tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90176789734310048382024-03-17T14:52:30.501+08:00Pop Reviews NowNikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00694821607097421310noreply@blogger.comBlogger1159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-69187674042802963842016-06-23T23:03:00.001+08:002016-06-23T23:03:26.045+08:00MONSTA X - "걸어 All In"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a thing for reality show-formed groups, mainly they give me a glimpse into the reasons or criteria for choosing who gets to debut. They provide valuable insight into the agencies involved, which for me is important when I evaluate groups as each agency has a different plan of attack. These reality shows are obviously not 100% accurate and they're tweaked to be more TV-friendly—more drama, more people involved, and a certain aspect of audience participation. But they're important tools to raise awareness for these groups, and they show lay audiences even just a fraction of the production and preparation it takes to form a group.<br />
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So obviously, I watched "<b><i>No Mercy</i></b>." If anything, I watched it to find out how Starship thinks as an agency. I wasn't totally impressed with <b>MONSTA X</b> when they finally debuted, and their follow-up EP was consistent but not memorable.<br />
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So you can imagine my surprise when I listened to "<b><i>All In</i></b>."<br />
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Like a lot of albums, I listened to "<i><b>LOST</b></i>" knowing next to nothing, including which song was the lead single. But years of listening to Kpop singles developed my ear for them, and five seconds in I knew "<i>All In</i>" was the lead. The trendy loop was a dead giveaway, and all the effects in the background (the explosion, the sirens) plus the opening hook meant that this was a song made for stage performance. I could already imagine the music video (and my imagination was pretty accurate) and guess more or less where the flashy choreography was going.<br />
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Beyond being a lead single through and through, <b>"<i>All In</i>" is one of the best Kpop releases I've heard this year, if not the best</b>.<br />
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Being a DBSK fan makes me very particular when it comes to performance-heavy songs. The common mindset towards performance sort of overlooks the song and focuses all the spectacle on the visuals, and it's rare that I see performances like "<b><i>Rising Sun</i></b>" or "<b><i>Keep Your Head Down</i></b>" which are just as much aural experiences as they are visual. And as far as "<i>All In</i>" goes,<b> it's one of the best performance-heavy songs I've heard from their generation of groups</b>.<br />
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"<i>All In</i>" starts strong with the obligatory lead single elements: the strong hook and the rap part. But the first vocal bridge immediately shifts the song to the other end of the spectrum—a light and melodic, but not weak, build up. Then the chorus comes in and strikes the <i>perfect </i>balance between power and grace. This contradiction is extremely difficult to achieve, but MONSTA X's success speaks for itself. And unlike songs wherein it's the melody or the treatment that carries the success, in this case it's everything. The constant line breaks/short lines allow for more opportunities for the vocals to exhale, which means each line becomes a burst of power for the vocalists. On the other hand, there is variety to the line cuts—some are very short, some are a bit longer, which means on the listeners' side the chorus is nowhere near boring.<br />
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<a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2014/07/dbsk-rising-sun.html" target="_blank">I talked about multiple levels of contrast when I reviewed DBSK's "Rising Sun,"</a> but honestly up until "<i>All In,</i>" I hadn't heard K-Pop come close to that level of sophistication. While "<i>All In</i>" has less contrast in terms of over-all sound, the idea that various contradictions can exist in a single song is more than enough to make this the best K-Pop single I've head all year. There's the hard, spaced out phrasing of the hook against the melodious, graceful bridge—brought together by the fact that they're both delivered with a sense of urgency. There's the first half of the chorus with short, powerful lines and then the second half with longer, sustained melodies. There's the aggressive rap parts against the epic melodies. All these things are happening at the same time, so it's such an experience to hear—and an even better experience to see performed.<br />
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I mentioned earlier that when it comes to "<i>All In</i>," MONSTA X have a hand in the song's success as well. It's rare that you see a group that isn't eaten alive by a song as large and complex as this, but when you listen to the song and watch the performances they have it all under control. Call it a "taming of the beast," if you will. The performances are smooth, they're powerful, and every aspect is given the same amount of attention—the singing, the rapping, the dancing, the showmanship.<br />
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It's been around a month since I first heard "<i><b>All In</b></i>," but every time I listen to it I hear an amazing track, and every time I watch performances I see a song literally coming to life.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-36246006322803163542015-12-24T10:07:00.000+08:002015-12-24T10:09:04.521+08:00[#22] Shinhwa - "고양이"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84-d8YBMvRCOE0UWTfHludVADw0SJI6_5fcME5IjmFb39A4H22Km4Lx0hLJc5rgYJAczvmSHhqiOWDoXJejlQDxD4Fl5-WCQt133odpuE0DiAWweqB2_OWnxisBDOCz_slg87hoWwvD2k/s1600/Shinhwa+We.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84-d8YBMvRCOE0UWTfHludVADw0SJI6_5fcME5IjmFb39A4H22Km4Lx0hLJc5rgYJAczvmSHhqiOWDoXJejlQDxD4Fl5-WCQt133odpuE0DiAWweqB2_OWnxisBDOCz_slg87hoWwvD2k/s1600/Shinhwa+We.jpg" width="550"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From: <b><i>"We"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: <b>2012: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2012/12/31-shinhwa-venus.html">[#31] "Venus"</a></b><br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "Alright", "Sniper", "Don't Cry", "Memory"</b></div><br />
I love my old-school 90s boybands, and Shinhwa is one of those 90s boybands who've managed to survive for this long. But I think a big reason why they've stood the test of time is because they also know how to move with the times. As much as I love the bubblegum pop and BSB/NSYNC-esque of the 90s, a group who keeps giving me that will eventually run out of steam.<br />
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Which is why I think "고양이" is the perfect combination of both past and present sounds. At its core, the track is 90s pop/R&B—the melody, the choice of instrumentation with the sharp bass line and funky synths, the distinctly 90s boyband harmonies at the chorus and hook, and even the arrangement with the very pronounced dynamics despite the packed instrumental, which all happens in the transitions. But "고양이" also sounds very current—the sharp production, the vocals that are on the same level as the instrumentation (90s tracks tend to have the vocals <i>above</i> the instrumental).<br />
