July in Music

Here are my picks for the month of July!

1. Yoon Mi-Rae - You And Me

Korean

Released: July 5th

Often hailed as the best female rapper in Korea, Yoon Mi-Rae (AKA Tasha) is actually a very versatile artist that can do more than just spit bars. Her latest song is a chill R&B number that showcases her pleasant vocals. "You And Me" describes having an ambiguous relationship in which romantic feelings develop, but he ends up getting friend-zoned. Yoon Mi-Rae's songs exude such an effortless vibe, which is probably because she is a senior in the music industry. I already knew that she sounded good in a group and features nicely on others' songs, but this reminded me how well Tasha shines is her solo work. "You And Me" features Tasha's labelmate Junoflo and the MV includes the rest of the "Feel Ghood Music" crew.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 2/5

2. Luhan - Catch Me When I Fall (R3hab Remix)

Mandarin

Released: July 10th

Luhan is back with his EP "Re:Play," which is a collection of his old songs that were remixed. The original "Catch Me When I Fall" was released almost two years ago and expresses Luhan's experiences and progress. To me, the lyrics mean that everyone faces obstacles, makes mistakes, or feels blue at times. As a celebrity, Luhan may be compelled to maintain a certain image but we are all imperfect. "They keep telling me that I'm the chosen one. So I have to act like the one. All the time, It's hard to confess all the weakness. When I start to tell, It's even more than I can take."  Dutch producer, R3hab added a dose of Trap and heavy EDM drop to the new version making it a club banger.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 1.5/5

3. Seventeen - Our Dawn is Hotter than Day

Korean

Released: July 16th

"Our Dawn is Hotter than Day" was released back in July along with the rest of Seventeen's comeback album "You Make My Day," but the dance video wasn't released until August. I much prefer this b-side over the album's title song because of its great beat. Filmed on a rooftop under the night sky, the choreo is perfectly synchronized (as expected of Seventeen!) The subtle movements are done so precisely and gracefully that it really enhances the emotion of the song. This is a good example of how a performance can still be powerful even without lots of fast jumping. 

Review: Song - 4.5/5  MV - 5/5

4. Riri - Maybe One Day

Japanese

Released: July 27th

Last winter, Riri made her major label debut with an album and a single titled "That's My Baby," which I really enjoyed! It had a very Western feel due to being worked on by established American producers. Her newest song, "Maybe One Day" comes from the same vein of Pop-ish R&B and was likewise prepared in LA. According to her official website, "Maybe One Day" is summer anthem material that mixes "an emotional melody" with "dance music." The lyrics express the viewpoint of a girl who falls in love with her best friend, but he doesn't feel the same way. Unfortunately, the Youtube music video is not available worldwide, so here is a link to view it. However, both the Japanese and English version of this song can be found on Apple music!
Review: Song - 3.5/5  MV - 3/5

5. Astro - Always You

Korean

Released: July 27th

Astro caught my attention with their cute performance of "Crazy, Sexy, Cool." However, then they went on hiatus and I became worried about their future at the news of their label's financial issues. Now Aroha's (their fandom) can rejoice because the boys have debuted a special album dedicated to them. "Always You" the title track, stands in stark contrast to Astro's former tunes. It's serious and mature, with an intensely captivating music video. I'll admit, I half-expected something sweet like "Crazy, Sexy, Cool" and was disappointed to find it completely different. But, it's nice to see Astro active on the scene again.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

6. Perfume - Let Me Know

Japanese

Released: July 30th

If you are familiar with Perfume, you'll know that their music is characterized by high-pitched vocals, game-changing bass drops, and fun electronic melodies. "Let Me Know" is pretty much that except it has a few additional characteristics -  the composition is noticeably Westernized and slower in tempo. This release also seems to have personal meaning to the members. Nocchi, A~Chan, and Kashiyuka take a ride on a bus and meet three girls who likely are intended to be younger versions of themselves. The bus ride may represent Perfume's career, and while on this journey, they have a message they'd like to convey to their past selves. Some of the lyrics go, "Don't tell anyone, because you're about to be somebody. Believe in yourself."

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

Sources
Info: 4.6

Image: *,*,*,4,5,*

* 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

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

July In Music

Two-thirds into the summer, the music scene only heated up more with comebacks and debuts! Also, I found myself listening to more Chinese music this month.

