Category: Album Reviews

[Album Review] GOLDEN HOUR Pt. 1 (10th Mini Album) – ATEEZ

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I kick off the new week with another album review—this time for ATEEZ’s GOLDEN HOUR Pt. 1 mini-album. This is their 10th Korean mini-album since their debut, and it features the title track WORK (alongside 5 other songs). GOLDEN HOUR Pt. 1 is a consistent mini-album, ranking in the very good territory (if I had to name the album rating more descriptively). It doesn’t blow me away, but I appreciate the good songs on the mini-album.

More recently, ATEEZ returned with their 11th mini-album, the second part of the GOLDEN HOUR series. It is headlined by the single Ice On My Teeth, so check out the song in its review if you haven’t done so yet.

GOLDEN HOUR Pt. 1 Album Cover

1. Golden Hour – The intro track to the mini-album features a thought-provoking narration that questions the ‘greatest moments’ in life – are they those that are the brightest and most memorable moments, or are they the ordinary moments (for example, a dinner or hearing each other laugh) that you spend with loved ones such as family and friends? The narration is over the top of a soft and paced instrumentation that makes it sound heavenly.

2. Blind – Right off the bat, ATEEZ feels like they are in their wheelhouse in Blind, a track with a fiesta flair to bring out a fun and vibrant sound. The instrumental hits hard, especially with the accordion-like and brass instruments used during the song’s instrumental breaks. The outro also hits hard for similar reasons. Blind also features playful raps from the group, though the vocal work was a bit standard for my liking and didn’t meet the bar that the rest of the song set. (8/10)   

3. WORK (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for WORK. (7/10)

4. Empty Box – Empty Box is a softer pop track that I remember for having a soothing effect. While there is a standard trap-like layer in its instrumental, I enjoyed the guitars’ presence, which grounded the song and channelled that already mentioned soothing effect. Vocally, I was very impressed with the huskier tones in the choruses and the breathy delivery the members adopted in the track. JONGHO’s vocals in the pre-choruses were exceptionally stunning, while HONGJOONG’s louder and shoutier raps were an interesting contrast to the rest of Empty Box. (8/10)

5. Shaboom – In Shaboom, we get pronounced reggae in the verses, while the choruses adopt crunchy and textural synths. By the song’s end, we hear Shaboom go fully electronic, retaining the crunchy texture. Altogether, it’s a very intriguing combination that does give me whiplash. But it ultimately works in my mind. JONGHO and the rappers ensure that the ATEEZ roots are kept in the song, though I cannot think of any other artist who would release Shaboom. The soft and elongated ‘Shaboom’ in the background at the start of the choruses is a very unserious detail that gets me each time I listen to the song. (8/10)

6. Siren – Ending the album is Siren, which brings us back to hip-hop and dance territory. While the instrumental does ‘pop off’ with its cool percussion, Siren is the mini-album’s plainest song. But it is definitely the most effective song that didn’t have me umming or uhhing at any point of the song. All the members were super engaging, and I really enjoyed the ‘Ringing siren’ chant at the end, where it goes from whispery to shouty. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8/10

  • HONGJOONG’s teaser image for GOLDEN HOUR Pt. 1
  • SEONGHWA’s teaser image for GOLDEN HOUR Pt. 1
  • YUNHO’s teaser image for GOLDEN HOUR Pt. 1
  • YEOSANG’s teaser image for GOLDEN HOUR Pt. 1
  • SAN’s teaser image for GOLDEN HOUR Pt. 1
  • MINGI’s teaser image for GOLDEN HOUR Pt. 1
  • WOOYOUNG’s teaser image for GOLDEN HOUR Pt. 1
  • JONGHO’s teaser image for GOLDEN HOUR Pt. 1

[Album Review] Troubleshooting (1st Studio Album) – Xdinary Heroes

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The next album up for a review on the blog is Xdinary Heroes’ 1st studio-length album, Troubleshooting. This album was released at the end of April and features 10 songs, including the title track Little Things. Xdinary Heroes impressed me with this album, which contains no songs worth skipping. Four songs got a 10/10 rating from me, and no songs went below 8/10. That is impressive and makes Troubleshooting one of the highest-rated albums this year thus far.

More recently, Xdinary Heroes also returned with their 5th mini-album, Live and Fall. I have reviewed the title track Night Before The End. The band has also been releasing monthly singles since June through their 2024 Xperiment Project, such as Love & Fear, Boys Comic, Save Me & iNSTEAD (ft. YB Yoon Do Hyun), all of which also form part of their Live & Fall mini-album.

Troubleshooting Album Cover

1. No Matter – No Matter grabbed and held onto me with its intensity. This is a bold track to start the album and get people hooked to the rest of the album. But Xdinary Heroes nailed it. The band’s rock instrumental was super-duper prolific and energetic, maintaining both a head-banging and foot-tapping (it is hard to not do both!) vibe throughout the song from start to end. Powerful vocals are also in the song to match the intensity and energy (as you would hope). But it also added texture and grunginess to the mix, making No Matter even better. (10/10)

2. Little Things (어리고 부끄럽고 바보 같은) – Click here for the full review for Little Things. (8/10)

3. UNDEFINED – To me, UNDEFINED starts with a little more pace during the verses and a mysteriousness to its pre-chorus before launching into similar intensity in its chorus as the initial track. Once again, the rock instrumentation was very cool. The drumming gave UNDEFINED suspense and bass, while the electric guitar in the chorus was pure electric. I just think it could have been longer. (9/10)

4. Paint It – Paint It continues the rock intensity coursing throughout the album thus far. It starts off with some fun and playful instrumentation, which the later intriguing and catchy “Ra-pa Ra-pa Ra-pa la-la-la-la” post-chorus hook is layered over. I really liked the playfulness the members added to the song via the different textures and tones they adopted throughout the song. Gaon and O.de pair up to rap alongside one another in the first and last choruses, which were executed well. In place of a bridge, Paint It opts for some guitar shredding and intense rock vibes that just give Paint It even more character and personality. (9/10)

5. Money On My Mind – Xdinary Heroes keeps to a clean and traditional rock profile in Money On My Mind. I like how straightforward the song is, unlike other songs on this album. I liked how the energy never lets up, and the choruses hit the ‘just right’ vibes. The guitar work by Jun Han in the instrumental break was superb, and those ad-libs at the end just give Money On My Mind something a little wild and out-there that fits Xdinary Heroes’ usual style. (9/10)

