Category: KPOP

[Review] Blind – Ciipher

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I disappeared once again this week. I didn’t take a break, but spent majority of the week writing out those ‘Looking Back’ posts (who knew making a YouTube playlist would be so time consuming?). But now I am briefly back to review some albums and other tracks from this week and earlier. First up is Ciipher’s first comeback since their debut with I Like You back in March of this year. Earlier this week, the group dropped their second mini-album, Blind, which featured the title track of the same name.

I Like You had potential, but failed to fully encapsulate that potential in the three minute song. If I had a chance, I would have reserved that song to be a side track and bumped up Blind as the debut title track. It would have been a much better launching pad for the group and surely attracted more attention towards their debut (which is definitely something one would need in this current competitive climate). What really stood out for me in Blind was the instrumental. Blind has this edgy kick to it (via the synth selection), which makes Blind so much more appealing to listen to. This, combined with the other elements I usually focus on, results in an booster version of the group. The guitar riff we hear throughout the chorus makes the song’s centrepiece electrifying, and I thought the plain and simple hook line at the start of the chorus was quite catchy and punchy. I did wish the guitar riffs were a little more pronounced, as this would have heightened the energy and bring forth a much stronger electrifying feeling. I also like the buildup and hype towards the choruses in the song. The drums and concentration that occurs here definitely teases the energy that we got in the chorus. The rapping in Blind is definitely satisfying and adds to the energy of the song. The sequence we get at the end was probably one of my personal favourite moments of the song, as it continued the momentum from the final chorus and helped end the song on a strong note. The vocals were also quite good. While there was some vocal processing, Blind featured clear vocals. I did find it a bit odd that autotune wasn’t used in Blind as much as their debut track. In their debut track, the use of autotune didn’t feel right and its use here instead would have aligned better. Overall, a strong and much better song that I wished was their debut track.

I think with the sound in which Blind had gone for, the music video could have gotten away with a slightly darker concept. I am not thinking horror or dark lighting to the point where you can’t make out the member’s faces. Rather, the producers of the music video could have gone with something edgy, but also keeping it casual as well. Maybe outfits that brings out rock influences, given the guitar riffs we get in the chorus. Or a stage, instead of an office. I understand the more youthful approach of the video, given the energy that comes from the song. but I feel the video as it stands felt more fitting for a pop sound. Some elements within the music video already head in that direction, such as the blue the outfits they wore in the office set for one of their choreography sequences. But like in that example, they looked out of place.

I like the energy they bring to the performance. It definitely works well with the energetic and upbeat side of the song. Other than that, it was a good performance. Not exactly memorable, but it was fun to watch.

Song – 8.5/10
Music Video – 6/10
Performance – 7/10
Overall Rating – 7.5/10

[Review] BAD LOVE – Key (SHINee)

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Also making his comeback yesterday was Key (from SHINee), who returns with his first comeback as a solo artist. In 2018, Key made his solo debut with One of Those Nights (ft. Crush) and the studio length album, Face. In 2019, Key did make a comeback, but it was marketed as his first repackaged album, which was retitled I Wanna Be and featured the title track of the same name (ft. Kim Soyeon from (G)I-DLE). Yesterday, Key returned with his first mini-album, BAD LOVE, which is lead by the title track of the same name and the pre-release single Hate That (ft. Taeyeon from SNSD – which I haven’t reviewed yet).

I may have already teased my thoughts on BAD LOVE yesterday with a subtle reference to Key’s new song in AB6IX’s CHERRY review. I mentioned that I was glad that there wasn’t two overwhelming songs yesterday, which means I was hinting towards BAD LOVE being the other overwhelming song. I am kind of glad I did give myself an extra day to recalibrate my senses, as I don’t find BAD LOVE as overwhelming anymore. Multiple listens has really warmed me up to this song. But is the chorus still a bit too thick for my liking? Yes, I felt there was a lot going on and to digest as the song’s synths really ramps up in the chorus and you can tell that Key was really pushing his vocals to be in the forefront of all the synths. But, I do see how memorable the chorus is, how Key really shows and impresses with his vocal chops when his vocals soar in the song and the constant delivery of those high notes, and why some people might consider it a ‘out of the park’ song. Unfortunately, those initial thoughts still seem to float around in my head when I listen to BAD LOVE, so I can’t really share the exact same perception. Elsewhere in the song, BAD LOVE really flourishes with its retro and electronic mix. While this sound isn’t original, I feel that BAD LOVE really (and literally) takes the sound profile to the next level. I am not keen with the synths at the very start of the song, but everything else in BAD LOVE was definitely rocking and shows the creativeness of the producer. The bridge was very interesting with the really deep and raspy ‘I’m not thinking of you‘. That was wow moment for me that stood out for me initially.

The only thing I am a bit wary of in this music video is that red outfit in the choreography scenes. I think that was the only negative aspect of the music video. Aside from that, the music video was equally as aggressive as the song (but obviously in a visual sense). From what I can tell, Key seems to be portraying a celebrity who is starring in his own BAD LOVE sci-fi story (that ultimately ends with his demise). It drives Key insane and he wants out of the story, as he doesn’t want to relive the events that he himself had already gone through. I really enjoyed his acting and Key definitely makes the video a worthwhile watch. While a lot of the sets seemed to bring forth that modernish vibe, I feel the stage platform with the disco balls above it was a nice tie in of the retro influences to the video.

Also like the song and music video, the choreography for this comeback also took an aggressive approach that felt very fitting for the song. From the scenes in the music video, you can feel a lot of artistic flair within the choreography. I would also like to see Key replicate that ending (with the dancers lying down on stage) on stage, as that was a very memorable image to finish on.

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

[Review] CHERRY – AB6IX

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One of the comebacks kick starting the final week of September 2021 is AB6IX’s CHERRY. This new single is the latest from the group and is featured on their second studio length album, MO’ COMPLETE. This comeback follows the release of their fourth mini-album from April of this year – MO’ COMPLETE: Have a Dream and its lead single CLOSE. It is also their third comeback of the year, which makes this another busy year for the group.

