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[Album Review] HOT MESS (4th Mini Album) – EVNNE

August 16, 2025August 16, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged EVNNELeave a comment

Next album up for a review is EVNNE’s 4th mini-album from earlier this year, titled HOT MESS. It features 6 tracks, including the lead single that shares the same name as the title of the mini-album. HOT MESS (the mini-album) is their brightest and most vibrant release to date. For a group that excels with a powerful dance sound (like their debut single TROUBLE), they delivered HOT MESS with great strength and earned a super high rating from me (I think it is one of the first in a while to go above a 9).

More recently, EVNNE released their 5th mini-album, LOVE ANECDOTE(S), and its lead single How Can I Do. Do check it out (after you check out HOT MESS down below).

1. HOT MESS (Title Track) – Click here for HOT MESS’s full review. (8/10)

2. Birthday – Birthday sees EVNNE in a softer pop motif. The instrumental has an enjoyable and fun groove, and I liked the lighthearted vibes that come from the song. The vocals and rapping were nicely executed, with pleasantly catchy melodies to make the song appealing to listen to. (8/10)

3. Love Like That – Love Like That features pop-rock guitar riffs and upbeat vibes that make this track an instant favourite in my books. I enjoyed the delicate and comforting approach EVNNE goes for in the chorus. The combination with the pop-rock sound makes for a feel-good number that brings a smile to my face every time I listen to Love Like That. And with that effect being consistently delivered, even on bad days, I don’t think it is fair to give it any other rating. (10/10)

4. CROWN – The first impression I always get from CROWN is that it is like their past singles. While the mini-album has consisted of light and bright tracks so far, CROWN is the first with a powerful instrumental and fiercer vocals/raps from the members. The rappers definitely had an opportunity to shine with the hefty and powerful instrumental. That high note at the end and the incline in energy from everything else were perfect. CROWN honestly could have been the title track, and I would have been fine with that. (10/10)

5. Youth – Youth stick out for two reasons. Firstly, that powerful electric guitar riff in the background definitely leaves an impression. And the rest of the instrumental definitely follows similarly, becoming slightly grungy during the bridge for impact and effect. Secondly, right off the bat, the members show more emotion and sentiment in Youth. The fact that I can feel that without digging into the lyrics tells me that the members are doing a great job vocally. I really liked how powerful their vocals were consistently throughout Youth. I did wish there were some powerful rapping in the track. This would have really fit, particularly with the emotions being explored in Youth. (9/10)

6. KESHIKI (Korean Version) – KESHIKI was originally released 9 months ago by EVNNE as an original Japanese single. I never got around to reviewing it then, but I am excited to review it now. KESHIKI reminds me of an anime OST. The fast-paced nature and brass elements amongst the rock elements were super unique and fun. I also love the powerful vocals throughout the track, which keep the members over the top of the vibrant and energetic instrumentation. I honestly can’t find anything critical to say about the single, so it ends off the mini-album on a super high note. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9.2/10

[Review] HUNTER – KEY (SHINee)

August 15, 2025August 15, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged Key (SHINee), SHINee1 Comment

Returning at the start of this week was KEY with his 3rd studio album and lead single, both titled HUNTER. It is his first solo release in almost a year, with the last being his 3rd mini-album Pleasure Shop (album review coming soon) and single of the same name.

HUNTER sees KEY make another return with the electropop genre. And like his other endeavours with this style, he simply does not miss. HUNTER immediately grabs my attention from the first second with its groovy synth bass. As the song progresses, cooler synth choices come into play to make HUNTER even more impactful. I really enjoyed how the chorus concentrates the bass, synth, and energy, developing into a very grungy and bolstered number that has me coming back for more. The chorus also has a super catchy melody that helps greatly in that department, as well. KEY himself commands your attention with his powerful vocals and whispery raps in the HUNTER. He definitely gave the song extra impact and oomph, which matches the intensity of the synths in the background and those grungy vibes I mentioned earlier. My only major criticism is simply that HUNTER felt too short. It is a fast-paced dance track, so being just over 3 minutes doesn’t seem enough. And if that is the only thing HUNTER missed, then HUNTER definitely left an impression on me.

The music video might not be suitable for everyone. There is some violence throughout the video that might not be your cup of tea, so proceed with caution. I will admit that I find HUNTER’s music video to have quite a striking concept. The lyrics speak of a toxic relationship where the pair struggle between being in love or obsessed with one another. However, in the music video, the toxicity is depicted with two versions of KEY (one with red hair, another with black hair). One is being hunted, while the other is the hunter – we just never know which version of KEY is which, since both are involved in hunting the other, depicting the toxicity the lyrics touch on. In the choreography scenes at the end of the video, it is confirmed we are seeing two sides of one person with the two hair colours appearing at once.

