Category: KPOP

[Review] Imaginary Friend – ITZY

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In addition to GOLD, ITZY also released a music video for the single Imaginary Friend. Today, I will finally get around to reviewing this additional title track from their GOLD mini-album released in October 2024.

ITZY changes things up with Imaginary Friend. Instead of the usual dance tracks that they are known for, they opt for a softer melodic R&B approach in Imaginary Friend. The contrast between their usual style and Imaginary Friend is very intriguing and striking to me, and this makes the track stand out. Instrumentally, Imaginary Friend features vintage pop guitars and band percussion that give the song a lot of bite despite being a softer sound. I also really like the rock tinge we get more of in the post-chorus hook, which just gives the song more oomph. What makes Imaginary Friend even better is the fact that the melodies and vocal work are actually compelling. Stunning vocals and melodies are a definite drawing point in my books, and Imaginary Friend features both. The vocal processing was also amazing and well used to help make the vocals feel etheral. In terms of effect the song had on me, Imaginary Friend is actually quite stilling. Every time the song popped up on my playlist or queue, I find myself pausing with whatever I am doing and actually listening to the song to really enjoy and connect with it. That usually happens with ballads and similar songs, but Imaginary Friend is a special track.

The following is what I got out the music video. We see two forms of the members in the video. We first see the members as students, struggling to get through the harsh social conditions of the school environment. And these social conditions manifest into physical injuries. Later on, we see the members run through darkness, stuck in a circle and trying to avoid shadows that are out to get them. Quite sure we could generalised to scenarios where people may struggle and who find themselves in a dark place. The second form of ITZY we see is through the choreography shots, where they appear more gracefully as if they are guardian angels. At one point, they also wear white outfits that make them look like angels. When we see the choreography shots, they coicinde with comforting lyrics about being an imaginary friend and protecting the person so they can dream. To me, this represents a form that can bring hope and comfort to those in a dark place.

Even in a graceful motif, the choreography still manages to incorporate the signature “crown” at the start and end of the routine. I liked the balance between soft and sharpness in the routine and how they managed to make the choreography fit the song (which I have described as very soft). The little bit of intensity we get in the post-chorus rock instrumental sequences is also well-crafted, giving us a little more oomph to ensure the entire routine is engaging.

Song – 10/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9.5/10 [updated on 26 April 2025 due to calculation error]

[Review] BLUE – ZEROBASEONE

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ZEROBASEONE makes their grand return today with the new single BLUE and mini-album, BLUE PARADISE. It follows the pre-release single Doctor! Doctor!, which I will be reviewing soon. The new mini-album is the group’s first Korean release in 6 months, following their CINEMA PARADISE mini-album (album review coming) and GOOD SO BAD comeback in August last year. The group has also been busy in Japan with releasing their Japanese debut mini-album PREZENT last month and a new single NOW or NEVER.

But today’s post focuses on BLUE. BLUE is a pleasant alternative pop song that follows GOOD SO BAD quite nicely. The pleasantness comes from the airy and buoyant melodies, the underlying guitar we hear very clearly when the synth work is stripped away during the pre-choruses, and the refreshing synth instrumentation in the choruses. ZEROBASEONE’s vocals bring brightness to BLUE, giving it sweetness and a wholesome feel. Most of the song was enjoyable, and I liked it a lot. However, some parts in BLUE haven’t won me over yet (who knows what some more repeats of BLUE may do). The first is the way the chorus ended. It felt abrupt and sudden. A post-chorus would have helped offset this. The second is the rapping, which is a loss opportunity, in my opinion. While what we got in BLUE wasn’t bad, it played too safely with the pleasant trajectory. Listening to it closely, I wonder how a bit of roughness could have given the rapping some additional personality and oomph to make it even more memorable amongst the pleasantry vibes BLUE had throughout the song. Thirdly, the hooks don’t feel as established as they could be. BLUE is definitely more reliant on melodies given the song’s pleasant and vocal focus, but I wished the hooks were a little more enticing.

A clear blue sky symbolises a good day, and the members recall the fond memories of meeting someone special on that good day in BLUE‘s lyrics. The music video shows bright and beautiful days with clear blue skies throughout the video. Some of it is virtual, some is real life – all show us the consistent message of how good these days are. Even in some of the indoor shots, you can definitely get a sense of how blue the skies are by watching the good moods the members are in. Altogether, it’s definitely a feel-good video. As a small side note, the choreography scenes in the virtual world (i.e., the street with the changing buildings) reminded me of their Feel The POP music video from last year.