6. Dreaming Girl (꿈을 꾸는 소녀) – Dreaming Girl speaks of a girl who is struggling to follow her dream, with Xdinary Heroes telling her that everything will be okay and to be persistent with what she wants. It is a comforting song, especially since it has a bit of emotion to it. You can hear it in the music and the heftier atmosphere that the song exudes. The members sound very genuine, and I like this more vulnerable side of the band. (8/10)

7. until the end of time – The band continues exploring their emotional side with this rock ballad. until the end of time is about the feelings upon realising that the promise one makes to be by their partner’s side ‘until the end of time’ is broken. I really love the emotional outpour reflected in both the music and vocals. You can hear the heartbreak and the dwindling hope the promise might be upheld behind the members’ delivery. And it is this that convinces me that until the end of time is another 10/10 ballad under Xdinary Heroes’ name. (10/10)

8. Walking To The Moon – After two vulnerable songs, Walking To The Moon brings a bit of cheer back into the album and puts a smile on my face. There is a slight groove to the song, thanks to the electric guitar and keyboard in the instrumentation. The vocals were awesome, and the energy that came from the chorus was delightful. (9/10)

9. MONEYBALL – MONEYBALL is the song from the Troubleshooting album I see everyone raving about online. And I agree with them. MONEYBALL returns the group’s energetic side and goes hard, particularly in the choruses. The instrumental goes down a prolific rock direction, with the guitars giving MONEYBALL great texture. I like that whispery delivery in the first verse and how it got relatively shoutier in the second verse. The chorus itself was a highlight, with great vocal melodies and the shoutier delivery of the song’s title, which also had me mouthing it alongside them. (10/10)

10. Night of Fireworks (불꽃놀이의 밤) – The final song on the album is Night of Fireworks. And it is another great yet deceiving song since it is a breakup song. Yeah, I regret digging into the lyrics for this one because I feel really wrong for vibing with the instrumentation whilst Xdinary Heroes is singing about their final night with their former lover. But the consistent drumming in the instrumental has just great head-banging energy, and I love the little synth work amid all of the band instrumentation. Another 10/10 for me, despite the bittersweetness Night of Fireworks holds. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9.2/10

  • GAON’s teaser image for Troubleshooting
  • ODE’s teaser image for Troubleshooting
  • JUN HAN’s teaser image for Troubleshooting
  • JUNGSU’s teaser image for Troubleshooting
  • JOOYEON’s teaser image for Troubleshooting
  • GUNIL’s teaser image for Troubleshooting

[Album Review] EXHIBITION: Look Closely (1st Single Album) – YOOK SUNGJAE (BTOB)

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The next album for review is YOOK SUNGJAE’s single EXHIBITION: Look Closely, released earlier this year. Like standard single albums, this one featured three solo songs, including the title track BE SOMEBODY. This is his first solo release since leaving CUBE Entertainment at the end of last year and signing with iWill Media. He also remains a BTOB member.

Exhibition: Look Closely Album Cover

1. BE SOMEBODY (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for BE SOMEBODY. (8/10)

2. Without You – While I am not a fan of the consistent use of the metallic twang and similar effects in Without You, the choruses hit the spot for me. The instrumentation was gratifying and reminded me of the early 00s punk rock vibe. YOOK SUNGJAE’s vocals are superb throughout Without You, and I love how prolific he gets during the choruses. (8.5/10)

3. The Ghost – Similar to a recent song review I posted, a full English song from YOOK SUNGJAE was unexpected. But he sounds good in The Ghost. His vocals are a definite highlight and you can feel the emotions. I do think the producers could have gotten more out of YOOK SUNGJAE had The Ghost been in Korean, just for a better connection to what he is singing in The Ghost. The track combines band instrumentation and synths to make a dramatic single. But I think the instrumentation could have felt more polished and refined to hit the nail on the head of the dramatic flair. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.2/10

Teaser Image for Exhibition: Look Closely / BE SOMEBODY

[Album Review] BLOSSOM (3rd Mini Album) – Doh Kyung Soo (D.O – EXO)

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Just months after it was confirmed that Doh Kyung Soo (otherwise known as D.O from EXO) was leaving SM Entertainment to open his own entertainment company for his solo work (he will still be represented by SM Entertainment for EXO activities), the artist dropped his third mini-album, BLOSSOM or 성장. The mini-album features the pre-release single Popcorn, the title track Mars and four additional side tracks to enjoy. Honestly, there is no bad song on this mini-album, which reconfirms his status and potential to me as a solo artist beyond his group activities with EXO. At the time of BLOSSOM‘s release (May 2024), it was less than a year since Doh Kyung Soo released his second mini-album, Expectation, led by the single Somebody.

This is the final album review I have lined up for my ongoing break (one more pre-planned song review before I am officially back on Wednesday to post the next Weekly KPOP Charts and plenty more reviews coming your way after that!).

BLOSSOM Album Cover

1. Mars (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Mars. (9/10)

2. Simple Joys (우리가 몰랐던 것들) – Simple Joys is a fairly simple song. Doh Kyung Soo delivers easy-on-the-ear melodies, and I enjoyed the upward inflection he uses when he ends some of the words in the lyrics during the verses. The acoustic instrumental features a light Latin influence to them. It follows the same idea of being simple, keeping it subtle yet just noticeable. The flute was also a nice touch and helped tie together the song as a whole piece. (8/10)   

3. Popcorn (Pre-Release Track) – Popcorn is a catchy pop track from Doh Kyung Soo. It is a light-hearted track with a memorable ring to it, thanks to the simple melodies, upbeat acoustic instrumentals and the simple utterance of the song’s title, Popcorn, in Doh Kyung Soo’s voice. His vocals are prominently featured in Popcorn and I loved how pronounced they felt in the track. I also highly recommend you watch the music video (see below), as Doh Kyung Soo is playfully cute and embraces himself in the video as he likens his feelings of love to the idea of popcorn. (9/10)

4. Good Night (오늘에게) – Good Night takes the form of a pop ballad. It starts off like a lullaby, complete with a rainy backdrop to make you feel sleepy. But as Good Night progresses, it introduces a heavy beat in the background; the other parts of the instrumentation begin building, and Doh Kyung Soo’s vocals soar. However, that being said, Doh Kyung Soo’s vocals are still soothing and warming throughout the song, and the melodies are still paced enough to get you drifting off to sleep whilst listening to Good Night. (8/10)