KEY delivers a bold performance for HUNTER. I really enjoyed the MJ Thriller-esque inspiration and vibe that is going on, and I liked how the sharpness matches up with the fast-paced and dynamic nature of HUNTER. KEY definitely shone on stage and pulled off a live performance quite impressively.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 10/10
Performance – 10/10
Overall Rating – 9.5/10

[Album Review] Hello, World (4th Mini-Album) – BAEKHYUN (EXO)

August 13, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Baekhyun (EXO), EXOLeave a comment

2024’s Hello, World was BAEKHYUN’s first solo release since completing his military enlistment in 2023 and creating his own label INB100 for solo promotions. It is also his fourth mini-album, featuring a total of 6 songs, one of which is the title track, Pineapple Slice. The mini-album itself sees BAEKHYUN return with another R&B-centric release, following on from his highly successful 2021 Bambi mini-album and single. It is familiar territory for BAEKHYUN, as he knows what he does best and excels at.

1. Good Morning – Starting off the mini-album is the R&B Good Morning. It eases us into the mini-album, exactly how the phrase ‘Good morning’ is intended to greet you. I really enjoyed the soft and mellowness of Good Morning, though there is some deep bass in the instrumental that contrasts so well with that soft/mellow descriptor and give a subtle grooviness to the song. BAEKHYUN’s vocals are so rich and decadent in this song, making Good Morning so good. (8.5/10)

2. Pineapple Slice (Title Track) – Click here for Pineapple Slice’s full review. (9/10)

3. Rendez-Vous – Rendez-Vous was first performed at the encore concerts for BAEKHYUN’s first Asia tour last year, ahead of this mini-album’s release. The track is described as a bossa-nova inspired single. I enjoyed the influence in the instrumentation, as well as the jazzy elements in the background. BAEKHYUN’s stunning falsettos amongst his signature R&B vocals are a definite highlight of Rendez-Vous. (8/10)

4. Cold Heart – For me, it is the instrumental of Cold Heart that grabs my attention. BAEKHYUN does so well in the song (as expected), but the instrumental’s dramatic and haunting vibe just speaks volumes to me. The soft pronounced beats, the trap elements and the electric guitar come together to create a very fulfilling backdrop. As for the soloist’s vocals, I really liked the emotion you can feel from him, as well as the slight autotune that makes the instrumental and vocals come together so nicely. (10/10)

5. Woo – My first impression of Woo was that the song was glitchy (I keep notes, in case you are wondering how I can remember my first impressions to a song released almost a year ago), particularly at the onset. The trap elements in the R&B instrumental help aid this. But I have since learn that this was just how Woo is presented to us. Woo’s development was something I enjoyed, particular how the song changes slightly after a little while. His vocals here are just as good as on the other songs on the mini-album, though I did think the autotune for his background vocals were a bit of a miss here. (8/10)

6. Truth Be Told – The final song on the mini-album sees BAEKHYUN leans into the sensual side of R&B. The synths in the instrumental makes Truth Be Told feel intimate and atmospheric. It is quite a combination and it works beautifully in this song. BAEKHYUN’s vocals make Truth Be Told feel smooth and sensual. I enjoyed the fact that he plays around with different textures and deliveries in the song, but never compromising on the quality of his vocals and their fit for the genre. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.8/10

BAEKHYUN’s teaser image for *Hello, World*

[Review] DANCING ALONE – KiiiKiii

August 11, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged KiiiKiii1 Comment

Last week, KiiiKiii made their first ever comeback with the single DANCING ALONE. This followed their debut with I Do Me and the mini-album Uncut Gem. I have yet to review both, but I did review KiiiKiii’s follow up single BTG.

DANCING ALONE is KiiiKiii’s answer to a summer single. I enjoyed the feel-good vibes that this pop dance track exudes. DANCING ALONE is relatively straightforward in all aspects (vocals, melodies, instrumentation, etc.), so the single comes together well enough so that it doesn’t somehow trip over itself. Consistency can be a problem, but I think DANCING ALONG had enough upbeat energy and development to it, whilst also bringing on other positive feel-good thoughts, so that consistency doesn’t cross my mind. For example, the synth-pop instrumentation evokes a nostalgic vibe, transporting us back to the ’80s. It is also key in making DANCING ALONE upbeat and fun. The smooth melodies are catchy, and I find myself occasionally humming along to them. KiiiKiii’s vocals are perfectly light throughout the song, which is solid for this song. To be a bit critical, a ‘safe’ argument can be made for DANCING ALONE. But the more I listen to DANCING ALONE, the more I fall into the single.

Just like the song, the music video for DANCING ALONE opts for a feel-good vibe. It sees the group hang out with one another whilst at and after school, dancing around, having fun and enjoying each other’s company. I really enjoyed the nostalgia the video brings, as it makes me think about my memories of having fun with friends whilst at school. Oh, life was much simpler back in those days. These memories paint a very big smile on my face, on par with the smiles and energy that the members showcase in the video. But it is the scenes where the members are alone that are probably the most important. DANCING ALONE also redefines the idea of being alone. Instead of being isolated, the music video shows each member dancing by themselves to represent the idea of exploring freedom, confidence and self-assurance.