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So rather than Shinhwa plainly moving with the times, I think it's more of Shinhwa being able to adapt their generation's sound to the present and embrace new technologies and trends.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://twitter.com/popreviewsnow">@popreviewsnow</a> on <b>Twitter</b> | <a href="http://instagram.com/noxrivera">@noxrivera</a> on <b>instagram</b> | <a href="http://facebook.com/popreviewsnow"><b>facebook</b>.com/popreviewsnow</a> | <a href="http://ask.fm/noxrivera">http://ask.fm/noxrivera</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/+NicoleRiveraWriting">Add me on Google+</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/1906037">Follow my blog with Bloglovin'</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-8364908226996566682015-12-23T21:07:00.002+08:002015-12-23T21:07:56.486+08:00[#23] Jonghyun - "MONO-Drama"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qxxpLF9FpE0s2B4Z7c4UFWvtf1LfyHfdscjf7rBuP-GhzGaYHX4eVIZ97WV2ehcZBfjqFnUorJ-oUKGEQtWz5O1yxhpHWchocs74ry086y9ByqMC1XEnrC3PcFhpk7cW7TQ7L9fq8nIB/s1600/42c924411faf0a01caf83b9448772d5c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qxxpLF9FpE0s2B4Z7c4UFWvtf1LfyHfdscjf7rBuP-GhzGaYHX4eVIZ97WV2ehcZBfjqFnUorJ-oUKGEQtWz5O1yxhpHWchocs74ry086y9ByqMC1XEnrC3PcFhpk7cW7TQ7L9fq8nIB/s1600/42c924411faf0a01caf83b9448772d5c.jpeg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From: <b><i>"BASE"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: First entry (as a solo act)<br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "Deja-Boo"(Feat. Zion T), "Hallelujah"</b></div><br />
I acknowledge that <b>Jonghyun</b> has his strengths as a singer, but his voice and technique have never really appealed to me. It tends to be too grating, especially in the higher registers he sings often.<br />
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Which is why I really enjoyed "<b><i>MONO-Drama</i></b>"—because as a song it's in a comfortable, mid-range where Jonghyun doesn't really need to push much. Instead of matching the intensity of Jonghyun's voice with an equally aggressive song which is what happens most of the time, "<i>MONO-Drama</i>" is a lot more relaxed, which also makes for a more pleasant listen. The verses are in a nice mid-range which lets Jonghyun's vocals just sail along, and the chorus has enough dynamics to balance intense, "show off" lines with more melodic ones.<br />
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And beyond bringing out the best in Jonghyun's voice, "<i>MONO-Drama</i>" is a strong R&B/Pop track that reminds me a lot of <b>SHINee's</b> earlier days, yet also shows Jonghyun's individuality as a vocalist.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="330" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9r4P98WqgJQ" width="590"></iframe></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://twitter.com/popreviewsnow">@popreviewsnow</a> on <b>Twitter</b> | <a href="http://instagram.com/noxrivera">@noxrivera</a> on <b>instagram</b> | <a href="http://facebook.com/popreviewsnow"><b>facebook</b>.com/popreviewsnow</a> | <a href="http://ask.fm/noxrivera">http://ask.fm/noxrivera</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/+NicoleRiveraWriting">Add me on Google+</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/1906037">Follow my blog with Bloglovin'</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-63351075150224431292015-12-22T21:12:00.001+08:002015-12-22T21:12:23.313+08:00[#24] iKON - "M.U.P."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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From: <b><i>"WELCOME BACK"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: First Entry<br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "지못미", "Airplane", "오늘따라"</b></div>
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I'll admit that I know next to nothing about <b>iKON</b>, save for that they're <b>YG's</b> new boy band who also had their own reality show and <b>Bobby</b> and <b>BI</b> were on Mnet's <i>Show Me The Money</i>. But apart from that, I listened to their EP with naive ears. Which, I think is a good thing at times because it allows me to hear the music without whatever politics surrounds the group.<br />
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And as I was choosing their entry for my Top 50 this year, my main observation was that a big part of their EP sounded like tracks <b>Big Bang</b> had done years ago. Or at least, the tracks I liked/thought were strong. I understand the similarities that will definitely arise in production decisions and even songwriting rudiments because they're both under YG and have similar musical/conceptual trajectories, but I wanted to hear iKON, not Big Bang.<br />
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So "<b><i>M.U.P</i></b>." is at #24 because it was the only track on "<b><i>Welcome Back</i></b>" that managed to both catch my ear and sound like an iKON track, not Big Bang. It's a lot more contemporary and old-school R&B/Pop, and it's more laid-back, which is bit outside of Big Bang's musical scope, which is good. But, like prime YG material, it's extremely well-produced with a tight arrangement, rich and interesting choice of instrumentation, and a well-structured melody with a strong, yet not annoying, hook.<br />
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<a href="http://twitter.com/popreviewsnow">@popreviewsnow</a> on <b>Twitter</b> | <a href="http://instagram.com/noxrivera">@noxrivera</a> on <b>instagram</b> | <a href="http://facebook.com/popreviewsnow"><b>facebook</b>.com/popreviewsnow</a> | <a href="http://ask.fm/noxrivera">http://ask.fm/noxrivera</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/+NicoleRiveraWriting">Add me on Google+</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/1906037">Follow my blog with Bloglovin'</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-63975799675758769002015-12-22T20:59:00.001+08:002015-12-22T20:59:51.657+08:00[#25] Ailee - "Mind Your Own Business"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcDKs7mSRK5iMpLWqhA7cg5p9aYFOWkP3ZAxxEKrghgcrwbpI6proaR17M-zoAPAw6Yy64Qvizt_947sSZ8XTMW0gmikLgjrtlOmdEF6oHbuXgKAj6uQE1pMgAmTLaXit_-lnlvACA2EU/s1600/Ailee+VIVID.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcDKs7mSRK5iMpLWqhA7cg5p9aYFOWkP3ZAxxEKrghgcrwbpI6proaR17M-zoAPAw6Yy64Qvizt_947sSZ8XTMW0gmikLgjrtlOmdEF6oHbuXgKAj6uQE1pMgAmTLaXit_-lnlvACA2EU/s1600/Ailee+VIVID.jpg" width="550"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From: <b><i>"VIVID"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: <b>2012: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2012/12/2-ailee-with-simon-d-shut-up.html">[#2] "Shut Up" (With Simon D)</a> and <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-5-best-albums-of-2012.html">[#4] "Invitation"</a> / 2013: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2013/12/17-ailee-ill-be-ok.html">[#17] "I'll Be OK"</a></b> / <b>2014: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2014/12/9-ailee-singing-got-better.html">[9] "Singing Got Better"</a></b> and <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2014/12/7-swings-and-ailee-real-man.html"><b>[#7] "A Real Man" (With Swings</b>)</a><br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "미치지 않고서야"(Feat. 다이나믹듀오), "문득병", "Teardrop"</b></div><br />
My love for Ailee's talent and vocal capabilities is the kind that surpasses the frustrations I have over her career and repertoire. Hands-down I think Ailee is the most talented, capable female singer of her generation because she has something a lot of other K-Pop heavyweight female belters lack—effortless power. Taeyeon has a beautiful, feminine yet flexible timbre and Hyorin has the depth—but Ailee can hit, belt, and sing those same notes with such conviction and ease.<br />
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That said though, it's very clear what kind of material Ailee is given for lead singles. And while yes, they bring out her vocals, they tend to sound repetitive—for Ailee singles either the power uptempo or the sappy ballad, with little in between. But just when I thought Ailee's material wasn't really going anywhere, in comes "Mind Your Own Business."<br />
