SHINee "1 of 1" Album and MV Review

SHINee's "1 of 1" Album and Music Video Review

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).

(Photo from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJua7KEP_oE)

SHINee gave so many good feels this comeback.

"1 of 1" Music Video Review

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.

https://www.soompi.com/2016/10/04/watch-shinees-back-1-1-mv/

"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.

(photo from: https://choicemusicla.com/products/%EC%83%A4%EC%9D%B4%EB%8B%88-shinee-vol-5-1-of-1)

"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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJua7KEP_oE

GOT7 Turbulence Album and MV Review

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.

(Taken from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLKsYKvOhJo)

Flight Log: Turbulence

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.

(Photo from: https://www.pinterest.com/ehlkayy/%EA%B0%93%EC%84%B8%EB%B8%90-got7/)

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.

~Andie

Infinite: Infinite Only and "The Eye" MV Review

Infinite Only album and MV Review

Hello my fellow Kpoppers of the Vast Internet.

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.

(:https://www.soompi.com/2016/10/25/infinite-synchronized-ever-dance-practice-video-eye/)

"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!

Also is a link to their MV " The Eye" below.

Until next time!
~Andie

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