I.O.I - Downpour
This group deserved to live longer, but nonetheless I'm grateful for the short time spent with I.O.I. One thing's for sure; they will never be forgotten and until they can reunite we're left with this beautiful yet heart-wrenching goodbye single and it's equally stunning MV. We will miss you girls.
Showing posts with label Song of the Week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Song of the Week. Show all posts
Jan 22, 2017
Dec 18, 2016
Song of the Week #65
Kim Sejeong - Flower Way
I.O.I/Gugudan's power vocalist Sejeong recently released her first solo single "Flower Way", which was produced by Zico based on a letter she had written for her mother. This ballad is absolutely beautiful and she sings with such emotion and clarity. No matter what will happen to the groups she's in one thing's for sure; this young woman has a bright future ahead of her.
I.O.I/Gugudan's power vocalist Sejeong recently released her first solo single "Flower Way", which was produced by Zico based on a letter she had written for her mother. This ballad is absolutely beautiful and she sings with such emotion and clarity. No matter what will happen to the groups she's in one thing's for sure; this young woman has a bright future ahead of her.
Nov 6, 2016
Song of the Week #64
BoA - No Matter What (ft. Beenzino)
I have so much respect and admiration for BoA and her work and it saddens me when newer K-pop fans dismiss legendary artists such as her because they're not young or "hip". This song however is very modern and I feel like this is the kind of music she could do more of. The sound is great, melody is amazing and her vocals are flawless.
I have so much respect and admiration for BoA and her work and it saddens me when newer K-pop fans dismiss legendary artists such as her because they're not young or "hip". This song however is very modern and I feel like this is the kind of music she could do more of. The sound is great, melody is amazing and her vocals are flawless.
Jul 31, 2016
Video of the Week #27
Woozi (Seventeen) - Simple
One of the added songs on the repackaged version of Seventeen's "Love Letter" album was a solo song by member Woozi, who is one of the main composers of the group's material. He's indeed a very talented songwriter and musician, but he's also a great vocalist who tends to get overlooked compared to the likes of Seungkwan and DK. This song is one of my favorites at the moment and this performance from Seventeen's concert shows that Woozi is also a great performer.
One of the added songs on the repackaged version of Seventeen's "Love Letter" album was a solo song by member Woozi, who is one of the main composers of the group's material. He's indeed a very talented songwriter and musician, but he's also a great vocalist who tends to get overlooked compared to the likes of Seungkwan and DK. This song is one of my favorites at the moment and this performance from Seventeen's concert shows that Woozi is also a great performer.
Jul 10, 2016
Song of the Week #63
EXO - Artificial Love
The third track on EXO's third full album "Ex'Act" is by far one of the album's best songs and one of my new favorite EXO tracks as well. This doesn't really sound like a "typical" EXO song but then again it doesn't really sound anything like a K-pop tune either. I guess that's why I find it so interesting and intriguing, and if they did more moody electronica songs like this one I certainly wouldn't complain.
The third track on EXO's third full album "Ex'Act" is by far one of the album's best songs and one of my new favorite EXO tracks as well. This doesn't really sound like a "typical" EXO song but then again it doesn't really sound anything like a K-pop tune either. I guess that's why I find it so interesting and intriguing, and if they did more moody electronica songs like this one I certainly wouldn't complain.
Jul 3, 2016
Song of the Week #62
Baek A Yeon - So-So
JYP-signed songstress and former "K-Pop Star" finalist Baek A Yeon made waves last year with her self-composed single "Shouldn't Have" and although I found the song quite boring at first I later grew to love it. With this new single she proves once again she has talent for writing songs with relatable lyrics, and I like this one even better than the other. The video too is absolutely great and will definitely be competing for a place on my "Top 10 Videos" list at the end of this year.
JYP-signed songstress and former "K-Pop Star" finalist Baek A Yeon made waves last year with her self-composed single "Shouldn't Have" and although I found the song quite boring at first I later grew to love it. With this new single she proves once again she has talent for writing songs with relatable lyrics, and I like this one even better than the other. The video too is absolutely great and will definitely be competing for a place on my "Top 10 Videos" list at the end of this year.
May 22, 2016
Song(s) of the Week #61
For the next few weeks I will include more than one song in this segment simply because there are so many songs I want to include that I didn't for the 10 weeks or so I didn't post anything on here. For that reason this week there will be multiple songs from various groups and possibly a few special videos as well. So until I get back on track with my posting you'll just have to endure this messy phase, but I hope it'll be enjoyable nonetheless.
