Heart To Heart – 4Minute

Source: http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/25800000/Heart-to-heart-JV-Screecaps-4minute-25849138-1920-1080.jpg

The third review of past hit songs by big name groups, and the first of three consecutive reviews of the same topic. Heads up, 4Minute’s Mirror Mirror and G.Na’s Top Girl will be reviewed next. May decide which “past” song I will review next by the end of G.Na’s review. Anyway, off topic. But on topic. Heart To Heart was chosen as the second promotional song for the groups back in 2011, when they released their first studio album. It must be noticed that the song itself was released in March, and was deemed as a digital single in March 2011. The songs were then re-released on the first album of the band. It was also used as the follow-up song for the band’s promotion.

This song is really addictive. It was a change for the girls to be seen in this way, particularly their last releases and the level of seriousness of Hyuna when she makes her “comebacks”. Hyuna, JiYoon & Gayoon have been dominate a lot of the songs that the band has released. This, however, gives the last two members Jihyun and Sohyun more lines in which they usually have. This song has that extra sweet sound to it, which makes the song much different. Many were not happy with this particular song as it did not fit the girls image. This song is more of the aegyo type, which I agree, does fit the band. However, the song is really catchy and has that addictiveness that many KPOP songs have that I enjoy. The song talks about how a weak some men are when fessing up to cheating to their girlfriends. Interesting and different.

The music video, yeah, it is a bit extreme. I guess they are either pro prankers or really really stupid amateurs. It starts off with a couple, who are perfectly in sync with each other. But as time passes, they grow apart. Or just the guy. She is suspicious that something is up, so she investigates and that proves her idea of a cheating boyfriend. Or really she just happened to stumble upon the cheating boyfriend when she is partying with friends at a club. She confronts him at the club, but he plays it cool and does not know her. He however, it quite suprised. Then, they do a lot of pranks on the boyfriend. Spraying food to make it hard,  substituting whipping cream for shaving cream (which he really does not need, as he does not need to shave at all), putting glue into his toothpaste (the scene where they are laughing is hilarious). Then they decide to manipulate his car. Hey loser. How on earth do you not notice a group of girls laughing in the background? It is not like they are laughing silently or anything. They also go to lengths of making him sit on a cardboard box and giving him lingerie at a workplace. Original. However, the last prank kind of ruined the long run of perfect pranks. He make him faint so laming-ly, so they can take a picture of him and photoshop him, making him a criminal.  What a really bad piece of art they made there. That was badly photoshop.

The dance is quite okay. It bounces to the music and the girl’s intention behind the song fit the softness of the dance.

7/10. Pretty cool. Seems pretty good overall. Would definitely recommend the music video, just for laughs (or threatening your boyfriend for whatever action they may have committed). Hey not giving any ideas here. Linked in the playlist below, is the Korean version and the Japanese version of the song. Enjoy~

Breaking News – SHINee

Source: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZ4wNmyTDhs/UckJkpwGW7I/AAAAAAAATlU/mUdS349EqEw/s640/shinee+breaking+news+full+pv+screencap+2.PNG

SHINee has returned to Japan, after promoting their latest Korean album of Dream Girl and Why So Serious?. Their last Japanese single, from memory was fire, was released in February or March, if my memory served me right. This is their latest Japanese single, released on the June 26th and since has been ranking high in Japan. Breaking News is a song on their second album. Along with Breaking News, their past Japanese singles, including Sherlock, 1000 years…, Fire & Dazzling Girl, along with other new songs were released.

Wow, this is a rocking song from the band. I totally love this rock feeling from the boys. I was so impressed with Why So Serious and this song is quite similar in terms of genre, but has a totally different feel to it. The boys never seem to disappoint, and this song is exactly perfect. the vocals, the rap, the instrumental, the high notes. Wow. The vocals of this song very strong from Onew to Jonghyun to Taemin. Minho and Key has show very powerful and dominated raps, which sound superb. I think, and I am not sure, that the guys are talking about their new love as “breaking news”. If I was to continue from that point and discuss the meaning of the song, it sounds a lot like the forever alone guy just got a girlfriend. Yeah. I really like the slow parts before the chorus, and then that impact they punch through the music in the chorus. Its catchiest, and I think this is one of my most favourite JPOP songs by the band to date.

