Category: Album Reviews

[Album Review] Guilty (4th Mini Album) – TAEMIN (SHINee)

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I had intended to wrap up my reviews of 2023 albums (for now) this week with another album (look over my more recent reviews to figure which album that might be). But then I realized I may have overlooked an important comeback from the past year that I should have picked up earlier to review – TAEMIN’s Guilty. I know, I apologies for missing Guilty. But I have slid in Guilty into the agenda this weekend, and move that other album to next weekend. This is TAEMIN’s first mini-album since completing his military list, his last mini-album with SM Entertainment (TAEMIN left SM earlier this year and has signed on with Big Planet Made (BPM) Entertainment) and his fourth Korean mini-album overall. It features the title track of the same name and 5 additional side tracks.

Guilty Album Cover

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

2. The Rizzness – Despite having a questionable name, many listeners unexpectedly like The Rizzness. I am in that group as well, but not exactly to the extent of others. The Rizzness is a much edgier song than usual for TAEMIN, and this attracts attentions. He is known for more aesthetic works, so The Rizzness is very much different for the soloist. The instrumental adds to that ‘difference’ with a bold trap/hip-hop styled drill sound. His vocals definitely smooth out the roughness of the instrumental backing whilst also creating tension with the rest of the song. But I think there could have been some more interesting delivery from TAEMIN to make The Rizzness even more interesting. It is good as it is, but some flair (one way or another) in the vocal department could have made it even better. ICYMI – TAEMIN also released a performance video for The Rizzness. (8/10)

3. She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not – The trap and guitar riffs make this track interesting from the onset. Then comes TAEMIN’s vocals, which is by far the most captivating element and literally carries you onto the journey of She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not. He relies on a breathier tone in some parts to provide a more sensual yet pensive vibe, and amps up other parts with shoutier vocals in other moments to give us some vigor. This illustrates the dilly dally nature of the song’s lyrics and title (which is about realisation of an ending relationship). Clever. Despite the different delivery tactics used, he manages to also maintain a consistent softness and delicateness to the song, which helps give She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not an emotional ad heartbreaking dimension, as well. (9/10)

4. Not Over You (제자리) – Not Over You speaks to the feeling of not being over someone that you had broken up with and the fact the memories of the relationship still too raw. I found the R&B-esque instrumental for Not Over You gives it a calming presence, yet TAEMIN’s vocals were emotive and engaging throughout. I like how the various elements in Not Over You cohesively worked together. A good example of this is the autotune that blends TAEMIN’s vocals with the instrumental during the choruses. I also really liked how deep his vocals got in the bridge of the song. Definitely a gripping moment in Not Over You. (8/10)

5. Night Away (오늘 밤) – Night Away goes for a softer pop track, which features a prominent acoustic guitar presence and some really nice dreamy synth work. The combination of the two makes for a soothing number. TAEMIN’s clear vocals also follows this direction, and does so in a very consistent manner. This consistency isn’t a flaw in the song, as any differentiation in vocals or delivery could have potentially disrupted the flow of the song. (8/10)

6. Blue – My favourite song on this album comes at the end. Blue is just so captivatingly atmospheric. The only way I can fully appreciate Blue is by stopping whatever I am doing and closing my eyes so I can be whisked away. From the synth work to the vintage drums to the guitar work to TAEMIN’s vocals, everything just felt so calming. Refreshing and freeing also comes to my mind when I listen to Blue. I keep on mentioning how good TAEMIN’s vocals are on this album, but I think his delivery here is the best. Just so captivating. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.7/10

Guilty Teaser Image

[Album Review] Livelock (4th Mini Album) – Xdinary Heroes

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I am still wrapping up my list of 2023 album reviews, which I am expecting to have wrapped next weekend. Next on my dwindling list of albums is Xdinary Heroes’ Livelock, which was released in October 2023 alongside the music video for the title track Break The Brake. Following the album release, music videos for PLUTO and AGAIN? AGAIN! also dropped – the former got its own review which I posted last week, while the latter song’s review is located in this post. An additional four songs are featured on the album, rounding the tracklist for Livelock to 7 songs.

If you missed it, the band’s performance for Break The Brake earned them a nomination and win for Best Band Performance of 2023 in the 2023 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. And that recognition should also be expanded to cover the entire mini-album, as the tracks on the album were all of a very high calibre and explored various rock and punk sounds in a very appealing and enticing manner.

Livelock Album Cover

1. Freddy – Xdinary Heroes begin the album with a very lively song. Freddy actually feels fitting for a fast-paced chase scene in an action-comedy movie – the song’s lyrics are also about a chase. The rhythm in this track was intense, but also fun at the same time. It makes for an interesting and compelling atmosphere. The drumming was definitely the main driver of this. It was also backed up with some animated vocals that kept the momentum of Freddy going. I also really like how they went full head-banging rock as part of the bridge. A very strong start to the album. (10/10)

2. Break The Brake (Title Track) – Click here for the full review of Break The Brake. (9/10)

3. PLUTO – Click here for the full review of PLUTO. (9/10)

4. Enemy – Enemy talks about how you are your own biggest enemy. It is an emo-rock song that has a fair bit of tension to it. When the track reaches the chorus, all of that tension is released in a very intense and loaded manner that makes Enemy shine. The electric guitar at the end is a bit skittish, but works well with the rest of the track. The vocal work has a conflicted tone to it, which makes perfect sense to this track. (8/10)                                                                                                                                   

5. Bad Chemical – Bad Chemical bring synths and industrial rock together. I love the head banging potential behind the chorus of this track. It makes the song so much more thrilling. The shoutier motif that the members adopted with their chorus delivery made sure they could be heard over the packed instrumentation, and it added to that thrilling nature I just mentioned. Other parts saw more melodic vocals, which sound quite nice as well. (9/10)

6. Paranoid – With the likes of Good Enough in Xdinary Heroes’ repertoire, I am excited for another rock ballad from the band. Paranoid doesn’t give off that same spark as the former song did, but I find it so interesting that they managed to make a song about being insecure so dreamy. Jungsu’s long note was spectacular, and I like the raspier motif each vocalist brings to the song. I also like how the rock amps up throughout the song. (9/10)