Right off the bat, AB6IX blasts us with CHERRY‘s colourful energy. This sets the tone overall and continues on throughout the song. It isn’t an overwhelming blast of energy though, which was great. Personally, I probably would have taken the night off and avoided dealing with two overwhelming songs in one day (more on that in my next review – to be posted tomorrow). CHERRY‘s bright energy follows on from The Answer, one of AB6IX’s comeback tracks in 2020, as that too was quite an upbeat and funky comeback for the group (in comparison to their previous releases). However, CHERRY is much more concentrated when it comes to the funky direction they had chosen to go with. I quite like the chorus, but probably not for the reason you would think of. It was definitely dynamic, especially when it comes to the member’s delivery, matching the energy we got from the instrumentation. However, the scene-stealing element was the ‘YUM‘ in the chorus. It was so straightforward and serious, which made me laugh. Not exactly sure if that was the intended effect, but it made the song memorable for me. What I also enjoyed was how the members also brought out that dynamic tone to the verses and bridge, making CHERRY a very satisfying listen. I felt that the verses could have been very plain, but the dynamic delivery definitely liven up the sections in question. The post-chorus following the first and final choruses was probably the weakest element of the song in my opinion. I felt that they toned down the energy by the slightest amount, which felt noticeable to me. I wished they just continued the momentum and had a stronger hook in this part, which I am sure would have CHERRY even more memorable. Overall, CHERRY was a great song that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The music video was quite fun and colourful, just like the song. I wished there was more to the video however, as it is just a bunch of closeups and choreography. They seemed to hint at something more with the members staring off screen at some parts, as if their crush had just walked past behind camera. It was a nice detail to add to the video, but I think it would have been better with an actual person on-screen, kind of like GOT7’s A. I did like the extra graphics they had in the background for one of the choreography shots, and the various effects we saw throughout the video.

The choreography for this comeback is definitely energetic and intense (in the sense that it is continuous and doesn’t offer many moments to catch your breath). I particularly those air punches they do just before the choruses and their expressions on stage make this performance even more interesting to watch.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 7/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 7.7/10

[Album Review] Right Through Me (2nd Mini Album) – Even of Day (DAY6)

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The next album that I am reviewing belongs to Even of Day (DAY6’s first subunit), titled Right Through Me (which is also the name of the title track, as well). It was released at the start of July of this year, which makes this album review almost three months late. This appears to be the unit’s (comprised of Young K, Wonpil and Dowoon) last release for a while since Young K (who recently made his solo debut with Guard You) will be enlisting at the end of the month/later this week, with Wonpil and Dowoon set to follow down the track. So let’s have a listen to Right Through Me (the album) and see what we think of the album!

Right Through Me Album Cover

1. WE (우린) – WE is a pleasant synth band track that eases you into the album. I liked how the song is light throughout and its inspirational tone and message. While I usually make negative comments about consistency, I think it was well played in WE. It kept the song grounded for me, especially since Wonpil and Young K vocals make it feel as if you are floating away on a cloud. The drums are well defined in this song, preventing us from forgetting the presence of Dowoon. Overall, WE is a soothing and calming listen that begins Right Through Me (the album) on a positive note. (9/10)

2. Right Through Me (뚫고 지나가요) (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for Right Through Me. (7/10)

3. WALK (역대급) – WALK enters a much more upbeat and vibrant territory (compared to the moodier title track) with its synths. It, combined with the rock influences, in the chorus definitely exudes a pop rock feel that I find to be extremely likeable. The energy that comes off the song (especially in the chorus) is quite intense, but it is also bright and positive. I do find the hooks subtle, but that doesn’t mean they don’t work. But if I did have to pick what made the song memorable for me, it would be the vocals, especially the vocals that are positioned in the background of the song. They really made the song feel wholesome and complete. (10/10)

4. all the things you wanted (네가 원했던 것들) – Returning the album to the more paced and slow side of the album is all the things you wanted. This song is a pop ballad, with a heavy influence from the 80s/90s. The particular synth selection that reminds me of that era brings forth a nostalgic effect, and the ballad as a whole elicits the swaying effect that I use as criteria for a good ballad. Their vocals are well highlighted in this song, with a strong portrayal of heartbreak and pain. While it sounds like I do have just praises, I find the song to be on the more typical side of ballads, sans the synths. (8/10)

5. from the ending of a tragedy (비극의 결말에서) – For from the ending of a tragedy, the unit steps back into rock territory with a much more concentrated sound. I just love the drumming in this song, especially in the chorus. It is very fulfilling and definitely gave from the ending of a tragedy some bite. Similar comments can be made about the rock guitars in this song, but I think Dowoon and his drums prevail. If I were to be critical, I wanted more from the vocals. They sounded good (as always), but were largely forgettable for me. (8.5/10)

6. Home Alone (나 홀로 집에) – Words that I usually use to describe songs like Home Alone, like ‘upbeat’ and ‘vibrant’ feels more so like an understatement for Home Alone. This synth pop song is without a doubt the unit’s most colourful and retro song on this album, more so than WALK. This colourful nature comes through multiple avenues, including the expressive vocals we get from the members and the intense rush of energy in the chorus. The highlight, however, has to be Dowoon’s inclusion at the mid-point of the song. It was surprising and unexpected, but definitely worthwhile addition to the song. (10/10)

7. LOVE PARADE – The final song on the album is probably the unit’s heaviest track, in terms of sound. LOVE PARADE is quite dynamic song, and it is a very satisfying track to listen to. Constant throughout the song is the heavy drumming. Once again, this is a testament to Dowoon’s skills, as the drums felt relentless and drove the song forward. Young K and Wonpil counters the drumming with their vocals, keeping the song from being too heavy. Dowoon also makes a few appearances in the song as a vocalist, with another one-liner after Young K and Wonpil, and also in the ‘Ba Dam Bum’ sections of the song (i.e., the ending sequence of LOVE PARADE). Overall, a strong ender to the album. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.9/10

Right Through Me Teaser Image

[Review] Lemonade – Lee Eun Sang

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More time jumping, but this time is back to the past with a catch up review. This particular post focuses on Lee Eun Sang’s solo comeback Lemonade, which was released at the start of September. Lemonade is featured on his second single album, titled Beautiful Sunshine. It is also the first comeback by the soloist since his solo debut with Beautiful Scar last year, which also featured fellow labelmate Park Woojin (from AB6IX).

