O. M. G. Kpoppers of the Universe, can you believe all of the excitement of the last several months!!! I mean, I think I am dead over here (not literally, but my feels are off the charts!!). So many artists came back during the fall, starting in September and still continuing. What is this industry doing to us!! It's just comeback after comeback, week after week! I love it but it is also breaking the bank a bit.
I mean, it all started with Infinite (at least in my opinion), continued with GOT7, SHINee, BTS, then VIXX comeback and EXO-CBX debut with Monsta X thrown in there somewhere, and then B.A.P. and my Bias from Super Junior Kyuhyun releasing his 3rd EP, and finally SHINee again with their repackaged album. And there is also SM Station songs that have been released that are receiving lots of love from as well.
Where to start? I guess with Infinite. Stay tuned as I work my way through this long list of comebacks to listen to and review!
(http://kprofiles.com/shinee-members-profile/)
As always, leave a comment or a thought! Were you guys also overwhelmed by the amount of comebacks that happened over the last several months, or do you have your one or two groups that you support and only focused on? Let me know!! Who's your favorite group or your favorite comeback stage? I know I was most excited for Infinite and SHINee, but I was looking forward to all of the groups I mentioned and some I did not mention.
Sorry EXO-Ls! I meant to post this a while ago, but I forgot to hit the publish button... Whoops!
Anyways,
I am sure you guys have already heard and bought EXO's new album EX'ACT and Lotto. I have as well!
I was a little worried when they announced EXO's comeback with a double title track, but after hearing both, I was excited and looking forward to hearing the rest of the album, which did not disappoint.
It is refreshing to hear EXO doing two different types of electro-pop dance songs, "Monster" having a darker vibe than "Lucky One". "Monster" is a dance song with loud vocals. "Lucky One" is a song with a funky R&B electro-pop song. I really liked the concept for both songs and was super glad that they included their superpowers again in the video for "Lucky One". Kai did a great job with his dance while trying to escape the women robots(Is that what they were?). But then why didn't he take Lay and teleport away? That wouldn't have looked as cool I guess, but it would've have matched his superpower...But then I felt bad for Lay because he is a healing unicorn, so his only defense was a flower that caused the robot to explode. On the other hand, it really isn't poor Lay because he still kicked ass (or butt for some). Killing them all (and us) with their sexiness and amazing good looks.
There was one part that I did not understand. Why did Xuimin and Suho stop to drink glasses of water? Were they so thirsty from running away that they had to stop and refill? Heehee.
In the songs, the vocals are good, especially Baekhyun and Chen's. I feel like there was some improvement from the last album. The vocals all-around are stronger and the overall tones from the group sounded more mature. They no longer seem like a rookie group!
Of course, the album includes a Korean and Chinese version of each song.
The album as a whole seems to fit the theme of "Monster" and "Lucky One", like having a robotic feel with the song "Artificial Love" and "White Noise" with electronic beats. (I say robotic because the songs have a basic electronic and machine generated sound, like a robot. But also the music video was about the EXO getting away from the robot women.)
Then there's "Cloud 9" and "Heaven", which suggests the titles could go together, but they seem to differ quite a bit. "Cloud 9" starts with a change in voice between what sounds like Chanyeol and Sehun and into a deeper electronic voice, keeping with the robotic theme from "Lucky One". "Heaven" begins with Chen and a piano striking the keys intensely. I imagined the song to be light and airy, but it is more like a hip-hop and pop song mixed together, with solid rap sections and load as well as soft vocals throughout.
My favorite songs from the rest of the album are "Stronger" and "One and Only" mainly because of the vocals and Chanyeol's deep voice seeping throughout the songs either through singing or rapping. I don't know why I like these songs better than others off the album, but it certainly does not mean I don't like the others.
Lotto: Repackaged
So then that leaves the repackaged album Lotto.
"Lotto" was really good, up to par with the other title tracks. The song sounds like something that could be played at an underground nightclub with "high-end champagne".
Sorry, I was trying to be funny...