Taemin - Soldier
This song is just so beautiful, and although Taemin's vocals aren't the very best he manages to pull off this quite challenging song in a lovely way, making use of his breathy vocals to convey the emotional message. "Soldier" is definitely one of those songs you hear and instantly love, and the fact that he wrote the lyrics all by himself makes it even more touching.
Astro - Innocent Love
I decided to listen to Astro's debut mini album since I liked their debut song, but I didn't know I would stumble upon this gorgeous ballad. For me, as you know, I either love a ballad or I find it extremely boring, and this one I can't get enough of. I don't know exactly what it is about it that makes it so, but the vocals are fantastic and it has a melody that's just the right amount of emotional.
Fiestar - A Sip Of Lips
My first reaction upon hearing this song was that it sounded nothing like any other song I had heard in K-pop before, and that in a good way. I don't really know how to describe the music and style either because it's so different, but I can say that it is a very sensual and sultry track that's quite subdued, and that it has a melody and hook that instantly catches you.
Oh My Girl - One Step Two Steps
"One Step Two Steps" went from being a pre-release single to a follow-up single, and I can't say that I'm complaining about the exposure of this song because it's a really great one. Composed by labelmate Jinyoung of B1A4 (who's gaining a lot of monument right now as a songwriter and producer) it's a fresh and lively tune matched with a great choreography.
Day6 - First Time
This is the opening track of Day6's mini album "Daydream" (which I absolutely adore) and this song might be my favorite on the album. It's a great rock track in every sense of the word and I love the melody and instrumental, but above all it has that vibe and atmosphere that you feel deep within your heart and cannot be expressed in words. Sungjin's raspy vocals are top notch too.
Got7 - Rewind
There are a lot of good songs on Got7's latest mini album, but this one definitely stood out to me. "Rewind" is actually the work of member Youngjae and a few more experienced composers, but I think it's great that the members are finally getting a chance to have input into their own songs. Youngjae does shine in this song as well, and it's definitely helpful that the song is just generally awesome.
Seventeen (Seungkwan & DK) - Say Yes
What is this? Another ballad? Yes that's right, here comes another ballad in the form of "Say Yes". It's performed by this groups' two main vocalists and it's really a beautiful duet. Both of them are such good singers and it's a real pleasure hearing them sing like this. The song itself is a genuinely beautiful and emotional ballad, with a perfect amount of dynamics.
Lovelyz - Dear You
Lovelyz are really carving out a signature sound for themselves, and although not every song is going to work for me I really do appreciate that they're staying true to their own sound and style. This song however is straight up my alley and although the chorus is deeply infectious the dreamy pre-chorus is definitely what does it for me. It would be great if they could promote a song like this sometime.
Girls On Top (Produce 101) - At The Same Place
This is what I meant when I said that B1A4's Jinyoung is getting famous for his composing skills, because this song written for "Produce 101" gained a lot of attention at it's release and climbed up the charts to a peak position of 8. I absolutely love this song and cannot tell you how many times I have watched this performance, and it still enchants me every single time.
I think that's about it for this week, but for the coming weeks there will be more tracks and videos that I have been watching and listening to as of recent. Stay tuned!
Taemin - Soldier
This song is just so beautiful, and although Taemin's vocals aren't the very best he manages to pull off this quite challenging song in a lovely way, making use of his breathy vocals to convey the emotional message. "Soldier" is definitely one of those songs you hear and instantly love, and the fact that he wrote the lyrics all by himself makes it even more touching.
Astro - Innocent Love
I decided to listen to Astro's debut mini album since I liked their debut song, but I didn't know I would stumble upon this gorgeous ballad. For me, as you know, I either love a ballad or I find it extremely boring, and this one I can't get enough of. I don't know exactly what it is about it that makes it so, but the vocals are fantastic and it has a melody that's just the right amount of emotional.
Fiestar - A Sip Of Lips
My first reaction upon hearing this song was that it sounded nothing like any other song I had heard in K-pop before, and that in a good way. I don't really know how to describe the music and style either because it's so different, but I can say that it is a very sensual and sultry track that's quite subdued, and that it has a melody and hook that instantly catches you.
Oh My Girl - One Step Two Steps
"One Step Two Steps" went from being a pre-release single to a follow-up single, and I can't say that I'm complaining about the exposure of this song because it's a really great one. Composed by labelmate Jinyoung of B1A4 (who's gaining a lot of monument right now as a songwriter and producer) it's a fresh and lively tune matched with a great choreography.
