Album Reviews – Page 3

[Album Review] ONF: My Identity (2nd Studio Album – Part 1) – ONF

September 13, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged ONF1 Comment

While we are patiently awaiting the second part of ONF’s 2nd studio album, here is my review of the first part of ONF: My Identity, which was released back in February this year. Leading the 6-track album is the title track The Stranger. Once again, ONF did not disappoint with their album release, almost reaching the same heights as last year’s mini-album release (see info below). I ranked all the tracks highly, half of which received a 10/10 from me. For more of my thoughts on the album, keep on reading.

Before the release of this album, we last saw ONF through their 8th mini-album, Beautiful Shadow, which was led by the amazingly superior Bye My Monster.

Album cover for *ONF: My Identity (Part 1)*

1. The Stranger (Title track) – Click here for The Stranger’s full review. (9/10)

2. Night Tale – Following the title track is Night Tale, a cool electro funk number. While the song is under 3 minutes long, Night Tale packs quite a bit into its short span and effectively uses the time to make a punchy number. I really like HYOJIN’s ad-libs at the end, as well as WYATT and E-TION’s rap/rap-speak delivery in the second verse. The rest of the members’ deliveries also appear strong. The instrumental break, particularly thanks to the retro touches, definitely makes for a worthwhile dance break – exactly what the SEUNGJUN and the group gave us when Night Tale was performed on stage. (9/10)

3. Nothing But A Stranger – Next up on the mini-album are the unit tracks, with Nothing But A Stranger from the ON Team (HYOJIN, E-TION and MINKYUN). It is an R&B track that showcases what the unit is all about – vocals. I love how dreamier the melodies of Nothing But A Stranger gets as it progresses, allowing the trio to really whisk us away with their warm and comforting vocals as the song progresses. (10/10)

4. Anti Hero – The OFF Team (SEUNGJUN, WYATT and U) takes over the album with Anti Hero. The track features a rock-based track that is definitely exciting and powerful. The rock style reminds me of TVXQ’s Red Sun. I find myself head-banging along to the choruses each time I replay the song. Their rapping and vocals are on par with the instrumentation in terms of power and intensity, with WYATT’s deeper voice put on full display during the pre-chorus sequence, and SEUNGJUN and U’s vocals working perfectly in the chorus. (10/10)

5. Good Place – Good Place is probably the most unique and intriguing track on the album (and probably in recent times in KPOP overall). It is a fun house and tropical blend track, which doesn’t sound too out of the ordinary. But it also features a cool flute synth accompaniment that just gives Good Place something different to separate it from the rest. I like how the melodies and vocals were ‘easy on the ears’, which is also channelled throughout the rest of Good Place, which makes for an intriguing listen overall. (10/10)

6. Collab – Continuing on with the upbeat vibes from the previous song is Collab, a bossa nova-influenced track. It is a more mellow and pleasant track compared to the others on the album. But it is still very bright, bouncy and has some boldness to it. I liked how pronounced their vocals and rapping were over the top of the instrumentation, and the brass elements were very appreciated. It is more on the ordinary side, however. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9.3/10

ONF’s teaser image for *ONF: My Identity* (Part 1)

[Album Review] SAD SONG (7th Mini-Album) – P1Harmony

August 31, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged P1HarmonyLeave a comment

Next up for an album review is P1Harmony’s SAD SONG, their 7th mini-album since their debut. The mini-album features a total of 7 songs, including the title track, which shares the same name, as well as its English version. For the side tracks on this mini-album, P1Harmony explores a diverse range of genres and successfully interprets them in their own style. I do encourage you to check the rest of the SAD SONG mini-album, especially if you are just discovering or getting into P1Harmony.

SAD SONG follows on from P1Harmony’s 1st studio album, Killin’ It, which was released last year alongside the title track of the same name. More recently, P1Harmony returned with their 8th mini-album and title track of the same name, DUH!, which I have yet to review (but will).

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

2. It’s Alright – It’s Alright brings a reggae influence to the mini-album. Also featured prominently are some funky-tinged electric guitar and really awesome vocals. The former helps reinforce the reggae influence, while the latter is on full display from THEO, KEEHO and JIUNG. Both THEO and JIUNG suit this song’s style so well, while JIUNG’s high note blows me away each time I listen to It’s Alright. “It’s Alright” is very much an understatement for It’s Alright. (9/10)

3. Last Call – Pop rock is next up on the mini-album through the single Last Call. The energy for this track is a definite selling point, and this encapsulates the desire to continue celebrating and partying that is expressed in the lyrics. Compared to the last song, Last Call is a well-balanced track that showcases the best of P1Harmony, with some members (KEEHO and INTAK, namely) pulling double duties. The rappers really give it their all in Last Call, and they all sound awesome. The vocalists continue to display their good vocals from the previous song, making the pop-rock feel familiar. (10/10)

4. Welcome To – The rock elements continue onwards in Welcome To, but in a grungier manner. I really liked the head-banging potential behind the rock instrumental, as well as the melodies during the chorus. I did wish the instrumental was a little more energetic, as this would have taken the song to the next level. And since I have been naming the key players in each song, I should continue this theme throughout the video by pointing out that SOUL really shines throughout Welcome To. (8/10)

5. All You – All You presents us with feel-good vibes with a jazzy introduction and an easy-going instrumental with brass elements. It is an extremely pleasant sound for the group, and they do a decent job with it. I do prefer P1Harmony in their more upbeat dance numbers, but this was still a good number from them. (7/10)

6. WASP – WASP serves as P1Harmony’s first subunit track, featuring the main rappers of the group – INTAK and JONGSEOB. I really liked the rough voices the pairs bring to the song. But JONGSEOB’s softer tone rap takes the cake for me. There is also something catchy about the “Wiung Wiung” hook in this hip-hop track. While WASP isn’t my go-to track for the usual reasons, it was still a decent number on the mini-album. Hope there are more unit tracks in P1Harmony’s future. (7.5/10)

7. SAD SONG (English Version) – See SAD SONG’s full review above.

Overall Album Rating – 8.3/10

[Album Review] abouTZU (1st Mini Album) – TZUYU (TWICE)

August 24, 2025August 23, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged TWICE, TZUYU (TWICE)Leave a comment

If you don’t remember from last year, TZUYU made her solo debut last year with the single Run Away and her debut mini-album aboutTZU in September. She was the third member of the group to embark on solo promotions, following NAYEON and JIHYO. While the title track didn’t really hit the same as her other members’ title tracks have, the rest of TZUYU’s debut mini-album does. I highly encourage you to check out the mini-album if you haven’t yet.