The choreography for this comeback just hits the spot for me. Everything that the song exudes (those feel-good vibes I keep on mentioning, youthfulness, upbeat energy etc.) is embodied and showcased perfectly. The routine has some sharpness to it, which makes the routine so much more fun and exciting. I also liked the ending, where we see them dancing alone by pulling off different moves but together in close proximity. It is a good way to reflect the comeback’s message, even whilst on stage.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 10/10
Performance – 10/10
Overall Rating – 9.5/10

[Album Review] IVE Empathy (3rd Mini Album) – IVE

August 9, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged IVE1 Comment

IVE has announced a comeback for later this month. So, it is nice timing to slide in an album review for their previous comeback from earlier in the year. IVE Empathy, their 3rd mini-album, was released in February, with REBEL HEART and ATTITUDE leading the mini-album. There are four other songs on the mini-album. The best word I can use to describe IVE Empathy is ‘pleasant’. All but one had this initial impression on me. I tried to be more descriptive with some of the songs, but it was the perfect word to use for certain tracks on the album. More of my thoughts on the mini-album down below.

Their last release was April 2024’s IVE SWITCH, led by the singles HEYA and Accendio. More recently, the group released their 3rd Japanese mini-album, Be Alright, which features the single of the same name.

1. REBEL HEART (Pre-release track) – Click here for REBEL HEART’s full review. (8/10)

2. FLU – FLU is a cute pop song that likens falling in love to becoming ill. While the flu itself is not something you want to catch, I did like how IVE and the producers made this pop song sound comforting. It’s the chorus melodies that give FLU that comfort factor. Combined with the strumming guitar in the background, the pleasant bouncy beat, and solid vocals from the members, FLU was indeed a nice listen. (9/10)

3. You Wanna Cry – You Wanna Cry might sound familiar to some– the chorus samples Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody. IVE’s You Wanna Cry is about supporting those having a hard time, lending a shoulder to those who need to cry. I liked the amped up chorus, which is thanks to the rock sound that the chorus adopts. IVE sound very sweet in this song, and the simple and straightforward melodies make it sound very pure. Overall, another nice song from the group. (8/10)

4. Thank U – Thank U is a message to their past selves, thanking them for their own growth and the maturity that they have developed since their debut. It is another nice listen from the group, with the instrumentation taking on a simple yet plain pop ballad-like sound this time around. The melodies and the vocals from all members are quite enjoyable. LIZ’s final line, “Hope you’ll cherish the six of us forever. All thanks to you“, changes Thank U slightly to address the fans, who have been part of their journey. This emphasises Thank U’s touching message even further. (7.5/10)

5. ATTITUDE (Title Track) – Click here for ATTITUDE’s full review. (8.5/10)

6. TKO – The mini-album ends with the release’s boldest and best number. TKO finds itself exploring more of a hip-hop sound profile. There is a heavier dose of raps in TKO, but I also love how charismatic the vocals sound throughout the song. The instrumental features heavy and bolstered beats (but more so in a classical sense), Latin-influenced guitars, and cowbells, creating a more serious sound. You might think the cowbells don’t lend well to a serious sound, but IVE pulls it off effortlessly. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.5/10

[Review] How Can I Do – EVNNE

August 8, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged EVNNE1 Comment

EVNNE made their comeback earlier this week with their 5th mini-album, Love Anecdote(s), and the lead single How Can I Do. This comeback follows their 4th mini-album release from earlier in the year, HOT MESS (yet to be reviewed), which was led by the single of the same name.

How Can I Do mixes groovy elements with hip-hop to create EVNNE’s new title track. It makes for a fascinating and sleek instrumental. I enjoyed the direction this track was going in, especially with that jazzy piano in the background of the pre-chorus and the funky bass in the chorus and bridge. As for EVNNE’s vocals and raps, I enjoyed their gritty and deep vocals in parts of the verses and dynamic rapping throughout How Can I Do. The pre-choruses and choruses feature really smooth vocals that add to the song’s sleekness mentioned earlier. Although there is some good in How Can I Do, I notice that the song doesn’t really go anywhere. There is a pronounced stagnant feeling that leaves me somewhat unsatisfied. It also doesn’t help that How Can I Do is fairly weak in the hook department. There is some melodic material that sounds nice in the chorus, but it isn’t enough to reel me in.

While it wasn’t the most profound or amazing music video out there, I did like the balance the producers struck when it came to the jazzy and the hip-hop heavy moments. You get a smoother aesthetic during the scenes that coincide with the pre-chorus, where the jazzy piano is in play. The music video moves into edgy territory during the second verse, where the hip-hop influences are strongest in the song. The rest of the video doesn’t overdo either style, which speaks to the balance mentioned earlier. The colour palette of the video and outfits also contributes to this.

There were two standouts choreographically for How Can I Do. I was rather impressed by the footwork and synchronisation. In particular, the bridge was the coolest aspect of the entire routine.

