I have been holding onto a number of album reviews for a while now and have decided to release them before I forget about their existence. For this particular week, I wanted to focus on VIXX’s Greek mythology trilogy, which was released back in 2016. The review for Zelos was published on Monday, Wednesday (today) for Hades and Friday for Kratos.
Here is just a very brief rundown of the album release. Hades was released in April of 2016 and is the second part of their Greek mythology trilogy. Hades is the Greek God of the Underworld, which formed the basis of their concept and song lyrics. The title track of this album was Fantasy, which I reviewed previously. Hades, along with the other two albums/singles, was combined in November to form the VIXX 2016 Conception Ker (a compilation album of their trilogy).
2. Love Me Do – Once again, I like the upbeat vibes of the song, which do give the song some energy. The song just feels repetitive by the time you get to the end. However, the song doesn’t really let go, which I think is an important charm of the song. There are some other elements of the song which I liked. There is a sensual sound to the song, which is part of the appeal of the song. I thought both Hyuk and Hongbin sounded really nice in this song, alongside the great vocals from the other members. Overall, Love Me Do is one great side track for the group, fitting in with the dark vibes of Fantasy.(8/10)
3. Butterfly Effect (나비 효과) – The song had a mid-tempo instrumental despite falling into the ballad domain. The song had some good vocals and sounded like a nice confession song. The rap sequence was nice and I liked the roughness that it gave the song. The song just didn’t really appeal to my personal taste and felt like a standard ballad in my mind. (6/10)
I have been holding onto a number of album reviews for a while now and have decided to release them before I forget about their existence. For this particular week, I wanted to focus on VIXX’s Greek mythology trilogy, which was released back in 2016. The review for Zelos will be published Monday (today), Wednesday for Hades and Friday for Kratos.
Here is just a very brief rundown of the album release. Zelos was released in April of 2016 and is the official start to their Greek mythology trilogy. Zelos is the Greek God of Jealousy and Rivalry, which formed the basis of their concept and song lyrics. The title track of this album was Dynamite, which I reviewed previously. Zelos, along with the other two albums/singles, was combined in November to form the VIXX 2016 Conception Ker (a compilation album of their trilogy).
2. Six Feet Under (늪) – The song is quite vibrant and upbeat, similar to Dynamite title track. However, it keeps to VIXX’s true side of darkness through the lyrics and it’s instrumental gives off an edgy vibe. The pre-chorus is quite mysterious (in a good way). The way the line ‘Six Feet Under, That’s Enough‘ is sung throughout the song is super addictive. I also liked the vocal work in the song. Likewise, I felt the rapping was intense and you are basically thrown into it, which works wonders. (8/10)
3. Farewell Hands (손의 이별) – This is a ballad, which is about parting ways after losing chemistry in a relationship. The vocals are really well done, conveying the heartbreaking emotions well. The English lyrics that is scattered throughout the song seem to be well fitted for the song. There is a nice melody, particularly during the chorus which sounds nice. The instrumentation is quite standard, which seems to be the only thing that I can hold against the song. Other than that, the song is still fairly decent to listen to. (8/10)
Just one week ago, Wanna One dropped their very first special album. Light is the main title track for this album release and it also features 4 songs, produced by well known artists in the industry and is performed by a special unit of members. Zico, Heize, Nell and Dynamic Duo collaborated with Wanna One for this album. It is the group’s best album yet in my opinion and it is definitely an album that sets the bar high for any future release.
