MONSTA X with The Clan Part 2: GUILTY album and "Fighter"
Hello Kpoppers of the Universe,
MONSTA X came back withThe Clan Part 2: GUILTYand the title song "Fighter". Monsta X debuted in 2015, so they are no longer rookies, but they are still newish to the Kpop world. So for those of you who don't know of MONSTA X, the group is an all-male group and includes seven members. The members are Kihyun, I.M.Wonho, Jooheon,Shownu, Hyungwon, and Minhyuk. The overall music I would describe as EDM and dance music, but more on the Hip-Hop side.
Looking at the "Fighter" music video, I think it was well made and the dark background of the video gave the atmosphere of mystery and almost a sense of underestimation which turns into the "fighting" spirit that they sing about, which
are great. There were a couple of things that I don't know how they fit in the video, but it was interesting to look at. For example, there were the two members in the video who were in the psychiatric hospital, and then there were the guys dressed as teddy bears in the fighting ring who were knighting one of the other members. But overall the connections throughout the video didn't quite come together until the end of the video, almost like having the last few pieces of a puzzle come together and finally seeing the big picture. Also, in the end of the video, it showed that they can stand strong together as one and overcome hardships, which I think can also signify the group's progress as well as individual growth in the Kpop music world.
Alright, so moving on to the songs of the album, “Fighter” is the title song of the album, hence the music video. It sounds like a song that might be featured in a drama during a really dramatic fight scene, acting out a man fighting for the woman he loves. The song has awesome vocals for it being a song that is supposed to be pumping you for a fight. When I listen to this song it really reminds me of the training scenes from the ‘Rocky” movie. It is complete with electric guitar and boxing rink bell.
Next is “Be Quiet”. It is anything close to quiet. When I saw the title of this song I thought it would be a nice soft ballad. NOPE! That it Monsta X for ya. It has dubstep, a loud bass, and synthesizers to complete intense song.
“Blind” really shows the individual member’s vocals and a nice in and out of singing and rapping. I like that there was some rapping towards the end of the song, rather than just singing the chorus twice in a row or something. I really like the first part of the chorus where they sing “bli-i-i-ind”, it just sounds cool. Speaking of blinds, I had to look up the lyrics because I had no idea what they were taking about because the song sounded mysterious and a bit on the sexy side to be honest. I originally thought the song was talking about going blind (and it kind of is), but they also sing about hiding behind some blinds. Interesting.
“Queen” really sounds like a “Monsta X” song. What I mean is it has that same sound like their debut song “Trespass”. The hard dubstep and TRAP-like sound. If you listen to “Trespass” you will kinda understand that sound I am talking about. The difference between “Queen” and “Trespass” is that there are improved vocals that are more powerful in “Queen”, which shows their improvement.
“하얀소녀 (White Girl)” or “White Love” really through me off because of member who leads the song off, I think is Minhyuk, it sounds like L from Infinite. But then I realized his voice has a lower pitch. But the song was a pleasant surprise because they went with an acoustic ballad. It was really pleasing to my ears. I will say that the rapping members, I.M. and Jooheon, when they sang, I so enjoyed the bass that they add to the song, because they can sing lower notes and the other members really let them shine by hitting the higher notes. The chorus before the final chorus of the song is what really did it for me in this song; I am a serious sucker for hearing the whole group sing part of the song together and hearing the harmony between their voices just makes the song that much better. This has to be my favorite song from the album.
*I have just found out that Jooheon and I.M. wrote the lyrics for "White Love"… WTH! It is soooooooo good! And every song on the album they had a part of creating the lyrics.*
Finally, the last song for Guilty is “Roller Coaster”, which I think is a perfect fit for this album because we heard a “roller coaster” of songs that brought the emotions up and down. The beginning sounds like the start of a Backstreet Boys song or something. The song has a playful and groovy sound. It sounds like a song you might find at a more modern amusement park, just a song that is simple and you can relax and enjoy.
Well, that’s it for Monsta X The Clan Part 2: Guilty. Do you have any theories for the music video concept? Loved the album or a song? Just let me know in the comments below! I have included the dance practice for “Fighter” below.