To me, Lemonade is another song that I would describe as pleasant at best. I think if I had sat down and reviewed the song when it first came out, I would have raved about its pleasantness and calming nature in a positive light. But now that the song has aged a few weeks, I feel like whatever effect that Lemonade was intended to have on the listener has fizzled out. Think of a flat lemonade soda, this is what Lemonade now feels like. This doesn’t make Lemonade a terrible song in my point of view, rather it just didn’t hold its ground. Vocally, I thought there was a degree of sweetness in this element. And while I am convinced that sweetness is still present, I do think Lee Eun Sang’s vocals would have been more appealing had there be some insertion of personality (I felt the same way about Beautiful Scar). They felt typical and lacked much energy. Similarly, the same could be said with the instrumentation. Initially, I would describe Lemonade‘s backing as bubbly. But now that I think about it. more vibrancy in the consistent strumming we hear in the chorus would have emphasised this. I did like the synth drums, as they did add some flair, but it was not enough to really consolidate and concentrate the vibrancy. Hook-wise and melody-wise, I think Lemonade still had these elements come through as I do remember them more somewhat compared to the rest of the song, but had the vocals and instrumental been more so what I mentioned above, I am sure the hook/melodies of Lemonade would have been enhanced. So overall, more could have been done to really help Lemonade become and stay appealing.

Concept wise, this is 180 degree flip in terms of concept when we compare Lee Eun Sang’s two solo works. Here, Lee Eun Sang looks much more youthful and the concept is a lot more casual and brighter. It fits the Summer season quite nicely and works well with the song. Unfortuately, I didn’t see anything special within this music video. And honestly, I haven’t gone back to watch it since it was first released. I personally prefer the more mature side of Lee Eun Sang and thought his last solo music video was a lot more interesting to watch.

The performance is more so the same as the music video in terms of concept. It fits well with the song. But like the music video, I didn’t see anything special within the performance (though I did like the squeezing move they had in the chorus). That being said, I did think there was added layer of vibrancy in the choreography, which pulled me towards the performances, rather than the music video.

Song – 6/10
Music Video – 5/10
Performance – 6/10
Overall Rating – 5.7/10

[Review] LOCO – ITZY

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From a review focusing on the major release from the start of the week, I am now time jumping to the end of the week to review the major release of today, ITZY’s LOCO. It is the title track off their 1st studio album since debut (titled Crazy In Love), which also dropped today. This is the group’s second comeback of the year, following April’s M.A.F.I.A (In The Morning).

I felt that LOCO was a return to form for the group, following the not-so-good M.A.F.I.A from earlier this year. If you want to know about my thoughts on M.A.F.I.A, feel free to read that review. LOCO still retains that edgy side of their previous song, but the new song also re-enters that vibrant arena in which ITZY’s earlier releases lie in that I have mentioned. What really stands out to me in LOCO is the song’s energy, which to me, is thanks to the bass and the electric guitars we hear in the background. The bass was like a common thread tying the different and distinct sections of the song together. It also added that definition and helps the song pack a punch, which complimented the rock influence. The electric guitars in the background delivers this rock influence, taking the song to a whole new level of me. I do think LOCO has potential to be more electrifying and hardcore. I think if the producers did this, LOCO would have been boosted to new heights. The bombastic nature of the start was a great entrance into the song and I liked how that was also continued throughout the song as well. LOCO also had a Latin influence, which was an intriguing influence to have in this mix. When it comes to the vocals and rapping, I thought both elements were rather strong and bold, which was definitely necessary to stand out over the instrumentation. The members definitely had a good handle on this. The melodies in the chorus and elsewhere were appreciable and felt like it did a good job of balancing the high energy that came from the raps. Overall, I thought LOCO was a strong song and definitely it took me back to their earlier days. However, I am definitely of the opinion that the song would have flourished if all their influences were more concentrated and intense (i.e. more of that rock!).

The music video for this comeback is fantastic. While the song doesn’t have that colourful tinge to it as per their earlier works, I felt this colour was definitely made up in the video. I also liked how that the video managed to convey edgy side of the song as well, which helped made the video feel so much more dynamic. I also felt a bit of epicness from the video when it came to the ‘Crazy In Love‘ billboard and the stage performance we were treated to, following the interlude within the video. I just wished the producers of the video CGI in a crowd for that part, as that would have really heightened the energy and ended the video on such a high note. Elsewhere, the post-production in this video really highlights the high quality of the video.

The performance was another highlight of this comeback. I really liked the powerful energy that came through, especially for the chorus, along with the attitude that sends a ‘you don’t want to mess with us’ message. This just really highlights their stage presence. The main move seems to be the holding of and shaking of the head, which makes sense, given that ‘LOCO‘ is Spanish for ‘crazy’. It is definitely a worthwhile watch.

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

[Review] BRAIN – Yang Yoseob (HIGHLIGHT)

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After taking a few days off after my album review blitz, I am back with a review of Monday’s main release, BRAIN, by Yang Yoseob (from HIGHLIGHT). The new song is featured as the title track of Chocolate Box, Yoseob’s first ever studio album since his debut 12 years ago. This is also Yang Yoseob’s first solo release since Star and Where I Am Gone in 2019 and his release from the military. Earlier this year, Yoseob returned with his fellow members of HIGHLIGHT for Not The End and The Blowing promotions, marking the end of a two year hiatus for the group.

To me, BRAIN is a fairly straight-forward R&B track. It is always nice to hear something that you can describe as pure and not overly processed or potentially muddled by other influences (which is more so the case of today’s KPOP music). It is also a nice throwback to how Yoseob started his solo career, which was also an R&B track (see my review for Caffeine).I wasn’t a fan of his debut song back then, but I would say my music tastes have matured over the many years since then and can appreciate a song like Brain now. A few elements pop out at me in the newer song. Within the instrumentation, I found the muffled flute to be quite an intriguing centerpiece. At first I didn’t like it, but it drew my attention in quite quickly and dragged out a few additional listens out me. The bass was a much needed element in BRAIN, adding definition to the instrumentation and the song overall. The rest of the instrumentation was more on the typical side of the spectrum and hence the muffled flute and bass really did wonders to make it more attractive. Another element within BRAIN was Yoseob’s vocals. His vocals are smooth and perfectly suited for the R&B genre, and I felt that BRAIN really highlighted that and presented his vocals extremely well. I particularly like Yoseob’s vocals during the bridge, as they seemed to push the song’s boundaries. It might be minute, but it was definitely appreciated. The melodies that he brings to the song also gave BRAIN a tinge of memorability, which works hand-in-hand with the other memorable elements of the song. Overall, BRAIN is a pretty decent song. I am not head over heels for the song, but it is a great return to form for Yoseob and highlights his skills in a manner that is clear and pure.