2. Kangaroo (캥거루) (Triple Position – Kang Daniel, Kim Jaehwan & Park Woojin) (Prod. By Zico) – It isn’t surprisingly to hear this song was produced by Zico, mainly because the song just screams out his presence. It grew on me since the first listen and has become a really catchy song with its upbeat and hip-hop vibes. I thought the song played towards the strengths of each member (in both rapping and vocal domains). I thought the chorus was quite lively and it was a song that brought some happy energy to the somewhat serious album. (9/10)
3. Forever and A Day (영원+1) (Lean On Me – Hwang Minhyun, Yoon Ji Sung, Ha Sungwoon) (Prod. By Nell) – This particularly song was a beautiful ballad. Right after my first listen, I scrambled to figure out what the lyrics meant because it was so heartfelt and the emotions poured in the song really drove the song. For those who don’t know, it felt like the farewell song we expect them to release when they come to the end of their contracts. I love the song’s swaying effect that can be felt right in the melody. But what I love the most about this song is how it has given me a chance to hear some amazing vocals from the group. In particular, Sungwoon’s. Because let’s be frank, he has yet to shine in any of Wanna One’s songs. (10/10)
4. Hourglass (모래시계) (The Heal – Ong Seongwoo & Lee Daehwi) (Prod. By Heize) – Another song that really hits you in the feelings. The R&B song is heartfelt and beautiful, as well. Like the previous song, it too can be mistaken for a farewell song (check out the lyrics, they are amazing yet incredibly sad). Both member’s vocals were on point. I really like Heize’s featuring in the song, which further adds emotions into the song. The harmonies at the end were nice and the piano leading out of the song was great. My favourite part would have to be the entire second verse, with Seongwoo’s rapping and Daehwi’svocals at the ‘Don’t let yourself cry’ line. (10/10)
5. 11 (No. 1 – Park Jihoon, Bae Jinyoung, Lai Guanlin) (Prod. By Dynamic Duo) – While I have loved or enjoyed so far on the album, I felt that 11 was the weakest song on the track list. I don’t exactly hate the song but it just doesn’t appeal to my taste. It takes on a hip hop and R&B vibe, while also keeping to a sensual sound. I personally find this interesting because they have chosen some of the youngest members to perform the song and it also gives us a chance to experience some variety in their sound. Dynamic Duo’s featuring was nice and Jinyoung’s vocals stood out for me. Other than that, I wasn’t into the song. (7/10)
SHINee has made their return in celebration for their 10th year anniversary since debut. The promotional cycle for this album is a little different from what you are used to. We saw the release of Good Evening and the first section of their album. The upcoming Monday will see the release of the second section of the album (with a new title track). The full album will be released on the 25th of June. But we are here for the first part of the album, so let’s get going!
The Story Of Light EP. 01 Album Cover
1. All Day All Night – This song is one of the songs that would sound 100% awesome when the bass is turned up to the maximum. The powerful beat was the first thing that I noticed within the song, with it standing out quite prominently. The chorus was done really well, with the ‘All Day, All Night‘ part of the chorus catchy. I thought the vocals in the song were quite good, especially during the chorus, which felt like melodic shouting. The raps themselves were awesome. It starts the album on a very bold yet memorable tune. (9/10)
3. Undercover – The first thing you notice in this song is that it constantly changes. Like in the first song, the bass is definitely turned up, especially during the chorus. And this makes the song sound so good. I liked the muffled voices at the start but the vocals throughout the rest of the song actually felt muffled when paired with the loud dubstep instrumental. Going back to the changes, they were not (in any way) obnoxious. Instead, they connected well and the song flowed nicely as a result. There was a nice contrast between the ‘soft’ sections and the dubstep moments in the song. It’s not the best song on the album however it was still quite decent. (8/10)
4. Jump – The song starts off with a fade-in effect which I liked. I thought the song had an interesting atmosphere with the instrumental appearing to be somewhat retro and quite funky/groovy. The song is quite consistent and almost smooth with its transitions. Honestly, it is one of the few times where the consistency is the main charm of the song. Both vocals and raps fitted in nicely with the song. The fade out and fade in effect employed for the bridge was also quite good. Overall, it is an enjoyable song that doesn’t use unnecessary and loud synths. (10/10)
5. You & I (안녕) – The ballad of the album. There is an air of peacefulness in this song which makes it a really nice track. I like the huskiness in their voices and the soft nature of their vocals throughout the song. The slight echo that follows their vocals was nice, while the harmonies really made the song pop out. I really like Key’s part in the bridge, with that being a really grabbing part of the song. As a whole track, I liked how it ‘built up’ to its louder chorus in the final climax. Overall, it was a pleasant song to listen to and pleasant end of the first section. (10/10)
N.Flying makes their second comeback this year with How R U Today?, which is the title track of 4th mini-album, How Are You? (the reason why we are here today). I previously reviewed Hot Potato and their 3rd mini-album, The Hottest, back in January, so if you missed those reviews, click the hyperlinks above.
2. Up All Night – Following their sentimental song is a song that you can have a good rock along to. Despite it being performed by a band, it felt like a song that any other boy group could take on and perform with. I thought the chorus was awesome, with the explosive vocals giving the song some momentum during the chorus (actually, for the entirety of the song). Most memorable parts of the song had to be the “You Keep Me Up All Night” and the part following the first and final choruses. Overall, great song. (8/10)
3. Love Fool (팔불출) – The song is a lot brighter and upbeat. To me, it felt like a great mix of their ‘fun’ side (seen in their last two comebacks) and their more serious songs. The chorus was really catchy (once again) and this attracted my attention quite a bit. The vocal work was good. The only thing that didn’t really work with me was the lack of changeup during the bridge. It doesn’t have to be over the top, however, the song could have used a changeup to avoid it becoming too repetitive. (9/10)
4. Anyway – The first thing that jumped out at me was the energetic feel that the song had going on. It was explosive, which made it so much more appealing to me. The raps during the bridge were totally awesome. It hit the Summer vibes perfectly and felt very refreshing. I must say that the song felt like it could have been a typical western boy group song. Just N.Flying probably did it a lot better. (9/10)
5. Fall With You (너 없는 난) – Following the same final comments for the previous song, this also felt like another Western boy group’s Summer single, which N.Flying nails perfectly. The only major issue is that the instrumental felt quite loud. As a result, the vocals had to compete with the instrumental in order to be heard. That being said, the instrumentals (in their own right) created an intense atmosphere, which might be the reason why it was so loud in the first place. The vocals and raps were amazing (again). I have to admit though, the bridge gave me some relief after the full-on intensity. (8.5/10)
GFriend made their comeback a few weeks back with their 4th mini-album and their title track, which are both named Time For The Moon Night. While they have officially wrapped up their promotions already, it doesn’t mean I can’t give them an album review. So here it is! (Per usual, I did not talk about the intro track and the instrumental of the title track).