This is another installment of the huge comebacks and debuts we saw last fall. This is one is geared to EXO-Ls! Did everyone see EXO-CBX's debut? Of course ya did. Why even ask? :>
Left to Right: Baekhyun, Xiumin, Chen Picture: https://www.soompi.com/2016/11/08/quiz-exo-cbx-member-soulmate/
I was surprised to hear that there would be another subunit of EXO after EXO K and M. But I like that they are showing different sides of their performances and voices. Let me rewind. The members of the sub-unit include Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. Two main (or well-known I would say) vocals and a backing vocal (I don't mean to offend Xiumin Stans, I just think that Baekhyun and Chen get more lines and singing sections than Xiumin).
The title song "Hey Mama" was very upbeat and reminiscent of summer fun, although you could say it would be more of fall fun because of the camping vibe going on in the music video. The music video was very fun and displayed some cool dance moves from the three members. The break out of office work into playtime seems to be a repeating pattern for SM artists (e.i. Super Junior M or Red Velvet even...). It seemed muted with darker colors like black and browns, but then seemed more colorful towards the end. The music was interesting to listen to, hearing the blend of EXO with only three members, especially hearing Xiumin and Baekhyun rapping. Boy was that cool. The vocals are awesome as always and we even get to hear more from Xiumin that during most of EXO songs, so I was excited to hear more from him. The song is has a great beat and if you don't know the words it is addictive enough to follow along.
So then the first song from the mini album was "The One", which I have to say sounds really good!~ Hearing Baekhyun's deep voice at the beginning surprised me, it kept me engaged from start to finish. Xiumin and Baekearhyun's rap is just, every time I hear it just shocks me because we are so used to hear the strong vocals from the trio in EXO that it is refreshing! I love hearing the cute back-and-forth chatter during the song, it gives a go break to the listeners and shows their teamwork and playfulness.
"Rhythm After Sun" has a lot of English words in the song that I had to rewind the song for a second take because I had to make sure it was English and I wasn't just hearing sounds that sounded like English! Baekhyun's line "You are my rhythm" got me, giving me a little heart squeeze! I the song sounds great, feeling like I should be taking this song and listening to it while sunbathing or something.
"Juliet" is a sweet, upbeat song that allows the boys to sing a spring/fall song and sing about their "Juliet". It was a cute song that I could see as a background song while walking with your boyfriend or girlfriend. It's a good song.
Then finally we have "Cherish". I got excited when I thought it was going to be a ballad within the first 5 seconds of the song, but then felt a little disappointed when it was another cheery dance/pop song. Although the song has great vocals, it has a beat that feels like a finale is coming, which of course fits the album because it is at the end of the mini album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOzVyVv1HtQ
Again, I know this is a bit late, but I wanted to continue reviewing these albums so that we can look back and see what was coming out, or see what we missed.
Is there an album you want me to review? What did you think of EXO's new sub-unit CBX? Wanting to see other sub-units? Let me know in the comments!
I am here to talk about the final installment of VIXX's trilogy, Kratos. This comeback was epic and fierce as hell! "The Closer" was so cool and the MV was pretty cool. The Vixx members were, except for Ken, frozen in a scene while the camera moves around them was not what I expected it. I thought the ending to the trilogy would be something like consistent moving, flashing from screen-to-screen or something. But to see the members paused in the different scenes and Ken walking around to see the different scenes was interesting. To see it through Ken's eyes first and then to see him unraveling the story behind each scene was even cooler. I have to say that this was one of the songs to watch the dance for. The guys looked so cool, elegant and chic while dancing. We get to see some of N's beautiful lines while he dances.
Ravi also did most of the lyric writing for every song on the album. How cool is that! The rest of the album was good, each song plays an interesting part in the finale of their trilogy.
Next is "Shooting Star". It is soooo VIXX. Always going back to their fans, Starlights. It's really nice to hear an enjoyable song from them that you can get up and dance to. Just a fun and happy song to listen to like if you're having a bad day.
"Good Night & Good Morning" has great falsettos from Leo and Ken and great vocals from the rest of the members (and of course Ravi who slays rapping every time)! Not only that but Ravi created the lyrics and the music for this song all by himself! How awesome! The song is a bit off (I mostly mean the beat) but good, with Ravi and Hongbin leading with the vocals at the beginning. It's also a good song that leads right into the last song.
Finally, "The Romance is Over" sounds like a breakup song (or at leat sounds like someone trying to win their lover back and knowing that the end of the relationship is inevitable). The vocals are soft and pleading, good for the ears if you're trying to go to bed or just trying to relax those tired minds of yours. Also as a side note, Leo and Ravi wrote the lyrics together and Leo wrote the music! So lovely!!