Also, keep your eyes out for an upcoming song review for fellow member CHAEYOUNG, who will be the fourth member of the group to officially go solo with her debut studio album, Lil Fantasy Vol. 1, dropping next month.

In the meantime, here are my thoughts on each song that featured on abouTZU.

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

2. Heartbreak in Heaven (ft. Peniel of BTOB) – Heartbreak in Heaven is an unexpected all-English pop song. It sounds quite pleasant and enjoyable in the moment. Although it sounds nice, I would have enjoyed Heartbreak in Heaven more if it had a bit more substance. It is a rather light song, which doesn’t bode all that well in the memorable department. The instrumental feels a little bare. TZUYU’s vocals were rather linear in terms of trajectory (though we did get some range from TZUYU), and Peniel’s featuring felt too constrained in the bridge. (7/10)

3. Lazy Baby (ft. pH-1) – If the previous song and Lazy Baby were battling for best collaboration on this mini-album, Lazy Baby will take the win. And it takes the win as best track on this mini-album. It has so much more character and energy that makes it super enjoyable in the moment and remains vividly in your mind even after the song wraps. The funky old-school vibes make Lazy Baby super fun. The same can be said for TZUYU’s vocals, which have a significant impact and oomph. pH-1 follows through with dynamic rapping, and I love when the pair come together in the song. (10/10)

4. Losing Sleep – At first, I didn’t think much of Losing Sleep. But repeating the song for writing this review was quite interesting. I actually quite like the single. Losing Sleep brings on the summery vibes that reflect the season in which the mini-album was released. TZUYU sounds quite mature in the song, and I liked this side of the TWICE member. The bouncy synth, featured consistently throughout the song’s tropical instrumental, doubled as a great textural element. The “Losing sleep over you” is very catchy and memorable, as well. And the high-pitched autotune vocals in the bridge brought interesting flair. (8/10)

5. One Love – I would have liked One Love more if it leaned slightly more into the pop-rock sub-genre. I really liked the direction of the song, especially the fun, light-hearted vibes in the verses, and the extent to which it went down the pop-rock path. But I keep on wondering what if it had gone bolder or pronounced with the pop-rock. I think it would have sounded awesome. TZUYU sounds heavenly in the track, especially in the chorus. She really suits the sound, which makes me wish there was more of it in the song and mini-album for TZUYU to really explore. (9/10)

6. Fly – TZUYU ends her debut mini-album with the pop-ballad Fly. I feel like this could have been on the soundtrack of a Disney movie. It just sounds beautiful. From the dreamy piano, strings and orchestral touches in the instrumentation to TZUYU’s vocals, everything was stunning and breathtaking. I love Fly so much that I’m giving it a 10/10, which is definitely the definition of ending on a high note in review land. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.5/10

[Album Review] AMORTAGE (1st Mini Album) – JISOO (BLACKPINK)

August 23, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged BLACKPINK, JISOO (BLACKPINK)Leave a comment

Next album up for a review is JISOO’s debut mini-album, AMORTAGE, which was released in February 2025. Led by the single earthquake, the mini-album features a total of four songs. All songs on this mini-album are definitely a great addition to JISOO’s small yet growing discography.

AMORTAGE and earthquake serve as her first solo release since her Me single album and lead single Flower from 2023.

1. earthquake (Title track) – Click here for earthquake’s full review. (9/10)

2. Your Love – Despite being released back in February (which is Winter in South Korea), Your Love radiates summer energy. To this day, Your Love has remained my favourite side track on this mini-album. It starts off soft with atmospheric synths and delicate vocals from JISOO, before building to a really nice drop which helps the pop melodies of Your Love shine. I love how simple and pure JISOO sounds in the song, and the energy just hits all the right spots for me. (10/10)

3. TEARS – TEARS goes down the pop-rock direction. The deep beats during the verses were very riveting and commanding, while the rock instrumentation gives TEARS some appreciated texture. I also like how dramatic the bridge got and how JISOO’s vocals are solid throughout. However, compared to the other songs on the mini-album, TEARS is just a little too plain for my liking. (8/10)

4. Hugs & Kisses – Bringing the short mini-album to a close is Hugs & Kisses, a powerful EDM song that definitely leaves an impression. The autotune placed over JISOO’s vocals in certain moments (like the very end) reminds me of some ‘00s pop diva songs. The chorus is actually quite catchy thanks to the pop melodies. The pre-choruses are dramatic, and the progression of Hugs & Kisses adds to the memorable factor. I liked how strong her vocals got to remain on top of the boastful EDM, and in some moments, she definitely soars. The bridge is a little awkward for me, but I liked how JISOO’s high note connects the bridge and final chorus. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9/10

[Album Review] HOT MESS (4th Mini Album) – EVNNE

August 16, 2025August 16, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged EVNNELeave a comment

Next album up for a review is EVNNE’s 4th mini-album from earlier this year, titled HOT MESS. It features 6 tracks, including the lead single that shares the same name as the title of the mini-album. HOT MESS (the mini-album) is their brightest and most vibrant release to date. For a group that excels with a powerful dance sound (like their debut single TROUBLE), they delivered HOT MESS with great strength and earned a super high rating from me (I think it is one of the first in a while to go above a 9).

More recently, EVNNE released their 5th mini-album, LOVE ANECDOTE(S), and its lead single How Can I Do. Do check it out (after you check out HOT MESS down below).

