into a quintet. FIVE is a well-balanced pop track with nice textures thanks to the synth work. The vocals were also lovely throughout the song. However, what I liked most about the track was the brief hip-hop switch-up that followed the first and last chorus. It was a memorable point in FIVE. (8/10)

6. VAY (ft. CHANGBIN of Stray Kids) – ITZY join forces with labelmate CHANGBIN for the hip-hop track VAY. ITZY did a really great job in this hip-hop setting – I found myself vibing to their parts in the song. CHANGBIN adds his own flair through his parts, and I liked how he tempered his usual style to fit with ITZY. The instrumental was also quite crunchy, which was a nice and engaging textural component for VAY. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.5/10 (based on the new songs on the mini-album only)

As part of the mini-album, five songs from ITZY’s 8th mini-album were re-released to also include LIA, who was on hiatus when these songs were originally released. These songs were not included as part of the final album rating

7. BORN TO BE (Final version) – Click here to see BORN TO BE’s full review. (7/10)

8. UNTOUCHABLE (Final version) – Click here to see UNTOUCHABLE’s full review. (8/10)

9. Mr Vampire (Final Version) – Click here to see Mr Vampire’s full review. (6.5/10)

10. Dynamite (Final Version) – Click here to see DYNAMITE’s full review as part of the BORN TO BE album review. ()

11. Escalator (Final Version) – Click here to see Escalator’s full review as part of the BORN TO BE album review. (9/10)

[Album Review] LOVE RACE (15th Mini Album) – SF9

November 2, 2025November 8, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged SF9Leave a comment

If you cannot tell by the title of the post, SF9’s LOVE RACE is the next mini-album up for review (still a massive backlog to push through). It is SF9’s 15th mini-album since their debut in 2016 (almost 10 years ago!), and was released back in March this year. LOVE RACE features a total of 6 songs, including the title track of the same name. It is a solid mini-album overall, per usual for SF9. There are some terrific songs on the mini-album, so it is definitely worth checking out.

LOVE RACE (the mini-album) is their first comeback since August 2024 – the mini-album FANTASY and title track Don’t Worry, Be Happy. More recently, the group is embarking on a world tour.

1. LOVE RACE (Title Track) – Click here for LOVE RACE’s full review. (8/10)

2. Suited – Leading on from the title track is Suited, a very smooth mid-tempo pop track. This helped make the flow of Suited feel velvety and stunning, and many of the song’s best attributes stem from this smoothness. The song’s chorus was very charming. I particularly liked the upward inflexion at the end of the chorus, which gives the track something intriguing and memorable to remember it by. The vocals (and their layering) in Suited were really well done throughout. As for the rapping, I liked how they fit into the song while still maintaining an edgy tone. (9/10)

3. Side by Side – Side By Side is a great upbeat funky number. The energy that comes off this track is very refreshing. I also enjoyed the brightness exuded from the instrumental, making it suitable for a summertime track. The vocals and rapping were straightforward yet effective in contributing towards the same refreshing energy and bright tone. For this, it is my favourite track off the mini-album. (10/10)

4. WARURU – There was a lot that stood out in the electro-pop WARURU (which translates loosely to ‘Crashing down’). Firstly, I really enjoyed how JAEYOON (as the introduction), INSEONG and YOO TAEYANG delivered the pre-chorus. They really seized the opportunity to showcase their powerful vocals and did so very impactfully. I also enjoyed the line “Now you’re not the girl I used to know” delivered by YOUNGBIN and CHANI in the verses, which were memorable lines. The WARURU repetition was also noteworthy. This is all set against a solid background that enhances the dramatic nature of the song. (9/10)

5. No No No – I quite enjoyed how prolific the instrumental is in No No No. There is a strong funkiness to the instrumental, thanks to the electric guitar and brass elements, which come through quite strongly. The rest of the instrumental is strongly upbeat and comes off as ‘loud’ (but in a good way). I liked how the members really put themselves forward in the song through their rapping and vocals. The instrumental could have easily drowned them out, but SF9 ensured they were heard throughout No No No. I do think the song could have been blended together to be a little more cohesive. (8.5/10)

6. Love Puzzle (숨은 사랑 찾기) – We go into lovey dovey territory for Love Puzzle, which likens their lover to be the missing puzzle piece they are searching for. Love Puzzle is one of those mid-tempo pop ballads that is warm, fuzzy and lovely. The members do a nice job of making their vocals and rapping sound cohesive, as well. I find myself rather neutral towards the song (mainly because I am not the target audience), but I am sure fans are enjoying this more romantic side of the group. (7/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.6/10

[Album Review] ALIVIO (5th Mini Album) – CHUNG HA

October 25, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged CHUNG HALeave a comment

CHUNG HA’s February 2025 mini-album release, ALIVIO, is up next for an album review. ALIVIO is the soloist’s 5th mini-album since her debut and follows the digital single Algorithm released last year. The mini-album features 8 songs, including the title track STRESS and a collaboration single with SUNMI. The latter in itself is something enticing and to look forward to, but there is a lot more to the mini-album, particularly in the latter half of the mini-album, where CHUNG HA featured strong track after track. You can read more about my thoughts on ALIVIO down below.