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"Mind Your Business" isn't a complete deviation from the material Ailee has been putting out—but that's a good thing. The track is just like a freshening up of what has already been established for her—more power and less melodrama at the verses, a slightly more edgy arrangement but with instruments familiar to an Ailee track, and generally a song that has more going on for it than just Ailee carrying it. Ailee has the edge, it's about time her repertoire follows suit.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="330" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8mYCjGdlqxE" width="590"></iframe></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://twitter.com/popreviewsnow">@popreviewsnow</a> on <b>Twitter</b> | <a href="http://instagram.com/noxrivera">@noxrivera</a> on <b>instagram</b> | <a href="http://facebook.com/popreviewsnow"><b>facebook</b>.com/popreviewsnow</a> | <a href="http://ask.fm/noxrivera">http://ask.fm/noxrivera</a> | <a href="https://plus.google.com/+NicoleRiveraWriting">Add me on Google+</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/1906037">Follow my blog with Bloglovin'</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-13874838903560164192015-12-21T21:50:00.001+08:002015-12-21T21:50:30.735+08:00[#26] Infinite - "Bad"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84PcM0up4PVW7eO998waYUQ8RIQNZnp4IlN51C2Nud0pjLJBr3nVUzKVwGKqRpOU9pnQB5-2RfftaEXIQcYMKsZc4tPgeB-0YGZd9eDoyT6-m2PZTmVqoYtmni73SIp_IKnVcIe4Fm1PZ/s1600/Infinite+Reality.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84PcM0up4PVW7eO998waYUQ8RIQNZnp4IlN51C2Nud0pjLJBr3nVUzKVwGKqRpOU9pnQB5-2RfftaEXIQcYMKsZc4tPgeB-0YGZd9eDoyT6-m2PZTmVqoYtmni73SIp_IKnVcIe4Fm1PZ/s1600/Infinite+Reality.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From: <b><i>"Reality"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: 2010: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2010/12/37-infinite-shes-back.html">[#37] "She's Back"</a> / 2011: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2011/12/4-infinite-nothings-over.html">[#4] "Nothing's Over"</a>, <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2011/12/11-albums-you-had-to-hear-in-2011.html">11 Albums You Had To Hear In 2011</a> / 2012: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2012/12/1-infinite-chaser.html">[#1] "The Chaser"</a> / 2013: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2013/12/42-infinite-inception.html">[#42] "Inception"</a> / 2014: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2014/12/41-infinte-rosinante.html">[41] "Rosinante"</a> / 2015: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2015/12/37-infinite-24-hours.html">[#37] "24 Hours"</a><br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "24 Hours"</b></div><br />
As much as I think that nothing will match Infinite's material from their debut until "The Chaser," it's really good to see that they've gotten out of the musical plateau they found themselves in a few years back. <br />
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It's not completely my cup of tea anymore—this darker sound with rock influences—but like the seasoned group that they are, they know exactly how to pull it off. The instrumental is so Infinite—haunting yet graceful strings at the beginning balanced with a sharp, contemporary bass line, a striking piano line laced with retro synths and a very strong sense of dynamics in transitions and each section of the song. <br />
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Honestly, these past few years I wasn't as interested in Infinite as I was before. But "Bad" was the song that convinced me that the boys still have it in them, and that they'll last in this industry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18hp1qEopreWTPp-SRYJi07C7oiODHGU_-qPWo3jW5cq21mkxwdeuSPWNdOccjM_vSOaBvWv0sClJpLHZ4QduWbH_ZnPSr3n2GMmpI0JdHEJi5nasZ6ZNsfutOhoQiMJ3xJg-0CyRNyCg/s1600/FIESTAR+Black+Label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18hp1qEopreWTPp-SRYJi07C7oiODHGU_-qPWo3jW5cq21mkxwdeuSPWNdOccjM_vSOaBvWv0sClJpLHZ4QduWbH_ZnPSr3n2GMmpI0JdHEJi5nasZ6ZNsfutOhoQiMJ3xJg-0CyRNyCg/s1600/FIESTAR+Black+Label.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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From: <b><i>"Black Label"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: <b>2014: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2014/12/50-fiestar-one-more.html">[#50] "One More"</a></b><br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: n/a</b></div>
<br />
<b>FIESTAR</b> is one of those groups I really want to like, because they made a promising debut and one way or another they've put out some pretty solid singles over the years. But I never seem to be totally blown away by anything about them. I mean they're a great group with some solid singers, but that's all they've ever been: solid. Which, in the realm of b-level groups, is really good. But I've been waiting for the mind-blowing brilliance from them, which I haven't really gotten.<br />
<br />
That said though, in terms of solid releases, I admit that "<b><i>Black Label</i></b>" was probably the best FIESTAR have done. The entire EP was cohesive, the songs equally strong in terms of production quality and performance, which I was pleasantly surprised with. "<b><i>Turn Off The Lights</i></b>" is like a generic slightly sexy/slightly spunky girl group track done with great production quality, a good arrangement (that real bass section sold it for me), and with a melody that accentuated the girls' vocals.<br />
<br />
So while FIESTAR have yet to blow me away, as long as they keep on releasing well-executed songs, hopefully the artistry and experimentation will follow.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-20308484295006390252015-12-21T21:20:00.001+08:002015-12-21T21:20:14.451+08:00[#28] G.Soul - "You"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbMyC1be09DbAUcUjNdmMd082jVasl_FO0HZGpOd0uMFnQSXKSNzVIi7ZFyGkuc5aimzqQmDuI7V7hRqiqiXyPba18mpfwCAr4SAnAta8ryp_b8koJLE_Y2kRXtTBmF501pQKvTMRJZxs/s1600/G.Soul+Coming+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbMyC1be09DbAUcUjNdmMd082jVasl_FO0HZGpOd0uMFnQSXKSNzVIi7ZFyGkuc5aimzqQmDuI7V7hRqiqiXyPba18mpfwCAr4SAnAta8ryp_b8koJLE_Y2kRXtTBmF501pQKvTMRJZxs/s1600/G.Soul+Coming+Home.jpg" width="550"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From: <b><i>"Coming Home"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: First Appearance<br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "Coming Home", "First Love"</b></div><br />
Whenever I put together my year-end lists, I'm 100% sure that there are releases from the year that I've missed. And if it weren't for recommendations from you guys on Twitter, I wouldn't have heard <b>G.Soul's</b> debut release. I had heard of him when he debuted earlier this year, but for some reason I never got around to listening to his material.<br />
<br />
"<b><i>You</i></b>" is one of my personal favorites from G.Soul, because I think the simplicity of the song brings out his strengths as an artist. "<i>You</i>" is a strong production—rich instrumentation that follows the dynamics of the melody and neither weighs the rest of the song down nor hides behind it. That melody is beautiful and flowy at certain parts, but firm when it has to be. And G.Soul's vocals are really brought out by the dynamics of the melody—from the gentle, graceful verses to the soaring chorus.<br />
<br />