5. My Dear (매일의 고백) – My Dear is another acoustically instrumented track, this time with just an acoustic guitar. Doh Kyung Soo’s vocals are charming and warm in My Dear. Just the way he expresses himself, you can tell that he sings about love, and you can feel the giddiness that he feels whilst singing the song. (8/10)

6. About Time (어제의 너, 오늘의 나) – The final track on this mini-album is About Time. It is another pop ballad. You can feel the passion and emotions he puts behind his vocals in this song. The moment he launches into this passionate delivery is breathtaking and captivating. It is the moment I find myself returning to quite a bit, which elicits a listen out of me each time. An easy 10/10 track, in my opinion. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.7/10

Doh Kyung Soo’s teaser image for BLOSSOM / Mars.

[Album Review] You Had Me At Hello (3rd Mini Album) – ZEROBASEONE

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ZEROBASEONE is next in the lineup of reviews I have ready to post while I am on a little break before the end-of-year preparations kick in for me. The main focus of this post is their third mini-album, You Had Me At Hello, which was released in May of this year. Led by the pre-release single SWEAT and the title track Feel The POP, the mini-album features seven songs (including a sped-up version of the title track). Overall, it was a fair mini-album.

Since this particular comeback, the group has released their first original Japanese single, YURA YURA (which I will review in the future), and dropped their fourth Korean mini-album, Cinema Paradise (which features the title track GOOD SO BAD).

You Had Me At Hello Album Cover

1. Solar Power – The cool introduction to Solar Power felt like the album was being powered up. It brings quite an edgy energy to the song every time that intro sequence recurs in Solar Power. I quite liked the use of the deeper voices in this track, particularly in this recurring sequence, as well as the hefty beat and the trap elements in the instrumentation. Altogether, we get a cool hip-hop dance track out of Solar Power. I just think the song needed a more vibrant hook. (8/10)

2. Feel The POP (Title Track) – The track has grown on me slightly since I reviewed it. As such, I will be bumping up the song rating for Feel The POP to a 7/10. Click here for my original thoughts on Feel The POP. (7/10)

3. Dear ECLIPSE – Dear ECLIPSE takes us into R&B territory. Great vocals from the members, who fit in well with the R&B genre. The synths used in the instrumental felt quite dreamy, which I put down to how the rounded beat had a bit of a rebounding effect, which helped smooth out the background of Dear ECLIPSE. But while good, the song could have used a rap sequence. This would help cut through the smoothness and dreamy vibes that Dear ECLIPSE exudes, which tends to feel overly consistent. (8/10)

4. SWEAT (Pre-Release Track) – Click here for the full review for SWEAT. (8/10)

5. Sunday Ride – We turn to an upbeat mid-tempo pop track in Sunday Ride. It has a fun vibe to it. The vibrant energy I feel radiating off Sunday Ride makes me smile. It truly felt like a song you have playing while on a car trip with your friends. The feel-good vocals, the rapping that gives Sunday Ride some oomph and the all-member “Baby Baby” in the chorus were all my favourite parts of the song. (9/10)

6. Hello – The last original song on You Had Me At Hello is Hello, an acoustic guitar ballad. The song itself includes the title of the mini-album in its lyrics. The vocals work was nice, and you could feel the emotions for the fans the members put into Hello. I like the ending, where the powerful vocals suddenly take over before softening to close the song. It is that extra push from the members to make sure their passion (on top of all that emotion already mentioned) is captured in the song. (8/10)

7. Feel The POP (Sped-up Version) – See above for my review for Feel The POP.

Overall Album Rating – 8/10

[Overall album rating updated on 17/11/2024 due to calculation error]

ZEROBASEONE’s group teaser image for You Had Me At Hello / Feel The POP

[Album Review] Colours (2nd Mini Album) – Solar (MAMAMOO)

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The next album up for review on my blog is Solar’s 2nd mini-album, Colours, which was released back in April. It features the rock-ballad hybrid title track, But I, the contrasting single Colors (yeah, the spelling between this song title and the mini-album title confuses me) and an additional four songs. It follows on from Solar’s 1st mini-album, 容: Face, released two years ago (but I never got around to reviewing) and led by the single HONEY (which I reference below).

Colours Album Cover

1. Colors – Click here for the full review for Colors. (8/10)

2. But I (벗아이) – Click here for the full review for But I. (9/10)

3. Empty (텅) – Empty is a pop ballad Solar had written when she was lonely. The vocals were superb (did you hear that soaring high note and those ad-libs at the end?), and the melodies had this fluttery effect. The instrumentation was more on the typical side, but I don’t think that detracts from the rest of the song. (7.5/10)

4. Honey Honey – If you think this is a double-concentrated version of her last title track (HONEY, released in 2022), you guessed wrong. Honey Honey goes down more of an R&B route. What I liked about Honey Honey is how the producers set the song apart from other R&B numbers by getting Solar to self-amplify herself in terms of vocals and a more pronounced instrumental. I love the resultant oomph Honey Honey has, and the strings in the pre-choruses were a very cool moment. (9/10)

5. Easy Peasy – Easy Peasy is a folksy song featuring acoustic instrumentation and Solar singing in a high-pitched demeanour. While the folk direction is not my cup of tea, I liked how Solar handled and controlled her delivery throughout the song. The melodies are nostalgic, as well. (8/10)

6. Blues – Blues is an epic number to end the mini-album with. I remember being blown away when I first checked out the mini-album months ago. And I love that even after all this time, Solar still amazes me with her jaw-dropping and stunning vocals in Blues. I LOVED how the sexy and sultry bluesy energy that Solar exudes from this song, as well as the grandness of the instrumental. No wonder Blues emerged as my favourite, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to be blown away. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.6/10

Teaser image for Colours

[Album Review] IVE SWITCH (2nd Mini Album) – IVE

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On the album review front, IVE is next up in the hot seat with their second mini album, IVE SWITCH, released in April 2024. Led by the singles HEYA and Accendio, this mini-album features six songs. IVE SWITCH is quite a strong release for the girl group and is a definite improvement from their last era (Baddie) and mini-album (I’VE MINE, which I never got around to reviewing). More thoughts on this particular mini-album down below!