Song – 7/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 7.5/10

[Review] As We Are – SEUNGMIN (Stray Kids)

August 4, 2025November 20, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged Seungmin (Stray Kids), Stray Kids8 Comments

With news that Stray Kids will be making a comeback soon with their fourth studio album, KARMA, I thought I would start on the many reviews I have not posted for Stray Kids – the solo tracks from their Hop mixtape and the unit tracks from their Mixtape: Dominate album. Next up is SEUNGMIN’s solo single from Hop, As We Are. For the other reviews of Stray Kids’ solo songs from the Hop mixtape, see the links below the music video.

If I were ranking the solo tracks by how much they stood out to me, the uplifting As We Are would follow I.N’s HALLUCINATION very closely. The chorus melodies and SEUNGMIN’s vocals are what really spoke to me the most in As We Are. There is just something so familiar and inviting about these melodies. I also loved the way SEUNGMIN builds up his vocals alongside the acoustic band instrumentation. His first run at the chorus was so soft and beautiful. By the time we get to the final chorus, you can feel the oomph and emotions behind his vocals. That brief pause just before the bridge helped give the SEUNGMIN and the final chorus a relatively intense rush, closing out As We Are strongly. The only reason why As We Are follows I.N’s HALLUCINATION is that SEUNGMIN’s solo felt expected for SEUNGMIN, and so it didn’t have that unexpected edge.

The music video shows SEUNGMIN playing baseball and music, which were two of his passions whilst growing up. Both come naturally to him. But in the end, we see him make the decision to go with music, running away in the opposite direction from his teammates. I think part of the video depicts that the road to music was going to be lonely for him, as none of his friends share the same passion. But his friends from baseball respected his decision and continued to support him, as shown through the scene where they lie down next to him. The decision to go with music and not baseball, as well as the support from his friends regardless, goes hand-in-hand with the lyrics, which speak to sharing the personal struggle with a companion and the unwavering support they provided during this time.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9/10

[Album Review] WINTER HEPTAGON (13th Mini Album) – GOT7

August 2, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged GOT7Leave a comment

It’s amusing that the plan was to start reviewing 2025 albums in July, and all I ended up reviewing was just a single album in July. Well, hopefully that all changes, as this particular album review is for an album released this year (and I can keep the momentum going from here on out). The album in question is GOT7’s long-awaited release of WINTER HEPATGON, their 13th mini-album, which features the lead single PYTHON and 8 side tracks.

Overall, WINTER HEPTAGON showcases a lot of the group through a variety of styles and sounds, which comes from the fact that each member penned and produced a side-track for the group to perform. SMOOTH was written by JACKSON, Our Youth by YOUNGJAE, REMEMBER by YUGYEOM, Darling by JAY B, TIDAL WAVE by BAMBAM, OUT THE DOOR by MARK, and her by JINYOUNG. BAMBAM also contributed towards the title track, while GOT7 together wrote the final track. It is a strong mini-album (though I think it could have passed off as a studio album) from a group that hasn’t come together as a group since the release of 2022’s GOT7, led by the single NANANA.

1. PYTHON (Title Track) – Click here for PYTHON’s full review. (8.5/10)

2. SMOOTH – SMOOTH brings a livelier and upbeat presence to the mini-album through its funky instrumentation. I appreciate its straightforwardness and pure sound, as well. The title sums up the vocals quite well, particularly thanks to the falsettos throughout the song. I just wished the song was a little longer, as SMOOTH wrapped up fairly quickly as soon as it started. (8/10)

3. Our Youth (춘드라마) – We remain in upbeat territory with Our Youth, this time delving into the pop genre. I liked how this track sounded quintessential GOT7. Despite being upbeat, I liked how the instrumental felt paced. To me, this made me feel like the group could have done something cool with a developmental aspect for its performance, especially in a period where KPOP songs are short and also fast-paced. I also liked the chants in the background during the chorus, which just felt like such a pleasant backing for the song. (8/10)

4. REMEMBER (기억할거야 말은) – Only going for 2:18 minutes is REMEMBER. You can bet that by pointing out its short length, I imply that I want this track to be longer. There is a lot of potential that isn’t capitalised by its short length. That being said, I enjoyed the EDM and UK-garage mix in the instrumental. This mix concurrently gave REMEMBER dynamism and depth, driving it forward. The vocals brought an R&B element, which to me made the track appealing. The chorus was neatly catchy. (9/10)

5. Darling – The EDM and R&B carry over from the previous song into Darling. And these elements come together to create a lovely and romantic number. Paired with GOT7’s amazing vocals, this is a track that should not be missed. I loved the use of the deeper tones, alongside the falsettos, by some of the members, and Darling’s overall smoothness. (9/10)

6. TIDAL WAVE – TIDAL WAVE is one of the best tracks on this mini-album. We have BAMBAM to thank for this song. I love how stunning the softer piano-driven moments during the pre-choruses are, with YOUNGJAE and YUGYEOM at the helm during these segments. But it is the club vibe that the EDM has me coming back for more. It is so good. The vocals throughout TIDAL WAVE are beautiful (amazing harmonies in this one), and this contrasts so well with the harsher aspects commonly associated with EDM. Any easy 10/10 for me. (10/10)