The choreography opts for a more flowy and airy approach, which works well with the song. Nothing that memorable, though the scarfs were a nice touch. I do want to point out that I didn’t notice how shouty the vocals were in the chorus until I watched the performance. But I am not disappointed by it. The shoutiness gives BLUE some character (more so than the audio version), and it was well-controlled and felt piercing in a good sense.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8.5/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8.2/10

[Review] earthquake – JISOO (BLACKPINK)

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JISOO made her long-awaited return to the music scene last week with the single earthquake and her first mini-album, Amortage. It is her first release since her solo debut in 2023 with Flower. In addition to the new music, JISOO has been busy with a new K-drama Newtopia. She will also regroup with the rest of BLACKPINK for a comeback and world tour later this year. So, keep your eyes out for more JISOO shortly!

earthquake starts off sleek and tense with low tones before building into a nice dance track. The instrumental brings in a slight grooviness and a hefty dance beat as it develops. Part of me thinks the combination is plain and straightforward, but I also believe it made earthquake sound more compelling (especially when compared to Flower). It also gave earthquake some dynamic flair, contrasting with the song’s monotonous melodies. But these melodies aren’t necessarily a bad thing. JISOO handles them well, especially the “da da da” post-chorus hook and the “It hits me like an earthquake” opener line to the chorus. I think they are the most memorable aspects of the song and have been on repeat since Valentine’s Day (the day earthquake was released). JISOO also flourishes in the pre-choruses, where her vocals are the strongest. I can’t think of anything bad about earthquake, and I find it to be a definite improvement from her solo debut.

I really enjoyed the music video. JISOO looks very stylish and fitting for the song. Essentially, this comeback is about how someone’s ex dropping back into that person’s life will shake it up, just like an earthquake. The music video shows her being interrogated by an officer from the Department of Heart Security (cameo by Cha Seung Won). But she gives in, blowing up the interrogation room (which also takes out Cha Seung Won). I like the explosions in the video, which feels cool and works well with the song’s title. JISOO also looks very cool in the driver’s seat of that sports car.

I also enjoyed the performance for earthquake very much, especially the aesthetics given off. The performance has some memorable moments, such as the vibrating dancers at the start, the serious post-chorus clicks and arm swings accompanying the first and last post-chorus hooks, and the sharp arms at the start of the second post-chorus sequence. JISOO also shows off her charisma throughout the performance, which adds to the performance.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 10/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9.3/10

[Review] Flying Kiss – NCT DREAM

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I am bouncing around time at the moment. Reviews for songs last week, newer releases from this week, and now 2024 releases I have yet to review. In the lead up to the release of their 4th studio album, Dream()scape, in November 2024, NCT DREAM pre-releaed the single Flying Kiss. This preceded the single When I’m With You, which served as the title track for Dream()scape.

Flying Kiss is an alright song. It is quite a pleasant track overall, but also rather plain. I am glad it wasn’t the title track for the album. I blame the trap elements and hollow synths in the instrumental for that, as well as the verses. There were soft beats and a harp at the start. But these weren’t enough to make Flying Kiss compelling to me. Similarly, the verses were also not compelling and rather forgettable. Flying Kiss does get better when we reach the choruses. The relatively fast-paced delivery is actually charming and gives Flying Kiss a uniqueness. It also picks up Flying Kiss, which was much needed after the plain verses. The bridge also fairs better than the verses, with a strong velvety and dreamy flair exuded by the vocals. I also enjoyed the abruptly pierce change in momentum with the “I Just Wanna” change up. JENO and CHENLE’s delivery was awesome and gave impact, and it was a great way to get back to the chorus. Finally, the spoken ending line to Flying Kiss by JAEMIN stands out. Somehow it feels bold and distinct from the rest of the song, thus ending the song on a memorable note.

Like the song, Flying Kiss‘ music video was also alright. Some of it was shot using the same set as the train’s inside we saw in When I’m With You. But there was also other scenes that gave off a noticeable dreamy vibe to match the song. I liked their styling and how sweet it made them look, on brand for a group known for their youthful and bubbly charms when they first started. Definitely a nice throwback there. But there wasn’t anything exactly memorable that really makes me want to go back and revisit the video often.

The dance for this release opts for a softer and more pleasant vibe, which works well with Flying Kiss‘ instrumental. I liked how they gave the routine a kick during the chorus, which is also when the song picks up. But nothing memorable, once again. NCT DREAM themselves did look very sweet on stage and appear to really enjoy the performance, so that is something.

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

[Review] The Stranger – ONF

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Returning after their first comeback since their amazing Bye My Monster and Beautiful Shadow mini-album last year is ONF. Their new release is the first part of their 2nd studio album ONF: My Identity, which dropped yesterday. It is led by the single The Stranger – the focus of this post.

