Category: KPOP

[DOUBLE REVIEW] The Answer + Kontrol – Kim Sung Gyu (Infinite)

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It is another Double Review. I have a few more lined up, so this is going to be fun. Anyway, too much to write and review. so let’s move along. Kim Sung Gyu is the leader of Infinite and has returned with his second solo mini album, after 60 Seconds, which was released back in 2012. Since then, he has been promoting alongside Infinite. Fans have been requesting a comeback from the singer since his solo debut.

The first song I will be talking about it The Answer. Actually, I am going to say this about all the songs on the album. It has been sometime since I have listened to a whole album. This whole mini album was so perfect. Every song was produced and presented to an exceptional standard. The Answer is a ballad, with a bit of pop sounds in it, but it stayed more on the classical ballad side throughout. The song was very beautiful and I could feel the emotion from Sunggyu in the song.  Many people know I have a soft side for ballads and this song just ticks all the boxes for an amazing song. Vocals blew me away, the instrumental was so calming and powerful. Though I prefer this song over the rest (as this is beyond perfect), all the other songs are so well done, so go and check out his mini-album guys. As for Kontrol, it had more of an electronic funky style of beat to it. I guess it is more of a ballad, but it has that additional feel to it as a pop and electronic style song. Once again, the vocals are amazing here. I particularly like the chorus. The song builds up to the chorus and I just love it. From start to end, this was also another exceptional song that did it’s job very well. On top of that is was quite unique. It would be hard to pick a personal favourite, but I go for The Answer any day.

As for the music videos, both was pretty good. The Answer was more monotone. It was shot in a grey scale filter (not the whole video though) and only really contained shots of Sunggyu singing throughout the video. There were shots of him being distant and lonely, but it matched the song’s feel really well. The video seemed like it was warming up, because we started to get this old brown vintage colour and then full colour was introduced. I honestly thought it was a very beautifully shot video. However, not sure about the floating diamonds. I really did not know what they represent. Maybe memories or something?

Kontrol’s music video was another beautifully shot video. From a foreigner’s perspective, I hope that was Sunggyu’s lover. But at the same time, the girl being his sister matched the story line really well. The move into this alleyway, which consisted of nothing, but I guess with a bit of imagination, you can turn nothing into your own space. It seemed like they live there as well. The decoration for this alleyway suited the sounds of the song really well. I enjoy the choppy camera shots in this music video, as they matched really well with the instrumental. From the video, we see that she goes missing and Sunggyu goes to find her, or in fact the place that she “went on”. It turns out it was the seaside and that the girl probably drowned and Sunggyu could not leave her. Now many people have speculated that this song and music video was done in honour of those who passed away on the Sewol Ferry Accident last year. But Sunggyu said it wasn’t and just a song about a lover. But nonetheless, the music video did have many shots that corresponded to the accident and either way, it was a sad video still. But still amazing.

There is a dance for Kontrol, but I am going to gloss over the dance. Mainly because Sunggyu  doesn’t participate in the dance himself that much.

Overall, I think this by far, has to be one of the best comebacks of the year. As I said, not just these songs, but the whole mini album from Sunggyu was perfect and so amazing to listen to.

The Answer – 10/10

Kontrol – 10/10

Pick a song that you enjoyed 🙂 For this poll and the past two polls, I will put the results in the Rewind posts for the month.

Ma First – Jang Hyunseung (Beast)

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It has been so long. Apologies guys, I had this massive group project that I had to complete and we only started this week. Hahaha… Life of a university student. Any how, I have a few days that I should be cramming for exams (which I have yet to start) but I think I can make some time for you guys. Catch up time for the reviews. I was thinking of doing a few double reviews (Big Bang is still under my watch) but also a few “Catch Up Reviews” like from last year. Some of which are themed like “Solo artists” or “Boy groups”. Oh wait, this is about Beast. Jang Hyunseung is the third member to have a solo music career, the first being Yoseob and second was Junhyung. Beside that, Dongwoon is set to make his own solo debut in Japan and Doojoon has been a popular actor. Kikwang is a well known variety star. Hyunseung is also one half of the ever so popular duo Trouble Maker. Hyunseung said he wanted to show a new side of him to the fans without the Beast and Trouble Maker name following his.

It is an okay song. I liked the instrumental and it has a pretty cool beat to it. I just have not been impress with Hyunseung’s vocals on a whole for most of my time that I have followed Beast. His voclas are good, but it just lacks feelings and emotions for most of the time, which puts me off his vocals. For some reason, I have the idea of the song having a “dirty” beat to it. I don’t think that is what it is called though, but the chorus left that kind of impression for me. Beside that, I did not like find anything else to say about the song. I feel like he is trying a little too hard with the song. It does suit him, but with the extra high notes and all that jazz, it really makes the song feel quite distant from what I am used to from the singer. Of course I expected a dance song, but not a dance song with powerful vocals and high notes that I would expect from a ballad or a softer song. I know it is very vague and I just have a hard time explaining it. Sorry…

As for the music video, this is my first time watching it. I know, I am very delayed but uni got the better of me. Firstly, I like the set. It does look fake but it did a good job of replicating an underground club and an alley way. Second of all, that girl was all teasing Hyunseung. And yet he tried so hard (though he did get to her in the end). I expected a little more clubbing scene and none of that Hyunseung being a pervert scene. The song had that club feel to it, and that was touched on for a while in the video. I just expected majority of the video in a club set. Beside that, it was an okay video. Very American influenced but it did the job quite well.