Of course, then the official last song is the instrumental version of "The Closer".
That's all for now. Until next time, keep igniting your feels, and share your response to the album or the trilogy or whatever comes to mind.
~Andie
P.S. I know these posts are several months late but I still wanted to post my thoughts about the albums...
A.R.M.Y.! Did you guys listen to all of the songs from Wings? I did and OMMO! Amazing! This album is definitely different from their other albums. They each have an individual song that they sing or rap!!! This is what I expected from Super Junior or EXO because all of the members, but it was a nice change to hear and let all of their voices be heard in their own elements. I like it. No. I... loved it! I also noticed there is a connecting thread between the songs. Some of the songs use the word "brother", so I don't know if that is a hint to their friendship/brotherhood or just a coincidence.
I'm going to start with "Blood Sweat & Tears" MV. The setting for the video was cool. The inside of the museum and seeing all the cool paintings. I love the dance scenes the most just because of the power behind the moves that we see! They certainly did not disappoint with some My favorite parts were when the colors of the video went to the pink/magenta color, the part when Jin kisses the statue (what was happenin' there?), and when we saw V's back. I think he was supposed to be a fallen Angel. Oh boy, did he look so mischievous with that killer smile! Overall, the video looked well put together and had a good flow of scenery. Oh, and we can't forget Rapmon's ENGLISH part in the music video. I didn't realize it was English until I listened to it for like the third time... still captivating.
Now for the album. "Intro: Boy Meet Evil" is a bit creepy and an interesting way of introducing the album.
"Blood Sweat & Tears" is so catchy, I didn't think that they would have a song as easy to follow along with as "Fire", but I was wrong! Each member displays a cool and sexy side to themselves in the song. I especially like that J-Hope was one of the leading voices for the chorus. Rising on my list of favorite BTS leading singles.
http://bts.ibighit.com/wings/photo.php
Now starts the individual songs of the album. First up is Golden Maknae Jungkook. At first when I heard the song, I thought there was something wrong with the track, because it sounded like it was stuck and repeating. Nope that's the start to his song. Overall, the song is good and fits his voice. Soft and husky. There's really no words for the greatness of the song. For being the maknae, he sure sets the standards for the rest of the album.
http://bts.ibighit.com/wings/photo.php
No less than Jungkook, we have Jimin with "Lie" and I have to say that it is my favorite song out of the entire album! I think Jimin is slowly climbing my bias chart for BTS. When I saw him perform the song on one of the awards programs, it amazed me because of the power and technique. Of course, his vocal in this song just match him and his range.
http://bts.ibighit.com/wings/photo.php
"Stigma" is sung by my bias V. I thought that he would sing something more upbeat and fun. However, he went with a jazzy/ R&B song and amazed me with his vocal range that he was hiding all along! I love the spoken words that broke up the high notes in the song. Beautiful! One of my favorites.
http://bts.ibighit.com/wings/photo.php
Suga is next with "First Love". His deep voice in the beginning of the song is somehow soothing and has his signature rap style intermixed. The passion of his voice really comes out in the second half of the song, when the song and rap intensifies with the speed. I usually don't like rap, but if it is Suga, Rapmon and J-hope I can listen to these songs.
http://bts.ibighit.com/wings/photo.php
Rapmon is next with "Reflection". The intro to this song really threw me off and then on top of it hearing Rapmon rapping English it really made me want to keep listening. I am not sure what else to say about this song except it is a good mixture of his singing and his rapping. The song has a very techno-y style to it.
http://bts.ibighit.com/wings/photo.php
Our J-Hope is next with "MAMA", a more upbeat rap than the rest of his members. The chorus is even catchy enough that you might catch yourself walking around sing "hey mama, I'm sorry mama" and so on! I think this another song on my list of favorites from this album.
http://bts.ibighit.com/wings/photo.php
Last, but not least Jin. I was wondering what kind of song Jin would sing since we don't hear major parts in hit song from him in general. So I when I heard him sing in "Awake", I was honestly blown away. His sweet voice beginning the song and then hitting those high notes in the chorus gave me goosebumps! I am still fairly new to BTS which means that I never imagined to hear Jin sing something like "Awake". Blew my mind!