3. Love Bug – To me, this is the hidden gem of the track list. I love the addictive nature of the song, which can be owed to its catchy chorus. The first half of the chorus featured vocals and the second half featured the ladies rapping, which isn’t something that you hear often when it comes to GFriend. And while the rapping does steal the show, there is awesome vocals, particularly in the second half of the song. The opening disk scratching effect is very misleading, despite the song falling towards a retro sound. I also liked the hollow metal drumbeats, which made the instrumental ear-catching. (9/10)
4. Flower Garden (휘리휘리) – Flower Garden takes on an orchestral sound, which gives way to a remarkable song with a few epic moments. If you have been following my site for a while now, you know I have a soft spot for songs with amazing orchestral instrumentation and I clearly fallen for this song. I liked the incorporation of the electric guitars in the bridge and the ending felt like a musical ending. All the vocals were amazing in this song. (9/10)
5. Tik Tik(틱틱) – It is another bright song that suits the group. There were retro vibes at the very start and the instrumental sequence at the end of the song, which I thought was great. But while it seems okay at first, the chorus takes a somewhat unexpected turn. While the song does flow well, it seems like the verses and the choruses were from different songs and smashed into the song. I have to give props to the production for making it work. Their vocal work is nice (but it isn’t their best on the album). (8/10)
6. Bye – This song serves as the ballad on the album. While the instrumental and vocals were nice, it wasn’t exactly the most exciting song on the album and was also the most skippable track. I did, however, think the harmonies and when all the members sung together were highlights for the song. (7/10)
7. You Are My Star(별) – Like in the previous track, I liked it when they all sang together for the chorus. The alternating vocal and rap lines were very strong moments of the track. The track did feel quite linear (which may be its one downfall) but the happiness and gracefulness in their vocals do make it up. Overall, it was a great ending to the album. (8/10)
One of the few albums that were released in the past few weeks that I was aiming to have a closer look at is Dream Catcher’s Escape the Era. But unfortunately, my studies got in the way and prevented me from writing any album reviews (mainly because they are time intensive). So with no further delays, this is my review for Dream Catcher’s latest mini-album and comeback. Like always, I have opted to not look at the intro or instrumental of the title track in this review.
3. Mayday – With the constant comment that their songs are suitable for the Japanese anime opening markets, it was no surprise that one of their side tracks would fall into the same category. The song is takes on that rock style that has been associated with them since their debut last year. What was interesting was that there were moments in which the intense rock sound contrasted with the softer opening line to the second verse and the bridge (which introduced some piano into the song). While I did feel like the song lost energy through this, the way they brought their energy back up to complete song was really nice, which gives it that seal of approval from me. (8.5/10)
4. Which A Star (어느 별) – Taking us on a different route, Dream Catcher throws in a pleasant pop sound that is incredibly softer than any of their past title tracks. In a way, it was a well-earned rest from the intense nature of the title track and preceding song. The song features great vocals and had amazing melodies which made it nice to listen to. Some singers tend to go down the emotional route with their changeup on track lists, so I liked how Dream Catcher managed to go in a different direction (most likely as their title tracks are emotional driven). (8/10)
5. Scar (이 더럽고도 추한…) – Ending the album is the sound that do best. They bring back the rock instrumental for this ballad-like song. Unlike the other songs, I thought the verses were the strongest part of the song, as it showed more of the group’s vocal capabilities (it somehow felt more delicate and softer than in the previous song). The chorus was surprisingly lacking in energy despite the instrumental and the vocals in the chorus didn’t really have any momentum. I did also like the rapping and its accompanying instrumentation, which gave the song intensity and energy that was lacking from the chorus. (7/10)
Apologies for the delayed release of this album review. I just had some last minute things to focus on. Here is the long review for BTS’s latest album, Love Yourself: Tear. They had their comeback stage at the Billboard Music Awards this past Sunday and officially kicked off their promotions in South Korea last night. So with no further delays, here is my review!