As for the dance, all I can give is praises. This comeback seems to be more dance centred for me and I enjoy it for that aspect. Jang Hyunseung lives up to his name as the dancer of Beast after all. Though some bits I was very impressed with, others kind of looking like he was having uncontrollable spasms.

Overall, it was an okay comeback. Not that great overall to be honest, but it managed to do its job, I guess. 5/10

 

Bae Bae – Big Bang

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As per my last review, I told you that I would have this review out sometime this weekend. That means I have an hour and a half to get this review done. If I post this up before 12:00 am AEST (1 hour and a half), then I successfully completed my mission. If not, I failed and really should try to push to do these reviews a little earlier. This is part two of Big Bang’s first comeback of the year. Apparently these are just teasers to what really is coming up next month (which is going to be the fan’s main course). The other song they came back with was Loser.

I don’t want to rant about what I said last review regarding Daesung, but I think I don’t have anything else to say about this song. While it was fun and “different”, I found it a little boring to sit through. The song is short, which is a disappointment, but I don’t want to think about extending this song into a 3 minute + song. We got a very different feel from the band, something that I don’t think they ever have gone for. The vocals and the rapping were just find, it just lacked a lot of appeal and I am very disappointed for that. Once again, I feel the song is Taeyang orientated, but I have already discussed that, but it seems like only Taeyang in the song got the promotion he deserve (but that can only be seen more clearly during the live stages). Even almighty G-Dragon and TOP got shut out this time. I also despise of the word “bae”. So the title gave me shivers. It is like “Yolo”. Just no.

As for the music video, whoever wrote “TOP’s sexual awakening” deserves a freaking gold star. Every time I see this video, all I can think of is TOP, his eyes and his unlikely behaviour in this music video. It kind of got me nervous and scared when I first watched it. Each member is a little crazy in this video. G_Dragon went a little crazy over breasts. Tayeang went crazy with his hair (it has to go). TOP went crazy as the Mad Hatter (his part reminds me of the Mad Hatter). Daesung was too lonely (and probably sex). And I think entirely Seungri got crazy over finding a partner (he was the one with nothing, but hands over his chest. Fake hands to be precise). Overall, I was okay with the video. Surely more could have happened for it to be something that I would rank high. The ending scenes were nice, but that just confirms the crazy nature of the music video.

As for the dance, there really is not much of it during the solo parts (unless you consider the prancing of TOP as a dance). The ending when they all sing together had a dance that kind of gave it that “different” feel. I am for some reason glad, that Big Bang embraced this side for the stage. But dance at the end was so so as well.

I think I did a good job for less than 10 minutes. LOL. Don’t know why I was begin so dramatic at the start. Sorry for that. As for this song, music video and dance, I think I am going to give it a 6/10. Music video and song could have a little more appealing.

As for the question I put out last time, which was you favourite Big Bang song for this promotions?

Loser – Big Bang

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The wait is over. After three hectic and chaotic years, Big Bang has finally returned as a five member band, not as 1 member or a two member subunit, but actually five members. This time around they went digital, with plans to release 1 or 2 songs per month and then releasing a full album later in the years with the already released songs. Yes, probably every fan has been going on non stop about this and I am too very excited. I mentioned in a past review about doing “Double Reviews”. Not this time around Big Bang, but I will be doing that kind of reviews for the upcoming few releases (given there are two new songs each month).

This is a pretty good song. It isn’t really the fun or crazy side of Big Bang we are used to. It kind of goes back to Haru Haru, Lies or Blues style of songs. I enjoyed it. There is something that I am going to rant about. But I feel like Daesung is overlooked in Big Bang. It feels like there is no faith in him. Both songs that were released consist of Daesung singing one verse and that is it. I know his sick and all (from the looks of live cams) but seriously, it is very disappointing. I understand Taeyang has a good voice and because of his recent success with Eyes Nose Lips, but to me, his voice only gets so far when it comes to emotional feels. Maybe it is because Daesung is just sick, but if the next few songs have Daesung little parts, I guess I am onto something. On the other hand, everyone else (including Daesung) have done an excellent job with the song.  The rapping, vocal work and instrumental is very calming (just maybe the “I’m a loser” part. Way to be optimistic). I really liked Seungri’s part in the song at the bridge. It is pretty unique and sets the song apart from their past songs.

The music video reminds me of Blue and Bad Boy just minus the unnecessary one shot takes. Their acting is definitely pretty good (disappointing we don’t see more of them acting). To me Daesung’s, Seungri’s and TOP’s parts in the video made much more sense than Tayang’s and G-Dragon’s. You can definitely see the loser part in the other three’s parts. But I guess Taeyang is a loser in this video because he is lonely? And G-Dragon is just walking around? I just like it how Daesung, despite getting punched and ganged up on, manages to be fashionable. It is pretty funny come to the think of it. And Taeyang, I think you have a condition. No-shirt-itis. Not complaining since you have a nice set of abs, but sometimes it is a little excessive. Out of the 5746556536 music videos he has been in 99% of them consist of a Taeyang without a shirt.  Also, I think we witness TOP stepping out of his comfort zone………. And then there is his part in Bae Bae……….