"<b><i>Coming Home</i></b>" doesn't sound like a debut EP at all, and "<i>You</i>" sounds like a release from a seasoned artist who is comfortable enough in his own identity to know how much to experiment. And of course, it helps that G.Soul has a gorgeous and equally interesting timbre to his voice. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoZST8YnVYGQR4wtO_gKLacfPUVansbT0nwvXVlEvYN5drgU3wzvfNCgWNXZCECOYIBG3uMwhOAB1zhJze9n0z84SWAnuJfsQzpbiWxNGkwT-bUCxsxx9wi7y4GpKXKqODYtvxX1JXOsS/s1600/49aa56a858c620e963389e05cf4cf911.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoZST8YnVYGQR4wtO_gKLacfPUVansbT0nwvXVlEvYN5drgU3wzvfNCgWNXZCECOYIBG3uMwhOAB1zhJze9n0z84SWAnuJfsQzpbiWxNGkwT-bUCxsxx9wi7y4GpKXKqODYtvxX1JXOsS/s1600/49aa56a858c620e963389e05cf4cf911.jpeg" width="550" /></a></div>
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From: <b><i>"No.5"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: <b>2009: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-of-2009-may-4-1.html">"I Hate You"</a> and <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2009/12/9-best-albums-of-2009-9-2.html">"1:59"</a> / 2011: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2011/12/26-2pm-dont-you-know.html">[#26] "Don't You Know"</a> / 2013: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2013/12/44-2pm-come-back-when-you-hear-this-song.html">[#44] "Come Back When You Hear This Song"</a></b><br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: n/a</b></div>
<br />
Like a lot of other K-Pop groups, I have a love-hate relationship with <b>2PM</b>. On one hand, being <b>JYP's</b> only major boyband for years meant they get top-tier material. On the other, there isn't enough genuine musical talent to go around the band, which I think cripples their ability to experiment with new sounds and styles.<br />
<br />
But, "<b><i>My House</i></b>" is one of those releases that I hope means 2PM going in the right direction. I've heard enough of "<b><i>Hands Up</i></b>" over the past few years, I think we all need to hear a more mature, polished 2PM. Because they've proven capable of pulling off songs like "<b><i>ADTOY</i></b>" or "<b><i>Come Back When You Hear This Song</i></b>" before, and there's no reason why they shouldn't keep doing it.<br />
<br />
"<i>My House</i>" is pretty melody-heavy for a 2PM song, but the phrasing and line cuts were definitely tailored for 2PM (which isn't a problem). What I especially like about the track is that even if it's a very slick, polished sound, there is still punch and character in it, courtesy of 2PM's execution. There is a fire to the vocals, there is an element of fun and effortlessness that we don't often see in their heavier performances. I think it's safe to say that "<i>My House</i>" is one of my favorite 2PM tracks ever.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-8790140722107022752015-12-20T14:21:00.001+08:002015-12-20T14:21:26.771+08:00[#30] Infinite H - "니가 미치지 않고서야" (Feat. Sanchez of Phantom)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YLQhhu8fbuHBZN-ACskpveSa1ZeIlCSrHtEk-KB7eVfYnz1BmOiOLmzqTKQKIb2Nx8gdcIiRYZa7vDc385RVs2CWjYgqJnUlN6XRAn00J7x7kB-oIFUmylTScjhUPlN6LIN4xoiUMlr6/s1600/17340926f6be0db697787b279d4f0e93.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YLQhhu8fbuHBZN-ACskpveSa1ZeIlCSrHtEk-KB7eVfYnz1BmOiOLmzqTKQKIb2Nx8gdcIiRYZa7vDc385RVs2CWjYgqJnUlN6XRAn00J7x7kB-oIFUmylTScjhUPlN6LIN4xoiUMlr6/s1600/17340926f6be0db697787b279d4f0e93.jpeg" width="550" /></a></div>
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From: <b><i>"Fly Again"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: <b>2013: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2013/12/6-infinite-h-fly-high-feat-baby-soul.html">[#6] "Fly High"</a></b><br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: n/a</b></div>
<br />
<b>Infinite H</b> were one of the first K-pop groups to really make me appreciate rap, partially because they also use pop elements I'm more familiar with. So while "<b><i>Fly Again</i></b>" wasn't as mind-blowingly amazing as "<b><i>Fly High</i></b>" was back in 2013, Infinite H still put out a strong EP this year.<br />
<br />
My initial reaction to "<b><i>As Long As You're Not Crazy</i></b>" was that I loved the melodic parts so much that I could bear with the rap. But the more I listened to the track, the more I understood the rap verses and appreciated them for their musical merits. The rap verses have a groove to them—courtesy of the bass lines that are both sharp and rich, and the rap lines themselves that flow with the direction of the instrumentation. And the melody of the chorus, well, is a stunning, well-executed break from the rough rap verses—the vocals are silky smooth, the melodic lines are short but striking and repetitive enough to spark recall.<br />
<br />
"<b><i>As Long As You're Not Crazy</i></b>" is one of the most well-balanced songs I've heard this year, and it's definitely one of my favorite rap-heavy K-pop tracks ever.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-18826831333216028482015-12-14T23:40:00.000+08:002015-12-14T23:40:07.060+08:00[#31] MIRYO - "Queen" (Feat. Gain)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAcFpZnuDIKxn19NgnaIpVsfpO3VStR9KexyUvgq7apuzWKt0gDxToeSI7crPqoBnIbUrmg723E7nm9Wfi5WClUOgh9e5WZ-qODKjlhvNjpNbBahB71dL28TfLrTB6HMbRvDUnl_89eOi/s1600/%2525EB%2525AF%2525B8%2525EB%2525A3%25258C_-_DREAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAcFpZnuDIKxn19NgnaIpVsfpO3VStR9KexyUvgq7apuzWKt0gDxToeSI7crPqoBnIbUrmg723E7nm9Wfi5WClUOgh9e5WZ-qODKjlhvNjpNbBahB71dL28TfLrTB6HMbRvDUnl_89eOi/s1600/%2525EB%2525AF%2525B8%2525EB%2525A3%25258C_-_DREAM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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From: <b><i>"Queen"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: <b>2012: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2012/12/10-miryo-beg-and-sunny-snsd-i-love-you.html">[#10] "I Love You I Love You"</a> </b><br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "DREAM"</b></div>
<br />
Miryo's first solo release had really solid tracks that I still listen to—the <b>Sunny</b> duet and "<b><i>Party Rock</i></b>" remain my playlist staples. So of course I was excited for this new release which didn't exactly blow me away, but which is still solid and a showcase of Miryo's strength as a performer.<br />
<br />
"<b><i>Queen</i>"</b> as a track (I won't touch the music video, it's a mess) is right next to "<b><i>MIRYO aka JOHONEY</i></b>" in terms of musical direction—synthpop with tongue-in-cheek rap lines. But while Miryo's first EP was more refined, with cleaner production and a touch of raw instrumentation, "<i>Queen</i>" kind of pushes the boundaries of the tongue-in-cheek sound. Miryo's rap verses sound slightly whiny (on purpose, I'm going to assume), and the choice of instrumentation is sharper, with more pronounced elements and rougher treatment. But despite all that, "<i>Queen</i>" still keeps a certain style—this song has groove.<br />
<br />
So while I prefer Miryo's first EP because it was more polished, "<i>Queen</i>" is a song whose purpose and intent is very clear, thus giving us a better understanding of its execution.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-54521090996098133552015-12-13T19:22:00.003+08:002015-12-13T19:22:56.471+08:00[#32] XIA (Junsu) - "Flower" (Feat. Tablo)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANdQvY8_Wlwb2L0iO3KWNtM8TmdBt06RWoxrLrlMC_kAEArUwt5DOixU3J9lDLZqaKMHEofCTNzZvGaWmZU4drjtk5dvImqM0HjvU1v9wjt4dBWJrA-5I5EFOZZxL85xQPFBBzq-SlbiK/s1600/XIA+Junsu+Flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANdQvY8_Wlwb2L0iO3KWNtM8TmdBt06RWoxrLrlMC_kAEArUwt5DOixU3J9lDLZqaKMHEofCTNzZvGaWmZU4drjtk5dvImqM0HjvU1v9wjt4dBWJrA-5I5EFOZZxL85xQPFBBzq-SlbiK/s1600/XIA+Junsu+Flower.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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From: <b><i>"Flower"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: 2010: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2010/12/39-xiah-junsu-intoxication.html">[#39] "Intoxication"</a> / 2011: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2011/12/10-kim-junsu-you-are-so-beautiful.html">[#10] "You Are So Beautiful"</a> / 2012: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2012/12/7-xia-junsu-jyj-lullaby.html">[#7] "Lullaby"</a> / 2013: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2013/12/10-xia-junsu-11am.html">[#10] "11am"</a> / 2014: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2014/12/29-junsu-jyj-brushing-past-with-lyn.html">[#29] "Brushing Past" (with LYn)</a><br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "사랑숨", "License To Love"</b></div>