The Stranger brings us back to 2021, with ONF’s mammoth year of releases. It all began with Beautiful Beautiful, which I described as ‘wonderfully energetic and [having an] exciting retro profile’. The Stranger follows that description, channelling a funky flair from the get-go and throughout the song’s entire length. The momentum that The Stranger builds up is exciting, making the chorus one to look forward to. And with their powerful vocals in play, ONF does not disappoint! Particularly in the central aspect of the song, their excellent vocal work gives The Stranger some extra punch and weight. But that isn’t the song’s best part. That honour goes to the post-chorus hook (i.e., the “Stoop-di-bap…“). Short and brief, but it caught my attention and is so catchy. The bridge is probably The Stranger’s most questionable segment. I enjoyed the first half, where the song levelled up through the harsher instrumental. But the second half, where the background to WYATT’s rap was ‘stripped away’, feels like a lull in the song’s dynamic momentum. But aside from that minor moment, The Stranger is still a top-notch song for ONF.

The music video shows the members investigating the bright figure we see at the start of the video. As the video progresses, we are given hints of who this figure might be. But unsurprisingly, it turns out to be the members themselves. I wished there was a plot twist to the mystery rather than something predictable. I also want the video to be bolder and present a wow factor. Something like the futuristic world setting in the Beautiful Beautiful/Ugly Dance/Goosebumps series could have done the job.

I like the handguns and the swinging arms that make up the choruses’ choreography. The changes in formation keeps it fresh. I also really enjoyed the cascading move alongside the second pre-chorus. Overall, the routine is not as dynamic as I hoped to really complement the funky flair and energy. But the constriction does allow them to showcase their stable live vocals.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 7/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.4/10

[Review] HOT MESS – EVNNE

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A more recent comeback belongs to EVNNE, who returned last week with the new single HOT MESS. The new song serves as the title track of the group’s 4th mini-album of the same name. This HOT MESS comeback follows their June 2024 comeback with Badder Love and the mini-album RIDE or DIE.

HOT MESS introduces us to a new side of EVNNE via an entirely new and distinct sound. As mentioned in their Badder Love review, EVNNE is a group that I associate with a bold and bombastic sound. HOT MESS turns EVNNE’s discography onto its head (in a good way) with such a goofy and colourful song. I did notice a childish flair, which usually concerns me. But I like how the song’s producers control it so that HOT MESS does not feel cringy (the case for a lot of childish-sounding songs). I really enjoyed the pop-rock tinge the instrumental had. It is on trend and brings an interesting retro flair to the HOT MESS‘ dynamic. The percussion and synth work also contributed to the HOT MESS‘ fun-filled nature. I also like how the upbeat nature of HOT MESS comes off naturally. The members all sound great in the song. If I were to pick, the vocals in the pre-choruses and JIHOO’s raps in the second verse were the best of both deliveries. The hooks are repetitive but catchy. The “I’m a mess” is quite effective and a good introduction to the choruses’ melodies (which I also greatly enjoyed). If I were to critique HOT MESS, its short length limits its potential. While HOT MESS is all good, it easily could have packed extra punch. But frankly, there was not enough time to explore that potential.

As expected with a fun song, the music video features more colour than what I am used to for EVNNE. But it isn’t exactly a vibrant set of colours. There are darker tones and shades used in the video, commonly used for a boy group to illustrate their toughness in a light-hearted video. It also lends well to the song’s harsher pop-rock influences. In the midst of the fun, the members represent worker ants because of the marching the start and the underground setting. And these worker ants also bake cakes. Their cakes are popular, but EVNNE is a ‘hot mess’ whilst baking and serving the cakes to their customers. At one point, they were throwing handful of cakes at their loyal fanbase. Though, I am sure it more so for portraying the fun and quirkier concept they were going for.

The choreography sees the group bring forth a very playful side of themselves. There were a lot of smiles and fun moments throughout the entire performance. The energy EVNNE puts into their delivery and exude from the performance is infectious. I don’t think anyone can help but grin widely while watching EVNNE perform HOT MESS.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8.5/10
Overall Rating – 8.1/10

[Review] STRESS – CHUNG HA

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CHUNG HA is back telling us not to stress in her latest single, STRESS. I should have tuned into the release during the week and listened to CHUNG HA. After all, stress is not good for one’s health. STRESS is the lead single from CHUNG HA’s 5th mini-album, Alivio, which dropped this week. It is her first release since last year’s special single, Algorithm.

STRESS (the song, not the response) feels right for CHUNG HA. The funky elements and house beats are not new for CHUNG HA or KPOP. But it is definitely her familiar territory. I like the ’90s vibe of the song, particularly when STRESS‘ bridge resembles a Vogue-esque feel. The dynamic energy that drives STRESS forward is also a highlight. CHUNG HA sounds really good in the song, as well. However, I wished the material was a little more engaging. When I listen to STRESS, I can feel the potential for the hooks and melodies to be engaging and unique. But what we got weren’t. While STRESS‘ hooks were admittedly somewhat catchy, they were also very plain and lackluster. The exact same thing can said about the melodies. That is the biggest deterrent for me really enjoying the song, but STRESS’ instrumental is its savior for me.

