Category: KPOP

Catch Up Review #11 – LABOUM, Mamamoo, EXID

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Finally, another review after so long. Hahaha.. Thought I dropped out unannounced again did you and return in like 5 months? Hahahahaha… No silly, I just returned from a well deserved holiday and the MAMA awards were on last night, so I guess I skipped writing a review for like 3 days or so. However, now I am back and writing more reviews more than ever, and that is promise I make, after I return from my other holiday. Only kidding. Long reviews today so let’s go!

What About You – LABOUM

LABOUM is a new group in the industry. As there are so many new groups coming into the industry, I don’t get any chances to review them, because there are so many groups debuting and making their comeback at the same time. Fortunately, I finally got to review this group, just with their first comeback song. This song is so freaking good. The song is catchy and likewise all of the songs in today’s review is really catchy. It is a song that I have been playing on the loop consistently. The rapping was so so but the vocals were superb. As for the music video, there really was nothing there and I was quite disappointed with that. It was just the girls acting all distant and doll-like during the whole video. As for the dance, I really liked how they took the “doll” concept and made the dance around it. It was really cool and amazing. 7/10

Piano Man – Mamamoo

Mamamoo is back and wow, this song really raises the bar. How are these girls not freaking getting awards yet, really beats me. This whole comeback blew my mind. The song was really addictive and catchy. This song impresses me. The vocals and the rapping did the job wonderfully. The girls harmonised really well and showcased their vocals. I was blown away with this song. As for the music video, it reminded me a lot of Secret’s Poison, just without the sex appeal and the violence. However, it was a little dull to watch. We see Gongchan from B1A4 getting drawn into the girls throughout the music video. Not really exciting.  As for the dance, I liked how they mimicked the instruments used in the song and also its simplicity. 10/10. 

Up & Down – EXID

EXID is finally back after a disappearance of nearly 2 years and this time it seems they have finally started to get more recognition then before. More on that later. This song is hella addictive and really fun to listen (and sing) to. Though, this song is LE dominated for like 80% of it, I thought the whole song, from vocals to rap, was amazing. As for the music video, wow. It was really suggestive towards the male sexual organ. Well, that or I have a really dirty mind. Overall, I love the music video. I love the half body idea and since the same director directed this music video and also Orange Caramel’s recent videos, the music video had that Orange Caramel feel to it. As for the dance. It was amazing. It was deemed as sexy, however this time, I kind of agree with it. This dance however, is what the band is now officially known for. EXID is now ranking on the charts in the top 10 because a fancam of member Hani dancing to the song at an event. Now they are due to retrun to the stage, a few months after the song is released, they are going viral. 10/10

THIS IS IT. IT IS OVER. The catchy up reviews are finally done. I can now sit back and write the next 45 reviews at a slow pace (however one that gets you guys to read consistently). Thank you for staying this long with me and now I hand you back to the normal reviews. See you tomorrow!!!

Catch Up Review #10 – Ladies Code, BESTie, Tiny G

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For this particular review, I feel like I should skip the introduction and avoid saying something funny for this particular review. What happened a few months back was indeed tragic and is upsetting to know that there is (and most likely will always be and have always been) this side of KPOP. Though, yes, this review is quite delayed, waking up to the news of an idol who passed away was not enjoyable. I have previously expressed my condolences and hope wherever Rise and Eun.B are at this very moment, that they are doing well and are well loved, as expressed by the banding together of the KPOP community regardless of fanwars and any other differences.

Kiss Kiss – Ladies Code

The song is pretty catchy. It also has that retro sound that sounds really, really cool. In a sense, it seems like the band is going after the Pretty Pretty sound that they basically now known for. The music video also has the same feel to it, as Pretty Pretty does. However, it was not as bright as the Pretty Pretty music video. Those were my exact first expressions. The dance was pretty good. Though, the giant lips scared the crap out of me every time I watch the dance or music video. 7/10

Hot Baby – BESTie

This song is pretty catchy as well, and has a summer feel to it. Particularly the chorus, which the song builds up to. Beside that, there really is not much to say. The music video is just shots of them camping and having fun in the Summer time. The dance was so so and not that memorable. 5/10

I Need You – BESTie (No music video :()

This song has to be one of the best Summer songs of the year. The song sounds cute and is pretty catchy. It honestly took me time to get into the song and now I listen to this song quite a bit. There is no music video (which is a total disappointment cause this song deserve some sort of music video). The dance was pretty boring and could have been better, though the ending fitted the tone for the end of the song. 5/10

Ice Baby – Tiny G

This song is also quite catchy. Actually, all the songs are really catchy on this list. I only just noticed. However, I really was disappointed with this song. I expected something a little more. Their last few comebacks have been fun and enjoyable. Not to mention their last comeback was a sexy concept. This really does not suit them at all. The music video was really boring and really white. The girls look out of placed in their pyjamas. The dance was really weird, with the fluffing of the pillow. Honestly, another song and comeback of a completely different style could have made the band more well known. 0/10

This is the second last catch-up review. Well, second last from how I am looking at it. Tomorrow is another girl group themed of the more “nugu” or rookie groups that many people don’t seem to know about. See you then!!!