Anyway, the song has a hip-hop vibe going and to add to it are the sounds of cash registers throughout the song, with adds a certain "umph" to the song, as if say "Lotto" wasn't enough. It really makes you want to get up and dance along.
In addition, they released 2 other songs with "Lotto". "Can't Bring Me Down" and "She's Dreaming", also with a Korean and Chinese version. Woohoo.
"Can't Bring Me Down" has a rock feel with EDM mixed with it. The combination gives the song a dark feeling like you're kneeling on the ground almost defeated and you're going to get up with a fiery determination.
Then you have "She's Dreaming" which was co-written by Chen. It is the total opposite of "Can't Bring Me Down". It's like a slow ballad-pop song with an amazing variety vocals, and then there is a muffled break where Chanyeol raps, giving it an even softer feel for the song. I think I love these songs as well. Both are vary appealing to the ear and strike different cords within us.
Well, that's it for EXO.
What did you think of the album and the repackaged album? I loved the photos from both albums. The live performances were exciting to watch too.
Comment below what you thought or how you feel or whatever. Or tell me if one song sounded better in one language or the other.
Hello Kpoppers of the vast internet! Starlights! The Kings are back with a new dark concept. They finally released the music video for "Fantasy" today!
With the teaser pictures they released leading up to their concert and the release of the EP, they really look like they could be Princes of Hades.
"Fantasy" is strangely and darkly catchy. At first, I couldn’t comprehend what I was listening to, but it was so intriguing that I had to have another listen. After another listen I liked it, especially after having watched the mv earlier this morning.
The EP includes three songs: Fantasy, Love Me Do, and 나비흐과 (Butterfly Effect). All three songs were co-written by Ravi. I am continuously surprised by Ravi’s musical ability because of his diversity in songs. He helped write a dark ballad, a catchy slow EDM song, and a sweet slow song, not to mention he also co-wrote the songs for Zelos as well. Way to go Ravi!!
Fantasy has a dark piano introduction with a husky-toned Ravi and sweet adlib from Leo to begin the song out. Ken’s deep voice back to Leo’s high tone. I really like Hongbin's and Hyuk's part, playing off each other. Then at the end with N's beautiful voice with sorrow or desperation,it's just... ah... It's a good way to end the song.
All of the songs have a certain appeal. Fantasy has a certain dark vibe that makes you want to listen to it continuously. I like Love Me Do because of the addictive to the catchy beat. Then Butterfly Effect has a particular slowness to it that you could take a stroll while listening to the beautiful notes that each member sings in the song.
The Music Video was released today, which is super epic. I love the dark background with the vines and them dancing in the woods. They really do look like they are in the underworld and roaming around in that realm, dwelling on a love that could not be. I like the outfits too, even though they stuck with black and white outfits. Compared to Dynamite, not quite as colorful. I am not a big fan of the choreography for this music video. Maybe because I didn't see a lot of choreography compared to other videos or what. I think if I saw them perform it on MusicBank or M Countdown! I might change my mind... There were some interesting dance moves, but it looked kind of complicated in the MV. Here's the link to the music video.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuaRdAozUI0)
What did you think of it? Comment below!
~Andie
P.S. UPDATE 11/15/16: I have to admit, after watching them perform the song live and dance, the dance grew on me, but it is still not my favorite dance sadly. I think the "Love Me Do" dance is one of my favorites.
Oh my goodness, I have been on a long hiatus... so I am here to catch up on a few posts that I had ready to go but forgot to post.
First up...!
Starlights, Vixx had a comeback in April and is the first of three. This track has an upbeat sound with dark lyrics. The different elements of music are really amazing too and work well within the song. You have the popular pop music chorus with a slower ballad-like bridge that leads right back to the upbeat quick chorus.
The Zelos EP is only three songs (four if you count the instrumental version of "Dynamite"). The lyrics for all three songs were co-written by Ravi.
This is also just one of three EPs they will be releasing. From the picture below, you can see that one-third of the mirror or pendant has been filled in.
