March in Music

Here are my top picks from last month!

1. IKON - Rubber Band

Korean

Released: March 5th

After the impressive success of "Love Scenario", IKON quickly followed up with a special single. Like the former title, "Rubber Band" is of a similar genre: it has a hip-hop beat hidden under a variety of mellow sounds. The lyrics describe a relationship that has been pulled too tight and is about to break - like a stretched rubber band. As usual, the lyrics and composition were worked on by IKON's leader B.I. But this time, rookie YG producer Millenium and Winner's Mino took part in the creation as well!
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - N/A

2. Sojung - Crystal Clear

Korean

Released: March 5th

Ladies' Code, member Sojung made her solo debut in April 2017 and now has had her first comeback. "Crystal Clear" was revealed ahead of Sojung's single album release and it clearly has the distinct style of Ladies' Code that fans have missed very much during the group's long absence. "Crystal Clear" is an electro-pop ballad that showcases Sojung's crisp, clear voice. The music video is beautifully artistic with shots of ocean and forest landscapes.  The ethereal scenery is filmed in black and white until finally, the picture bleeds color.
Review: Song - 3.5/5  MV - 3/5

3. Big Bang - Flower Road

Korean

Released: March 13th

Big Bang's last group project was in December 2016. Since then, the members have started enlisting for their mandatory military service (TOP, the oldest member was the first to start in 2017). Because of this, it was assumed that it would be years before the whole five-piece would be together again. But thankfully, Big Bang gave us a special goodbye song ahead of their long hiatus! "Flower Road" was initially intended to be a part of MADE, but was cut with a plan for later release. G-Dragon and T.O.P. wrote the lyrics with the group's enlistment in mind and the song's message conveys, "good-bye, for now, we will meet again."

Review: Song - 4.5/5  MV - N/A

4. BTS - Don't Leave Me

Japanese
Released: March 15th

On March 15th, BTS revealed a preview of a song from their third Japanese studio album. The song was later released in full on April 4th along with the rest of the album "Face Yourself". "Don't Leave Me" is an OST from the Japanese remake of the 2016 Korean hit drama "Signal". It's the group's first OST as an entire group and has a very intense, exciting EDM composition! I find that Japanese releases from K-pop artists tend to be much lower in quality than their Korean music, however, "Don't Leave Me" is definitely an exception. BTS sing and rap very naturally in the language, and the overall genre and style suit their voices well. 

Review: Song - 4/5  MV - N/A

5. Meng Jia - Weapon

Mandarin

Released: March 20th

Meng Jia (孟佳) surprises me again and again as a soloist. Each time she returns, she presents herself in a different way and masters each style that she chooses. In "Who's that Girl" Meng Jia was serious and self-reflecting, in "Candy" she was playful and coy, and now with "Weapon (炎)" we get to hear a pleading love song. "Weapon" opens with a memorable English line "drop your weapon please" and starts with a subdued beat. Then, the song moves into a more exciting beat and fun chorus. This is only a pre-release to Meng Jia's upcoming album and I'm very eager to hear more music from her!

Review: Song - 5/5  MV - N/A

6. Monsta X - Jealousy

Korean

Released: March 26th

Monsta X returned with a new album and its title track perfectly captures the group's unique color! "Dramarama", from their previous album, disappointed me, but "Jealousy" is pure redemption. "Jealousy" is a smooth, but upbeat R&B song with hints of hip-hop that point back to the group's roots. The entire package exudes the same manly aura that Monsta X delivered this time last year with "Beautiful".
Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 2.5/5

Sources

Info: 1,3,4

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

* are screencaps I made myself

Top K-pop Songs of 2016

2016 came and went, leaving a plethora of great songs behind. I must say, last year had its share of negatives: many of my favorite groups including 2NE1, f(x) and Girls' Generation were absent, Big Bang didn't drop their release until the end of December and a lot of amazing groups disbanded. On the bright side, groups such as BTS showed their immense growth, Twice convinced Korea that they are the "nation's girl group" and SM Entertainment kicked off their SM Station music project. I was also very happy to see new groups like Blackpink and NCT debut and group members like f(x)'s Luna and Girls' Generation's Tiffany have their solo debut.