The music video for STRESS is stunning. From CHUNG HA’s visuals, her outfits, the elegant gallery-like location, everything looked top notch! I think that gallery location was also featured in TXT’s Over The Moon‘s video. I like how the other scenes not in that gallery location also adopted a similar vibe and looked artistic. The message of ‘don’t stress’ was shown well in the music video. Some of the people doing yoga (or struggling to) were the stressed individuals, who we later see adopt CHUNG HA’s mantra of getting up and dancing it out.

I like the mixture of voguing and playfulness in the choreography. The former fits in well with the 90s vibe that STRESS has going on. The latter definitely infuses more of CHUNG HA’s style. This combination makes for a fun and flirty routine, enhancing the song’s message and giving it an alluring persona.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.5/10

[Review] PYTHON – GOT7

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Out of the releases released while I was on break, I was most excited for GOT7’s long-awaited return. I have been looking forward to sitting down and reviewing the lead single, PYTHON. It is the title track from their 13th mini-album, WINTER HEPTAGON, which dropped in January. We last saw GOT7 as a group in 2022 through their 12th mini-album GOT7 and the single NANANA.

PYTHON features a very subdued trap-based instrumental, serving as the backdrop to showcase the group’s affinity for the hip-hop genre. There is also this harp-like synth recurring in the mix that feels quite calming and soothing. Altogether, PYTHON‘s instrumental is very low-key and minimalist, yet also chic and stylish. Also, it somehow doesn’t come off as repetitive to me. When the instrumental brings in some new elements, like the broad vibrating synth in the pre-choruses, these elements really pop. And I quite like that contrast. Another aspect of PYTHON that made it a great release was the vocals. I really like how expressive some of the members were (i.e., YOUNGJAE and YUGYEOM). On the flip side, I like how some other members were lowkey (i.e., JAY B, JACKSON and MARK). It is an interesting dynamic that actually showcases the members well. JINYOUNG does a great job in the pre-choruses, smoothly giving PYTHON some momentum. I also enjoyed PYTHON‘s darker tones, a side of GOT7 that I have previously enjoyed. We have BAMBAM to applaud for that, who was one of the producers behind PYTHON. Unfortunately, I do have a complaint to make, and it is about PYTHON‘s very short length. PYTHON sometimes feels like it wraps as soon as it starts, and I don’t find this satisfying. Overall, it’s a great song from GOT7, but something longer would have been appreciated.

As mentioned above, PYTHON has some dark tones, which were brought to life well in the music video. The song speaks to how the hold someone has on them is like a python’s grip, preventing them from moving on. That’s why we see the members stuck in the same location in their solo shots at the start. For example, JINYOUNG is walking in one spot, and YOUNGJAE is unable to leave the chair surrounded by microphones. Even on the plane (a form of transportation to move people), the members wear the same stylish black suits as in their earlier solo shots. This shows us they are ‘stuck’ in this form. In the latter scenes, the members escape the ‘hold’ and don more casual wear. But we see BAMBAM getting pulled back into the plane and black suit because the python’s grip is too firm at the end. This suggests someone has a strong hold on them, just like a python’s grip. In amongst the above, the music video cleverly incorporates elements from GOT7’s older music videos. I noticed the plane from their Flight Log series, the airline service trolley that JACKSON throws in their Hard Carry music video and the members lying down in a circle from their You Calling My Name era.

The choreography looked quite cool. I liked how they utilised the beats well to showcase the hip-hop style. The start of the chorus brings in imagery that looks like the python fangs and the AHGASE (GOT7’s fanclub’s name) hand sign. JINYOUNG’s solo moments in the pre-choruses are my highlight for the routine.

Song – 8.5/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 8.5/10
Overall Rating – 8.7/10

[Review] CBZ (Prime Time) – BSS (SEVENTEEN)

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Another song released while I was on vacation was BSS’ (SEVENTEEN’s Boo Seungkwan, DK and HOSHI) CBZ (Prime Time). It is the title track from the unit’s second single album, Teleparty, which dropped in early January. CBZ (Prime Time) is BSS’ first comeback since their massive hit Fighting (ft. Lee Young Ji) from 2023 and their unit debut, Just Do It, in 2018.

All of BSS’ title tracks have been fun and always contain a positive message. CBZ (Prime Time) continues that tone and messaging. This time, the fun side of CBZ (Prime Time) comes from the instrumental’s jazzy elements. It made for quite a dynamic and funky piece. As for the positive message, CBZ (Prime Time) speaks to the idea that youth is not an age, but rather a mindset. The Korean title of the song is also a ‘Cheers’ acronym in Korean. The Korean title also means ‘jeans’, which is an element that the music video features (more on that in the next section). As for the other elements that make up CBZ (Prime Time), there is much to like in the song. I really enjoyed the expressive nature of the members’ vocals. A fun instrumental doesn’t necessarily guarantee a fun song. The vocals are a definite factor in helping bring life to the song, and CBZ (Prime Time) features an engaging delivery from the trio. The hooks were fantastic and got the song stuck in my mind after several listens. My only concern for the song is its longevity. Based on what I have seen, CBZ (Prime Time) doesn’t have the same pull on the Korean charts and social media as Fighting did. Regardless, it is another fantastic song by BSS.