Their title song "Dynamite" is an upbeat song about obsessing over a love. There are powerful vocals that work well with the music. One thing I particularly like is that during Ravi's rap part his sings a little with Hyuk and it sounds good. It would be nice if there were more harmonies and two people singing together more often in the songs (and not just Leo and Ken).
In the music video, they used the chalk or powder (or whatever they use to make the colored clouds) well. The colors they used in the music video really made it stand out at certain parts. Especially closer to the end of the music video when the colored chalked shoots up and the Vixx members begin beating up the mannequins. I really like that we were able to see N show off some solo dance moves in the MV. I am excited and looking forward to seeing if N or Hyuk will have more solo dance shots in future MVs. I was also happy to see that Hongbin got more than one line in the song. Looking forward to seeing more singing from Hongbin!
One complaint about the dance from the music video. The dance is cool, but when the members turn away from the camera and the audience during the chorus, no one can see their faces... face us Oppas! (Just kidding!)
That was the one thing I did not like about the choreography. The rest of it seemed playful and strong.
Below is the video for "Dynamite"!
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bnIb1JJHdA)
Let me know what you thought of the song and/or the dance.
Hello Kpoppers of the vast internet, Boice, everyone, have you heard CNBLUE's new album Blueming? It's pretty good! I love the way that made the title of the album represent spring; it's cute and very ready for spring! I love that with some albums they include the word blue. I also think that the album could be CNBLUE blooming into a new set of songs that are original and still have the CNBLUE sound. It could also represent their new concept of looking like boyfriends. I love this concept of theirs because they have never been in casual clothing, so it was a refreshing for them. (https://twitter.com/cnblue4ina/status/714676161763262464) The music video reminds me of other videos that other groups have done, the group of boys looking and trying to get the attention of a girl. She clearly wasn't interested (well except for at the end, she went back to Yonghwa), but it was cute to see the boys of CNBLUE do the same thing as other groups. It was fun seeing the boys play characters who are somewhat youthful and being young men looking for a girlfriend. The overall album sounds like the beginning of a love, kind of walking through the relationship's up and downs. It moves from a new budding love to continuing in the relationship and then transforms into a breakup and then into a makeup in the series of the 5 songs. So if you are feeling a series of mixed emotions, this album is for you.
Listening to "You're So Fine" first is like seeing a person and falling in love with them. It has a blossoming feel- with an upbeat jazz/pop sound with a strong drum beat and backup trumpets.
"The Seasons" feels like the song where you start to date the person and everything is going well. With soft vocals and clapping along with an acoustic guitar. It's a feel good song. It was also co-written by Lee Jong Hyun.
"Young Forever" is a song that continues further into the relationship, not quite cheerful, but content. It has a youthful song that anyone can enjoy. Another acoustic guitar with a soft modern pop feeling to it. "Without You" seems to be the breakup song, beginning with an alternative pop sound. It was co-written by Lee Jung Shin. It seems like Yonghwa sings as if trying to convince himself that he can get over the love, by repeating the words "I can live without you". The electric guitar solo seems to be the part that changes it from convincing to believing.
Finally "Stay Sober" (international Boice get ready) is in all English! The lyrics are well written and match the tone of the song. The strong vocals and the steady drum and backing guitar makes the mood that he (or she) is trying to get back together with their ex or even mend the fractured relationship. It is the only song that I think sounds like a rock song. This song reminds me a lot of an American band's music, Oasis. Just the vocals and the way the guitar is being played gives that unique and cool sound, like that of Oasis. It's nice to hear the diverse music from CNBLUE.
Please show some love to the CNBlue boys! Comment below your thoughts and other interpretations of the songs. Until next time my Kpoppers of the vast internet, ~Andie
I thought I would report this piece of news with you all because it has to do with two of the idol groups that I adore.
Kai from EXO and Krystal of f(x) have been confirmed to be dating! The new couple works under SMEntertainment, the company being the one to release the official announcement.
Hello E.L.F.s and other Kpoppers of the vast internet,
Have you seen the news about Ryeowook?!