Anyway, here are my absolute favorites of this year. My list is a little belated because I just couldn't decide on the order! All are title-tracks and the ranking is based only on the song because I don't necessarily like or watch the music video. Finally, this is my opinion, but feel free to comment on your favorites!

18. Luna - Free Somebody

Luna debuted as a soloist with this funky house track, that is equally futuristic and retro. Free Somebody is about sharing someone's dreams with the world. There is a mixture of piano and edm, while the music video is a mixture of cartoon and chromatic film. Be sure to check out the full album, it is just as great!

17.  Nu'est - Overcome

Overcome, from their album 'Q is', is Nu'est's first release in 18 months. It's the average k-pop song, but the greater-than-average vocals make it worth listening. I liked Nu'est's debut song and they've caught my attention once more with this. In my opinion, the "knight is shining armor" theme adds a nice touch as well.

16. Ladies' Code - Rain

Ladies' Code are left 'drenched' after a rainstorm-like relationship. This group was once known for their groovy music, but Rain is mature and melancholy. There's elegant piano, haunting electronic elements and solemn vocals. Perfection, and the music video is very pretty too!

15. Block  B - Toy

I was really impressed with Toy which was written and composed by Block B's leader, Zico. The narrator of the song is suffering from a parasitic relationship in that his girlfriend receives love and affection without giving any in return. She is just using him, and the guy knows that soon, he will be thrown away like a toy. As far as Block B songs go, Toy is in a class of its own. Rather than their normal loud, bodacious sound, this is rather reserved.

14. Lee Hi - Hold My Hand

Lee Hi showed us her inner 'seoulite' hipster. Hold My Hand is a simple jazz-pop number with a substantial amount of English. She has made music in the soul genre since her debut, and even though Lee Hi's voice is more mature, she's still just as playful!

13. Jun.K - Think About You

As the main vocalist of 2PM, Jun.K has a lot of potential for a successful solo career. This track, which is a r&b ballad with hip-hop elements, is proof. In short, Think About You is a passionate apology and a confession to the person who is on his mind.

12. K.A.R.D. - Oh Na Na

Only once in a blue moon, do you see a 'co-ed' k-pop group like K.A.R.D debut. These rookies are a group of two female vocalists and two male rappers. Their tropical house track is making waves, despite the lack of hype promotions. I love the combination of exotic reggae elements and electronic dance. Before the end, you'll hum to the rhythm of Oh Na Na. Don't miss out!

11. EXO - Monster

For each of their releases, EXO puts on a new persona while keeping their signature style. In Monster, EXO are rough rebels. Their hard exterior makes them seem unapproachable to the girl, hence the term 'monster'. That won't stop them though as they creep into her heart just like this song will!

10. Taeyeon - Why

Why is a trendy, summer song with an ambiguous genre. There's r&b, acoustic guitar and edm all woven into this track. Also, in the third quarter of the song, there's some whistle-ly synths. Overall, I liked this side of Taeyeon! It seems that she stepped out her comfort zone of ballads and gave us something totally unexpected.

 9. Blackpink - Playing With Fire

At a time when 2NE1 and 4minute are gone, Blackpink bring to the table what other girl-groups don't: music without a defining concept. Most other girl-groups are either cute/child-like or flirtatious. Blackpink are neither or both, depending on how you look at them, Playing With Fire showcases their natural charisma with a catchy, tropical house composition. The girls' vocals are displayed throughout and there is a reference to one of G-Dragon's songs in Lisa's rap. "The color of my heart is black." 

8. Zico - Bermuda Triangle

Zico and Bermuda Triangle have definitely been on a roll in 2016 despite the deviation from mainstream pop. He didn't make this golden track alone though, and teamed up with Dean and Crush who are aces in their own right. The result is a dangerous trio and a booming song! Basically, the lyrics are a bravado of Zico's career laced with wit and tact. Musically, Bermuda Triangle is all over the place and all together at the same time! (My clean ver.)

7. Ailee - Home

Since the beginning of her career, Ailee has released one pop song or ballad after another, each featuring her loud vocals and strong personality. It's nice and all, but her discography sounded like a broken record. So I was so happy when she finally released a single that is contrary to her signature style! Home is a simmering r&b track. It's dramatic, elegant and reaches a climax during rap-queen Yoon Mirae's verse. 