There is apparently a dance to this song. I find the song fine without a dance, but whatever floats their boats. I noticed it on their Music Bank stage, but I think it is like a one off thing. It is only this performance (I think) so far with a dance. Glad they incorporated the L sign. It makes sense after all.

Don’t worry. I should get the Bae Bae review out sometime during the weekend. Things have finally started to lift up off my shoulders and I only have exams (plus the odd one or two assignments) left. But I promise you, the Bae Bae review will come out. But for Loser, going to give it a solid 9.5/10.

But which song has been your favourite? It shall be an interesting question, since t is now Big Bang vs Big Bang.

I Need You – BTS

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Moving along with more reviews now. I just had a whole list of them, but because I have been skipping so many scheduled days, I just had to dump them all. Just for your information, BTS’s new song was not a part of that list. But there were so many songs and comebacks that I thought that I need to review, but sadly can’t. Don’t know why I am going on about this now. BTS. Yes, The group that we know of is finally back with a brand new song. Their comeback, known for their songs and amazing choreography, has wowed the viewers once again and have finally been nominated and claiming the number 1 spot on the weekly music shows. Congratulations!

Also congrats on such an amazing song. I don’t think that there is anything bad about this song. I genuinely enjoyed the song from start to end without being distracted by odd vocals or irrelvant parts of the song that could have been left out. The one thing that I did notice about this song was that it was much different compared to their past songs. Their past songs were more focused on the beat and the dance. This is a song that displays their rapping and vocals to an emotional standard. It mirrors a dance style ballad in a way and that is basically why I like this song. It is something that is different but at the same time, works really well if their image. As I said their vocals and rapping were focused more on the emotional side this time around. BTS’s rappers tend to be hardcore and fast paced, but with this song, the rapping was slowed and made to match the slow and dark nature of the song. The chorus and verses were good and the instrumental gave the song that more electronic feel, and ties the song together quite nicely.

The music video was released as two versions. The “normal” version which was rated as 15+ and the 19+ version. I prefer the 19+ version. And no, there is no sex (though I think some fans wouldn’t have minded). It was just the way the boy’s characters in the music video dealt with heartbreak was pretty extreme and pretty sure no on would want youngsters to “copy” or mimic them. There is more of a plot line and it makes senses rather than the heavily edited 15+ version which left chunks out. I have to say, that scene with Taeyung killing the dude was quite full on and graphic. Not too graphic, but nothing that I am sure Korea would want people to see at dinner time. Their acting in this music video was very captivating. It got me asking questions and I actually see a whole future for the band in acting. The one thing did tick me off, but Suga (Did I get the right member? Or is it J-Hope? Apologises if I got it wrong) drowsed the whole mattress in gasoline. So why was everything around the mattress burning and not the mattress? Kind of got me there. But the 19+ version was really nice to watch. Not in that way, but it was very intriguing.

Did I say the song was a ballad like song? That doesn’t mean there was a dance. It was definitely toned down but I thought the dance was still pretty nice. It still had the BTS feel to it and matched the vocals, rapping and beat of the song. Yeah, not going to lie, but the body waves were really good. Caught me by surprised, but it is the one part of the dance that I remember.

BTS should keep this style. It is a fresh look on the boy groups that many expect abs and full on crazy dances that could leave them with broken bones and twisted ankles. Though I still love the dance centred BTS that we all know of. 10/10

Below are the two versions! Which did you like more? (Just a retrial of the poll system. Also haven’t done a poll in a long time!!!)

15+ version

19+ Version

[DOUBLE REVIEW] Awoo + Love Game – Lim Kim

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This time around, I think a  double review is in order. So basically, when artists come out with two songs (as it is a growing trend) of various title tracks, it is pretty hard to review every song that they promote. Yes, Big Bang, I am looking at you and I am not going to do this for your newest songs, but if next month, two songs come out… Look out. And I usually review one song and completely miss out on the other song, which is usually disappointing, so why not join the two songs together and make a joint review. Easier for me and more efficient for you. Well, this is the case for  Lim Kim, when she made her comeback with Awoo and Love Game. Two awesome songs, just it would be a pity if I missed out on one of them. We haven’t heard much from her since her last promotions last year but also I think she has been floating around in the OST industry.

Both songs compliment her voice very well and showed a new retro/modern sound to the audience. I love her vocals in Awoo. The instrumental blew me away.  Everything about this song was amazing. I loved the chorus, how basically she sings a couple of words and leave it to the backing vocals (which I think is mainly her) to fill in the rest. The bridge of the song was amazing as well. It changed up the song a little bit, but still maintaining her vocal style. Love Game is more of a popish song, but it still maintains that modern sound to it. I also feel hints of retro in it as well. The same thing applies to this song. Love how the verse are choppy and it still makes the song pretty good. The chorus has a completely different (but equally favourable) sound with her vocals. The vocals in the chorus seem to drag out a little longer than compared to the chorus. I think both songs were to a perfect standard and it really makes it hard to choose a better song.

