August in Music

For the month of August.

1. IKON - Killing Me

Korean

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

2. LOONA - FavOriTe

Korean

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.)

Japanese

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

Korean and Chinese versions

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

6. Baekyun X Loco - Young

Korean

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

Sources
Info: 6a,b

Image: 1,2,*,4,*,*

* 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

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

Top 20 Most Beautiful K-pop Idols

Here's a list of the top 20 prettiest K-pop idols! They are ranked in order of their birth year (youngest to oldest). Note: This list is based on my personal opinion. Share your favorites below!

20.

Name: Chou Tzuyu

Nationality: Taiwanese

Birth Year: 1999

Group: Twice

19.

Name: Park Chaeyoung / Roseanne 

Nationality: Korean-New Zealander 

Birth Year: 1997

Group: Blackpink

18.

Name: Jung Jinsoul

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1997

Group: LOONA

17.

Name: Park Sooyoung

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1996

Group: Red Velvet

16.

Name: Hirai Momo

Nationality: Japanese

Birth Year: 1996

Group: Twice

15.

Name: Lee Hayi

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1996

Group: N/A (Solo)

14.

Name: Kim Chungha

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1996

Group: formerly IOI, Solo

13.

Name: Kim Jisoo

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1995

Group: Blackpink

12.

Name: Kang Jiyoung

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1994

Group: formerly KARA

11.

Name: Son Naeun

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1994

Group: Apink

10.

Name: Jung Soojung/ Chrystal

Nationality: Korean-American

Birth Year: 1994

Group: f(x)

9.

Name: Im Jinah

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1991

Group: After School & Orange Caramel

8.

Name: Choi Sooyoung

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1990

Group: Girls' Generation/ SNSD

7.

Name: Yoon Bora

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1989

Group: formerly Sistar

6.

Name: Park Gyuri

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1988

Group: formerly KARA

5.

Name: Kim Jaekyung

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1988

Group: formerly Rainbow

4.

Name: Ho Hyunjoo/ Jessica

Nationality: Korean-American

Birth Year: 1988

Group: formerly Lucky J, solo

3.

Name: Wang Feifei

Nationality: Chinese

Birth Year: 1987

Group: Miss A

2.

Name: Park Sandara

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1984

Group: formerly 2NE1

1.

Name: Lee Hyori

Nationality: Korean

Birth Year: 1979

Group: N/A (Solo)

Honorable Mentions:

You may also like:
Top 20 Most Handsome K-pop Idols
Top 20 Most Handsome Korean Actors

Sources:
Info: Wikipedia
Images