7. OUT THE DOOR – OUT THE DOOR is probably the mini-album’s boldest sound. It features one thing that most other songs on this mini-album just don’t have – some oomph. In addition to that, there are other elements I liked in OUT THE DOOR, including the early ‘00s vibe the upbeat instrumentation gives off, the bright vocal tones throughout the song, the elongated notes during the pre-choruses, and the touch of EDM during the second verse to give the song some added texture and an additional side. Overall, the track is refreshingly summery, perfect for a drive with the windows down. (9/10)

8. her – her features an acoustic indie folk influence that takes us into pop-rock balladry territory. I really liked how the song starts off soft and slowly develops as it progresses. It just makes the pop-rock aspects more impactful and effective. The vocals from all members are stunningly breathtaking. It is really hard to pick a highlight in her, so I am going to say the entire length of the track is the highlight. (10/10)

9. Yours, Truly (우리가 할수있는 말은) – Finally, the end of the mini-album is upon us, and it closes out with Yours, Truly. It is a touching ballad dedicated to their fans, AGAHSE, who have been patiently awaiting new music from the group for what felt like forever. Like the rest of the mini-album, Yours, Truly features some gorgeous vocals, and the melodies evoke a swaying motion from me that I like to find in ballads. The organ in the background was a nice touch, just to give Yours, Truly a little something different from other ballads. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.9/10

GOT7’s teaser image for *WINTER HEPTAGON*

[Review] HALLUCINATION – I.N (Stray Kids)

August 1, 2025November 20, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged I.N (Stray Kids), Stray Kids7 Comments

With news that Stray Kids will be making a comeback soon with their fourth studio album, KARMA, I thought I would start on the many reviews I have not posted for Stray Kids – the solo tracks from their Hop mixtape and the unit tracks from their Mixtape: Dominate album. First up is I.N’s solo single from Hop, HALLUNCINATION. For the other reviews of Stray Kids’ solo songs from the Hop mixtape, see the links below the music video.

HALLUCINATION ended up being the solo track that stood out the most to me. It was just an unexpected track from the youngest member of Stray Kids, or any member of Stray Kids for that matter. But the unexpected can be intriguing at times, and that is what I felt about HALLUCINATION. The more I listened to it, the more I enjoyed it. There is an abundance of percussive textures throughout the track that just give HALLUCINATION so much character and style. This, alongside the hooks, made HALLUCINATION catchy, as well. The song makes good use of I.N’s vocals, which brought maturity and sensual energy to the song. I was particularly impressed with the way he launched back into the song following the instrumental break. There was so much oomph behind that note. However, the song’s main weakness was the vocal processing. It brought texture to the song, complementing the instrumentation well. But it was so thick, and this became a constant distracting thought each time I listened to the song. I wish that HALLUCINATION let up at certain moments to give us reprieve. I’m sure it wouldn’t have compromised the quality and final result of HALLUCINATION.

For this review, I will be combining the music video and performance aspects of my review together. HALLUCINATION, as a mature and sensual sounding song, gave I.N a unique opportunity to do something different. He took full advantage of the opportunity, making it a key asset (and drawing point) of the release and adding to the intrigue of this particular solo release that I mentioned earlier. What came about is a sensual and bold image of I.N. From the wet look, to the stylish skirts and cropped outfit, and to the body waves in the performance, I.N definitely showed a whole new side to himself in this release.

Song – 9/10
Music Video/Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9/10

[Review] La La Love Me – VIVIZ

July 31, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged VIVIZ1 Comment

Look, if I am being honest, I missed the news that VIVIZ would be making a comeback. It wasn’t until I saw La La Love Me on Spotify two weeks ago that I realised that VIVIZ had made a comeback with the album, A Montage of (). It is their first studio-length album since their re-debut in 2022. This new release follows their fifth mini-album, Voyage (yet to be reviewed), and the lead single Shhh!.

La La Love Me is a dance-pop song with a killer chorus. It starts off with and features some decent verses with nice vocals across the board from VIVIZ. It would have been nice to hear stronger melodies from the get-go, as the verses do pale in comparison to La La Love Me‘s killer chorus. The buildup through the verses, with added beats, creates momentum, but is interrupted by a soft pre-chorus that feels out of place there (though it works better as a bridge). La La Love Me rebounds thanks to that killer chorus I mentioned earlier. After all, it is where La La Love Me shines the most. The funky, heavy club beats inject energy and make a powerful impact, especially on first listen. VIVIZ’s vocals sound impressively commanding here, contrasting with their usual softer tone. Catchy hooks and dynamic melodies layered over the production elevate the chorus into the song’s clear highlight. Even though the “You got to la la… La La Love Me” line appears earlier in the pre-chorus, its return in the chorus feels much more impactful. Overall, the track thrives on its explosive, energetic chorus.

La La Love Me is about the excitement and intensity of falling in love. The music video depicts this through the soft images of the members in dresses accompanied by butterflies (representation of innocence before falling in love), and then the stronger and bolder image of the group with fire and spiders (a representation of the intensity of falling in love). The butterfly imagery we see in the bridge is a reminder that the members are precisely the same person, just at different stages of their relationship.

