March in Music

Here are my top picks from last month!

1. IKON - Rubber Band

Korean

Released: March 5th

After the impressive success of "Love Scenario", IKON quickly followed up with a special single. Like the former title, "Rubber Band" is of a similar genre: it has a hip-hop beat hidden under a variety of mellow sounds. The lyrics describe a relationship that has been pulled too tight and is about to break - like a stretched rubber band. As usual, the lyrics and composition were worked on by IKON's leader B.I. But this time, rookie YG producer Millenium and Winner's Mino took part in the creation as well!
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - N/A

2. Sojung - Crystal Clear

Korean

Released: March 5th

Ladies' Code, member Sojung made her solo debut in April 2017 and now has had her first comeback. "Crystal Clear" was revealed ahead of Sojung's single album release and it clearly has the distinct style of Ladies' Code that fans have missed very much during the group's long absence. "Crystal Clear" is an electro-pop ballad that showcases Sojung's crisp, clear voice. The music video is beautifully artistic with shots of ocean and forest landscapes.  The ethereal scenery is filmed in black and white until finally, the picture bleeds color.
Review: Song - 3.5/5  MV - 3/5

3. Big Bang - Flower Road

Korean

Released: March 13th

Big Bang's last group project was in December 2016. Since then, the members have started enlisting for their mandatory military service (TOP, the oldest member was the first to start in 2017). Because of this, it was assumed that it would be years before the whole five-piece would be together again. But thankfully, Big Bang gave us a special goodbye song ahead of their long hiatus! "Flower Road" was initially intended to be a part of MADE, but was cut with a plan for later release. G-Dragon and T.O.P. wrote the lyrics with the group's enlistment in mind and the song's message conveys, "good-bye, for now, we will meet again."

Review: Song - 4.5/5  MV - N/A

4. BTS - Don't Leave Me

Japanese
Released: March 15th

On March 15th, BTS revealed a preview of a song from their third Japanese studio album. The song was later released in full on April 4th along with the rest of the album "Face Yourself". "Don't Leave Me" is an OST from the Japanese remake of the 2016 Korean hit drama "Signal". It's the group's first OST as an entire group and has a very intense, exciting EDM composition! I find that Japanese releases from K-pop artists tend to be much lower in quality than their Korean music, however, "Don't Leave Me" is definitely an exception. BTS sing and rap very naturally in the language, and the overall genre and style suit their voices well. 

Review: Song - 4/5  MV - N/A

5. Meng Jia - Weapon

Mandarin

Released: March 20th

Meng Jia (孟佳) surprises me again and again as a soloist. Each time she returns, she presents herself in a different way and masters each style that she chooses. In "Who's that Girl" Meng Jia was serious and self-reflecting, in "Candy" she was playful and coy, and now with "Weapon (炎)" we get to hear a pleading love song. "Weapon" opens with a memorable English line "drop your weapon please" and starts with a subdued beat. Then, the song moves into a more exciting beat and fun chorus. This is only a pre-release to Meng Jia's upcoming album and I'm very eager to hear more music from her!

Review: Song - 5/5  MV - N/A

6. Monsta X - Jealousy

Korean

Released: March 26th

Monsta X returned with a new album and its title track perfectly captures the group's unique color! "Dramarama", from their previous album, disappointed me, but "Jealousy" is pure redemption. "Jealousy" is a smooth, but upbeat R&B song with hints of hip-hop that point back to the group's roots. The entire package exudes the same manly aura that Monsta X delivered this time last year with "Beautiful".
Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 2.5/5

Sources

Info: 1,3,4

Images: 1,*,3,4,5,*

* are screencaps I made myself