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

2. Birthday – Birthday sees EVNNE in a softer pop motif. The instrumental has an enjoyable and fun groove, and I liked the lighthearted vibes that come from the song. The vocals and rapping were nicely executed, with pleasantly catchy melodies to make the song appealing to listen to. (8/10)

3. Love Like That – Love Like That features pop-rock guitar riffs and upbeat vibes that make this track an instant favourite in my books. I enjoyed the delicate and comforting approach EVNNE goes for in the chorus. The combination with the pop-rock sound makes for a feel-good number that brings a smile to my face every time I listen to Love Like That. And with that effect being consistently delivered, even on bad days, I don’t think it is fair to give it any other rating. (10/10)

4. CROWN – The first impression I always get from CROWN is that it is like their past singles. While the mini-album has consisted of light and bright tracks so far, CROWN is the first with a powerful instrumental and fiercer vocals/raps from the members. The rappers definitely had an opportunity to shine with the hefty and powerful instrumental. That high note at the end and the incline in energy from everything else were perfect. CROWN honestly could have been the title track, and I would have been fine with that. (10/10)

5. Youth – Youth stick out for two reasons. Firstly, that powerful electric guitar riff in the background definitely leaves an impression. And the rest of the instrumental definitely follows similarly, becoming slightly grungy during the bridge for impact and effect. Secondly, right off the bat, the members show more emotion and sentiment in Youth. The fact that I can feel that without digging into the lyrics tells me that the members are doing a great job vocally. I really liked how powerful their vocals were consistently throughout Youth. I did wish there were some powerful rapping in the track. This would have really fit, particularly with the emotions being explored in Youth. (9/10)

6. KESHIKI (Korean Version) – KESHIKI was originally released 9 months ago by EVNNE as an original Japanese single. I never got around to reviewing it then, but I am excited to review it now. KESHIKI reminds me of an anime OST. The fast-paced nature and brass elements amongst the rock elements were super unique and fun. I also love the powerful vocals throughout the track, which keep the members over the top of the vibrant and energetic instrumentation. I honestly can’t find anything critical to say about the single, so it ends off the mini-album on a super high note. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9.2/10

[Album Review] Hello, World (4th Mini-Album) – BAEKHYUN (EXO)

August 13, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Baekhyun (EXO), EXOLeave a comment

2024’s Hello, World was BAEKHYUN’s first solo release since completing his military enlistment in 2023 and creating his own label INB100 for solo promotions. It is also his fourth mini-album, featuring a total of 6 songs, one of which is the title track, Pineapple Slice. The mini-album itself sees BAEKHYUN return with another R&B-centric release, following on from his highly successful 2021 Bambi mini-album and single. It is familiar territory for BAEKHYUN, as he knows what he does best and excels at.

1. Good Morning – Starting off the mini-album is the R&B Good Morning. It eases us into the mini-album, exactly how the phrase ‘Good morning’ is intended to greet you. I really enjoyed the soft and mellowness of Good Morning, though there is some deep bass in the instrumental that contrasts so well with that soft/mellow descriptor and give a subtle grooviness to the song. BAEKHYUN’s vocals are so rich and decadent in this song, making Good Morning so good. (8.5/10)

2. Pineapple Slice (Title Track) – Click here for Pineapple Slice’s full review. (9/10)

3. Rendez-Vous – Rendez-Vous was first performed at the encore concerts for BAEKHYUN’s first Asia tour last year, ahead of this mini-album’s release. The track is described as a bossa-nova inspired single. I enjoyed the influence in the instrumentation, as well as the jazzy elements in the background. BAEKHYUN’s stunning falsettos amongst his signature R&B vocals are a definite highlight of Rendez-Vous. (8/10)

4. Cold Heart – For me, it is the instrumental of Cold Heart that grabs my attention. BAEKHYUN does so well in the song (as expected), but the instrumental’s dramatic and haunting vibe just speaks volumes to me. The soft pronounced beats, the trap elements and the electric guitar come together to create a very fulfilling backdrop. As for the soloist’s vocals, I really liked the emotion you can feel from him, as well as the slight autotune that makes the instrumental and vocals come together so nicely. (10/10)

5. Woo – My first impression of Woo was that the song was glitchy (I keep notes, in case you are wondering how I can remember my first impressions to a song released almost a year ago), particularly at the onset. The trap elements in the R&B instrumental help aid this. But I have since learn that this was just how Woo is presented to us. Woo’s development was something I enjoyed, particular how the song changes slightly after a little while. His vocals here are just as good as on the other songs on the mini-album, though I did think the autotune for his background vocals were a bit of a miss here. (8/10)

6. Truth Be Told – The final song on the mini-album sees BAEKHYUN leans into the sensual side of R&B. The synths in the instrumental makes Truth Be Told feel intimate and atmospheric. It is quite a combination and it works beautifully in this song. BAEKHYUN’s vocals make Truth Be Told feel smooth and sensual. I enjoyed the fact that he plays around with different textures and deliveries in the song, but never compromising on the quality of his vocals and their fit for the genre. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.8/10

BAEKHYUN’s teaser image for *Hello, World*

[Album Review] IVE Empathy (3rd Mini Album) – IVE

August 9, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged IVE1 Comment

IVE has announced a comeback for later this month. So, it is nice timing to slide in an album review for their previous comeback from earlier in the year. IVE Empathy, their 3rd mini-album, was released in February, with REBEL HEART and ATTITUDE leading the mini-album. There are four other songs on the mini-album. The best word I can use to describe IVE Empathy is ‘pleasant’. All but one had this initial impression on me. I tried to be more descriptive with some of the songs, but it was the perfect word to use for certain tracks on the album. More of my thoughts on the mini-album down below.

Their last release was April 2024’s IVE SWITCH, led by the singles HEYA and Accendio. More recently, the group released their 3rd Japanese mini-album, Be Alright, which features the single of the same name.