Like the song, the choreography is definitely strongest during the choruses. I particularly liked the boldness and intensity of the final chorus. It really encapsulated the exact point of the song (i.e., La La Love Me‘s peak) really well. It also helped that the crowd was also feeling it during that moment. The routine in the other choruses also shared a similar style, but it just didn’t have the ‘last hurrah’ type of feel that the routine during the final chorus had.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8/10

[Album Review] Band Aid (9th Mini Album) – DAY6

July 30, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged DAY6Leave a comment

DAY6 made a comeback in September last year with their 9th mini-album, Band Aid, and the title track Melt Down. I am finally getting around to reviewing the 8-track mini-album, which is definitely on the lengthier side of the average mini-album. Band Aid is definitely a strong album release, with a few songs earning a 10/10 rating from me. The mini-album does fizzle out towards the end, but it is still a recommended release nonetheless. Check out which songs got that rating, as well as my thoughts on all 8 tracks.

Before Band Aid, DAY6 released FOUREVER in March last year, which was led by the single Welcome To The Show. More recently, DAY6 released the digital single Maybe Tomorrow in May this year.

1. Monster (괴물) – Band Aid starts off with a song that gives me what I am always craving for – a powerful rock number from DAY6. Monster speaks to how loneliness and isolation can make someone feel like a monster. I love the grungy chorus and the textural processing within the centrepiece. I liked how the drumming and guitar work is prolific throughout the track, while the members bring emotion to Monster to give it a life of its own. A clear standout from the get-go. (10/10)

2. Melt Down (녹아내려요) (Title Track) – Click here for Melt Down’s full review. (8/10)

3. She Smiled (그녀가 웃었다) – Next up is a bright pop-rock track. She Smiled sees DAY6 capture the excitement of a confession to their lover and the feeling when they see the subsequent smile on their lover’s face. I like the upbeatness of the track, which I attribute to the constant guitar work in the background. Even from afar, you can tell the members have big, gleaming smiles as they deliver the song. (8/10)

4. Shxtty Game (망겜) – Another favourite of mine on the album. I love DOWOON’s drumming in this one, driving Shxtty Game’s fast-paced energy. Every time I listen to the song, I can feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, which pairs extremely well with the song’s lyrics that liken life to the tribulations of a video game. All of DAY6’s vocals have this uplifting tone, which makes the track extremely likeable. In particular, I really liked the raspiness and texture that SUNGJIN’s vocals bring to the song. (10/10)

5. Help Me Rock&Roll (도와줘요 Rock&Roll) – Continuing on with the fun vibes is Help Me Rock&Roll, which again, is full of energy. Help Me Rock&Roll draws on influences from the ’60s that are just so lively. I really liked how prolific and intense the rock sound gets during the chorus, keeping the track super enticing and exciting. On the flip side, I also liked the soft ‘shoobidoobaa’ in the bridge as well as the heavily processed ‘I really really wanna’ that was embedded in the instrumental. The latter is also another fun little element in this amazing song. (10/10)

6. COUNTER – Personally, I feel like there is a mismatch when it comes to COUNTER. It is a fine song, but I’m not sure if the execution is right. The song’s lyrics liken life’s ups and downs to a boxing match. But interestingly, I don’t get an impression of something intense like a boxing match from most of the song. COUNTER felt quite soft to me. The most intense COUNTER gets is during a brief part of the chorus, where most of the instrumental is stripped away, leaving behind the successive and pronounced drumming. But again, it is short, and so COUNTER returns quickly to its softer vibes. (6.5/10)

7. I’m Fine – DAY6 reassures us that they are fine in I’m Fine. While the song sounds nice and solid in all aspects, no matter how many times I have listened to I’m Fine, I just cannot get as excited for it as some of the earlier tracks. It is unfortunate, as the guitar work and keyboard are quite decent. (7/10)

8. Still There (아직 거기 살아) – Emotions are poured into and out of Still There. The final track on the album is a ballad, and it vividly tells us of the heartbreak of a failing relationship. You can definitely feel the heartbreak and pain through the members’ vocals. I have to give a shout-out to how YOUNG K ends Still There – he remembers the past but realises what is happening in the present. Musically, I liked how this ballad builds up as it progresses, developing into a stunning number. Altogether, it is an unforgettable number. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.7/10

[Review] Stylish – THE BOYZ

July 29, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged THE BOYZ2 Comments

Following VVV from earlier this year, THE BOYZ is back with their new single Stylish and their 10th mini-album [a;effect]. It is also their first official comeback without JU HAKYEON, who was removed from the group following controversy last month.