6. BTS - Blood, Sweat & Tears

BTS are notable for having a part in the the writing and composition of their own music (which isn't common in k-pop). With each new album they show a different side their artistry, and this time around the concept was serious and mature. Blood, Sweat and Tears is edm mixed with other flavorful genres and the result is thrilling. The vocals, the emotion, the chorus all comes together perfectly!

5. NCT U - Seventh Sense

NCT is SM Rntertainments newest group. They are very unusual, and I have to admit their styling is bad, but the song is great! Seventh Sense is the debut track of an NCT sub-unit and it is somewhat simplistic. I like the trap and trance feel. I would never expect this sound to come from the cookie-cutter world of k-pop. (My Clean Version)

4. Brave Girls - Deepened

In 2016, Brave Girls were re-vamped and re-styled with different members. More importantly, they dropped a single bigger than their name. That is to say, Brave Brothers has a rep for making (somewhat) mediocre, but popular, songs with a typical sound for female artists. Deepened is atypical in that it's underrated and has a sizzling, slow-tempo beat that is not common in his girl-group productions. (At least not to my knowledge.)

3. Ladies' Code - Galaxy

I love, love love this song. Ladies' Code really prove themselves to be ladies by being classy and elegant. Don't doubt this song's ability to take you back the 90s! The r&b instrumental in the background is layered with soothing sounds. I notice the lyrics of Galaxy express wanting a love that is 'out of this world', true emotions that are like a ray of light in darkness.

2. BTS - Save Me

With airy vocals and a whistle-synth instrumental, Save Me is light and refreshing. The lyrics express deep longing for someone. That emotional heaviness is reflected in the dreary setting of the music video. BTS is a seven piece group, so it's natural that one member would get shorted on lines. However, in Save Me each member gets put under a spotlight. Vocalists; Jin, Jungkook, Jimin and V showcase each of their vocal colors and rappers; Rap Monster, Suga and J-Hope spit their own verse. 

1. Blackpink - Whistle

Like I mentioned earlier, Blackpink doesn't have a specific concept and are multidimensional. In fact, Blackpink has two sides: 'Black' which is tough and edgy, and 'Pink' which is soft and feminine. This dual style is apparent in Whistle which is my absolute favorite of the year. I appreciate the trendiness, the style and the overall sound of the song. The beat and whistles add uniqueness, but the "hwi-param param param" chorus is what set it off for me.

Honorable Mentions:
Tiffany - I Just Wanna Dance
Zico - I Am You, You Are Me
Monsta X - Stuck
Lucky J - No Love
EXO - Lotto
Winner - Baby Baby

Sources

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18

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

Playlist 11. Love & Hate

Theme: Love & Hate

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

Hearts and X's. They're really opposites, but can there be a fine line between love and hate?

1. Miss A - Love Song

Korean ♥

'Love Song' is definitely stimulating as it takes unexpected turns. Like when the bass drops, instead of more bass, we are graced with violin synths! Not to say the song is completely disjointed, but it does take a roller-coaster-like musical path. And that makes it a good listen!

Review: Song - 3.5/5 

2. 2NE1 - Hate You
Korean ♥

'Hate You' is an in-your-face electronic pop song. CL dominates the repetitively looping chorus and Minzy, Dara and Bom sing the in-between verses. The music video is fully animated - 2NE1 become bounty hunters and catch a bad guy.

Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 2/5

3. BY2 - Love You Love You 2020
Mandarin ♥

Singapore's twin duo act is cute and quirky in this video that seems to emphasize the number twenty. Perhaps they turned twenty-years-old? Either way, it exudes youthfulness and is fun to dance to!

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

4. Lucky J - No Love

Korean ♥

After gaining popularity from Jessi's solo, Lucky J released their k-hip-hop sophomore single. It combines sounds from a folk string instrument with piano and melds it with r&b. This trio really compliments each other and they show themselves to be polished artists.

