English Songs by Asian Pop Artists (Pt 2)

There are some cases when Asian pop artists deviate from their usual language and make a song in English, whether it be to reach a wider audience or to treat their international fans. Here is a list of completely English tracks by K-pop, J-pop and C-pop artists. Some of these songs are exclusively English, whereas some are an alternative version to the original. Here is Part 1.

1. Jane Zhang - 808

C-pop

"808", the English version of "心電感應808", is a promotional song that Jane Zhang recorded for Budweiser. She performed this EDM banger live at the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and subsequently, it charted at number 31 on the US Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs!

2.  Wonder Girls - 2 Different Tears

K-pop

As I mentioned in part 1, the Wonder Girls have quite a few English songs aside from their hit "Nobody", this being one of them. "2 Different Tears" was released shortly after "Nobody" and continues the retro concept that was in the former. The five Wonder Girls dance in an 80s inspired music video and sing about the joy of a relationship and the pain of it's ending.

3. CL - No Better Feelin'

K-pop

CL still hasn't started her American music career full-fledged, but in the meantime she recorded an official soundtrack for The My Little Pony Movie. In this, CL shows off her powerful vocals, which is something she doesn't always get to do as a rapper. One may expect that a song for an animated children's movie would be juvenile, but "No Better Feelin" is quite enjoyable for all ages.

5. Taeyang - Wedding Dress

K-pop

The English version of "Wedding Dress" appeared on the International version of Taeyang's first solo album. With this, Taeyang proves true to his title of the "Korean prince of R&B" and sings bitterly about his love who is walking down the aisle with another man.

6. Utada Hikaru - Come Back To Me

J-pop

"Come Back To Me" is a single off of Utada's third English album. The song is an R&B ballad that has a similar sound and meaning to Mariah Carey's We Belong Together.

7. Diana Wang - Skinny Love

C-pop

On her debut album, Diana Wang included a beautiful cover of Birdy's "Skinny Love". Wang added her own charm to the British singer's piano ballad.

8. Henry - Monster

K-pop

Henry has been dropping singles here and there for the past year, each with different sentiments. "Monster" (also released in Korean and Mandarin) is an angsty song about a a man's change of emotions during or after a relationship. Henry, yet again, shows he's a great songwrtiter by writing such emotive lyrics. "And if you listen to me, Hear all the words that I speak, Trying to hold it but the pieces are falling, I just can’t stay by your side, I just have to live my life I’m not the monster."

9. Tiffany - I Just Wanna Dance (Remix)

K-pop

Girls' Generation Tiffany made her solo debut in 2016 with the 90s inspired "I Just Wanna Dance". A bonus English remix of the song is available for download on specific platforms, and unlike the original, it's written and composed in part Tiffany herself.

10. Miss A - Love Alone

K-pop

"Love Alone" was created as a promotional song for the Olympic figure skater Yuna Kim. Miss A peformed the song at Yuna Kim's "Ice Show" in 2011. It was accompanied with a music video in which the ladies are shown performing and getting their make-up done behind the scenes.

11.  Jolin Tsai - I Wanna Know

K-pop

Taiwanese pop sensation Jolin Tsai was featured on Swedish DJ Alesso's "I Wanna Know". This is actually a remake: the original is between Alesso and Nico &Vinz. "I Wanna Know" has a groovy house compostition and its lyrics were re-written to be from a woman's point of view.

12. Jay Park X Yultron - Forget About Tomorrow

K-pop

Jay Park teamed up with Los Angelos based producer Yultron for "Forget About Tommorow". Jay Park is American himself and often has an explicitly Western sound in his music that is especially apparent in this EDM track. He recently signed with Jay Z's record company "Roc Nation", so I am curious to see whether he will make more English songs like this to promote under the label!

13. Tablo X Taeyang - Eyes, Nose, Lips

K-pop

Soon after Taeyang came out with "Eyes, Nose, Lips", his record company held a YG Family cover project in which his labelmates perfromed their own rendition of the hit song. Epik High's Tablo turned the piano ballad into a rap song and delivered clever lyrics about a failed relationship. Contrary to the orginal, Tablo's lyrics are in English and hold animosity for his former lover.

Sources
1,2,4,6,9,10,12,

January 2018 in Music

I hope you enjoyed the "Month in Music" posts of 2017 and now that the year has wrapped up it's time to begin again! Here are my top songs from January!