IVE SWITCH Album Cover

1. HEYA (해야) (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for HEYA. (9/10)

2. Accendio (Title Track) – Accendio has grown immensely on me since I reviewed it. I have probably listened to the song more times than HEYA and have decided to bump the rating for Accendio to be on par with HEYA. Click here for the full review for Accendio. (9/10)

3. Blue Heart –To me, Blue Heart is the synth-centric cousin of the Accendio. There is something magical about the song, particularly in the charming chorus. The instrumental features fast-paced synth work, giving the song propulsion and a chic exterior. The vocals were nice, and something is captivating about the autotune over the spoken vocals in the choruses that just feels right in this song. The pre-choruses feel effortlessly blissful. There is a lot to like in Blue Heart, so it ranks high in this album. (9/10)

4. Ice Queen – As for Ice Queen, this is the more haunting relative of Accendio. It has all the maturity and mysteriousness that Accendio is characterised by. A difference is the hip-hop influence that the chorus features, which works well. On top of that, I enjoyed the bubbly synth work that adds that mysterious touch to the song and the “Woo Ah Woo” follow-ups in the song. If I wanted anything further, I think Ice Queen would have benefited from some sharpness. But another strong song from the group! (9/10)

5. Wow – Following on from the string of 9/10 songs, Wow does feel more standard than the rest. But that doesn’t mean Wow is not a good song. The pop song features extremely pleasant vocals and a textural chorus that I enjoyed. (8/10)

6. Reset – Reset confirms that this album had no bad songs. I really liked the use of Afrobeats in this track. I was lowkey having a mini dance whilst listening to the song and writing this part of the review. I enjoyed this subtle feel of the song, which makes Reset so good. The vocals were cute and the hooks were catchy. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.8/10

IVE Switch Teaser Image

[Album Review] YOUTH (1st Studio Album) – DOYOUNG (NCT)

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Another album review today (standard transmission of song reviews will resume tomorrow and into the weekend). This time, it is for DOYOUNG’s debut solo album, titled 청춘의 포말 or YOUTH. This was released in April and features 10 songs, including the title track Little Light. DOYOUNG is the 3rd member to have an official solo release in NCT, following TAEYONG and MARK.

YOUTH is a remarkable album that shows us a few styles of music, all intersecting with one another through DOYOUNG’s heavenly and stunning vocals. There are literally no bad songs on this album, making it one of the highest-ranked albums of the year thus far. A definite recommend to anyone who is looking for a new artist to delve into.

청춘의 포말 (YOUTH) Album Cover

1. Beginning (새봄의 노래) – Beginning (not an exact reference to the song) the album is a stunner. Beginning (the song) is a beautiful track that starts soft and delicate. As it progresses, it builds into a powerful track that captivates you. The piano is the song’s best part, with the recurring riff being so lovely. DOYOUNG vocals follow the same trajectory as the instrumental and add to that captivation, making it hard to skip this opening song. (10/10)

2. Little Light (반딧불) (Title Track) – Click here for the full review of Little Light. (9.5/10)

3. From Little Wave (나의 바다에게) – Rock infuses into the album through From Little Wave. From the start, I liked how DOYOUNG controlled From Little Wave, turning what arguably sounded like strong rock elements into a soft song with his vocals. However, as the song progresses, the rock takes over. But it doesn’t overwhelm DOYOUNG’s vocals, which remain the song’s focal point. Another great song with a strong trajectory. (9/10)

4. Time Machine (ft. TAEYEON (SNSD) & MARK (NCT)) – Of all the tracks on the album aside from the title track, there was a lot of anticipation of Time Machine. After all, it features DOYOUNG, TAEYEON and MARK – all big names from SM Entertainment. I love how dreamy the track was, with beautiful acoustics as part of its mid-tempo instrumentation. All three members sound amazing, but it was best at the end with their harmonies and DOYOUNG and TAEYEON’s ad-libs. (9/10)

5. Serenade (내가 됐으면 해) – Another dreamy vocal track from DOYOUNG. This one taps into R&B and has this jazzy vibe to it. I love how soothing his vocals are on this track at times and how warm the track sounds. However, this song is on more of the typical side than the others on the album. But it still liked how Serenade sounds nonetheless. (8/10)

6. Rewind (끝에서 다시) – Rewind is the type of ballad you must close your eyes to and just let DOYOUNG take you away. I don’t think there is any other plausible way to appreciate the song. The best way I can describe Rewind is using a painting analogy – the piano-only instrumental would serve as a blank and smooth canvas that makes paint easy. In contrast, DOYOUNG vocals (which were so raw and emotive) would serve as the brush strokes that make up the painting on the canvas. Rewind was truly a beautiful listen. (10/10)

7. Warmth (온기) – Ironically, I get chills listening to Warmth, from DOYOUNG’s vocals which are breathtaking in Warmth. He is a lot breathier in the song, making his vocals feel silky and smooth. I also enjoyed how his vocals build in the song. The classical instrumental is really beautiful itself. Another amazing ballad to earn a 10/10. (10/10)

8. Lost In California – Lost in California plays with dynamics, which makes it an interesting song. Lost In California goes almost grungy in the choruses, but the verses are much softer. The bridge takes a balladry turn. DOYOUNG perfected the transitions between each, ensuring the song stays cohesive despite each section being distinct. The launch between verse and chorus was impactful, while he tapers the end of the grungier choruses with a wispy, memorable tone. I also love how he delivers the “Dream in” and the “Leave here” in the outro. (10/10)

9. Rest (쉼표) – Rest is quite likeable thanks to its pop melodies and the overall energy exuded from the song. The band instrumental is quite refreshing and upbeat, while the electric guitars help give the song some zing. I find it a bit standard compared to the string of songs preceding it, but still a good listen. (8/10) 

10. Dallas Love Field – Closing out YOUTH is Dallas Love Field, which delves into the pop rock subgenre. I liked how passionate and vibrant DOYOUNG’s vocals were throughout Dallas Love Field. At times, I thought DOYOUNG slipped into a dreamy demeanour, which was an intriguing direction for an upbeat pop-rock track like Dallas Love Field. I loved it when the backing vocals came into play, and DOYOUNG moved into ad-libs territory. I just wished he finished the song by easing out and not being abrupt as it was. But it’s a wonderful end to the album nonetheless. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9.3/10

청춘의 포말 (YOUTH) Teaser Image

[Album Review] Starlit of Muse/Starlit of Twinkle (1st Studio Album/1st Studio Album Repackaged) – MOON BYUL (MAMAMOO)

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A couple of weeks ago, I finally reviewed the lead single (Is It Love?) off MOON BYUL’s repackaged version of her first studio album, Starlit of Muse, which was retitled to become Starlit of Twinkle. This makes way for an album review for MOON BYUL’s first studio album (which was led by TOUCHIN&MOVIN’) and its repackaged album. As it has been a very long time coming (I mean, the original album was released back in February this year), and there are many more albums to review, let’s get right to it!