As mentioned earlier, the music video visually conveys a few of the messages. With the youth mindset, this is done via the choruses, where the members have fun. They take the office workers to the pub while also partying it up at the end. The members also hand out jeans to bring that alternative meaning to the Korean title into the choreography. They make it the uniform of having fun, which makes sense, given jeans are more casual than office wear or school uniforms. The music video also features cameos from some Korean actors like Uhm Jung Hwa, Gal So Won, Jung Young Joo and Moon Sang Hoon.

Hands down, the best part of the choreography is when they launch into the final chorus. The dance challenge for this comeback may have played a part in this, but it was the most memorable section. Elsewhere in the performance, a fair bit is going on. I like how jumpy the dancing was – it probably feels like a workout. I also enjoyed how they integrated the idea of youth being a mindset and showed off their jeans in the routine.

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

[Review] ATTITUDE – IVE

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In my review for REBEL HEART, I mentioned my plan to review the second title track from their 3rd mini-album (IVE EMPATHY) soon. Well, ‘soon’ has arrived. The second song is titled ATTITUDE, and it dropped with the rest of the mini-album on Monday this week.

My first impression of ATTITUDE was that it could have used a little more sass or attitude. There are definitely moments in ATTITUDE that give off this tone and energy, like the song’s main hook (sampled from Suzanne Vega and DNA’s Tom’s Diner and the rapping in the second verse. But I wished ATTITUDE went further, as it would have given the song more oomph and further impact. Elsewhere in the song, I enjoyed the instrumental’s dance beat and funky disco undertones. I liked the idea of the ascending notes in the final lines of the pre-choruses – breaking the note was a good idea. I also appreciated them in the choruses, even if it did get slightly unpleasant. On the topic of the choruses, they had good flow and melodies, but the vocals were plain to me. The most questionable element of ATTITUDE was the bridge. I agree ATTITUDE needed a change-up, but I wonder if a relatively toneless shouty delivery was the best way to go about it. Overall, ATTITUDE was a decent song. It is not as strong as their best tracks, but still worth a listen.

Based on the lyrics, the music video shows the members as inhabitants of the ‘Loveless society’. But they know that their time in this location is short. I like the confidence they exude, particularly in contrast to the other inhabitants of the society. Their outfits and styling were very pretty, showcasing their beautiful looks. I also like how the members do their own thing rather than following the norm. Overall, a great video to watch.

Like the song, I felt the choreography could have used more sass and attitude. There were a lot of bright smiles and moves, which was all great. I wished there was more balance with some other sides of the group they have shown before in the routine. For example, when YUJIN stood on top of those desks in the music video. That would have taken the choreography to the next level and worked well with the message behind ATTITUDE.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8.3/10

[Review] REBEL HEART – IVE

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Apologies for the lack of reviews this week. Jet lag caught up with me and work got me tired.

One of the releases that came out while I was on vacation was IVE’s single REBEL HEART. It serves as one of the title tracks for their (at the time) upcoming 3rd mini-album IVE Empathy. As of Monday this week, the second title track, ATTITUDE, and the mini-album itself were released. A review for ATTITUDE will be posted soon. IVE Empathy follows from their IVE SWITCH mini-album and HEYA/Accendio comeback in April last year.

I remember listening to REBEL HEART while on vacation and thinking it was a great song, minus one part. REBEL HEART begins with a rock tinge instrumental that develops into a bombastic sound that reminds me of their I AM single from 2 years ago. I like how the members channel and complement the rock sound, sometimes almost turning the song into an anthem. I do acknowledge the chorus is repetitive, but it is also very simple and catchy. The “So you can love me, You will never be never be never me…” definitely makes for an addictive hook. REBEL HEART does falter when it comes to the “Na Na Na” part in the bridge. This moment turned a strong and empowering song into something childish. At least, WONYOUNG and LIZ’s vocal follow-up picked REBEL HEART back up and made the song slightly mature again. Overall, REBEL HEART is a strong first release from IVE Empathy. This makes me excited for their now-released second track, ATTITUDE.

The music video for REBEL HEART features the members rebelling against society but staying true to themselves. After all, they are ‘rebels in their hearts’, and the song’s lyrics express solidarity with those who rebel. The group and ‘friends supporting friends’ scenes reflected the latter message. GAEUL and LIZ were probably the easiest rebels to spot in the video. GAEUL opted for activities like graffiti and hanging out in abandoned buildings. LIZ didn’t attend school on school days and was seen walking in the opposite direction of her peers. The other members’ portrayal of rebels was a little more subtle. REI wore an outfit that made her standout in public. WONYOUNG was an unhappy bride, while YUJIN took part in activities that did not fit the stereotype for her gender. The hardest to make out was LIZ’s portrayal of a rebel, who I guess is representing those who want to make a living through social media rather than other ‘typical’ jobs.