1. Diana Wang - Only Man

Mandarin

Released: January 3rd

Diana Wang has been dropping singles here and there since last September. They are all from her latest album "Poem", which was released at the end of November. I have been enjoying listening to the songs off "Poem" and was glad she released another music video. "Only Man" is what Diana Wang has mastered lately - smooth R&B. Shes sings to her "only man" and confesses that she is focused solely on him as if he were the main protagonist of a story.
Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 2.5/5

2. Monsta X - Spotlight

Japanese

Released: January 10th

Early in January, Monsta X revealed their third Japanese single. "Spotlight", despite not being in their native Korean, still captures the typical style of Monsta X. It has explosive synths and a hip-hop beat that makes it very reminiscent of the group's 2015 debut song "Trespass".
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 4/5

3. Chungha - Rollercoaster

Korean

Released: January 17th

One of my favorite rookies of 2017 made her first comeback since her debut. "Roller Coaster" is a 90s inspired contemporary R&B track that showcases the cool and girly sides of Chungha. It's quite different from her hit "Why Don't You Know", but Chungha suits the genre well and is on the road to finding her own sound as a soloist. I find the smooth intro and the two-step rhythm of "Rollercoaster" very attention-grabbing, but the chorus feels too generic. For this reason, I think the music video is much better than the actual song. The neon-lit dance scenes capture Chunga's effortless charisma very well.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 4.5/5

4. Sunmi - Heroine

Korean

Released: January 18th

Months after her summer hit "Gashina", Sunmi graced us with another single that was also produced by YG composer Teddy. "Heroine" is meant to be the prequel of "Gashina" and the two music videos have a clear connection. In "Heroine", Sunmi claims that both people in a relationship should be themselves even if doing so results in a break-up. She might experience a sad ending and break up with her man, but she'll become her own heroine because, as she repeats throughout, "the show must go own". 

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3.5/5

5. Jonghyun - Shinin'

Korean

Released: January 23rd

One month following Kim Jonghyun's tragic suicide, SM Entertainment released his final album that he recorded just before his passing. His posthumous album was titled "Poet | Artist", a very appropriate title since Jonghyun was an avid singer-songwriter/composer who communicated through his music. "Shinin'" is the lead single off the album and is an enjoyable mix of electronic and tropical sounds. Through his final release, Jonghyun seems to convey double meanings. "Shinin" is about wanting to always be with the girl he loves, but there is also the underlying message that Jonghyun will always be with listeners and live on through his music. *I won't give a number-rating/review and, instead, I'll just enjoy the wonderful music. 

6. IKON - Love Scenario

Korean

Released: January 25th

IKON only had a double single to show for 2017, and even though I enjoyed it, many listeners were left underwhelmed - as apparent by its lack of commercial success. This time, the group is back with a full-album of mellower genres and the lead single "Love Scenario" is placed firmly at #1 on various charts! The seven members reverted back to a "boy next door" concept that is similar to what they had in "My Type" and "#WYD". Most interestingly, "Love Scenario" has the sensitivity of a break-up song but also the cheeriness of a love song. This is because the lyrics speak of a past failed relationship, while the melody is light and fun.  

Review: Song - 3.5/5  MV - 3/5

Sources

Info:1,4,5a,b

Images: 1,*,*,4,5,6

"*" are screencaps I made myself

English Songs by Asian Pop Artists (Pt 1)

There are some cases when Asian pop artists deviate from their usual language and make a song in English, whether it be to reach a wider audience or to treat their international fans. Here is a list of completely English tracks by K-pop, J-pop and C-pop artists. Some of these songs are exclusively English, whereas some are an alternative version to the original. Please anticipate a part two!

***On December 18th Kim Jonghyun, member of Shinee died tragically from suicide. The whole Korean entertainment industry is still in shock and mourning from this sad incident.

1. Henry - That One

K-pop

Henry Lau is looking for the one he can adore in this piano-based R&B track. Co-written and co-composed by the singer himself, "That One" is just more proof of Henry's talent.

2. Dean - I'm Not Sorry

K-pop

Before Dean started his singing career in Korea, he debuted in the United States with "I'm Not Sorry", featuring Grammy-winning artist Eric Bellinger.

3. Jane Zhang - Dust My Shoulders Off

C-pop

Jane Zhang is carefree and confident in "Dust My Shoulders Off". The song, produced by Timbaland, takes on a style different from Jane's previous music and proves her versatility as an artist. The music video gives this another touch of uniqueness for its appreciation and playful use of art.

4. Namie Amuro - Heaven

J-pop

Namie Amuro is no stranger to singing in English, despite not being fluent in the language. "Heaven", a single from her second bilingual album, is a futuristic EDM track produced by the famous European DJ ZEDD.