As for the music video, Awoo was more of a pale video. It reminded me of Orange Caramel’s videos. Probably the same director as it is his style, but at the same time still entertaining. I love how she is a cat (or acts like one in some scenes) and I think the cinematography did an amazing job in capturing the action. I thought the music video was done to a very high standard. I love hoe she forces the dude to communicate with her as he needs “his final piece of the puzzle” if you know what I mean. The hand motions were pretty original, but it reminded me a little too much of Perfume’s Spending All My Time. Actually, the whole music video actually had the “Spending All My Time” feel to it.

As for Love Game, the music video had a bit going on. I agree with Lim Kim. If you are very obvious at trying to hit on someone who is obviously tired of your antics, throwing a dart into your eye is a suitable punishment. I am only joking. Her “revenge” techniques are a little too extreme for me. Though I like it how there is a more of a humorous side to the music video. Also, the music video was much more bolder and colourful. I liked it. Glad the dude at the end got the message though. It probably saved him a limb or an eye. I guess the one thing I did not like about the video was that it really did not feel like it was its own thing. It just felt like a typical KPOP video to me.

There is no dance for Awoo. Well, beside the finger business. But there is a dance for Love Game and I thought it looked pretty good. Not falling into the “sexy concept” entirely, but it seemed to be a way for her to “tease” guys, like in her music video.

Hopefully, I was clear when I was talking about songs. I know a few artists are planning for multiple title tracks comebacks (Once again, Big Bang), so hopefully this a way for me to tackle their reviews. If you have any suggestions (or if you liked or disliked) this style of reviews, comment below.

Awoo – 10/10

Love Game – 8/10

Conduct Zero – Bastarz (Block B)

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Another form of BBB. Not Dal Shabet, but Block B’s first and newest subunit. Yes, Block B has formed their first subunit consisting of P.O, U-kwon and B-Bomb. The subunit is known as Bastarz. Block B has been gaining fame in the past year. They changed their style and went for a more casual comeback last time with H.E.R, hitting all the female fans in their hearts and earning the boys a place on their bias list. Zico has been quite involved in the past year with a lot of solo work (including this solo releases such as Tough Cookie). The band also made their Japanese debut with the Japanese version of Very Good at the start of the year.

Not a big fan of the hip hop genre. There are good songs from the genre that I personally like, but I am more into the more laid back kind of songs, not a big fan of intense songs most of the times. But while the song was definitely had it hip hop influences, I also noticed a lot of more modern and electronic sounds. I did not like the start of it. The blaring of the sirens and that banging sound got to me, in a bad way.  Another thing was the chorus. That was not enjoyable. I did like the vocals and I thought P.O’s rough rapping vocals were bad (but not sure if him handling the chorus was the best choice in my opinion). I don’t see what Bastarz is mainly for. Block B has been experimenting with various sounds for their past few releases, with ballads, pop songs, hip hop and rock songs on their list. This is more of a “side” thing in my opinion. They don’t seem to go into anything new. BUT for once they focused on the vocalists of the band. I am glad that this is happening.

You guys probably want to kill me now, but I did not enjoy the music video. Like I can sit through it and not cringe (bonus points for that), but it really is not a music video that I personally want to go back to. The music video is rated 19+ which I don’t understand. They only problem I can see with the music video was the girls wearing their underwear (or bikini, but I think it is underwear). But hey, they still got the other areas well covered, there really is nothing wrong with that. There was a lot of focus on the upper chest areas during the music video (which I am not going to complain about). Just putting it out there, but they have nice bodies. But I don’t want a hot girl chopping up meat like that. Firstly, she has no idea what she was doing (from the looks of it) and I have no idea what was going on? From a party dance floor, to an abandoned warehouse, to a butcher’s freezer? Yeah, I was confused. I did not like the shakiness of the camera (even though it matched the song quite well).

The dance was so so. Not going to say much here, but it really is nothing that I thought was outstanding or worth commenting on. I just thought that this dance was slapped together a little too quickly.

Overall, it was an okay comeback. Not really making me reach to press the replay button. Sorry this review went up so slow. I have been very busy (and exams are coming up soon). 5/10

 

Joker – Dal Shabet

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After over a year’s absence from the stage, Dal Shabet has finally returned with a brand new mini album. They graced the stage last year with BBB (Big Baby Baby), showing off a brand new side of the girls that were never seen before. The song proved to be a success for the girls, but it was not enough to get them to the level of the top girl group. Since the promotions, the girls stayed relatively silent, with Subin involved in a car accident which required rest and put their comeback on hold. With recovery going strong, the band announced a January comeback. However Woohee suffered a collapse lung in October, which once again put the plans on hold. However, they are back and they are healthy as ever.