The choreography for REBEL HEART was good. I don’t mind the routine we got. But it could have gone for something punchier, as some moves didn’t fit the song’s rock vibe. It felt more focused on being youthful and pretty than taking advantage of that rock sound.

Song – 8.5/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 7/10
Overall Rating – 8.4/10

[Review] Fraktsiya – MARK (NCT) ft. LEE YOUNG JI

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MARK was originally due to make his solo comeback with his first album this month. But the long-awaited solo return of MARK was unfortunately delayed to April instead. To keep those waiting in anticipation for his solo release, MARK released the single titled Fraktsiya. It features LEE YOUNG JI, who had a successful run this year. This single release follows MARK’s other solo singles, which include Child, Golden Hour and 200.

MARK is well known for his rapping skills, which he has displayed through the abundance of songs he raps in. His rapping in SuperM’s Jopping springs straight to mind. But we have yet to come across a solo song from MARK that really showcases his rapping skills to the same degree. That is until Fraktsiya. It is a rap-based hip-hop track featuring a fast-paced and pulsing instrumental that exudes a dynamic yet lowkey energy. The details in the instrumental give off a prickly feeling, heightening the song’s excitement. MARK and LEE YOUNG JI were super punchy with their delivery through Fraktsiya, which I thought should be commended. Further, MARK’s flow throughout Fraktsiya does not let up and has me vibing along to the song. The same can be said about LEE YOUNG JI. But her style and rapping also bring a brighter-like tone element to Fraktsiya. But the song’s best part is when the pair rounds out with the shoutier “I’m so curious“. That was a great peak to accumulate towards and to end Fraktsiya with. Overall, this track excites me for what will come from MARK in April.

According to Google’s AI, Fraktsiya is the romanisation of the Korean word 쁘락지 (meaning ‘spy’). MARK and LEE YOUNG JI essentially rap about being spies in their respective ‘worlds’ – MARK being KPOP and LEE YOUNG JI being K-Hip-Hop. The video takes on a darker concept than usual for MARK. We see him as a spy in the first part. We then see him in the KPOP world, out of place and calm in the chaos as the staff prepares for a photoshoot. When LEE YOUNG JI appears, she appears out-of-place, as well. She wears a jacket with a touch of green on a green carpet, while everyone else is dressed in black suits on the white background. It was a cool video overall.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 8.5/10
Overall Rating – 8.8/10

[Album Review] ATE (9th Mini Album) – Stray Kids

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Stray Kids made their comeback in July 2024 with their 9th mini-album ATE. While I have reviewed the tracks that had a music video a while back before I took my break, I have yet to review the full mini-album until today. ATE features the title track Chk Chk Boom and 7 side tracks (including a remix of the title track). It follows on from their 2nd studio album, ROCK-STAR, and the lead single LALALALA.

Once again, Stray Kids pulled off another strong mini-album release, with most tracks being unskippable. ATE is undoubtedly another highly recommended mini-album of the group. Read on to see if you agree with me!

ATE Album Cover

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

2. Chk Chk Boom (Title Track) – Recognising how much the song has grown on me, I have decided to bump up the rating for Chk Chk Boom by a full point. Click here for the original review for Chk Chk Boom. (8.5/10)

3. JJAM – Click here for the review for JJAM. (9/10)

4. I Like It – I Like It raises a few red flags within its lyrics. It expresses the idea of liking someone but not wanting to fall in love with them. Despite the red flags, I Like It comes off as catchy and cute thanks to its pop roots. The “Ooh, I like it, ooh, ooh, I like it, like it” hooks are super addictive. The combination of the trap outro and HYUNJIN and FELIX’s spoken version of the hook adds a sexy flair to the song. (9/10)

5. Runners – Runners is an epic all-English track. It starts off with SEUNGMIN’s heavenly vocals over what I think is soft traditional instrumentation before FELIX’s deep vocals and beat grounds the track. This opening combination is memorable and makes me look forward to the song each time. The other members do an equally amazing job and ends up captivating me each time. The drill, drum and bass elements in Runners create some really nice textures in the background, while the choruses bring in a cyberpunk-esque energy into play. (9/10)

6. Twilight (또 다시 밤) – No matter how many times Twilight plays, I don’t remember much of it. Maybe it is because I am very used to Stray Kids with their loud and bold music nowadays and not through a mid-tempo ballad. That being said, it is still a good song with a beautiful piano instrumentation. Each member delivers the track splendidly, and the song has some good melodies. It just wasn’t a compelling listen from Stray Kids for me. (7/10)

7. Stray Kids – Click here for the review for Stray Kids. (9/10)

8. Chk Chk Boom (Festival Version) – See above for my review for Chk Chk Boom.

Overall Album Rating – 8.8/10

ATE Teaser Image

[Album Review] ROMANCE: UNTOLD / ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream- (2nd Studio Album / Repackaged Studio Album) – ENHYPEN

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ENHYPEN is nominated for Best Male Group and Best Pop Song for Sweet Venom, among other categories, in the 2024 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. Support ENHYPEN and Sweet Venom by clicking here to vote today. Voting closes later at 11:59 PM AEDT 31 January 2025 (today!!).