He's enlisted for the army! He enters sometime in June! So sad! :'(
(Picture taken from http://www.soompi.com/2016/01/04/industry-insider-says-super-juniors-ryeowook-will-debut-this-month-sm-responds/)
That means there will be six members out of the group at one time. E.L.F., what will we do until they come back. That means not subunit can perform! (Unless a new subunit is born??)
But that means my bias is the next member to go to the military....
Why SM? Why are most of the boys missing??
What are your guys' thoughts?
Let me know in the comments below. I know I am sad to see another member go into the military before another comes back.
I am here again to bring you updates on the latest music from the Kpop world. So here is the new music!
Rookie group DAY6 just came out with their new mini album DAYDREAM. I love the theme continuing in their albums, The Day and DAYDREAM. It is cute and I love it.
Their lead track: “Letting Go” is full of sorrow and can be interpreted as moving on from losing a member, which is unfortunate because I liked the concept of having to keyboardist, but the show must go on and I will keep rooting for these rookies.
I like the concept they went with this time, which was a breakup song but focused on their individual instruments rather than a storyline. I found the lighting to be very interesting, to go from a whitish background to a dark blue background. I think that it shows the conflicting emotion of the song, the wanting to stay with a person versus having to leave the person because no one is happy in the
relationship.
The emotion of the song is so peaceful and yet so heartbreaking. The harmonies in the beginning of the song were excellent, which carry over to the chorus and bridge of the song. I like that each part
I especially liked the style of shooting that they took. The members would film a certain scene and then film the same scene but doing something different and then overlapping the videos to show them at the same time. It was very interesting like it was showing their contrasting selves. Being all shades of happy or depressed.
The album overall was good too, my favorite being “Sing Me”. “Sing Me” is a soft song that grows with each beat that passes in the song, turning into a slow techno song with great vocals and rap. It has a strong bass pedal.
Ever song had a different tone and a different feeling, from sad and broken hearted to getting over something with courage or confidence to good mid-tempo dance song that can bring the listener to their feet. “Blood” is the song that I would describe as the mid-tempo dance song, which does remind me a bit of Maroon 5. It really gets the blood going! (Sorry, bad pun.)
“Wish” is another song that can get the audience up on their feet, with an uplifting beat that would make people wish they can capture something that seems unobtainable in life. Then there is “Hunt”, which is a jazzy, upbeat 80s rock and roll song mixed with a surf-like song. It has all of the good components from each song in this song. It doesn’t sound as cheesy as most surfing songs sound like. “First Time” is the song I would describe as the confident, break-up song.
Overall, I like the album and even bought it. The songs are good when driving, especially when played softly. (Which is something that I have been doing over the past couple days).
Below is a link to their video!
(Taken from DAY6's official youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-1TGNmQqZA)
MeU, have you guys heard of Amber's new song, "Borders"?
I have and listened to it on repeat during the last 24 hours. This song is something so new and emotional that I think everyone in the world should listen to (at least once). Amber should hold the title song of the year, and it's only March! This song carries so much emotion and truth and realness. I cannot believe how, as she said, Raw this music is. I think it comes from a place where everybody has said and can relate to. I am just amazed by the work and music and talent that came from Amber. Words cannot describe my first reaction to this song (even though I have several written in the space above).
Please spread the word about this song. Let all your kpop and non-kpop friends listen to it. (It's in English, so there is no excuse to not listen to it).
Way to go Amber! Keep on being you!
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNT-zFJKifI)
Until next time Kpoppers,
~Andie
P.S. go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNT-zFJKifI for the video and message that Amber posted along with it.
Hello Kpoppers of the vast internet and especially Shawols,
As stated above, SHINee will be having their first fanmeet in the USA on May 8th in Chicago, at the Rosemont Theatre.
(http://www.subkultureent.com/shineeinchicago)
Who is excited? Who's going?
I know I am so excited!!! I can't believe they are going to come on their own and do a fanmeet. :)
I really hope they add more fanmeet dates in the USA. I really hope (and may be hoping for too much) that SHINee comes to Portland, OR and Seattle, Wa. The Northwest doesn't see too many (if any) Kpop acts, so this would be amazing!