7. AGAIN? AGAIN! – The mini-album ends off with another fast-paced and fun track. AGAIN? AGAIN! is very much a different song to the one that opened that the track thanks to its much brighter pop punk energy. It celebrates the idea of falling in love again. The drumming and guitar work goes hard in this track, which makes this track exhilarating to listen to, particularly in that instrumental break. The combination of such a positive message and energising atmosphere just makes it so profound. ICYMI – Xdinary Heroes did release a self-cam music video for this track. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9.1/10

Livelock Teaser Image

[Album Review] Golden (1st Studio Album) – Jung Kook (BTS)

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Late to the game as always. But I am finally getting around to reviewing Jung Kook’s solo studio album. Golden. Golden was released by Jung Kook in November last year prior to his military enlistment in December 2023. The 11-song tracklist boasts Jung Kook’s 2023 singles, including the title track Standing Next To You, July 2023’s SEVEN (featuring Latto) and September 2023’s 3D (fearing Jack Harlow). Per usual with all of my album reviews, links to the reviews for these songs and my individual thoughts on each song are down below.

My thoughts on the album is simple. Golden is a predominately pop album that was perfectly curated for Jung Kook. I wouldn’t want to imagine the pressure of putting this album together, since it was so highly anticipated by fans in Korea and globally. But he really made sure it exceeded expectations that everyone had. The album itself also sees Jung Kook collaborate with some big names in the pop industry – including Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes. The album is also fully in English.

1. 3D (ft. Jack Harlow) – Click here to read my review for 3D. (8.5/10)

2. Closer To You (ft. Major Lazer) – Closer To You is a muted R&B track, with a reggae touch and enticing bass-line in the instrumental. There is a lot of tension in this track, but I find to be more subtle and of backseat manner. It is definitely there in Closer To You, but it isn’t in your face about it. Jung Kook brings a soft and breathy tone to the song, which works extremely well with rest of the track and makes it even more seductive and alluring to listen to. (9/10)

3. Seven (Explicit Version) (ft. Latto) – Click here to read my review for Seven. (9/10)

4. Standing Next To You (Title Track) – Click here to read my review for Standing Next To You. (7/10)

5. Yes or No – Jung Kook taps squarely into the pop genre with Yes or No. If you look at the team behind the song, you will see super pop star Ed Sheeran’s name, which explains why Yes or No feels so familiar. The track features a catchy guitar riff in the background, and it falls to the bright side of the spectrum. Jung Kook’s vocals definitely contributes to that commend the fact that his vocals were crisp and clear throughout this track. I would have liked something more, as it feels a little too simple and consistent. But it was a great track nonetheless. (8/10)

6. Please Don’t Change (ft. DJ Snake) – The upbeatness of Please Don’t Change makes it feel fitting for the dance floor. The track employs afro-beats and electro-pop, which makes for a really cool mix. The instrumental never really peaks, keeping fairly neutral overall. I find this direction (or lack thereof) to be quite charming and it makes complete sense considering the title of the song speaks to the desire not wanting one’s lover to change. The neutral feeling also flows into Jung Kook’s vocals. (8/10)

7. Hate You – Hate You is a pop ballad that I always close my eyes to when it pops up. It is the only way in which I can fully appreciate the song and take it all in. Jung Kook’s vocals is stunningly beautiful yet so heartbreaking at the same time. Hate You’s message of hating a former lover to make life easier is conveyed so well that you can feel Jung Kook’s pain in this voice. And this in itself speaks volume to the talent that is Jung Kook. This is all over a simple and minimalistic piano. The track boasts Shawn Mendes as part of the team behind it. (10/10)

8. Somebody – Somebody sees Jung Kook’s vocals processed and altered in a way that gives him a deeper voice. It is an interesting and peculiar result that I am not entirely sure of. But it doesn’t mean Somebody is a bad song. The deeper tone does pair well with the bass that features in the R&B instrumentation. I really like the beat and detailing synths to this this track, particularly in the parts without any vocals. (8/10)

9. Too Sad To Dance – Returning to the pop genre with a more acoustic direction is Too Sad To Dance. I find myself nodding along to the song, and enjoy the simplicity of Jung Kook’s vocals in this song. But when I dive deeper into the song, I find the happier and cheerful demeanour of the vocals and the sad and emotional lyrics to be an interesting contrast. I am honestly not sure what I should be feeling when I listen to the song, as a result. (7.5/10)

10. Shot Glass of Tears – The final original song on the album is Shot Glass of Tears, which is another pop ballad. I liked the pace of this track and Jung Kook continues to sound good in this song. The atmosphere that builds in the background as Shot Glass of Tears was intriguing in a not so good way. I am not entirely sure if it was needed or what its purpose was. (7/10)

11. Seven (Clean Version) (ft. Latto) – See my thoughts on Seven above.

Overall Album Rating – 8.2/10

Golden Teaser Image

[Album Review] To. X (5th Mini Album) – TAEYEON (SNSD)

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I am slowly wrapping up my time reviewing 2023 albums, but there are a couple more to be published over the next two weeks. TAEYEON’s To. X, which was released back in November last year, is one of the final 2023 albums to be covered for the time being. It is led by the single of the same name, and is TAEYEON’s first release since her highly successful INVU studio album from the year before. Comparing the two album releases, I do find that To. X is slightly weaker in comparison to the studio album. But there are still a few good tracks on this mini-album still worth checking out.