It is time to review ENHYPEN’s 2024 album releases – ROMANCE: UNTOLD and ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream-. The former was released in July 2024 and features the title track XO (Only If You Say Yes), the secondary promotional track Brought The Heat Back, the English version of the title track (featuring JVKE) and 6 side tracks. The album was then re-released as the latter in November 2024, featuring 2 new tracks, including the title track No Doubt. This series follows their ORANGE BLOOD album release in November 2023.

Altogether, the ROMANCE: UNTOLD series is a very strong showing from ENHYPEN. Both title tracks are great, and the side tracks have been fantastic to listen to. Most tracks were unskippable in my books, and this has helped make the albums standout releases of the past year. The rating wasn’t high enough to be eligible for Best Album in my KPOPREVIEWED Awards, but definitely notable enough. Continue reading below to see if you agree with me.

ROMANCE: UNTOLD Tracks

Romance: Untold Album Cover

1. Moonstruck – Kicking off the studio album is Moonstruck. This is a R&B number that features a sensual vibe from the members. I remember thinking this opening track was sluggish, but Moonstruck has grown on me since. I enjoy it quite a lot now. The “Just the two of us, moonstruck” line in the chorus is memorable. I also like the infusion of rock towards the song’s end. (9/10)

2. XO (Only If You Say Yes) (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for XO (Only If You Say Yes). (8/10)

3. Your Eyes Only –The mid-tempo beat reduces the appeal of Your Eyes Only. But its the members that win me over. HEESEUNG’s “You & me, yeah” in the first verse and JUNGWON’s equivalent line in the second verse (in its entirety) were memorable moments. The other members brought solid vocals to the song, particularly JAKE and SUNOO, who shared the choruses. The “Ya Ya … Ya Sugar talk” hook and the “Read more” refrains were also quite catchy. (9/10)

4. Hundred Broken Hearts – We move into upbeat R&B territory in Hundred Broken Hearts. The synths and the autotune vocal processing used in the song give off old-school vibes that make this song attractive. I did wish there were more memorable elements apart from the instrumentation and nostalgia the song brings. (8/10)

5. Brought The Heat Back – Click here for the full review for Brought The Heat Back. (8.5/10)

6. Paranormal – Paranormal introduces drum ‘n’ bass into the album. While this brings some refreshing notes to the R&B heavy album, I wished the song tapped more into the grungy guitars-like synths (?) that it uses in the background. It is a missed opportunity to have them in Paranormal, but not used effectively. The members’ vocals are good in this track but would better suit a grungy or more substantial rock-influenced song. (7.5/10)

7. Royalty – Royalty sees the guitars as the instrumental’s forefront. The guitar riffs opt for a contemporary vibe. And in combination with the rest of the instrumentation, Royalty feels summery and beachy. SUNOO is the standout member in this song, particularly with how he starts the song. The choruses opt for a shoutier motif, the loudest we have heard from the members in the album. But as a mechanism to get your attention, it works effectively and I find myself vibing with Royalty. (10/10)  

8. Highway 1009 – Highway 1009 is another pleasant track that hits the right spot. The track features a pop instrumentation that sounds clear and crisp. The same thing can be said about the vocal work that ENHYPEN outputs. The best part of Highway 1009 is the chorus, which has a stunning melody that makes the track standout and brings a smile to my face. (9/10)

9. XO (Only If Your Say Yes) (ft. JVKE) (English Version) – Refer to my review for the Korean version of XO (Only If You Say Yes) above.

ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream- Tracks

ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream- Album Cover

1. Daydream – Daydream does have a separate track video (embedded below), but it features three-quarters of the song. The actual song is only 2 minutes long, so I am unsure why the video limits the song further. Anyhow, Daydream is definitely an intriguing song. A prominent presence of whispery raps makes the track engaging and complements the lowkey minimalistic bass instrumental. The track does build on these whispery vocals to fuller volume vocals, but those are definitely not the main star. I liked the balance Daydream finds in all of this while maintaining that alluring uniqueness. (9/10)

2. No Doubt (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for No Doubt. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating (Romance: Untold) – 8.6/10
Overall Album Rating (Romance: Untold -Daydream-) – 8.5/10
Overall Album Rating (Combined) – 8.6/10

  • ROMANCE: UNTOLD Teaser Image
  • ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream- Teaser Image

[Album Review] RIDE or DIE (3rd Mini Album) – EVNNE

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Support your favourite KPOP artists, performances and songs by clicking here to vote today. Voting closes on 31 January 2025 (i.e., tomorrow), so make sure you vote today to make it count!

