April in Music

Here are my song picks from the month of April!

1. CLC - Distance

Korean

Released: April 3rd

A few months ago, CLC unveiled the dark and fierce "Black Dress". Now the ladies are back with the second single from their album but they're wearing white dresses. Quite different from the former single, "Distance" is soft and subdued, which brings me to again point out how flexible this group is concept-wise! I'd like to believe that "Distance" is a sort of epilogue because of some of the visuals (like the lace blindfolds) in the videos parallel. "Black Dress" illustrates a girl trying to get a man to fall for her. Fast forward in time and "Distance" describes the aftermath of the relationship - the man no longer loves her.
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 4/5

2. Winner - Everyday

Korean

Released: April 4th

Winner returned with their second full album "Everyd4y" exactly a year after their charismatic hit song "Really Really". Really Really marked a new beginning for the group - it was their first release with the remaining four members and it favored a trendy genre over the group's usual alternative sound. Since then, Winner has continued using trendy genres for their singles, moving from tropical house to trap! "Everyday" is an autotune laced trap track with a summery vibe and serenading lyrics. Between the dances and music video scenes, it's quite far from what I expected the foursome to perform!

Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 2/5

3. Ten - New Heroes

English

Released: April 6th

SM Station 2 reached a wonderful finale with a solo from NCT's Ten. "New Heroes" is his second station track overall and like the previous, it's completely in English. The lyrics were written by Western singer-songwriters and feature some meaningful and reflective phrases. "Fought off the wolves in sheep clothing/Stood up for what I believed/ Turn my mess into messages/ Learn from the lessons/ And keep on keep on keep on..." Overall, "New Heroes" is quite a trendy work - it has an EDM/Future Bass composition and a music video with an artistic flair.
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 4/5

4. Super Junior - Lo Siento (Feat. Leslie Grace)

Korean, Spanish

Released: April 12th

A few years ago, Super Junior incorporated a Latin flavor into their song "Mamacita." The group embraces the culture once again in "Lo Siento", which is a collaboration with Latin-pop artist Leslie Grace! Leslie provides vocals for much of the chorus, and sings in Spanish, while the members of Super Junior sing and rap mostly in Korean. The stellar aspect of "Lo Siento" is the intricate, dance-inducing instrumental - it includes Spanish guitar and loud synths. Apparently, a lot of K-pop fans and Latin music fans alike enjoyed this as it debuted a number 13 on Billboards Latin Digital Songs Chart (making "SuJu" the first K-pop artist to do so)!

Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 3/5

5. NCT 2018 - Black on Black

Korean

Released: April 18th

You may recall NCT's December 2016 MAMA stage, in which the group first performed a part of "Black on Black". They brought such great energy to the stage and it was my first time seeing all the NCT members perform together. Now over a year later, a revised studio version was released featuring three of the group's rappers: Taeyong, Mark, and newly debuted Lucas. Despite the fact that only a fraction of NCT appears in the song, "Black on Black" is very performance-based and includes all 18 boys clad in black (of course!) The dances are sharp and perfectly synchronized- exactly what I would expect from them.

Review: Song - 2/5  MV - 5/5

6. Meng Jia - Free

Mandarin

Released: April 26th

In March,  Meng Jia dropped "Weapon" and it was announced that she is preparing to come back with a full album. A month later, Jia followed up with her second pre-release "Free". For this one, she brings out her airy, light vocals, which compliment the indie-influenced sound. The accompanying music video has breathtaking shots that were filmed in inner mainland China and I applaud the high-quality production of it all.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 5/5

Sources

Info: 3.4

Images: 1,2,3,4,5,*

* are screencaps I made myself

February In Music

February is the shortest month of the year, but didn't fall short in good music! Here are top picks from last month!

1. Seventeen - Thanks

Korean

Released: February 5th

Seventeen returned with "Director's Cut", which is essentially a repackage of their most recent album "Teen.Age". The title track "Thanks" seems like a song of gratitude towards the group's fans. With its electronic synths and emotional theme, the song looks back towards one of Seventeen's previous songs "Don't Wanna Cry". In line with the director concept, the music video is "behind the scenes" with cuts of the members in the studio writing lyrics and recording their songs. I interpret this as Seventeen showing a glimpse at the hard work they put into the production of their albums, and paired with song's lyrics, they are grateful to fans for rewarding their hard work!
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