<br />
I don't usually respond positively to excessive songs—I find elaborate orchestration unnecessary, most of the time the mentality becomes more of "I have more instruments than you," and the vocals end up being overthrown by everything happening in the song. <br />
<br />
So in <i>theory</i>, "<b><i>Flower</i></b>" is a mess—you have everything from weird sounds in the background (last few seconds of the song), to <b>Tablo</b> rapping, to a female vocalist in the background singing in falsetto during the chorus to add even more drama than there already is. But, in <b>practice</b>, "<i>Flower</i>" works. Because if there's anyone in K-Pop who can stand his/her ground against a torrent of an arrangement, it's <b>Junsu</b> with his striking and technically proficient vocals.<br />
<br />
Because really, he's the glue that holds the mess that is "<i>Flower</i>" together. <b>Junsu's</b> vocals deliver a very straightforward melody that is the most striking because of its simplicity. The melody of "<i>Flower</i>" is simple enough to hum, and delivered well enough to us listeners that even against all the (literal) bells and whistles, there is still recall. Half because the melody is strong and simple, but also half because Junsu's vocals really pop against the rest of the track.<br />
<br />
For making me listen to a kind of song I don't usually gravitate towards, "<i>Flower</i>" makes it to my Top 50 this year.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-35098002240983975762015-12-13T19:06:00.001+08:002015-12-13T19:07:38.843+08:00[#33] SHINee - "LOVE"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXIxZFjJ6adCyYHG7xf8KKvRrBsP8mSo6dYbh4ssoywrCi5a1bMoKwptl24fv_luF0m3lcqGtizZpaTkWhv1BdKI-i7egvfan9IA1pO6gQkufQ_k4SBydVy3pmrlDtl5akeJWHgncbtv-/s1600/SHINee+Your+Number.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXIxZFjJ6adCyYHG7xf8KKvRrBsP8mSo6dYbh4ssoywrCi5a1bMoKwptl24fv_luF0m3lcqGtizZpaTkWhv1BdKI-i7egvfan9IA1pO6gQkufQ_k4SBydVy3pmrlDtl5akeJWHgncbtv-/s1600/SHINee+Your+Number.jpeg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From: <b><i>"Your Number"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: <b>2009: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-of-2009-october-3-1.html">"Ring Ding Dong"</a> / 2010: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2010/12/2-shinee-lucifer.html">[#2] "Lucifer"</a> / 2012: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2012/12/16-shinee-alarm-clock.html">[#16] "Alarm Clock"</a></b> / 2013: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2013/12/3-shinee-dangerous-medusa-ii.html">[#3] "Dangerous (Medusa II)"</a><br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "Your Number"</b></div><br />
<a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2015/12/37-infinite-24-hours.html">While we're on the subject of successful J-Pop crossovers from K-Pop acts</a>, though they're pretty under the radar in terms of news about their Japan exploits, over the years <b>SHINee</b> have put out some really good singles in Japan. "<b><i>Dazzling Girl</i></b>" remains one of my favorite tracks of theirs, both territories included.<br />
<br />
And I really, really love all the Britpop influences we're hearing in SHINee's Japanese tracks. Personally because I actually used to be a Brit Pop blogger and it's nostalgic hearing these sounds. It's been years since I last heard a new song use a whimsical string section built seamlessly into the rest of a pop instrumentation. But musically also because we see heavy Britpop influence in J-Pop, and like Infinite, SHINee have successfully captured and re-executed that sound.<br />
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"<b><i>LOVE</i></b>" reminds me of a Take That track with a more saturated instrumentation and cleaner production. The melody of the hook, the choice of vocal harmonies, are distinctly Britpop. And this makes SHINee's material more refined and mature than their usual very trendy singles in Korea—which is a welcome break, honestly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1fg0o94zdZ4eEePdMfQvevxG1wFDaDyDl5lusDbqyShxa0eIek9hEh10c2umH5uf7ary0avz2JBiderO1nste0Dc5HNnQ9XV1tIZSfiN0OcblDGb8vGQDQtmBRBFRyx2qsyhhZ3HVhBW/s1600/D9PIkw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1fg0o94zdZ4eEePdMfQvevxG1wFDaDyDl5lusDbqyShxa0eIek9hEh10c2umH5uf7ary0avz2JBiderO1nste0Dc5HNnQ9XV1tIZSfiN0OcblDGb8vGQDQtmBRBFRyx2qsyhhZ3HVhBW/s1600/D9PIkw.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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From: <b><i>"Love Is Madness"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: 2013: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2013/12/28-15-somebody.html">[#28] "Somebody"</a> / 2014: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2014/12/2-15-shy-ma-boy.html">[#2] "Shy Ma Boy"</a><br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: n/a</b></div>
<br />
<b>15&</b> are two of the most talented voices in K-Pop today, and one of the best vocal combinations ever executed. <b>Jimin's</b> clear, dynamic vocals paired with <b>Yerin's</b> cool, smooth, yet powerful vocals have made for some amazing stuff. <b>JYP</b> can take these girls places with their material, because they will go there themselves.<br />
<br />
So honestly, "<b><i>사랑은 미친짓</i></b>" was a bit of a disappointment this year, which is why 15& dropped from #2 on last year's countdown to #34 now. "<i>사랑은 미친짓</i>" is your run of the mill K-Pop R&B mid-tempo, with a pretty melody, yes, but nothing as ground-breaking or musically striking as "<i><b>Shy Ma Boy</b></i>" or any of the songs from that album.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, strong vocals can bring even the most generically pretty song places. "<i>사랑은 미친짓</i>" gets a dose of 15&'s almost show-stopping vocal chemistry—clear and powerful laced with smooth and rich vocal delivery from two singers who know exactly what they're doing is a pleasure to listen to. So while the song itself could have been more interesting, there's no denying that "<i>사랑은 미친짓</i>" is an impeccably-executed track.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-79792335977332852482015-12-13T15:39:00.002+08:002015-12-13T15:39:45.783+08:00[#35] KARA - "Cupid"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dFgdyUOe5je0-Ztmz17krd0n1DBUz6ACvmqvzbA5n-vUb6CG3ml-geJ6oX3rrqnFLdIHZ0W8QEwyVkExcev48rADxKpcrx2REyUFEFGpG3QVogxwNeQXJ56FYx0bSOkLqg8TWxY770TV/s1600/kara+in+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dFgdyUOe5je0-Ztmz17krd0n1DBUz6ACvmqvzbA5n-vUb6CG3ml-geJ6oX3rrqnFLdIHZ0W8QEwyVkExcev48rADxKpcrx2REyUFEFGpG3QVogxwNeQXJ56FYx0bSOkLqg8TWxY770TV/s1600/kara+in+love.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From: <b><i>"In Love"</i></b></div>
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Previous Best of Entries: 2009: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2009/12/best-of-2009-july-10-7.html">"몰래몰래"</a> / 2010: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2010/12/22-kara-lupin.html">[#22] "Lupin"</a> & <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2010/12/20-kara-jumping.html">[#20] "Jumping"</a> / 2011: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2011/12/35-kara-step.html">[#35] "STEP"</a> & <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2011/12/33-kara-jet-coaster-love.html">[#33] "Jet Coaster Love"</a> / 2012: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2012/12/20-kara-pandora.html">[#20] "Pandora"</a> / 2013: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2013/12/41-kara-runaway.html">[#41] "Runaway"</a> /2014: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2014/12/27-kara-melancholy-247.html">[#27] Melancholy (24/7)</a></div>
