Top K-pop Albums {Universe by EXO}

Released: December 2017

1. Universe 2. Universe (Chinese Version) 3. Been Through 4. Stay 5. Fall 6. Good Night 7. Stay 8. Universe (CD Version)

EXO kept their annual tradition for the fourth consecutive year and released a "winter special album" for the season. SM Entertainment started teasing the album some weeks before its release with short videos of the members working as baristas. I immediately became excited at the cafe concept because the warmth and relaxation associated with coffee is the perfect theme for a winter album and is a contrast to the typical snow concept! Soundwise, the entire work is smooth and soothing like a cup of coffee. Here are my top three songs from the EP "Universe".

1. Universe

"Universe" is heartwarming by both it's sound and aesthetic. It is a sentimental rock ballad with piano and guitar. The song begins softly, then gradually gains more momentum until the powerful chorus. "Universe" particularly shows the vocal prowess of Baekyun, Chen, and D.O. but also gave the rappers Chanyeol and Sehun a chance to sing. as there are no rap parts. Lyrically, "Universe" talks about suffering after a break-up but vowing to "search the universe" to find their lover again.

The theme of the music video is the making and enjoyment of coffee. In the beginning, EXO looks rather sad and listless. They are dressed in coffee-colored clothes and sing solemnly with earnest hearts. By the end, the young men are sitting together enjoying their caffeinated beverages. Each others company and the warm coffee seemed to put them in a positive mood.

2. Fall

"Fall" is another song that emphasizes vocals as EXO's strong point. Really, the entire album does, but "Fall" especially so. It is pop r&b with acoustic guitar in its composition and reminds me much of their 2013 song "Baby Don't Cry".

3. Been Through

My third favorite of this album, "Been Through" is a slow, synth-pop track. The song is built on a strong, simplistic bassline and the members sing in a way that is truly mesmerizing. The beat is very steady and unrelenting, which (I feel) reflects the steadfastness of the lyrics. "Been Through" is about staying strong and not giving up when faced with setbacks. It reads,"Snap out of it get up and brush it off. Pain is just a passing storm to me". The line that stood out the most to me was "You shine like the stars, you light up my heart". It is definitely a focal point of the song and seems to tie in with the universe theme.

Sources

Images: 1,2,3,4,5

Playlist 16. Latin Influenced K-pop Songs

Theme: Latin Influence

Songs with a [♥] are my preference or a personal favorite

K-pop songs that are inspired by Latin culture.

1. SF9 - O Sole Mio

Korean ♥

SF9 are warm under the sun in this blazing love song. The song starts off with the strumming of a Spanish guitar and then moves into a more electronic-pop sound. Interestingly, "O Sole Mio" includes lyrics in three Latin languages: Italian, Spanish and Latin. First, the title of the song "O Sole Mio" is Neopolitan Italian for "My Sunshine" or, "Oh My Sun". Perhaps it is a reference to the popular Neopolitan song of the same name. Next is "te quiero", which according to some sources translates as "I love you" or "I want you" from Spanish. Finally, there is the phrase "ego dormio" which is Latin for "I am sleeping". This is followed by a Korean verse, which together translates as "Even when I am sleeping, I am still filled with your warmth." I really like that SF9 used this concept - it was unexpected and unique!

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

2. IU - Havana

Korean

"Havana", named after the capital of Cuba, is a romantic song in which IU compares her love interest to the Caribbean city. The instrumental to "Havana" is very soft with the light strumming of a guitar and there is inspiration drawn from bossa nova (a genre of Brazilian music from the 1950's). It's one of many tracks on IU's third album "Modern Times" that ventured away from typical pop music and gave the singer a more mature image. 

Review: Song - 3/5 

3. Babylon - La La La (feat. Chungha)

Korean ♥

"La La La" is a fun-loving dance tune by solo artist Babylon. The song has a tropical house beat that includes the notes of a marimba (Latin American instrument). The phrase "La Vida Vi Loca", meaning "the crazy life" in Spanish, makes up much of the carefree chorus. Also, tucked in the lyrics is a reference to a classic Mexican folk song. Babylon says "Para Bailar La Bamba" which refers to the 1986 song by Ritchie Valens. To top off, soloist Kim Chungha lends her airy vocals to "La La La", making it even more of a fun listen.

Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 2.5/5

4. Sonamoo - I Knew It

Korean

Sonamoo seems as if they are new ladies in "I Knew It". With this release, they take on a dark, elegant concept that is quite different from what I have seen them do before. "I Knew It" is a Latin-pop song that includes the Spanish guitar and brass instruments. The strong, but graceful choreography features posturing and hand claps that are typical of flamenco style dance.

Review: Song - 2/5 MV - 4/5

5. K.A.R.D. - Rumor

Korean ♥

"Rumor" is KARD's third pre-debut project that followed "Oh Nana" and "Don't Recall". Like the two previous songs, the genre is Tropical house. However, "Rumor" especially gives off a Latino and Reggaeton vibe.

Review: Song - 3.5/5 MV - 2/5

6. Kim Jonghyun (Shinee) - Y Si Fuera Ella

Korean

Many fans of Shinee and K-pop, in general, are remembering the late Shinee member Jonghyun and celebrating him as an artist by listening to his music. While doing so myself, I recently discovered one of Jonghyun's solo tracks "Y Si Fuera Ella", which is a Korean cover of a 1997 song by Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz. Jonghyun sang the ballad with such intense emotion that perfectly matched the longingness of the lyrics - "Ella, How are you trying to leave me with those easy words, “goodbye”. Notably, "Y Si Fuera Ella" was the first solo track of Jonghyun's career and was very beautifully done.