To. X Album Cover

1. To. X (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for To. X. (7/10)

2. Melt Away – Melt Away is a very classy sounding track from the get-go thanks to the guitar riffs (which brings a light tinge of Latin influence to the song), brass and percussion. All of this makes Melt Away into a somewhat sensual track, as well. TAEYEON’s vocals are quite powerful and engaging throughout, particularly towards the end of the track where she soars. In the choruses, we hear go for a much more alluring approach, which fits the vibes of Melt Away quite well. (8/10)   

3. Burn It Down – Gearing more towards pop, Burn It Down carries over guitar riffs and percussion from the preceding track. While I do like TAEYEON’s vocals here, with the more interesting melodies, my biggest take away and issue with Burn It Down is that it stays pretty neutral throughout and ‘doesn’t go anywhere’. I wished there was some sort of trajectory or progression in this track to make it even more interesting. (7/10)

4. Nightmare (악몽) – Sometimes consistency can be an issue for certain songs. But in Nightmare, I find it to be quite helpful in creating a stilling environment. The paced guitar riffs in this track and TAEYEON’s low and slight vocals add to that stilling atmosphere, creating a riveting track. I really like her breathy ad-libs in the track. (8/10)

5. All For Nothing – For All For Nothing, I really enjoyed the atmosphere that the track had. Consistency is also well utilised in this song, with the addition of piano to the guitar adding a nice velvety feel to the song. Paired with a much softer and breathier vocal approach from TAEYEON, I felt this is the best and most beautiful track on this mini-album. I particularly like the harmonies in this track. (10/10)

6. Fabulous – Changing up the momentum of the mini-album in the final track is Fabulous, which opts to include more of a retro profile with its background. It is also the most vibrant sounding track on this mini-album. I really like the prettiness that the instrumental exudes, though I could have done with less repetitive keyboard or piano. It feels a bit typical and cliché. Fabulous is also an all-English track that talks about self-confidence – a TAEYEON first. Her vocals are also really nice and feels comforting. (8.5/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.1/10

To. X Teaser Image

[Album Review] Do It (1st Studio Album) – YOUNGJAE (GOT7)

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For those who don’t know, I am a massive fan of GOT7 and the member that always drew me in was GOT7’s main vocalist, Youngjae. So naturally, I just have to make time and sit down to write a review for Youngjae’s studio album release, Do It. Youngjae’s Do It was released back in November 2023 and features a total of 10 songs, which includes the title track of the same name. Bias aside, I like the album. It isn’t the knock out album that I seek, but it is another great taste into what Youngjae has to offer as a solo artist, following his past mini-album releases of Colors from Ars (lead by Vibin) and SUGAR (lead by the title track of the same name).

Do It Album Cover

1. Flower – Starting the studio album is the synth pop Flower. I liked the prominence of Youngjae’s vocals over the synth instrumentation. I also enjoyed the impact that Flower (as a whole) has impact as an opening track – thanks to those prominent vocals and hefty synth work. (8/10)

2. Do It (Title Track) – Click here to read my review for Do It. (8/10)

3. Deal – Youngjae turns to a groovy motif for Deal. I really enjoyed his vocals in this track, as it had so much character and personality from Youngjae. The instrumentation made me want to boogie in my chair, as well. The unexpected moment in Deal is definitely Youngjae rapping in the bridge and he does so effortlessly. The meatier tone that he uses is definitely shocking for a fan like me, but I also like how his vocals backs up the rapping in the latter parts. A definitely strong track on this album. (9/10)

4. Dreaming Again – R&B and synths comes together in Dreaming Again. It is a good song, again with prominent vocals from the solo artist and some trendy twinkling synths. I do wish that both aspects of the song were toned down a bit to potentially appear more aesthetic, and that there was something to cut through the consistency of the track. I think both of these could improve Dreaming Again by quite a bit. (7/10)

5. Problem – Youngjae returns with a deeper tone and a really slinky R&B instrumentation in Problem. Both sets Problem up quite well and are carried throughout the track. I also liked the touch of bass in the background and how his vocals climb towards the end. The song also features catchy melodies and hooks, which helps making Problem a memorable track to me. (9/10)

6. Errr Day – Err Day is actually a single released much earlier in 2023 and is one that I haven’t been able to review yet (it also got a music video; in case you missed it). The track itself has a nice light summery vibe, which complements the warmer season that was approaching at the time of release. Err Day also features dreamy vocals from Youngjae, which helped make the melody comforting and pleasant sounding. (8.5/10)

7. Fluffy – If you are a fan of Youngjae, you are probably aware that he has a pet dog named Coco. And he is definitely massively in love with Coco, given that Fluffy isn’t the first song he has written for his dog. Regardless if you knew the context of the track or not, Fluffy is definitely a sweet-sounding track – you can definitely feel the love from Youngjae. I liked the guitar and wooden xylophone in the background, particularly since they gave Fluffy such a playful and fun vibe. (8/10)

8. Snooze – Snooze brings the acoustic guitar into play, whilst also bringing back the dreamy and comforting vocals that we have heard earlier on in the album. While the track isn’t usually my style or go-to, I can’t help but smile to the track. Youngjae has always had that effect on me, and Snooze is just proof of that in song form. (8/10)

9. Thinking of You (자꾸 네가) – Thinking of You is the ballad you could see a mile away. It is beautifully instrumented with piano and Youngjae’s vocals are quite captivating, especially as you get towards the end. The band instrumentation that kicks in for the final chorus brings the track home. Definitely one of the best tracks on this album. (9/10)

10. Never Leave You Again – The final track on Youngjae’s first studio album is Never Leave You Again, a song from him to his fans. I am sure fans of his (and GOT7 more widely) have found this to be a touching song. Music wise, I really like his vocals in this track, especially when they are backed by his own backing vocals. While it could have been a ballad, I also appreciate the pop vibes that feature in Never Leave You Again. It feels on brand for Youngjae. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.4/10

Youngjae’s Do It Teaser Image

[Album Review] Expectation (2nd Mini Album) – D.O (EXO)

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We continue to bounce around the past year through the album review segment. Today, I am reviewing D.O’s 2nd mini-album, Expectation – his first solo release since finishing his military enlistment and solo debut back in 2021. It also follows on from D.O’s participation in EXO’s long awaited comeback with Cream Soda earlier on in the last year. Expectation features a total 7 tracks – the title track Somebody, the pre-release track I Do and five additional tracks.

Just some overall impressions on this mini-album to hope entice you to check out the mini-album if you haven’t yet – it is a highly recommended one from me. In hindsight, it should have been nominated for Best Album of 2023. But as I reviewed it way too late, I missed that opportunity and have robbed D.O of a potential win in that category. Massive apologies! But do check out the mini-album and let me know which is your favourite track as I have a few on here.