"Lost" brings the vocal boys back together, even though they sing about losing their way. Jimin, Jungkook, Jin, and V blend their voices well, playing off of each other to create a feeling of reunion and fun. "I found my way" to loving this song!
"BTS Cypher 4" is interestingly creepy sounding. It features the rap members: Rapmon, Suga and J-Hope. The song has different rhythms flowing through the song. The boys again play well off of each other and make good transitions in the song.
The boys finally reunite in the song "Am I Wrong". A song that will certainly end up in your head after a couple times on repeat (and definitely a set of romanized lyrics to follow along with). I super enjoyed watching the shortened version on music programs.
http://bts.ibighit.com/wings/photo.php
The next one is 21세기 소녀 or for those of us who can't read that, "21st Century Girls". The song was also performed on music programs and a fun song to listen to. The choreography is so playful that you can't help but laugh along with them.
"둘! 셋! (그래도 좋은 날이 더 많기를)"or "Two! Three! is a softer song with solid rapping and great vocals. It's a good mood mellower to calm down the feels from this album. The song has a constant flow to it with no real big climax or crescendo. Good song to wind down with.
"Interlude; Wings" is the final song. I really like this song and I was actually sad that the song seems so short. I could have used another verse and chorus. It really is a good song to end the album with, wanting to listen to more and anticipate more from BTS!
Thanks for waiting for my posts. Hopefully I will be posting more often now.
Let me know if there's an album I should listen to and review. If not, just tell me what you thought of the album!
Hello Kppopers and Shawols of the vast internet. The third group up in the comeback galore list is SHINee! Whoo! (Sorry, I'm a big Shawol fan...)
Anywho, I think I will break up the "1 of 1" Album and the repackage album "1 and 1" with the music video "Tell Me What to Do" as separate posts, because the repackage has some good songs on there and I didn't want to make this post too long and bore you guys to death with just typing... (like right now probably).
SHINee's "1 of 1" album was wonderful. I love that SHINee went with a 90's concept and feel. Too bad Onew wasn't in the MV more... He did his best though and that's all we Shawols can ask for. The white background and the faded transitions really look like and early 90's music video concept. Ah, and the outfits... the outfits are what really make it a 'throwback" video.
One thing that I really liked was that it wasn't really noticeable that Onew wasn't dancing until the chorus when the other four members were dancing. It was a nice change up to switch betweenThe dance cuts were flawless.
Also, Also, ALSO... We finally got a BLONDE MINHO! Whoohoo, finally. Sorry, just had to add that. It is cool to see the guys in a video with so many girls, I think it was the first time working with so many ladies, but the interaction between the two groups was really nice.
Album Review
What I was most surprised by was how many songs were created by the members. They didn't even promote the songs as being created by themselves.
"Prism" is my favorite song from the whole album and probably in my top 10 for 2016, just full of funky beats and the dance looks amazing from the music programs. From Onew starting the song softly and progressing quickly to the chorus, it's a great display of SHINee's talents. Plus Minho singing!! Lovely work!! I am so glad we get to hear him singing, his skill has immensely improved since just a few years ago. Additionally, the music was created by Jonghyun!
Okay, "1 of 1" is so retro, I was surprised that they decided to reverse time and go with style. I love it; it totally shows a different side of guys' talents. The dance is so fitting to the guys and looks easy enough to follow along.
The same retro feel can be said about "Feel Good". It has like a movie soundtrack beat to it and has a strong beat to it. Sounds good, feels good.
"Don't let me go" sounds like an old record ballad with a new modern twist. I love the beat and the vocals of the guys, just lovely and easy to listen to. Key and Minho created the lyrics for this song as well.
"Lipstick" created by Minho, is a slowish pop song that I would listen to if I was writing a paper or something. It just has that smooth beat that doesn't really distracts or draws attention to.
"Don't Stop" has great harmonies and Minho's deep voice behind the others' singing is what makes the song so groovy. It was created by Jonghyun, Minho, and Key.
"Shift" has a dance club-like with a dark undertone in the song; it gets the listener up and dancing (or at least dancing in their chair like me right now!). Keeps you moving 'til the last beat.
"U Need Me" has a jazzy kinda a feel going, with more harmonies and a good trumpet solo. This song is just funky and a little hard to describe how good it really is.