The music video does not live up to its standards that the song has created. But I love the feel of the video. It matches the song quite easily. I don’t know if it the quality of the video that I am watching but seriously, this video has that dull colour to it. Any video I have watched has the same dullness which I really don’t like. I also thought, maybe some flashing lights would be good, but there is nothing to give the video the extra punch which is really needed in the video. The song has it, but the video does not have it. I am not that troubled by what they are wearing, but it does not feel right. I really like the scene of their solo, where all the cameras are looking at them. I like what they did there, as they are using the title to the best of their abilities.

This dance, on the other hand, lives up to its standard. The dance is amazing and that is all what I am going to say. I don’t think I am in the right state of mind to comment on the dance. Awed by the group.

9.5/10. Despite the video, I think it is fair to give the group this score. Really great!

Bunny Style – T-Ara

Source: http://seoulbeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/20130302_seoulbeats_t-ara2.jpg

T-Ara is finally back with a brand new J-POP single/album. Going for something much different than before, Bunny Style (I think the song actually has a similar title, that is much more accurate. Since I am so lazy to write out the actually Japanese word. The thug life chose me). This style is much more different compared to their other releases. On with the review.

This song, as I said above, is much different to what they would normally release. Not sure if they were trying to breaking into that weird cutesy genre that Japan is known for. I happen to like this song and thought it was quite addictive. The chorus for me was the best part of the whole song. I was okay with the rap of the song. I have to agree with the rest of the world and that she sucks. Especially live. Totally, but haters are going to hate (I think I used that in the wrong context). But overall I liked the song. That mini slutty dance music instrumental after the rap DID NOT FIT the song AT ALL. I DO NOT want to listen to that mini part ever again. That was the first part. It seems like any girl group has to have that “instrumental” to show off their sexiness or else they are doomed!!! Get with the time and find something new.

The music video to me is a bit weird. The music video is quite cute and colorful  But the plot of the music video just got to me. It seems random and kind of like rushed. I like the smartness of the music video and song, as it ties in the bunny theme. But girls going after a bunny, who is a player, is not exactly that interesting. I just wonder why the bunny left you girls. Oh maybe it is because you guys are human and that he can breed and blend in with his own crowd, by dating a female bunny. You see? Anyway, beside that I was pretty okay with the music video. Nothing that much to complain about. (Get rid of dubstep dance please!!!).

I really like the whole idea of promoting the song for FREE in Japan before the actual release. That is pretty cool. As for the dance, I thought the chorus was really good and quite addictive. What? I dance in my sleep. However for that dubstep dance. No. Just no.

7.5/10. Pretty good.

Party It Up – AAA

Source: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6t9UsLR1xqQ/US9Um249K1I/AAAAAAAAeqo/V60EhYzhMmU/s1600/AAA+Party+It+Up+Wallpaper.jpg

AAA has finally made their comeback and return with a totally new single which is not off their latest album. “Party It Up” is much different from its previous songs, as it contains a club beat. In my case, I missed a song that they promoted at the start of the year. Not sure if it was a special song for Christmas or something. I have to say that this is their best song yet. I have been “stalking” their albums and Wikipedia page getting up to date with this band who debuted in 2005. That was like 8 years ago.

I really like the song. It has a club beat, that I am not just into at this moment, but how this song uses the beat is really addictive. But beside, I have to talk points off for the instrumental. It is not up there as much as other aspects of the song, but still pretty good. I also must say that when the main vocalist sings “clap your hands now”, I actually hear “crap your hands now”. Anyone else???? The vocals are pretty good. Not the best but do sound pretty good. The rap was awesome as well. The rapper of the group always sounds good, regardless. But then again, to me, Japanese rappers all have the same sound. Actually come to think of it, rappers always sound different when they speak normally, when compared to rapping. But the song really does sound pretty good. I liked it, and basically to me, that is what matters.

The music video is quite on the same level of the song itself. It is pretty dark, but I love the use of flashing lights. It gives that dark club feel. At first that background was a whole bunch of mirrors, but after looking at the “Making of Music Video” video, I soon worked out that the “mirror” background was just a very thin frame. The ending of the video seems somewhat creepy. It was empty. You know? And at 3:12, who is the guy laughing at? It makes the whole scene look awkward and funny. There is one thing that I am not that happy about. That is that effect that they used mainly at the start and bit in the video. Yeah, headache written all over it.

