BAMBAM’s 3rd mini-album, BAMESIS, is the next album to be reviewed on the blog. Released in August last year, this mini-album features 5 songs – one of which is the title track LAST PARADE. It is his first solo release since Sour & Sweet in 2023. It is also the last album released by the artist under ABYSS Entertainment – BAMBAM signed on with Halo Entertainment earlier this year. More recently, BAMBAM reunited with the rest of GOT7 for a new album, Winter Heptagon (led by the single PYTHON) and a series of concerts.
Overall, BAMESIS is a consistently fair album. It is a good mix of songs from the soloist, with BAMBAM going with different genres across the five songs. Have a listen below and let me know what you think about BAMESIS.
2. Mi Último Deseo– BAMBAM impresses in Mi Último Deseo, where he sings in English and Spanish. It is quite unexpected, given that the title track is in English and Korean. But very enjoyable nonetheless. Mi Último Deseo features a Latin-influenced instrumentation that comes off quite smooth overall. Mi Último Deseo could have infused a heftier beat or included more bite to the background, especially as the song progresses – it lacks a peak. But Mi Último Deseo is still a pleasant and interesting listen from BAMBAM. (8/10)
3. Ball Like That – Ball Like That brings together an R&B beat and atmospheric synths to make a very nostalgic-sounding track. Along with BAMBAM’s delivery, I find it reminiscent of the R&B that I enjoyed when I was younger. The smoothness of Ball Like That makes the song feel sleek and suits BAMBAM’s style. I also liked the freshness that his vocals bring to the music. The melodies were also relatively straightforward but catchy. However, I wish there was more to Ball Like That, simply because it doesn’t feel complete there yet. (8.5/10)
4. Must Be Nice – Must Be Nice embraces a soft pop-rock instrumental that melds so well with BAMBAM’s more delicate vocals, a side that we don’t hear all too much from the soloist. The atmosphere that develops throughout Must Be Nice is so soothing and calming. The guitar work is exceptionally nice, and I liked how the drumming/percussion elements nudge the song along subtly. (8/10)
5. Thank You Come Again – BAMESIS is brought to a close with Thank You Come Again, a hip-hop track with a bouncy beat and engaging rapping delivery. His flow throughout the track is impressive and engaging. I also liked the female vocals in the track, which pop out amongst the rest of the track. I appreciated how this track, although quite hip-hop leaning, doesn’t overdo it and doesn’t sound too energetic. It’s easygoing and works well as a final track on the album. (8/10)
fromis_9 is gearing up for a comeback in June with a reformed lineup of 5 members (Song Ha Young, Park Ji Won, Lee Na Kyung, Lee Chae Young, and Baek Ji Heon), after it was announced that the group would not renew their contracts with Pledis Entertainment and that Lee Sae Rom, Roh Ji Sun and Lee Seo Yeon would be departing the group. It is time to review their last album release as an 8-member group ahead of the comeback. Supersonic (the single album) was released long overdue in July 2024, with the title track of the same name and 2 additional side tracks.
Despite the long hiatus between Supersonic and their previous album, Unlock My World, fromis_9 proved they were still on the ball with a chart-topping hit and 2 impressive side tracks. More on the songs can be found below.
2. Beat The Heat – The one thing that Beat The Heat could have done better is cohesion, as the rest of the track is pretty good. The single has a bit going on, but it doesn’t overwhelm. But those bridging moments are quite tight, and I wish they were a little more breathable. It maintains its upbeatness all throughout the song and sounds well-suited for the summery period in which it was released. I found the slightly descending melody in the first chorus quite abstract initially, but it grew on me over time. The group delivered everything else nicely. A great song, overall. (9/10)
3. Take A Chance – Beautiful vocals make Take A Chance a stunning listen. I enjoyed the contrast between the consistently beating instrumentation and the delicate melodies. And in addition to the beautiful vocals, I love how sweet and nostalgic everything came to be. It is a perfect song for a nice breezy day in Summer and the new chapter they are embarking on for each of their careers. (10/10)
The next album for review is BANG&JUNG&YOO&MOON’s Curtain Call. It marks B.A.P’s grand return to the music scene after almost seven years, even though only BANG YONG GUK, JUNG DAEHYUN, YOO YOUNGJAE and MOON JONGUP are represented in this comeback (ZELO is currently carrying out his military enlistment). Curtain Call serves as B.A.P’s 6th mini-album since their debut in 2012 (14 years ago at its release), and features 5 songs, including the title track Gone.
While they have stuck around following the release of Curtain Call, as they did make a Christmas comeback in December 2024 with Christmas With You, the name of the mini-album, pre-release track (Farewell) and title track did sound like a last hurrah for the group. I am unsure of what they have planned for the future. However, I would love to see the quartet reunite with ZELO for future promotions and music releases and revive the group I always saw as having the most potential from the moment they debuted. But until we get confirmation of that, here are my thoughts on Curtain Call.