Catch Up Review #9 – AOA, Hello Venus, Zhou Mi (Super Junior M) – Celebrating 500 reviews…

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Finally getting to the end of these reviews.  Did you know that I am actually not writing them up and posting them straight away? I am currently on holidays…. But hey, at least I got these scheduled out over the time I am going. Just I expected these to be done by Wednesday night, and here I am on Thursday… But yeah, there are 11 of these catch up reviews, so two more to go. Let’s do this!!!

Like A Cat – AOA (THIS IS MY 500TH SONG REVIEW)

This is a recent song that came out last week. This song is a really catchy song and is basically a more fun version of their song that boosted them to popularity (Miniskirt). This is the song that I was waiting for. It is really upbeat and probably top all of their previous songs. I have one complaint, but Jimin’s introduction still sound whiny and her voices annoys me when I listen to the song. The music video is where the girls try to break into the vault to steal the diamonds. Firstly, the dude has too many tattoos. Secondly, some of the girl’s jobs are werid. Why is the girl in the air ducts playing phone games and manage to knock herself out with the gas? Why isn’t she crawling away? As for Jimin, she would have better off using a gun rather than the whip. The dance fitted the song title really well, and I actually like the dance. 8/10

Sticky Sticky – Hello Venus

This song was very boring. There is nothing appealing from the song. Well beside the cow bells. I don’t know why I am so drawn into the cow bells for? The bridge of the song, really did not fit in with the rest of the song. The music video was really boring. The dance was equally boring as well. I think Hello Venus needs to go back to their Venus or past concepts. They got popular using those concepts, so why change now? 0/10

Rewind – Zhou Mi (Super Junior M)

This probably has to be one of the catchiest songs of the 2014 year. “Stop, rewind, rewind” is the one line that is stuck in my head at this very moment. The chorus is pretty catchy. I prefer the Korean version over the Chinese version for this song. Mainly because Chanyeol’s rap suit the song more rather than Tao’s rap. There really is not much of a plot with the music video. Mainly of Zhou Mi remembering his lover. That or him being shirtless of the ending of the video. That probably got fan girls screaming or fainting. The dance was also pretty cool as well. The sharp movements and the “rewinding” motion fitted the song really well and made the dance pretty memorable in my head. 9/10

Next set of reviews are girls groups. Well, these were the girl groups that I promised that I would review such as Ladies Code, BESTie and Tiny G. See you next time!!! Let’s hope for another hundred review guys!!!!

Catch Up Review #8 – Teen Top, BTOB, VIXX, Boyfriend

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These groups are seen as the next generation boy bands and are currently rising to be the next top boy groups in South Korea. And this review consist of 4 songs, let’s move along now.

Missing – Teen Top

To fans out there, I am going to apologise to you guys. This song was much a bore for me. It was not appealing. I just listened to it once and then forgot about it. The vocals were so so and the rapping was okay, however it was not as great as Teen Top’s last song Rocking. The music video was pretty dark. I have to give points for such an amazing set though, which enhanced the darkness. From what I can see, CAP and this girl used to go out, but then CAP got a little addicted to partying or something, which caused his girlfriend to break off. He then (and I only assume) takes his life. L.Joe is a friend of both (as per seen in flashbacks) and is deeply sadden by both the death of his friend but also sadden to see the girl sad. He helps her get back on their feet, however both cannot forget CAP. Fortunately enough, L.Joe and the girl realized that both are there for each other and bond. The dance was pretty cool, however it just felt empty. 4/10

Witch – Boyfriend

This song has a latin feel to it, which makes it sound pretty nice. The “Cause your body goes boom bara boom” is pretty catchy. The music video on the other hand… The band suits the dark theme (why haven’t they attempted this when they debuted?) but the acting in this is so horrible. Everything was exaggerated from what I saw.  That final fight scene, made the whole group look so pathetic. Moving away from the music video. The dance was phenomenal. The use of the curtains made the whole thing fresh and original. I was so amazed. And the curtains were not just in the background, they were used to cover up the people not dancing or singing. Just wow… 5/10 (most taken away because of the video, but the song is definitely one to check out.)

You’re So Fly – BTOB

This is a pretty catchy song. It just lacked the ability to be very memorable. I honestly expected something like Beep Beep, which had a more serious tone to it. Though, the vocals and rapping were okay, just they don’t yell out at me. The music video is protrayed in a humorous way, where the shop keeper tries to get the boys to recognise the beauty in the more “ugly” girls. And she does this by giving them coffee. Poor Sungjae though, only getting one drop and hence the love potion not working on him. Dance was also pretty cool. And I guess chairs are the new trend. 6/10

Error – VIXX

I think I am starting to become addicted with this band. Every title (note the word title) song that they released, I get strangely addicted to. However this song, really does not have that VIXX feel that we all know of. Though, the vocals are pretty good as per usual. The music video for this song tells a story of this dude (Hongbin) and his lover. The lover dies, and Hongbin decides to create a robot version of the lover, to save him from the pain. Everything works out, just the authorities come in and finds out that the lover robot is illegal. Hongbin saves her from the authorities and then take their lives to be together forever. Great acting from the characters though.  The dancing here was really cool, especially the ending where they pull the plugs out of their necks. 7/10

Ahhh.. finally. Done this review. The next review actually does not have a theme to it. Sadly. However, I can tell you that AOA, Hello Venus and Zhou Mi from Super Junior M will be reviewed. See you then!!!