Love Yourself: Tear Album Cover
1. Intro: Singularity (V Solo) – Opening the album is an R&B track with a really ‘smooth’ instrumental that does a really good job of reeling you into the song. While this is the case, the song is a tad too slow for my liking. But as it features only V, it allows him to stand out. His vocals are extremely husky here and it sounds awesome when it is on a blank canvas, like this minimalistic instrumental. (8/10)
3. The Truth Untold (전하지 못한 진심) (ft. Steve Aoki) – The group previously collaborated with Steve Aoki for Mic Drop last year, so it was quite surprising to see another collaboration between the two. This around, however, the focus is on the vocal line, who put out a really beautiful ballad. Their vocals alone just amaze me. I loved how it climaxes at the bridge by bringing some percussion into the mix. And the ending was just perfect, giving the song the perfect ending. (10/10)
4. 134340 (Pluto) – The song manages to becomes its own thing by the inclusion of the flute in the instrumental. You don’t really hear them all too often in KPOP, so it definitely has this fresh feel. The song ended up having this jazzy or coffee shop vibe, which I thought was rather cool. I like how the vocals pushed the boundaries of the song, particularly the chorus and how the rapping sat so well within the boundaries. (10/10)
5. Paradise (낙원) – Unfortunately, Paradise didn’t really appeal to my taste, mainly because it became rather repetitive towards the end. The song had thumping from the very start, which I thought gave the song a strong foundation. I think I am going to side with the raps in this song, rather than the vocals. Don’t get me wrong, the vocals were fantastic but the raps felt like they had more edge. I did like the end where everyone was singing together though. (8/10)
6. Love Maze – Once again, the song features great vocals and rap sequences where the emotions that the members put in were easily felt. The harmonies during the chorus were quite nice. But I wasn’t too drawn to the song as it felt quite ‘simple’. The song doesn’t really scream excitement and the instrumental felt plain than anything else. It was a decent song, just not the best. (7.5/10)
7. Magic Shop – As I hear more songs that mixes amazing vocals with EDM or electronic based music, I am definitely falling harder for them. Magic Shop definitely throws in amazing vocals and raps, similar to what we would get from a ballad from the group. But with the addition of a great drop and EDM-based, it just gives the song a boost of life. The song wasn’t exactly catchy but it was breathtaking. The only other thing that I wasn’t keen on were the raps. (9/10)
8. Airplane Pt 2 – This song features a Latin-based sound, which seems to be a growing trend within the industry. In this song, the members take you to a trip around the world with their lyrics. The raps did a good job at keeping the song feel so linear. They also added some roughness through the huskiness of the rapper’s voices. The vocals were nice. But I wasn’t really drawn towards the song. (7/10)
9. Anpanman – Anpanman is a Japanese cartoon superhero character, which I assume would be famous throughout Asia. The song falls onto the hip-hop side of the group, however, there was this enjoyable yet fun element to its sound, which made it memorable for me. Not particularly a fan of the vocals of the song, which were drawn out or adjusted to be deep. The rapping and bridge, on the other hand, were great points throughout the song. (7.5/10)
10. So What – Despite it featuring a heavy beat and a house genre instrumental, the song was quite easy on the ears. The song was exceptionally groovy and had a burst of energy from the chorus. It is one of the songs that I would consider to be actual ‘hype songs’ and can easily be slipped into a playlist at a party. Really liked RM’s opening line to the rap. Overall, it was one great song. (9/10)
11. Outro: Tears – The song focuses on the rapper line. Like how movies tend to end on cliff-hangers, this song is probably the equivalent of that. The song basically keeps you on edge the entire time and despite it closing up very nicely, it does make you want the next album release instantly. It also shows off the rappers and their potential once again. The instrumental was a lot darker in comparison to rest of the album. The only section I am not into is Suga’s autotuned rap but it was one damn good outro song. (9/10)
Apologies for the lack of album reviews in the past week. I had to drop them temporarily due to my studies (it got hectic real fast). Now that the first hurdle is over, I am glad I can finally edit and publish on that I was holding for a few weeks now. Lovelyz made their comeback with That Day, which earned them their second trophy. It is the lead title track off their 4th mini-album, Heal. With no further delay, here is my album review!
