tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post8259943450210460715..comments2023-08-24T23:30:51.610+08:00Comments on Pop Reviews Now: The 2011 First Quarter K-Pop Report: Part 2Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00694821607097421310noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-7292708800959610302011-06-02T23:05:36.869+08:002011-06-02T23:05:36.869+08:00Hello. I would like to point out dat "intuiti...Hello. I would like to point out dat "intuition" of CN BLUE was not written by YongHwa. It is the only song in First Step that is NOT written by CN BLUE. I am not exactly their fan, but I see the need to clarify this. &Anw, cool reviews! most of them are pretty in sync with my opinions. HAHA.Shin Yeonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-22665487086956143612011-05-14T16:48:30.754+08:002011-05-14T16:48:30.754+08:00Hi firstly just want to say I'm really glad th...Hi firstly just want to say I'm really glad that you're back! I've missed your reviews though at times I must say I've to disagree with you but I guess everyone has their own opinion.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm rather embarrassed to say I'm a triple S but I haven't listened to Kim Hyung Jun's heaven when it was released and when I saw your review, I just had to listen to it and it just blew me away. The song is fantastic with just the simple piano melody it's really different than the usual kpop tunes nowadays and I really prefer these type of music.<br /><br />I know you may not have liked SS501's music in the past but now they are debuting their solo albums and I really think they have matured into great singers and they have shown everyone they are actually really talented! :)<br /><br />Sorry for this long comment ^^Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-26974814524421300832011-04-25T16:16:34.695+08:002011-04-25T16:16:34.695+08:00Back when I was in grade school, I went through wh...Back when I was in grade school, I went through what I call an extreme anime phase. I didn't only watch anime 24/7, I practically let it influence almost every aspect of my life (fashion, music, food etc.) -- I am a bit ashamed of this =)) In line with that, I got into the OSTs. While most anime OSTs where decent j-pop or j-rock songs on their own, some songs were just too embarrassing to allow into my Winamp playlists because they sounded too... anime, I guess. They're the kinds of songs meant to be opening songs to mahou shoujo anime -- nothing more, nothing less.<br /><br />I think the reason why I cannot stand Twinkle Twinkle is because I think that it falls under that category of songs without it actually being an anime theme song. This song made me think of Girl's Day as an even more dumbed down Orange Caramel (which I couldn't think seriously of for almost the same reason). I mean, I understand that cute is a popular and effective concept but I think this is going overboard and it's dumbing down pop music (and the image of these girls too).I think that it would work as a theme song to some cutesy-ass cartoon but I don't think that anyone can really take this seriously as a pop song. Seriously, overly cute songs by girl groups exist mostly to be spoofed and danced on variety shows. Apparently, I was wrong because it charts decently in Korea =__= Whatever floats their boat, I guess. <br /><br />If anything, Nothing's Over defined Infinite's fanbase and helped develop their confidence (literally the first time I heard decent fan chants for them). I personally really love the song because it's cute and lively while sounding like a pop song and without overdoing it (unlike the aforementioned Girl's Day song which is all sickeningly saccharine and tacky to me). One thing I like about it, as with almost all Infinite songs, is the instrumentals. I find them pleasant to listen to with really good earphones and so... detailed for lack of better term XD Love the sweet acoustic guitar at the first verse, which repeats during the 2nd rap break XD I agree that the verses are a bit undefined but idk, that's a little thing to me XD Perhaps one thing I'd have to say about Nothing's Over is that it might be a bit out of the range of the group (or at least some members, idk). Maybe this is why it sounds like they're struggling a bit with it live (with someone's voice cracking once in a while during the same part and the two lead vocals sometimes oversinging). I guess the only way to remedy this is more vocal training and getting them songs in their range^^ IDK, I still think that Can U Smile deserves a live performance at least once because I find it epic and well within their range :))<br /><br />I've been following Infinite from the beginning because, ngl, I really love their songs and the production quality of the albums and even their videos (thank you Woollim Entertainment -- special mention to JYPE who rejected them). I like that their songs don't sound 60% computer-generated like many songs from groups who are pitted against them. I also think that they have unlocked potential, teamwork and dedication (they have to at least have a lot of the last two in order to achieve that synchronization we've come to know and love XD). You're right in saying that they're not as ~naturally gifted~ in singing but are working on it and getting better. And you're also right in saying that it's only a matter of time before they get famous XD They're besting all the groups the media tries to make them rivals with :))<br /><br />I wish CN Blue would promote the other stuff in their album too. I know that the I'm A Loner sound skyrocketed them to fame but music shouldn't be formulaic when it could be dynamic, like the other songs they have. And yes, I miss Jonghyun's voice. I wish Yonghwa (or the company for that matter) would let him be lead vocals once in a while. <br /><br />lol sorry, long comment is long^^;;momonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-68473379042324979652011-04-23T18:06:49.413+08:002011-04-23T18:06:49.413+08:00I have never been a fan of Ukiss. In fact I had to...I have never been a fan of Ukiss. In fact I had to check online to match their faces with names to make this comment...LOL. But I must admit that "0330" is indeed stunning. Kevin's voice sounds great on this song even during their lives. I am glad that new guy Hoon was added to the group because he can sing. Seohyun, Kevin and Hoon's voices harmonize very nicely.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-18621719490287015432011-04-22T23:29:58.600+08:002011-04-22T23:29:58.600+08:00I was wondering how come u didn't review big b...I was wondering how come u didn't review big bang's tonight? Since it was released in march and all. Oh,and it'll be really nice if you could review their new album cause you're practically one of my fave KPOP blogger and it'll be really interesting to know what you have to say of that album.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-91332761851042070432011-04-21T20:36:58.658+08:002011-04-21T20:36:58.658+08:00I'm glad you're back, you're my source...I'm glad you're back, you're my source of starting point for k-pop songs, I haven't listened to a lot of k-pop songs when you were away.<br /><br />I just want to express my own personal opinion on Super Junior M's "Perfection", and I'm not trying to bash them. This is just what I felt.<br /><br />When I listened to the Chinese version of it the only thing I could think of is "This sounds so wrong". I couldn't even finish listening to it. Especially the really techno and choppy sounding bits.<br /><br />It's like I've got a big knot of frustration in my stomach and if I keep listening to it I would get so angry I'd jump up and scream "This sounds so wrong and this is not supposed to sound this way!!!"<br /><br />But when I listened to the Korean version I thought it sounds great.<br /><br />I'm Chinese and listen to Chinese songs but the Chinese version of "Perfection" just doesn't sound right to me, I don't even know why. I tried to listen to it a few more times and it still gets me angry every time.<br /><br />I'm not saying they're bad singers, because I like the Korean version. I just can't stand the Chinese version. I'm probably in the minority, please don't hit me for this. T-TMarshmellowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12024004499864977860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-6059410136086157222011-04-21T11:14:20.585+08:002011-04-21T11:14:20.585+08:00Just wanted to suggest that you listen to JYJ'...Just wanted to suggest that you listen to JYJ's In Heaven, Get Out and a few more of their newer songs ^^Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-55593432604631835162011-04-18T09:17:37.589+08:002011-04-18T09:17:37.589+08:00Hi, I have been reading your reviews for awhile an...Hi, I have been reading your reviews for awhile and I'm glad you're back! <br /> I have to say, I nearly sobbed when I heard Before You Go, and that is coming from someone who has been in love with Jaejoong's voice since forever. I have to give Homin props, they killed this one (in the best way possible).<br /> 4minute's Heart to Heart made me want to cry for the opposite reason that Before You Go did. 'nuff said.