1. REBEL HEART (Pre-release track) – Click here for REBEL HEART’s full review. (8/10)

2. FLU – FLU is a cute pop song that likens falling in love to becoming ill. While the flu itself is not something you want to catch, I did like how IVE and the producers made this pop song sound comforting. It’s the chorus melodies that give FLU that comfort factor. Combined with the strumming guitar in the background, the pleasant bouncy beat, and solid vocals from the members, FLU was indeed a nice listen. (9/10)

3. You Wanna Cry – You Wanna Cry might sound familiar to some– the chorus samples Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody. IVE’s You Wanna Cry is about supporting those having a hard time, lending a shoulder to those who need to cry. I liked the amped up chorus, which is thanks to the rock sound that the chorus adopts. IVE sound very sweet in this song, and the simple and straightforward melodies make it sound very pure. Overall, another nice song from the group. (8/10)

4. Thank U – Thank U is a message to their past selves, thanking them for their own growth and the maturity that they have developed since their debut. It is another nice listen from the group, with the instrumentation taking on a simple yet plain pop ballad-like sound this time around. The melodies and the vocals from all members are quite enjoyable. LIZ’s final line, “Hope you’ll cherish the six of us forever. All thanks to you“, changes Thank U slightly to address the fans, who have been part of their journey. This emphasises Thank U’s touching message even further. (7.5/10)

5. ATTITUDE (Title Track) – Click here for ATTITUDE’s full review. (8.5/10)

6. TKO – The mini-album ends with the release’s boldest and best number. TKO finds itself exploring more of a hip-hop sound profile. There is a heavier dose of raps in TKO, but I also love how charismatic the vocals sound throughout the song. The instrumental features heavy and bolstered beats (but more so in a classical sense), Latin-influenced guitars, and cowbells, creating a more serious sound. You might think the cowbells don’t lend well to a serious sound, but IVE pulls it off effortlessly. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.5/10

[Album Review] WINTER HEPTAGON (13th Mini Album) – GOT7

August 2, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged GOT7Leave a comment

It’s amusing that the plan was to start reviewing 2025 albums in July, and all I ended up reviewing was just a single album in July. Well, hopefully that all changes, as this particular album review is for an album released this year (and I can keep the momentum going from here on out). The album in question is GOT7’s long-awaited release of WINTER HEPATGON, their 13th mini-album, which features the lead single PYTHON and 8 side tracks.

Overall, WINTER HEPTAGON showcases a lot of the group through a variety of styles and sounds, which comes from the fact that each member penned and produced a side-track for the group to perform. SMOOTH was written by JACKSON, Our Youth by YOUNGJAE, REMEMBER by YUGYEOM, Darling by JAY B, TIDAL WAVE by BAMBAM, OUT THE DOOR by MARK, and her by JINYOUNG. BAMBAM also contributed towards the title track, while GOT7 together wrote the final track. It is a strong mini-album (though I think it could have passed off as a studio album) from a group that hasn’t come together as a group since the release of 2022’s GOT7, led by the single NANANA.

1. PYTHON (Title Track) – Click here for PYTHON’s full review. (8.5/10)

2. SMOOTH – SMOOTH brings a livelier and upbeat presence to the mini-album through its funky instrumentation. I appreciate its straightforwardness and pure sound, as well. The title sums up the vocals quite well, particularly thanks to the falsettos throughout the song. I just wished the song was a little longer, as SMOOTH wrapped up fairly quickly as soon as it started. (8/10)

3. Our Youth (춘드라마) – We remain in upbeat territory with Our Youth, this time delving into the pop genre. I liked how this track sounded quintessential GOT7. Despite being upbeat, I liked how the instrumental felt paced. To me, this made me feel like the group could have done something cool with a developmental aspect for its performance, especially in a period where KPOP songs are short and also fast-paced. I also liked the chants in the background during the chorus, which just felt like such a pleasant backing for the song. (8/10)

4. REMEMBER (기억할거야 말은) – Only going for 2:18 minutes is REMEMBER. You can bet that by pointing out its short length, I imply that I want this track to be longer. There is a lot of potential that isn’t capitalised by its short length. That being said, I enjoyed the EDM and UK-garage mix in the instrumental. This mix concurrently gave REMEMBER dynamism and depth, driving it forward. The vocals brought an R&B element, which to me made the track appealing. The chorus was neatly catchy. (9/10)

5. Darling – The EDM and R&B carry over from the previous song into Darling. And these elements come together to create a lovely and romantic number. Paired with GOT7’s amazing vocals, this is a track that should not be missed. I loved the use of the deeper tones, alongside the falsettos, by some of the members, and Darling’s overall smoothness. (9/10)

6. TIDAL WAVE – TIDAL WAVE is one of the best tracks on this mini-album. We have BAMBAM to thank for this song. I love how stunning the softer piano-driven moments during the pre-choruses are, with YOUNGJAE and YUGYEOM at the helm during these segments. But it is the club vibe that the EDM has me coming back for more. It is so good. The vocals throughout TIDAL WAVE are beautiful (amazing harmonies in this one), and this contrasts so well with the harsher aspects commonly associated with EDM. Any easy 10/10 for me. (10/10)

7. OUT THE DOOR – OUT THE DOOR is probably the mini-album’s boldest sound. It features one thing that most other songs on this mini-album just don’t have – some oomph. In addition to that, there are other elements I liked in OUT THE DOOR, including the early ‘00s vibe the upbeat instrumentation gives off, the bright vocal tones throughout the song, the elongated notes during the pre-choruses, and the touch of EDM during the second verse to give the song some added texture and an additional side. Overall, the track is refreshingly summery, perfect for a drive with the windows down. (9/10)

8. her – her features an acoustic indie folk influence that takes us into pop-rock balladry territory. I really liked how the song starts off soft and slowly develops as it progresses. It just makes the pop-rock aspects more impactful and effective. The vocals from all members are stunningly breathtaking. It is really hard to pick a highlight in her, so I am going to say the entire length of the track is the highlight. (10/10)

9. Yours, Truly (우리가 할수있는 말은) – Finally, the end of the mini-album is upon us, and it closes out with Yours, Truly. It is a touching ballad dedicated to their fans, AGAHSE, who have been patiently awaiting new music from the group for what felt like forever. Like the rest of the mini-album, Yours, Truly features some gorgeous vocals, and the melodies evoke a swaying motion from me that I like to find in ballads. The organ in the background was a nice touch, just to give Yours, Truly a little something different from other ballads. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.9/10

GOT7’s teaser image for *WINTER HEPTAGON*

[Album Review] Band Aid (9th Mini Album) – DAY6

July 30, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged DAY6Leave a comment

DAY6 made a comeback in September last year with their 9th mini-album, Band Aid, and the title track Melt Down. I am finally getting around to reviewing the 8-track mini-album, which is definitely on the lengthier side of the average mini-album. Band Aid is definitely a strong album release, with a few songs earning a 10/10 rating from me. The mini-album does fizzle out towards the end, but it is still a recommended release nonetheless. Check out which songs got that rating, as well as my thoughts on all 8 tracks.

