AsiaPlayList: 2017

Sunday, December 24, 2017

This or That? {10th Edition}

Ever hear a song that reminds you of another? This is a friendly comparison of videos and songs with similar genres, concepts, and themes.

BTS No More Dream v. Monsta X Trespass

"No More Dream" was BTS's debut song from 2013. As young-blooded rookies, BTS showed off a powerful image in this heavily hip-hop based track. The music video plays further on the hip-hop/urban influence as the members wear gold chains and are filmed with b-boys. Overall, there's a whole bad-boy, delinquent theme and it almost seems as if BTS is supposed to be a gang: they cause a ruckus in the neighborhood and are confronted by the police at the end. Despite the incriminating nature of the music video, "No More Dream" is actually an up building message for youth to go after their dreams!

Monsta X debuted in 2015 with a similar concept. "Trespass" is a high-energy hip-hop track as well, but the biggest similarities between these two releases are in the music videos. For one thing, both videos have a dramatic beginning that introduces each group member. Monsta X also take on the rough, rebel image: they are portrayed breaking out of jail and being apprehended by the police.

BTS - No More Dream

Monsta X - Trespass

My Choice:

With a concept such as this, it's easy to appear as if you are trying too hard to look cool. But even though the concept was executed a little over exaggeratedly, I think both BTS and Monsta X still managed to look cool in some way through their individual charms and talents. Musically, I prefer "No More Dream" and video-wise I prefer "Trespass".

Sources

Images: 1,2,3,4

Saturday, December 23, 2017

English Songs by Asian Pop Artists (Pt 1)

There are some cases when Asian pop artists deviate from their usual language and make a song in English, whether it be to reach a wider audience or to treat their international fans. Here is a list of completely English tracks by K-pop, J-pop and C-pop artists. Some of these songs are exclusively English, whereas some are an alternative version to the original. Please anticipate a part two!

***On December 18th Kim Jonghyun, member of Shinee died tragically from suicide. The whole Korean entertainment industry is still in shock and mourning from this sad incident.

1. Henry - That One

K-pop

Henry Lau is looking for the one he can adore in this piano-based R&B track. Co-written and co-composed by the singer himself, "That One" is just more proof of Henry's talent.

2. Dean - I'm Not Sorry

K-pop

Before Dean started his singing career in Korea, he debuted in the United States with "I'm Not Sorry", featuring Grammy-winning artist Eric Bellinger.

3. Jane Zhang - Dust My Shoulders Off

C-pop

Jane Zhang is carefree and confident in "Dust My Shoulders Off". The song, produced by Timbaland, takes on a style different from Jane's previous music and proves her versatility as an artist. The music video gives this another touch of uniqueness for its appreciation and playful use of art.

4. Namie Amuro - Heaven

J-pop

Namie Amuro is no stranger to singing in English, despite not being fluent in the language. "Heaven", a single from her second bilingual album, is a futuristic EDM track produced by the famous European DJ ZEDD.

5. K.A.R.D. - Don't Recall

K-pop

As part of their pre-debut project, KARD would have a "hidden card" or a special surprise for fans with each song. After the release of "Don't Recall", KARD rereleased the song in English in the following month.

6. Luhan - Skin to Skin

C-pop

"Skin To Skin" is a mid-tempo synth-pop song with soft vocals and intriguing whistle beat.

7. Ten - Dream in a Dream

K-pop

NCT member Ten goes solo for this SM Station release. With Ten's breathy vocals, synths. and Asian instruments, "Dream in a Dream" is an ethereal listening experience.

8. Wonder Girls - Like Money

K-pop

The Wonder Girls have quite a few songs that were geared towards an international or Western audience, this being the last one in their career. "Like Money" is a collaboration with American rapper Akon that takes on the dance-pop genre.

9. Diana Wang - Home

C-pop

Taiwan-based singer Diana Wang gained the attention of the Chinese audience with her single "Home" despite it being entirely in English. The lyrics are about wanting to return to one's safe haven for security and familiarity.