Expectation Album Cover

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

2. Wonder (기적) – I quite liked the upbeatness that Wonder featured. The indie pop sound came through so nicely, with the acoustic guitar being a really nice constant to keep the song grounded. The beat to Wonder is also definitely foot-tapping worthy. D.O’s vocals brings so much sweetness and cheerfulness to the table, and the melodies were just so captivating. I like the additions to the instrumental as Wonder went on, such as the claps we hear towards the end. These additions enhanced the cheerfulness and happy vibes that comes off the song, and made the indie track a little punchier so it wasn’t too consistent from start to end. Overall, a very easy-going and easy-on-the-ears listen that I personally enjoyed very much on this mini-album. (9/10)

3. I Do (별 떨어진다) (Pre-Release Track) – I Do was released back in early September, around two weeks before the official release of Expectation. My thoughts on Wonder can be reflected on I Do just as well, but there are some minute differences that does set it apart from the latter song. Firstly, I Do feels a lot more simplistic thanks to its instrumentation. I felt we steered towards more straight-forward pop in I Do and the only main instrument that makes up the backing is an acoustic guitar (with some bass). Simplicity can be said about the melodies as well, which I felt became even more attractive and addictive the more I listened to the song. And finally, D.O vocals were just stunningly effortless in I Do. (10/10)

4. Lost – Packing a punch is Lost, which is probably my ultimate favourite on this mini-album. Lost conveys a much heavier dose of emotions given the lyrics focus on a breakup. But we are not talking ballads here. Lost is a pop track, with the chorus featuring thumping beats that drive the song forwards and a darker pop-rock-like motif that adds complexity to this mini-album. I feel like this could be his answer to a dance track and would love to see how he would present this to us on a stage. With his vocals, you can hear how he ups the ante with more passion and power when it matters the most to make this an impactful and unforgettable song. (10/10)

5. Ordinary Days (내일의 우리) – Every time Ordinary Days plays, I get lost in it. I just find myself getting whisked away with the paced nature of the instrumental, and D.O’s vocals serves as the perfect vehicle to take me away. Everything is definitely a lot more delicate in Ordinary Days, compared to the other songs, but this shouldn’t scare you away from thinking it is just another ballad or is too slow-paced for you. (9/10)

6. The View – The View was the song that spoke to me the least on this mini-album. But I still find it to be quite pleasant one. D.O’s vocals are still captivating enough to fall into, and I liked the indie coffee shop inspiration behind the instrumental outro that closes out the song. I just wished there was a bit more to the song, such as a more memorable melody. (8/10)

7. Lost (Acoustic Version) – While I don’t tend to make comments on alternate versions of a song in my album review, the acoustic version of Lost felt like needed to be spoken about. Even without the oomph from the instrumentation of the original, this version still manages to come off as stilling. And I love the raw and unprocessed nature of his vocals in this version. I won’t include a rating for it, but it is definitely on par with the original.

Overall Album Rating – 9.2/10

D.O’s teaser image for Expectation

[Album Review] VillainS (9th Mini Album) – Dreamcatcher

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I am back tomorrow with song reviews that I have missed whilst on my break, plus other new releases that will be released during the week. In other words, a lot to get through. But before I am officially back tomorrow, there is one last album review that I have scheduled – Dreamcatcher’s VillainS. It is their 9th mini-album release, and their second one of 2023 (the first being Apocalypse: From Us, which featured the title track BONVOYAGE). VillainS features the title track OOTD, three side tracks and an intro track – a grand total of five tracks. As usual, thoughts on each song are below.

VillainS Album Cover

1. Intro: This My Fashion – Kicking off the mini-album and the new chapter in Dreamcatcher’s career is the intro track This My Fashion, which features a repetitive autotuned or robotic utterance of the title and a more electronic rock sound profile. I found this track to be a little unsettling, thanks to the lack of anything else in the track (the lack of vocals means I will not be rating this song and including it in the ‘overall album rating’). But it definitely means that This My Fashion has an intriguing aspect to it which beckons me to listen on.

2. OOTD (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for OOTD. (7.5/10)

3. Rising – To me, Rising sounds like a throwback to their earlier rock works that they built their name on. And this throwback is definitely well executed by the group and their producers. Dreamcatcher sounds more mature in this track. The hooks and melodies in Rising are catchy and their delivery in this song just shows us how well they meld into the genre now. Also, the rock gears towards the metal corner of the genre, which feels weightier. All of this makes for a highlight on this mini-album. (10/10)

4. Shatter – While I do like the set up to Shatter and its more experimental sound profile of electronica and punk, I felt like some parts of the song were relatively softer than the rest and this left the track unbalanced, in my opinion. I wished where the vocals were soft, they were actually intensified. This would also allow the instrumentation to go harder to really fully appreciate the best of both worlds. I did like the clever interwoven classical influences in Shatter, giving another dimension to the song. (8/10)

5. We Are Young – Dreamcatcher hits the club in We Are Young, going with a progressive house sound. It is definitely a different take on the group’s usual sound, which we all know has been more rock leaning. The drop and subsequent instrumental that makes up the chorus was very satisfying and hits the spot quite well. Interestingly, the verses and bridge feature softer vocals and a more delicate touch from the members. In the bridge, the way Siyeon transitions We Are Young from these vocals back to the club vibe is probably the best bit of the song and a profound way to end of this mini-album. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.9/10

VillainS Teaser Image

[Album Review] CONTINUUM (5th Mini Album) – VIXX

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It has been a few years since we last saw VIXX on stage. That was through Scentist (if we are considering their Korean comeback) or Reincarnation (if we are considering their Japanese comeback). There have been also two digital singles since those comebacks. But in November 2023, VIXX made their long awaited comeback with the mini-album CONTINUUM and the title track Amnesia. Today, I will be reviewing the mini-album. In addition to the title track, it features an additional four songs. And per usual, this mini-album is on par with the rest of their album releases as far as I can remember, a strong album release and features a few hidden gems. For more on individual songs, continue reading below.