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<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "Starlight", "Dreamlover", "I Luv Me"</b></div>
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I've got to hand it to <b>KARA</b>, through all the highs and lows they've managed to last this long. (There's probably something about the girl groups who debuted that year—KARA, <b>SNSD</b>) And more so, despite not being the most talented group and being pretty mediocre on stage, they consistently put out strong material.<br />
<br />
But beyond consistency I think one of the reasons why KARA has lasted so long, despite the lineup changes, is because they also move with the times. Their repertoire is not the most cohesive one out there—you have your "<b><i>Pretty Girl</i></b>"'s on one side, and your "<b><i>Lupin</i></b>" and "<b><i>Damaged Lady</i></b>"'s on the other. But they're always good songs. They're always well-produced, they're always tracks that are stylistically and sonically current—just like "<b><i>Cupid</i></b>."<br />
<br />
KARA gravitates towards the girly techno sound these days, and I'll go ahead and say that they're one of the best girl groups pursuing this sound. They have the smooth, on the generic side, vocals that are flexible and flat enough to let the rest of the song do the work. And their songs <i>always</i> do the work—elaborate instrumentations with bass and synth lines that pack the right amount of punch, tight arrangements with natural yet surprising transitions to keep listeners on their feet. And the best part? You hear all of that on "<i>Cupid</i>."<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-18703286161611028362015-12-11T22:11:00.001+08:002015-12-11T22:11:23.614+08:00[#36] Nine Muses - "Hurt Locker"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-0Xsl5MgYZqT1f1uzvji5T-WcLfYArOMNpY0Hb3U9jcU-C7x0qME8dCnNB_e2ow_N8pXzfnQbEazmQySIDd0PyXrFfCU2zIa7bvHa4Ytdi7k60vxNGm3ue0-g8ePPKFTtKQHQn3923dy/s1600/nine+muses+ss+edition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-0Xsl5MgYZqT1f1uzvji5T-WcLfYArOMNpY0Hb3U9jcU-C7x0qME8dCnNB_e2ow_N8pXzfnQbEazmQySIDd0PyXrFfCU2zIa7bvHa4Ytdi7k60vxNGm3ue0-g8ePPKFTtKQHQn3923dy/s1600/nine+muses+ss+edition.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From: <b><i>"9MUSES S/S EDITION"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: <b>2011: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2011/12/50-nine-muses-figaro.html">[#50] "Figaro"</a> / 2012: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2012/12/24-nine-muses-news.html">[#24] "News"</a> / 2013: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2013/12/4-nine-muses-wild.html">[#4] "Wild"</a></b><br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "Fancy", "Yes or No"</b></div>
<br />
"<b><i>Wild</i></b>" remains, to me, one of the best K-Pop girl group tracks every produced, and 2013 was the year I wish I didn't have my one song per artist rule so I could show what an incredible year <b>Nine Muses</b> had. Unfortunately for us all (Nine Muses included), the glory that was 2013 for Nine Muses was never repeated. I'll admit that I was afraid when <b>Sera</b> left, and their first few months post-Sera were rocky in terms of material and finding their grounding.<br />
<br />
But "<b><i>Hurt Locker</i></b>" I think is going in the right direction, because it's both a nod to their "<i>Wild</i>" days, but also a departure and a process of figuring out where they lie as a group without Sera.<br />
<br />
As a song, "<i>Hurt Locker</i>" can tend to sound cheap in the wrong way, especially at the chorus. But for me it's more or less balanced out by the bubbling, dramatic verses with striking yet simple vocal lines and rich instrumentation. It's one part girly, with a melody that flatters the girls' vocals, but one part edgy with the bass loop and the choice of synth. <br />
<br />
Over-all, "<i>Hurt Locker</i>" is a well-produced track. Musically it's not the best, and it lacks a solid but not sharp hook, but it's a passable start for a new era in Nine Muses' repertoire.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-55909741590532153922015-12-10T21:17:00.001+08:002015-12-10T21:17:31.036+08:00[#37] Infinite - "24 Hours"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZKWD8SGYY3H-UYL4sihdt18CbB-rDrq5fBGRN2FZ-Pkh5bDufy0zJiAaxIoS0je1wmIZZiqQxGJAzoe_d-2Dd6vBXfEq4_IVcbTgOejubA-hujAC6yPkdgNunUeWBtqVwlfzmN4N0HWD/s1600/CCman-aUwAE8Nyg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZKWD8SGYY3H-UYL4sihdt18CbB-rDrq5fBGRN2FZ-Pkh5bDufy0zJiAaxIoS0je1wmIZZiqQxGJAzoe_d-2Dd6vBXfEq4_IVcbTgOejubA-hujAC6yPkdgNunUeWBtqVwlfzmN4N0HWD/s1600/CCman-aUwAE8Nyg.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From: <b><i>"24 Hours"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: 2010: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2010/12/37-infinite-shes-back.html">[#37] "She's Back"</a> / 2011: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2011/12/4-infinite-nothings-over.html">[#4] "Nothing's Over"</a>, <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2011/12/11-albums-you-had-to-hear-in-2011.html">11 Albums You Had To Hear In 2011</a> / 2012: <b><a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2012/12/1-infinite-chaser.html">[#1] "The Chaser"</a></b> / 2013: <a href="http://www.popreviewsnow.com/2013/12/42-infinite-inception.html">[#42] "Inception"</a><br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "Just Another Lonely Night"</b></div>
<br />
When I heard that Infinite worked with <b>Matsuo Kiyoshi</b> for a new Japanese, I was over the moon. Matsuo Kiyoshi worked on some the most iconic <b>Tohoshinki</b> singles like "<b><i>Somebody To Love</i></b>" (which is a concert staple), "<b><i>Begin</i></b>" (a gorgeous, gorgeous ballad), and "<b><i>Heart, Mind, and Soul</i></b>" (an amazing showcase of DBSK's vocal strengths).<br />
<br />
And he did not disappoint with "<b><i>24 Hours</i></b>". As far as the song itself goes, "<i>24 Hours</i>" sees Infinite finally grasping the signature Jpop sound—something many K-Pop groups in Japan have a hard time achieving. The razor-sharp production quality, the arrangement that's heavy in musicality/technique but only uses the bare necessities in the instrumentation, and the strong pop melody that is neither extremely easy to sing along to nor repetitive or non-existent. You find that all in "<i>24 Hours</i>".<br />
<br />
So "<i>24 Hours</i>" is a song I would listen to, but honestly not a song I'd associate with Infinite. A composition as solid, musical, and sure of it's identity as this would have ranked much higher—if it wasn't for the fact that this isn't the Infinite we know. But despite that, it's a great song to have in their repertoire and honestly, I'm a firm believer that if you're going to make a foray into the J-Pop market, you better do it right. And Infinite got it right this time.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-19475872940603818362015-12-09T22:34:00.000+08:002015-12-09T22:34:32.114+08:00[#38] MinAh (Girl's Day) - "Colorful"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhGFV7dwro4bG_dhhC6kEQZ_NF-2MKPPxA784S19S9Z-cozgZLhzHjFlJCSZBPY9Hk0UxlPjzI0ilDOwmDrvt-4NGiftMobrSO9vugkVl-EWzNWGyef3uvbuCiOhRdC8NQlm9wJ9MI_xT/s1600/Minah+Girls+Day+I%2527m+a+woman+too.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhGFV7dwro4bG_dhhC6kEQZ_NF-2MKPPxA784S19S9Z-cozgZLhzHjFlJCSZBPY9Hk0UxlPjzI0ilDOwmDrvt-4NGiftMobrSO9vugkVl-EWzNWGyef3uvbuCiOhRdC8NQlm9wJ9MI_xT/s1600/Minah+Girls+Day+I%2527m+a+woman+too.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From: <b><i>"I'm a Woman Too"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: First as solo act<br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "I'm a Woman Too"</b></div>