Catch Up Review #7 – Song Ji Eun (Secret)

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As many of you guys know how much of a fan I am for Secret, this review has two parts and (sadly), one song will live up to the standard the world has, while the other really does not. I know I know. But as these reviews tend to get a little long, let’s just carry on shall we?

Don’t Look At Me Like That

This song was amazing. I freaking love this song. All of her past singles were always dark themed and had powerful yet emotional lyrics. This song is no different. The vocals were superb. However, let’s take some time to look at the lyrics and the music video. The lyrics were well written with the lyrics hinting towards relationships such as homosexuality, large age gaps and interracial relationships. It was really meaningful and very “on point” as these are relationships that some us hides from. The music video was equally well done. We see Song Ji Eun chained up and put on display. With everyone around her wearing masks, it seems like Song Ji Eun is different in a way. When they see her, they are shock, but then start to bid for her. However, as she struggles, and manages to break free, everyone flees as if they are trying to get away from the different person. This occurs quite a lot in real life and I am pretty sure that many can relate to this. 10/10

Pretty Age 25

Okay, I just want to start off buy saying that this was not the actual comeback I was expecting. Song Ji Eun had multiple comebacks that had a dark themed running through them, yet she made a comeback with a bright song. As you can tell, I was pretty disappointed. However, the song was still pretty catchy but it is definitely not her best song at this very moment. There was another problem. The music video was cutesy and “flower girl” like. The song had this potential to be a sexy style kind of song, so there was this mismatch of ideas I believed. The dancing was okay. It could have been a little more to it. Also, one of the performance that put her in a dress which exposed her shoulders, made her look really skinny. Too skinny to the point where every comment on that one video was concerns over her health. 3/10

Well, now that we got some of the girl groups out of the way and female solo artists, why don’t we move back to boy groups for the next review? Rising boy groups, it is then. See you next time!!!

Catch Up Review #6 – Girl’s Day, Ailee, Spica S

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These girl groups are potentially rising girl groups or rising solo artists (some may argue that they are already there as one of the hottest groups in Korea at this very moment). So of course, I had to review them… Cause they are basically the future of KPOP (no offence to any other bands out there) -runs away from fangirls and fanboys-

I Miss You – Girl’s Day

This song was released in a way to allow the girls to say thank you to the fans recently. On top of that, this is the first major release from the band that is basically a ballad. And this ballad was amazing. The vocals were superb. Sometimes, some groups have very unclear vocals when they sing ballad, but these girls are really clear. I have to say one thing though. The rapping should not have been included. It was autotuned and really did not fit the ballad style. The music video was also quite boring to watch. There really was nothing going on during the video at all, beside the girls remember past memories of their boyfriends. Not really that memorable. And that final scene with the snow. It really was a mismatch with them smiling, when the song and the rest of the video having a really sad mood. 7/10

Don’t Touch Me – Ailee

Ailee should always come out with really strong songs. And these type of songs really compliment her empowering voice making everything sound much better. Her vocals here, once again, are top notch. The chorus was really catchy from the song to the dance. The music video was a disappointment. I expected a little more beside “Ailee” close-ups. The dance was really good, especially at the chorus. Though, something that every single person has asked regarding this comeback, what the *%$? are the back up dancers wearing? Why are they in witches hat and stuff? What is this concept??? WHY??? WHY??? 7/10

Give Your Love – Spica S

This is by far not their memorable comeback to date. Spica S is essentially Spica with Boa missing, so really… But anyway, we all know how vocally powerful the band is but this song fails to highlight this exact skill that the members have. The song really was not a stand out and is something that will be forgotten easily. The music video was over sexualised. Like I don’t see what is so sexy about binding over filing cabinets, filing papers, shredding paper. The dance was okay, nothing really grand or memorable from this area at all. (Though, the rapper can sing and rap). But beside that, this comeback really does not fit into what the girls usually do, and unfortunately, that was a disappointment for me. 3/10

So the next review theme is actually a solo artist that is a part of a girl group. After promotions with her band, Song Ji Eun, made her solo comeback with her first mini album. But more on that tomorrow. See you next time!!!

 

 

Catch Up Review #5 – Super Junior

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Ah, finally. Probably the reviews you have been waiting for. Super Junior is finally back after 2 years. What have they done in the past two years? A lot of solo work, military enlistment, dramas, and a Super Junior M release. On top of that: Congrats to Sungmin for announcing his marriage for December. Though I don’t know how this is going to play out, best wishes to his future wife. But enough talking.