Curtain Call Album Cover
1. Love– In their first track in almost 7 years, Love expresses the emotions associated with falling in love, which I am sure is a message directed towards their fanbase (BABYs). It is a refreshing pop-rock track showcasing what we have missed out on for the last 7 years. What I really like about Love is how passionate the members sounded. From the stunning vocals and rapping, Love was pleasant yet powerful in its own right. (9/10)
2. Farewell (빛바랜 날들 이젠 잊고 다 안녕)(Pre-Release Track) – Just like the title of the mini-album, Farewell made me slightly nervous for the same reasons as mentioned in the intro of this review. But rest assured, Farewell’s lyrics speak to saying farewell to the past and looking forward to the future. It is also a pop-rock track, though the upbeat tempo and intensity of the instrumentation do make it more rock-leaning. It is the vocals that bring the track’s pop side to life. I particularly enjoyed BANG YONG GUK’s familiar hoarse vocals in this song, but there is also a strong showing from the others. (9/10)
4. Stand It All – Changing up the momentum of the mini-album is Stand It All. It is a ballad that speaks to accepting the unhappy moments and holding on strong during them. Like most ballads, I am drawn to its vocals, which have consistently stood out on this mini-album. In Stand It All, it is so emotional and heartfelt. Even the rapping was done so profoundly and resonates alongside the vocals based on emotions alone. Regarding the instrumentation, I liked the oomph it gives the ballad. Altogether, Stand It All a very powerful side-track from the group. (10/10)
5. Way Back – We go back to the rock genre with Way Back, the final song of the mini-album. The lyrics reflect on the past and look towards the future. Like every song before it, Way Back impresses on the vocal front. YOO YOUNGJAE’s delivery of the song’s hooks and melodies stands out. Though, per usual, all members sound excellent. The instrumentation is probably the most traditional and straightforward on this mini-album and could have been toned down slightly to not mask the vocals. However, those are just minor elements that do not hinder Way Back’s appeal. (8/10)
YOON SAN-HA was a close contender for a nomination for Best New Male Soloist in the 2024 KPOPREVIEWED Awards, but he ultimately missed out on a nomination. Had DUSK, YOON SAN-HA’s solo mini-album, been promoted on the music shows, I think he could have clinched a nomination. This would have helped it stay more prominently in my mind for when it was time to decide on the nominations. Anyway, if you can’t tell, I am reviewing DUSK today. It is a 6-track mini-album, featuring the title track Dive. As indicated throughout the mini-album, YOON SAN-HA focuses on R&B and ballads on his solo release, with one song earning itself a deserving 10/10. To find out which song that is, keep on reading below.
DUSK Album Cover
1. Yeowoobyul (여우별) – Yeowoobyul makes for a decent start to the mini-album. The first word that comes to mind when I revisit the song is tender. The acoustic guitars and soft percussion that comprise the instrumental for Yeowoobyul evoke R&B vibes, but SAN-HA’s vocals are as soothing as expected for a ballad. The presence (or feeling) of both these genres essentially sets up for what is to come on DUSK. While it is a vocally pleasant track with really nice, swaying melodies, I don’t recall much about this song when compared to the others. (7/10)
2. Losing My Mind – I recall when I first checked out the mini-album, Losing My Mind unexpectedly surprised me for being all in English. And even months on from the release, that unexpected feeling remains. Losing My Mind leans more towards the ballad side, featuring a piano-only instrumental. What gets me is how heart-wrenching SAN-HA sounds. Yes, he sounds stunning throughout “Losing My Mind,” but you can definitely feel the emotions pouring out of the song and his vocals. A memorable 10/10 for me. (10/10)
3. BITTERSWEET MISTAKE – BITTERSWEET MISTAKE moves the album into R&B territory and is the first to feature a prominent beat. It also features some dreamy synths and some sensual energy that I associate with the R&B genre. SAN-HA sounds very mature in this number. If you are unfamiliar with SAN-HA or ASTRO, I don’t think you would have guessed that he is the youngest in the group based on this track. I would have liked to hear a bit more in BITTERSWEET MISTAKE, as it is very linear, lacks development and ends abruptly. (8/10)
5. BLEEDING – Shortly after the release of the mini-album, SAN-HA dropped a performance video for BLEEDING, which I have linked below. As for the song, BLEEDING keeps us in the R&B territory, but the vector is a dance track with textural synths. I liked the crunch those synths give BLEEDING. When we get to the chorus, SAN-HA really hits his stride vocally in the song’s centrepiece, and the drop has this slight boldness to it, which I enjoyed. I just wish there was something more to BLEEDING that kept it from being so neutral from start to end. (8.5/10)
6. Rain Down On Me – Finishing off the mini-album is Rain Down On Me, which is a slight step up in terms of dynamism compared to the previous song. It continues with the R&B sound, but with a smoother dance vibe. I really like the guitar work in the background and how fitting the whole instrumental felt for a rainy day. I also appreciated the profound quality of SAN-HA’s vocals in this song. (9/10)
JIMIN’s second studio album, MUSE, is the next album to be reviewed on the blog. It was released in July last year and features the title track WHO as well as the pre-releases Smeraldo Garden Marching Band and Closer Than This. This album was released after JIMIN enlisted in the military in December 2023, and as a result, no promotions for MUSE occurred. However, that didn’t stop it from rising to the top of Billboard’s Global 200 (a first for JIMIN) and remaining there for 2 consecutive weeks.
Overall, I would categorise this as a fair KPOP album. There are some decent and strong side tracks on the album, but the title track weighed the studio album down for me. My thoughts on WHO can be found in its own review (link below), while my thoughts on the other tracks, including the pre-releases, are included in this post below.
MUSE Album Cover
1. Rebirth (Intro) – It now strikes me as odd to see a track that goes for 2.5 minutes long and be branded as an intro track, since the length of actual tracks has dwindled down over time. Anyhow, the album begins with Rebirth, a very atmospheric instrumental piece that is heightened by JIMIN’s angelic vocals and harmonies with those in the background. I enjoyed the warmth and comfort that is exuded from Rebirth, both of which make for a beautiful start to the album. (9/10)
2. Interlude: Showtime – From the intro, we jump right into the interlude track. Showtime feels like a cheerful circus or local fair tune, and directly leads us into the next track.
3. Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (ft. LOCO) – One of the tracks I have unfortunately not reviewed in full is JIMIN’s Smeraldo Garden Marching Band, which was released as a pre-release track ahead of the release of MUSE and WHO (the title track). I wasn’t a fan of it when it was first released, but Smeraldo Garden Marching Band has grown on me over time. It is probably one of the most cheerful tracks I have heard from JIMIN in a very long time, but I appreciate the brightness and marching band tune that the song is based on. JIMIN’s vocals are quite calming, and the chorus melodies have become quite fun and catchy. However, I feel like LOCO’s presence was the weak link in the song. I have never enjoyed his featuring in this song and thought it was lacklustre at best. (8/10)
4. Slow Dance (ft. Sofia Carson) – Slow Dance is a really nice R&B song to just, well, dance slowly to. There is a beat to it, but Slow Dance still oozes a smooth and velvety vibe simultaneously. The guitar work and bass contributed to this, but I liked how pronounced these elements were in the background. JIMIN does a good job of balancing out Sofia Carson’s higher-pitched vocals. I did wish her solo bits had a bit more bite to them, though I really liked the falsettos she slipped into during her part. Both JIMIN and Sofia closed out the song in a very satisfying manner through Slow Dance’s final chorus and outro. (9/10)
5. Be Mine – We return to the Latin influences that dominated KPOP heavily a few years back with Be Mine. I find this single to be a pleasant number, thanks to both the beautiful guitar work in the instrumentation, the slightly hefty beat and JIMIN’s vocals. His vocals shone in Be Mine, particularly through the harmonies featured towards the end. The chorus is also quite catchy, which helps make the track more memorable. (8.5/10)
7. Closer Than This – So, I completely missed the fact that Closer Than This had a music video. It shows JIMIN writing the lyrics of this song, seeing some sites and some memories he has created as part of BTS and his solo career. As for the song, Closer Than This is a pleasant pop song, telling his fans not to worry and that he (and the other BTS members) will be back soon. Instrumentally, it is very standard. However, I really enjoyed JIMIN’s sweet vocals in Closer Than This, which made the message more effective. I also liked it when Closer Than This switched it up slightly to include the young kids’ vocals at the end. That got to me. (8/10)
The next album for review is HA SUNG WOON’s 8th mini-album, BLESSED. It was released in July 2024 and was his first major music release since finishing his military service. BLESSED features 5 songs, including the title track of the same name. I have always been excited to review his new music and albums, as he had some great solo tracks since his Wanna One days. While I don’t think that sentiment is as strong on this mini-album, there are still a few singles on BLESSED that I quite enjoyed.
The last HA SUNG WOON release I reviewed was his 7th mini-album, Strange World, which featured the title track Focus. It was released prior to his military enlistment in 2022.
2. I Wanna– The first side track on the mini-album is I Wanna, which is a softer pop number. I really enjoyed this one, thanks to its pleasant vibe. Even as the song picks up and adds new elements, this was a constant in I Wanna. HA SUNG WOON sounds so nice throughout the track, and the melodies just make this such an appealing number. (9/10)
3. All I Need (ft. ERIC of THE BOYZ) – All I Need is such a vibrant number, stepping up the energy, beat and colour of the mini-album. I like the dominance of the piano in the verses, and the drumming just gives All I Need so much momentum. I wish there was more variety when it comes to the melodies. I liked how brighter HA SUNG WOON’s tone is, but he sounds similar throughout the song. This slightly dampens the liveliness of the song for me. ERIC from THE BOYZ appears briefly in the song during the second verse. His quick delivery does add to the song’s momentum and forward drive. (9/10)
4. I Already Lost You – HA SUNG WOON delves into pop rock for I Already Lost You. This is another strong number from the soloist, and I enjoy it thanks to its pleasant vibe. I Already Lost You is a bittersweet song, reflecting on a partner one likes but knows they cannot be with them. I liked the build-up to the chorus and how profound the chorus sounded once the rock elements kicked in. The resulting energy is perfect and well-balanced for HA SUNG WOON’s vocals. (8.5/10)
5. Mystery– Mystery makes for a decent dance track. This was an impression I got from the song after so long not listening to it. But repeat listens to Mystery made me quickly realise that it is also the mini-album’s most skippable track. I don’t remember much of it since it sounds quite similar instrumentally and vocally through and through. This ends up making Mystery sound very neutral and stagnant. The extra bass that comes into play is a nice touch and gives the song some heft. But it doesn’t do much to make the song more appealing. (6/10)
My first review for ALL(H)OURS was for their comeback single, SHOCK. In that review, I mentioned that I would review their debut track (and potentially mini-album) in the future. I still haven’t got around to that. But in a fitting style, ALL(H)OURS’ first album review is for the mini-album that features the title track SHOCK—their second mini-album, WITNESS. It was released in July 2024 and features a total of five songs.
Overall, I found the mini-album a consistent release, showcasing an EDM and hip-hop sound profile throughout most of the release. For a new group to whom I haven’t really dove into yet, this is a decent showing from the new group. More recently, ALL(H)OURS released their 3rd mini-album, Smoke Point, which features the tracks Graffiti and Gimme Gimme. I haven’t reviewed these as well. But at the very least, a review for Gimme Gimme is on the cards.
Until then, here are my thoughts on WITNESS.
WITNESS Album Cover
1. WITNESS – ALL(H)OURS kicks off their mini-album with the instrumental track WITNESS, kickstarting the release with a powerful rave-like track. It doesn’t hold back and has the adrenaline coursing through your body. I find it refreshing because we don’t hear all that many rave-like tracks in KPOP, though I admit it isn’t for everyone. It isn’t my usual go-to form of EDM. But on this mini-album, knowing what comes after, WITNESS does a good job of launching right into the rest.