<br />
Like a lot of other acts, I blame my dislike for <b>MinAh</b>'s vocals on<b> Girl's Day</b>'s repertoire. Because once Girl's Day started getting better material I realized that MinAh is the most stable vocalist in the group. Plus the fact that as MinAh matures, so will her voice.<br />
<br />
So while I approached her solo debut with caution and slight fear, I'm glad that it was a well-produced, age-appropriate repertoire for MinAh. "<b><i>Colorful</i></b>" strays away from the saccharine sweet cutesy sound to a more contemporary/R&B-inspired sound—the mid-tempo, the choice of bass line, the piano in the background are more polished, mature sounds. But, the very K-Pop/pop melody that's striking and easy to follow keeps the track young.<br />
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"<b><i>Colorful</i></b>" is one of my favorite R&B-influenced K-pop tracks this year, and definitely the track that has changed my impression of MinAh's vocal skills.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-51509504531142349612015-12-08T21:46:00.001+08:002015-12-08T21:46:31.901+08:00[#39] MONSTA X - "Hero"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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From: <b><i>"Singing Got Better"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: First appearance<br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "Trespass", "Perfect Girl", "Amen"</b></div>
<br />
First up from the rookie boyband side: <b>MONSTA X</b>. <b>Mnet</b> and <b>Starship's</b> "<b><i>No Mercy</i></b>" was problematic at times, but MONSTA X's debut was sort of a signal for me: that Starship, as an agency, has joined the big leagues. Thanks to <b>SISTAR's</b> stellar sales, and a roster of acts as strong as they are diverse, this little agency I once maligned for disastrous debuts like SISTAR's "<b><i>Push Push</i></b>," can now afford to release productions like MONSTA X's rookie year EPs.<br />
<br />
At the verses, "<b><i>Hero</i></b>" is your typical boyband power dance track—a heavy, multi-layered instrumentation with everything from heavy beats to addictive synth loops paired with intense melodies and rap verses that come in with guns blazing. But the pre-hook (it's either the bridge or the chorus, before the beat drops) has a melody reminiscent of 90s boyband tracks, and an instrumentation that sounds like it's straight from an early 2010s major-agency boyband track. The beat drop took some time to warm up to, especially when I just skimmed through the song the first time I heard it, but when you listen to it in relation to the rest of "<i>Hero</i>," it works.<br />
<br />
If you asked me back in 2010 if I ever thought Starship could produce a debut like MONSTA X, with tracks as well-done as "<i>Hero</i>," I'd probably laugh at you for being so ridiculous. But it's a new generation of K-Pop acts, which also means new agencies rising to prominence. Starship is definitely one of them.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-5902806940706424442015-12-07T21:15:00.001+08:002015-12-07T21:15:40.875+08:00[#40] Twice - "OOH-AHH하게"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUVqM6QAS3QRFIlPxC3edbGoLsn6fod7khXhlGO0GZoQKyy7vneZ186FAQeyEL6yRK6klCV2kKXIfyRfGnT9Zd9DySO5a4wU60etEsQVx1U4bXe32RIGe63ee0g-4wYiRQi0O4vdO4_em/s1600/S5zdpF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUVqM6QAS3QRFIlPxC3edbGoLsn6fod7khXhlGO0GZoQKyy7vneZ186FAQeyEL6yRK6klCV2kKXIfyRfGnT9Zd9DySO5a4wU60etEsQVx1U4bXe32RIGe63ee0g-4wYiRQi0O4vdO4_em/s1600/S5zdpF.jpg" /></a></div>
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From: <b><i>"The Story Begins"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: First Appearance<br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: n/a</b></div>
<br />
And the entries from reality show-formed rookie groups continue with <b>JYP's</b> new girl group <b>Twice</b>. Honestly, I had high hopes for <b>SIXTEEN</b> when it started—the Chae sisters from<b> <i>K-Pop Star</i></b> looked promising, and the production quality of the show made me optimistic. But honestly, throughout the show several things were revealed—there were very few strong singers in the line-up, and most of the girls had "personality" but little to no musical (or performance-related) talent.<br />
<br />
So I was really surprised when I heard "<b><i>OOH-AHH하게</i></b>", because it exceeded my expectations after I saw the final line-up. As a song, half of it is a mess—but I'll have to admit it's a mess that grew on me. The chorus is ridiculously addictive, with strong recall throughout the entire section (and not just at the hook). And for a group that isn't very musically gifted, "<i>OOH-AHH하게</i>" is a heavily-melodic song. Plainly put, there's a lot of singing going on even if not a lot of the girls can sing.<br />
<br />
"<i>OOH-AHH하게</i>" does two things: it's a package that makes use of Twice's strengths, and it's a well-written, produced, and executed pop song with a very effective hook. And this, I believe, is an achievement. It's an achievement for JYP and his A&R team—because after years of lambasting K-Pop's A&R skills, finally groups are getting repertoires that bring out the best in the talents they have. And it's an achievement for <b>Twice</b>, because thanks to smart song choice they're off to a good start. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-37519571268635767532015-12-07T21:03:00.003+08:002015-12-07T21:03:52.309+08:00[#41] JooHeon, HyungWon, I.M (MONSTA X) - "Interstellar" Feat. Yella Diamond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUm0-UyX-BzvQ5zZ7j0Zxgdz8TbX39pV4Ugt06XOJzguetc6stWpS50FILXNtlVTi1NPL3SAqxCTpQ-1WYtSmQPNwE2JOnLOuTmTEfqb9dsAiXwXtFdcA3DTz1xOqhcwDVxumAPjFsCvr5/s1600/B9me1mTIEAILAZU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUm0-UyX-BzvQ5zZ7j0Zxgdz8TbX39pV4Ugt06XOJzguetc6stWpS50FILXNtlVTi1NPL3SAqxCTpQ-1WYtSmQPNwE2JOnLOuTmTEfqb9dsAiXwXtFdcA3DTz1xOqhcwDVxumAPjFsCvr5/s1600/B9me1mTIEAILAZU.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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From: <b><i>"NO MERCY"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: First appearance<br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: n/a</b></div>
<br />
Out of curiosity earlier this year, I followed <b>Mnet</b> and <b>Starship's</b> "<b><i>No Mercy</i></b>." While I have my qualms about the show, I was pleased to have discovered quite a few strong performances <i>and</i> a well-done original track like "<b><i>Interstellar</i></b>."<br />
<br />
If you've read enough of my reviews, you know that I'm not the biggest rap fan. I've learned to appreciate it more because of K-Pop, mainly because I was able to grasp more or less its basic principles. But, I'll be quick to flat-out admit that I'm not capable enough to scrutinize it as much as I am more "traditional" elements of music.<br />
<br />
That said, as someone who's more inclined towards the melodic, "<i>Interstellar</i>" has become one of the few rap-heavy songs that I genuinely like and will go out of my way to hear. And I think it's because the lines between rap and melody are blurred on "Interstellar" — the melody is in short, rhythmic lines, while the rap verses are so rhythmic that a few more pushes and they can be sang.<br />
