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).
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)
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!
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)
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)
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)
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 CoverStarlit 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)
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 withEclipse. 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)
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?
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.
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)
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.
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
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)
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.
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 (내일에서기다릴게) – 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.
4. Miracle (기적은너와내가함께하는순간마다일어나고있어) – 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.
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)
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)
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.
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)
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)
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)
The second album to be reviewed tonight is THE BOYZ’s third and final part of their second studio album, PHANTASY. This part is titled Love Letter and features three songs (hence why I described it as a single album in my previous post), including the title track Nectar and December 2023’s Christmas single Dear. The length of this third part of their second studio album is disappointing, and I wish there was more to it. PHANTASY began with Pt. 1 Christmas in August (led by LIP GLOSS) and Pt. 2 Sixth Sense (led by WATCH IT).
2. Hurt Me Less (환상통) – THE BOYZ turns to pop-rock in Hurt Me Less. I quite like the striking nature of the first line of the song. It was quite memorable and rang in my mind after the song finished. Hurt Me Less also contains strong vocals and rapping from THE BOYZ. SNWOO’s rapping in the second verse just has so much oomph to it (seeing this part in the recent performances on their world tour re-confirms this). The entire bridge and final chorus montage are amazing, especially with the ad-libs and kick to the pop-rock instrumentation. A strong track overall. (9/10)
3. Dear – The ballad Dear was released in December last year, well before this part of the album. If you didn’t know this, I am sure the instrumental should be enough to indicate this. After all, the classical balladry instrumental carries the Christmas twinkling sound. I am sure THE BOYZ’s fans find Dear very soothing and emotional. Listening closely, the members sound very heartfelt. Their harmonies really make this song comforting and warming. (8/10)
Overall Album Rating – 8.5/10
Teaser image for [PHANTASY] Pt. 3 Love Letter / Nectar
Guess who forgot to schedule a post yesterday! Me! To make up for my forgetfulness (and tiredness) I will be posting two album reviews today. They are on the shorter side of the spectrum, given they are single albums. But I hope that would be sufficent to make up for not posting yesterday! First up is YooA’s solo comeback from earlier in the year with Borderline. It features 3 songs, including the title track Rooftop. Borderline is her first solo comeback since Selfish in November 2022.
2. Love Myself – Relistening to the single album for this review, I found myself getting lost in Love Myself. The groovy vibe and the chorus’s fast-paced nature are two reasons I got so into the song. YooA’s delivery throughout the song in both the vocals and rapping styles was very cool and chic. I particularly like the ‘Louder louder’ that launches us into the chorus. Talking about the chorus, it was catchy, and I loved the thrill it gives off. Love Myself is a solid side track from YooA! (10/10)
3. Shooting Star – Shooting Star is pleasantly fine. I don’t have much to say about the song besides noting that it is very consistent. Her vocals and instrumental were all similar throughout. I liked the cosmic effect the instrumental had, and YooA’s vocals were nice. But I would have liked something more to the Shooting Star to make it more engaging and appealing to the wider audience. (7/10)
LIGHTSUM made their comeback at the start of August with POSE!. It is their first comeback since last year’sHoney or Spice.
POSE! goes for a subdued groove. It is nice and pleasant, but it isn’t striking, which LIGHTSUM really needs in its discography. Personally, LIGHTSUM’s comebacks come and go, and I have never remembered much from them. This track, unfortunately, comes and goes in the same manner. When I find it, I liked it. But when it finishes, and I have moved on to the next song, POSE! becomes a very distant memory. Anyhow, back to the actual song. In addition to its subdued grooviness, the melodies and hooks are playful yet soothing and have a lot of potential. These melodies also showcase the members’ vocal abilities. As a result, all the members sounded good throughout POSE!. There is an excellent house beat within the verses, which comes in hard. It was brief, but it was probably my favourite bit of POSE!. I wished there was more of this in POSE!. This would have given the song a bit of edge and further complexity. It also could have doubled up as an element to give POSE! its strikingness that I mentioned was not evident in the song at the start.
The entire video of POSE! was shot in a house. I understand the simplicity side of it (though it does look like CUBE Entertainment gave this comeback a tiny budget based on this video). The song itself doesn’t call for anything complicated. However, I wished there was a bit more than just the house. Maybe some good old choreography scenes would have worked fine as that additional element. As much as I find the standard closeup and choreography formula to be typical, it would have at least would have given the video a little more to mention. At least the colour scheme they had going on was muted, which suits the song’s subdued nature.