More info like ticket prices will be released soon, thanks to SubK.
Go here for more info or stay tuned and I will fill you in.
IGOT7s, have you already seen GOT7's new music video "Fly"?
With their new music video and stages coming up, who will be rooting for this groups first place wins? I know I am!
Before watching the music video, watch the trailer, which is super cute and portrays how GOT7 usually acts in their show "Real GOT7", joking and playing around with one another. It is the highlight of their album.
The "Fly" music video was very interesting and very GOT7! I liked it. The song was more rap than an even mixture of rap and singing like they usually do. The arrangement was also different from other GOT7 songs. It was the rappers who took the lead for this song (rappers being Jackson, Mark, Bambam... and sometimes Yugeum?) versus when JB, JR, and Youngjae have the lead vocals. I definitely liked the vocal arrangements for this song and to see GOT7 show another side of themselves.
I liked the choreography from what we could see from the video. It really reminded me of flying because of the fluid and light movement that they demonstrate throughout the video. The jumping around also helps a bit when it comes to looking like your flying. :)
But I really like the scenes where the members really look like they are flying and soaring around with one another. The acting was on point and I could really feel JR's emotions while watching the video. I really like the part where everyone minus Jackson are flying together, but suddenly Mark and the others pull up and JR continues to fall. It was a scary moment or me because he just kept falling and could see the fear and confusion on his face.
*Good job JR!!*
I wonder if they will have a continuation of the video or not...
Anyway, here is the link to the video on youtube. Check it out and let me know what your thoughts are on the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4vFviZ4qw0
More news today, Eric Nam is said to be releasing a new album called Interview on March 24th.
Just one week away!
(Picture was taken from http://www.koreaboo.com/news/eric-nam-excited-return-music-interview-mini-album-march/)
I can't wait to hear his new music because it has been about 3 years since his last album, titled Cloud 9. However, between then and now, he has had a few singles like "Melt My Heart" and a new duet with Wendy called "Spring Love". So Cute!
As a side note for people who don't know Eric Nam, he is the host of a Korean show called "After School Club" along with Kevin Woo and Park Jimin.
Who is excited for Eric Nam's comeback after 3 years? I know I am.
Hello Kpoppers of the vast internet, Boice, this news is for you! CNBlue will be putting out their next album in early April! Yay!
(Photo was taken from www.hellokpop.com)
Of course, the date had yet to be sent. Their company FNC says that the group has been working on the songs. They were taking the lead of the concept and song choices for the upcoming album. Exciting news since their last album was released just 6 months ago, titled "Cinderella". Go here to watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkY8I7s_TOA What kind of concept will they have this time? Stay tuned and we will find out! ~Andie
GOT7 will be releasing a new album on March 21st. It is called "Flight Log: Departure". I can't wait to hear it.
However, it seems like they will be going up against Eric Nam and his new album "Interview" out on March 24th. It will be an interesting few weeks with their new albums coming out so close together. Will they go up against each other and who will win? I like both, so I will be content with either really.
Got7 has been releasing their teaser photos and I will post some here for you, starting with my bias and Leader JB.
and then Jr. (following the JJ project line)
Maknae (youngest for people who don't know what Maknae means) Yugyeom
Manly Bambam
Vocalist Yongjae
"Wild and Sexy" Jackson
and Finally Mark, the oldest member
(All pictures are from JYP's GOT7's twitter account: GOT7_JYP)
You can check out bigger pictures on the twitter page at
Any thoughts on the orange jacket theme? Maybe it is supposed to mean that they are the people who direct the planes when exiting and entering the gates at the airport. I don't know, just a thought.
Anyways, GOT7 also has a teaser out for the music video. Have you guys seen it yet? The members of GOT7 have been showing their excitement through their social media accounts, like Instagram and twitter. They even posted pictures of their schedule for the new album.
I posted it as well for IGOT7s gearing up for the album release date as well as the live stages!