Starlit of Muse Album Cover
Starlit of Twinkle Album Cover

Starlit of Muse Tracks

1. Intro : WWUD (What Would You Do?) – The album starts with a heavy dose of hip-hop in this intro track. WWUD comprises a hefty beat, an abundance of synths, and MOON BYUL autotuned rapping. I can feel the cohesiveness and the statement being made in WWUD. But personally, this style of hip-hop isn’t my cup of tea. (6/10)  

2. Think About (Pre-release Track) – For some reason, I always thought that Think About is a softer track of some kind. This makes no sense, given that I have heard the album before. Think About is a fun yet simple track with some great catchy hooks. I just love the pop vibe of the song, and MOON BYUL did a great job of showcasing that playful side of the song. (8/10)

3. TOUCHIN&MOVIN (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for TOUCHIN&MOVIN. (9/10)

4. Like a Fool – MOON BYUL taps into R&B for Like a Fool. She sounds very dreamy throughout the song. The instrumental is extremely paced and atmospheric. We also get a saxophone solo in the track that gives an elegant feel. However, I do feel like the song lacks in comparison to the other songs on the album. But overall, it’s a good track. (7/10)

5. Attention Seeker – MOON BYUL goes down the punk rock direction with Attention Seeker. The instrumental is quite bold and dynamic, which makes it stand out in the pack, which is the rest of the album. I found myself nodding along to the song (and, at times, when the track hits the right spots, head-banging along to the song) as it progressed. The energy MOON BYUL puts behind her delivery adds to that dynamism. An easy favourite on the album. (10/10)

6. NOLTO (feat. Hanhae) – The laidback hip-hop vibes come into play for NOLTO. MOON BYUL vocals are airy in this one. Alongside the instrumentation, both create some good rhythm also in this one. Hanhae (who used to be part of the Phantom hip-hop group) gives NOLTO a velvety note, particularly in the his second part. However, this style isn’t my cup of tea, so I haven’t returned to it much since its release. (7/10)

7. After Sunset (그런 밤) – Beginning the latter half of Starlit of Muse is the ballad After Sunset. MOON BYUL sounds heavenly in this song, and the melodies give the song that swaying effect I love in other ballads. On the instrumental front, I enjoyed how the piano in the verses was quite captivating and that some oomph came into it during the chorus. Another great song overall. (9/10)

8. TIMELINE – TIMELINE revisits a Latin influence that reminds me of MAMAMOO’s Egotistic. But it does so with moombahton beats and a much softer touch, an intriguing combination that sounds nice and elegant. While I have praised and spoken highly of MOON BYUL’s vocals in other songs, her high note in TIMELINE takes the cake. (9/10)

9. DARK ROMANCE – As the name alludes, DARK ROMANCE sees MOON BYUL go for darker energy, which does take me back to her solo debut days with Eclipse. DARK ROMANCE is a dance track, with the instrumental tapping into that darker vibe. As the song progressed, I wished it was sharper in a few areas, from the beat to the synth work in the instrumental and even MOON BYUL herself. (8/10)

10. GOLD – GOLD brings a pop vibe and a smile. It is a pleasant track, with both instrumentation and vocals maintaining a mid-tempo pace. A much better track than the other GOLD track in KPOP out at the moment. I really liked the hefty beats that make the background sound quite atmospheric. (8/10)

11. Memories (feat. ONEWE) – MOON BYUL collaborates with her label mates ONEWE in Memories, and does so in spectacular style. She brought the vocals, while ONEWE brought the anime-style instrumentation and backing vocals. This anime style always brings forward propulsion that makes such influenced tracks exciting and appealing, and pairing it with MOON BYUL vocals was a great move. (9/10)

12. Without (겁이나) – The final song on the Starlit of Muse album is Without, another ballad. This one features the standard piano, drums, and strings-based instrumental, as well as stunning and emotional vocals from MOON BYUL. I especially like the touch of electric guitar at the end of the choruses, which adds something more to the ballad. (8/10)

Starlit of Twinkle Tracks

1. Backpack – Moving onto the Starlit of Twinkle tracks, first up is Backpack. It starts off as a mellow and soft track, but I liked how the chorus kicks Backpack up a notch in terms of instrumentation and vocals from MOON BYUL. It remains relatively mellow especially with the consistent guitar riffs, but it has some punch so the track isn’t just consistent through and through. (8/10) 

2. Is This Love? (내 친구의 친구 얘기인데) (Title Track) – Click here for the full review of Is This Love? (8/10)

3. Dear (어떤 하루에 어떤 시간 속에) – Dear is another ballad in this era of MOON BYUL’s career. The swaying effect of the melodies is profound and easy on the ears. Her vocals are delicate and heartfelt in Dear. The instrumental was a nice accompaniment but standard at best for ballads. But still, it’s a nice listen that makes Starlit of Twinkle quite consistent. (8/10)  

4. TOUCHIN&MOVIN (English Version) – Refer to my review for TOUCHIN&MOVIN above.

Overall Starlit of Muse Album Rating – 8.2/10
Overall Starlit of Twinkle Album Rating – 8/10

Overall Album Rating (combined) – 8.1/10

Teaser image for Starlit of Muse & TOUCHIN&MOVIN’
Tease image for Starlit of Twinkle & Is It Love?

[Album Review] Beautiful MAZE (4th Single Album) – DRIPPIN

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DRIPPIN returned in April of this year with the single album Beautiful MAZE. Today, I am reviewing it. The lead single off the album shares the same name and is featured alongside two other tracks. To me, Beautiful MAZE (referring to the single album) has a case of ‘another track should have been the lead single’ – continue reading to find out which song should have been in place of the Beautiful MAZE single. More recently, DRIPPIN returned in August with yet another single album titled and led by a single with the shared name Weekend.