10. Odd Eye Circle - Loonatic

K-pop

Odd Eye Circle is a sub-unit of the k-pop girl group LOONA. "Loonatic" shows the cuteness and quirkiness of the three members and references the group's moon concept.

11. Amber X Luna - Heartbeat (Eng)

K-pop

This is the English version of a song released through SM Station. The f(x) members teamed up with Dutch DJ Ferry Corsten and Korean producer Kago Penchi for this EDM number. "Heartbeat" has a relaxing melody and explores the softer side of the electronic dance genre.

12. Thelma Aoyama feat. 4minute - Without U

J-pop, K-pop

"Without U" is a beautiful collaboration between Japanese soloist Thelma Aoyama and k-pop girl group 4minute. This ballad was initially released in Japanese.

13. Cindy Yen - Fighting For Love

C-pop

In 2016, Cindy Yen came out with the Mandarin theme song for Cotton USA, titled "I Love Myself". Recently, she came back with an English version which is renamed "Fighting for Love". It has an electronic composition, while the former is more piano based.

14. Jannine Weigel - Finish Line

T-pop

As a T-pop singer, much of Jannine's music is in Thai. However, in 2016, she came out with her first English song "Finish Line" with the intention to break into the American market and reach a wider audience. "Finish Line" features a sound that is often used by Western producers making me believe it would perfectly suit American radio.

15. Wonder Girls - Nobody

K-pop

"Nobody" was a huge domestic and international success for the Wonder Girls. After the single became a smash-hit in Korea, the group released the song in three other languages. The English version landed number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100, making the Wonder Girls the first Korean group to do so!

Sources:
2,3,4,8,14,15

Thursday, December 14, 2017

November in Music

Here's my top picks from the month of November!

1. NCT 127 - Limitless

Japanese

Released: November 4th

NCT 127 released the Japanese version of "Limitless" which is a preview of their upcoming debut in Japan. You may recall the Korean version from this past January, and you will hear that the song in Japanese is just as high quality! The music video, however, has a slightly darker, edgier concept. The members of NCT dance and roam around in a mysterious warehouse.
Review: Song - 4.5/5 MV - 5/5

2. Block B - Shall We Dance

Korean

Released: November 7th

Block B's last comeback was in February with the quirky pop tune "Yesterday". However, with "Shall We Dance", the versatile group goes back to showing their love for urban music. There's a very obvious Latin influence, which is paired with brassy horns and an addicting beat. And as usual, the guys of Block B are styled very flamboyantly.

Review: Song - 3.5/5 MV - 3/5

3. Namie Amuro - Finally

Japanese

Released: November 8th

Namie Amuro gracefully ends her long, successful career with a final compilation album. Through "Finally", Amuro seemingly bids the music scene farewell with a touching sentiment and opens a new chapter of her life, "I'll spread both hands towards an unknown world the light shines into, and I'll accept it all so I'll go to a brilliant future, finally." This ballad is complimented by the beautiful and calming aesthetic of the music video. Note: I've only included the teaser because the video is not on youtube, but you can watch the full mv here.
Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 4/5

4. Eric Chou - Without Her

Mandarin

Released: November 16th

Taiwanese singer-songwriter Eric Chou's latest song "Without You" is sure to attract much attention with its style and sound. It closely follows the latest music trend of EDM and has a very enjoyable melody. Personally, I love the way the song transitions between English and Chinese, and between piano and electronic. This is just a taste of Eric's upcoming album, "The Chaos After You", which is to be released very soon!
Review: Song - 5/5 MV - 4/5

5. Jannine Weigel - Heart Stop

Released: November 17th

English

Jannine Weigel is a 17-year old Thai-pop singer, but much of her music is in English. "Heart Stop", from her second English EP, is a catchy pop tune about the thrill of falling in love. It's fun and sounds very much like something Disney stars release when they start off their solo careers.

Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 3/5

6. K.A.R.D. - You In Me

Korean

Released: November

"You In Me" is KARD's first official comeback since their debut in July. To me, this song really points back to their pre-debut singles in terms of sound, theme, and choreography. "You In Me" is about reaching a desperate point in a troubled, failing relationship - much like "Don't Recall". As for genre, it is electronic or tropical house like the majority of their discography. What makes this KARD release different is the dramatic music video. The members are paired into couples and act out a dying romance, in which the guy dies - perhaps symbolizing that the relationship or love is dead.

Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 3.5/5

Sources:
Info: 4, 5

Images: 1,2,3,4,5,6

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Top 20 Most Handsome Chinese Celebrities

Here's a list of top 20 best-looking Chinese and Taiwanese celebrities including singers, idols, models, and actors. They are ranked in order of their birth (youngest to oldest). Note: This list is based on my personal opinion. Feel free to share who your favorite is!

20.

Name: Song Wei-Long

Nationality: Chinese

Birth Year: 1999

Main Occupation(s): Actor, Model

19.

Name: Xing Zhao-Lin

Nationality: Chinese

Birth Year: 1997

Main Occupation(s): Actor, Model

18.

Name: Yao Ming-Ming

Nationality: Chinese

Birth Year: 1997

Main Occupation(s): K-pop trainee

17.

Name: Dong Si-Cheng

Nationality: Chinese

Birth Year: 1997

Main Occupation(s): K-pop idol

16.

Name: Wen Jun-Hui

Nationality: Chinese

Birth Year: 1996

Main Occupation(s): K-pop idol

15.

Name: Jackson Wang

Nationality: Chinese (Hong Kong)

Birth Year: 1994

Main Occupation(s): K-pop idol

14.

Name: Lin Tzu-Hung (Sam)

Nationality: Taiwanese

Birth Year: 1993

Main Occupation(s): C-pop idol

13.

Name: Zhang Yi-Xing

Nationality: Chinese

Birth Year: 1991

Main Occupation(s): K-pop idol

12.

Name: Yang Yang

Nationality: Chinese

Birth Year: 1991

Main Occupation(s): Actor

11.

Name: Nick Chou/Zhou Tang-Hao

Nationality: Taiwanese

Birth Year: 1988

Main Occupation(s): Singer, Actor

10.

Name: Chen Xiao

Nationality: Chinese

Birth Year: 1987

Main Occupation(s): Actor

Name: Wu Keng-Lin

Nationality: Taiwanese

Birth Year: 1985

Main Occupation(s): Singer, Actor

Name: Gao Yi-Xiang

Nationality: Taiwanese-Canadian

Birth Year: 1984

Main Occupation(s): Actor, Model

Name: Zhang Han

Nationality: Chinese

Birth Year: 1984

Main Occupation(s): Actor

Name: Chen Bai-Rong

Nationality: Taiwanese

Birth Year: 1984

Main Occupation(s): Actor

Name: Chang Li-Ang

Nationality: Taiwanese

Birth Year: 1983

Main Occupation(s): Actor

Name: Wang Kai

Nationality: Chinese

Birth Year: 1982

Main Occupation(s): Actor

Name: Qiu Ze

Nationality: Taiwanese

Birth Year: 1981

Main Occupation(s): Actor, Racing Driver

Name: Wang Dong-Cheng

Nationality: Taiwanese

Birth Year: 1981

Main Occupation(s): Singer, Actor

Name: Ron Ng Cheuk-Hei

Nationality: Chinese (Hong Kong)

Birth Year: 1979

Main Occupation(s): Actor

Honorable Mentions:

Sources:
Info: Wikipedia, MyDramaList
Images

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

October in Music

Here are my top releases from October!

1. Seventeen (Hip-Hop Unit) - Trauma

Korean

Released: October 1st

Within the past month, Seventeen released singles performed by their units that focused on the members' particular talents. The hip-hop unit (Vernon, Mingyu, Wonwoo & S.coups), which naturally focuses on rap, dropped a very emotional song about trying to escape their anxieties. The members' trauma is reflected in how they are isolated in a room, restricted by strings. Overall, I like "Trauma" mainly for its lyrics. It's far from the typical Hip-Hop party anthem and explores an individual's deeper, darker emotions.

Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 3.5/5

2. Bii - Be The Light

Mandarin

Released: October 2nd

Bii is a Taiwanese singer-songwriter who debuted in 2010. He often performs ballads, one of his latest of which is "Be Your Light". "Be Your Light" is a contemporary rock ballad based on the notes of a piano and guitar. Bii captures listeners' attention with his soothing voice and an uplifting message "I'll be the light at every dark moment. I will survive for you." The music video is very simple (with shining lights and glowing galaxies) yet, it is altogether amazing.

Review: Song - 4.5/5 MV - 5/5

3. Anna - Huh?

Mandarin

Released: October 4th

"Huh?" is Anna's third single from her debut mini-album "My Name is Anna" which was released back in September. Produced by J.Sheon, an urban/hip-hop artist from Taiwan, "Huh" features an 808 bass drum beat. And most importantly, the music video shows off Anna's sick dance moves!

Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 4/5

4. CLC - I Like It

Korean

Released: October 26th

"I Like It" is actually a b-side from an album released this past summer. So, the release of this dance practice video was highly unexpected, considering CLC's promotions are over. The song is a dance track with a sound that matches the spunky style of CLC's previous album "Crystyle".

Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 3/5

5. Odd Eye Circle - Sweet Crazy Love

Korean

Released: October 30th

Odd Eye Circle debuted in September and recently came back with a repackage of their debut album. "Sweet Crazy Love" is an R&B pop tune that opens with the notes from a violin and follows through with electronic synths. Jinsoul, Choerry, and Kim Lip sing in a smooth, sweet that gives "Sweet Crazy Love" a completely different feeling from their debut.

Review: Song - 4.5/5 MV - 3.5/5

6. Diana Wang - Tomorrow

Mandarin

Released: October 30th

"Tomorrow", the second single of Diana's upcoming album, is a duet between Diana Wang and her mother, Wang Lei. According to the song's profile on KKBOX, Tomorrow is inspired by the Chinese Story "穆桂英掛帥". It is both modern and classical, as it starts out as an r&b ballad and then incorporates the traditional Chinese musical scale. Finally, Khalil appears in the end with his electric guitar, adding yet another element of auditory intrigue to the track.

Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 3/5

Sources:
Images: 1,2,3,4,5,6

Info: 1,2a,b,3a,b,6

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Top K-pop Albums {Love Yourself : Her by BTS}

Released: September 2017

1. Intro: Serendipity 2. DNA 3. Best Of Me 4. Dimple 5. Pied Piper 6. Skit: Billboard Music Awards Speech 7. MIC Drop 8. Go Go 9. Outro: Her 10. Sea (Hidden Track)

BTS dropped their much-anticipated album 'Love Yourself: Her', citing that it is the first part in a series. This marks BTS' first comeback since gaining recognition on a worldwide platform (at the BBMAs) and the beginning of the group's "second chapter" as "Beyond the Scene". The album wasted no time breaking records. Actually, before it was dropped 'Love Yourself: Her' reached 1,051,546 preorders making BTS the first K-pop group to reach more than one million pre-orders! Then, upon its actual release, it topped iTunes' world album chart in 73 countries! Here, I'll talk about my three favorite songs from this record-breaking album.

1. DNA

Taking a look at this year, we got to see three sides of BTS. They were shown as sentimentalists with "Spring Day", edgy youth in "Not Today" and now with "DNA" as charming hipsters. In this song, Bangtan sing about how fate connects two totally different people. In other words, opposites attract. DNA is quite different from other Bangtan tracks. It starts with a breezy whistle sequence (that remains throughout) and has an electronic break-down in the chorus.

The song gets really intense at times and has an intense music video that fulfills all your artistic desires: there are abstract art-like backdrops and colorful depictions of outer space. I like how the clothes and setting focus on primary colors (the hues often used to depict DNA). Everything about this (the beat, the fun colors, the members' energy) excites your senses.

2. Best Of Me

"Best of Me" is a collaboration song with the Chainsmokers. BTS met and befriended the Chainsmokers when they came to America for the Billboard Music Awards. When they announced this collab, I assumed that the American pop-duo would be included in the song, but they aren't. However, their presence is known and felt anyway because the track is formed with their trademark EDM sound.