3. PSYCHO MANTRA – The group leans towards an aggressive and abrasive sound profile in PSYCHO MANTRA. There are a few other sides of ALL(H)OURS that I will touch on in a second, but these two are the ones that I remember most vividly from the song. The aggressiveness comes out during the chorus when the rappers go shouty, and the abrasiveness comes through via the EDM/rock-influenced instrumentation and distorted vocals that form part of the background. We get some sleekness and smoothness from the vocal line, but it is very short-lived since the rappers get the limelight in PSYCHO MANTRA. Overall, it’s a cool song. (8/10)
4.’Bout That Issue – ‘Bout That Issue showcases both the vocals and rappers in a more balanced manner than the previous song. And from this, I can tell that ALL(H)OURS has a strong line of both. We also hear much more of that hip-hop genre in this song since the instrumental isn’t overwhelming. I actually appreciate that a lot, considering the song before this one. I find ‘Bout That Issue to be intriguing thanks to that vocal melody in the chorus. There is something very familiar about that I cannot pinpoint where I have heard it before. I also like the “’Bout That Issue” repetition that forms the song’s main hook. (8/10)
5. Blah Blah – Blah Blah gets the EDM and hip-hop balance just right. It also gives us some dramatic percussion/drumming, which makes the song cooler. I did think the vocals and rapping could have been stronger in this song. The members’ delivery didn’t hit the spot for me and they kept their styles very safe. Had they gone further, I think Blah Blah would have been a killer track. (7/10)
I am fully aware that STAYC made their comeback more recently, and a song review for BEBE is coming your way in the not-so-far-distant future. But until then, here is my review of their 1st studio album, Metamorphic. Released in July 2024, Metamorphic features 14 songs (slightly longer than the average studio-length album), including the title track, Cheeky Icy Thang. Metamorphic is a decent album with a mix of strong and fair songs. Keep reading to find out my thoughts on the individual songs that make up Metamorphic.
Metamorphic Album Cover
1. Twenty – STAYC kicks off the album with a formidable alternative R&B number. I liked the drumming in this one and the crisp vocals that give Twenty that power. Whenever I say I want oomph in a song, the direction the vocals went in this song is exactly what I am looking for. There are 2 downsides to Twenty – that it is very noticeably short, and I wished the instrumental was a bit more robust to prevent it from feeling as stagnant as it did. (8/10)
3. 1 Thing – 1 Thing is a very familiar sound for STAYC. It has the signature fun and brightness from its electronic pop instrumentation and STAYC’s delivery. Its chorus attracts my attention, thanks to its sassy delivery and how straight-shooting the members sounded. The bridge brings delicateness to the song before a dynamic and fun electronic instrumental break comes into play. (8/10)
4. Give It 2 Me – Give It 2 Me is a decent pop R&B track. But I feel like the autotune is heavy, and their vocals are rather piercing (in a not-so-good way). The highlight is definitely SIEUN’s rapping, it gives us some reprieve to the autotune and piercing vocals. But besides that, Give It 2 Me doesn’t speak to me as much as the other tracks on the album. (7/10)
5. Find – Next on the album is Find, a unit song by SIEUN, SEEUN and J. Find features neat and delicate vocals from the trio. The rapping brought some nice contrast, which I liked. The acoustic vibe of the instrumental is also lovely and different, especially as it is mixed with trap beats throughout the song. Some stronger melodies and catchiness would have helped lift Find to a new level. (7.5/10)
6. Let Me Know – STAYC revisits the pop genre in a pure manner in Let Me Know. It is quite a pleasant song. I liked the tempo of the instrumentation and the members’ singing in this one. I feel like that short ending sequence of the choruses, where the instrumental turns slightly atmospheric, and J ends with her “Let Me Know … Let Me Know” lin, has the potential for something more. I wished the song explored that potential. (8/10)
7. Nada – Nada brings a bit of hip-hop to the album. This differs from what I have heard so far, so it interested me. The pre-chorus is just something that gets me each time I listen to the song, while the instrumental was unexpectedly playful with the percussion. It makes Nada feel a little nursery rhyme-esque, contrasting with the song’s message about feeling nothing after meeting the person of their dreams. (8/10)
8. Fakin’ – Starting off the second half of the album is SUMIN and YOON, through their unit track Fakin’. The song is another pop track, with stunning vocals from the pair to make it an engaging number. I liked the simplicity of this combination and how easy it was to get into. Stronger hooks to make it more memorable would have sealed the deal for me. (9/10)
9. Roses – ISA is the only member to go solo on the album. Roses is a R&B number with a very intriguing instrumentation. The background has all sorts of effects, but it never feels overdone. ISA sounds quite good throughout the song, but stronger hooks and melodies could have improved the song further. (7/10)
10. Beauty Bomb – Beauty Bomb is one of the stronger songs on the album. The bubbly R&B (perfectly described by The KMeal) is quite fun, which is one reason why I find it so catchy. That ‘Doo Doo Doo’ in the chorus is hooky, as well as the ‘Blow my mind…’ lines that follow later on in the choruses. What I also like about Beauty Bomb is that it showcases STAYC well. Pleasant vocals and nicely contrasting rapping helped make Beauty Bomb engaging for me. (9/10)
11. Gummy Bear – The start of the verses for Gummy Bear, made up of trap beats and the swirly electronic synth, was interesting, to say the least. The rapping that pairs with this backing was fine, but the background is wacky. As the song progresses, I enjoy the rest of Gummy Bear. It develops into a feel-good pop song that feels pure and straightforward. I like how the vocals come off in this segment. The pre-choruses are another strong example of STAYC’s vocals. So, it begs the question of why we needed that start to even begin with, especially since the rest of the song is quite good. (8.5/10)
12. Stay WITH Me – STAYC visits the pop-rock genre through Stay WITH Me. The song is for their fans, and the lyrics are written by STAYC themselves! While it sounds good, and I liked how the rapping pairs up with the instrumentation, I wished I could say the same about their vocals. The vocalists could have been louder to match up with the energy of the pop-rock instrumentation. Stronger melodies, as well, would have helped them embrace the pop-rock better. (8/10)
13. Flexing on My Ex – The pop rock is definitely punchier and the members sound superb (and can be heard over the instrumentation)in Flexing on My Ex. We do lose some momentum as we get closer to the chorus, but this does help the centrepiece feel more impactful and prolific. (8/10)
14. Trouble Maker – The final song of this long album (not complaining here!) is Trouble Maker. It was such a fun and energetic song to end with. It literally makes me want to get up and dance (or cringingly dance along in my chair if you want a real-time update as I write this review). I love the song’s encore energy and the brass elements in the background. The expressiveness and bright vocals also make it a winning song. Pity is a short one. (10/10)
The next album up for review is Dreamcatcher’s VirtuouS. This is the group’s 10th mini-album and was released in July 2024. It is led by the title track, JUSTICE, and features an additional four songs. This album release follows their VillainS (title track OOTD) comeback from November 2023, the first part of their ‘VersuS‘ duology. Overall, VirtuouS is a powerful mini-album, with consistently strong songs across the board. This earns it a recommendation stamp from me (as you can see at the end of the post).