CONTINUUM Album Cover

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

2. Chemical – Chemical takes me right back to some of their older side tracks, going for that darker and sexier vibe that VIXX always have in some form on their albums. I found everything to be rather straight forward and simple in Chemical, from the breathy yet clear vocals, sultry melodies, and trap and electronic instrumentational. But the descriptors ‘simple’ and ‘straight-forward’ are no critique towards Chemical. Rather the simplicity allows the song and the members within it really shine. (9/10)

3. LILAC (라일락) – In a more heartfelt and acoustic manner is LILAC. While the beginning and verses of the song brings out an acoustic flair, I do think LILAC’s chorus gears the song towards a minimalistic pop-rock demeanour. As the instrumentation is kept to a minimum, this allows LILAC to showcase the stunning vocal profile of the trio by placing their delivery into the spotlight. (9/10)

4. SAVAGE – SAVAGE takes an upbeat and dynamic turn in its instrumental, easily becoming my favourite pick on this mini-album. I like quite a lot in this track, such as the twinkling effect in the chorus (which gives SAVAGE depth), how fun the song gets thanks to the really funky instrumentation, and how lively and expressive VIXX sounds in SAVAGE. (10/10)

5. If You Come Tonight – If You Come Tonight is an easy-going and softer track to end the mini-album on. It isn’t a ballad, but it is as beautiful as a ballad from VIXX could be. The melodies are really nice, and VIXX’s really nice vocal work also has this sweet tinge to it that emphasises the track’s pleasant and soothing vibes. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.8/10

[Album Review] [PHANTASY] Pt. 2 Sixth Sense (2nd Studio Album – Part 2) – THE BOYZ

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THE BOYZ announced back last year their second studio length album PHANTASY and that it would be split into three parts. I also think I read somewhere that the entire album was to be released by the end of 2023. But I think that ship has sailed given we only have two parts and it is already early 2024. Anyhow, the group kicked off PHANTASY with the first part, Christmas in August and LIP GLOSS, in August 2023. And in November 2023, the group followed up with the second part of PHANTASY, Sixth Sense, which is the focus of this review post. The single WATCH IT serves as the title track and forms part of the six-track second part of the album. For my thoughts on each of the song below (FYI – some of which do have music videos – linked blow. But due to time constraints, I have opted to review them here instead), continue reading the review below.

[PHANTASY] Pt. 2 Sixth Sense Album Cover

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

2. Rat In The Trap (덫) – The first unit track on this part of the album is Rat In The Trap, which features Sangyeon, Jacob, Kevin, New and Hakyeon. I wrote this review before the music video for Rat In The Trap was released. Here, they describe love as a trap. I really like the funky vibe that is channeled throughout the track. Further to that, the electric bass gives the track that dark and edgy vibe (and a very cool crunchy effect), while the melodies and vocal work feels quite sleek. (8/10)

3. Honey – Honey also got the music video treatment earlier this year. But as it was an all-English song (which was a genuine surprise to me), it (presently) can only fall into the realm of my International Song Reviews segment. As that segment tends to lag behind, here are my thoughts on Honey. It is a smooth and sleek hip-hop track performed by members Sunwoo and Eric. The lyrics are quite sensual and mature, but I feel this helps makes the song feel even smoother. The two rappers’ vocals were actually well done, and their rapping is definitely engaging. I really like their use of the deeper and lower registers throughout, which really helped make Honey alluring to listeners. Eric and Sunwoo did a very successful job with Honey. (9/10)

4. Bad Luck – All the members come together again in Bad Luck, which felt like quintessential THE BOYZ for me. The synth work comes off as dramatic in Bad Luck and gives momentum to the song. The vocal work is amazing, with fast tempo delivery in the chorus being one of the cooler aspects of the track. But it is the rapping that bookends both ends of the second verse were the standout moments, with Sunwoo’s rhythmic sequence at the end of the second verse being the best of the best. I want to relive those few seconds again and again. (10/10)

5. CRYING & LAUGHTER – The hollow percussion to start off the song was definitely an interesting choice. But it actually ends up blending well with the rest of the instrumentation. There are also other interesting choices in this dance track, as more scratchy strings. Again, good rapping and vocals from the members throughout CRYING & LAUGHTER, all of which makes the song engaging to listen to again and again. The ‘La la la’ and melodies are quite catchy. A solid single, overall. (8/10)

6. Escape – Again, we see interesting instrumentation choices in Escape. There are a few odd balls (at least, that is how I hear them) in the background, such as the consistent and brief thumping percussion, the very dull piano-like right at the back of the instrumentation, a bubbling effect sound and probably a lot more that I cannot pinpoint. That being said, everything melds together to be quite aesthetic. I thought it was really cool. The airy vocals from the members actually complimented the music quite well. It had an alluring effect that worked very well on me. My only improvement to this song is that it could have used something more memorable in terms of hooks and melodies. (8.5/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.8/10

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[Album Review] VERSUS (4th Mini Album) – VIVIZ

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After what felt like has been a concentrated amount of album reviews for male groups, I am here with an album review for a female group – this time, VIVIZ. The trio made their comeback in November 2023 with their 4th mini-album VERSUS and the title track MANIAC, following on from their PULL UP comeback from earlier in 2023. Including the title track, this mini-album also features another 4 songs.

This is the first time I am reviewing an album from VIVIZ, who debuted following the unexpected announcement of GFriend’s disbandment. Said announcement is still one that catches me off guard and shocks me even after two years as it was simply not even considered as an option given the success off the group. That being said, VIVIZ picks it right up with their debut and have had a consistent career post GFriend since. This time around, I am encouraged to review VERSUS thanks to how much the title track has grown on me and the fact the mini-album has one awesome track that I really wanted to share with you. Continue reading below to find out which VERSUS song is the one you must listen to!