3. Bizarre (미묘미묘해) – Bizarre is an upbeat and bright pop track with a cutesy vibe and retro feel. It is super catchy. It follows well after the title track with its ‘fun’ sound. Despite that, there was a ‘serious’ pre-chorus, which zoned right into the strong vocals and built up perfectly into the chorus. The verses were extremely colourful, which I really liked. Most awkward part of the song was definitely the end, where this deep tone came in. Quirky can be used to describe it but too random for my taste. Overall, a near-perfect song. (9.5/10)
4. Temptation – This contrast nicely with a more serious and mature tone. I really like the synth in the background that gives the song an almost futuristic sound. While the vocals don’t really hit that peak as in their previous two tracks, it sounds equally as nice here. The chorus provided a blast of energy which made it feel so refreshing. And the change-up did wonders to the track. Lovelyz don’t rap too often, so it did feel a little foreign to hear a rap sequence in their song. Following the rap was a soft piece of melodic music. Not too much of a fan of that but it gave a very different feel. (9/10)
5. Watercolour (수채화) – The mandatory ballad on all album releases is back to bite us. The song does showcase nice vocals, like in their previous tracks. There were nice ballads. However, it felt like your typical sweet-sounding ballad that girl groups tend to throw onto their albums. It sadly is the least interesting track on this album but still decent to listen to. (7/10)
6. SHINING★STAR – The song fondly reminds me of their previous album. It starts off with a very typical pop sound but instantly changes up with a chaotic piece of music lasting for a few seconds, which reminds me of ‘retro sounding video games’. The thumping in the verses and fast tempo really makes the song stand out. Chorus was nice however I felt the vocals were overshadowed by the intensity of the instrumental. From the second verse onwards, the song was quite repetitive, with nothing new to offer. The end of the song follows an energetic formula but was sadly too abrupt for my taste. (8/10)
The Rose probably is high up there on the list of underrated artists that need recognition fast for their talent. This is especially since after their latest comeback with Baby (link below). They have a unique sound that is unheard of on the KPOP platform, which makes them stand out. So, it only makes sense to have a closer look at their very first mini-album, right? Well, that is what we are doing today! Also featured on the mini-album are their two past title tracks, which I have very brief comments regarding them in the review below (since I have not done a review for them).
Void Album Cover
1..Candy (So Good) – What really draws my attention to most of The Rose’s songs is the British Pop and indie feel, which they were first known for. It is extremely unique in both the KPOP and Korean music scene. Candy features really husky yet nice and interesting vocals. It is the literal icing on the cake for this song. As for the song, I thought the song would have built up but it remained relatively consistent. While I have mentioned this being an issue for past songs, this is a key charm of this tracks. Its only main flaw is its shortness. (9/10)
3. I.L.Y. – What this song is a beautiful ballad. It starts off extremely slow (which works really well) and then the introduction of the drums (and some energy) into the ballad really gave it a fresh breath of life. The chorus was also extremely nice with harmonies throughout the chorus giving the song that beauty to making it beautiful. (9/10)
4. Sorry – Sorry was released back in August 2017. It features an awesome opener (which is also the start of the choruses) that really grabs your attention from the get-go. Their vocals were also a defining moment of the song with the huskiness on display (but not as much as in the first track). I found the chorus to be a great section of the song to just ‘rock’ along with. Since its release in August, I found that I would continually come back to this song. Even until this day, I haven’t grown tired of it, which shows its longevity and quality. (10/10)
5. Like We Used To (좋았는데) – Like We Used To was released in October. Unfortunately, out of all the tracks that they have released thus far, this one is the least interesting (in my point of view). The instrumental does stand out as there were plenty of good moments within the song (despite the depressing lyrics). The vocals, on the other hand, were lacking and just plain. (6/10)
Smelling beautiful for their comeback is VIXX and their 3rd studio album, EAU DE VIXX. The new album features 12 songs, including Scentist and Shangri-La (links below). I only reviewed 11 as the 12th track is the instrumental version of Scentist. This is another long review, so let’s get right into it!