Before Band Aid, DAY6 released FOUREVER in March last year, which was led by the single Welcome To The Show. More recently, DAY6 released the digital single Maybe Tomorrow in May this year.

1. Monster (괴물) – Band Aid starts off with a song that gives me what I am always craving for – a powerful rock number from DAY6. Monster speaks to how loneliness and isolation can make someone feel like a monster. I love the grungy chorus and the textural processing within the centrepiece. I liked how the drumming and guitar work is prolific throughout the track, while the members bring emotion to Monster to give it a life of its own. A clear standout from the get-go. (10/10)

2. Melt Down (녹아내려요) (Title Track) – Click here for Melt Down’s full review. (8/10)

3. She Smiled (그녀가 웃었다) – Next up is a bright pop-rock track. She Smiled sees DAY6 capture the excitement of a confession to their lover and the feeling when they see the subsequent smile on their lover’s face. I like the upbeatness of the track, which I attribute to the constant guitar work in the background. Even from afar, you can tell the members have big, gleaming smiles as they deliver the song. (8/10)

4. Shxtty Game (망겜) – Another favourite of mine on the album. I love DOWOON’s drumming in this one, driving Shxtty Game’s fast-paced energy. Every time I listen to the song, I can feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, which pairs extremely well with the song’s lyrics that liken life to the tribulations of a video game. All of DAY6’s vocals have this uplifting tone, which makes the track extremely likeable. In particular, I really liked the raspiness and texture that SUNGJIN’s vocals bring to the song. (10/10)

5. Help Me Rock&Roll (도와줘요 Rock&Roll) – Continuing on with the fun vibes is Help Me Rock&Roll, which again, is full of energy. Help Me Rock&Roll draws on influences from the ’60s that are just so lively. I really liked how prolific and intense the rock sound gets during the chorus, keeping the track super enticing and exciting. On the flip side, I also liked the soft ‘shoobidoobaa’ in the bridge as well as the heavily processed ‘I really really wanna’ that was embedded in the instrumental. The latter is also another fun little element in this amazing song. (10/10)

6. COUNTER – Personally, I feel like there is a mismatch when it comes to COUNTER. It is a fine song, but I’m not sure if the execution is right. The song’s lyrics liken life’s ups and downs to a boxing match. But interestingly, I don’t get an impression of something intense like a boxing match from most of the song. COUNTER felt quite soft to me. The most intense COUNTER gets is during a brief part of the chorus, where most of the instrumental is stripped away, leaving behind the successive and pronounced drumming. But again, it is short, and so COUNTER returns quickly to its softer vibes. (6.5/10)

7. I’m Fine – DAY6 reassures us that they are fine in I’m Fine. While the song sounds nice and solid in all aspects, no matter how many times I have listened to I’m Fine, I just cannot get as excited for it as some of the earlier tracks. It is unfortunate, as the guitar work and keyboard are quite decent. (7/10)

8. Still There (아직 거기 살아) – Emotions are poured into and out of Still There. The final track on the album is a ballad, and it vividly tells us of the heartbreak of a failing relationship. You can definitely feel the heartbreak and pain through the members’ vocals. I have to give a shout-out to how YOUNG K ends Still There – he remembers the past but realises what is happening in the present. Musically, I liked how this ballad builds up as it progresses, developing into a stunning number. Altogether, it is an unforgettable number. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.7/10

[Album Review] J (1st Studio Album) – JAEHYUN (NCT)

July 26, 2025July 26, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged JAEHYUN (NCT), NCTLeave a comment

It has almost been a year since JAEHYUN made his solo debut with his 1st studio album, J. Leading the 8-track album is the title track Smoke, an English version of the title track, as well as the pre-release singles Roses and Dandelion. As usual, links to the full reviews and music videos for the highlighted tracks, as well as my thoughts on four side-tracks and their audios, can be found below. J is very much an R&B-centric album, with all songs practically finding roots in the genre in some shape or form. While consistent, it does feel a little repetitive as it progresses. But that doesn’t mean the album is not of high quality and shows JAEHYUN’s passion for the genre.

Since the release of J, JAEHYUN also released a single titled Unconditionally (yet to be reviewed) in October 2024, before enlisting in the military the following month.

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

2. Roses (Pre-Release Track) – Click here for Roses’ review. (9/10)

The official audio for Roses can be heard here.

3. Flamin’ Hot Lemon – Continuing on with the R&B vibes is Flamin’ Hot Lemon. This all-English track is quite straightforward and smooth, despite having a pronounced beat. As for JAEHYUH, his deep vocals bring forth a sensual and evocative tone to the song that is quite alluring. I wished there was a bit more to the song, but it is fine as is. (7/10)

4. Dandelion (Pre-Release Track) – Click here for Dandelion’s review. (7/10)

The official audio for Dandelion can be heard here.