Mamacita

This has to be the worst song on the list. I just have to say it. I did not like this song, music video or dance. It completely weird me out and I thought there was like some really bad thing going on in the KPOP industry. That being said, I did not enjoy this song. It had that like of latin feel, but it was kind of awkward when you heard it. Also Shindong’s line: “Just close your lips and shut your tongue”. HOW??? -shivers-. The music video was okay to watch, just it bored me out and I really was distracted by that lady in the music video. And by lady I meant Kangin. That is one buff lady who is really sensitive to her watermelons. That actually sounded a lot better in my mind. Anyway, the dance was so so. Wasn’t the best dance but at the same time it did the job for the song. 2/10

This Is Love 

Whoever gave this song to the band to do was a lifesaver. This song is so freaking amazing. It has this smooth feeling and also a really classy feeling as well. It has this Justin Timberlake kind of feel to it, well in my eyes. I thought the vocals were amazing. As for the music video, it was pretty good. I like how it was all that one set and they managed to add a different feel to different scenes. The one problem I have is the use of the one shot camera. Actually, this also has the 360 camera (correct me if I am wrong), in it as well. As for the dance, I thought it was cool. Dream Girl by SHINee also incorporated microphone stands  but it was a more of a flashy style of dance. This dance, on the other hand, complimented the smoothness and classy feel of the song, as I mentioned above.  10/10

Evanesce

This was another song, as a part of their repackaged album and was used a side promotion single with This Is Love. Though it was a ballad, there was a performance and also a music video released, which kind of lets me do a review for it. This song really highlights the vocals of each member. Now only if Yesung came back during this time, then everything would have been perfect. But seriously, these voices in this song really amazing. The chorus of the song was really well done. As for the music video, they used the same set as This Is Love, which when you think about it, that idea is really original. But this time, the set looks abandoned and fits into the song really well. There was no dance, but Eunhyuk did get a little moment during the performance and music video to dance with a girl, which I thought was cool. It was not over done and his moves fitted the speed of the song. 9/10

Well, that is another review done. Now onto the next review. The theme shall be: Rising Girl Groups. See you next time!!!

 

 

Catch Up Review #4 – 2PM, 2AM, Beast

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Once again, another KPOP catch up review with the biggest boy groups and bands in the industry today. And there are so much, that I had to split this category into 3 or 4 other reviews (which will be released gradually). On with the reviews:

Go Crazy – 2PM

One of the biggest boy groups in South Korea finally made their comeback with a new album. I liked the song, however their comeback was not successful overall.  However, that is a completely other story. Go Crazy kind of mirrors Hands Up, which to date, I believe is their most successful song, however I really expected a little more. The vocals are great and the song really wanted me to dance, but it just sound generic and really does not set the bar higher for future releases. The music video is a little boring. I really was not that amazed with guys flying across the moon and stuff like that. The dance was a little more freer and I thought it was nice to have a “random” choreography. It adds to the more fun and crazy side of the song. 6/10

Over The Destiny – 2AM

Let’s look at the opposite side. 2AM recently made their comeback with Over The Destiny and I honestly have no idea why I am reviewing this. But anyway, the song is a ballad. I am not a big fan of 2AM (mainly because I never got into them), but this song has a hint of catchiness in the chorus). Correct me if I am wrong, but Changmin has a pretty nice voice and this song showcases the fact he has a nice voice. As for the music video, I am a little confused regarding the actual concept, but at the same time, it was a very interesting concept. The dude was running to his main goal (the girl), but everything around him was dropping from the sky. Some things are not really stuff you find in the sky that is there to drop, hence it was a pretty interesting video to watch. Just the slow motion… 6/10

12:30 – Beast

This has to be one of the greatest ballad dance songs ever. The vocals in this song were superb. Like I don’t think, while listening to the song, that I was disappointed in it any one bit. Yoseob had an amazing voice during the song and all the other members. Rapping is not really a great combination with such a slow song, but Junhyung pulled it off really well. The instrumental itself was really amazing as well. As for the music video, it was boring to watch. Great a clock, great a scene between two characters arguing. It just was too cliche. Whereas on the other hand, the cinematography was amazing. The dance was pretty good as well, though it did mimic the cliche clock moves that all the clock concepts have had, but the dance here was really well done. 9/10

So yeah, that is my views on the comebacks by such big names. But hey, you probably are wanting to know where the biggest group Super Junior review is coming? Cause they too are a very big boy group as well and widely popular. Well guess what? It is the next review! Super Junior reviews everywhere!!!

 

Catch Up Review #3 -T-Ara, Sistar, SNSD-TAETISEO

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Welcome back to part 3 of these catch up reviews… Today’s theme is girl groups!!!! So many girl groups came back while I was away and there are so many songs that must be reviewed. It is going to be a long few weeks.