1. Creepin’ – The mini-album starts off with Creepin’, an R&B number with a slightly warp effect to its instrumentation. This is more of an observation and not a negative. As for CHUNG HA, she sounds amazing in the song. But overall, I found Creepin’ to be a little underwhelming and lacked something to make it memorable. (7/10)

2. Salty (with SUNMI) – CHUNG HA join forces with SUNMI to bring us Salty. With these two big names at the helm, there are high expectations for this single. In my personal opinion, they definitely delivered. I really enjoyed the retro/house combination that makes up the instrumentation, though I wished there was a little more bite to the background. The opening chorus lines “My diamonds are cold, but I’m not made of ice” and “All of my emotions they get exercise” also have a memorable ring to them. (9/10)

3. Loyal – I enjoyed the atmospheric instrumental behind Loyal, though I feel like Loyal was lacking a drop somewhere in its instrumentation. It wasn’t until the 2:05 minute mark (in a 2:42 minute long song) that Loyal’s instrumental changed gears slightly. Alongside the atmosphere are CHUNG HA’s vocals, which were stunning throughout the song. The repetition of the song’s title also helped key it in my mind. (8.5/10)

4. STRESS (Title Track) – Click here for STRESS’ full review. (8/10)

5. Beat of My Heart – The chorus for Beat of My Heart is what wins me over. More specifically, it is CHUNG HA’s breathtaking delivery of the central piece of the song that grabs my attention. The way her vocals soar in the choruses and throughout the song is really something. As for the instrumentation, it falls into drum and bass territory, and I love how much bite this influence gives Beat of My Heart. (10/10)

6. Even Steven (Happy Ending) – Even Steven is a song about getting back at the people who have wronged you. While the lyrics for Even Steven hint at a terrible past, they also give the song an empowering feeling. And as a result of this empowerment, CHUNG HA’s powerful vocals, as well as the presence of the electric guitars, add a lot more oomph to Even Steven. I also appreciate the song’s straight-to-the-point vibe. (9/10)

7. Thanks for the Memories – CHUNG HA takes us down rock territory in Thanks for the Memories, my pick for the most highly recommended track of the mini-album. I love the energy this gives the song, particularly in the choruses, and the added textures from the synths give it a fun edge. CHUNG HA’s vocals are superb, with her ad-libs feeling like the perfect icing to a cake. She nailed this song!! (10/10)

8. Still a Rose – Bringing the long mini-album to a close is Still a Rose. It begins with a powerful sample of Vivaldi’s classic Four Seasons. I liked how the sample leads into the rest of the song, which speaks to the idea that one can always emerge as a rose following struggles and lows in life. The rest of the song falls into place, with the melodies having a clean feel. The line “A rose is still a rose” is quite catchy, as well. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.8/10

[Album Review] BLUE PARADISE (5th Mini Album) – ZEROBASEONE

October 22, 2025October 19, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged ZEROBASEONELeave a comment

You know the term ‘no skip albums’? BLUE PARADISE, ZEROBASEONE’s 5th mini-album, can be described by that. While no song was a knockout (i.e., 10/10 for me), all 6 songs on BLUE PARADISE are of consistently high quality, making the album suitable for the ‘no skip’ description. For those tuning in for the first time to BLUE PARADISE or needing a reminder, the mini-album was released in February of this year, led by the single BLUE and the pre-release single Doctor! Doctor!. It follows their CINEMA PARADISE and GOOD SO BAD comeback last year.

Alongside BLUE PARADISE, ZEROBASEONE also released their 1st Japanese mini-album, Prezent, led by the single Now or Never (which I haven’t reviewed yet…). More recently, the group returned in September with their 1st studio album, Never Say Never, and the single ICONIK.