5. K.A.R.D. - Don't Recall 

K-pop

As part of their pre-debut project, KARD would have a "hidden card" or a special surprise for fans with each song. After the release of "Don't Recall", KARD rereleased the song in English in the following month.

6. Luhan - Skin to Skin

C-pop

"Skin To Skin" is a mid-tempo synth-pop song with soft vocals and intriguing whistle beat.

7. Ten - Dream in a Dream

K-pop

NCT member Ten goes solo for this SM Station release. With Ten's breathy vocals, synths. and Asian instruments, "Dream in a Dream" is an ethereal listening experience.

8. Wonder Girls - Like Money

K-pop

The Wonder Girls have quite a few songs that were geared towards an international or Western audience, this being the last one in their career. "Like Money" is a collaboration with American rapper Akon that takes on the dance-pop genre.

9. Diana Wang - Home

C-pop

Taiwan-based singer Diana Wang gained the attention of the Chinese audience with her single "Home" despite it being entirely in English. The lyrics are about wanting to return to one's safe haven for security and familiarity.

10. Odd Eye Circle - Loonatic

K-pop

Odd Eye Circle is a sub-unit of the k-pop girl group LOONA. "Loonatic" shows the cuteness and quirkiness of the three members and references the group's moon concept.

11. Amber X Luna - Heartbeat (Eng)

K-pop

This is the English version of a song released through SM Station. The f(x) members teamed up with Dutch DJ Ferry Corsten and Korean producer Kago Penchi for this EDM number. "Heartbeat" has a relaxing melody and explores the softer side of the electronic dance genre.

12. Thelma Aoyama feat. 4minute - Without U

J-pop, K-pop

"Without U" is a beautiful collaboration between Japanese soloist Thelma Aoyama and k-pop girl group 4minute. This ballad was initially released in Japanese.

13. Cindy Yen - Fighting For Love

C-pop

In 2016, Cindy Yen came out with the Mandarin theme song for Cotton USA, titled "I Love Myself". Recently, she came back with an English version which is renamed "Fighting for Love". It has an electronic composition, while the former is more piano based.

14. Jannine Weigel - Finish Line

T-pop

As a T-pop singer, much of Jannine's music is in Thai. However, in 2016, she came out with her first English song "Finish Line" with the intention to break into the American market and reach a wider audience. "Finish Line" features a sound that is often used by Western producers making me believe it would perfectly suit American radio.

15. Wonder Girls - Nobody

K-pop

"Nobody" was a huge domestic and international success for the Wonder Girls. After the single became a smash-hit in Korea, the group released the song in three other languages. The English version landed number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100, making the Wonder Girls the first Korean group to do so!

Sources:
2,3,4,8,14,15

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

September in Music

Here's what the month of September brought us music-wise.

1. Bobby - I Love You

Korean

Released: September 14th

Ikon member Bobby his solo comeback releasing a 10-track album full of self-written and self-composed songs. With "Love and Fall" Bobby tries out different genres (unlike what he has done with ikon and his solo debut) and shows a new side contrasting with his hip-hop swag image. "I Love You" is a breezy electronic track that holds onto the summer vibe (even in September).

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

2. BTS - DNA

Korean

Released: September 18th

BTS go all out with DNA: a release as unique as what it's named after. They've been going all out this whole year with winning international awards and touring worldwide. In this song, Bangtan sing about how fate connects two totally different people. In other words, opposites attract. There's a breezy whistle and acoustic sound with an electronic break-down in the chorus. Overall, DNA is sensory overload. And I mean that in the best way.

Review: Song - 4.5/5  MV - 4/5

3. Odd Eye Circle - Girl Front

Korean

Released: September 20th

Odd Eye Circle is the second (pre-debut) sub-unit of upcoming girl group LOONA. Their debut single "Girl Front" is a bubbly, quirky mix of electro-pop with an odd concept, similar to Red Velvet's style. In the music video, the members' Kim Lip, Jinsoul, and Cheorry can be seen reflecting their own actions. Its aesthetic focuses on red, blue and purple, the member's official colors.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

4. Seventeen (Leaders) - Change Up

Korean

Released: September 24th

Seventeen changed up in "Change Up"!  Instead of their full thirteen-member line-up, they promoted as a unit with (leaders) Woozi, S.Coups, Hoshi and the three of them pull off a hip-hop groove. the falsetto and raps are really nice, and the chorus is mercilessly catchy, though some of the song's transitions lack smoothness.