"So Amazing" is the special track of the album and has the lovely cheerful SHINee sound that we all love to hear in each album. Minho does more singing in this song as well. Also, Taemin does what songs like a little bit of rapping and some awesome singing himself. Lastly, it was created by Onew, who knew?
Thanks for reading. Shawols out there, let me know you're there, please! In addition, if you want, leave a comment about the album, what you felt about the comeback, whatever! :)
See you next time!
~Andie
P.S. I added the MV link just in case you wanted to watch the cheesy MV again.
Got7 Flight Log: Turbulence Album and Hard Carry MV Review
Hello Kpoppers of the vast internet.
IGOT7! GOT7 was the next of the numerous comebacks of summer through the beginning of winter. And they really brought it this time around. Mostly because out of the 13 tracks from Flight Log: Turbulence, 11 are partly written and comprised of the 7 members! AMAZING! Just what we needed from the boys.
Hard Carry MV
So, the MV is pretty cool and full of excitement. I’m sure that those of you who follow GOT7, you will know this MV a continuation of Flight Log: Departure. With the members flying around and JR (or now Jinyoung) falling into the cloudy abyss. I like the story that the group is continuing with, it creates excitement and curiosity. In this case, the other guys seem to be either helping Jinyoung out throughout the MV or he was helping them until he couldn’t and then they hard carried him. The dark colors through the MV make it hard to tell what’s going on, which is a good thing because it seems to create an air confusion for the music video. The parts where JB and Youngjae are in the white area with the trees and birdcage make a nice contrast for the MV, making it seem almost like a dream state.
My Favorite part of the MV was when Jinyoung is underwater and the other members go down and get him. But this is the best part: Mark says “Hard Carry” underwater. It was so cool. I bet that the underwater part was hard on all of the members. Great MV, can’t wait until the next MV.
The album is one of my favorites from 2016. Again, about four-fifths of the album was co-written by the GOT7 members! (Yay!! ^^). The album starts out with “Skyway”. It was written by DefSoul (a.k.a JB). Beginning the album with soft EDM and Bambam’s crazy vocals. If you listen to the songs that Defsoul just released on Soundcloud, you could tell this is JB’s style. Strong EDM beats with smooth vocals. Very Nice!
“Hard Carry” of course is amazing! WOO! And the dance is hard and can only look amazing at X2 speed if GOT7 does it. The rap sections are great, the vocals matching each member well, an all-together great song that makes you feel like a badass. Also, as a side note for those of you who wonder what does “hard carry” even mean? I think they explained it as a player carrying the team. Or as Jimin from ASC (After School Club) explained it, if the group goes to a restaurant and she says to Jae (co-host from Day6) to hard carry it, he is going to pay for the whole bill.
“BOOM x3” was partially written by Jackson. It has a strong bass and EDM soundtrack. It is a soft dance song. It displays their vocals well.
“Prove it” is by JB again. The soft and strong vocals, making the listener want “little more, little more”! It’s one of my favorites from the album. Yugyeom’s singing really surprised towards the end, but it was nice.
Alright, “No Jam” is a top favorite of mine, it sounds like a dance song you would find at a house party, rather than a club. It doesn’t have the strong EDM feel, just an electronic pop sound. The Jackson’s rap part towards the end is my favorite. (The rap part with Spiderman). It was written by Yugyeom, Mark, Bambam, Jackson. They even do a rappers only version of the GOT7 official YouTube channel.
“Hey” is by Ars or Youngjae! It is really good. It’s like a sound you would find in a Rom-Com drama where the guys are fighting over a girl, one guy being like “don’t treat her badly” and the other guy all like “It’s not your business!” It’s got the serious yet goofy kinda vibe going on.
What can I say about “Mayday”? Definitely my favorite song from the album. There’s tons of emotions, great rap, breathtaking vocals. Mark speaking at the beginning stole my heart away, it was full of sorrow and desperation and urg! Just a wonderful song. It was also written by Jinyoung! I can listen to this song on repeat (and I already have) for at least an hour. Jinyoung captured everyone’s part perfectly! Love it!
Written by Mark, “My Home” feels a little cute, easy-going, talking about memories of home and being “your one and only home boy”. I wonder if this makes Mark homesick and wrote this song because of that homesickness. What do you think? Good song and easy to listen to.
“Who’s that” wasn’t created by the boys, but seems to fit right alongside the other songs on the album. Another easy-going song. I felt like the song should have been further down the track list on the album, but other than that it is a good song too.