The live is pretty cool. There is a cool dance that fits the beat of the song really well. The formations which they have are pretty cool as well and it overall is quite addictive. Sucks that Japanese artists only promote for a short amount of time on the music shows.

9/10. Really good, nearing perfection.

Alone – UKISS

Source: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CZqQl2Zk3-A/0.jpg

UKISS has finally made their Japanese comeback with Alone. A previous song released in December, was Distance, however I won’t be reviewing. It has been shortlisted, which means they might get reviewed. I just don’t know when. Maybe a whole heap of smaller reviews, like a few sentences each month or something for like a few songs? I don’t know, what do you think?

The song is pretty good. I liked much more than their ballad release in December. This song has its roots in its poppy feel, but I love its dubstep feel to the song as well. It seems to have a catchy chorus, however, I don’t see me singing this song all of the time, like Girls Generation’s I Got A Boy. This time around Hoon and Soohyun got to perform much more than usual, showing off their superb vocals. However, it feels like Dongho got a 1 line rap, while Kiseop got a 2 line moment in the whole song. The rest of the members got like 1095645854976 lines in the whole song, which is quite unfair. About the rap, actually, it did not feel as it was needed in the song. I don’t know, also Distance did not need a rap as well. A let down, but over all pretty good.

The music video was pretty well done. There were some bad points but also some good points as well. The costumes look pretty cool, however Kevin, G-Dragon is worried about his boxing gear and you might want to give it back. I liked the dance, with the use of the diagonals and puppetry in the dance. Watch carefully. Also the dubstep at the 2:25 to 2:46 part is pretty cool. However, the set seems to be quite familiar, you know the light and the holes in the wall, from TVXQ’s Bring Your Head Down? You know that one? Oh, one more complaint. Dongho should never have long hair. It does not suit him.

7.5/10. Pretty good, however there were some let downs.

Robot – CN Blue

Source: http://cnbstorm.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/cnblue-robot-gal-1.jpg

CN Blue made a comeback in Japan in December with the song, Robot. Despite it being an anticipated comeback from fans, I view this as a failure. After it came out, nothing happened. I did not see people hyperventilating over this song as they did with Hey You or I’m Sorry. To me, I don’t like this song, but I don’t hate it. It is not just for me. To me, it was a weak song for them to sing.

despite it showing their ability to change their sound and ability to sing, I was quite disappointed. I like most of CN Blue’s songs but this is just not for me, It is a J-POP song but can I just say that it is more like 80% English, 15% Japanese and 5% Onomatopoeia . I found the beat and instrumental okay, just it was not as great compared to I’m Sorry (which the review should be coming out at the end of February or early March). Yonghwa dominates this song once again, leaving Jonghyun the other vocalist of the group to sing such a small part of the song.  But beside that, nothing much else to say about the song. Well, beside their English. “I’m a robot” sounds like gibberish to me, but it is okay.

The music video was quite simple. Them playing instrumentals, with a whole heap of electrical cords around them. And then the cords fall. It is okay, but something a little more epic would’ve been better to suit the song. Slo-motion scenes of the cords breaking is not what I would say is epic, but quite lazy. But hey, it still looked good.

5/10. It was okay, but could’ve been better.

1000 Years, Always By Your Side – SHINee

Source: https://kpopreviewed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/shinee1000yearsalwaysbyyoursidemvscreencap12.jpg?w=300

SHINee is finally back in Japan after releasing a song in October. However, this time around, they have gone for a much softer song and is nothing like Dazzling Girl. This song hit my heart the most, and I loved the music video a lot. They always kind of surprised me this time around, with a song that I was not expecting.

The song is a really good ballad, that caught me by surprised. I thought, from the title, that it would a song for their fans or for a girl like Dazzling Girl. It is a really good ballad which really does bring out their voices, however I found that the song was Jonghyun dominated rather than the other members. At first, I thought that there would be no rap in the song when I first heard it at the start, however I was completely wrong. They included a subtle rap to the song, which fits the feel of the song really well. If anything was to be changed, give Taemin, Onew, Key and Minho or lines please. I really do think the song is definitely Jonghyun dominated.