Unfortunately, even after a few listens, I still find Stylish to give off the same first impression I got when I checked out the song yesterday – ‘overwhelmingly disappointed’. The new single attempts to create a trendy, sultry atmosphere through a moody hip-hop trap-based dance track. ‘Attempt’ being the keyword here. The majority of Stylish is delivered in a rap-speak manner that dulls the song and strips THE BOYZ of the personality they have built through their other releases; the instrumental is also unexciting by today’s standards. It also doesn’t help that the lyrics are very abstract, with the chorus building on the line “Even gibberish is Stylish” by following up with the song’s hook “Guap Guap … Shot, Shot … Bubble Gum Bubble Gum Pop“. Also, Stylish remained very neutral and consistent for over 1:30 minutes, sounding all very similar for this length of time, even during the approach to and the actual chorus during this time. Given that the song was dull and unexciting from the get-go, this isn’t great for Stylish. There was a minimal shift in energy at the start of the song’s last minute, but it is short-lived and definitely not enough to recapture my attention or develop Stylish in any way. I’m not sure why we have gone down this path for THE BOYZ, but I am not a fan of it.

The music video does a much better job of showcasing the song’s stylish side, which it doesn’t capture that well in the actual song. We are shown three sides of the group: a hip-hop industrial side, a more casual and urban side, and a charismatic model-like side. I prefer the last of the three styles, as that is what I think of when it comes to the word ‘stylish’. Other than that, the music video keeps to a minimalist concept, which helps emphasise each of these looks during close-ups and choreography scenes.

Based on what I can see in the music video, the choreography captures more of that hip-hop style than anything else from the song. I liked the confidence and attitude that is exuded from the routine. I also get a sleek vibe from the routine. Not sure if any move sticks out yet, as we haven’t seen a performance for Stylish just yet. If anything jumps out at me, I will come back and update my review.

Song – 5/10
Music Video – 7/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 6.2/10

[Review] SLAM DUNK – ZEROBASEONE

July 28, 2025July 27, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged ZEROBASEONE1 Comment

It was confirmed recently that ZEROBASEONE would be making their comeback in September with their first studio-length album, titled NEVER SAY NEVER. However, while we have a bit more waiting to do until the album’s release, ZEROBASEONE has released the single SLAM DUNK as a teaser for their upcoming album. Their last release was the mini-album BLUE PARADISE, led by the singles BLUE and Doctor! Doctor!.

While the term ‘slam dunk’ can be used to describe something with guaranteed success, SLAM DUNK (the song) doesn’t hit that mark. It feels rather ordinary and plain by today’s standards. The track itself is a blend of EDM and hip-hop, featuring a shouty and chanty chorus. Unfortunately, this isn’t anything new in the world of KPOP, especially for male groups. Although I will admit that SLAM DUNK does showcase GUNWOOK’s rapping and reveals a new side of ZEROBASEONE that we have not heard before (thanks to the hip-hop influence). I appreciate how fitting the basketball sounds are for a song titled SLAM DUNK, but I thought their usage could have been less clumsy. I like how the bouncing basketball featured at the end of the chorus brought sharpness to the chorus, while the game sirens set the scene. However, the other use of the bouncing basketball and constant squeaky shoes embedded in the song felt overused, taking the novelty away from SLAM DUNK.

The music video for SLAM DUNK sees ZEROBASEONE struggle at first in a major basketball game, missing their shots and failing to score points on the court. One of the members also sustained an injury. But this doesn’t stop them from cheering themselves on and rising later in the game to emerge as victors of the championships. The rest of the music video is choreography shots. While I liked their choreography shots on the basketball court (after all, it makes the most sense), I am troubled by the massive basketball on the screen that just disappears as it gets closer to the members. I know it is just an image on the screen, but I think the producers could have done better.

SLAM DUNK‘s choreography naturally includes some basketball moves, including dribbling between the legs and shooting gestures during the chorus. It made sense, as leaving out basketball in the choreography would have felt off. I also liked how they incorporated some hip-hop influence into the routine. That said, I think they missed a chance to include cooler footwork, which could’ve replicated the sound of sneakers on a court.

Song – 6.5/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 7.3/10

[Album Review] J (1st Studio Album) – JAEHYUN (NCT)

July 26, 2025July 26, 2025Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged JAEHYUN (NCT), NCTLeave a comment

It has almost been a year since JAEHYUN made his solo debut with his 1st studio album, J. Leading the 8-track album is the title track Smoke, an English version of the title track, as well as the pre-release singles Roses and Dandelion. As usual, links to the full reviews and music videos for the highlighted tracks, as well as my thoughts on four side-tracks and their audios, can be found below. J is very much an R&B-centric album, with all songs practically finding roots in the genre in some shape or form. While consistent, it does feel a little repetitive as it progresses. But that doesn’t mean the album is not of high quality and shows JAEHYUN’s passion for the genre.

Since the release of J, JAEHYUN also released a single titled Unconditionally (yet to be reviewed) in October 2024, before enlisting in the military the following month.

1. Smoke (Title Track) – Click here for Smoke’s full review. (7/10)

2. Roses (Pre-Release Track) – Click here for Roses’ review. (9/10)

The official audio for Roses can be heard here.

3. Flamin’ Hot Lemon – Continuing on with the R&B vibes is Flamin’ Hot Lemon. This all-English track is quite straightforward and smooth, despite having a pronounced beat. As for JAEHYUH, his deep vocals bring forth a sensual and evocative tone to the song that is quite alluring. I wished there was a bit more to the song, but it is fine as is. (7/10)

4. Dandelion (Pre-Release Track) – Click here for Dandelion’s review. (7/10)

The official audio for Dandelion can be heard here.