“If” was also written by Bambam and Mark. Another cute song that displays the vocals a little more than the rap parts. A good transition song right before a sad/painful song.
Youngjae wrote “Sick” and the rap parts were contributed by Mark and Jackson. The song seemed to be made for the vocals, but the rap parts give a nice break for the strong vocals. On their official YouTube channel, they did make a video with just 4 members belting out the song. Great!
JB and Bambam collaborated on “Dreamin’” together. The chorus is my favorite part, it’s repetitive but at least I can follow along easily while singing. JB’s high notes two-thirds of the way through is my other favorite part of the song. It’s a good song to listen to while working.
“Let Me” is another favorite song of mine from the album. The vocals are so sweet and can easily wind you down from a hard day at work or school. I know I listened to this the other day on the bus ride home and instantly calmed me down from the busy day.
In general, the album was a must buy for me because I listen to every song on the album and didn’t have a single complaint. That and the guys worked so hard on this album, which you can tell through each song as they sang their best.
Thanks for reading this long post, but I hope it was helpful or at least entertaining. If not, let me know what I can do to improve.
Also, let me know what was your favorite song from the album? Was there one that made you happy or sad? Let me know below.
A link to the MV is below, so check it out.
As always, thanks for reading, see you in the next post.
Inspirit! It may be a new year and I know that I haven't been updating, but I want to go back and review infinite's album "Infinite Only". The boys worked so hard for this comeback I just had to write about it.
Music Video
The MV was so sad and powerful, with the members, who we assume have died for some reason, trying to save L ( Myungsoo) from committing suicide. Like Sunggyu, keeping him from going to the light, Hoya fighting him, Woohyun comforting him. Sungyeol pulling into the closet and being scared together. L is going through a turmoil of emotions, like fighting his way through "the eye" of an emotional storm, trying to find resolve and forgiveness. There is so much symbolism is the MV that it creates an emotional response from the audience. To root for L and to feel his pain with him. I love the differnce in the lighting between the scenes as well as L's acting, it was soooo moving!
(Taken from https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yfEIZ-l8oh8)
Album
The album was sooooo different than their last albums, including the title song "The Eye". The introduction "Eternity" is a great instrumental song that matched the mood of the album well, capturing parts of "The Eye".
"The Eye", the title track is a mix of a wild west sound with EDM and string instruments. The dance is so cool, especially with the, not one, but two dance breaks in the song! It was so refreshing to see infinite try something else! It is a difficult dance to learn because it seems that some of the dance is offbeat compared to some of their other big hits. As a side note I am thrilled to see Sungjong featured in the front dancing more. He dances really well besides Hoya during the chorus. It seems that the song and dance fit to Sungjong! :-D
Next is the song " Air". I like that is goes from a soft beginning with Hoya singing to EDM and then Sunggyu singing. The song prepares you to get up and dance (at least thats how I felt). I am also pleased with Sungjong's presences in the song, following in almost a rap style after Dongwoo, who always slays with the rap sections!
"One Day" again begins with Hoya followed by L and Sungyeol is full of very sweet singing. While listening, it feels almost like a confession song (I didn't look at the lyrics for this song) with the chorus containing strong vocals from Woohyun and Sunggyu.
"True Love" feels groovy, starting slow and then turning the heat. I love the harmonies thoughout the song. It feels like how a first true love feels like, a little slows and then moving quicker. The song even feels a little sexy to me. The vocalizations throughout give the last bit of "umph" the song needed.
OK, I have to admit, I am a sucker for sad ballads, so listening to Monologue is one of my favorites from the album. Its not necessarily that the song is sad, but listening to the lyrics (or reading along with the song in other langauges cases) it can bring tears to your eyes. The guitar solo in the middle is a perfect match for the song. And Dongwoo's part at the end was pure perfection! Loved it! I think that the song is dedicated to inspirits, giving back the love and support they have also shown infinite.
I think "Zero" is my favorite song of the album. It has the same infinite feel that fans look for in the album. Sunggyu and Woohyun great voices displayed well.
Overall, all of the members impressed me this album, becoming more present throughout the album, bring new music to satisfy fans and root even harder for them!
What'd you guys think of the album? Was there a song that stuck out to you? Let me know what you think!
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
(http://www.soompi.com/2016/06/02/
