Comebacks Galore!

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.

(http://www.soompi.com/2016/09/23/watch-got7-drops-album-spoiler-flight-log-turbulence/)

(http://www.soompi.com/2016/10/03/bts-unveils-concept-photos-jin-group-worth-wait/)

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.

(http://www.soompi.com/2016/10/17/vixx-shares-gorgeous-first-individual-teaser-photos-comeback-kratos/)



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.

~Andie

   
(http://www.kpopmap.com/18-things-only-found-infinite-the-eye-showcase/)

EXO EX'ACT: "Monster", "Lucky One", and Album Review

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.

(http://www.soompi.com/2016/06/07/exo-continues-

to-break-records-with-preorder-sales-for-exact-album/)

          (http://www.soompi.com/2016/06/02/

exo-reveals-exact-album-images-and-details/)

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.


(http://www.soompi.com/2016/08/17/exo-reigns-supreme-charts-lotto-within-hours-release/)

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.

See you next time Kpoppers of the vast internet.

~Andie

Vixx EP "Hades" Review

Vixx EP Hades

Review of Hades EP and "Fantasy" Music Video

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.

(http://www.soompi.com/2016/07/31/vixx-announces-comeback-next-release-conception-trilogy/)

"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 나비 흐과 (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.

(https://www.amazon.com/VIXX-Folded-Postcard-Sticker-Photocard/dp/B01JRK10H0)

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. 

VIXX "Zelos" Review

VIXX's EP Zelos

(http://omonatheydidnt.livejournal.com/17868663.html)

Hello my Kpoppers of the vast internet,

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.

~Andie

CNBLUE's "Blueming" EP Album Review

CNBLUE's "Blueming" EP Album Review

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.

(www.kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201604051659444601929_2)

 

"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. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAZJ_9D6lM4) 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

Idol Relationship News!

Relationship news! Hello Kpoppers of the vast internet,  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. (http://www.soompi.com/2015/07/18/shinees-taemin-exos-kai-and-fxs-krystal-show-off-gorgeous-visuals-for-w-korea/) Woo-hoo! Young kids in love.  I am super excited for them because most of the time younger Kpop idols aren't allowed to date, so it is refreshing to hear about idols dating.  What do you guys thinks? Who can believe that Kaistal became a reality? Until the next post,  ~Andie

Super Junior Ryeowook News

E.L.F. News!

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. 

Until next time,

~Andie