<br /><br />The only songs that I really disagreed with your opinions on were Intuition and Perfection. I honestly thought that the verses of Perfection were a little too choppy for my tastes; although the chorus, I must say, was well done. <br />Someone mentioned that yeah, Intuition wasn't written by Yonghwa. I agree totally with the fact that it sounds like I'm A Loner and that it isn't brilliant simply because it's another version of what they have been doing since their debut. But I have to say, I think they have been putting out great stuff (excluding this song). I get that you were reviewing their title song and all, but I think they deserve another listen.Karennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-36856567613621068382011-04-18T02:28:14.428+08:002011-04-18T02:28:14.428+08:00Hi :D
Love your reviews, but I noticed that you d...Hi :D<br /><br />Love your reviews, but I noticed that you didn't include DALMATION's single "The Man Opposed" that was released early this year. I actually wanted to know what you thought of the song.Mr. Cakenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-26873403405626202562011-04-18T00:33:18.105+08:002011-04-18T00:33:18.105+08:00As a huge CNBlue fan, I feel like I should add som...As a huge CNBlue fan, I feel like I should add something to your review in their defence. Firstly, you've got one thing wrong: I'm a Loner and Intuition are BOTH not written by Yonghwa but by Kim Do Hoon. Out of the 12 tracks in their album, CNBlue members only participated in the composition/writing of 10 of these songs. Intuition was NOT one of these. According to Allkpop:<br /><br />"Leader Jung Yonghwa participated in the writing, composition, and arrangement for “Love Girl,” as well as member Lee Jong Hyun in “Love Rides the Rain” and “Thank You.” “Just Please,” a track off of their Japanese single, features newly written Korean lyrics by Yonghwa as well." <br /><br />also:<br />"CNBLUE’s first full-length album, “First Step“, will have four songs that were written and composed by the leader, including “I Don’t Know Why“, “Love Girl“, “Just Please“, and “One Time“. He also wrote the lyrics for “Imagination” and “Ready and Go“."<br /><br />Therefore, I feel that your allegation of the lack of creative stretch Yonghwa has musically is misplaced. The similarities between I'm a Loner and Intuition can be placed on the actual composer of the song. <br /><br />I DO think Intuition is TOO similar in style to I'm a Loner as well and it was a mistake to promote this particular song as their promo track. I much prefer the other tracks in the album, written by the members of CNBlue actually - they are musically and stylistically more interesting to hear. But that, imo, should be blamed on the PR and management of FnC. FnC aren't particularly great at properly promoting their idol groups and highlighting their strengths. Case in point: FTIsland and CNBLue both have had their front men heavily promoted in the media while the other band members get next to no attention. <br /><br />In short, I wish you'll give the album another listen and re-evaluate your opinion on First Step considering your initial opinion is marred by faulty pre-conceptions.Fallensnownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-46287627553807349972011-04-17T18:05:46.587+08:002011-04-17T18:05:46.587+08:00Thanks for the fast reply and the clarification. ...Thanks for the fast reply and the clarification. I apologize if I sound aggravated and jumped to conclusions. I should've done more research and it's good to know that you feel the same way about the five of them together verses being separate. In my opinion, it's probably a good idea to review JYJ and HoMin material as if they were separate groups for the time being without mention of the other, I'm not suggesting anyone to give up hopes of reuniting, but just to be fair to them and not pick on them for lacking something they don't have and may not regain.<br /><br />Good job though on writing all these reviews, it gives us a different perspective of the music we enjoy and it's almost always enlightening. Welcome back and keep up the good work!RageXnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-66693392141714265122011-04-17T17:44:02.027+08:002011-04-17T17:44:02.027+08:00I'll get to replying to everything else later....I'll get to replying to everything else later.