2. Monsta X - In Time

Korean

Released: February 6th

Monsta X always reveal special music videos for select b-sides of their albums. This special clip is extra special though because it was released to celebrate the group's 1000th day anniversary! Much time has passed since Monsta X has debuted, and coincidentally (or maybe not), this r&b ballad talks about wanting to stop the passage of time. "In time, time please stop, so I can see that beautiful light In time, so in this time and place." With this, I noticed that, aside from consistently releasing fanservice clips, Monsta X are also consistent in including a high-quality ballad on their albums. With its smooth melody and lyrics that were co-written by member Jooheon, "In Time" fails to disappoint!
Review: Song - 4.5/5  MV - 3/5

3. Riri - That's My Baby

Japanese

Released: February 9th

Riri is a nineteen-year-old Japanese pop singer who debuted in 2016. She is an apsiring talent, with amazing vocals as well as songwriting and composing ablilites. Her music influences are the likes of Whitney Houston, Beyonce, and Mariah Carey, so not surprisingly, the genre that she takes on is American-style R&B. "That's My Baby" has a good mix of Japanese and English lyrics and has a fun summery vibe, despite being in the winter months!

Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 2.5/5

4. NCT U - Boss

Korean

Released: February 19th

NCT U is a rotational sub-unit of SM Entertainment's boy group NCT. They were last active in 2016 with two singles, and now SM has brought them back to start out their new musical project "NCT 2018". Since the unit is rotational, the member line-up is not consistent and some of the members that participated in the unit's debut are not included. This time, Ten and Taeil did not participate, but new members Jungwoo and Lucas were introduced! "Boss" truly captures the essence of NCT. The music video was filmed in Ukraine and the members show a cool vibe, an atypical sense of style, and great choreography!

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 4/5

5. CLC - Black Dress

Korean

Released: February 22nd

CLC has decorated their career with different concepts and music styles. This time they go for a strong, feminine concept that even seems a little bit dark. "Black Dress", a heavy EDM song with hip-hop elements, is about a girl who dons a black dress to make a man fall for her. The beat gets an A+ and CLC's vocals are on point, however, "Black Dress" falls short because the progression of the song is stagnant. Also, repetition does not always bother me, but I wish this song didn't rely so much on the words "black dress". With that said, it's nice to see their company's effort at making them a versatile group.
Review: Song - 2.5/5  MV - 3/5

6. Red Velvet - I Just

Korean
Released: February 28th

"I Just" is a heavy electronic synth pop song that was produced in part by SM artist Hitchhiker. It is a b-side from Red Velvet's second full album and explores the group's "velvet" side. The beat instantly makes this one of my favorite songs by Red Velvet, and it has quirky elements that set it apart from typical EDM. Though "I Just" was released last November (with the album), the group is only now a releasing music video. The MV a is very simple and homemade clip that appears to have been filmed with a cell-phone.
Review: Song - 5/5  MV - 1/5

Sources

Info: 2a,b,3a,b,6

Images: *,*,*,*,*, 6
* are screencaps I made myself

October in Music

Here are my top releases from October!

1. Seventeen (Hip-Hop Unit) - Trauma

Korean

Released: October 1st

Within the past month, Seventeen released singles performed by their units that focused on the members' particular talents. The hip-hop unit (Vernon, Mingyu, Wonwoo & S.coups), which naturally focuses on rap, dropped a very emotional song about trying to escape their anxieties. The members' trauma is reflected in how they are isolated in a room, restricted by strings. Overall, I like "Trauma" mainly for its lyrics. It's far from the typical Hip-Hop party anthem and explores an individual's deeper, darker emotions.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3.5/5

2. Bii - Be The Light

Mandarin

Released: October 2nd

Bii is a Taiwanese singer-songwriter who debuted in 2010. He often performs ballads, one of his latest of which is "Be Your Light".  "Be Your Light" is a contemporary rock ballad based on the notes of a piano and guitar. Bii captures listeners' attention with his soothing voice and an uplifting message "I'll be the light at every dark moment. I will survive for you." The music video is very simple (with shining lights and glowing galaxies) yet, it is altogether amazing.

Review: Song - 4.5/5  MV - 5/5

3. Anna - Huh?

Mandarin

Released: October 4th

"Huh?" is Anna's third single from her debut mini-album "My Name is Anna" which was released back in September. Produced by J.Sheon, an urban/hip-hop artist from Taiwan, "Huh" features an 808 bass drum beat. And most importantly, the music video shows off Anna's sick dance moves!