The music video is one of the best videos which I have ever seen. This comes up along with Sunny Hill’s Midnight Circus, The Grasshopper Song, Is the White Horse Coming? and Brown Eyed Girl’s Cleansing Cream and Sixth Sense. There is nothing in this video that is wrong or confusing. However, I am here to stuff up your thoughts, as normal, so here is my take on the music video. At the start we see the SHINee guys wearing full on black clothing and standing at a bus stop with some old people. We are then taken to the hospital, to see a family, about to be broken up, as the son is sick and I am assuming that the mother and father are about to break up. However, this draws the family closer. The father is contacted by SHINee who tell him that there is a way to make your son happy again, which is basically open a box of balloons up. He listens to them and opens the box, however knowing that there are consequences , he is tragically killed in a fire at a circus. We then see him boarding the bus, which means the bus is like a gateway to Heaven. Such a sad music video.

I don’t think a live performance of this song exist. Or even if there is a dance. Let’s not.

8.5/10. Really good.

Dazzling Girl – SHINee

Source: http://www.koreaboo.com/forum/uploads/bc0b52746e590cda2a9ac6dd340eac6f.png

 

Dazzling Girl is the first single that is not a Korean song by SHINee, and released in early October. Now, they are preparing another song for December, so watch this space! Seriously, after hearing songs that were first released in Korean, I am quite happy to hear something that is not Korean at all. Dazzling Girl is a song that describes how a girl can be dazzling, which is really the song title. Yeah, anyway….

The song is quite addictive and really fresh. It is something that is different from their previous singles and really is not that serious in a way. The song is has a really good instrumental  that I think enhances the song to a whole new level. The chorus is really catchy and the mini English phrases that were added in were done quite well, expect for “Boom Boom Pow”. There really is nothing that I wish to complain about the song expect for the lyrics. The English translation seem a bit Cliché to me. “If I don’t see you it’s a Rainy Day” sounds like it just came out of the Notebook or some other really romantic movie/story. “Suddenly, like a rainbow, you were smiling” also kind of sounds like that, but to me a rainbow frowns, because its shape is the upside down smile. Get it? No? Just referring the colours? I see.

The music video really was quite boring. The members all work together to create and perfect the model who is absolutely pretty. She looks like my old tutor’s receptionist. Yeah. They are all in charge of getting the perfect picture of her, her make-up, the setting in which the picture was to be taken, the clothing etc. The fact that all the members find the girl pretty is kind of disturbing, but hey, Replay may happen. They also dance in a room full of mirrors and alongside that just a normal white room. Beside that, there is nothing much to say. Oh, their seriousness in past music videos have disappeared, especially Jonghyun. They are all happy and cheerful in this one.

The dance is pretty cool. I don’t think it would be as memorable as Sherlock’s dance. But still pretty cool.

I would give this a 7/10.

Have Fun Watching :D. Troy

Next Review: I Don’t Need A Man – Miss A

One For You – U-KISS

Source: http://www.wewantkpop.com/images/u/u-kiss_one_of_you_album_splash_concept-8984.jpg

U-Kiss is back in Japan with another great single. More for fan service, I think, but still a good song that can be promoted. The average K-POP song just got a bit more fun than usual, which is pretty good. I love it, and so should you. If you want a laid-back, cheerful, yet a song which you can dance to: you have come to the right group. This is the one song, that we do not get that much in Korea or Japan, and keeps the groups mature look despite them smiling and having fun.

The song really has this really good techno instrumental to it. It is really good. The English is also pretty good. I really liked how the group managed their lines and split them up, with a rap sequence in between each verse and chorus, which is creative. I also loved the chorus and the “yeah, yeah yeah yeah” part of the song, which is definitely really catchy and shows us a different side U-KISS that we have not really seen. The only thing I wish to complain about in this song is that high note, that was at the end. That kind of did not fit in. I was definitely disappointed, especially when I knew the vocalists could do better.

The music video is pretty good as well. Kind of average, but still pretty good. Only one thing I hated was the suits that they wore and the multi-coloured background which they had behind them for their solo shots. But beside that, I really liked the music video. The only thing is, it should’ve been for the whole song, not just the first 3 and so minutes.