<br /><br />@RageX: Fair enough - I may seem biased and I did mention JYJ prominently. But I'd like to make a few points clear before you jump to conclusions. On my review of JYJ's "The..", I repeatedly stated that it wasn't the same without Yunho and Changmin - that it never was, and it never will be. That the songs sounded bare, that there was something missing - and that was HoMin. <br /><br />However reading back, I do think that I wasn't clear enough in asserting that I think their vocals were brilliant. When I said "it's everything they can do, and everything they were never able to do", or "there were times when certain people never got to show that they're able to do certain things" I thought people would be able to catch on to the fact that I was actually giving them praise. <br /><br />I guess we all praise people differently, and I'm sorry if I wasn't able to clearly bring it across to you. I'm not at all angry - if anything I'm thankful. I haven't written in ages and it seems as if I've lost some fundamentals and the clarity in my writing - you pointed it out! :DAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-28564555053833332542011-04-17T17:34:08.578+08:002011-04-17T17:34:08.578+08:00I've followed your reviews for a long time and...I've followed your reviews for a long time and I really respect and appreciate your insights - both praises and harsh criticisms - to Kpop music. I am well aware of your bias of JYJ over HoMin so I was really curious of what you thought of Before U Go. Quite frankly, even though I agree with like 950% of what you said (myself being a huge fan of YYJ's work), I was very disappointed with your review. Almost every single review of BUG I've read out there felt like they were obligated to drag JYJ into the conversation, and you also fell victim to the same trap.<br /><br />My biggest gripe isn't even about your opinion of JYJ being "better" singers, but rather the fact that you refused to give HoMin enough credit for how exceptional their vocals are on BUG. Even though you praised them, you still had to knock them because of your perceived superiority of JYJ, and that is grossly unfair to HoMin's talents and efforts. Say what you want about their worse technique and harsh nasal voices, but it makes zero sense to mention JYJ because they're NOT ON THIS TRACK, you don't ever mention HoMin in your JYJ reviews, so why should HoMin be treated unfairly? Why can't you judge them for what they are - two stunning voices absolutely killing an R&B masterpiece?<br /><br />In my very humble and worthless opinion, each of the five original voices of TVXQ has unique strengths and weaknesses, and it was YYJ's job to fine-tune and rebalance the vocals to fill the missing holes, and the result is pure genius because this song is perfectly tailored to HoMin (same can be said about most of the tracks on the KYHD album), it exploited HoMin's strengths to the max and making them feel and sound COMPLETE as if JYJ was never there, no disrespect to JYJ's talents but no one in the trio can do the explosive falsetto flairs like Changmin, and no one has a voice with enough attitude and grit on par with Yunho - both of which were essential to the pure magic of Before U Go.<br /><br />I don't want to start a war because that would just be foolish. I am a huge fan of TVXQ and an OT5, and I acknowledge that JYJ are better vocals because they have 3 voices instead of 2, but I will never like JYJ or HoMin separately more than the five of them together. However, what HoMin did on this album is nothing short of extraordinary. I wish you would've seen that more clearly had you not been so blinded by JYJ's brilliance.RageXnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-12246443040780747832011-04-17T16:29:02.360+08:002011-04-17T16:29:02.360+08:00I wanna cry when I read your comment about Girls D...I wanna cry when I read your comment about Girls Day "Twinkle Twinkle". I adored the song and thought that it was their second best song. I admit the 'saranghae' at the end in the background is so annoying.<br /><br />Another song I love is Lee Hae Ri's "Can You Hear Me?".I love her voice so much. Her ballads have never disappointed me before.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-43473436322764559412011-04-17T14:26:48.928+08:002011-04-17T14:26:48.928+08:00I really love "BUG" and KHJ's "...I really love "BUG" and KHJ's "Heaven"!! they're indeed stunning ^^<br /><br />I suggest you to listen to 4Minute's "Mirror Mirror" and Infinite's "Shot". I think those songs are better than "Heart to Heart" and "Nothing's Over".<br /><br />"Shot" itself is my 2nd favorite after "BTD". I really can't stop listening to it :D<br /><br />Oh there's a new boyband who's about to debut soon, named N-Train. I saw their video practicing acapella, and I think they're good, sounds like N Sync haha. (but of course not even close to OT5 DBSK!). I would really like to hear ur opinion about them :)Keisha Caryndahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08631059640757492482noreply@blogger.com