More recently, for Dreamcatcher, it was announced that Handong, Gahyun, and Dami were leaving their company, but it was confirmed that they remained in the group. In addition, JiU, SuA, and Yoohyeon will form a unit, while Siyeon will start a band. All these announcements are intriguing, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for each member of Dreamcatcher, though I hope there will be regular group comebacks, as well.
VirtuouS Album Cover
. Intro: 7’Dreamcatcher’ – Opening up this mini-album is an instrumental track. This one starts off captivating with the piano, before slowly developing into the very familiar rock sound that Dreamcatcher is known for. The journey to get to the rock sound was beautiful. When the track realises the rock sound, it is powerful and impactful. A stunning opener.
3. STΦMP! – With a title like STΦMP!, you expect the song to have some heft. And we got just that. With Dreamcatcher at the helm, it is no surprise that STΦMP! fully embraces a powerful rock instrumental. The “Stomp Stomp” chant at the start of the chorus is definitely the song’s highlight, and you can feel the group’s command on stage now during the chorus. Their vocals are powerful and impressive in this one. (10/10)
4. 2 RINGS – Right off the bat, 2 RINGS doesn’t mess around, launching the audience into a punk rock sound. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the guitar work in 2 RINGS, as it was an astounding element and adds so much momentum to the song. Dreamcatcher also doesn’t mess around with their delivery. Once again, they sound very powerful and exude a lot of attitude and sass in this number. Personally, I do feel like they could have stepped up all elements in the final chorus to really round out the song. But what we did get was already outstanding. (9/10)
5. Fireflies – Final song on the album is Fireflies. Hearing the piano and balladry direction of the song was quite a shift from what is on this mini-album. But this ‘shift’ is not a bad thing. Dreamcatcher whisked me away with Fireflies, with beautiful instrumentation and stunning vocals and harmonies. Those harmonies, especially at the end, make the final moments of this mini-album so emotional. Fireflies has everything I love in a ballad. (10/10)
It has been over a month since I posted my last album review to focus on the 2024 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. With that out of the way, I can finally return to the forever growing backlog of albums. First up is NCT 127’s 6th studio album, WALK, which was released in July 2024. It features 11 songs, including the title track, Walk (which I nominated for Best Rap or Hip-Hop Song in the 2024 KPOPREVIEWED Awards – unfortunately, it didn’t win, but it was my personal choice). This is the first album not to feature TAEYONG in the promotions, as he (at the time, and still is) enlisted in the military. But he did feature in the songs! This is also the last album to feature TAEIL, who was removed from the group soon after the album’s release.
With Walk leading the charge for this studio album, it was a definite positive sign for what would come on it. Two songs got perfect ratings from me, while a few almost got there as well! This made WALK good enough to be a recommended album. Continue reading to find out my thoughts on each song.