Day6 - First Time
This is the opening track of Day6's mini album "Daydream" (which I absolutely adore) and this song might be my favorite on the album. It's a great rock track in every sense of the word and I love the melody and instrumental, but above all it has that vibe and atmosphere that you feel deep within your heart and cannot be expressed in words. Sungjin's raspy vocals are top notch too.
Got7 - Rewind
There are a lot of good songs on Got7's latest mini album, but this one definitely stood out to me. "Rewind" is actually the work of member Youngjae and a few more experienced composers, but I think it's great that the members are finally getting a chance to have input into their own songs. Youngjae does shine in this song as well, and it's definitely helpful that the song is just generally awesome.
Seventeen (Seungkwan & DK) - Say Yes
What is this? Another ballad? Yes that's right, here comes another ballad in the form of "Say Yes". It's performed by this groups' two main vocalists and it's really a beautiful duet. Both of them are such good singers and it's a real pleasure hearing them sing like this. The song itself is a genuinely beautiful and emotional ballad, with a perfect amount of dynamics.
Lovelyz - Dear You
Lovelyz are really carving out a signature sound for themselves, and although not every song is going to work for me I really do appreciate that they're staying true to their own sound and style. This song however is straight up my alley and although the chorus is deeply infectious the dreamy pre-chorus is definitely what does it for me. It would be great if they could promote a song like this sometime.
Girls On Top (Produce 101) - At The Same Place
This is what I meant when I said that B1A4's Jinyoung is getting famous for his composing skills, because this song written for "Produce 101" gained a lot of attention at it's release and climbed up the charts to a peak position of 8. I absolutely love this song and cannot tell you how many times I have watched this performance, and it still enchants me every single time.
I think that's about it for this week, but for the coming weeks there will be more tracks and videos that I have been watching and listening to as of recent. Stay tuned!
Feb 7, 2016
Song(s) of the Week #60
B-sides from CNBlue's latest Japanese album "Colors" - "Irony", "Daisy" And "Hold Me"
I really wanted to share these songs with you all, but I thought it would be a bit too repetitive to have three "Song of the Week"'s in a row with only CNBlue so instead I put them all together in one post. As you may or may not remember I wasn't a huge fan of their latest Korean album and was wondering if this group was heading in a bad direction with their music, but I actually really like this Japanese album and wish it would have been released and promoted in Korea instead. Sure, there are some songs on there that I like less (like with all of their albums), but overall I enjoyed it and these songs in particular are amazing. Especially "Hold Me" is fantastic, and might be one of my favorite CNBlue songs in a long while.
I really wanted to share these songs with you all, but I thought it would be a bit too repetitive to have three "Song of the Week"'s in a row with only CNBlue so instead I put them all together in one post. As you may or may not remember I wasn't a huge fan of their latest Korean album and was wondering if this group was heading in a bad direction with their music, but I actually really like this Japanese album and wish it would have been released and promoted in Korea instead. Sure, there are some songs on there that I like less (like with all of their albums), but overall I enjoyed it and these songs in particular are amazing. Especially "Hold Me" is fantastic, and might be one of my favorite CNBlue songs in a long while.
Jan 31, 2016
Song of the Week #59
Infinite - Love Of My Life
I tend not to listen as much to idol groups' Japanese music as much, despite them being my bias (SHINee's Japanese stuff for example is for the most part horrid), but I came across this song of off Infinite's newest Japanese album on my Tumblr feed a while ago and decided to give it a go. I cannot explain with words how this song made me feel inside, as it brought all kinds of emotions up to the surface, and if there's still anyone out there claiming this isn't a vocal group I would show them this and leave them just as speechless I was. Oh my goodness do they sound good; no not good, perfect. If you haven't listened to it yet you're seriously missing out on some rock-ballad brilliance with some of the best vocal work I've seen from this group.
I tend not to listen as much to idol groups' Japanese music as much, despite them being my bias (SHINee's Japanese stuff for example is for the most part horrid), but I came across this song of off Infinite's newest Japanese album on my Tumblr feed a while ago and decided to give it a go. I cannot explain with words how this song made me feel inside, as it brought all kinds of emotions up to the surface, and if there's still anyone out there claiming this isn't a vocal group I would show them this and leave them just as speechless I was. Oh my goodness do they sound good; no not good, perfect. If you haven't listened to it yet you're seriously missing out on some rock-ballad brilliance with some of the best vocal work I've seen from this group.
Jan 17, 2016
Song of the Week #58
Winner (Mino & Taehyun) - Pricked
My expectations for Winner's 2016 comeback has been sky high ever since the release date was announced, and with the mysterious yet awesome teaser videos that have dropped since my excitement and anxiety has grown bigger and bigger. Of course I long for their comeback, but what if I end up totally disappointed? Well so far that isn't the case, because pre-release track "Pricked" is absolutely beautiful. Now give me the album, damn it!