EVNNE’s 3rd mini-album, RIDE or DIE, is the next album chosen for review on the blog. In case you missed it, it was released in June 2024 and follows their 2nd mini-album from earlier in the year (Un: SEEN, led by the title track UGLY). This mini-album features a total of 6 songs, including the title track Badder Love, the English version of the title track and 4 side tracks. Overall, it was a decent release, but it didn’t surpass their debut mini-album. Continue reading to find out if you agree with my thoughts.

RIDE or DIE Album Cover

1. Badder Love (Title Track) – Click here for the full review of Badder Love. (7/10)

2. I ❤ U (I Love U) – I ❤ U is a light-hearted and fun track that brings out EVNNE’s youthfulness. I like the R&B motif the song featured, which contributed to a refreshing tone. The delicate vocals and melodies were nice and wispy. The rapping helped ground the song and give it a fun side. (8/10)

3. XO – The guitars in the background kept XO tangy, while the fast-paced beat propelled the song forward. But this fast-paced beat felt unnecessarily rushed, and I wished the producers had toned this down. It literally felt like someone had accidentally pressed fast-forward on the song. But aside from that, XO has one of the mini-album’s most memorable lines – “Tell me, yes, no, choose, XO”. The way it delivered and came off was bold and impactful. (8.5/10)

4. 2X (2배속) – Completely changing pace is 2X, which slows down the mini-album considerably. The R&B instrumental is more acoustic and is just a stunningly beautiful backdrop. The melodies in 2X have that swaying effect that I love in ballad-like songs, while EVNNE’s vocals were dreamy and lovely. (8/10)

5. Boom Bari – We go down a soft hip-hop direction for Boom Bari. The presence of the baby sound was odd, to say the least. The song brings back that light-hearted tone from the second track. But it makes the song more carefree and lazier, creating another fun vibe. The simple shouty hook emphasises that fun nature and is quite catchy. The last “Boom Boom” in the hook is attached to some bolder beats, which I thought was intriguing and is my highlight of the track. (8.5/10)

6. Badder Love (English Version) – Refer to my review of the Korean version of Badder Love above.

Overall Album Rating – 8/10

RIDE or DIE Teaser Image

[Album Review] I SWAY (7th Mini Album) – (G)I-DLE

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(G)I-DLE is nominated for Best Female Group, Best Stage Presence, Best Vocal Performance for FATE and Best Pop Song for Super Lady. Support (G)I-DLE’s by clicking here to vote today. Voting closes on 31 January 2025.

(G)I-DLE made their comeback back in July 2024 with their 7th mini-album, I SWAY, and the title track KLAXON. This could have been their final comeback, as they were in the midst of renewing their contracts with CUBE Entertainment at the time of the mini-album’s release. And in the past, the group has been open about their displeasure with their company. So there was a possibility of not renewing with their company. But as good news, (G)I-DLE confirmed they had renewed their contracts with the company at the 2024 Melon Music Awards. Thus, there will be more (G)I-DLE music coming our way in the future!

Back to I SWAY, the mini-album is on the shorter side, with just four songs (including the title track). These side tracks made for a strong mini-album release, whereas the title track was forgettable. I SWAY follows the release of 2 (their second studio album) and their Super Lady comeback from January 2024.

I SWAY Album Cover

1. Klaxon (클락션) (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Klaxon. (7/10)

2. Last Forever – I really like how pleasant Last Forever is. This pop song features touching vocals and hearty melodies from the members. It is super easy on the ears, straight forward and simple. And while the song is the shortest track on the album, it always feels satisfying and fulfilling. (9/10)

3. Bloom – The first thing I notice in Bloom is its dreamy motif, which makes Bloom sound so heavenly. If that wasn’t enough, then the instrumentation’s retro touch and pleasant upbeatness would have won me over. And if that weren’t enough, the amazingly perfect and airy vocals from (G)I-DLE would have. I don’t see how I could have avoided the attractiveness of Bloom. (10/10)

4. Neverland – Neverland falls into the realm of a ballad. Again, I like how straightforward and unfiltered their vocals and rapping felt in this track. The acoustic instrumentation is just stunningly beautiful. As mentioned above, had (G)I-DLE chosen to not renew their contracts with Cube Entertainment, Neverland (titled after their fanclub) could have been the group’s final track. And that would have made the song bittersweet. Just a food for thought for a moment. But as also mentioned above, the group has renewed their contracts and will be continuing forth together to bring us new music. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9/10

I SWAY Teaser Image