1. BLUE (Title Track) – Click here for BLUE’s full review. (8/10)

2. Devil Game – Two elements in Devil Game really speak to me. The first is the song’s funky and groovy instrumentation. The funky bass and the background’s textural elements are all very cool. Definitely MJ-esque. The second element, and probably the most powerful in the entire song, is the vocals. I really liked all of their delivery within Devil Game, but I am loving the clear, crisp and strong vocals in the chorus, which keeps the song engaging. I love the alluring nature of the whispers in the pre-chorus, which just keeps the interest in Devil Game up. My only gripe about the song is that it has more captivating verses – everything standalone is great within the verses, but I don’t remember much from them as a whole. (9/10)

3. Doctor! Doctor! (Pre-release track) – Click here for Doctor! Doctor!’s full review. (8/10)

4. Out of Love – The first unit track on this mini-album features Kim Ji Woong, Zhang Hao and Kim Gyu Vin. This trio brings us Out of Love, a bold pop-rock track. It basically grabs me each time and hooks me on. The energy that comes off the instrumentation is also very satisfying and just hits all the right notes that I want out of a pop-rock track. The chorus is also super catchy, engaging me more. All three members’ vocals bring character to Out Of Love – I just wish they pushed themselves further to round out the song sonically to match the bold pop-rock vibes. (9/10)

5. Step Back – We return to the funky vibes with Step Back, courtesy of Ricky, Park Gun Wook and Han Yu Jin. I enjoyed the R&B grooviness that Step Back exudes and how the R&B side of the track gives a subtle maturity to the song that the three members pull off well. The upbeat nature also gives off a fun vibe. While strong vocals were on full display, I have to admit that Park Gun Wook’s high note at the end of the bridge surprises me each time. (9/10)

6. Cruel – The remaining members of ZEROBASEONE, Sung Han Bin, Seok Matthew and Kim Tae Rae, bring us Cruel. The track is another on the mini-album that gives us rock energy. The only difference is that the track is firmly in the rock sphere, with no other influences impacting the purity of the instrumentation. I really liked the grungy vibes that the instrumentation gives. While Cruel’s vocals aren’t the strongest in my opinion compared to the rest of the mini-album, Cruel manages to stand out thanks to the members’ rapping, as well as their fresh tones in the song. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.7/10

ZEROBASEONE’s teaser image for *BLUE PARADISE*

[Album Review] SPILL THE FEELS (12th Mini Album) – SEVENTEEN

October 11, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged SEVENTEENLeave a comment

Next up on the album reviews front is SEVENTEEN’s 12th mini-album, SPILL THE FEELS, released in October last year. Actually, it is almost to the day the mini-album dropped! The mini-album is led by the single LOVE, MONEY, FAME, featuring DJ Khaled. In addition to LOVE, MONEY, FAME, the mini-album also features 5 additional side tracks, including Eyes On You (which also has a music video, which I completely forgot about) and 3 unit tracks. Overall, SPILL THE FEELS is another fairly strong SEVENTEEN mini-album. The title track is the mini-album’s weakest track, but the rest of the mini-album makes up for this.

Since SPILL THE FEELS, SEVENTEEN saw the debut of 2 new subunits, HxW (with 96ers) and CxM (with 5, 4, 3 (Pretty Woman)) and the group comeback with the studio album HAPPY BURSTDAY (yet to be reviewed) and the title track THUNDER.

1. Eyes On You – The mini-album opens up with Eyes On You, a groovy house track. I quite like the club energy that this song exudes, as well as the freshness that the members bring to the music. S.COUPS and VERNON’s rapping really stood out, thanks to the way it contrasted with everything else in the song. As mentioned above, there is a music video for Eyes On You, and the video shows off their strong bond and friendship, no matter the circumstances they are in. (8.5/10)

2. LOVE, MONEY, FAME (ft. DJ Khaled) – Click here for LOVE, MONEY, FAME’s full review. (7/10)

3. 1 TO 13 – The next track is a wholesome one from the group, whose lyrics showcase their love for each other as a group and to their fans. It is a straightforward pop number, and the members make 1 TO 13 very comfortable and familiar. I’m just not a fan of the consistently tapping in the background, which sounds like it is coming from a laptop’s keyboard or trackpad. It was a tad distracting from that wholesome nature of the song. (8/10)

4. Candy (사탕) – The first unit track on the mini-album is by the Vocal team (JEONGHAN, JOSHUA, WOOZI, DK and SEUNGKWAN). Candy is a ballad, featuring a beautiful, jazzy piano background (that bridge was amazing!) and stunning vocals from the team (as always). It is on the shorter side. However, the way it is executed and presented is literally short and sweet, so I have no complaints about Candy whatsoever. (10/10)

5. Rain – The Performance unit (JUN, HOSHI, THE8 and DINO) is up next with Rain, my favourite track from this mini-album. I really enjoyed the disco vibes that are exuded from Rain, and I love how it propels the song forward. I also enjoyed the charisma and seductive nature of the track, as well as the members’ delivery, which allows the unit to put their best foot forward on stage (which they do!). (10/10)

6. Water – The Hip-Hop unit (S.COUPS, WONWOO, MINGYU & VERNON) is all that remains, and they give us Water. It is a synth-heavy instrumental, and the members’ delivery of Water is shrouded in autotune. Both work well together to create a dark and edgy hip-hop track. However, I personally am not a fan of the autotune. But I can get behind the hype that the members infuse into the number. (8/10)