Sugar Free – T-Ara

The first ever Korean group attempting the EDM genre and I think it was a smashing hit. Yes, I said smashing. You have a problem? I liked everything about this song. The vocals were nice and the song was really catchy. Any time I need a song to get my blood rushing, especially exercising, I basically turn to this song because it makes really want to work out to the beat of the song. The instrumental also became my ringtone. The music video fitted the electronic feel that the song has and I think it was a great video. Just, maybe they went a little overboard regarding the flashing lights. I also like the choreography. It is pretty simple and pretty addictive. All that sugar sprinkling everywhere. 10/10

I Swear – Sistar

This song is not the best song on this list, but it sounded a lot better than Touch My Body. That said, the song was your average KPOP song. There is nothing flashy about this and there really isn’t much once again. Though, now there is another member getting blocked out. Bora, along with Dasom gets only one part. Disappointing sometimes. The music video came a little under fire due their similarities with Red Light by Tiesto.Be the judge for yourself and check both music video’s out. The dance is pretty average as well. A lot of turning, but it suited the song and the actual feel of the song, as it gave off that “end of summer” feel to it.  6/10

Holler – SNSD TaeTiSeo

Opposite end of the spectrum now. SNSD TaeTiSeo made their anticipated return. Many people liked their comeback. I sadly did not. I was very disappointed with the song. it was bland and not that appealing. I tried my best to get into it, just really did not sit well with me. The song to me was a lot like an average KPOP song. Not that grand or anything that I expect from a billion dollar company (I might be wrong with my figures). As for the music video, I watched it once. The start of it was interesting and the rest, long forgotten memory. If anything that basically proved how boring it was. The dance was not that memorable. I pretty much prefered Adrenaline over this song. Adrenaline was a much better song. 0/10

Wow, I am so bummed out from writing that. Just came home from dinner and I am so tired. Hahaha.. Next review theme is: BIG name boy groups!!!! See you next time…

Catch Up Review #2 – Epik High

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Epik High has finally returned after 2 years. And this comeback has been a favourite with fans, giving the band triple crowns and for once letting them rank pretty high on the charts in this time of the KPOP era. Probably be the one comeback that I agree with the “rated” ban on it, mainly due one of the songs being explicit. So far, the band has released two music videos for three different title tracks. One of them being Born Hater and the other being Happy Ending. I should have reviewed Tablo’s version of Eyes, Nose and Lips, just I think that should be another review on its own.

Born Hater

A pretty interesting song. This song basically brings together some of the biggest rappers in Korean Hip Hop and could potentially be a dream come true for some fans (some of my friends were ecstatic over the fact that this song features big names like Beenzino, Verbal Jint, B.I, Mino and Bobby). This song had just a fine sprinkle of swear words over, not that I have a problem with it. I just found the accent of one rapper pretty funny to listen to. Sadly, you have to be 18 or older to see the music video (well, the actual music video on the offical YouTube channel that is). But if you have not watched the video, the video was shot in a portrait orientation, not sure if I liked it that much, but the liked the use of two sets, but adding extra props and stuff to make it look different each time. As for the product placement in this video… I have to say it was really obvious. Too obvious in fact. 7/10

Spoiler

I actually don’t like this song. (To be honest, I thought the whole comeback and album was a total bore…). There was that once exception of the song above. Just I was not feeling it with these slow songs from the band. This song lacked a lot of appeal for me. I was basically disappointed and got easily distracted. It was really slow this song. The music video was okay. Though, I am a little confused about the plot of the music video. This girl is dating dude 1 and she then breaks up with him. I assume she was depressed with breaking up with him and he was pretty disappointed as well. Then at the end the girl was revealed to be dating another guy. The girl saw the ex and was surprised. The ex saw the girl and started to cry. What I don’t understand is the many scenes in between of their memories. They confused me, especially with the phone. Did they break up cause neither of them were talking, yet there they were waiting for each other? Interesting, but confusing. 4/10

Happy Ending

This song brought Epik High together with a few female artists such as Cho Won Sun from Roller Coaster, Minzy from 2NE1, Suhyun from AKMU, Lee Hi and Younha. I liked this song a lot more than spoiler, mainly because it seemed a little more catchier. The addition of the female voice to this song gave the song a lot more flavour. I liked how the members repeated some of the lyrics as the featuring female artists and I guess that is what made me enjoy the song a lot more. The ending to their performance though seemed so boring. Just standing around the DJ. And was it necessary for the DJ to “mix up” the music for the ending? Cause to me, that ruined the bitter feeling the song. 6/10

Once again, music videos can be seen by clicking on the subtitles (takes you to YouTube). Overall. not the best comeback from Epik High. Don’t Hate Me takes that place honestly and many more of their past songs (like way back in the day). Next batch of reviews are coming soon: theme is … BIG name girl groups. Enjoy!!!