5. Completely – This track is a ballad, and it is a stunner. Two elements stand out to me. The first is the piano instrumental, which is just beautiful. The way it dominates the background is so striking to me. The second is JAEHYUN’s vocals, which I can only describe as heavenly throughout Completely. His falsettos just feel so light. The melodies didn’t necessarily jump at me at first, but I love how captivating they get as I really settled into the song. (9/10)

6. Easy – Easy stays within the R&B genre, but gives off more of an alternative vibe. I liked the ripple-like synth that consistently played in the background, while the soft trap beat served as a good accompaniment. JAEHYUN’s vocals are nice throughout. But the chorus caught my attention. The “Easy come, easy go” and “Playin’ hot, playin’ cold” line is actually quite an earworm for me. (8/10)

7. Can’t Get You – After many straightforward R&B numbers, Can’t Get You is appreciably refreshing and is my personal pick for J’s hidden gem. JAEHYUN maintains the vibey and mature nature commonly associated with R&B, but mixes it up with jazzy and tropical elements that elevate this track above many of the others on the album. I love the backup vocals and am a sucker for the brass solo. JAEHYUN is also very alluring. I liked how he tapers some of his lines, and how much he gives to the ad-libs at the end. (10/10)

8. Smoke (English Version) – See my review for Smoke above under track 1.

Overall Album Rating – 8.1/10

[Review] Back Again – CHANYEOL (EXO)

July 24, 2025September 23, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged Chanyeol (EXO), EXO1 Comment

Look, when I said ‘in a couple of days’ regarding CHANYEOL’s Back Again in the review for Black Out, I clearly meant ‘in a couple of weeks’. Time is clearly not my friend. However, as promised, here is my review of Back Again, the single selected from CHANYEOL’s debut mini-album, to follow the promotions of Black Out.

Back Again sees CHANYEOL return to a more powerful sound (relative to Black Out). The verses feature CHANYEOL rapping candidly, accompanied by a folksy, percussive instrumental in the background, which lends a unique and distinct quality. For the choruses, CHANYEOL ventures into ’90s punk rock territory. This brings flair, personality and intensity that takes full advantage of CHANYEOL’s husky tone in an impactful manner. I quite liked the resultant head-banging energy that the choruses provide, which helps it stand out. Bridging the second and final choruses was some cool guitar shredding that just heightens the energy and allows CHANYEOL to close Back Again on a bolstered note. But it is how CHANYEOL brings together the rapping verses and punk-rock chorus that I am fascinated by. Simple soft vocals, then an escalation into slight shouty territory and a choir backing – an interesting yet effective combo.

We see CHANYEOL getting chased and beaten up in the music video. After his initial fight, CHANYEOL starts to box, so that he can confront those who beat him up. This storyline aligns with the lyrics, which convey the message of getting back up again and returning stronger, regardless of the setback or failure. And we see that, as he gets quite serious about boxing, going to the point of staying at the gym for long periods of time. In the end, his second encounter with those who chased/beat him up at the start of the video became electrifying (literally sparks flying around them). It showed him knocking down one of the assailants. Perhaps the sparks reveal his newfound strength and energy, which would enable CHANYEOL to convey the message of persistence and self-empowerment successfully.

Song – 8.5/10
Music Video – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.7/10 (Rating updated in post on 23 September 2025 due to calculation error.)

[Review] Outside – ENHYPEN

July 23, 2025Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged ENHYPEN8 Comments

Coming from ENHYPEN’s Desire: Unleash mini-album last month is the follow-up promotional single Outside. It follows the promotions of their latest title track, Bad Desire (With or Without You).

If I had my way, Outside would not have been my choice for follow-up promotions. It is my personal pick for the least liked track on ENHYPEN’s latest mini-album. Outside is a hip-hop-inspired track featuring a trap-based instrumental. I do like one of the synths in the background that reminds me of a Billie Eilish song, so Outside had that going for them. And I suppose the song had some potential due to its intensity. It just never really got anywhere with it. Unfortunately, the rest of Outside just doesn’t do it for me. The shouty rapping and deep, husky delivery of the chorus flash by without much thought, while the vocals are plain and lacking anything memorable. There also wasn’t much of a hook to the song, thanks to the vocal processing.

The music video for Outside sees the members battling against shadow versions of themselves. The lyrics talk about the changing desire (a constant theme of the mini-album) that they are experiencing within themselves. As the desire takes hold of them (switching to their shadow versions), they ensure it happens to all of them (which is why we have the sniper SUNOO taking out JUNGWON). Conceptually, this is quite a cool video. I just wish the song accompanying it was just as cool.

Outside‘s performance shows an intense version of themselves that I don’t think we have seen before. It is an interesting dynamic, and I quite like what they do on stage with it. A compelling performance, overall.

Song – 5/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 6.5/10