As for the music video, it is fairly typical. But it was still fine to watch. I did like how the stylist(s) for this comeback changed Yoseob’s image for this comeback. He looks very mature in this music video in his outfits, which is rather different to the image that I am more familiar of him (for those who are wondering, I am much more familiar from his youthful image back in the early days when he was promoting under the name of Beast). Elsewhere in the video, I felt some of the sets provided a bit of sophistication and classiness to the music video. The lighting added a bit of a dramatic flair, especially around the peak of the song.

Choreography-wise, it matched the vibes of the music video. I thought it was classy looking and there was a tinge of sensual energy. It was also elegant and smoothing looking as well. I particularly like the slow shuffling in the chorus and the slow swinging of the legs in the post-chorus hook. I feel like the choreography really lifted up the song, for me.

Song – 7/10
Music Video – 7/10
Choreography – 8/10
Overall Rating – 7.2/10

[Album Review] MUST (7th Studio Album) – 2PM

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It has been a while since we heard from this particular group. To be precise, five years. I am talking about none other than 2PM, who have been absent from the KPOP scene due to military enlistments over the last five years. At the end of June of this year, 2PM regrouped to release their 7th studio album, MUST, which features the title track, Make It. Amongst the new tracks alongside Make It is the acoustic version of their 2015 hit My House, which rose on the charts earlier this year once again. As per my album review rules, I will not be including this new version of My House and the intro in the final album rating score. This is also the final album on the album review blitz I have been working on over this weekend. Feel free to return to the home page to see the seven other albums I reviewed this weekend. Otherwise, here are my thoughts on 2PM’s latest release!

MUST Album Cover

1. Intro – The album begins the sophisticated jazzy intro, which I think is a great reintroduction to 2PM. It is mature. It is classy. It is everything that 2PM has pumped out prior to their military enlistment hiatus.

2. Make It (해야 해) (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review of Make It. (8/10)

3. OK or Not (괜찮아 안 괜찮아) – For OK or Not, there are many great elements to this song. Firstly, the instrumental was quite dynamic. I liked the synthetic violins that were used in this song. It helped the song exude a mature and classy tone, but also fitted in with the rest of the synth instrumentation. Secondly, I liked how the members were in the forefront of the song. Their voices were clear and crisp, throughout. I did like the autotune filtering they applied to some of the vocals, particularly the hook, which added depth to the song. Lastly, the song’s hook was repetitive and catchy. It was also quite simple and clean, so it was super easy to appreciate. Overall, OK or Not is a strong and likeable side track. (9/10)

4. On My Way (보고싶어, 보러갈게) – I was lowkey waiting for a drop in On My Way, which ultimately didn’t come to fruition. The instrumental hinted towards a drop on multiple occasions, especially as the song was building up to the chorus. But instead, the song opted to just transition from pre-chorus to chorus without much flair, and this made On My Way slightly frustrating. Other than that, On My Way was a pretty straightforward song, with good textures thanks to the consistent use of clickity clacks in the instrumentation and the autotune. (7/10)

5. Champagne (샴페인) – Champagne is the first standout song on this album. The instrumentation was very cool, with the contrast of bass and metallic xylophone being one of the most memorable aspects of the song. The synths take on an almost screechy profile, but they work cohesively with the rest of the song. Another memorable aspect included the dynamic that Taecyeon and Jun.K brought to the song via their rapping. It added drive and additional cool points to the song. I also liked the subtle use of brass in the song. (10/10)

6. The Café (집 앞 카페) – The Café is a fun and bright pop song that remains within the classy parameters of the album. It is super easy to get into and enjoy, with melodies that I am sure will make you smile. I liked the additional highlights within the instrumentation from the xylophone tapping. The vocals and rapping were really nice here, as well. (9/10)

7. Moon & Back – Moon & Back is a R&B song that I find to be quite well balanced and thoroughly enjoyed from start to end. The instrumental is quite texturally packed, thanks to all of the small details we get throughout the song (i.e. the disc scratching, the taps and clicks etc.). The vocals brings the smooth texture that one would usually associate with the R&B genre. My pick for standout member in Moon & Back is Taecyeon, with his really deep vocals. They just had such a strong effect and brought a different colour to the song, despite being one of the briefer elements of the song. (8/10)

8. Two of Us (둘이) – Continuing the R&B on the album is Two of Us, but this time over jazzy instrumentation that brings out a warm and happy atmosphere. You just can’t help but smile whilst listening to this song. The chorus of Two Of Us exudes an undeniable sweet tone. The best part of the song has to be the ending, when the members harmonize with one another in an overlapping manner. It isn’t like your typical harmonization in a ballad, where the members come in at the same time. In this song, it appears that one member starts slightly later than the other, but they still come together cohesively. (8/10)

9. Hold You (놓지 않을게) – Hold You is a ballad, with a tinge of jazz in the background. I really liked how breathy their vocals are throughout the song, which gives off the appeals that fit right into 2PM’s wheelhouse. What makes Hold You even better are the harmonies we get between all the members following the chorus. I also thought the brass in the chorus adds definition to the ballad, making it much more dynamic than your typical ballads. (8.5/10)

10. My House (우리집) (Acoustic Version) – Click here to listen to the acoustic version of 2PM’s 2015 release, My House.

Overall Album Rating – 8.4/10


MUST Teaser Image

[Album Review] TURN OVER (9th Mini Album) – SF9

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SF9 returned in early July with TURN OVER, their 9th mini-album since their debut, and the title track Tear Drop. This new mini-album follows the release of Special History Book, their special single album (which I didn’t review) that marked their fourth year as a group, which featured the special track Shine Together. It also follows the group’s participation in Kingdom: Legendary War, where they released |Believer| as their final round song (which is also featured on this mini-album). In other new, all nine members have renewed their contracts with FNC Entertainment at the start of the year. So that means that we will be hearing more SF9 into the future. But until then, here is my review for TURN OVER.