2. Odd Sense– There were parts of the song which I liked, while there were parts I wasn’t a fan of. Let’s start off with the positives. I really enjoyed the build-up during the pre-chorus and at the start of the song (0:10-0:13 of the song). The way the chorus actually ended was interesting and unique sounding. Also, Ravi’s rapping overall in this song was quite cool, slaying with each line. Moving to the negatives. Unfortunately, the vocals felt standard and the verses were quite plain. The song also felt dragged out. It also didn’t feel that catchy. (7/10)
3. Silence – Unlike what the title seems to allude to, the song is not ‘silent’. It opts for trap elements and a pretty good beat. It also has a very appealing sound as it doesn’t go overboard with obnoxious drops (which would have worked in this song). The build-up to the chorus was awesome. The vocals and raps were amazing. It was quite catchy, with the English lines in the chorus being my absolute favourite. The only aspect which I didn’t like was the bridge but it was still one great song. (9/10)
4.MyValentine – This song has a seductive sound yet a somewhat minimalistic instrumental. I really like the short piano moment between the vocals and raps during the verses. Once again, I thought the verses were boring and that extremely deep ‘How Do I Know That?‘ line was unfitting for the majority of the singing (which was at a higher pitch). I did like the falsetto singing but it wasn’t enough to win me over. (5/10)
5. Circle – Circle is a slow-ish R&B song that sadly is another miss for me. It just felt bland and doesn’t really draw any attention to itself. The song, too, focuses on falsetto vocals, which were okay. I did like how the song ended with a subtle hint of piano, while the word ‘Circle’ repeated throughout did echo in my mind afterwards. (6/10)
6. Good Day – What makes this track stand out on the album is its upbeat vibes and the energy. In addition, I really liked the guitar in the instrumental. Unfortunately, I thought the vocals were kind of meh and the raps weren’t that memorable. But despite that, it was a funky track and the instrumental did its bid in making this song enjoyable. (8/10)
7. Escape – Like in the previous track, there are guitars in the instrumental. However, this song features guitars that are more fitting for the seriousness. Jumping out at me is how ‘VIXX’ the song is. Over time, they have managed to develop a certain sound that I associate with them and this song fits perfectly into that association. The vocals were good but not the best on the album. However, the raps do stand out quite a bit. The song didn’t have a strong hook but I can’t explain why I kept coming back for more. The ‘Run Away’ whisper at the end as the song faded out was also quite cool and definitely left an impression. (8/10)
8. Trigger – I thought the song had a smooth yet classy R&B sound to it. For the first time in this review, the verses were really cool and the pre-chorus was equally as awesome. The slight delay before the drop was used quite well here and it showcased an extremely catchy chorus. Great vocal work and Ravi’s rap (per usual) is amazing. Another great song on this album. (9/10)
9. Resemble(닮아) – This is the mandatory and only ballad featured on this album. It just isn’t really a strong track for the group and out of all the songs on the album, this was the least interesting/most skippable. The song did have an instrumental that was somewhat jazzy. And that felt like the most interesting thing to point out. (5/10)
10. Navy and Shining Gold – To give some background information, the two colours in the title are the official colours for VIXX and fandom. Using that information, it is clear that this song was for their fans. The upbeat chorus just makes you want to dance along. All the members showcased great vocals. It is a song that is aimed to make you feel good and that it does well! (8.5/10)
UNB is the male unit formed from the survival show The Unit: Idol Rebooting Project. They recently made their debut a few weeks back with double title tracks, which you can find down below. I have also made a series of special posts dedicated to The Unit, which you can find here by clicking any of the links (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3). Below are my thoughts on their new album. The female unit (UNI.T) will make their debut sometime in the near future, so keep your eyes peeled for their title track and album review!
3. Ride With Me – The hip-hop styled song was incredibly catchy. It did sound underwhelming at first, however with multiple listens, the song becomes quite addictive. The song had a really cool melody, shining the most during the chorus. My favourite bit was the second half of the chorus, with the catchy line “Left, Right…“. The song had great vocals and the rapping was quite decent. While it does lack impact in some ways, the song does become addictive. It could potentially have been a contender for the title track if it had somehow had a little more energy inserted into it. (9/10)
4. Rebooting (믿어줘) – Rebooting falls on the standard side of the spectrum. It is the most passable track on this album as it does feel quite plain. The pop sound was still pleasant, however and its features a modern instrumental. The rapping was good and the vocals were nice. The chorus was by the far the most interesting part due to its upbeat nature but it made the verses seem empty and plain. The bridge was also commendable but it too felt like it was going towards the ‘standard zone’. (6.5/10)
EXO-CBX made their long-awaited return with their second mini-album last week. The title track and mini-album share the same name, Blooming Days. A common theme that you will continually read throughout the review are comments in regards to how awesome the vocals and harmonies are within the album. For other comments, scroll down below!