WALK Album Cover
1. Intro: Wall To Wall – Nowadays, a two minute and 30 second intro track is pretty much a full-fledged track. Despite that, NCT 127 maintains that Wall to Wall is an intro track. Wall to Wall features an atmospheric instrumental that combines an organ with hip-hop influences. In combination with an amazing instrumental, there is an equally amazing set of vocals and passionate rapping from the members to kick off the album. (9/10)
3. No Clue – No Clue emphasises the two sides of NCT 127. It starts with some cool rapping from TAEYONG and MARK, before we revert to smooth vocals from the vocalists. No Clue continues this pattern of cool rapping and smooth vocals for the remainder of the song, even in the chorus, to create a very unskippable hip-hop track. (9/10)
4. Orange Seoul (오렌지색 물감) – Orange Seoul is quite a fun number, joining jazzy instrumental elements with some strong vocals and rapping. This sounds like a great soundtrack for walking down the street in a very good mood. I liked Orange Seoul the most when the members and the instrumentation get super expressive. It is hard to pass up. (9/10)
5. Pricey – Grooviness hits you from the very first second in Pricey, setting up the song for success. Alongside it was some cool piano work and hip-hop elements, which add a lot of buoyancy. The continuous flow and delivery by the members were other amazing aspects of Pricey. Altogether, another good song. (8/10)
6. Time Capsule – Time Capsule sees NCT 127 slip into mid-tempo territory with this R&B/hip-hop track. But this is not something to look down on – Time Capsule is a stunner. The smoothness of the track was fantastic, and the rapping was nicely balanced to give us that hip-hop flair without becoming overbearing. Ultimately, the vocals won me over and made me come back for more. (10/10)
7. Can’t Help Myself(영화처럼) – Another stunning track comes in the form of Can’t Help Myself. Again, it is the vocals that floors me. The ad-libs in this one are phenomenal. I originally thought the “I can’t, I can’t help myself, I can’t, I can’t help myself no oh” lines were a little abrasive. But they have grown on me and give Can’t Help Myself some texture that allows it to be different from other vocal-centric tracks on this album. (10/10)
8. Rain Drop – We return to the R&B and hip-hop mix we heard earlier in the album in Rain Drop. But Rain Drop is much lower in tone and is sleek. I like how atmospheric the instrumental was and how it felt like the jazzy music that matches a rainy day. The rapping also adopts a low tone approach, which was very cool. The vocals were lovely, and I love HAECHAN’s incline in the bridge. I am in two minds about the shouty “I can hear you, my rain drop yup” line that breaks up the song. On one hand, it is a pretty memorable aspect of Rain Drop. On the other hand, it is a bit jarring (relative to the rest of the track). (8.5/10)
9. Gas – Gas taps into trap side of electronic music, combining it with hip-hop elements. This track feels very NCT 127. While I appreciate the latter, I am not a massive fan of the former. I also find the repetition of the song’s title to be very bone-dry. It is still a well-conceptualised track, and I like how it showcases that bounce synonymous with hip-hop. I also liked how they took the energy to the next level towards the end with that dynamic changeup. (7/10)
10. Suddenly (서서히) – The penultimate track on WALK is Suddenly, which takes us back to the R&B side of the album. The instrumental makes Suddenly a nice track. I like the mix of acoustic guitars, dynamic piano and refreshing percussion. We are also treated to some brassy elements in the chorus and some trap elements later on that form the instrumental break. The vocal and rapping work and the paced delivery of the chorus are also quite refreshing. A lot to like in Suddenly. (8.5/10)
11. Meaning of Love (사랑한다는 말의 뜻을 알아가자) – The final song on the album is Meaning of Love. It is a cute and sweet song from the group. Probably a bit of a mismatch when you compare it to the rest of the album. But Meaning of Love isn’t a terrible song by a longshot. I like the upbeat vibes from the more acoustic instrumentation in the background and the build-up that the track features. The vocals were very nice, particularly the husky tone the rappers used in the song. (8/10)
Stray Kids made their comeback in July 2024 with their 9th mini-album ATE. While I have reviewed the tracks that had a music video a while back before I took my break, I have yet to review the full mini-album until today. ATE features the title track Chk Chk Boom and 7 side tracks (including a remix of the title track). It follows on from their 2nd studio album, ROCK-STAR, and the lead single LALALALA.
Once again, Stray Kids pulled off another strong mini-album release, with most tracks being unskippable. ATE is undoubtedly another highly recommended mini-album of the group. Read on to see if you agree with me!
2. Chk Chk Boom (Title Track) – Recognising how much the song has grown on me, I have decided to bump up the rating for Chk Chk Boom by a full point. Click here for the original review for Chk Chk Boom. (8.5/10)
4. I Like It – I Like It raises a few red flags within its lyrics. It expresses the idea of liking someone but not wanting to fall in love with them. Despite the red flags, I Like It comes off as catchy and cute thanks to its pop roots. The “Ooh, I like it, ooh, ooh, I like it, like it” hooks are super addictive. The combination of the trap outro and HYUNJIN and FELIX’s spoken version of the hook adds a sexy flair to the song. (9/10)
5. Runners – Runners is an epic all-English track. It starts off with SEUNGMIN’s heavenly vocals over what I think is soft traditional instrumentation before FELIX’s deep vocals and beat grounds the track. This opening combination is memorable and makes me look forward to the song each time. The other members do an equally amazing job and ends up captivating me each time. The drill, drum and bass elements in Runners create some really nice textures in the background, while the choruses bring in a cyberpunk-esque energy into play. (9/10)
6. Twilight (또 다시 밤) – No matter how many times Twilight plays, I don’t remember much of it. Maybe it is because I am very used to Stray Kids with their loud and bold music nowadays and not through a mid-tempo ballad. That being said, it is still a good song with a beautiful piano instrumentation. Each member delivers the track splendidly, and the song has some good melodies. It just wasn’t a compelling listen from Stray Kids for me. (7/10)
ENHYPEN is nominated for Best Male Group and Best Pop Song for Sweet Venom, among other categories, in the 2024 KPOPREVIEWED Awards.Support ENHYPEN and Sweet Venom by clicking here to vote today. Voting closes later at 11:59 PM AEDT 31 January 2025 (today!!).
It is time to review ENHYPEN’s 2024 album releases – ROMANCE: UNTOLD and ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream-. The former was released in July 2024 and features the title track XO (Only If You Say Yes), the secondary promotional track Brought The Heat Back, the English version of the title track (featuring JVKE) and 6 side tracks. The album was then re-released as the latter in November 2024, featuring 2 new tracks, including the title track No Doubt. This series follows their ORANGE BLOOD album release in November 2023.
Altogether, the ROMANCE: UNTOLD series is a very strong showing from ENHYPEN. Both title tracks are great, and the side tracks have been fantastic to listen to. Most tracks were unskippable in my books, and this has helped make the albums standout releases of the past year. The rating wasn’t high enough to be eligible for Best Album in my KPOPREVIEWED Awards, but definitely notable enough. Continue reading below to see if you agree with me.