Review: Song - 3.5/5  MV - 3/5

5. Luhan - Like A Dream

Mandarin

Released: September 27th

Luhan is back again with another great song! This year he's been reemerging every few months or so with new music. "Like A Dream" is a light mix of R&B and Hip Hop with a cute, romantic chorus. The music video takes inspirations from Andy Warhol's pop art, so it's very colorful and gives off a 1960's feel. Luhan actually isn't in the middle video, but (as a nice surprise) dancers from 1Million dance studio perform to the song.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 2/5

6. Diana Wang - Poem

Mandarin

Released: September 29th

"Poem" is the first single ahead of the release of Diana Wang's second album. It was composed by fellow R&B singer Khalil Fong (one of my favorite C-pop artists). This song has a soft, beautiful melody and is paired with a relaxing music video that has natural aesthetic. Hopefully, in the future, there will be more collaborations between Diana and Khalil!

Review: Song - 3.5/5  MV - 3.5/5

Sources:
1,6

Info:

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

Female Soloists In C-pop (Pt 1)

There are numerous female soloists in the world of C-pop. Here is a list of a few currently popular Mando-pop singers who I listen to.  They are based are based in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Each item on the list contains facts about the singer, songs, and official sound tracks. Anticipate more in the upcoming parts of this series!

1. Jane Zhang

张靓颖 Zhang Liang Ying

Chinese

A renowned singer in Mainland China and in the Mandarin-speaking world, Jane Zhang gained fame for her appearance on the singing competition show "Super Girl". She earned the nickname "Dolphin Princess" for whistle vocal register. The majority of Jane Zhang's music is in Mandarin, but she does have some English singles including "Dream It Possible" and "Dust My Shoulders Off". 

Notable Works (Albums & Singles)

Reform(改变), Seventh Sense(第七感), Dust My Shoulders Off

Bazaar

Forever (永遠)

I Am Mine(我是我的)

OSTs/Promotional Songs

My Dream (我的夢) [Huawei Theme]

Change Your World [Budweiser Promo]

心電感應 808 [Budweiser Promo]

2.  A-Lin

黄丽玲 Huang Li Ling

Taiwanese

A-Lin is a vocal powerhouse of Amis, or Aboriginal Taiwanese descent. She made her debut in 2006 and since then has released 4 full albums and an extended play. In 2015, she competed on the Chinese show "I Am A Singer" which earned her more recognition. 

Notable Works

Guilt (罪惡感), Happiness Then What? (幸福了然後呢), Fleeting Happiness (幸福太短)

All In

Guilt (罪惡感)

一直走 GO

OSTs

How Far I'll Go (海洋之心) [Moana OST]

Fleeting Happiness (‪幸福太短) [Magical Space Time OST]

Moment Of Romance (天若有情) [Princess Weiyoung Theme]

3. G.E.M

邓紫棋 Deng Zi Qi

Chinese (Hong Kong)

G.E.M. Tang, whose stage name means "Get Everybody Moving" is a Chinese singer who originated from Hong Kong. She is known for writing her own music: songs that express deep emotions and strong messages. Her latest studio album, Heartbeat, is a visual album in which every track is accompanied by a music video. 

Notable Works

Intoxicated (你把我灌醉), Heartbeat (新的心跳), Live Piano Session

Goodbye (再見)

Bubble (泡沫)

Blindspot (盲點)

OSTs

Light Years Away (光年之外) [Passengers Movie Theme]

Heart Of The Flame (心之焰) [Princess Agents Ending Theme]

Peach Blossom Promise 桃花諾 [A Life Time Love (上古情歌) OST]

4. Angela Zhang

张韶涵 Zhang Shao Han

Taiwanese

Angela Zhang rose to fame after playing the main role in two hit Taiwanese television dramas. Soon after, in 2004 she released her debut album "Over The Rainbow".

Notable Works

Angela Zhang(张韶涵), Visible Wings(有形的翅膀), Head Over Heels (全面淪陷)

Not Afraid (不害怕)

When You Live For Love (為愛而活)

Love Isn't Wrong (愛沒有錯)

OSTs

Be My Faith (把你信仰) [Find The Adventure Of Love 尋找愛的冒險]

5. Diana Wang

王诗安 Wang Shi An
Chinese

Diana Wang was born in the Netherlands but is now based in Taiwan. Her debut album "How Are You? Love Lesson" explores the nature of love and contains a cover of British singer Birdy's hit single "Skinny Love". More recently, Diana Wang has gained attention for her collaboration with R-Chord in " Love Doesn't Need To Pretend" and her English single "Home".

Notable Works
Home, I don't Know, 你好嗎 Love Lesson

Home

Heartbeat
I Don't Know

OSTs

Love Still Exists (爱存在) [Ultimate Dormitory X (终极X宿舍)]



Sources:
Info and Images