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 4/5

4. CLC - I Like It

Korean

Released: October 26th

"I Like It" is actually a b-side from an album released this past summer. So, the release of this dance practice video was highly unexpected, considering CLC's promotions are over. The song is a dance track with a sound that matches the spunky style of CLC's previous album "Crystyle".

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

5. Odd Eye Circle - Sweet Crazy Love

Korean

Released: October 30th

Odd Eye Circle debuted in September and recently came back with a repackage of their debut album. "Sweet Crazy Love" is an R&B pop tune that opens with the notes from a violin and follows through with electronic synths. Jinsoul, Choerry, and Kim Lip sing in a smooth, sweet that gives "Sweet Crazy Love" a completely different feeling from their debut.

Review: Song - 4.5/5  MV - 3.5/5

6. Diana Wang - Tomorrow

Mandarin

Released: October 30th

"Tomorrow", the second single of Diana's upcoming album, is a duet between Diana Wang and her mother, Wang Lei. According to the song's profile on KKBOX, Tomorrow is inspired by the Chinese Story "穆桂英掛帥". It is both modern and classical, as it starts out as an r&b ballad and then incorporates the traditional Chinese musical scale. Finally, Khalil appears in the end with his electric guitar, adding yet another element of auditory intrigue to the track.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

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

Info: 1,2a,b,3a,b,6

Playlist 13. Pretty

Theme: Beauty

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

Self-confidence songs about beauty (and inner beauty)!

1. Ladies' Code - Pretty Pretty
Korean

There's a fine line between self-confidence and over-confidence. This funky song by Ladies' Code is arguably a bit of both. Basically, they know that they're attractive and don't hesitate to say so! Don't worry though, these girls know that appearances aren't everything, and mention "And my personality is cool too!"

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

2. F(x) - Pretty Girl
Korean ♥

'Pretty Girl' by f(x) is a bubblegum pop/soft rock hybrid from the group's 2nd album 'Pink Tape'. On the surface, if you don't understand Korean, you may think that this song is just praising a girl's physical appearance. However, it's really an anthem for those who are overshadowed by other's beauty. 'Pretty Girl' bites at the beauty standards for women and points out that prettiness isn't everything. 

Review: Song - 4/5 

3. Brave Girls - High Heels
Korean

Brave Girls strut around in high heels that make them feel confident. This song is upbeat and fun, like many songs produced by Brave Brothers. Though it's not the best outlet for the member's vocals (they can sing very well!), it's empowering! "I'm a sassy girl! I'm a tough girl! I'm a pretty girl! I'm a foxy girl."

Review: Song - 2.5/5 MV - 2/5

4. Girls' Generation - Check
Korean

SNSD are sultry and sing smoothly about getting stylish for their man. Listening to this, I get strong 2000's r&b vibes. What's more, I can almost imagine Britney Spears singing this because it sounds like her style! 'Check' isn't a title track, but in my opinion, it's one of Girls' Generation's strongest releases and is a nice contrast to their usually bubbly concept.

Review: Song - 4/5 

5. Orange Caramel - Lipstick
Korean ♥

This comical trio introduces a new shade of lipstick- orange caramel flavored! The song's sound is a mix of saxophone beats and Korean trot, and it's lyrics describe a flirty girl swooning over a man. Like always, the girls of Orange Caramel are coy and cutesy. In the MV they completely fall for a handsome tennis player.

Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 3.5/5

6. Happiness - Sexy, Young, Beautiful
Japanese

'Happiness celebrates young women in this Japanese pop track over-run with English.It's different from any J-pop that I have listened to, but not unfamiliar. To give you an idea, the visuals are similar to SNSD's 'I Got A Boy' and the sound is like the style of British Girl Group 'Little Mix'. The dancing and fashion aren't my taste, but I must admit this isn't half bad.

Review: Song - 3.5/5 MV - 3/5

7. CLC - High Heels
Korean

Similar to Brave Girl's track of the same title, it's about putting on shoes that make you feel good. The cute concept is all too familiar to me, but this is the group's first release with new members Elkie and Eunbin.

Review: Song - 2/5 MV - 3/5

8. Breeze - Pretty
Mandarin ♥

Breeze is a girl-group from Taiwan that mixes fashion with music. There's not much information on them but from their debut song 'pretty', I can tell they have an attractive image. This K-pop style music video is colorful and the members are clad in fashionable outfits.

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