This song is surprisingly good. I watched the teaser and I felt really “on the fence” regarding this comeback. I don’t think this song tops BBB. BBB was more of a disco track that mushed the sexy concept into it and that made the song stand out for me towards the end of the year. Though, I do like Joker, I don’t think it is up to the same level as their previous promoted songs. First of all, the English in the song was terrible. Yes, it sounded like a terrible mish mash of words. But on the other hand, I thought that was probably the catchiest part of the song. The chorus lacked that appeal this time around, and I was impressed with everything in the song, beside the chorus. The vocals and rapping were good. But as a whole, I don’t think this song has the same effect as BBB did. Sure, it carries the girl’s to their next concept or next song, but it really does not “prove” that the girls are technically are improving and showing a “newer” side. I feel terrible writing that comment mainly because Subin produced the whole mini album, but a review is a review.

The concept was “Harlequins” and the girls looked nothing like that. To be honest, this was more like “Let’s put the girls is random outfits for the music video” to look good.  The Joker himself was okay, but he had more of a “playboy” type of kind coming off him, rather than the creepy evil feel. There really wasn’t a plot to the music video. More like the girls just having some kind of drinking party and images of “creepy” Joker guy floating around. Maybe I am not seeing that many references that I should be picking up on. I thought the sets were good. It did look like they had to cut back on a few things, but it still had a grand feel to it. I love the massive cards in the background. I wouldn’t mind having one of them on my wall. But beside that, there really is  not much to say about the music video.

The dance was pretty good. It focused more of the sexual side, but I thought it wasn’t as bad as other dances out there. I guess slight twerking is in. Well, slight movements of the buttocks more like it.

Overall, it was pretty good. Did not top BBB, but it did deliver a good dose of Dal Shabet to fans. 7.5/10

Ah Yeah – EXID

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They are back and they are slaying. The hottest group of 2015 has finally made their comeback with a brand new song. If you guys don’t know this band, I am judging you very harshly at this moment. I am only joking. But seriously, I think everyone knows who this band is. It is EXID! After reaching the top of the charts with Up and Down at the start of the year, a song previously released in August by the band, they are back with another chart topper. It is amazing what one fan camera footage can do to your popularity. Just ask these girls. Their song, when it was first released, barely reached the charts, but after that sexy fan cam was released of Hani, their group shot to stardom. Not only did Hani receive a boost in popularity, but members LE and Solji also got their time to shine (and they are still shining).

I have dying to review this song. I personally thought it was an amazing song. Yeah, it sounds like Up and Down 2.0, but it really has an extra (and different) feeling to it, which separates it from Up and Down. Just here is only one similarity I noticed with the songs. The saxophone sounds are still there. And those saxaphone sounds were really addictive and cool. Of course they were not direct copy and paste, but they still add their own style. I loved LE’s raps the most from this song. Hani’s “sweet and seductive” vocals got switched up to fierce and dangerous rapping by LE. Loved it. Junghwa (even though her part had too much autotune) got more lines. Solji’s high note was remarkable (per usual) but it also gives her more recognition since she was on that vocal contest show recently and won that as well. Hyelin really didn’t shine that much. She needs a different place in the song, away from Solji, because their vocals are way too similar. Not that I am complaining, but like Up and Down, I thought she had no lines. Either way, all this song is get praises (and of course, maybe a little tweaking is needed for future songs).

This music video was genius. It is like it is taking a stab at the Korean music industry for being too conservative. The censorship got my brain thinking, wow, they are doing everything naked. And I thought Junghwa was actually sitting on a porno site. Needless to say, I thought the video did its job very well (maybe a little too well). Though, I was expecting something else than a cute dog. That part is where I was a little too iffy about. You just took something that looked like a porno and transformed it to something a children show would have. Maybe not that extreme, but it felt like it. As for LE’s and Hani’s part, wow. I love the change over and difference between each scene. I just thought it matched the song and the two “public” sides of the girls that I was used for. I also loved it how some of the stages have adopted a bit of it. And I hope that YouTube view count overloads like in the video. The girls deserve it.

As for the dance, it didn’t find it that similar to Up and Down like everyone was going on about it. Yes, it may have that same level of sexiness, but at the same time, I thought it was still pretty good. I love the “Ah Yeah” part and the chorus. The only part I am going to cry to you about is LE’s rapping. I expected a more fiercer level of dancing that made us go wow. That part was disappointing and didn’t match the feel of the song.

9.5/10. Just misses the perfect score for a little bit and pieces, but, it still works out to be a song that I am playing over and over again.

Catch Me If You Can – SNSD

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It has been over a year since we heard anything Korean from this band. SNSD has had a rough year, with Jessica, now a former member, announcing that she got kicked out of the band. It is a long story, one I don’t want to type out. So essentially, SNSD is down one member, making them an 8 member group. This is the first major release from the band since the shocking news came to light. And some fans have noticed that Jessica was probably meant to be a part of this new song, with footage of her singing the same notes and words from this song. Anyway, it is such a pity she had to leave.