Beautiful MAZE Album Cover

1. Beautiful MAZE – Click here for the full review of Beautiful MAZE. (7/10)

2. Get LOUD – Get LOUD is an upbeat track that steps the single album up with its funky and fun instrumentation. I noticed and enjoyed a 90s tinge in the mix. I liked how the choruses have a lot going on in their instrumentation yet are still cohesive. The rapping in Get LOUD had some punchiness, while the vocals did a nice job of bringing the melodies to life. Stronger hooks could have made Get LOUD a contender for title track status. (8/10)

3. Black Mirror – On the other hand, Black Mirror is already a contender for title track status. The song went super hard in the funkiness department. To the point where Black Mirror boasted of its influence and never once held itself back. DRIPPIN’s vocal work and rapping were superb throughout Black Mirror and a highlight listening to the song. The melodies and hooks were super catchy. This should have been the title track for this single album, and it would have been a smashing hit. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.3/10

Beautiful MAZE Teaser Image

[Album Review] Beautiful Shadow (8th Mini Album) – ONF

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ONF made their Beautiful Shadow comeback in April, led by the single Bye My Monster, which is still a fantastic track after just over six months. Joining the title track are four additional side tracks – all of which were just as high calibre as Bye My Monster. You might think that I am a bit 10/10 happy with this mini-album. But honestly, no side track was skippable. And being a bit trigger-happy with the 10/10s has led to this mini-album being my blog’s highest-rated release in 3 years! Only two albums have received the same rating – TAEMIN’s Want and Kim Sung Kyu’s Won’t Forget You. But it isn’t the highest-rated album on the blog ever – only one mini-album has achieved that (guess which one). But for now, here are my thoughts on Beautiful Shadow.

Beautiful Shadow Album Cover

1. Bye My Monster (Title Track) – Click here for the full review of Bye My Monster. (9.5/10)

2. Aphrodite – ONF goes funky in Aphrodite with an electronic instrumentation. It definitely made the track fun. Some moments stray away from the funkiness, such as the dramatic and serious outro and when all the members sing together throughout the bridge. All brought a slightly different dynamic to Aphrodite but didn’t disrupt the flow or energy that the song and members were exuding. Speaking of the members, they brought strong vocals and rapping, intensifying the song even further. (9/10)

3. BREATH, HAZE & SHADOW – Changing up the flow of the mini-album is this middle song. Following the intense and funky Aphrodite and preceding the pop Chemical Type, BREATH, HAZE & SHADOW takes us into the balladry domain. The instrumental is composed of strings and piano, making a beautiful background. The vocal work from all the members was superb, and I loved how powerful they got towards the song’s end. You can definitely feel all of the emotions in the song. Stunning is definitely how I would describe the song. (10/10)  

4. Chemical Type – Following the ballad, Chemical Type definitely packs a lot of oomph in its instrumentation. The pop track had me vibing along to the song. And from this, I had a lot of favourite moments in Chemical Type. The very unfiltered, vibrant instrumentation in the choruses was one of the highlights I enjoyed. The electric guitar that came through in the end felt like icing on the cake. The “My my chemical type” rings in my mind even after the song ends. WYATT’s part in the second verse, which moves between rap, vocals and then back into rapping, was another highlight. The rest of the vocals were powerful and complemented the oomph packed into the song. (10/10)

5. Slave To The Rhythm – I remember being intrigued by the title of the final song. It sounds like a very conceptual track that needed a slinky instrumental to feel alluring and commanding. The groovy synth bass was a vibe and had everything I had hoped for the track. There is a disco influence in Slave To The Rhythm, which was an appropriate era to draw upon. The instrumental break at the end was my favourite, but the dramatic ending was a close second. I liked how ONF’s vocals just glided along, and this highlighted the rhythm. Another 10/10 for this mini-album. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9.7/10

Teaser image for Beautiful Shadow / Bye My Monster

[Album Review] HOW? (2nd Mini Album) – BOYNEXTDOOR

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Still in April, we have BOYNEXTDOOR’s 2nd mini-album, HOW?, next up for an album review. It features the title track Earth, Wind & Fire, five additional side tracks, and the English version of the title track. The mini-album finishes the trilogy of releases the group debuted and returned with in 2023 – WHO? and WHY…. It is a strong mini-album release for the group and a great listen, overall.

Since their April comeback, BOYNEXTDOOR made another comeback with the new mini-album 19.99, the pre-release Dangerous and the title track Nice Guy. It is so recent the group is still promoting it.

HOW? Album Cover

1. OUR – BOYNEXTDOOR starts the mini-album with a hip-hop track (no surprises here). OUR is mid-tempo paced, which I am on the fence about. I would have loved for OUR to pick itself up as it progressed. I felt the track was missing BOYNEXTDOOR’s excitement that they have managed to infuse into their releases, and the more serious and subdued nature just didn’t feel representative of the group. But on the flip side, I recognise that had OUR picked itself up as desired, it would have lost the incredible flow, melodies, and execution that the members pulled off in OUR. (8/10)

2. Amnesia – While Amnesia does have a similar mid-tempo pace as the previous song, I felt a slight presence of the members’ personalities in the track. And this made the song more appealing to me. I really liked the softer, whispery tones they use in the choruses, which reflect well with their perspective of their relationship (i.e., they find themselves regretting fights in a toxic relationship but find themselves having ‘amnesia’ after things ease and returning to the relationship as if nothing happens). The sing-song rapping in the chorus had a nice rhythm to it. (9/10)

3. So Let’s Go See The Stars – BOYNEXTDOOR brings a touch of retro to the mini-album through the synths used in So Let’s Go See The Stars. In addition, some rock also makes a welcomed presence, bringing some excitement to the song. The melodies, rhythm and the members’ tone were delightful, fueling a nice and sweet song. I genuinely get the good vibes of a late-night drive with your crush to watch the stars and enjoy the peacefulness of each other’s company. (8.5/10)   