Blooming Days Album Cover
1..Monday Blues – Opening the album is a smooth R&B track which features amazing vocals and harmonies. It is one of those songs that I can’t help swaying along to (which is a good thing though). It is rather slow-paced but it still features a decent chorus that seemed catchy. I really liked the ‘owoo-owoo-owoo‘ repetition, which was my favourite part. I am not a fan of the bridge, however, which felt rather boring when compared to the rest of the song. But overall, it was rather easy on the ears and felt like a well-paced song for the opener, leading onto the title track. (8/10)
3. Sweet Dreams (내일 만나) – The song has a moderate upbeat nature, which made the track extremely pleasant to listen to. Also featuring (and it seems to be a common theme in the album) are the harmonies and amazing vocals from the trio. I can say everything about the song was decent however it just didn’t seem to catch on. Likewise, the song just didn’t seem to peak, instead remaining consistent with how it initially started. (7/10)
4. Thursday – Returning to another R&B (and somewhat jazzy) song, first impressions for this track was that it was rather soothing and calming to listen to. The chorus shined brightly as the chorus was a lot louder compared to the verses, with the contrast working extremely well. Out of all the songs on the album, I like the vocals here the most. Especially, that falsetto bridge where Baekhyun and Chen alternate. (8/10)
5. Vroom Vroom – Upbeat track that sounds like was it was going to be an addictive addition to the album. And that it was. The chorus was rather unexpected, being dominated by loud synths that competed with the vocals. Yes, it was rather chaotic but it worked surprisingly well. The retro vibes were also quite strong. Also, almost non-existent on the album so far are the raps, which were nice and well-fitting to the song. (9/10)
6. Playdate – While this song showcased great vocal work and harmonies as well, it felt relatively plain and just didn’t feel captivated. It seems like a sweet swoon designed to swoon some fans but it just doesn’t really appeal to me. The falsetto was nice and the bridge was rather good. (6/10)
7. Lazy (휴일) – Like the previous track, I wasn’t really falling for this track. It had a nice sound and was pleasant sounding. I thought the chorus was rather simple, yet classy and elegant. The instrumental break was interesting, with a somewhat quirky synth in the background.But it just didn’t feel as memorable as I had expected it. Once again, nice vocals and the harmonies were great. I also felt the ending was a little too soon, as they should have eased off with the song, instead. (6/10)
Pentagon made their comeback at the start of the week with Shine. Shine is the title track off their 6th mini-album, titled as Positive. Pentagon’s last album review. Demo_01 and the title track off that album (Like This) put the group on my radar. And like that mini-album, Positive has proven to be a worthwhile album release. For more of my thoughts on the individual songs, read down below!
Positive Album Cover
1..Offroad – What really jumps out at you with Offroad is its striking yet cluttered instrumental. Despite it being jam-packed and somewhat messy, it works as a very cool aspect of the song. On top of that, it remains in the background, with the vocals and raps staying at the forefront of the song. Both elements were nice but I really like the huskiness of the rapper’s voices in this song. What it could have used was some hype, which would have made this track even better. It is a great opener track, overall. (9/10)
3. Think About You (생각해) – The song can be described as a slow R&B song with jazzy vibes. Following the intensity of the opening track and the upbeat nature of Shine, it was definitely a nice breather. The song seemed to focus more on the vocals but the rappers still had their moments throughout the song. There was a particular cheerful tone to the song. The song just ended up not being that memorable but it was still nice overall. (7.5/10)
4. Do It For Fun (재밌겠다) (Rapper Unit) – We all know (and I keep on saying time and time again) that rap-based songs aren’t really my cup of tea. But Do It For Fun is one awesome track. It was easy on the ears and quite catchy with the repetition. Given my past comments regarding the rappers, the delivery of their lines was really nice. Towards the end, it does turn into an anthem, which I thought was quite cool. It did go back to the way it started, which was an interesting change-up. Not sure which one would have been the better ending, but both were completely fine. (8/10)
5. Nothing I Can Do(보낼 수밖에) – This felt like your traditional ballad. However, there were some unconventional aspects of the instrumentation (especially in the chorus). Once again, the song focuses heavily on the vocals (but don’t worry, there were raps sequences in the song). All other aspects of the song were awesome. If I were to pick a song to compare this one too, it would be Pentagon’s Beautiful (which was my pick on non-title track of the year last year). I particularly like the violins (or guitar, not sure) at the end of the bridge. (8.5/10)
6. Let’s Go Together(함께 가자 우리) – This track as this ‘feel good’ style, which made it memorable for me. Once again, the vocals and raps both sounded quite pleasant in the song. I really liked the pre-chorus build-up where we get a taster from both sides of the team. The chorus itself was quite nice, with some harmonies between both the rappers and vocalists (which isn’t something you hear all too often). Likewise, the bridge was awesome due to the presence of harmonies. Its overall sound was an excellent way to end the album, where it made you feel good and cheerful afterwards. (9/10)
After 6 mini-albums, UP10TION had returned to the industry with their very first full-length studio album, Invitation. While they have yet to release a hit since their debut, this high-quality sounding album seems to confirm that this chart-topping track is just right around the corner. So let’s get this album review going! Per usual, I have left the intro track off the list.
