1. Girls' Generation - All Night
Korean
Released: August 4th
2017 marks a decade since Girls' Generations debut, bringing them to drop an album in commemoration of their 10th anniversary. "All Night", one of the two album singles, is accompanied by a documentary-style music video in which the members share their thoughts and sentiments through mini-interviews. The song is disco-pop with a groovy beat and a hook typical to bubblegum-pop music. It's catchy enough, but I personally think SNSD's album release is weak and underwhelming for something as special as a 10th anniversary.
Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 2/5
2. Taeyang - White Night
Korean
Released: August 9th
Taeyang, whose stage name means "sun", released his third studio album with the clever title and theme "White Night" (which is a night when the sun never sets). Ahead of the album, Korea's "Prince of R&B" released the intro of the same name. "White Night" is an enchanting r&b track with electronic sounds and a climactic chorus. The music video is very mesmerizing and features scenes filmed on the icy coasts of Alaska, presumably under a white night which is a normal occurrence in that part of the world. My only issue with this is that it's not a full song, as it deserves to be!
Review: Song - 5/5 MV - 3.5/5
3. Anna - Party Crasher
Mandarin
Released: August 16th
Anna is the 16-year-old niece of popular Taiwanese singer A-Mei. She has been referred to as "the strongest monster rookie" due to her promising talent, specifically her dance skills. In the MV for "Party Crasher", Anna was able to show her powerful moves with dances that were choreographed by Kiel Tutin (who has previously worked with artists such as J-Lo, Jolin Tsai, Big Bang and 2NE1). This fun hip-hop performance was paired well with the energetic trap beats of the song.
Review: Song - 2.5/5 MV - 4/5
4. Taeyang - Wake Me Up
Korean
Released: August 16th
Taeyang doesn't want to wake up from his dream-like love. As mentioned earlier, the Big Bang vocalist returned with an album after four years. "Wake Me Up" was released alongside "Darling" as the lead single from the LP. This track is American-style synth pop, but it has been noted that the best utilized "instrument" is Taeyang's own voice. His vocals add a point of interest, to what otherwise, would be a bland listen.
Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 3/5
4. MERA - Born
Mandarin
Released: August 16th
MERA is a five-membered girl group based in China. They officially debuted on August 3rd as the first female group under their record label Mai Rui Entertainment. In "天生", the girls of MERA perform in a very k-pop-like style, and I mean that in the best way possible. The song is fun, their outfits are cute and there's and underlying empowering theme. I must say though, the melody reminds me of something else that I can't quite put my finger on.
Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 3/5
5. Faky - Suga Sweet
Japanese
Released: August 20th
Faky squeeze in one last summer song before the season ends! If your sweet tooth hasn't had enough after their sugary single "Candy" released back in 2015, then you'll be delighted with this fun bop about sweet love. "Suga Sweet" is a digital single made available through Spotify, and has yet to have a music video, but the song itself is enough to entertain with talk of Hershey's kisses, ice cream, and peanut-butter cups.
Review: Song - 5/5 MV - N/A
6. Kassy - Let It Rain
Korean
Released: August 25th
Kassy's career path can be comparable to that of Heize. Both soloists were contestants on Unpretty Rapstar, carved a hip-hop persona for themselves, but then softened their musical genre and image for their career thereafter. I think that this is very smart move as Kassy has a beautiful vocal color and is less awkward singing than she was rapping. "Let It Rain" is an acoustic ballad in which Kassy's airy voice carries the melody and song's emotions smoothly.
Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 2.5/5
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