VERSUS Album Cover

1. MANIAC (Title Track) – One of the wishes expressed in my review for MANIAC was that more listens would help boost up the song for me, given my review was written merely hours after the song release. I am happy to say that since the release of MANIAC, the additional listens did help and I am more than inclined to increase MANIAC’s song rating to a 7/10. Click here for the full review for MANIAC. (7/10)

2. Untie – Untie is my favourite pick from this mini-album. The runway aesthetic that makes up Untie’s sound profile is successfully executed, with the instrumental setting the scene with immediate effect. VIVIZ’s very low and raspy toned breathy vocals was definitely a highlight aspect of the song, with the rest of the vocals being very solid efforts as well. It was the perfect vessel for the charisma, confidence and power that they were conveying in Untie. (10/10)

3. Overflow – We gear towards more R&B territory for Overflow. I liked the dreamier vibes from the instrumentation and the vocals were really well done. Unfortunately, the melodies didn’t keep me around and I found this to be an excuse to skip the song constantly. (7/10)

4. Day To Day (한 걸음) – I find that Eunha’s higher pitched vocals work excellently in Day to Day, and Umji and SinB’s vocals follow through quite nicely. I like the really soft pop vibes that comes from Day To Day, which makes it quite graceful and lovely listen. The melodies have this small bounce to it, which I quite liked. And everything else contributes to an easy listen. (8/10)

5. Up 2 Me – We re-enter upbeat territory to close out the VERSUS mini-album with Up 2 Me. After some paced tracks, it is definitely nice to hear some energy from this mini-album. Up 2 Me is another enjoyable track with a catchy chorus and retro detailing in the pop instrumentation that backs the track. I kind of wished that was a more prolific element in Up 2 Me to really give Up 2 Me a little more oomph, but the track is good enough as it is. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8/10

VERSUS Teaser Image

[Album Review] Love Effect (7th Mini Album) – ONF

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After completing their military enlistment at the same time in June 2023 (a first in KPOP to navigate the biggest cause of prolonged hiatus in male KPOP groups), ONF returned in October 2023 with their 7th mini-album, Love Effect. It is their first comeback since their special album release of Storage of ONF in 2022 in the midst of their military enlistments, which featured the title track Your Song. Love Effect (the mini-album) features a total of 5 songs, including their latest title track of the same name.

Overall, this new mini-album is a solid way to ease us back into ONF, with the title track itself borrowing that similar sound profile that I personally liked from their title tracks that they released prior to the military enlistments in 2021 (i.e., Beautiful Beautiful) and the others songs demonstrating the group’s variability with different sounds and genres. Continue reading to find out what my thoughts on each individual song are below.

Love Effect Album Cover

1. Be Here Now – Kicking off the mini-album is the single Be Here Now, which lyrics are about the future that ONF wants with their fans (FUSEs). I really like the cheerful and feel-good vibe that the verses bring to the song, and the choruses are an inclusive extension of that thanks to the members singing together. Wyatt’s rapping in the bridge brings a playful vibe to the mix, while the only pre-chorus in Be Here Now is extremely pleasant (so much so, that it stands out to me). (9/10)

2. Love Effect (바람이 분다) – Click here for the review for Love Effect. (9/10)

3. Dam Dam Di Ram – ONF taps into hip-hop territory with this dance track, which to me sounds like a typical male KPOP group release. It just sounds plain and doesn’t really feel as exciting as some of their other tracks on this mini-album. Also, Dam Dam Di Ram is a lot more serious and heavier than ONF’s other releases, which is a departure from what we hear from ONF usually. That being said, there are some good moments and aspects to the song, such as Hyojin and Seungjun’s (formerly J-Us) unique vocals in the pre-choruses, Wyatt’s very low tone rap-speak in the second verse and the refreshing flute that features in the background throughout the song. (7.5/10)

4. Arrival – Whilst Arrival is also quite hefty and serious like releases from other male groups, I do find that Arrival does a much better job of showcasing ONF’s style and colour. Just check out the chorus, and I think you will know what I am talking about (if you have been a long-time fan of ONF). The synth wave instrumentation behind Arrival is a lot more dynamic and this definitely helps make the song more appealing. The detailing we hear in the background introduces some crunchy textures, while I felt was very cool. (8.5/10)

5. Wind Effect (바람이 부는 이유) – The final song on the album is (surprise, surprise) a ballad. It is a lovely song to end on, with a soft piano instrumental and pleasant vocals to round out of the mini-album. Given the title of this track is rather similar to the title track of this release, the lyrics of Wind Effect reads in as a potential lead into the title track – Wind Effect depicts the beginning of love, while Love Effect (the title track) depicts the falling in love. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.4/10

Love Effect Teaser Image

[Album Review] MELTING POINT (2nd Mini-Album) – ZEROBASEONE

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The best selling and very popular rookie of 2023, ZEROBASEONE, made their first comeback in November 2023 with the mini-album MELTING POINT. This mini-album features the title track CRUSH and four additional side tracks (one of which shares the same name with the mini-album). After the success of Youth In The Shade, and the fact that they are (once again) breaking records with this album release, I just had to check out MELTING POINT in an album review post. And my thoughts on the overall album is simple – while the mini-album isn’t as strong as their debut one due to the title track, all of the side tracks on this album are quite good to check out.

MELTING POINT Album Cover

1. Melting Point – Click here for the review for Melting Point. (8/10)

2. Take My Hand – Drum and bass dominates the instrumentation and song of Take My Hand. It might be much for some, but I thought it was a really good way of pushing the song along. The members provide very crisp, clear and loud vocals to ensure they come off as striking and are heard over the dominant instrumentation. I feel like that there is some emotional weight to the vocals, which was also interesting addition to a dance/electronic track. Maybe better blending of the background and vocals would have helped make Take My Hand feel a little more cohesive, but it is still a good song. (8.5/10)

3. CRUSH (가시) (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for CRUSH. (6/10)

4. Kidz Zone – This pop rock song is amazing and was an instant favourite of mine. Kidz Zone is about wanting to be like kids forever, and so it features a very carefree vibe that you expect kids to have. But it is also nostalgic as it brought up some happy memories of childhood for me. Right from the get-go, I was impressed with ZEROBASEONE’s vocals in this. I personally thought the higher register gave the vocals a lot of character to match up with the carefree tone of Kidz Zone. The use of the choir in the chorus adds an extra layer of energy and brightness to the song that makes it very hard to put down. A definite gem on this mini-album. (10/10)  

5. Good Night – The fifth and final song on this mini-album is a ballad, which should come as no surprise. But this is no typical ballad. Good Night has a very beautiful instrumentation. There is some complexity to it, thanks to the mix of synths and acoustic elements. I particularly like the twinkling effect that the piano gave Good Night, which gives off a dreamy effect in the midst of everything else. The vocals from the members are really nice as well, and the swaying melodies is very much there is Good Night. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.1/10

MELTING POINT Teaser Image

[Album Review] La Dolce Vita (10th Mini Album) – ONEUS

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ONEUS made their second comeback of 2023 in September 2023 with La Dolce Vita (their 10th mini-album) and Baila Conmigo (the title of their latest single). It follows on from their May 2023 PYGMALION and ERASE ME comeback.