But a review is a review. And this song is freaking awesome. I totally love this song. From start to end, I just love this EDM track. It is pretty full on from the start to the end. Honestly thought that SNSD would have a little problem with this genre, but now, they seemed to do just fine. A new thing that this song attempts is the changing of tempo or the speed of the song. The song is quite fast paced, but it slows down to those part just before the chorus. Vocally and instrumentally, those were most favourite parts. The vocals of each girl was spot on. Even Hyoyeon got more lines this time. I thought this was a song that did a pretty damn good job of distracting me from the lack of Jessica’s  vocals. I think she has her place in the song somewhere, but the 8 girls pulled it off very well this time around.

As for the music video, glad they moved out of the box. Now, I think it time to move out of that square. I honestly have no clue what is going on with the video. Yes, the song fits the scenery and all that quite well. BUT, why on earth are the girls dancing in a the middle of a mining area or an industrial area? It makes little to no sense. I honestly expected a lot more from the video, considering the latest changes that SM has been making to their artist’s music videos. For a song titled as “Catch Me If You Can” and given the fast pace nature of the song, I thought of running away from something, like EXO Baekhyun’s teaser for Call Me Baby. And those orange jackets… They were more like a hit and miss. Sometimes they do it, sometimes they don’t.

The dance for this song was pretty good. I was very impressed. It matched the speed of the song and also the modern nature of the song. I love the different angles of the choreography. The music video had pretty good camera work, which emphasised a lot of the dance moves.

This song and dance was perfect. I would not change it for the world. That is not the case, however, for the music video. Great sometimes, but didn’t do well the rest. 8.5/10

My question is: Which 2015 Girl’s Generation song that has been released was your favourite? You have 4 options. Choose wisely.

Interesting Note: This song was released in both Korean and Japanese. Promotions would only be focussed on the Japanese version though.

Hopeless Love – Jimin (15&)

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I have been dying to review this song. Like seriously, I have been waiting every patiently for this song to come up in the line. But that is for later on. Jimin has made her solo debut with this song. For those who don’t know, 15& is a duo that consist of Jimin herself and also Yerin. We don’t get to see Yerin too much, which totally sucks (I think she is very pretty) but, I recently found out, she collaborated with Sane with the song Me You. However I won’t be reviewing that song. But yeah, anyone notice that Jimin is promoted quite a bit but Yerin isn’t? Not that I am complaining, because this is mainly a tactic to pull more fans into the duo.

This song is freaking good. It is just perfect. Hands down. No ifs or buts. I was so amazed when I heard this song. Everything just came together perfectly. It honestly does not sound like your typical KPOP song, nor does it sound like a typical K-Ballad song as well. I love the instrumental of the song. It stands out by using the bongos, which we don’t hear as much in ballads than in pop songs. The classical arrangement with the electro sounds really pull the whole instrumental together quite well. At the same time, we hear such a nice voice. Her voice (to me) seems to find it a little difficult to get to certain notes, but hell, she pulled the song off quite well and left a long last impression on me. As for the song, it mainly talks about the “hopeless love” the girl has to for her friend. While she loves him, he only sees her as a friend and that is all. It is actually quite a sad song to listen to and we get that from her voice as well.

The music video was equally as good. he first see three friends playing around with each other and having fun. But then we get glimpses that the dude only sees Jimin’s character as a friend rather than a lover, while he sees his other friend as his lover. When the first chorus kicks in to tell us that message, the music video starts to become darker. As the music video progresses, the whole video becomes darker and focuses less on Jimin. Her memories tend to be quite bright, while the moments where she realizes the truth were quite dark. I love how the video tries to lose focus but ends up going back to a clear image. This is like Jimin trying to forget the guy, but she her mind still goes back. I think it was a really nice video and it told a really sad (but really good) story to us all.

As I said from the start, PERFECT. Why is this not being promoted beats me, but it still deserve some sort of promotion (beside that singing contest show). 10/10

 

Aah Oop! – Mamamoo

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Mamamoo was back for a very limited amount of time. Aah Oop! is a collaboration between the group and a very close friend of theirs, eSNa, who previously featured in one of their songs on their last mini album. As I said, they are back for only a limited amount of time, with their promotional run only lasting two weeks. I know, so short. BUT they are due back in May for a new release (from what I remember a new mini album).

This song is a pretty good, but it does not exceed the standard that Piano Man created for the band. Nonetheless, I was very impressed with the song, despite having me confused as a “fifth” member was being added to the group. All the girls of Mamamoo have really nice vocals. Wheein, is starting to emerge from the shadow and leash what she has hidden from the public for ages. Solar and Whasa, per usual, sound so freaking amazing on stage. Moonbyul, needs more parts (and she gets them, when they are not promoting the song with eSNA), but her rap is still top. eSNa has a very unique voice and it matches well with the retro style song and also the band. I guess we can say she is Mamamoo’s fifth long lost member. Though the song had me a little uneasy at first, I grew to love it and I replay it every now and then.

The music video is okay. It is obviously going for the retro concept with the colours and also their clothing reminding me of the 60s and 70s. Their hairstyles pretty much reminds me of that era as well. The sets as well. So we see a barber shop as soon the video starts and there is this dude who looks like he is very creeped out. I don’t know you, but if I were in his shoes and I was creeped out by the ladies who were observing my hair and look like they are more into being pretty and cutting their hairs, I’d leave. I like the newspaper idea as well. It is very interesting. I know it has been done before, but this video puts a lot of emphasis on it. And sorry, shaving like that is too scary. And to make it worse, her hands had to shake (or is it to represent the tough nature of the guy?). By the end of the video, he looks bored to his bones. Well, that is the case if your hairdresser took like 3 hours to cut, wash, shave and dry your hair. Overall, it was a colourful video and I didn’t mind it as much.