ROMANCE: UNTOLD Tracks
Romance: Untold Album Cover
1. Moonstruck – Kicking off the studio album is Moonstruck. This is a R&B number that features a sensual vibe from the members. I remember thinking this opening track was sluggish, but Moonstruck has grown on me since. I enjoy it quite a lot now. The “Just the two of us, moonstruck” line in the chorus is memorable. I also like the infusion of rock towards the song’s end. (9/10)
3. Your Eyes Only –The mid-tempo beat reduces the appeal of Your Eyes Only. But its the members that win me over. HEESEUNG’s “You & me, yeah” in the first verse and JUNGWON’s equivalent line in the second verse (in its entirety) were memorable moments. The other members brought solid vocals to the song, particularly JAKE and SUNOO, who shared the choruses. The “Ya Ya … Ya Sugar talk” hook and the “Read more” refrains were also quite catchy. (9/10)
4. Hundred Broken Hearts– We move into upbeat R&B territory in Hundred Broken Hearts. The synths and the autotune vocal processing used in the song give off old-school vibes that make this song attractive. I did wish there were more memorable elements apart from the instrumentation and nostalgia the song brings. (8/10)
6. Paranormal – Paranormal introduces drum ‘n’ bass into the album. While this brings some refreshing notes to the R&B heavy album, I wished the song tapped more into the grungy guitars-like synths (?) that it uses in the background. It is a missed opportunity to have them in Paranormal, but not used effectively. The members’ vocals are good in this track but would better suit a grungy or more substantial rock-influenced song. (7.5/10)
7. Royalty – Royalty sees the guitars as the instrumental’s forefront. The guitar riffs opt for a contemporary vibe. And in combination with the rest of the instrumentation, Royalty feels summery and beachy. SUNOO is the standout member in this song, particularly with how he starts the song. The choruses opt for a shoutier motif, the loudest we have heard from the members in the album. But as a mechanism to get your attention, it works effectively and I find myself vibing with Royalty. (10/10)
8. Highway 1009 – Highway 1009 is another pleasant track that hits the right spot. The track features a pop instrumentation that sounds clear and crisp. The same thing can be said about the vocal work that ENHYPEN outputs. The best part of Highway 1009 is the chorus, which has a stunning melody that makes the track standout and brings a smile to my face. (9/10)
9. XO (Only If Your Say Yes) (ft. JVKE) (English Version) – Refer to my review for the Korean version of XO (Only If You Say Yes) above.
ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream- Tracks
ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream- Album Cover
1. Daydream – Daydream does have a separate track video (embedded below), but it features three-quarters of the song. The actual song is only 2 minutes long, so I am unsure why the video limits the song further. Anyhow, Daydream is definitely an intriguing song. A prominent presence of whispery raps makes the track engaging and complements the lowkey minimalistic bass instrumental. The track does build on these whispery vocals to fuller volume vocals, but those are definitely not the main star. I liked the balance Daydream finds in all of this while maintaining that alluring uniqueness. (9/10)
Support your favourite KPOP artists, performances and songs by clicking here to vote today. Voting closes on 31 January 2025 (i.e., tomorrow), so make sure you vote today to make it count!
EVNNE’s 3rd mini-album, RIDE or DIE, is the next album chosen for review on the blog. In case you missed it, it was released in June 2024 and follows their 2nd mini-album from earlier in the year (Un: SEEN, led by the title track UGLY). This mini-album features a total of 6 songs, including the title track Badder Love, the English version of the title track and 4 side tracks. Overall, it was a decent release, but it didn’t surpass their debut mini-album. Continue reading to find out if you agree with my thoughts.
2. I ❤ U (I Love U) – I ❤ U is a light-hearted and fun track that brings out EVNNE’s youthfulness. I like the R&B motif the song featured, which contributed to a refreshing tone. The delicate vocals and melodies were nice and wispy. The rapping helped ground the song and give it a fun side. (8/10)
3. XO – The guitars in the background kept XO tangy, while the fast-paced beat propelled the song forward. But this fast-paced beat felt unnecessarily rushed, and I wished the producers had toned this down. It literally felt like someone had accidentally pressed fast-forward on the song. But aside from that, XO has one of the mini-album’s most memorable lines – “Tell me, yes, no, choose, XO”. The way it delivered and came off was bold and impactful. (8.5/10)
4. 2X (2배속) – Completely changing pace is 2X, which slows down the mini-album considerably. The R&B instrumental is more acoustic and is just a stunningly beautiful backdrop. The melodies in 2X have that swaying effect that I love in ballad-like songs, while EVNNE’s vocals were dreamy and lovely. (8/10)
5. Boom Bari – We go down a soft hip-hop direction for Boom Bari. The presence of the baby sound was odd, to say the least. The song brings back that light-hearted tone from the second track. But it makes the song more carefree and lazier, creating another fun vibe. The simple shouty hook emphasises that fun nature and is quite catchy. The last “Boom Boom” in the hook is attached to some bolder beats, which I thought was intriguing and is my highlight of the track. (8.5/10)
6. Badder Love (English Version) – Refer to my review of the Korean version of Badder Love above.
(G)I-DLE is nominated for Best Female Group, Best Stage Presence, Best Vocal Performance for FATE and Best Pop Song for Super Lady. Support (G)I-DLE’s by clicking here to vote today. Voting closes on 31 January 2025.
(G)I-DLE made their comeback back in July 2024 with their 7th mini-album, I SWAY, and the title track KLAXON. This could have been their final comeback, as they were in the midst of renewing their contracts with CUBE Entertainment at the time of the mini-album’s release. And in the past, the group has been open about their displeasure with their company. So there was a possibility of not renewing with their company. But as good news, (G)I-DLE confirmed they had renewed their contracts with the company at the 2024 Melon Music Awards. Thus, there will be more (G)I-DLE music coming our way in the future!