 

 

Catch Up Review #1 – Red Velvet, Nasty Nasty, Strawberry Milk

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I am back, and there are so many songs that I have missed out on. So the next few days (probably weeks), I will be writing mini reviews for a bunch of songs. These are going to short and they probably be quite brief. Also I will be playing around with the site in the next few days trying a new look (for a new me hahahaha…) But let’s go!!!

O.K. – Strawberry Milk 

The new subunit from Crayon Pop has officially made their debut with O.K. The rock instrumental is surely a winner here, cause it is what appealed to me when I listen to the song. Also the girls voices, were not so aegyo and actually is quite enjoyable. None of that really whiny stuff I keep hearing nowadays. The music video was also quite cool and their outfits look absolutely cute. Though, I am kind of weird out with the gigantic fork and knife. The dance is a little lazy, but these girls make it look really cute. Needless to say, I thought this was a really cute song and overall a really cute and pretty fun comeback. I’d give this a 8/10.

Knock – Nasty Nasty 

Ummm… I really don’t like the subunits name. Yeah… This subunit is made up of Kevin from Z:EA, Kyungri from Nine Muses and a trainee, Sojin. The three banded together for a “sexy” concept and the teaser made it seem that it lived up to the standard. Everyone literally thought that this was going to be a really controversial video and whatnot. But I was so freaking disappointed with the music video. It was not even sexy, unless sexy is a video about a guy dating two girls and that he has some split personality, but really, I expected something that made me uncomfortable and draw my attention away from the music. So yeah, the video was a tad dark, so for me, I couldn’t see that much. Maybe I need to adjust my brightness. Sojin should have gotten more lines and this subunit is Kevin centred a little too much. not that it is a bad thing, it just really disappointing. I liked the song and I thought the dance was nice with the “naughty hands”, just if only the music video could have been better… I give this a 5.5/10.

Be Natural – Red Velvet

A much better song than their debut to be honest, though this band is quite lacking. This song was a remake of S.E.S however it was rather mediocre. It was not appealing and it was not as great. To me it was monotone all throughout the song and that is what disappointed me. Their vocals were just so so and maybe the “sexy concept” in this case really should not have been applied. Maybe they should just stick to happy songs that get you excited, not diva type music just yet. As for the music video, I haven’t watched it yet and I am quite sure it is going to be boring after looking at so many images while trying to find good pictures for the top. As for the dance, it was something different with the chairs and it showed off their style. It liked the performance, just the song doesn’t seem quite right at this very moment. 5/10

To see the music videos of the reviews that I have mentioned, please click on the blue sub titles. Next set of reviews are all Epik High reviews. (As you may have noticed, I kind of a little problem putting these ones into categories, but from now on, each set will have a theme.

Monday Blues – Sunny Hill

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It’s the final review. OMG OMG OMG. This is it guys. I am literally packing the site away for two months to focus on my exams at the end of the year. I know right, kind of overkill, but I really need to do well on my exams. Hahahaha… The asian life right there. Rather than leaving this site with the last review as an angry rant about why a certain band has less screen time than another, I decided to go with a band that I really like and also a song that I am really into. Oh wait, I just gave my whole review. 10/10. Hahaha… I kid. Don’t worry guys, I shall return one day in the near future (looking at November) and I am also looking at transforming this site, because I am going to have a lot of free time on my hands and might as well do something. Hahaha…. So CLICK HERE for a little questionnaire. It only contains two questions regarding personal information, which asks for two mandatory questions, and also one other one. The rest are just questions regarding the site. Do it and you shall be loved. MUAHAHAHAHA!!!!

So as I said above, I really like this song. Yep. Though it is not the actual Sunny Hill I had expected, I still liked the song. Maybe for one, I can relate to it. And considering that I am actually typing this up on a Monday kind of says a lot as well. The song talks about the blues that people get from going back to work on a Monday or school or anything that is draining. Mondays can be crap and this song basically sums up our feelings towards Mondays. The song is very poppish and I think it is safe to say as a colourful song. I have to be honest, but the “How About You” did get pretty annoying as I listened to more of it, but still managed to like the overall song. The vocals are great and the rapping was pretty meh, but still managed to do the job. Well, at least it was not a horror video.

The music video gave the wrong impression. I really don’t know if the company really is trying to make Sunny Hill go down the path of the sexy concept. I hope not, but the teaser gave many people the wrong impression. I also find this video kind of odd. I hardly doubt the ladies at your workplace would use sex appeal to actually survive a Monday. If they did, that kind of gives off the impression of something else and I should be a little concern. I liked the humour of this video. Though I hardly doubt the toilet is the best place to tease your hair and change clothes into something that a boss’s wife would wear. Hahaha… Not but seriously, I don’t know how clean those toilets are but I would never change clothes in any toilet. Kind of gross. But overall, a pretty funny and cool video to watch.

The dance is pretty cool as well. The moves are not hard and pretty catchy overall.

9.5/10. Excellent comeback as a whole. JUST I WANT A DARK SUNNY HILL COMEBACK!!! Just a reminder, this is goodbye for now. I shall return around the 13th of 14th of November, so keep that date in mind and expect the next review (possibly Super Junior) when I return. BYEE!!!