4. Earth, Wind & Fire (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Earth, Wind & Fire. (7.5/10)

5. l i f e i s c o o l – As mentioned previously, there is a playfulness to BOYNEXTDOOR’s songs that I associate with them. And we really delve into that in l i f e i s c o o l. It is a very chill and easy-to-follow track for the most part. Everything just feels very carefree, and I love that for them. However, right at the end of l i f e i s c o o l, just when you think the song has wrapped up, LEEHAN changes up the song to bring in a jazzy motif through his solo moment. It is definitely a big change in contrast to the rest of the song, but it is a memorable one. (10/10)  

6. Dear. My Darling – Whilst the shortest track on the mini-album, Dear. My Darling is a recommended listen. The track is a rock ballad with blissful vocals from all members and swaying melodies I seek out in all ballads. My only complaint about Dear. My Darling is that it is too short! (9/10)

7. Earth, Wind & Fire (English version) – See above for my review of Earth, Wind & Fire.

Overall Album Rating – 8.7/10

HOW? / Earth, Wind & Fire Teaser Image

[Album Review] Minisode 3: TOMORROW (6th Mini Album) – TXT

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TXT is due to return to the stage next month with a new comeback. But ahead of that, I still got a mini-album of theirs to review. TXT made their comeback back in April of this year with the title track Deja Vu and the mini-album Minisode 3: TOMORROW. Today, I am finally getting around to reviewing it. Alongside the title track, the mini-album also features two group songs, two unit songs, an 8 second morse code and a remix of the title track. In total, 7 tracks are featured on this mini-album.

Overall, Minisode 3: TOMORROW is a decent mini-album from the group. It may have gotten what appears to be a high rating in the end (scroll down below to find out what that looks like). But when compared with the rest of the mini-albums I have reviewed over the last 8 years or so now and also TXT’s discography that I have reviewed thus far, it falls in the middle range. Minisode 3: TOMORROW is definitely not their best, but it still brought the TXT sound back into the forefront of the industry when it was released. And occasionally, I do find myself going back to the title track, which is an indicator that it has grown on my slightly (but not enough to bump up the rating). Anyhow, continue reading to see what I thought about the mini-album.

Minisode 3: TOMORROW Album Cover

1. I’ll See You Tomorrow (내일에서 기다릴게) – Kicking off the mini-album is a funky house number. I’ll See You Tomorrow has great bass and the beat just hits. I enjoyed how deep some of the vocals were, which works well with the hefty beat and heavy bass. But it is the opening line to the chorus that steals the show. The simplicity of the line and how the instrumental consolidates just makes this moment so memorable for me. Definitely a very attractive opening to the mini-album. (10/10)

2. – — — — .-. .-. — .– (Tomorrow) – Yeah, Tomorrow isn’t a full fledged track. It only lasts a whopping 8 seconds, just enough time for the morse code for ‘Tomorrow’. Though, it is clever inclusion between a song titled I’ll See You Tomorrow and Deja Vu in terms of story-telling.

3. Deja Vu (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Deja Vu. (7.5/10)

4. Miracle (기적은 너와 내가 함께하는 순간마다 일어나고 있어) – The mini-album’s final full group song (aside from the remixed title track at the end) brings back the long Korean title that TXT releases used to have and the rock genre that TXT has visited back in 2021. I enjoyed how relatively smooth Miracle felt. Miracle’s rock sound and beat are very fulfilling, while the synths featured in the background gives it a playful and light-hearted zing. The vocals were superb in Miracle. Altogether, Miracle has this timelessness to it. (9/10)

5. The Killa (I Belong to You) – Performed by YEONJUN (who just made his solo debut with GGUM) and SOOBIN, The Killa is a sensual R&B track. There are a few things to like in The Killa – the guitar was nice; the beat gives the song some heft; and both YEONJUN and SOOBIN vocals are smooth. However, altogether I found the track to be the most skippable on the mini-album. I don’t remember much of it after it wraps. What I do know is the pair does one hell of a job on stage for this song, based on what I can see on my timeline and recommended videos. (7/10)

6. Quarter Life – BEOMGYU, TAEHYUN and HUENING KAI form the second unit to bring us Quarter Life. The track is a mid-tempo rock song that packs a punch, thanks to the emotional vocals from all three members. The lyrics are also quite relatable, especially since I am in the same age range as the members (weird flex?). Maybe it the lyrics and the emotional delivery, but Quarter Life does remain in my mind, even after the song wraps. (9/10)

7. Deja Vu (Anemoia Remix) – See above for my review for Deja Vu.

Overall Album Rating – 8.5/10

Minisode 3: TOMORROW / Deja Vu Teaser Image

[Album Review] SUPER REAL ME (1st Mini Album) – ILLIT

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Ahead of their upcoming comeback later this month, I am finally reviewing ILLIT’s debut mini-album, SUPER REAL ME. The mini-album features four tracks, including the title Magnetic (one of the most successful debuts of the year) and the second promotional single Lucky Girl Syndrome. It is also one of the shortest mini-albums I have ever encountered, lasting less than 10 minutes. Let’s see if this compact mini-album is any good! (Spoiler: It is really good!)

SUPER REAL ME Album Cover

1. My World – My World has the important job of opening up the mini-album and introducing us to ILLIT. It is a short one, but it does a really nice job. My World starts with a fantastical and atmospheric sound before landing on a playful and fun vibe from the music, the lyrics and the members. All of this leads well into the title track. (8/10)

2. Magnetic (Title Track) – Click here for the full review of Magnetic. (8.5/10)

3. Midnight Fiction – The pleasant feel of Midnight Fiction really comes through. And I mean the word ‘pleasant’ in a very positive sense. The chorus feels calming and soothing, while the melodies and vocals are swift and breezy. The guitars in the backing feel profound (especially in the choruses) in a subtle sense, while the beat brings a slight bounce to Midnight Fiction that moves the song forward without disrupting that pleasing feel. (9/10)

4. Lucky Girl Syndrome – I am completely aware of a music video for Lucky Girl Syndrome. Time is not on our side for a separate review on this occasion. This is by far the best track for me on the mini-album. I like the track’s extra bass and heft, which isn’t present in the rest of the mini-album. The rest of the instrumentation (i.e., the fluty synth) was fun and intriguing. The chorus was super catchy, and I remember replaying the song several times when the mini-album was first released. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.6/10

SUPER REAL ME & Magnetic Teaser Image

[Album Review] FOUREVER (8th Mini Album) – DAY6

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Back in March, DAY6 made their long-awaited comeback since April 2021 with Welcome To The Show. This single leads the band’s 8th mini-album, FOUREVER. It also marks the first album release since the departure of former member JAE. FOUREVER consists of seven songs in total, including Welcome To the Show (as mentioned above) and the more recent chart-topping hit HAPPY. The rest of the mini-album also deserves the same glory, becoming one of the highest-rated album releases on my blog for the year. I also highly recommend you check out the entire mini-album, as well. More recently, DAY6 returned with their 9th mini-album, Band Aid, led by the title track Melt Down.