The dance isn’t as great compared to Piano Man. I liked it and all, but it just really lacked style and wasn’t eventful as I expected it. eSNa could have dropped the whole keyboard thing. We can clearly tell that the keyboard wasn’t on. She could have just stood there and still make the performance work.

Nice, it took me 5 days to write this review. I apologise for the lateness. I was just so busy on the weekend and I am still in uni, so it is just so crazy. Assignments here and there. Exams coming up as well. Mamamoo needs to make their comeback and live up to their promises to please me. 8/10

 

Only You – Miss A

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After the “breaking news” of Suzy and Lee Min Ho’s relationship was revealed to the public, Miss A has officially launched their comeback with their newest title track Miss A. This track comes from the mini album titled as Colourful. Now what have we heard from Miss A since their last comeback, Hush? Rumours of Min’s solo debut. Suzy went further with her acting career. Fei and Jia having more activities in China, with Fei also being a part of Masterchef Korea. Was that last year? I don’t remember. But the Chinese members are starting to receive more opportunities to promote in China.

This is a so-so song. It isn’t that amazing and it really does not top Hush. But, this song is still quite good. Miss A, to me, are known for their fierce and sexy comebacks. Goodbye Baby, Touch, Hush were all chart toppers and got them a lot of fame. Those comebacks with a little more colour and brightness, such as this song and Don’t Need A Man, really did not make it as high on my like charts. The vocals are pretty good. Jia and Fei have many more lines in the song compared to the past. Min got the short end of the stick, as we really did not get to see her shine as much in this song. Suzy, yeah, she got the load. The chorus is mainly her with a few extra parts in the first verse and the bridge. But I am not complaining as this song suited her vocals. This song is a more typical pop song. There is nothing in this song that makes it stands out. I enjoyed it, but at the same time, thought it lacked a lot. There was no “power” has I said at the start. Miss A’s signature feel is not in this song. Overall, it is okay, but maybe I was expecting something more.

Right, the start uses live shots of a city (looks like New York to me). But the set was fake. WHY??? This music video was way to bright for my liking. I like colour and all, but it feels really lacking and doesn’t garner my attention as much as I had expected. I don’t know anyone these days look at their hot neighbours with binoculars anymore. It kind of sounds like old fashion. And the fact that the girls already noticed him and yet he continues to watch them as if he thought he was being sneaky enough. Also, that party at the end has to be one of the lamest parties ever. The dancing of the background actors and actresses were just bouncing up and down. I don’t go to parties, but I already know how much the party must suck if it mainly just jumping up and down throughout the night.

The dance was okay. It really wasn’t anything that great compared to their past dances. Nothing memorable.

If I got to choose between this comeback and Hush, I go with the latter, because I prefer the latter’s concept and style overall. More than this. Nonetheless, congratulations on the girls for getting 3 or 4 PERFECT all kills on the charts for this song. 6/10

Call Me Baby – EXO

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Who has been waiting for this review? I know, I am very delayed, but I am finally putting out a review for this song. EXO is finally back with a new song after what seems to be a shocking year for the group. 12 members become 10 members after the shocking “departures” of Kris and Luhan (with rumours of more – hopefully this is not the case). I put departure in quotation marks mainly because from what I understand, their contracts have yet to be ripped up meaning they are still under SM Entertainment and a part of EXO. From what I understand (again), their contracts are still valid up until the day both sides reach an agreement of contract cancellation or the courts decide for the parties. This is quite sad news, but it seems like EXO is going strong. Fans still support them in both Korea and China, with their latest song a huge success pretty much.

And from hence forth, I think I am going to have 58934689034 fangirls stalking me for what I am about to say. Don’t take this the wrong way, because this is a pretty good song. But, I personally thought the song was quite a mess. This song is pretty good (better than Overdose) but it really isn’t up to par with the likes of Growl. After listening to the song so many times already, “Call Me Baby” is probably the most annoying thing that I have ever heard. Some songs do need the repetitiveness, but in this song, it clashes with the rest. I personally don’t like songs where singers sing on top of each other, but with different lyrics (minus a few exceptions). This just sounded so messy. The chorus was being delivered with a rapper rapping a small part and on top of that, the next vocalist is brought in.  It just confuses me and it is not neat. But on the other hand, I liked the song. The part where Chen and D.O harmonize during the bridge was pretty good. The rapping was good (but the mismatch between the voices at the start of the rap has to go). It is a nice song overall, fits in well with EXO’s style.