My expectations for Winner's 2016 comeback has been sky high ever since the release date was announced, and with the mysterious yet awesome teaser videos that have dropped since my excitement and anxiety has grown bigger and bigger. Of course I long for their comeback, but what if I end up totally disappointed? Well so far that isn't the case, because pre-release track "Pricked" is absolutely beautiful. Now give me the album, damn it!
Dec 27, 2015
Song of the Week #57
Monsta X - Hero
I literally heard this song for the first time earlier this week and I was completely taken back. This is actually really good, like this is a song I would be stanning a group because of. It appears this wasn't even their title track but rather a follow-up of some sorts and it doesn't really have an MV of its own apart from the dance versions, which is really tragic. Starship, what are you guys doing? I want more of this, thanks. Also, I.M's rapping is on fire.
I literally heard this song for the first time earlier this week and I was completely taken back. This is actually really good, like this is a song I would be stanning a group because of. It appears this wasn't even their title track but rather a follow-up of some sorts and it doesn't really have an MV of its own apart from the dance versions, which is really tragic. Starship, what are you guys doing? I want more of this, thanks. Also, I.M's rapping is on fire.
Dec 20, 2015
Song of the Week #56
f(x) - Wish List
Of course f(x) would be the group to save the holiday season from all the generic Christmas songs that are released this time of the year. This single is part of a SM compilation release featuring all Christmas tracks from f(x), Red Velvet and BoA, and I knew as soon as I heard the teaser snippet for this song that it would rock. Not even in such a over-worked stereotypical genre do they manage to fall victims to releasing boring songs, and I guess that's why I love them so much. "Wish List" is simply amazing, but what else can you expect from f(x)?
Of course f(x) would be the group to save the holiday season from all the generic Christmas songs that are released this time of the year. This single is part of a SM compilation release featuring all Christmas tracks from f(x), Red Velvet and BoA, and I knew as soon as I heard the teaser snippet for this song that it would rock. Not even in such a over-worked stereotypical genre do they manage to fall victims to releasing boring songs, and I guess that's why I love them so much. "Wish List" is simply amazing, but what else can you expect from f(x)?
This is me at all times (gif not mine).
Dec 13, 2015
Song (And Video) of the Week #55
Lovelyz - For You
Lovelyz recently came back with a cheerful, summary single to cheer fans up in the middle of the dark winter we're currently in, and I genuinely like the song with its upbeat vibe and uplifting lyrics. Sure, it sounds eerily like an A Pink track and probably the least Lovelyz soundning comeback titel they've put out, but I like it nonetheless. The girls traveled abroad to a seemingly warmer place to shoot this video, and although it would have suited being a summer single it works well as a warm gift for their fans.
Lovelyz recently came back with a cheerful, summary single to cheer fans up in the middle of the dark winter we're currently in, and I genuinely like the song with its upbeat vibe and uplifting lyrics. Sure, it sounds eerily like an A Pink track and probably the least Lovelyz soundning comeback titel they've put out, but I like it nonetheless. The girls traveled abroad to a seemingly warmer place to shoot this video, and although it would have suited being a summer single it works well as a warm gift for their fans.
Dec 6, 2015
Song of the Week #54
Girls' Generation - Etude
Sometimes I really miss the early SNSD days, when they used to put out songs like this one. For someone who got into K-pop quite late (at least in regards to when SNSD debuted) it's hard to imagine that once upon a time they were the cute, innocent girl group that nowadays groups like A Pink and GFriend are taking upon themselves. Either way the song "Etude" is a pretty good song despite being a bit too cutesy for my liking, and if anything it's impressive to see how long SNSD has come since those days.
Sometimes I really miss the early SNSD days, when they used to put out songs like this one. For someone who got into K-pop quite late (at least in regards to when SNSD debuted) it's hard to imagine that once upon a time they were the cute, innocent girl group that nowadays groups like A Pink and GFriend are taking upon themselves. Either way the song "Etude" is a pretty good song despite being a bit too cutesy for my liking, and if anything it's impressive to see how long SNSD has come since those days.
Nov 29, 2015
Song of the Week #53
f(x) - Love
"Love" is by itself an amazing song, and definitely one of the better ones off of the "Pinocchio" album, but what makes it special is that the track is a product of one of K-pop's most famous producers: Sweetune. SM generally doesn't hire those kind of freelance producers, but they did here and the result turned out fantastic. I love that although it does have that Sweetune signature sound the essence and flavor is still all f(x).