Back to I SWAY, the mini-album is on the shorter side, with just four songs (including the title track). These side tracks made for a strong mini-album release, whereas the title track was forgettable. I SWAY follows the release of 2 (their second studio album) and their Super Lady comeback from January 2024.
2. Last Forever – I really like how pleasant Last Forever is. This pop song features touching vocals and hearty melodies from the members. It is super easy on the ears, straight forward and simple. And while the song is the shortest track on the album, it always feels satisfying and fulfilling. (9/10)
3. Bloom – The first thing I notice in Bloom is its dreamy motif, which makes Bloom sound so heavenly. If that wasn’t enough, then the instrumentation’s retro touch and pleasant upbeatness would have won me over. And if that weren’t enough, the amazingly perfect and airy vocals from (G)I-DLE would have. I don’t see how I could have avoided the attractiveness of Bloom. (10/10)
4. Neverland – Neverland falls into the realm of a ballad. Again, I like how straightforward and unfiltered their vocals and rapping felt in this track. The acoustic instrumentation is just stunningly beautiful. As mentioned above, had (G)I-DLE chosen to not renew their contracts with Cube Entertainment, Neverland (titled after their fanclub) could have been the group’s final track. And that would have made the song bittersweet. Just a food for thought for a moment. But as also mentioned above, the group has renewed their contracts and will be continuing forth together to bring us new music. (10/10)
JEONGHAN x WONWOO are nominated Best Subunit and their song Last Night is nominated for Best R&B Song in the 2024 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. Support JEONGHAN x WONWOO and Last Night by clicking here to vote today. Voting closes on 31 January 2025.
SEVENTEEN launched their second official subunit in 2024, consisting of members JEONGHAN and WONWOO. JEONGHAN has since enlisted in the military, while WONWOO is busy on tour with the rest of SEVENTEEN. The pair dropped their first single album This Man (the focus of this review) and the title track Last Night mid-June 2024. The single album also consist solo tracks from the pair. Overall, a definite strong single album. I hope to hear more from JEONGHAN x WONWOO (otherwise known as JxW) in the future, though this might not happen for a while.
2. Beautiful Monster – JEONGHAN’s solo song is Beautiful Monster, which is a mid-tempo R&B number. JEONGHAN’s honey-like and velvety vocals describing himself as a monster is quite ironic to me. But aesthetic wise, it was an intriguing choice. JEONGHAN makes this number engaging. He brings a delicate feeling to the mix that emphasises the ‘beautiful’ aspect of the song’s title. (8/10)
3. Leftover (휴지통)– Leftover is WONWOO’s solo song and it is a stunning yet heart-wrenching ballad. I will admit that I have always had a soft spot for WONWOO’s singing. Leftover is good evidence why (if I ever needed to prove why). The emotions he poured into Leftover makes the entirety of the song captivating to listen to. His raspy vocals are amazing in this song and I really liked the moments where he puts some oomph behind his vocals. (10/10)
Red Velvet’s Chill Kill is nominated for Best Music Video and their Midsommar concept in Cosmic’s music video is nominated for Best Concept in the 2024 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. Support Red Velvet’s music videos by clicking here to vote today. Voting closes on 31 January 2025.
Red Velvet returned in June 2024 with their 7th mini-album, Cosmic, after a 7-month hiatus from their previous comeback (Chill Kill in November 2023). The mini-album features the title track of the same name as the mini-album and five additional side tracks. The mini-album was re-released in September 2024 to include the special single, Sweet Dream, to commemorate their 10th year together. Today, I am finally getting around to reviewing the full mini-album. Overall, Cosmic was a strong mini-album, fitting for both Red Velvet’s style and discography. Continue reading to see if you agree with my thoughts on both the Cosmic mini-album and its individual songs.
Cosmic (June 2024) Album CoverCosmic (September 2024) Album Cover
2. Sunflower – Red Velvet kills it in Sunflower. It is dance pop track, which boasts stunning vocals from the members and awesome EDM instrumental that gives the song so much oomph. The melodies and hooks make Sunflower so addictive and vibrant. I found it very hard to pass this track. (10/10)
3. Last Drop – Last Drop revisits Red Velvet’s velvet side. I enjoyed the smooth R&B pop instrumentation, which helped make Last Drop feel drifty. The all-member vocals in the chorus make Last Drop stunning, while everyone holds their ground extremely well. The spoken words that form part of the bridge were also a nice addition. (8/10)
4. Love Arcade – We return to the ‘red’ side of Red Velvet in Love Arcade. They turn the bright and cuteness dial a fair bit. The instrumental is fun, sometimes feeling like a cute arcade game and music box. The vocals were lovely and added a very youthful energy to the song. The bridge concentrates the cute instrumental detailing – a great direction for the song. Though, I think there is opportunity for the bridge to be more prolonged and intense to give some extra oomph. (9/10)
5. Bubble – Bubble is a nice song. The track features a mid-tempo synth-pop instrumentation. While I find everything likeable, I notice Bubble just doesn’t get as much attention as the other songs on the mini-album from me. I put this down to the melodies, which feel typical and standard compared to the rest of the mini-album. (7/10)
6. Night Drive – Night Drive is also another nice song. But there is a difference between Night Drive and Bubble. What ultimately wins me over are vocals – I think Red Velvet sounds better in Night Drive. WENDY’s high note and ad-libs are stunning, and the members just sound wholesome when they sing together in the choruses. The R&B instrumental is quite atmospheric and dreamy. Night Drive felt like you were lying on the ground and looking up at the night sky filled with stars. (9/10)
KPOPREVIEWED 