Review: Song - 4/5

7. IU - Everybody Has Secrets (feat. Gain)

Korean

Also from IU's album "Modern Times", is "Everybody Has Secrets" - a collaboration between her and Brown Eyes Girl's Gain. It has a bossa nova influence and an upbeat rhythm that is great for dancing. Its composition is very rich with the sounds of various percussion and stringed instruments. Plus the way IU's and Gain's vocals overlap at parts make everything very dramatic and expressive. 

Review: Song - 3/5 

8. Super Junior - Mamacita

Korean

"Mamacita" is an uptempo pop track with a variety of sounds and genres mixed throughout. In the music video, Super Junior act as cowboys in the Mexican Wild-West who are going after a criminal. Along with the Spanish term "Mamacita", Super Junior take inspiration from Latin culture through their outfits and choreography.

Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 2.5/5

9. Shinee - Señorita

Korean

Many are familiar with "Juliette", one of Shinee's hit songs from 2009. Those who like it may also enjoy "Señorita" - it is a b-side from the same album with a similar energy. Like "Juliette", "Señorita" is a confession of love aimed at the girl they are trying to charm and pursue. The song opens with a Spanish intro, moves into a slow, dramatic bridge and then breaks into a more powerful and uptempo chorus.

Review: Song - 2.5/5

10. K.A.R.D. - Hola Hola

Korean ♥

Even after releasing a few pre-debut singles (as mentioned earlier), KARD hasn't been able to gain popularity in Korea. However, they have garnered attention among international K-pop fans, especially from those in South America. Because of this, KARD included Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and Chile on their World Tour and were very well received. After completing part 1 of their tour, KARD officially debuted with "Hola Hola", that seems like a warm greeting to their Spanish-speaking fans. The song is pretty much the same genre of every one of their prior releases, but it has a summery twist and is more cheerful.

Review: Song - 2.5/5 MV - 4/5

Sources:

1a,b,3a,b,6a,b

December in Music

2017 came to a close and wrapped up nicely with some winter-themed songs and special collaborations. Here are my favorite releases from December.

1. K.A.R.D - Trust Me

Korean

Released: December 6th

KARD's second mini-album was released in November, with two duet versions of this song. A month later, KARD unexpectedly dropped the promotional version of "Trust Me" that includes all four members. In this R&B ballad, the girls and guys are trying to stabalize their relatationship by gaining trust and affection. It's not working though, and this song marks the beginning of the end. "Trust Me" is the prequel to "You In Me", and if you remember, the story does not have a happy ending.
Review: Song - 2.5/5  MV - 2.5/5
  

2. BTS - Crystal Snow

Japanese

Released: December 6th

"Crystal Snow" is an exclusively Japanese single that was sold with the Japanese versions of DNA and Mic Drop. It is a soft love song, that is very comparable to another one of BTS's songs - Spring Day. Both releases focus and capture the essence of winter and spring, respectfully, and use metaphors to make a point. The lyrics of "Crystal Snow" compare love to snow - BTS want to grab a hold of their love, but it keeps melting or slipping away. The song also mentions unrequited love which further explains why love is eluding them. My favorite thing about this song is it's lyrics - the emotions and meaning are articulated very well!
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - N/A

3. Blackpink - So Hot

Korean

Released: December 25th

As a special stage for the 2017 SBS Gayo Daejun Awards, Blackpink performed a cover of Wonder Girl's "So Hot". Considered a k-pop classic, the 2008 Wonder Girls song was rearranged and given a new hip-hop flair by YG producer Teddy Park. Blackpink truly delivered "So Hot" in their own style with all-English raps and their trademark "Blackpink in your area!"
Review: Song - 4/5  MV - N/A

4. EXO - Universe

Korean and Mandarin Versions

Released: December 26th

EXO kept their annual tradition and released a "winter special" album for the season. "Universe" is truly heartwarming in both it's sound and aesthetic. The sentimental rock ballad is about searching the ends of the universe to find their lover and never letting go of cherished memories. The theme of the whole music video is the making and enjoyment of coffee. EXO are dressed in cappiccino colored clothes and sing solemnely with earnest hearts. As far as beverages go, people often associate hot chocolate with the winter season, but as it turns out, coffee is very appropriate too!
Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 5/5

5. Meng Jia - #MOOD (Feat. Jackson Wang)

Mandarin

Released: December 27th

Meng Jia and Jackson Wang partnered up for a collab that promotes a happy mood and relaxation! Jia sings about the little things in life that give you a good feeling such as waking up without an alarm clock and allowing your thoughts to wander freely. This collaboration is even more fun because these two artists are former labelmates - Jackson is a member of JYP group Got7 and Jia used to be a member of JYP group Miss A.
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

6. All SM Artists - Dear My Family

Korean

Released: Decemver 29th

"Dear My Family" is the last SM Station song of 2017 and includes all the SM Town acts such as Red Velvet, f(x), Super Junior, EXO, and BOA. Most notably, the song includes the late Kim Jonghyun of Shinee, who passed away on December 18th. "Dear My Family", by itself, is beautiful because of  the great vocals and warm message. But considering the circumstances of Jonghyun's death, the song is even more significant because it acts as a homage to the late singer.
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

Sources

Info: 1,2,6

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