Danger – BTS

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BTS has finally returned to the stage with a new song. It has been only months since their last release, Boy In Luv, and now that they are back, they are making more girls swoon then ever. Proving that they are well loved and supported by the public, the boys managed to show off a much more masculine and manlier style than their previous comeback. Since their last comeback, they have been a busy bunch. They had released a follow up song to their previous title song, titled as Just One Day. The boys also appeared in their own variety/reality show in America. I think it was them, but not entirely sure. They also went on to make their debut in Japan as well, and over there they proved to be a big hit as well. Let’s get on with this review shall we?

The song itself is pretty good. Probably jumped up as my most favourite BTS song so far. This song is equally as appealing as it is catchy and I feel like the boys really hit a home run with this song. It contains the dark hip hop feel that the boys are known for, which showcases their masculine side, but at the same time, it still manages to live up to something that is a lot different, making it a very unique song. Maybe it is the fact that Thanh Bui, a very popular Vietnamese soloist (who happens to also be from Australia) penned the song. Hahaha… VIETNAM REPRESENTS!!! But really, this is a pretty awesome song. I really like the chorus of the song and the rapping really blended in well with the song and the vocals. I have no reasons to be disappointed with the song. I really liked the rock influence that the instrumental has, it blends really well with the rest of the song, and if the instrumental was crap, it would have meant the song would have been horrible. Glad it wasn’t and a really amazing song.

As for the music video, I do have one complaint. The dramatic feel of the video was kind of played to the point of boredom. Yeah, I got a little bored of the video. And if there was just a dance version, I be the first one to watch it. Though the music video (minus the dramatic scenes) was pretty cool to watch, it just really disappointed me. It lacked something that great for the band. It ticked every box for a 10/10, just the whole music video lacked something to make it a 10/10. The solo scenes. Ooo… Wet hair. A borken piano which you can still play. A basketball that randomly bounces on and on. A punching bag, in the middle of a warehouse, with nothing else around it. Dude tattooing himself. Dude dancing in front of mirror. Really felt like that monotone voice you read things with hey??? Though at least there was a little bit of fire and smashing things to give the music video that “danger” side to it.

As mentioned above, the dancing was remarkably and amazingly cool. No ifs and no buts. The dance at the chorus is mighty cool. But the whole highlight of the dance, probably goes to Jin and then Jimin part, just before the chorus. The way they get into formation looks ridiculously in sync and hard, but really nice to watch.

Another band to look at and remember I guess. So close to that 10/10, but it just did not make it. Such a pity, maybe next time? 9/10

My Copycat – Orange Caramel

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Orange Caramel made their surprise comeback with My Copycat this month. Last time they promoted on stage was with Catallena. This time they went with an interesting yet pretty playful concept, which has got many people playing and talking about. Going with their usual cute yet quirky theme, they have managed to conquer Where’s Wally, which makes this whole comeback pretty unique. Who does not love Where’s Wally? For those who don’t know, it is a book that contains pictures of a large group of people. And basically, you have to sit down and scan every single person until you find Wally himself, with his distinct clothing, it really is not that hard. Unless they are all wearing the same thing. But anyway, let’s continue.

This song is not memorable is kind of average, even for this band. However, this song still maintains the girl’s quirky sound, because as soon as you hear the instrumental, you automatically know it is going to be a weird one with those really cool, yet annoying saxophones. The chorus changes up the song, but I feel it has a dis-attached feel to the rest of the song. The song sounds quirky, just the chorus sounds really tone down and I dare say, quite normal. The bridge could have been better, it made the song feel more awkward overall as well. Though, overall, the song was pretty cool. Those part right after the chorus are probably my favourite. They just ooze with the quirkiness that we know of from the band. Overall, this has to be an average song, with some okay parts and some really cool parts as well.

The music video is the part where I want to focus on. This music video has been done beautifully. It is interactive and it just probably amazes everyone when they watch it. I have to be honest though. Staring at the screen with this colourful music video is just going to kill your eyes. But nonetheless, this is probably one of the best music videos of the year. The “Spot the Difference” and “Where’s Wally (renamed appropriately as Where’s Rania, Nana and Lizzy?) theme is really unique and pretty cool. Some parts, particularity the spot the difference, weirded me out a lot. Those eyes and eye lids were pretty freaky. To be honest, I tried looking for them the first time, but (put racist Asian joke here). Let’s just leave it at that. It is really colourful, just ease off on the colour next time.

As for the dance, it looked cool. They pretended to blow their saxophones and do other things that fitted the feel of the song. Overall, a pretty good dance.

As for the score, 8/10. It was a nice surprise. And it paid off pretty well.