TURN OVER Album Cover

1. Tear Drop (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review of Tear Drop. (8/10)

2. |Believer| (숨) – Click here to read the full review of |Believer|. (9/10)

3. Love Again (한 번 더 사랑하자) – Love Again had a sweet and romantic vibe, which comes via the vocals and lyrics for me. It is also vocally centric, with the group putting their vocals on display and such vocals were extremely pleasant to listen to. The rapping was also quite fitting for the pop style the group had gone for. What makes Love Again even stronger is how appropriate the track sounds for the Summer season. This was thanks to the EDM flourishes that decorated the track. (7/10)

4. Off My Mind – Off My Mind is much more upbeat compared to Love Again, slipping into synth heavy pop territory. The synths brought out dynamic energy, which ultimately made the song so appealing to listen to. The vocalists did a really good job with their harmonization and breathy vocals in the chorus. The hooks they brought to life was also quite catchy and helped reel in more listens from me. The rappers definitely stood out and added to the dynamism of the song. (9/10)

5. Fanatic – Latin influences return in Fanatic. The track still stays within synth heavy territory, so this Latin influence doesn’t necessary repeat the same vibes that their more notable Latin-influence title track (O Sole Mio). To me, the combinations of the synths and Latin influence was a memorable sound on the album, and the synths gave Fanatic a lot of interesting texture. Vocally, the song showcased them proudly, while the rapping definitely added edge and SF9’s usual colour to the song. (9/10)

6. Hey Hi Bye – Final song the album is Hey Hi Bye. It continues the album’s reliance on synths. This time around, however, Hey Hi Bye delves into the retro world. More specifically, I think Hey Hi Bye features a heavy presence of 90’s new jack swing, but there are other retro influences in the song as well. It is all masked somehow by this consistent synth-like filter that complicates but also adds definition to the instrumental. It would be an understatement to say that there is a lot going on instrumentally, but it still an interesting mix nonetheless. I applaud the vocals who managed to stay on top of the instrumentation. They easily could have been masked by all the music. The rappers added depth to the song, which I think helped make it more dynamic. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.3/10

TURN OVER Teaser Image

[Album Review] THRILL-ING (6th Mini Album) – The Boyz

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I am glad that we will got to hear more from The Boyz, particularly since the gap between their last official comeback (The Stealer) and this comeback is almost a year (to be precise, 9 months, but I rounded up)! The Boyz made their comeback at the start of August with THRILL RIDE, their most successful title track yet. It is featured on their 6th mini-album, THRILL-ING, which has also released on the same day. THRILL-RIDE and THRILL-ING is the group’s first domestic comeback of the year, and it also follows the group’s recent appearance on Kingdom: Legendary War, after the group won a ticket to the main competition through their appearance on Road To Kingdom last year.

THRILL-ING Album Cover

1. THRILL RIDE (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review of THRILL RIDE. (9/10)

2. Out of Control (환상열차) – While THRILL RIDE was a lot brighter and peppy, Out of Control takes a serious turn with a slightly heavier sound. It features dramatic sirens throughout that really sets the tone for the song, and an intense EDM background for an otherwise pop melody. While I quite like the vibes and tone of the instrumentation, I kind of wished the hooks for Out of Control were more pronounced. Melodically (thanks to the vocals), it was quite satisfying. But I just found it was lacking that memorability. The rappers shined with their parts, and the bridge was hella smooth. (8/10)

3. Dance Til We Drop – Dance Til We Drop brings forth funkier vibes that just makes you want to get up and dance. I just liked how emphasized the funky sounds were, making this is another strong instrumental. I feel that the chorus could have used a bit more bite when it comes to hooks and melodies. What we got was more so on the pleasant side and doesn’t do the funky vibes from the background in the chorus justice. But overall, a fun and bright track. (8.5/10)

4. Nightmares (黑花) – Looking at the tracklist, Nightmares was the clear song that would act as the album’s outlier. Just from the title, you can feel a dark vibe. And well, Nightmares exudes just that. It starts off with haunting harmonization before the song’s edgy instrumental comes into play. I really like that consistent hit of electric guitar we get as the beat in the instrumental. The vocals (including the whispery deliver, the harmonization we get in the pre-choruses and the high notes we are treated to) and the deep tone rapping further emphasizes the dark aesthetics of the song. Everything in Nightmares came together perfectly, and the song itself is my personal favourite on the album. (10/10)

5. Merry Bad Ending – Merry Bad Ending combines the likes of EDM and R&B to create a pretty good song. While Merry Bad Ending is more of a vocally centric track, the EDM brings adds a rough texture to the song and keeps the appeal quite interesting. The R&B comes through via the vocals and adds smoothness to the song, creating a well-balanced track overall. The rapping adds a bit of edge to the song, which I find fitting with the EDM side of the song. (9/10)

6. B.O.Y (Bet On You) – The final song on the album is B.O.Y (Bet On You), a pop song with a nice blend of instruments and synths that I find extremely fitting for the season of Summer. I particularly like the use of acoustics in this song, with this particular element standing out over the synths for me (in a good way). The vocals and rap-singing adds some brightness to the song, and I liked the harmonies in the song. Altogether, B.O.Y comes off with a refreshing tone that makes it easy on the ears, as well. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.8/10

  • Sunwoo’s Teaser Image for THRILL-ING
  • Eric’s Teaser Image for THRILL-ING
  • New’s Teaser Image for THRILL-ING
  • Juyeon’s Teaser Image for THRILL-ING
  • Kevin’s Teaser Image for THRILL-ING
  • Hyunjae’s Teaser Image for THRILL-ING
  • Younghoon’s Teaser Image for THRILL-ING
  • Sangyeon’s Teaser Image for THRILL-ING
  • Q’s Teaser Image for THRILL-ING

[Album Review] SUMMER POP-UP ALBUM [POPPING] (1st Special Mini Album) – ONF

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Next up on the album review blitz is ONF’s summer special mini album, SUMMER POP-UP ALBUM [POPPING]. Featured on this mini-album is the title track Popping and four other new songs from the group. This new mini-album follows ONF’s first studio album earlier in the year, ONF: My Name, which is headlined by the title track Beautiful Beautiful. They also returned with a repackaged version of the studio album, retitled as City of ONF and lead by the title track Ugly Dance. It has definitely been a busy year for the group, but I am sure fans and casual listeners of the group are enjoying this abundance of releases.