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

5. 4Minute - Hate
Korean ♥

Ironically, I have a love-hate relationship with this song. 'Hate' produced by Skrillex, is a seamless follow-up to their last release 'Crazy'. It starts with soothing vocals from Gayoon and Hyuna's rap leads to the turning point - the drop. Then it breaks into an explosion of angry trumpets and violent bass. I feel like the producer patched together a ballad with EDM. The music video visuals switch from dramatic to fierce along with the song.

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

6. Big Bang - Love Song
Korean ♥

As mentioned in a previous post, 'Love Song' is raw Big Bang. There's no elaborate electronic synths or bass and that's fine! The song is simple and relaxed as well as the music video. The members wear black suits and express how much they 'hate this love song'.

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

7. Ladies' Code - Hate You

Korean ♥

The song opens with the mellow sounds of an acoustic guitar then speeds up with pop elements. The lyrics portray a toxic relationship that they can't leave. Ladies' Code's efforts to completely hate him are futile. 'I really hate you, but I love you.'

Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 2.5/5

8. Ailee - I Love You, I Hate You

Korean

This is also about a relationship gone sour, Ailee apologizes to him in this slightly up-tempo ballad. There are soft vocals, and as usual, Ailee uses her powerhouse vocals for emotional intensity.

Review: Song - 2.5/5 

9. 4Minute- No Love

Korean

This r&b track is about hating an ex and the feeling of not wanting to fall in love ever again. It is really a platform for vocalists Gayoon and Jihyun, but we do get some rap from Hyuna and interjections from Jiyoon.

Review: Song - 3/5 

10. 2NE1 - I Love You

Korean ♥

All love, no hate here! 'I Love You' has a crooning chorus and theme that is unlike 2NE1's usual ssenunni concept. At times it's sporadic, but the end result is a quality love song with an elegant music video to match.

Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 3/5

Playlist 5. Bloom

Theme: Flowers

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

Spring is near! So, here's a playlist with a flower theme and relaxing mood.

1. Lee Hi - Rose

Korean ♥

Lee Hi sings of the bitterness that hides behind the sweetness of love;"Every rose has its thorn". Her sass is toned down for this ballad, but Hi keeps her soulfulness. This song took a few listens for me to like, but now it's on replay.

2. Ailee - Ice Flower

Korean ♥

'Ice Flower' is part of the OST for the K-Drama 'Queen of Ambition'. It easily could have been a typical ballad, but Ailee made it heart-touching.

3. Xia (Junsu) - Flower

Korean

Not a fan of the music video, but the song is nice enough. It's serious, intense and works well with Junsu's baritone. Tablo is featured in 'Flower'. 

4. Ladies' Code - My Flower

Korean ♥

From the mini-album 'Myst3ry'. I feel like Ladies' Code poured out their hearts while singing this song, there are such heavenly vocals. I was a little disappointed they only released three tracks, but the quality makes up for it!

5. G.E.M. - The Rose

Mandarin ♥

Trans. from "寂寞星球的玫瑰"

A beautiful ballad from G.E.M. that's very emotional. I really admire that she's a singer-songwriter. Her songs never get old.

6. Ailee - Sakura

Japanese/English

Ailee is on this playlist again with an English cover of 'Sakura' by Ikimono Gakari. She calmed down her powerhouse vocals and sang this track more delicately. 

7. K.Will - Love Blossom

Korean

Happy, relaxing and upbeat, it's really sweet. L (Myungsoo) from Infinite stars in the music video.

8. A Pink - Flower Petal

Korean 

A Pink try to decide if they'll tell their crush that the like him while pulling the petals from a flower. "Should I tell you or not? Should I tell you I like you?" The music video is equally playful as the song.

Playlist 4. Mysteric

Theme: Mysteric
Songs with a [♥] are my preference/a personal favorite.

"An unfamiliar blue light shines, the thing that makes me dizzy. Mysteric." - f(x) 4 Walls. This playlist is based on f(x) 4 walls. I collected songs that have a similar sound and style. Enjoy!

1. f(x) - 4 Walls

Korean ♥

Aesthetically mysterious. F(x) is known for their experimental sound and this is no exception.

2. Ladies' Code - Galaxy

Korean ♥

It's a new style for Ladies' Code; no longer bubbly, but rather laid-back. That's understandable considering the death of two of the members. On the bright side, this song is a masterpiece! Ladies' Code proved that k-pop can be classy and you don't need a repetitive hook to make a song catchy.