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There is groove and a strong sense of ("traditional") rhythm in "<i>Interstellar</i>," and that much I appreciate.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-27901570326174829552015-12-06T22:41:00.001+08:002015-12-06T22:41:25.477+08:00[#42] Niel (Teen Top) - "Call Me"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlIu_02UoAcpM4ASumtkY9esFQj7IWpaEnOjRXTdFwybPRRxSHaCuOqwk3ErDBWnCydkREGBdSN4jeD2Tp6o62i3T6JgWHRvq8iHF0BqWCUeb6u7rRMc3HI7DoElDB5JSTNtXiRP2l4Ya/s1600/Niel+oNIELy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlIu_02UoAcpM4ASumtkY9esFQj7IWpaEnOjRXTdFwybPRRxSHaCuOqwk3ErDBWnCydkREGBdSN4jeD2Tp6o62i3T6JgWHRvq8iHF0BqWCUeb6u7rRMc3HI7DoElDB5JSTNtXiRP2l4Ya/s1600/Niel+oNIELy.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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From: <b><i>"oNIELy"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: First as a solo act<br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: n/a</b></div>
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I've never really been a big <b>Teen Top</b> fan, and a big reason why is because I find <b>Niel's</b> vocals rough and ungraceful. So his solo album this year is one of those albums I don't know why I listened to, but when I did I was pleasantly surprised to hear "<b><i>Call Me</i></b>."<br />
<br />
The fact that Niel's vocals sound good on "<i>Call Me</i>" is enough for me, actually, because it implies several things. First, that the production took into consideration Niel's vocals and the fact that with an instrumentation like this—laid-back, smooth—they will clash in the wrong ways. The solution: multi-tracking at the chorus, having the melody in a higher octave so Niel doesn't belt too much, instead he uses his diaphragm voice more, and generally making the melody a lot smoother.<br />
<br />
The result is a song that's smooth on all fronts—the arrangement, production, and melody. "<i>Call Me</i>" is one of those tracks you can keep in the background and it won't be intrusive or annoying, but if you do stop and listen carefully it'll be worth your while.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-36043874333754354082015-12-06T17:00:00.000+08:002015-12-06T17:00:02.019+08:00[#43] VIXX - "Love Equation"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_69EeStX-wdk_U8tiLSOk__-pQ53s36DQXrC6t65gTjY9RUJYuwq83RCy74ayYZ2bkV6TO0nvkRM2P0D0Uz4sbRNRN5XZwyXrRJ1XzZGkXGtOAtl1xscoh5nlzVOFQ7h43c77pgVzoWZ/s1600/VIXX+boys+record.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_69EeStX-wdk_U8tiLSOk__-pQ53s36DQXrC6t65gTjY9RUJYuwq83RCy74ayYZ2bkV6TO0nvkRM2P0D0Uz4sbRNRN5XZwyXrRJ1XzZGkXGtOAtl1xscoh5nlzVOFQ7h43c77pgVzoWZ/s1600/VIXX+boys+record.jpeg" width="550" /></a></div>
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From: <b><i>"Boys' Record"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: <b>2012: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2012/12/32-vixx-starlight.html">[#32] "Starlight"</a> / 2013: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2013/12/31-vixx.html">[#31] "다칠 준비가 돼 있어"</a> / 2014: <a href="http://popreviewsnow.blogspot.com/2014/12/43-vixx-error.html">[#43] "Error"</a></b><br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "미치지 않고서야"(Feat. 다이나믹듀오), "문득병", "Teardrop"</b></div>
<br />
<b>VIXX</b> have settled in to their signature sound quite well—darker, heavier-sounding tracks with elaborate performances. And while I think they're doing a great job with it, a part of me misses the sound they could have followed given their debut—"<i><b>Super Hero</b></i>" and "<b><i>Starlight</i></b>" remain some of my favorite boyband debut tracks.<br />
<br />
"<b><i>Love Equation</i></b>" is one of those tracks I heard earlier this year and liked, listened to for a while, and then forgot about until I put together this list.<br />
<br />
But even if the track can get cheesy at times, I heard some of that lighthearted yet still dance-y VIXX in it—the VIXX I haven't heard in quite a while. The verses are striking in their simplicity, and the retro synths give it both depth and character—reminds me a lot of 90s K-Pop boybands. The idea of covering a 90s track (<b>R.ef</b>’s “<b><i>Farewell Formula</i></b>”) with 21st century production quality is the best of both worlds: the musical sensibilities of the 90s with the production quality of 2015. And you know me, I love my 90s boybands.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-19171753497042723782015-12-06T15:36:00.001+08:002015-12-06T15:36:27.574+08:00[#44] Park Jimin - "Hopeless Love"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwWk1K4Vu6Nj8elZh0FwiNs9Mmz52ib3Puhra0xvMIPTooFOLC6KnXaWedeOl-Ow1ogY8OQ-QRsHjHk7z-iIN6Z4P1jGpZhEa7o-r8wN9NKEXOphtkwBUq0W1ntEhgeRB2GoGodL6cmEH/s1600/0eBMga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwWk1K4Vu6Nj8elZh0FwiNs9Mmz52ib3Puhra0xvMIPTooFOLC6KnXaWedeOl-Ow1ogY8OQ-QRsHjHk7z-iIN6Z4P1jGpZhEa7o-r8wN9NKEXOphtkwBUq0W1ntEhgeRB2GoGodL6cmEH/s1600/0eBMga.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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From: <b><i>"Hopeless Love"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: First as a solo act<br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: n/a</b></div>
<br />
<b>Park Jimin</b> is one of the most talented vocalists in K-Pop today—clean, powerful vocals that can sing everything from classic K-Pop ballads to some of the best Motown-inspired K-Pop songs. And for the most part, I like the direction <b>JYP</b> is leading <b>15&</b> towards—because Jimin and Yerin have the vocals to pull it off.<br />
<br />
Which is why "<b><i>Hopeless Love</i></b>" wasn't as stunning as I would've wanted it to be. Nonetheless, Jimin's first proper solo release is strong. It's a showcase of her technique and range—which goes from the bubbling, bare verses all the way to the intense bridges and the epic chorus. Jimin delivers the song with an effortless air, something few others in K-pop are capable of.<br />
<br />
The focus on Jimin means that the strength of the arrangement and instrumentation are compromised—rather than being bare, it's empty. But, "<i>Hopeless Love</i>"'s strength lies in the melody and the vocal line—elements of the song that are outstanding, and too good to overlook.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11709918197463554205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9017678973431004838.post-56815957191456213362015-12-04T22:21:00.000+08:002015-12-04T22:21:12.363+08:00[#45] GFRIEND - "Me Gustas Tu"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ySeU4XXwiZd6FYk7sSYPQ5MybqBp21fS1hPw0M6x4CDFuXpE-0wnZLQxicuws8HEUvT9zwynfoJZA9BZmowyECx_O3uf1hJ0iigsVK99oofZiv0Um5_RDHTM8RsYbhQId4w7-gEoUNO6/s1600/gfriend+flower+bud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ySeU4XXwiZd6FYk7sSYPQ5MybqBp21fS1hPw0M6x4CDFuXpE-0wnZLQxicuws8HEUvT9zwynfoJZA9BZmowyECx_O3uf1hJ0iigsVK99oofZiv0Um5_RDHTM8RsYbhQId4w7-gEoUNO6/s1600/gfriend+flower+bud.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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From: <b><i>"Flower Bud"</i></b><br />
Previous Best of Entries: First appearance<br />
<b>Other notable song(s) from 2015: "Glass Bead", "Neverland"</b></div>
<br />
I mentioned in my intro that this year's Top 50 features a lot of rookies who, this early on, have proven that they can play with the big leagues. And I think in terms of girl groups, <b>GFRIEND</b> have established their sound, their niche, and their strengths early on.<br />
<br />
I loved GFRIEND's debut, but in terms of sound "<b><i>Glass Bead</i></b>" was a bit dated and beside similar songs like "<b><i>Into the New World</i></b>," it was neither fresh nor extremely well-executed. "<b><i>Me Gustas Tu</i></b>," on the other hand, is different. While I don't think it's fresh either, I think it can stand as a production beside the likes of <b>A Pink</b>. <br />
<br />
"<i>Me Gustas Tu</i>" has an arrangement to die for, with the electric guitars and full bass line giving the song punch and the string section and feminine vocals providing the grace. The chorus is catchy, the melody easy to sing along to, and the production pleasantly strong for a girl group of their calibre. I had my eye on GFRIEND this year, and I'll have my eye on them next year as well.<br />
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