The "Best of Me" is basically BTS' take on American pop and I feel that the song lived up to the hype surrounding it. I also feel that Bangtan taking on this genre is refreshing, and the sound especially suits Jimin's voice. Lyrically, the song is a proclamation of love to someone who is undeniably their better half. "You’re everything in this world to me...We shared something and you can’t make it nothing, I hope you don’t forget".

3. Go Go

Hip-hop songs often talk about getting tons of money and spending it. "Go Go" follows suit, however, it has an element of comedy. It's essentially a parody of our materialistic society. The song pokes fun at the way young people recklessly blow their money and foolishly live by the mantra "YOLO". "Dollar dollar, squandering it all in one day. Run, run, man I spend it like some party".

"Go Go" opens with a tropical xylophone sound, and keeps a fun bounce throughout. BTS promoted this song on music shows, and gave a comical performance!

Sources

Info: 1

Images: 1,2,3,4,5

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

September in Music

Here's what the month of September brought us music-wise.

1. Bobby - I Love You

Korean

Released: September 14th

Ikon member Bobby his solo comeback releasing a 10-track album full of self-written and self-composed songs. With "Love and Fall" Bobby tries out different genres (unlike what he has done with ikon and his solo debut) and shows a new side contrasting with his hip-hop swag image. "I Love You" is a breezy electronic track that holds onto the summer vibe (even in September).

Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 3/5

2. BTS - DNA

Korean

Released: September 18th

BTS go all out with DNA: a release as unique as what it's named after. They've been going all out this whole year with winning international awards and touring worldwide. In this song, Bangtan sing about how fate connects two totally different people. In other words, opposites attract. There's a breezy whistle and acoustic sound with an electronic break-down in the chorus. Overall, DNA is sensory overload. And I mean that in the best way.

Review: Song - 4.5/5 MV - 4/5

3. Odd Eye Circle - Girl Front

Korean

Released: September 20th

Odd Eye Circle is the second (pre-debut) sub-unit of upcoming girl group LOONA. Their debut single "Girl Front" is a bubbly, quirky mix of electro-pop with an odd concept, similar to Red Velvet's style. In the music video, the members' Kim Lip, Jinsoul, and Cheorry can be seen reflecting their own actions. Its aesthetic focuses on red, blue and purple, the member's official colors.

Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 3/5

4. Seventeen (Leaders) - Change Up

Korean

Released: September 24th

Seventeen changed up in "Change Up"! Instead of their full thirteen-member line-up, they promoted as a unit with (leaders) Woozi, S.Coups, Hoshi and the three of them pull off a hip-hop groove. the falsetto and raps are really nice, and the chorus is mercilessly catchy, though some of the song's transitions lack smoothness.

Review: Song - 3.5/5 MV - 3/5

5. Luhan - Like A Dream

Mandarin

Released: September 27th

Luhan is back again with another great song! This year he's been reemerging every few months or so with new music. "Like A Dream" is a light mix of R&B and Hip Hop with a cute, romantic chorus. The music video takes inspirations from Andy Warhol's pop art, so it's very colorful and gives off a 1960's feel. Luhan actually isn't in the middle video, but (as a nice surprise) dancers from 1Million dance studio perform to the song.

Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 2/5

6. Diana Wang - Poem

Mandarin

Released: September 29th

"Poem" is the first single ahead of the release of Diana Wang's second album. It was composed by fellow R&B singer Khalil Fong (one of my favorite C-pop artists). This song has a soft, beautiful melody and is paired with a relaxing music video that has natural aesthetic. Hopefully, in the future, there will be more collaborations between Diana and Khalil!

Review: Song - 3.5/5 MV - 3.5/5

Sources:
1,6

Info:

Images: 1,2,3,4,5,6

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Asian Pop Stars with Pink Hair

Pop stars tend to be daring when it comes to fashion and with hairstyles too. These K-pop, J-pop and C-pop stars pulled off hairdos with bubblegum, pastel, and hot pink hues!

1. Taeyeon