3. Target On(반해, 안반해) – Despite having a very standard instrumental, I think the song has potential to be a contender for the title track. Right off the bat, it suits the UP10TION’s sound. It had a great level of intensity and the chorus can be deemed as catchy. While I don’t have that much to say about it, I would return to the album to listen to this song. (9/10)
4. Finally (오늘이야) – In general, I liked the instrumental for this, particularly the drum beat. This pop song managed to showcase both the potential for the vocalists and the rappers of UP10TION. The fading out at the ended seemed a little force in my opinion. But other than that, its simplicity speaks volume, especially when we are continually inundated with EDM and more intense genres. And like the previous, it is another track that I would love to hear continuously. (9.5/10)
5. Habit (습관) – We have the first ballad on the album. The stormy sound effects do set the mood of the song, automatically making the song emotional. The start of the chorus was amazing and it is another ballad that has that swaying effect (which earns big ticks for me). The start of the rapping sequence was awkward but the rapping (overall) was decent. The change-up in the bridge was nice, while the vocalists got another chance to shine. (8/10)
6. Mixed Signals (모호해) – Opening Mixed Signals are some odd synths and a cough. And while it might be a little non-traditional, its uniqueness makes the song intriguing. I hope my ears are not playing tricks on me, but those some synths seem to play throughout the song (though very quietly). The song is perfect for hanging out on a Summer’s day. I particularly thought the bridge was cool and the drop into the final chorus made the final moments of the song pop out even more. (9/10)
7. Always(이대로) – Right off the bat, you get this cheerful sound from its uplifting instrumental. This makes the song pleasant and refreshing. Once again, the raps and vocals were on point. It features a catchy chorus and melodic hook. While the song does suffer from the ‘standard syndrome’, the group managed to nail its delivery very well. (9/10)
8. Superstar – I really like the ‘secret agent’ styled instrumental, which made his track feel quite cool. I also liked the ‘Superstar’ repetition at the start of the song (which was also played throughout the song). The chorus was also quite nice and it reminded me of a song that I just cannot think of right now. I think both the vocals and raps could have been more powerful, with some aggressive vibes fitting the instrumental perfectly. (8/10)
9. Love Sick – The song has this one guitar riff which I thought was awesome (just before the chorus). While we are also talking about the chorus, it was extremely explosive. I think the song could have benefited more if you listen to it with good speakers capable to inserting some bass into the song. I personally want to see a performance to this song and I think it is another track that could have rivalled the title track. (8/10)
10. Still With You(시간아 멈춰서) – This is the second ballad on the album and it is the one song that I am on the fence on. One part of me likes the normal pitched vocals, but I am not a fan of the falsetto vocals by Jinhoo here. Its effect is decent but it just felt pushy. Only the vocalists performed this song if I am not mistaken. And other than the falsetto, I think it was a decent track. (7/10)
11. I Need You (예고 없이) – I love the explosive nature of the instrumental of this track, which grabs your attention. It also is the one that features the rappers to an approximate level, who tend to be limited to a few seconds in some of their songs. And before you assume that I was not a fan of the falsetto songs here (I know, how contradicting of me), I think they were a much better match for the song. Once again, I would love to return to listen to this track, mainly due to its energy. (8/10)
Overall Album Rating – 8.3/10
Invitation Individual Teasers (taken from Wishnote)
Wanna One is the latest group to make their comeback in the past week. They completely took over the latter half of 2017 with their comebacks and it is expected, with their fan following, to do extremely well this year as well. Their second mini-album consists of Boomerang, two versions of the pre-release track (I.P.U) and 4 other songs. So let’s get going with Wanna One’s album review!
0+1=1 (I Promise You) Album Cover
1..Gold – There was an epic and grand feel to this track. It isn’t the most amazing track out there but it was a nice opener to the album. The EDM (and rolling drum beat) instrumental was awesome. The vocals were quite smooth, while the rappers were also quite nice. The song had a nice melodic hook that was enjoyable and pleasing to listen to. (8/10)
4. We Are – This seems to be the weakest track on the entire album. It has potential to be an awesome track. However, some aspects do hold it back. The drop could have been more epic. Everything in the EDM instrumental works, just the drops just didn’t feel special or mind-blowing. Rather disappointing, if you don’t mind me being blunt. The vocals and raps each add a different texture but it all cohesive. Finally, the final moments of the song just feel like an unnecessary extension of the song. It draws it out longer, which doesn’t make much sense. (6/10)
5. Look (보여) – Just with one listen to the track, I want to see this being promoted alongside the title track (or even replacing the title track). The instrumental to this track is particularly attention-grabbing and epic. When the song first started, I thought the song went with a jazzy style but I was caught off guard with the EDM elements that emerged later on. I also liked the launch into the final chorus and the choppy effect at the very end of the song. (9/10)
6. Your Name (너의 이름을) – Your Name is a ballad on the album. It has a nice melody and the vocals were quite heartfelt. The rappers also contributed by ensuring the song wasn’t boring or too repetitive. I really like the orchestral-like instrumental and everyone knows I am a sucker for violins. I liked how all the members sung together in the final chorus. (8/10)
7. I.P.U (약속해요) (Confession Version) – Different versions of the same song make you feel different emotions. I.P.U‘s original version (see track 2) is EDM based, while this version is more ballad-like. And it is clear that the song works both ways. In a way, the song sounds very emotional and extremely heartfelt. The vocalists shine with the ballad style, while the rappers (with some tweaking) managed to work well despite the limited scope of the instrumental. Some reshuffling and parts were removed but everything worked. Overall, it was a nice closer to the album. (9/10)