"Love" is by itself an amazing song, and definitely one of the better ones off of the "Pinocchio" album, but what makes it special is that the track is a product of one of K-pop's most famous producers: Sweetune. SM generally doesn't hire those kind of freelance producers, but they did here and the result turned out fantastic. I love that although it does have that Sweetune signature sound the essence and flavor is still all f(x).
Nov 8, 2015
Song of the Week #52
Lovelyz - How To Be A Pretty Girl
If there's one thing Lovelyz can be applauded for it's their consistent sound. They have a certain musical and aesthetic style that's their own, and although the individual songs can be hit or miss to me it's great that they've developed an identity. One song that did stand out to me in a good way on their newest mini album "Lovelyz8" was this one. It's pretty safe and harmless, but has a unique cute and quirky charm to it. Definitely my favorite on the album.
If there's one thing Lovelyz can be applauded for it's their consistent sound. They have a certain musical and aesthetic style that's their own, and although the individual songs can be hit or miss to me it's great that they've developed an identity. One song that did stand out to me in a good way on their newest mini album "Lovelyz8" was this one. It's pretty safe and harmless, but has a unique cute and quirky charm to it. Definitely my favorite on the album.
Nov 1, 2015
Song of the Week #51
Taeyeon - Stress
"Stress" is by far my favorite song on Taeyeon's debut solo album "I", which I by the way liked despite it being mainly dominated by ballads. This song however is more of an upbeat track, and I really, really like it. Taeyeon sounds great, the melody and dynamics of the song are awesome and it also kind of amuses me how she's singing about smoking cigarettes, being a female idol and all.
"Stress" is by far my favorite song on Taeyeon's debut solo album "I", which I by the way liked despite it being mainly dominated by ballads. This song however is more of an upbeat track, and I really, really like it. Taeyeon sounds great, the melody and dynamics of the song are awesome and it also kind of amuses me how she's singing about smoking cigarettes, being a female idol and all.
Oct 4, 2015
Song of the Week #50
Song Mino - Fear (Ft. Taeyang) on Show Me The Money 4
As you may or may not know (most probably the former), Winner's very own Mino was a contestant on the fourth season of Show Me The Money. I did not follow the show because it's messy and embarrassing, so it was by accident I came across this performance from the semi-finals. "Fear" is one of the best song's I've heard all year, period. This is rap done right, as it's both emotionally evoking and incredibly heartfelt, and Minho pours his heart out in this performance. This has been on repeat ever since I heard it. Amazing.
As you may or may not know (most probably the former), Winner's very own Mino was a contestant on the fourth season of Show Me The Money. I did not follow the show because it's messy and embarrassing, so it was by accident I came across this performance from the semi-finals. "Fear" is one of the best song's I've heard all year, period. This is rap done right, as it's both emotionally evoking and incredibly heartfelt, and Minho pours his heart out in this performance. This has been on repeat ever since I heard it. Amazing.
Sep 6, 2015
Song of the Week #49
Hyukoh - Ohio
I feel like my blog is slowly turning into a Hyukoh fanpage, but can you blame me? This four-piece indie band has taken both my world and South Korea by storm, and I loved absolutely everything I've heard by them which never happens to me anymore. I'm 100% positive this group will only continue to grow and gain more fans and popularity because their music is marvelous.
I feel like my blog is slowly turning into a Hyukoh fanpage, but can you blame me? This four-piece indie band has taken both my world and South Korea by storm, and I loved absolutely everything I've heard by them which never happens to me anymore. I'm 100% positive this group will only continue to grow and gain more fans and popularity because their music is marvelous.
Aug 30, 2015
Song of the Week #48
IU - Heart
"Heart" by songstress IU is a self-composed song that was released and served as an OST for her drama "The Producers", and also managed to take the number one spot on the singles chart in South Korea. The more IU has grown and started composing her own songs you can tell that she has a preference for these type of minimalistic, stripped-down tracks with focus on vocals and harmonies, and she excels in them. I personally love this song as I think it's sweet and beautiful but also very touching, as she truly reaches out to the hearts of the listeners.
"Heart" by songstress IU is a self-composed song that was released and served as an OST for her drama "The Producers", and also managed to take the number one spot on the singles chart in South Korea. The more IU has grown and started composing her own songs you can tell that she has a preference for these type of minimalistic, stripped-down tracks with focus on vocals and harmonies, and she excels in them. I personally love this song as I think it's sweet and beautiful but also very touching, as she truly reaches out to the hearts of the listeners.
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