Their latest release is a little short, with a total of five tracks (one of which is the Spanish version of the title track). But there is one exceptionally great song on the mini-album that you must check out, based on my opinion. Read on to find out which song that was!

La Dolce Vita Album Cover

1. Intro: Begging You – The intro to La Dolce Vita happens to be the most modern number, with its use of electronic synths and processing of vocals. I really like Begging You’s glitchy approach to its chorus, which gives the track complexity and a fun vibe (something that doesn’t travel through to the rest of the mini-album). The rest of the vocals and rapping was quite nicely done. (8/10)

2. Baila Conmigo (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Baila Conmigo. (7/10)

3. Simulation – Why Simulation did not get the attention it deserves beats me. This was indeed a masterpiece of a song. The dramatic piano piece that kicks off Simulation (and is featured throughout the song)just sets the tone for the song, leading Simulation down a melodramatic and epic direction. The rest of the production concentrates the intensity of Simulation. The members’ vocals and rapping contribute to bringing that dramaticism to life, while the melodies make it flow like a classical ballroom piece on stage. Altogether, you get a very aesthetic and unique track that seemingly only ONEUS can full off. (10/10)

4. Epilogue – Epilogue is a bit standard for my liking and I put this on the R&B instrumentation. I know following Simulation is a tall order to ask for, but one of the barriers that really prevents me from connecting with Epilogue was the incredibly plain instrumentation. At least the vocals carried the song, with the members showcasing a fair bit of emotional heft and they sounded very heartfelt. The smoothness the vocals were also commendable. (7/10)

5. Baila Conmigo (Spanish Version) – Refer to my review for Baila Conmigo above.

Overall Album Rating – 8/10

La Dolce Vita Teaser Image

[Album Review] Drama (4th Mini Album) – aespa

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November also saw the return of aespa, who came back with the single and mini-album of the same name, Drama. This follows on from the very high standard set by aespa with their MY WORLD mini-album from May of last year. It also follows on from aespa’s all-English July Better Things single release, which is also featured on their latest mini-album alongside Drama and 5 additional side tracks.

As mentioned above, their previous mini-album set a really high bar. And while Drama doesn’t meet that high standard this time around, it definitely gets quite close to it. For more on the mini-album, see below.

Drama Album Cover

1. Drama (Title Track) – Originally, I said that the choruses for Drama was plain. But per usual, multiple listens after the review have resulted in me realising that the choruses are quite addictive and catchy. This means my thoughts on Drama will need to be tweaked (and I will do so in a future post). As for now, I have decided to bump my song rating for Drama from 7.5 to 9. Click here for my original thoughts on Drama. (9/10)

2. Trick or Trick – Trick or Trick continues the boldness charm that is present in the title track into this bass-heavy dance track. And some parts of the song actually help exceed the previous level of boldness, such as the striking hooks that the members deliver (e.g., “Now you see me, now you don’t”) and even the main grungy twinkling synth in the instrumentation. I really liked the overall intensity in this track and the powerful vocals we do get in this track. This potentially could have been title track material, had Drama not ended up being as ear-wormy as it did. (9/10)

3. Don’t Blink – For some reason, people have described Don’t Blink as ‘country-like’. While I do hear a tinge of that influence in the instrumentation thanks to the guitar riffs, the rest of Don’t Blink conforms more into pop territory. I did agree and liked with the vocal focus of the song, and the rapping featured in the bridge was very clean. The melodies and hooks were very simple, and the additional synths (particularly at the end of the song) was a nice touch. (8/10)

4. Hot Air Balloon – Deviating from the usual aespa serious style is the very bright and bubbly Hot Air Balloon. I find myself smiling when I listen to the song, just because the instrumentation just feels fun and amusing. I particularly like the crunchy textures in the midst of all the child-like and fun energy that is in Hot Air Balloon. Similarly, aespa’s higher pitched vocals follow the same train, and brings to us some memorable hooks and delivery styles. Out of all the side tracks on this mini-album, this one sticks out and for all of the right reasons. (10/10)

5. YOLO – I may sound like an old person here, but YOLO is one of the words that is the bane of my existence. You can imagine I wasn’t thrilled when I saw the title on the tracklist. But YOLO ends up being one of my favourite track on this mini-album. The pop-punk energy from the get-go is top tier and the members match this with ease with their bright and shouty delivery. The percussion comes down at the right moments to give off an epic tone. Everything feels full-on and practically remains in that gear for majority of the song, which admittedly is not for everyone. But it was mine and I thoroughly enjoyed YOLO (even if the title still irks me). (9/10)

6. You – Per usual, the final new song on the mini-album is their softest number. I am glad that the group didn’t go into ballad territory. Instead, they went towards a R&B motif and maintained that bright energy that they had channelled in the latter half of this mini-album. The orchestral instrumental is quite beautiful. As for the members and their vocals, they demonstrate why we should have them on their radar. Their vocal performance, just like in other songs on this mini-album, was truly captivating, and I liked their delicate and sincere tone. (8.5/10)

7. Better Things – Click here for my review for Better Things. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.8/10

Drama Teaser Image

[Album Review] Target: ME (1st Mini Album) – EVNNE

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As you may already know, EVNNE recently returned with their first comeback since debut with UGLY. But before I come back from my break and review the UGLY comeback, I thought I take some time out of my hiatus to review EVNNE’s debut mini-album, Target: ME, which dropped back in September 2023. Headlining the mini-album was the single TROUBLE, one of the 6 songs that form part of the Target: ME mini-album. For a debut mini-album, this one is a very good one. The title track did get a little bump up in terms of its song rating (as perspective on songs do change over time and mine for TROUBLE definitely has), and the rest of the mini-album showcases a solid effort from the group. I am definitely looking forward to what is coming next from EVNNE (i.e., UGLY and the mini-album UN: SEEN). But for the time being (as I am still on a break), here are my thoughts on Target: ME.