SUMMER POPUP ALBUM [POPPING] Album Cover

1. Popping (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review of Popping. (10/10)

2. Summer Poem – Like the title track, there was a lot going on in Summer Poem. The very start of the song felt like an acoustic ballad before the first verse emerged with bouncier pop sound. The chorus concentrates that pop sound with a slight Latin-like tinge. The bridge goes for a sweet slow and tone down, before they ramp up to the final chorus with electric guitars and rapid synth beats. The final chorus begins with an anthem-like approach, before the song wraps up with a similar acoustic sound as how it started. Phew! Amazingly, Summer Poem was cohesive and actually flowed from one end to the other without being disjointed. If I were to be critical about something in Summer Poem, it would be bout the hooks – I wished they were as catchy as the title track’s. (9/10)

3. Summer Shape – ONF shakes up the album by going with a slow jazz number with Summer Shape. A complete change in sound following two bright tracks. For me, the song sounds quite nice, but I find it a bit slow for my personal taste. I do think it was an ideal track when you just want to kick back and relax after a long day with a beverage in hand. It is incredibly soft and highlights a different sound than what I remember ONF for. (7/10)

4. Dry Ice – Dry Ice is a mix of EDM and reggae, which is a pretty interesting and original combination (from what I can remember). It might be an odd combination to read in words, but ONF successfully pulls off Dry Ice in a coherent and flowy manner. I really like the burst of intense EDM that we get throughout the song, adding energy and impact to the song. The reggae, on the other hand, holds back the EDM and adds an interesting colour to Dry Ice. I noticed barely audible voices in the final burst of EDM at the end of the song. Not too sure if this is intentional and can’t make out if it is just ad-libs, but it is an interesting touch nonetheless. (9/10)  

5. Summer End – The Summer album ends with a song appropriately titled Summer End. The soft pop instrumentation coasts along and brings forth a smooth exterior to the song. The vocals in Summer End make the track sweet and the harmonies warm up the song quite well. Personally, it isn’t my cup of tea. But overall, a pleasant ender to the album. (7.5/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.5/10

SUMMER POPUP ALBUM [POPPING] Teaser Image

[Album Review] Man on the Moon (1st Studio Album) – N.Flying

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Out of all the albums I am reviewing as part of this blitz, I think this particular one is the oldest one on the list. Man on the Moon, N.Flying’s first ever studio album since their debut in 2015, dropped earlier June of this year. It is headlined by the title track, Moonshot. I am particularly excited to review Man on the Moon, given N.Flying’s underrated status. Based on their past tracks and album reviews, I just knew that there will be some strong tracks on the album and I definitely want to share them with you (spoiler alert – there are actually some outstanding tracks on this tracklist).

Man on the Moon Album Cover

1. Moonshot (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review of Moonshot. (8/10)

2. Ask – Ask is an emotional rock ballad speaks on the topic of heartbreak. The message for this song is clear as day, without even needing to read or translate the lyrics. Just listening to the sadness and heartbreak behind their vocals is enough to convey the message. I really like the delicate touch that the piano brings, while the rock element still has some impact. The rock-ballad elicits a swaying effect on me (which you will know is what I consider as criteria of a good ballad). (9/10)

3. Comma (쉼표) – Opening the song is a suite of piano (or keyboard) notes that forms an ascending pattern. I quite like this, and fast became the most memorable element of the song for me. Comma had this really strong atmospheric tone to it, which made it standout for me. In addition to that tone, the vocals were captivating and gave me shivers, particularly Hwesung’s high note at the mid-point of the song and Seunghyub’s vocals that almost teeters into rap territory and hence a brings a nice texture and dynamic to this powerful song. (10/10)

4. Undo (지우개) – Undo changes it up by returning to a bright and fun natured rock track. With such energy, Undo makes me want to get up and do a bit of a boogie. There is also a light sprinkling of synths in the song, which adds an additional dimension to the song. The vocals and rapping were rather straightforward in my point of view, but they also helped bring out the energy in the song. Interestingly, the lyrics of the song seem to point in the opposite direction, retelling the story of a messy breakup. (8.5/10)

5. You – Another song that I really want to get up and dance to. Its fun and definitely a vibe. You has this consistent (positive use of this term here!) upbeat energy thanks to the instrumentals. Seunghyub’s rapping is on full display in this song. And his rapping brought a nice kick of additional energy to You, especially at the very start which left a strong impression on me. Hwesung’s vocals added brightness to the chorus, but also kept the song grounded elsewhere. The ‘You‘ in the chorus was also quite impactful. Overall, a highly praised and recommended song. (10/10)

6. Blue Scene (파란 배경) – After two upbeat tracks, Blue Scene was a nice tone down (in terms of energy). It was also a nice switch back to straightforward rock sounds, though there is a bit of R&B mixed into the instrumentation. The rapping was good, and the guitar in the background was a highlight. On the vocal front, they had this dreamy feel to them, with the harmonies at the end emphasizing this. But I just felt that the vocals didn’t feel as good as in some of the higher rated songs above it. (8/10)

7. Fate (이 별 저 별) – Fate reminds me of a typical moody rocky song. While that is a shocker of a description, I found that Fate reminded me of some of their earlier works. Overall, there was a good display of vocals and rapping. I also enjoyed the piano in the background. But like I mentioned at the start, Fate was pretty ordinary in terms of appeal. But it was still a decent song. (7/10)

8. Zip (빈집) – Zip is a R&B ballad. The verses were calming and melodic, and I think the same can be said about the song overall. But in comparison to the rest of the song, the verses were largely forgettable. For me, the chorus stole the show for me. It is so good, to the point where I would listen to the chorus on repeat if I could (sorry Seunghyub). The melodies were amazing, and Hwesung’s soaring motif at the end of each line in the chorus and overall delivery was just so stunning and breathtaking. (8.5/10)

9. To You (너에게) – Relative to all the other songs on this album, To You falls on the cuter side of the spectrum. And it is quite lonesome, given that the song also feels like an outlier on this album. I enjoyed the song overall, but also felt like it was dryer than some other tracks on the album. The vocals were pleasant. The standout, for me, however, was the rapping. Seunghyub’s rap sequence in the bridge gave a nice kick to the song, while his rap sequence at the end of To You rounded out the sound in an unexpected 90s but fitting manner. (7.5/10)

10. Flashback – The final song on the album is Flashback, and this was a home run for me! It is another rock ballad that brings forth nostalgic vibes and happy memories. To end the album on such a note is quite impressive and I am sure fulfilling to all parties (fans, band members and listeners alike). Each member played a prominent part in this song (like very other song ever), but I want to commend the other members (Chahun, Jaehyun and Dongsung) whom I haven’t referred to in this album review yet. They did an amazing job with bringing each song to life, but I just felt they gave a bit more effort in Flashback. Everything in the instrumental just sounded substantial and very satisfying. The drum work and guitar solo was particularly exceptional. Hwesung and Seunghyub were also amazing, bringing emotional vocals into Flashback. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.7/10

Man on the Moon Teaser Image

[Album Review] Summer Holiday (2nd Special Mini Album) – Dream Catcher

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Dream Catcher returned at the very end of July with BEcause (as the title track) and the special mini-album, Summer Holiday. While BEcause aligns with Dream Catcher’s usual sound, the rest of the mini-album is quite a journey that I am sure you will enjoy, as the group delves into different genres for each of their songs. Continue reading to find out which genres the group went with for this special mini-album. More recently, Dream Catcher released their sixth mini-album, Dystopia: Road to Utopia (which I have reviewed, click the link to read that album review), headlined by the title track, Odd Eye.