 

Mamma Mia – Kara

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Kara is finally back after a round a year absence from the Korean stage. This time, they made their comeback with only 4 members with a drastic line-up change. Former members Nicole and Jiyoung both decided to move on and after their respective contacts ended, the two parted ways with Kara. Nicole is said to be gearing up for her own solo debut, after flying back to the States to enhance her skills at being a performer. Jiyoung went back to studying for the time being. After both members left the group, the company, DSP decided to add a new member to the band. In the end it turned out to be Youngji, chosen by the public from 7 trainees altogether, to be a part of the new line-up for Kara, joining Gyuri, Hara and Seungyeon. As you can also see, this review has been put down as KPOP and JPOP. Their title track Mamma Mia, was released in both Japan and Korea and hence both shall be reviewed today.

I find this song to be more of a JPOP song rather than a KPOP song firstly. It just has the JPOP feeling that JPOP fans are more used to. The lyrics seem to flow better in the Japanese version as well. The start of the song has a fresh summer feel to it, which is explainable due to the Summer season in the Northern Hemisphere (sorry, brb after freezing myself in Winter down here). But the start also has a vogue type of feel to it. There is that Madonna influence that you can hear at the start. I like the part where the singers are singing at that really fast paced, that seems like rapping. Pretty cool. As for the rest of the song, I have to say that I was very disappointed. The chorus is okay to listen to overall, however it really is not that great. It sounds really pop-ish and as I said before, really does not sound like a KPOP song. Also, the line distribution is really weird. Sorry, is Kara a 4 member group? Oh, I nearly mistaken the group to be a 3 member vocal group with one back up dancer. Like seriously, the company is not keen on showing Youngji off to the public, what was the big deal of the group needing a fourth member? Not fair for Kara and not fair for Youngji as well. So overall, Kara could have done loads better with this song.

The music video looks tens time better for the Japanese one rather than the Korean one. I feel that this music video lives on the colour theme changes throughout the whole video, because beside that, there really is nothing to talk about. It seems so artificial that it looks really boring to watch. Oh green theme and then a white theme, and scenes in between abut them lounging around. Great. That or they changed the lighting to make it seem more different. Wow. It seems like the company has little idea what direction the band is going now. They were once one of the biggest group in Korea, but now they have reached a slump. The colour contrast with the blue background and the red and block clothing, like the picture above, was pretty cool. That was the Japanese version of the music video. On the other hand, black and green really do not go hand in hand that well, in my point of view. And beside that, there really isn’t anything else to continue reviewing.

As for the dance, it was quite average. Not exactly the best but not that bad either. But this group really needs another eye catching dance to somehow get pushed back into the limelight.

5/10. An average comeback, that would have been better overall. Where as for the Japanese one, I give it a 5.5/10. Honestly, their company really needs to step up their game and give Kara a really good song or help them promote. It is already hard to recover from a slump, so it is just going to get harder everytime you put it off. I also apologise, I was meant to post this on Monday, but that failed. So here we are, Wednesday review up!!!

Danger – Taemin (SHINee)

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SHINee is also back in the form of one solo member. Member Taemin has officially made his unexpected solo debut onto the stage, with a new song. The youngest member (maknae) and also lead dance and vocalist of the band has been well-known for his dancing and cute (and pretty) image. However, his solo debut has taken the singer for a change, giving him a more masculine image, while at the same time stripping the member of his cute old days. That being said, finally KPOP is realizing that sometimes feminine males are not technically the best way to see their products anymore.

This song is downright catchy. However, I am completely bias here, and have started to boycott the songs that SM entertainment releases. Why? Mainly because I am kind of anti-SM. Think about it. Red Velvet, Taemin, Super Junior and Taetiseo are all planning their comeback for this month and also the next month. Kind of pressured don’t you think? But I have to agree with fans, this song is pretty good. It reminds me of a song that Justin Timberlake would have released. However, it also has the KPOP feel to it as well, making it a pretty unique.  The “bum bum bum bum” part is really catchy and sounds amazing. The chorus is also pretty catchy, however is not as catchy as the “bum bum bum” part. This song is award worthy and probably a song that SM needed a long time ago. His vocals sound great and the little autotune in the song does no overdo it. Cool song.

Before I starting looking at the music video, there is just one thing that I am very angry about. It looks disgusting and I don’t know if it is in fashion, but where I live, it looks like crap. That nose piercing is not cool. That thing looks revolting and basically why I avoided watching the video the best I can. As for the music video, I think they took the same car park area from another music video (the actual videos name escapes my mind). And the need for Taemin to wear something that shows his nipples or just wear no shirt at all is kind of disturbing. Wait, do I hear Taeyang ready to bring the shirtless war back to the next Big Bang comeback???? But overall it was a pretty mediocre music video to actually watch. Nothing really that great. Well, there are the thousand costume changes that his has and now, I think he is the first KPOP artist to actually change his hairstyle more than five times (including the hair colour).

As for the dance, Taemin has to be one of the best dancers of KPOP. And this dance really does not sell that image of him. It seems like an average dance by any artist.

8/10. It is a pretty average solo debut. Some good points and some points that disadvantage him. But maybe Shawols shall come together and fight back and give Taemin a win???