There is no live performance of this song, that I am actually aware off. They may have performed it at a solo concert  but since they released this single and around a month later they released Stop Girl, I really don’t think there is a performance out there.

I am gonna give this song a 9/10. Pretty good.

Still Love You – AAA

Source: http://b.vimeocdn.com/ts/302/117/302117055_640.jpg

Now, if you don’t know this band, I am not surprised. I only found out this when I subscribed to Avex on Youtube, and boy what was I missing out on. Most of the time I review K-POP songs, and sometimes songs that are by KPOP artists just in Japanese. This is the actual first J-POP band I will be reviewing, and particularly one of the songs they just released in July or earlier. Yes, I am missing out on a lot and you are too, if you do not know this band!

The song is like a K-POP song, in terms of its instrumentals. I mean, like a K-POP song. There really is not much difference between J-POP or K-POP, well beside the fact that they are in Japanese or Korean. I really like the calm and soft instrumental, which really complimented the females’ voices. The guys’ really fit the chorus in the song, and their “Tell Me Why” was quite catchy. I don’t really know the members yet, but they are pretty good. I think, in my point of view, are better than many of the Korean artists that I have heard. Their high notes fit the song, but are not that spectacular compared to the Brown Eyed Girls. Oh what am I saying, guess who just hit my number one spot in Japan!!!!

Now, the music video does not exist. So far, I have found the short version, but there is no long version, which sucks, because I love the red stage props they had. The music video is quite different to Korean ones, but I don’t know why, they have some kind of different aspect that makes it a bit different. I really liked their close-up solo shots, and that mysterious blue background. Also, those computer effects for the camera, are pretty good as well. Something that KPOP videos lack, good camera shots. If you guys can find a full version of the music video (or how Japanese call it: Promotional Video), please leave me a link, I would love to watch it.

They can sing live, I really loved the formations which they had when they were dancing. And boy, can they dance!!!!

8/10. Everything was all good!!!!

Nobody is Everybody – Wonder Girls

Source: https://kpopreviewed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/snapshot20120713130531.jpg?w=300

Well, the girls have finally made their Japanese debut after what has felt like years of rumours, confirmations and waiting. They used their chart-topper Nobody as their debut song, which was a really good idea, since it made many international fans wary of their existence when they made their American debut.  But how they named the song was kind of weird? Well, time to explain why I think so. Nobody is Everybody is like having the denominator of 0, which means there is no real answer. But if it was the other way around (Everybody is Nobody), it really does not work as well, but it sounds like the 0 is the numerator, meaning the answer is 0.

The song is really the exact copy of the Korean version, just in Japanese. It is kind of catchy, but when I first heard of it, I found it really catchy. It is much calmer and gives a different image to their other songs like 2 Different Tears, and Be My Baby.  I think I like the Japanese version is better than the other 2 versions because it sounds less awkward and weird. Most of the Korean songs translated and made into Japanese songs sound awkward (ie. Tick Tack by U-Kiss). This is much different, in my point of view. I think it would’ve have been fair for the original song to have a rap sequence a bit earlier, than putting it at the end of the song for Yubin. But thinking back, I don’t the rap was actually needed in the song.

The music video was completely remade, which is pretty good. I think the music video is much better than the Korean or English version. There is only one reason: JYP. I really cannot stand his acting, and he puts me off watching their videos. I don’t hate JYP, but I just find it weird that he is in a music video, when he is the CEO of a famous company in Korea. Product-placement much?

The dance is again really catchy and the girls look pretty good on stage. 🙂

I would give this a 8/10. Really good.

Opera – Super Junior (Japanese Version)

Song

To be honest, I really do not like the original (Korean version) of this song. I found it weird and really awkward. The Japanese version, on the other hand, sounds tens time better. The song flows like a waterfall. There is just thing, maybe with the start of the song (you know the electro beat) just did not to me. I dunno. While I do find the Japanese version much better, I feel like the vocals in the songs are being held back. I have to say that Mr. Simple and A – Cha sounds much better. The bridge of the song here really does not sound that great, considering that I really dislike Mr. Simple and only just liking A Cha.