Summer Holiday Album Cover

1. Intro – The intro begins with the sound of fans (cooling fans), followed by someone entering the store (as you can hear the clickity clacks of someone’s shoes walk). The music then takes a slight dramatic turn that feels very up Dream Catcher’s alley, with it being bold, creepy (definitely terms that go hand-in-hand with Dream Catcher’s music profile), but also sophisticated and mature.

2. BEcause (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review of BEcause. (8.5/10)

3. Airplane – Bright releases aren’t something that we really speak about when the topic revolves around Dream Catcher. But Airplane is just that. It is a summery pop track that ticks a lot of boxes, including bright (as already mentioned), upbeat, fun-sounding and refreshing. I liked the guitars in the background and all the synths in the song that reminds me of 80s pop music. Vocally, the song is pretty decent, but the rapping felt most fitting for the song. (9/10)

4. Whistle – Whistle takes us back to familiar territory. Compared to Airplane, this song is much more serious and mature. Whistle taps into EDM for majority of the instrumentation in the song, but there are some stillness during the song’s quieter moments. I also find the EDM, particularly during the bridge of the song, is reminiscent of EDM we heard back in the ‘00s. The whistling makes a lot of sense, and helped bring a lightness to the EDM track. The vocals made the song breezier and brought an appropriate pop melody to the song. It was a pleasant listen that I really enjoyed. (10/10)

5. Alldaylong – Another song, another genre. This time around, Alldaylong delves into city-pop. Like the genre, Alldaylong was a very light track and it also shows off the group’s ability to do more delicate songs (as I feel we associate rock and heavy EDM with the group more often). I liked the ‘surround’ sound processing that were applied on top of the vocals. It definitely made it feel more city-pop. It isn’t their most notable track on the album, but definitely a worthwhile change up in their sound. (8/10)

6. A Heart of Sunflower – Given the variety of genres on this album, I was expecting a ballad to come our way. And for this album, it comes in the form of A Heart of Sunflower. This ballad had everything when it comes to ballads. From the acoustics that started off the song and remained throughout A Heart of Sunflower, to the orchestral touch via strings, to the peak using more orchestral elements and electric guitars. The vocals are very delicate and touching. If anything, I wished the song had more harmonies. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.9/10

Summer Holiday Teaser Image

[Album Review] Empathy (1st Mini Album) – D.O (EXO)

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Half a year after he had left the military after fulfilling his civic duty, D.O unveiled his first solo mini-album since debut as part of EXO back in 2012. The album is titled Empathy, and features the title track Rose. It was released back at the end of July of this year, and features a heavy presence of acoustics throughout all of his songs. On top of that, D.O also featured an English version of the title track and a Spanish version of It’s Love, which is a side track off this album, as well. In terms of other work, D.O has launched back into acting with a confirmed role in an upcoming drama and also participated in EXO’s most recent, Don’t Fight The Feeling (both album and title track).

Empathy Album Cover

1. Rose (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review of Rose. (8/10)

2. I’m Gonna Love You (ft. Wonstein) – The next song on the album takes the acoustic but goes in a R&B direction. I’m Gonna Love You is brought to life via D.O’s perfectly suited R&B vocals and Wonstein’s rapping and vocals. There are also some harmonies within I’m Gonna Love You that makes the song even better. The melodies help bring some energy into the song, while the ‘I’m Gonna Gonna Love You’ hook is quite catchy. Altogether, it is a warm and easy to listen to track. (8/10)

3. My Love – My Love delves further into the R&B genre. Instrumentally, it is quite good but it definitely on the simpler side. So, a lot needs to be done elsewhere, and hence this burden falls on his vocals. But D.O rises to the occasions by putting a bit of oomph to his vocals as the song progresses along. It isn’t to the point of powerhouse vocals. But rather, he keeps the song balanced to the extent in which it does go, making this another easy to listen to track. I also like the intimate side of the song, which I am sure EXO-L’s and other listeners are appreciating as well. (8/10)

4. It’s Love (다시, 사랑이야) – Right off the bat, D.O brings impact with his vocals and steals the show with them in this song. The other two songs preceding It’s Love have been a bit light on, though appropriate for the styles that they were going for. But here, over an acoustic ballad instrumentation, D.O really flourishes. His ad-libs are amazing and the melodies that he brings to the song are so dreamy. (9/10)

5. Dad (나의 아버지) – Dad is another ballad, a song dedicated to fathers. This time the acoustic guitar is accompanied with a bit more in the instrumental department, including piano, percussion and orchestral elements. The vocals are superb. In Dad, D.O is significantly more emotive and captivating. And this just makes the message of the song so much more meaningful. I also like how his vocals build in this song, making it a powerful number, as well. (10/10)

6. I’m Fine – The ‘final’ song on the album is I’m Fine. Compared to the rest of the mini-album (aside the title track), I’m Fine is slightly more upbeat and brighter. It adds a bit of a different colour to the album, which I am appreciative of. Like the sound, the vocals also go in a different direction and I like the development of his vocals in I’m Fine. The reassuring tone in subtly jazzy instrumental, the hefty vocals from D.O and the fulfilling vibes of I’m Fine makes it a strong ender. (8.5/10)

7. Rose (English Version) – Click here to listen to the English version of Rose.

8. Si Fueras Mía – Click here to listen to the Spanish version of It’s Love, Si Fueras Mia.

Overall Album Rating – 8.6/10

Empathy Teaser Image

[Album Review] SWITCH ON (8th Mini Album) – ASTRO

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In this weekend’s album review blitz, I am hoping to review a bunch (and by a bunch, I mean 8 albums) of albums that have been on my plate for a while. First up is ASTRO’s SWITCH ON, which dropped at the start of August (making this one of the more recent album releases to be reviewed this weekend). It features the titled track After Midnight, which also dropped on the same day. SWITCH ON and After Midnight follows the release of All Yours and ONE in April of this year.