5. Completely – This track is a ballad, and it is a stunner. Two elements stand out to me. The first is the piano instrumental, which is just beautiful. The way it dominates the background is so striking to me. The second is JAEHYUN’s vocals, which I can only describe as heavenly throughout Completely. His falsettos just feel so light. The melodies didn’t necessarily jump at me at first, but I love how captivating they get as I really settled into the song. (9/10)

6. Easy – Easy stays within the R&B genre, but gives off more of an alternative vibe. I liked the ripple-like synth that consistently played in the background, while the soft trap beat served as a good accompaniment. JAEHYUN’s vocals are nice throughout. But the chorus caught my attention. The “Easy come, easy go” and “Playin’ hot, playin’ cold” line is actually quite an earworm for me. (8/10)

7. Can’t Get You – After many straightforward R&B numbers, Can’t Get You is appreciably refreshing and is my personal pick for J’s hidden gem. JAEHYUN maintains the vibey and mature nature commonly associated with R&B, but mixes it up with jazzy and tropical elements that elevate this track above many of the others on the album. I love the backup vocals and am a sucker for the brass solo. JAEHYUN is also very alluring. I liked how he tapers some of his lines, and how much he gives to the ad-libs at the end. (10/10)

8. Smoke (English Version) – See my review for Smoke above under track 1.

Overall Album Rating – 8.1/10

[Album Review] CRAZY (4th Mini Album) – LE SSERAFIM

July 14, 2025July 16, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, ReviewsTagged LE SSERAFIM1 Comment

LE SSERAFIM’s 4th mini-album CRAZY, which shares the same name as its title track, is the focus of this album review post. It was released at the end of August of last year, and CRAZY became a massive hit in my books since then. The rest of the mini-album was extremely strong (based on my standards), so it is a highly recommended listen from me. Plus, a particular side track was nominated as part of the 2024 KPORPEVIEWED Awards. You can find out which track, and my thoughts on the rest of the songs that make up CRAZY (the mini-album), down below.

CRAZY follows on from LE SSERAFIM’s 3rd mini-album, EASY, from earlier in the year.

1. Chasing Lightning – The album starts off with the usual narration from LE SSERAFIM. This one occurs over a techno backing piece that readies us for what is to come on this mini-album. There are some brief vocals, as well. The narration tells 2 narratives. The first half of the track features some dialogue with disapproval responses. It concludes with the pessimistic message that ‘they cannot change the weather.’ But then LE SSERAFIM flips the script, accepting that they cannot change the weather, but they can ‘chase the lightning’. From here on out, the same dialogue recurs with responses that look towards the positive side of the situation. (9/10)

2. CRAZY (Title Track) – Since its release, CRAZY has grown on me excessively. So, I am bumping the original song rating from an 8 to a 9. Click here for CRAZY’s full review. (9/10)

3. Pierrot – Pierrot brings hip-hop to the mini-album. While I am not a hip-hop person, it doesn’t take me much to realise that Pierrot is a strong track. I like how LE SSERAFIM maintains this vibe throughout, keeping the track simple and straightforward for the most part. It does steer into interesting and unique territory when Pierrot leans into opera. Very random, but honestly very cool. Pierrot also samples Kim Wan Sun’s Pierrot Laughs At Us. (8.5/10)

4. 1-800-Hot-N-Fun – If you somehow missed it, 1-800-Hot-N-Fun was nominated for Best Rock Song in the 2024 KPOPREVIEWED Awards earlier this year. The reasons for this are straightforward. The guitar work made 1-800-Hot-N-Fun extremely memorable, and LE SSERAFIM’s attitude-filled delivery heightened the song further. Extra points for the hooks and embodiment of the rock sound. (10/10)

5. Crazier (미치지 못하는 이유) – After such bold songs, they end the mini-album with a bit of whiplash in the form of a ballad. Crazier is a nice soothing track, with beautiful and stunning vocals from the group. I liked the acoustic nature of the instrumental. I’m just not sure if it is the right song to end this particular mini-album with. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.9/10

[Album Review] Dreamy Resonance (10th Mini Album) – OH MY GIRL

July 6, 2025July 6, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged OH MY GIRLLeave a comment

OH MY GIRL returned in August last year with their 10th mini-album, Dreamy Resonance. Almost a year on, I am getting around to reviewing it. It features a total of 6 songs, including the title track Classifed. A reasonably strong mini-album, Dreamy Resonance was consistent and had some good side-tracks on it. I recommend you check out the mini-album if you haven’t already done so in the past year.

Dreamy Resonance follows their 9th mini-album Golden Hourglass (led by the title track Summer Comes). More recently, the group celebrated their 10th anniversary with the single Oh My.

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

2. Start Up – OH MY GIRL goes for feel-good vibes in Start Up. I love the bright and bubbly energy that the members exude, whilst the instrumental gives off a summery pop vibe. MIMI’s rapping adds a dynamic and punchy flair that uplifts Start Up. I do like the addition of the militaristic drumming in the bridge, which gives the song a touch of edge. The final chorus did feel a tad longer than it needed to be. But that isn’t too much of an issue. Overall, a really nice upbeat track. (8.5/10)

3. LA LA LA LA – MIMI and SEUNGHEE join hands for LA LA LA LA, a mid-tempo track that leans towards R&B territory. I like the way the two of them meld with each other for this track. Their almost-whispery vocals in the chorus were a nice middle ground, and the hooks had a nice ring to them. SEUNGHEE does well in the verses with her vocals and MIMI’s rapping adding some edge to LA LA LA LA. But on the flip side, there wasn’t much to remember the verses by, and the instrumentation behind the rapping made it feel boring. (8/10)

4. Sway (YOU & I) – YUBIN and ARIN lean more into the R&B genre with a dreamier instrumentation that incorporates strings and a touch of synths that sounds like water droplets. Both YUBIN and ARIN sound very nice throughout the track. I really liked the way they delivered the “Sway to the left, sway to the right” hook in the chorus. The rapping was unexpected, but I liked how it made Sway sound more interesting. (8/10)

5. Love Me Like You Do – HYOJUNG and YOOA bring us Love Me Like You Do, which, to me, is the best track on this mini-album. The vocals, harmonies and layering in this track are quite captivating. I like how calming and wispy the instrumental is overall, but the additional soft clashes and brief bursts of strings in the second verse just give it a little more. I don’t have much else to say about the track other than I like to sit back whilst it is playing to take it all in. (9/10)

6. Heavenly – Heavenly is a very pretty mid-tempo ballad, especially during its pre-choruses (I can have this part on repeat). I love how light and stunning the vocals are throughout the track, and the instrumental is simply beautiful. That latter comment can be applied more broadly to the entire song, where keeping everything simple and straightforward paid off. What a lovely way to end the mini-album. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.4/10

[Album Review] CINEMA PARADISE (4th Mini-Album) – ZEROBASEONE

June 28, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged ZEROBASEONELeave a comment

Next album up for review is ZEROBASEONE’s CINEMA PARADISE. This is the group’s 4th mini-album, released in August 2024. It features a total of 7 songs, including the title track GOOD SO BAD and the Korean version of YURA YURA. Overall, I thought it was another consistently solid mini-album from ZEROBASEONE.