Okay SM. There is no need for another one shot video for EXO. It is so boring to watch. But many of their fans are probably like “this is a one shot video”. Thank you for telling me something obvious. The music video was shot to mimic the “one shot concept” and I don’t think this song or concept needs that. I don’t think they need excessive amount of videos mimicking something that they already done. It kind of looks like the company (well director and porducer in this case) is lost when it comes their music videos. Actually, SM has always been lost. They never got out of the box until recently. Another complaint. Their hair. So ugly. My hairstyle at the moment is pretty bad. Kai’s and Chen’s permed middle part really needs to go back to the bin. This isn’t the 90s we are looking at. I thought their clothing were bad in Overdose, but their hair here takes it to a whole new level. Actually, I want to know what Kai is wearing half the time. He really looks “untrendy” in this video. As for that black and white filter, what was going on?

Their dance, I can say, is much better than their music video. Though there is a lot more patting on the back and shoulders, I think this dance was really cool. Their solo parts at the beginning where pretty solid. In fact, I have not seen some members attempt dance moves like that in their previous releases ever. Don’t know what that means though.

I know, I don’t like taking stabs at artists. Especially artists  such as EXO, I always become uneasy with putting out their reviews. They haven’t had the “perfect” song that incorporates a dance, but they still put out good songs. But these are just my opinions on the song, music video and dance. 7/10

 

FM – Crayon Pop

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Crayon Pop has finally returned with a new song. It has been a little over (or maybe under) a year since they came back with Uh-Eee! Since then, they released their first subunit, Strawberry Milk, which debuted with OK! in October last year. Since then we have been hearing rumours of new songs from the band, but we actually never got much from them. Once again, that is all that really has been happening with the girls since their last comeback. I am sure they had a family concert with their label-mates as well. I honestly need to get more in sync with the industry. I get very busy these days.

This song freaking rocks. I have no complaints whatsoever about this song. As soon as I heard it, I was in awe. This is a song that Crayon Pop needs. I don’t care (and probably every other fan) if this song did or did not top Bar Bar Bar n terms of successful-ness and popularity. I loved it. It is just so now and trendy sounding. Okay, maybe the vocals at the start need a little work, but wow. This was one hella of a song. There was techno feels to it to match the concept they were going for. Apparently, the group have no idea what FM (in terms of this song) actually stands for. It would be quite depressing if the song actually did stand for Frequency Modulation (thank you physics!). The rapping was pretty good and I actually never thought someone in the group could pull that high note at the end off. I loved the chorus. It is so catchy that I replay the song for that part. It is sad that this song isn’t doing as great as we all want it to, but either way, it is still a rocking song that you will enjoy.

The music video was amazing. Being me, I had this fanboy moment, not over Crayon Pop, but actually the theme. Not a big fan of Sailor Moon or Halo, which this music video’s concept comes from. But I am a REALLY BIG FAN of Power Rangers. This whole music video was like a throwback to me and probably all 90s kids. Like who didn’t like Power Rangers (that is unheard of). I love their costumes. From Sailor Moon and Power Rangers, the girls looked really cute. There really isn’t a plot, but I love the setting of the music video. Essentially what they did was copy and paste from their inspirations and that I what I think I enjoyed about from this video. I am going to be honest, but the CG effects look mega cheesy in this video for some reason. So cringe worthy. Kind of shocked that I used to like these things back in the day.

The dance is so catchy. I love the very start where they would literally “strike a pose” and also the dance for the chorus. I think overall, this has to be one of the best dances. Not the most memorable, but it is very a nice set of choreography.

From start of end, I loved this comeback. Everything was amazing. Minus one or two minor details, and this would have been a prefect comeback. 9.5/10

Growing – K.Will

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K.Will is back and it has been some time since we last heard of him. Like seriously, when was the last time we heard his name? I haven’t heard of him since last year when he promoted One Fine Day early last year. Yeah, I don’t think he had much going on in the past year or so since this last comeback. His been here and there, but I really cannot remember anything big about the soloist. So that is it for this introduction.

This song is said to be a song that gets K.Will back in touch with his roots. And I don’t feel this song. Yeah, I basically listened to the song once and I never went back. It wasn’t boring, nor was it terrible. K.Will puts out great songs all the time, just this one seems a little too unappealing. To me, it was a very black and white song. Nothing that got my attention. Like I said, K.Will always has amazing vocals in his songs, just this song overall is not really up to par like per usual. The chorus lifts the song up a little bit with the range of notes that he hits. He does pretty well, per usual and always maintains that high standard when he sings. I just can’t think of anything regrading the song. It is a typical K.Will song, just it really isn’t the best in my opinion.

The music video is a little confusing when I last watched it. We see the main dude being sad and depressed despite having his lover next to him. Now I don’t know it was like him in a flashback or he regrets his decision, but we do know that they later break up. It doesn’t seem like a flashback, so I assumed he was acting sad for a reason, which lead to his break up. I am still hoping for a day where K.Will actually plays the lead in one of his music videos. We need to give some recognition for K.Will (you never know, he may be a pretty good actor). His voice is perfect and his songs are perfection, but sometimes I think he needs to be promoted a little more. And since many want him in a music video, imagine the response to that!

I apologise for the shorter than usual review. I wrote this review over the span of like 5 days. So some of my opinions won’t be matching or could be repetitive. Like I said, not feeling this comeback this time around. 4/10