(All pictures are from JYP's GOT7's twitter account: GOT7_JYP)
This is my first blog, so I thought I would start it out with one of my bias groups and who better than SHINee’s Taemin! He just came out with a new album called “Press It” with the lead song “Press Your Number”, which is an Urban Pop song that catches the dance vibes in people’s bodies. Bruno Mars and the Stereotypes helped write the song while Taemin contributed to the lyrics. As a side note, Taemin didn’t actually meet Bruno Mars, which is sad because it would have been awesome to see them collaborate together.
“Press Your Number” Music Video
The music video is really interesting because of the storyline that Taemin robs a liquor store and kidnaps a girl. Is it her being kidnapped, or Taemin? He revealed in the days before the release of the music video that the blue roses mean it is not a part of reality. Interesting. After watching the video, I think that it is about Taemin fantasying about robbing a liquor store, running from the police, kidnapping the girl in order to forget about the girl that broke up with him. In the end, I think what really happens is that he drives recklessly because of the breakup and crashes, becoming confused in hopes that he can forget the girl? Or crashing and then burning the car to forget the girl to cover up the robbery in which he might have done…? It’s hard to say but those are my thoughts on it.
I did notice one thing that reminded me of another video. The beginning of the video has the same color hues and the ringing of an old-fashion telephone reminds me of F(x)’s “Red Light” video. The problem is, I cannot find the directors of either video to compare them. So, I will say that this might be the director’s signature, and if not then I don’t know- it’s just a coincidence.
I also like the dancing scenes; they were very sharp and on point. It was nice seeing Taemin dancing with other backup dancers. It shows his adaptability. He is learning new styles of dance and choreography with other dancers.
His acting was very impressive since he typically does not act. He portrayed a bad boy with a cold personality. It was a side we don’t usually see, which was nice to see the diverse expressions and faces. I hope he does more acting in the future.
Another thing about the music video was that it was shot in Los Angeles. (Yay!!) It was cool to see Taemin go outside Korea, filming at a location that had the same urban feel as L.A. I also liked the denim outfits that he wore, not just for “Press Your Number” but also “Drip Drop”. It was refreshing to see Taemin in this style of clothing.
(Screen Shot from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsOGiTSZ_cg)
As a side note, there was one thing that I would like to add, not in a malicious way. After showing this video to my aunt who is familiar with Kpop but not a fan, she noticed the purple/ maroon-ish suit that Taemin wears during the video. She did not like it nor thought it would be appealing to Americans if he wanted to perform in America. She said that the suit reminded her of a Prince suit from “Purple Rain”. I agree that it was not my favorite outfit from the video, but it did fit nicely with the room and air of majesty.
(Screen Shot from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsOGiTSZ_cg)
Album Review
The album overall is amazing. It really shows Taemin as a growing singer and dancer. From the first song, with the funky quick beat of “Drip Drop” to the final soft piano song of “Hypnosis”, there was an emotional ride through every song within the various types of songs displayed in this album. I was most impressed with the song “Already”, which was a song written by SHINee’s Jonghyun. Taemin revealed that he wanted the song and pestered Jonghyun until Jonghyun finally gave it to him. I think “One By One” was written for the fans. This was also a good song because of the guitar, which made the song better and different from his other songs on the album. “Soldier” was another one of my favorites because of the emotion that Taemin poured into the lyrics that matched the accompanying powerful and then soft strikes of the piano keys. Not to mention, this was Taemin’s first song that he wrote. It not only demonstrates his composition skills and emotion but the vocal training that he has continued through the years since before his debut with SHINee.
As I pointed out, “Soldier” and “Already” are my favorites of the album, as well as the leading track “Press Your Number”. I am finding myself listening to these songs over and over again. As a concluding note, I think Taemin has shown a lot of growth between his first album and his first EP- “Ace” and leading track “Danger”.
Please, go and take a listen to this album and let me know what you think!
(http://www.soompi.com/2016/06/02/
and Finally Mark, the oldest member
