1. IKON - Killing Me
Released: August 2nd
"Killing Me" is IKON's first official comeback after their massive hit "Love Scenario." This "New Kids: Continue" comeback had a lot of hype to live up to as "Love Scenario" earned the group their first Perfect All-Kill. Many enjoyed the light energy of "Love Scenario," but "Killing Me" takes a complete 180. It's a daunting break-up song that contemplates feeling regret after a breakup. Since "Bling Bling," IKON hasn't returned to the swaggy hip-hop style that I so miss. But "Killing Me" still satisfies with its trap-dance genre and unusual, but pleasant tempo.
Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 4.5/5
Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 4.5/5
2. LOONA - FavOriTe
Released: August 7th
After over a year and a half of intense teasing, the girls of Loona finally show what they can do as a group act. Since Fall 2016, the Loona members periodically debuted as soloists and subunits, slowing gaining a following of fans. "FavOriTe" is Loona's pre-release single from their debut album that intends to show the group's signature style. From the beginning, "FavOriTe" captures you with its barrage of sounds which include brassy instruments and energetic adlibs. Judging from the solo works, I always felt that many of the members' voices sound too similar, but that proves to be a major advantage. The voices of Loona's many vocalists meld together cohesively, instead of overwhelming the song with many different vocal tones.
Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 3/5
3. Pentagon - Shine (Japanese Ver.)
Released: August 29th
In April, I failed to notice when Pentagon released "Shine." But after the song became their breakthrough hit, I wondered what everyone was raving about and gave it a listen. The song is pure joy! It's quirky, catchy, and playful with its concept of nerdy boys confessing to a pretty girl (that's presumably out of their league). The K-pop hit's success led Pentagon to send it over to Japan and the Japanese version keeps the original's essence. As usual, there are little differences that make me prefer one version over other. Extra effort was put into the Japanese music video, but the Korean Shine is still a better listen. Both are enjoyable nonetheless!
Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 5/5
4. BTS - IDOL
Korean
Released: August 25th
BTS's Love Yourself series is a well-constructed narrative that explores falling in love and realizing that the love is fake. In the final conclusion. BTS discover the answer to their fictional narrative, an answer that can also be applied to their real lives - to love yourself! IDOL is an unapologetic ode of self-love that makes references to the hate they've received. The members show confidence in things that the media, haters, and even fans have tried to change about them. This loud and proud message is delivered with a sound that is equally as striking. IDOL a traditionally Korean and South African dance-pop track with blaring brassy instruments and bumping bass.
Review: Song - 3.5/5 MV - 2/5
5. NCT Dream - We Go Up
Released: August 30th
NCT Dream is the NCT unit with the group's maknaes. They follow a juvenile concept that has gradually gotten more mature as the boys get older. "We Go Up" is an energetic anthem-like track that has 90s hip-hop influences and electronic bass. The song begins abruptly and has sharp transitions that make it sound as if two different songs were melded into one. This is not uncommon for NCT, as "Go" and "Cherry Bomb" are alike in the way. After getting over the strange transition, I began to really enjoy "We Go Up." The members' voices are maturing and, as always, they put on an impeccable dance performance.
Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 3.5/5
Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 3.5/5
6. Baekyun X Loco - Young
Released: August 31st
SM launched the third season of SM Station titled "Station Young" which is "a cultural project for the younger generation." Like the prior seasons, Station Young showcases collaborations with artists from other labels. "Young" is the second track of Station Young and is performed by EXO's Baekhyun and AOMG rapper Loco. The message is motivational, as it encourages youth to go their own path instead of following the path written for them by others. I like the music video's artistic expression of the theme and the unexpected mix of electro-pop and R&B.
Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 3/5
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