ZEROBASEONE’s last Korean release was their 3rd mini-album, You Had Me At Hello, which featured the singles SWEAT and Feel the POP. More recently, ZEROBASEONE returned with their 5th mini-album, BLUE PARADISE (yet to be reviewed), which featured the single Doctor! Doctor! (also yet to be reviewed) and BLUE.

1. GOOD SO BAD (Title Track) – Click here for GOOD SO BAD’s full review. (9/10)

2. KILL THE ROMEO – KILL THE ROMEO is a fun and exciting track with a cool contrast in its sound. It starts off bright and upbeat, then shifts into a darker, more textured vibe for the chorus, which lends the song a great deal of depth. The catchy refrain brings back that light, clubby energy, and I really liked how fun and infectious it felt in that moment. The second verse has some of the best vocals in the song, aside from the powerful ad-libs near the end. I also want to mention the second half of the bridge, which introduces a deeper, denser club feel that smoothly transitions back into the final chorus. (9/10)

3. The Sea (바다) – The third track on the mini-album is ZEROBASEONE’s remake of The Sea, a song originally released in 1997 by UP. I liked how ZEROBASEONE maintained the original melodies of the chorus, which sound sweet and bright in the context of ZEROBASEONE’s vocals. The rapping (by JIWOONG and MATTHEW) from the original is also retained and delivered in a much cleaner manner than the original song. I also like how the song is bookended with sounds of people having fun, which helps bring out more of that summery vibe. (8/10)

4. Insomnia – The fast-paced drumming and percussion, particularly in the chorus, make Insomnia very likeable. This is over some dreamy synths, which creates a very alluring and chic contrast. I like how their vocals transition between those dreamy moments and when there’s a rush of energy through the drumming. The rapping was a nice turn and gave us a fine balance between the two ends of the spectrum in Insomnia. (8/10)

5. Road Movie – ZEROBASEONE puts on their hip-hop hats for Road Movie, showcasing their rapping skills for the majority of the song. All the members who rapped in this song did a great job, and I liked how each section had a different vibe, which allows us to really explore their rapping. However, it is the non-rapping choruses that steal the show in Road Movie. ZHANGHAO and TAERAE bring their dreamy vocals into the fold during the choruses over some atmospheric synths. These parts are beautifully stunning and is probably some of the best vocals on this mini-album. (9/10)

6. Eternity – I remember thinking the thumping at the start was the start to something dramatic. But Eternity turns out to be an R&B pop track. Their vocals make the track sound very nice and pleasant, with Eternity sounding particularly well when all the members sing together as part of the chorus. (8/10)

7. YURA YURA (Korean Version) – In case you missed it, YURA YURA was my pick for Best Japanese Song by a Korean Artist in the 2024 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. I chose it for its catchy and lively chorus, which both versions of the song feature. The slight dash of rock within the pop sound adds great depth to the song. I also enjoyed the post-chorus sequence, as it leans YURA YURA into head-banging territory. The vocals are solid throughout, which really helps pull everything together. (8.5/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.5/10

ZEROBASEONE’s Teaser Image for *CINEMA PARADISE*

[Album Review] ETERNAL (5th Mini-Album) – TAEMIN (SHINee)

June 22, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged SHINee, Taemin (SHINee)Leave a comment

As promised, here is the next post – just coming in at the very end of the day, where I am. Anyhow, this next post is the album review for TAEMIN’s 5th mini-album, ETERNAL, which was released in August 2024. A total of 7 songs are featured on this mini-album, including the singles Sexy In The Air and Horizon. The mini-album serves as his first mini-album following his departure from SM Entertainment (but he continues to be attached to SHINee, as evident through his participation in the recently released Poet | Artist) and commemorates the tenth anniversary since his solo debut. The mini-album also follows Guilty from the year before.

Overall, ETERNAL is another strong mini-album from TAEMIN. I mentioned something below as part of my thoughts on one of the songs, but I think it’s a statement that can be applied to the entire album. Put simply, this mini-album showcases TAEMIN’s artistic sense through his diverse range of sound profiles and the aesthetics presented in each track. More on this down below.

1. G.O.A.T – The mini-album starts off with a hip-hop track with some classy instrumentation. The piano and R&B vibes in this track make G.O.A.T feel sophisticated, while the EDM elicits a strong feeling that the accompanying performance would be a killer. TAEMIN has a strong command, and he really shows it off by making the opening single really captivating. (9/10)

2. Sexy In The Air (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Sexy In The Air. (8/10)

3. Horizon – Horizon is the mini-album’s secondary single. I had initial plans to review it separately (as it does have its own music video – see below). However, if I remember correctly, the music video was briefly taken down, and I never checked if it had been re-uploaded until today. Anyhow, Horizon is a bold single with its punchy synth-pop instrumentation. The bass gives the song extra depth, and the chorus really hits with a strong burst of energy. TAEMIN absolutely shines here, and I liked how he makes the hooks feel so impactful and memorable. (10/10)

4. The Unknown Sea – Midway into the album, TAEMIN treats us to a ballad that speaks to the excitement and nervousness of the unknown. What makes The Unknown Sea more memorable from the onset compared to other ballads is that this song has bite to it, both in a vocal and instrumental sense. TAEMIN puts heft and emotions behind his vocals, which allows him to sound stunning and captivating in The Unknown Sea. The instrumentation is beautifully sparse, and I like how it builds as the song progresses. (8.5/10)

5. Crush – Crush sees TAEMIN venture into retro and electro-pop. TAEMIN also brings some funk to the mix through his vocals, giving the track some MJ flair. The “Na Na Na” is very catchy, and I enjoyed the textures in the background. Everything in this track had me coming back for more. (10/10)

