BY2 are a Singaporean Mando-Pop duo based in Taiwan. The duo is composed of twin sisters, Yumi Bai and Miko Bai who debuted in 2008 at the young age of 16. BY2 is known and appreciated for their upbeat dance tracks as well as their sentimental ballads. With their sweet vocals, energetic dance, and stage charisma, these two young women possess the full package of talent.
In 2011, BY2 released their fourth studio album "90 Now (90'鬧Now)." The album title is a reference to their being born in the 90s and it was one of the records they released in their coming of age period. "Isn't It? (有沒有)" is the lead single from the 2011 album and is an infectious electro-pop track. The music video has a quirky, retro feel and the lyrics seem to parody the fallacy of rumors and tabloid media coverage.
BY2 deviated from their normal dance-pop and ballad styles to take on a traditional aesthetic and sound. The twins are feminine and poetic as they dance in floral cheongsams with wax parasols. All the details make the music video artistic and intriguing. There is paintbrush imagery that alludes to ancient Chinese art, cherry blossoms and kaleidoscope effects. Though traditional, the "Peach Blossom Cheongsam (桃花旗袍)" still has modern elements with the inclusion of light pop synths.
BY2 bring out their inner feline and pounce on their love like a cat on a mouse hunt. "Cat & Mouse" is about the emotional game of "push and pull" in a relationship. The concept is brought to life as the girls wear cute kitty costumes and do what their choreographer calls a "cat dance." Before filming this music video, BY2 traveled to Los Angelos to get dance lessons, and their hard work really shows! Their fun energy pairs well with the upbeat electronic track easily making this one of my favorite BY2 songs.
Shi Shi is an absolute ballad queen, she always has the most beautiful, emotion churning songs. "Guilty (內疚)" was co-composed by the Taiwanese-Korean songstress herself and incorporates musical trends from both Taiwan and Korea. It is a piano-ballad, a genre that is popular in the Chinese-speaking world but also has electronic dance music that is commonly used in Korea. According to the song's description on KKbox, "Guilty" is about feeling remorse after ending a burdensome relationship.
Review: Song - 4.5/5 MV - 2/5
2. Cherrsee - Piano
Japanese
Released: May 15th
Cherrsee is a J-pop girl group whose name is derived from the words "cherry seeds." This act was formed by Korean producer Brave Brothers and the members received guidance from K-pop girl-group AOA. For this reason, Cherrsee gives off a very K-pop idol feel. In fact, their latest song reminds me of a popular Korean song - Rough by Gfriend. Like the aforementioned, "Piano" has a rich string and piano-based instrumental. It is the lead single for their first mini-album which includes the Cherrsee's older songs.
Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 3/5
3. NCT 127 - Chain
Japanese
Released: May 16th
In November 2017, we got a taste of NCT 127's Japanese debut with a new version of "Limitless," and now they've finally debuted with their first Japanese mini-album. The album, "Chain" intends to reflect the chain connecting Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo, Japan. Its lead single of the same name takes the concept quite literally, incorporating a chain drill sound throughout the song and showing the members using power tools. Overall, NCT has developed a unique, niche style of music and "Chain" definitely follows suit. Though initially overwhelming, the song got better for me after a few listens. Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 4.5/5
4. BTS - FAKE LOVE
Korean
Released: May 18th
BTS confess that their love was all smoke and mirrors in "FAKE LOVE." Such a sharp contrast from the group's previous release "DNA," their latest album and single talks about the dark side of love. As I mentioned in my album review, BTS further show their flexibility as artists with the trap-style of "FAKE LOVE." I appreciate the combinations of grunge guitar, trap beat, and vocal layering, as well as the continuation of the "Love Yourself" storyline. It's a perfect song!
Review: Song - 5/5 MV - 4/5
5. Shinee - Good Evening
Korean
Released: May 23th
Shinee makes their emotion-heavy return as a four-membered act, though they will always be remembered and cherished as five. With "Good Evening," they stay true to their brand of a contemporary R&B group that they've developed over the years. The song, which is actually a remake of 112's 1996 single "Cupid," mixes R&B with electronic dance. The genres are blended smoothly and the track maintains a mellow, sentimental vibe. "Good Evening" and it's accompanying album was released to celebrate Shinee's 10th year anniversary. The EP "The Story of Light Pt.1" is the first part of three, so look forward to the rest! Review: Song - 4.5/5 MV - 3/5
6. Pristin V - Get It
Korean
Released: May 28th
Pristin is a ten-membered rookie group with a bubbly and fun energy. However, they really switched things up with the debut of their first sub-unit. The five girls of Pristin V take on villainous personas to make the man of their affections fall in love with them. The music video is equally filled with dark and light aesthetics as the girls seem to revel in their schemes. "Get It" is an r&b pop song with trap elements and heavy synths. It has a well-constructed production, though it veers very close to being generic. Still, "Get It" was a nice way of showing Pristin's versatility as Kyulkyung, Rena, Nayoung, Eunwoo, and Roa, all own the villain attitude.