3. Taemin - Drip Drop

Korean

Taemin did it again. He stole Shawols' hearts with his smooth criminal style. Just like his solo debut, he channeled his inner Micheal Jackson. I'm impressed by the musicality.

4. Azin - Delete

Korean

I don't know who Azin is, or when she debuted, but she has an f(x)-esque sound. I stumbled across her while browsing on Youtube and figured she would be a nice addition to this list.

5. Shinee - View

Korean

I gave this song no attention during Shinee's comeback, and now I sorta like it. It has an infectious groove!

6. Red Velvet - Campfire

Korean

Another good song, that I didn't pay attention to. It's from Red Velvet's first album "The Red".

7. Red Velvet - Automatic

Korean

Music of this quality is rare in k-pop, in idol groups and (to be honest) SM. Red Velvet is one of the SM artists that I believe make the highest quality music. Even though 'Automatic' isn't particularly my taste, it's a sound not often heard in k-pop and well executed.

8. Exo - Hurt

Korean ♥

Probably the best song on Exo's 'Exodus". It's a non-typical song that paints a picture with its lyrics. 'Hurt' got buried under the hype of the album's title tracks but I advise you to listen to it after you've overplayed 'Call Me Baby'

Playlist 3. Petrichor

Theme: Rain
Songs with a [♥] are my preference/a personal favorite.

I know that I've changed the style of my playlists a lot already, but soon I'll decide on the right format. The entire playlist is below.^^

1. 4minute - Cold Rain

Korean

4minute show their soft and delicate side in this song. In the MV, the members are dressed elegantly with coats and fur accessories. Hmm...it kinda reminds me of 'Missing You'. This might be the next edition of 'This or That?'

2. Taeyeon -  Rain

Korean

Many SNSD fans we're thrilled with the release if Taeyeon's 'I', and while this isn't of the same caliber, it's still a nice follow-up to her solo debut. The MV is slightly glittery and the song gets better after a few listens.

3. Girls' Generation - Let It Rain

Japanese

I never paid much attention to SNSD's Japan releases, so i've been missing out. A lot of their Japanese music gives off a different vibe from their Korean releases.

4. BTS (Bangtan Boys) - Rain

Korean

It's nice that BTS can make upbeat music as well as chill tracks like this one. A large part of the song is rap by Rapmonster, Suga and J-hope. The vocal line-up sings a relaxed chorus in between. It's a good, laid-back song for ARMY's (fandom name) that need stress relief.

5. FEMM - Kiss The Rain

English ♥

Even though i'm not a fan of everything they do, FEMM has a pretty cool concept. Mannequin girls from Japan trying to take over the world, singing in English."An ocean in between us can never separate us, though we're a million miles apart..."

6. Jeon Minju, Yuna Kim - Goodbye Rain

Korean ♥

I loved this song from the first listen! Then later, I found out that these two girls debuted in a k-pop group last year (The Ark). It's a perfect combination of r&b and rap. A member from the boy group 'Bromance; is featured in the song too.

7. Ailee - Rainy Day

Korean

A go-to break up ballad. This song is more contemporary than her usual title-tracks with the same powerful vocals.

8. TVXQ - Everyday it Rains   

Korean

Part of TVXQ's latest release last year. No doubt this song (along w/ the rest of the album) thrilled fans because it was a treat before Max and U-Know's hiatus. The duo sings r&b and dance music as usual.

This or That? {2nd Edition}

Ever hear a song that reminds you of another? This is a friendly comparison of videos and songs with similar genres, concepts and themes.

 Ladies' Code Galaxy v. Red Velvet Automatic

Recently, Ladies' Code made a comeback with "Galaxy". I noticed that the stunning visuals in the MV are similar to Red Velvet's Automatic. The aesthetics in both videos include tables of food, black & white classy clothes and members dancing expressionlessly. As for the songs, Galaxy and Automatic both are rather serious with R&b undertones.

• Ladies' Code - Galaxy
• Red Velvet - Automatic

My Choice: Both are pretty songs/videos but I prefer the lighter visuals of Galaxy. Ladies' Code focuses on white, while Red Velvet's MV is mainly black.