6. Deja vu – Deja vu has this grandness to it that leaves me in awe. The classical side of the instrumental is captivating, while the basic trap beats and the background vocals in the bridge just give Deja vu a modern side to it. Both come together to truly show TAEMIN’s artistic style, though I wish the producers had explored more of that modern side in the background. He has consistently shown his strong vocals throughout this mini-album, but the way he carries himself throughout Deja vu feels elegant and just doesn’t disappoint at any moment. (9/10)

7. Say Less – TAEMIN closes out the mini-album with another non-traditional ballad. Say Less differs from traditional ballads through the presence of synths in its instrumentation. I enjoyed the atmospheric vibe that comes off Say Less’ backing, as well as his ethereal vocals (and accompanying processing) in this track. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.9/10

[Album Review] Fe3O4: STICK OUT (3rd Mini Album) – NMIXX

May 31, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPLeave a comment

The next album to be reviewed is NMIXX’s Fe3O4: STICK OUT, the group’s third mini-album. This was released back in August last year, alongside the title track See That?. It features an additional five high-quality side tracks, which you can read more about, as well as my thoughts on them, below. Fe3O4: STICK OUT serves as the second instalment of their Fe3O4 series – the first being Fe3O4: Break from early 2024 and the third being Fe3O4: Forward from earlier this year (which I have yet to review – an album review for this mini-album is definitely on the cards).

1. See That? (별별별) (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for See That?. (7/10)

2. Sickuhh (ft. Kid Milli) – Building on the hip-hop vibe of the title track, Sickuhh takes it even further into the genre. NMIXX and Kid Milli team up through rap to deliver a super chic and sleek track that keeps that classic hip-hop bounce. Everyone’s flow was on point, and I really enjoyed the energy each member—and Kid Milli—brought to the song. The production was cool and solid, making Sickuhh a track that is hard to pass up whenever it comes on. (9/10)

3. Red Light Sign, But We Go – This next track sticks with a hip-hop vibe but leans more into electronic sounds. The instrumental is super bold and intense from start to finish, which makes Red Light Sun, But We Go feel really powerful. The rapping didn’t hit as hard as in the previous song, but the vocals in the pre-chorus definitely made up for it. I just wish the hook wasn’t so repetitive and chant-like, especially toward the end—it felt a bit too safe for such an otherwise daring track. (8/10)

4. BEAT BEAT – NMIXX leans into a more pop sound in BEAT BEAT. I really liked the energetic marching-style beat and the touch of edge in the choruses. Their vocals and rap parts were strong throughout, but what stood out most to me were the ad-libs at the end. Whilst the ad-libs were in play, I especially loved how the music kept driving forward while BAE and LILY kept the energy going with their powerful delivery. (9/10)

5. Moving On – Moving On has NMIXX trying out pop rock on the mini-album, and they really pull it off. It reminds me of the pop-rock from the 2000s that I grew up with. The band instrumentation sounds great and keeps the song engaging. The electric guitar in the chorus is a highlight—it adds a quick but powerful burst of energy. I also enjoyed the warm, bright vibe the members bring with their vocals. They sound refreshing, and this tone helps deliver the song’s uplifting message. A stronger hook could have made Moving On even better, though. (8/10)

6. Love Is Lonely – Wrapping up the mini-album is the EDM pop track Love Is Lonely. NMIXX’s beautiful vocals immediately pulled me in, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the song after my first listen. I loved the dreamy vibe they bring to the chorus, mixed with the subtle energy of the EDM pop beat. While the hooks and melodies feel a bit muddled at times, it doesn’t take away from how stunning the song is overall. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.2/10

[Album Review] Where to Now? (Pt. 1: Yellow Light) (7th Mini-Album) – KARD

May 17, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged KARDLeave a comment

Next up on the album review front is KARD’s 7th mini-album from August 2024, Where to Now? (Pt. 1: Yellow Light). It is led by the title track Tell My Momma and features four additional songs and two instrumental tracks for the title track and the side track Boombox. This mini-album followed their 6th mini-album, ICKY, and the title track of the same name.

I can confirm that I didn’t care much for Tell My Momma since I reviewed it last year. But I was excited to still review the rest of the release, as the side tracks for this mini-album were all exciting listens. The title track was the mini-album’s only letdown from my perspective. More thoughts on the title track and each of the side tracks are down below.

*Where to Now? (Part 1: Yellow Light)* Album Cover

1. Waste My Time – I liked the concept of Waste My Time, which expresses the desire to be with the person they love, even if that means they are just wasting time. What I loved the most about the opening number is the velvety vocals SOMIN and JIWOO consistently showcased throughout Waste My Time. It pairs so well with the softer and atmospheric tropical house instrumentation. As for J.Seph and BM, they rap well in Waste My Time, but I find their parts fit in less due to their harsher deliveries. Sure, it gives Waste My Time a little more texture and edge than just velvety, but I think their parts could have melded better with the rest of the song. (8/10)

2. Tell My Momma (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Tell My Momma. (5.5/10)

3. Boombox – Boombox is one of the side-tracks I remember the most from 2024. It was an unexpected favourite of mine, thanks to its boldness. It probably helped coming off such a low-key song. KARD did an amazing job bringing old school hip-hop vibes to life in Boombox – it was the song’s strongest asset. But while all members went in hard, I give extra points to JIWOO, who smashed that pre-chorus out of the park. Definitely a highly recommended KARD song. (10/10)

4. SHIMMY SHIMMY – SHIMMY SHIMMY stays in the hip-hop realm, but KARD takes on a more modern feel of the genre. I love the vibes and rhythm of this one. I also enjoyed the robustness of the instrumental and heightened beats. The chorus is also quite catchy as a result. I liked the passion that the group infuses into both vocals and rapping. It makes SHIMMY SHIMMY even more appealing and enticing to listen to. (8/10)

5. SPIN – SPIN is easily KARD’s experimental track of this mini-album. There is a fair bit going on between the Spanish words, the squeaky and striking synths and beats that give SPIN its own personality, and the shouty delivery of some of the lines. This is on top of their usual vocals and rapping, which were effortless in SPIN. Despite all of that, I never once put down SPIN. It is still a unique, fun and unapologetic track. (9/10)