FOUREVER Album Cover

1. Welcome To The Show – Click here for the full review for Welcome To The Show. (10/10)

2. HAPPY – HAPPY is a late bloomer, topping the charts almost 6 months after its release. Congratulations to the band!! HAPPY is a heavier rock track that has a bright melody. But don’t let the brightness fool you. DAY6 sings about their desire to be happy one day, implying that they are not in that current state. Despite not conveying the happiest message, I enjoyed how fulsome the vocals were, which I think is what is currently resonating with listeners. (9/10)

3. The Power of Love – Retro is the name of the game for The Power of Love. While the band has done retro before, it has been a while since we have heard something like this from them. So, it comes off as quite refreshing. Similarly, their vocals also add to that refreshing vibe. I can also see The Power of Love in a parallel universe becoming one of their earlier title tracks. (8/10)

4. Get The Hell Out (널 제외한 나의 뇌) – Get The Hell Out leans into a more punkish vibe, which I really liked. The powerful and energetic tone Get The Hell Out exudes also makes it memorable on this mini-album. The drumming was a highlight in the song (great job to DOWOON!), which I can’t help but foot tap along. I also liked the synthesizer keyboard in the background. SUNGJIN’s rougher texture suits the song so well, while the ‘Get The Hell Out’ refrain is also quite memorable. (9/10)

5. Sad Ending (나만 슬픈 엔딩) – Sad Ending gets my vote for best song on the mini-album. I loved how each member stood out in their own way in the song. The instrumentation for this track was super cool. Particular shout out to WONPIL on the keyboard in Sad Ending, which was very striking and bold. DOWOON on the drums also deserves a shout-out, as he goes into the track hard. YOUNG K and SUNGJIN’s guitar work and vocals round out Sad Ending, creating a track you should simply not skip. (10/10)

6. Let Me Love You (사랑하게 해주라) – When I listen to Let Me Love You, people like Celine Dion flash in my mind. I mean this as a compliment for DAY6. If they release songs that remind me of the Queen of Power ballads, then they are doing something right. While they don’t necessarily hit the wow factor with Let Me Love You, relative to other power ballads, DAY6’s “Let me give you all my love” opening line for the choruses is still quite emotive and heartfelt. The same can be said about the rest of their vocals and melodies in this rock ballad. (9/10)  

7. didn’t know (그게 너의 사랑인지 몰랐어) – Closing out the mini-album is didn’t know, a stunning modern rock track. Alongside the rock and band instrumentation are these beautiful strings that create a blissful and atmospheric combination that captivates. The vocals were superb and felt very emotional, which made complete sense since didn’t know is a song about the regret of not knowing the person you were interested in was also interested in you. This one, aesthetically, earns a 10/10 from me. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9.3/10

[Album Review] DREAM()SCAPE (6th Mini Album) – NCT DREAM

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NCT DREAM’s DREAM()SCAPE is next up for review. Released in March 2024, the mini-album features a total of six songs, including the title track Smoothie. In the lead-up to this comeback, the group released videos that made up the ‘()Scape Film‘ series, which I highly recommend you check out if you have not already. The storytelling and acting of the members were very riveting. It was a solid start to this era of NCT DREAM’s careers. More recently, NCT DREAM made a comeback in Japan with a single titled Moonlight, and an English single titled Rains in Heaven. The group is also on a world tour associated with last year’s ISTJ studio album and DREAM()SCAPE.

Dream()scape Album Cover

1. Icantfeelanything – Icantfeelanything is quite an opener. Can’t say it is the best from the top of my mind, but it would definitely be up there. The track is quite euphoric, with the dreamy start and vocals throughout the track being the main driver. The abrupt EDM switch-up and the pulsing beats give off a psychedelic feel that makes Icantfeelanything so unique. The title is realized, regardless of either side of the song. (10/10)

2. Smoothie (Title Track) – Click here for the full review of Smoothie. (8/10)

3. BOX – BOX’s best part is its chorus. There is something about the members coming together in BOX during the chorus, which feels smooth and blissful. The “Don’t put me in a BOX” is quite memorable. I also like how dramatic the synths get during the central piece. The rest of this R&B dance track featured hip-hop geared rapping from the rap line and alluring vocals. HAECHAN, CHENLE, and RENJUN’s vocals in the bridge were also another highlight in BOX. The etchy synth loop was quite characteristic, as well. (8.5/10)

4. Carat Cake – The Jersey Club mix in Carat Cake’s background makes this track bold and intriguing. The beat hits hard. Some are subtle and soft, while others are short sharp jabs that artistically contrast Carat Cake‘s softness. All of this created an alluring atmosphere that I still find myself become so captivated by. I really like the mix of vocals and rapping in Carat Cake. Some vocals were airy, while others were heavier and more textural through autotune. RENJUN’s part at the 1:15 mark is one of the best in the track which I would be glad to replay. The rapping was slighter than usual, but still punchy. The whispering also gives Carat Cake a lot of character. (10/10)   

5. UNKNOWN – UNKNOWN takes the mini-album down a few notches with this chill R&B track. Again, the song features atmospheric synths in the background, and the trap percussion feels like sprinkles over the top of the synths. What makes UNKNOWN good are the vocals and rapping. The vocals are so delicate and soft throughout UNKNOWN, while the rapping contrasts with the rest of the song by going in hard. I just wished the melodies were a little more memorable. (9/10)

6. Breathing (숨) – The final track on the mini-album is Breathing. It is more of a heart-warming and beautiful track compared to the other tracks before it. The vocals were lovely, as are the melodies and harmonies that NCT DREAM showcases in the song. The instrumentation follows the same vein as the above tracks – atmospheric. But there is a soothing and comforting element to the Breathing that sets it apart from the rest. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.9/10

Dream()scape / Smoothie Teaser Image