Target: ME Album Cover

1. TROUBLE (Title Track) – My original song rating for TROUBLE was 7.5/10. Since my review, EVNNE’s TROUBLE has definitely grown me and some of my thoughts have definitely changed about the song as a result. I will address those changes in a different points. For now, I am bumping up the rating by 1 full point. Click here for my original thoughts on TROUBLE. (8.5/10)

2. Role Model – Old school hip-hop is alive in Role Model. The energy from this alone already sets up the song positively. In addition to the instrumentation, EVNNE pulls off this style extremely well. Both the vocals and rapping were very solid, with the rapping thriving in this old school hip-hop environment and the vocals brought a nice smoothness to the song. (8/10)

3. Pretty Thing – Still in that hip-hop gear is Pretty Thing. This time there is a much heavier dose of synths in the background. In the midst of that, there are some intriguing instrumentation detailing and delivery choices in Pretty Thing, which kept the song interesting to me. But the best bit of Pretty Thing is definitely the chorus that really is definitely bold (relatively to the rest of the song) and it has a very satisfying melody/bite to it. I wished the rest of the song was a little sharper. But other than that, a very strong side track from the group. (9/10)  

4. Your Text – Introducing us to EVNNE in a groovy R&B motif is Your Text. It also moves us away from synths by going with a more acoustic instrumentation. The vocal work here is also quite good, and I like the interwoven rap-speak lines in the chorus. Overall, a pleasant track to put on in the background and enjoy. (8/10)

5. JUKEBOX – If you are looking for an upbeat track, don’t look further than JUKEBOX. JUKEBOX taps into a retro funk sound for its instrumentation, which is fun and energetic. The members do a great job of matching and showcasing this same energy and vibe. The “Na Na Na” proves itself to be an ear-wormy hook, as I find myself having a little boogie every time it appears in JUKEBOX. (9/10)

6. Even More – Per usual, EVNNE ends their first mini-album with a ballad in the form of Even More. Based on the lyrics, the song is about wanting to creating memories with their fans (who have been named ENNVE). The synth-pop instrumentation gives the ballad track another side and dimension, which I thought was cool. The melodies bring out a mini swaying effect and the members did a really nice job showcasing their vocals in this track. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.4/10

Target: ME Teaser Image

[Album Review] 樂-STAR (ROCK-STAR) (8th Mini-Album) – Stray Kids

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Making their comeback in November 2023 was Stray Kids. They returned with their 8th mini-album, 樂-STAR (ROCK-STAR), which features two versions of the title track LALALALA, the Korean version of Social Path (ft. LiSA) and 6 other side tracks. Interestingly, this latest mini-album from this highly popular male group ends up being one of the highest rated albums from last year on my blog. I had not expected this whatsoever. But I guess I should have at least considered it following the success and how much I personally enjoyed their last comeback with ★★★★★ (5-STAR) and S-Class. Continue reading to find out why I ended up rating 樂-STAR (ROCK-STAR) so high!

樂-STAR (ROCK-STAR) Album Cover

1. MEGAVERSE – Click here for the review for MEGAVERSE. (10/10)

2. LALALALA (락 (樂)) (Title Track) – Click here for the review for LALALALA. (8/10)

3. BLIND SPOT (사각지대) – BLIND SPOT is my favourite side track from the entire mini-album. I particularly like the upbeat and vibrant energy that comes from this track, thanks to the dynamic mix of EDM and (I think) rock. Throw in Stray Kids usually fast-paced raps and cool vocals, and you have a very lively and bold track to return to. The English lyrics at the end ring on in my head even after the song ends, which is thanks to the repetition and gets me wanting to return to the track even more. What I also felt was really successful about BLIND SPOT was its placement after LALALALA. Let’s just say that I repeatedly listened to BLIND SPOT a lot after listening to LALALALA (as I had somehow managed to maintain ROCK-STAR on my front page, and that is how kept finding the group for a Stray Kids fix). (10/10)     

4. COMFLEX – COMFLEX is another punchy and dynamic track on the mini-album. This one feels a lot more serious, as it sends a message to Stray Kids’ haters that they are not afraid of their shortcomings. The chorus feels very loaded, as a result. I really liked the stomping/punchy start to COMFLEX’s chorus, along with the presence of rapping that goes down pretty hard. Actually, all of the rapping in the song goes down pretty hard. The trap elements and the powerful hollow synths in the chorus really gives this track a lot of character and aggressive energy. And finally, I am actually quite surprised by the balance of vocals and rapping in COMFLEX. (9/10)

5. Cover Me (가려줘) – Stray Kids turns towards emotions with Cover Me. You can really feel the emotions in two forms – the vocal work that features in the chorus and the guitar work in the same sequence. However, that doesn’t mean the rest of the song doesn’t deliver the same emotional output. The chorus is just where it sounds like the members hurt the most. SEUNGMIN’s high note (followed up by BANGCHAN’s) was spectacular, and were probably the best moment of Cover Me for me. All the other members did an amazing job, with Cover Me becoming a prime example of one of their best vocal-forward songs ever. (9/10)  

6. Leave – Now, Leave does have a music video in the form of the SKZ-FLIX video that was published ahead of the comeback. I thought that might be more of a Music Video Theory post, however, which I still have plans to another iteration of. Leave features a more mellow acoustic instrumentation than any of the above songs. But like its predecessor, the emotions do come out Leave in plentiful quantities and the vocals are stunning. We do also get some rapping, which was also a nice touch to differentiate the more emotional songs on the mini-album. Personally, I found Leave to be quite a pleasant and enjoyable track. (8.5/10)  

7. Social Path (ft. LiSA) (Korean Version) – I previously reviewed the Social Path as part of an International Song Review post. Click here for the review for Social Path (ft. LiSA). (9/10)

8. LALALALA (Rock Version) – See my review for LALALALA above.

Overall Album Rating – 9.1/10

樂-STAR (ROCK-STAR) Teaser Image