SWITCH ON Album Cover

1. After Midnight (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for After Midnight. (8.5/10)

2. Footprint (발자국) – Footprint is a favourite of my on this mini-album. It taps into the tropical house, but the members’ vocals incorporate a laidback tone into Footprint. I particularly liked the autotuned lines that as part of the chorus, given they were quite sleek and provided a refreshing element to the song. In the first verse, it served as more a pre-chorus with no instrumentation in the background. For the second, it was blended into the chorus with the use of instrumentation, giving the chorus added definition and refreshing colour. For the third chorus, its deliver was a mixed approached, acting like your typical launcher into the chorus but also forming the body of the chorus. This kept Footprint interesting and non-repetitive. (9/10)

3. Waterfall – If you were like me and found Footprint to be laidback, then Waterfall is even more so. The initial few seconds of Waterfall felt like the song was going to be a ballad. But after that surprise high note, Waterfall emerged as mid-tempo pop track, even though their vocals went into a balladry direction. This slight mismatch doesn’t deter me from enjoying the song, however. The harmonies and melodies were really nice, the instrumentation was beautiful and the members really put their vocals on full display. (8/10)

4. Sunset Sky (노을 그림) – Another nice sounding track. Like what the title suggests, I can definitely see myself listening to Sunset Sky while watching a sunset or whilst on a walk outside during a nice pleasant evening. I liked the acoustic side of the song, which (to me) gave the song a nice golden hue. The vocals complimented this and the rapping fitted in well, as well. The melodies within Sunset Sky were also quite warming. Altogether, I felt everything contributed towards Sunset Sky’s soothing and laidback atmosphere. (8/10)

5. MY ZONE – MY ZONE returns the album to the EDM front, tapping into trap sub-genre. MY ZONE is another strong song from the group, especially after a number of laidback songs. I particularly enjoyed the chorus for this release. I liked the deep and breathy start to the chorus, and the energy that the chorus ended up developing into was quite fulfilling. While it was very electronic-based, there was a bit of a funkiness to it as well, which made it even more enjoyable. I also feel that MY ZONE really let the rappers of ASTRO (JinJin and Rocky) show off some flair and energy with their delivery. (9/10)

6. Don’t Worry – Ending the album is Don’t Worry. The start made it feel like it was going to be a dance track. But I was left wondering where that feeling went during the first verse, which felt rather plain for me. But as they started driving towards the chorus, you could hear the synths to kick back in. The chorus was just how I had expected it, with a strong hook and vivid instrumentation. The rest of the song continued the momentum of the first chorus, allowing Don’t Worry to be another strong release and ender for the group. I also liked how it had a tinge of reassuring emotion, which complimented the lyrics of Don’t Worry. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.6/10

SWITCH ON Teaser Image

[Review] Sticker – NCT 127

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NCT 127 is back with their new single and third (!) studio album, which shares the same name, Sticker. This the unit’s first Korean comeback since their participation in NCT’s 23-member lineup promotions for their 2020 album, NCT 2020 Resonance (Part 1 and Part 2). Since then, NCT 127 have regrouped on two occasions – for the release of their second studio length Japanese album Loveholic (which featured Gimme Gimme as the title track), and for the collaboration with Amoeba Culture (Save). They have also been confirmed for future promotion via a repackaged album for this release. There is not confirmed release date yet, so I guess we have to wait around. Until then, here is my review for Sticker.

Without a doubt, Sticker is an interesting song. I don’t know what I was expecting for this release, but I honestly did not expect this – a dulled, oddly pieced and disjointed release from the group. When I first heard the song yesterday, I was making some really weird faces towards the instrumentation (think of faces when someone trying a certain dish or food for the first time, and you know based on their expressions that they do not like it – that was me). I attribute to this to mainly one element in Sticker, the shrilly and almost-screechy flute in the background. It was an element that remained throughout the song and hence that screechy impression remained throughout the song for me (though I will admit that I am slowly becoming desensitized to it – not entirely sure if that is a good thing or not). In the verses, I felt a disconnect between vocals and instrumentation. It was quite noticeable, though it isn’t the end of the world for me. One positive of this disconnect is that the vocals and raps were on full display, and it was an impressive and clear display. The disconnect also evolved into disjointed, when we speak about the specific segments of the song (i.e. verses, chorus, pre-chorus, bridge etc.). Sticker was just not cohesive. It tried to be, that was clear. But it just didn’t work out, given that every part appeared distinct from one another. Something to blend everything together would have been nice The chorus was slightly better thanks to the melodies, but that screechy flute reappeared and brought back that initial feeling I had about the song. I am also not a fan of how they delivered the title, Sticker, as the main hook in a drawn out fashion that took any potential fun out of the hook for me. But it isn’t all bad news for Sticker, however. I thought the orchestral pre-chorus and the bridge (which for me includes the ‘Roll up to the party‘ dance break) were promising segments of the song. The orchestral touch was an interesting backdrop for the rappers, but it worked somehow and the bridge has clean vocals and rapping, whilst the background was smoothed out sans the flute (the instrumentation in the bridge masked the shrilly nature, which helped). Overall, the disjointed and disconnect within Sticker made it dulled and incohesive.

The music video for Sticker was much better than the song. Futuristic cowboys seems to be the concept that NCT 127 had gone for this comeback. Their outfits brought the western cowboy image to life, and more so in a modern way. Cowboy hats, boots and lassos were all present in the music video. Even Mark’s spinning guns at the end were quite reminiscent of cowboys. The sets of the video brought in that futuristic side, thanks to the neon and city lights we see in the video. The cinematography and post-production for this music video was definitely on the cool side, and helped made the video feel dynamic without going too crazy elsewhere.

Knowing how KPOP likes to relate choreographies to the entire comeback, I wasn’t too sure how Sticker would have been be portrayed in the choreography. It appears that NCT 127 represent Sticker as the slow ungrasping of hands, which I guess might hint towards sticky hands. They also mimicked the pulling up of stickers from the release liner (I had to google what that smooth backing was called) with their hands towards the start of the chorus with the zoom in and zoom out sequences. I thought these worked really well. The rest of the choreography looked fine to me.

Song – 5.5/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 7/10
Overall Rating – 6.6/10