I find that the song’s instrumental sounds a bit off, as it is pretty fast at the start and at the bridge it just comes to a halt. I find that weird and kind of unnatural. Just thinking while typing this review up, but I actually don’t like the instrumental of the song. Its not Super Junior’s flow or beat which I really like about them. This is too electro. I prefer Mr. Simple’s instrumental or Sorry Sorry. Hmmm….

Music Video

Okay, this music video has a dark concept, like Phantom of the Opera. I am a big fan of the musical and a rock song of the same title, if I am not mistaken, but this music video kind of confuses me. There are 9 perfectly dressed guys, holding masks and dancing in an abandoned lobby?  Seriously I prefer the masks stuck on the face or not even used, not waved around in some of those solo shots in the video. Oh and how SM used the video effects of this video really gives me the shivers. Okay you made 9 guys appear one by one. Then you make them disappear and then reappear. And the process goes on. Seriously, first it was the 360 camera, now effects that have overused. Please don’t make me feel bored of fireworks in your next concept for any of the singers.

Live Performance

I am not aware of any live performances of the Japanese Version of this song. There is a Korean one where they performed this at SS5 or was it SS4. I lost track of their concert. So many concerts.

And the Rating?

I would personally give this song a 5/10. What happened to Super Junior? I used to like their songs but some of the rookie groups are overtaking Super Junior now.

Have Fun Watching 😀 Troy

Music Video:

Tick Tack – UKISS

Song

This by far is my favourite U-Kiss song to date. It’s catchy and addictive. It also has this heavy dance mix to it, which is different from their other songs like Man Man Ha Ni, Neverland etc. Also I must mention it, but this is definitely one hell of a debut into such a competitive industry. No wonder all their fans have been fan-girling (or fan-boying?) about their debut when this song came out, in December. Damn, I should be more quick to review some songs.

Anyway, all parts of the song I enjoyed. However not knowing any Japanese, I don’t really understand the song. But I quite enjoyed the whole song. It was quite nice and enjoyable to listen to.

Music Video

Okay so this music video is basically 90% dance and 10% haunted house. So I guess I would be talking a lot about the dance rather than the music video. The haunted house basically an abandoned house where no one could have been stuffed sweeping the floor, hence why there is a lot of dust on the ground. They are all holding watches which symbolises they want go back in time and yeah, that is all I have. There is basically nothing interesting in the music video. I normally discuss the dance in the live performance part of the whole review.

Live Performance

Well, U-KISS never fails at a dance. Neverland, Man Man Ha Hi, Binguel Binguel are just evidence of this. This dance really sets them apart in the KPOP and JPOP industry. Even at the start where the song builds up and just launches itself into a dance track really proves to me and many others that they are different. Their hand movements mimic clocks and also reflect the tone of the tune. In my point of view, they are the leading dance boy group out there in the KPOP industry and maybe the JPOP industry. Even the dance sequence that starts around 2:06 is really awesome. Sigh, If they come back with another ballad of some sort….

And The Rating?

Under the new rating system, I would give this a 9/10.

Have Fun Watching. Troy 😀

Mr. Taxi – Girl’s Generation

Song

Now this song is definitely a very catchy one. To me the Japanese Version (which I am reviewing) is flows much more than the new Korean Version featured in Girl’s Generation’s newest album. It is or their voices kind of hold back the energy when they sing this song in Korean but when they sing in Japanese the song is easily delivered and sounds really nice.

English in the Song

The English in the song is used in a very high standard and since the song goes well with the English lyrics, I have to reason to say they have bad English.

MV

SM Ent. is starting to get on my nerves with their music videos. They should really leave the concept “THE BOX” and actually think outside of one for once. Sorry Sorry, Bononma, Mr. Simple, Hoot, Genie, Danger, Get Your Head Down and many other songs who are under SM Ent. are filmed in this “box”. Its not creative anymore and looks very dull. This music video shows this again. A box with the singers in it. I am not really happy with the music video.

Live Performance

The Live Performance is really good. It allows them to escape the box concept. The dance is very creative. The stirring wheel, the “I-will-clean-your-windows” and many other dance moves which I obviously dubbed names for go really well with the song.

Anything Else

I’ve think I said it all. LOL.

And Rating?

Well I think I have said enough. Yes, I am shutting myself up. The rating I would give this song is definitely a 8.5/10.

Have Fun Watching. Troy 🙂