The choreography for the comeback is okay. It was not their best, but it was still pleasant to watch. I did wish there was a memorable key move in the routine to remember the performance by. This could have made the routine more appealing and pulled more of my attention towards the performance (which usually would help build up the song’s appeal for me).
Song – 7/10 Music Video – 7/10 Performance – 7/10 Overall Rating -7/10
Cast your mind back to February, when CHA EUN WOO made his solo debut with the mini-album ENTITY. The single STAY led the mini-album, which consisted of five songs in total (Six if you bought the physical version, but I only have access to the digital version). Today, I will finally put words to the page for the album review for ENTITY.
ENTITY Album Cover
1. U&I (너와 단둘이) – CHA EUN WOO eases us into his mini-album with the mellow U&I. It is quite a dreamy track with a jazzy influence coming through. CHA EUN WOO’s vocals are sweet and soothing, and the melodies have that sought-after swaying effect that I like. Altogether, it is a warm opening. (8/10)
2. Fu*king Great Time – The next song is a smooth R&B track, led by an electric guitar and some synth bass. Fu*king Great Time is definitely one of the bolder tracks on this mini-album for several reasons. One of them is the f-bombs that CHA EUN WOO drops so smoothly as part of the song delivery. It is definitely unexpected for CHA EUN WOO, who is well known for his boy-next-door charms in the KPOP industry. His deeper vocals are also highlighted so well in the song. F*cking Great Time is also the only track on the mini-album with a choreography routine. (9/10)
5. You’re The Best – The final track on the mini-album is You’re The Best, an indie folk ballad. The track is rather simple, with just an acoustic guitar at the helm of the background and CHA EUN WOO’s soft yet delicate vocals. Just like the first song, the swaying melodies are present in this song, and the lyrics of You’re The Best gives off warm vibes. This is also reflected in the music video below. (8/10)
Wish You Hell is the next album to be reviewed on the blog. It is WENDY’s 2nd mini-album since her solo debut with Like Water in 2021. Released in March this year, it features a total of 6 songs, including the title track that shares the same name as the mini-album.
While I don’t think this thought came across my mind when I checked out the mini-album back when it was first released in March, I believe that WENDY was trying to end all of us with this mini-album. I think consolidating my thoughts into words has brought this thought to the surface. Wish You Hell (the mini-album) highlights what WENDY is capable of. While the first half of the mini-album wasn’t as strong as the second half, it still has a lot to offer. And the second half, well, it was all 10/10 to me. Keep reading for my thoughts on each song below to find out why this mini-album is among the highest-ranked this year.
2. His Car Isn’t Yours – His Car Isn’t Yours is an R&B pop track with a really atmospheric instrumental. The bass comes at all the right moments to emphasise this side of the song. WENDY sounds stunning throughout the track, dreamy yet conflicted, as she sings about how the person she is with isn’t the person she is interested in. The track is also fully in English, which is long overdue. I wouldn’t mind listening to more English songs from WENDY in the future. (8/10)
3. Best Ever – Best Ever switches up the mini-album completely with a more cheerful and upbeat indie pop sound. The way she started this track set the contrast (with the previous song) in stone and made me go wow. I really liked the jazzy elements that make their way into the instrumental. It just gives Best Ever a whole new breath of life. WENDY just brings a smoothness and airy feeling that makes this track attractive. But it is the combination of WENDY and backing vocals that delivers the song’s “La da da da” hook, which is the best part of the song. Her breathy ad-libs were also amazing. (9/10)
4. Better Judgement – Better Judgement slows down the mini-album slightly with another R&B track. But it still packs a punch. The standout element in Better Judgement is WENDY’s vocals, which are captivating in this track. Her vocals alone have sold me on the song. Better Judgement’s instrumental is one of the simpler backings on the mini-album, composed of a pounding beat, acoustic guitar and some twinkling synths. The complexity this song offers comes purely from WENDY’s vocals. If there is any song on this mini-album that shows off WENDY’s vocals the best, it would be this one. (10/10)
5. Queen of the Party– Queen of the Party returns us to upbeat territory with a robust and dynamic number. And this one nails everything with ease. I loved the way the Queen of the Party builds in the pre-chorus. I loved how WENDY effortlessly delivers the choruses, particularly the “I’m alone, but the queen of the party” line. The bridge was stunning, and I also enjoyed her soaring vocals in that part of the song. Another 10/10 from me. (10/10)
6. Vermilion – Closing out the mini-album, WENDY returns to R&B territory with Vermillion. I like how dramatic and epic the instrumental is and how well WENDY complements this energy. The former is right my alley, and the latter is just another example of how well she can put her vocals on full display. Another easy 10/10 from me. (10/10)
KPOPREVIEWED 