1. One - Gettin' By

Korean

Released: July 11th

One, a former member of OnePunch, is known for his appearances on Show Me The Money seasons 4 and 5. July 11th, he launched his career as a soloist, making him the first male solo artist to debut under YG Entertainment in 14 years. "Gettin' By", produced by AOMG's Cha Cha Malone, is a single off of his mini-album. This laid-back song talks about how life feels lukewarm after a break-up. One raps throughout and sing-talks the chorus in an almost monotonous way that reflects the whole "so-so" vibe.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

2. Shi Shi - A Late Goodnight

Mandarin

Released: July 13th

"A Late Goodnight (晚的晚安)" is a belatedly released OST from the Taiwanese TV Drama "Behind Your Smile". This lullaby-like song has a melody built on acoustic guitar and the light notes of a piano. All of this is complimented by Shi Shi's whispery vocals and a music (lyric) video of a night skyline.

Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 2/5

3. Luhan - On Fire

Mandarin

Released: July 13th

Luhan concludes his "XXVII" music project with the last part "I". In "On Fire" he is a tough, cool guy singing and rapping about moving forward to accomplish dreams. This release is of the electronic hip-hop genre and is especially exciting because it's the first time in a while that Luhan gave the world something this fun and upbeat.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 4/5

4. Blackpink - Whistle (JP Ver)

Japanese

Released: July 14h

Blackpink made their Japanese debut with Japanese versions of their five Korean singles, "Whistle" being my favorite. A lot of times, versions of K-pop songs in different languages don't have the same quality as the original. In this case, the Japanese version of "Whistle" is just as good as the Korean and has the extra appeal of all-English raps.

Review: Song - 5/5  MV - 4/5

5. A-Lin - Go Straight

Mandarin

Released: July 18th

Three years since her last LP "Guilt", A-Lin is preparing to drop her 8th studio album in September. "Go Straight (一直走 GO)" is the first single off her upcoming album and was produced by A-Lin herself. The song explores the EDM genre, a sound that the pop and ballad-oriented singer has never attempted before. Overall, "Go Straight" is fresh and uplifting, making us curious as to what else A-Lin has in store.

Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 3/5

6. K.A.R.D. - Hola Hola

Korean

Released: July 19th

Co-ed K-pop group K.A.R.D. finally made their official debut after teasing fans with pre-debut singles since December 2016. Once again, their title track is tropical house, which begs the question of when they are going to try a new style. Fortunately, there are a few fresh elements this time around: vocalist Jiwoo joins J-speph and BM in rapping and the music video was filmed brightly in areas of California.

Review: Song - 2.5/5  MV - 4/5

Sources

Info: 1,2, 5a,b

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

May In Music

May 2017 was an outstanding month for k-pop. Aside from the enjoyable music, this month stands out because BTS (Bangtan Boys)  made history as the first K-pop group to attend, get nominated for and win an award at the Billboard Music Awards! If you need more reminders as to why May was great, check out the songs below!

1. Euna Kim X Exy - Love Therapy

Korean

Released: May 4th

Euna Kim was a member of the girl group "The Ark" who debuted in 2015 and disbanded soon after. Then, to restart her music career, Euna Kim participated in season 2 of Unpretty Rapstar, alongside Exy (Cosmic Girls) and other female rappers. Some months after the show, Euna Kim and Exy collaborate in this laid-back love anthem. Together they rap about the push and pull of a relationship. As a final treat, solo singer Zia lends her vocals to the chorus.
Review: Song - 3.5/5  MV - 2.5/5

2. Luhan - Say It

Mandarin

Released: May 14th

"Say It" is Luhan's second single off of his is single album "Imagination", which is the second to last release of his compilation album "XXVII". It is an EDM track with R&B elements and it's lyrics celebrate relieving oneself from the worries of a busy lifestyle. In the music video, a camera follows the daily routine of the main character, all the while, making viewers dizzy.
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

3. Ikon - Bling Bling

Korean

Released: May 22nd

After a long absence, Ikon released a double single album,  just like their senior group Winner did last month.  It includes the hip-hop number "Bling Bling" composed by the group leader B.I. and rumored member of YG's new boy group, Millennium. "Bling Bling" has an energetic backdrop of brassy horns, hype chanting, and heavy bass. Ikon prove themselves to be "total cool kids" with all the bells and whistles!
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

4. Seventeen - Don't Want To Cry

Korean

Released: May 22nd

Seventeen is a group that I remember for its myriad of members and their trademark brassy-pop songs. This time around Seventeen switched gears for an emotional EDM track that seems to have been influenced by the American pop duo, the Chainsmokers. "Don't Want To Cry" is about just that: not wanting to cry from heartbreak despite having so many tears. It's complete with eye-catching choreography that effectively conveys the song's emotions.
Review: Song - 3.5/5  MV - 4/5

5. Faky - Someday We'll Know

Japanese

Released: May 23rd

Faky pre-released their second single of 2017 ahead of their upcoming mini-album. It follows the popular trend of tropical house that has been seen often in K-pop this past year. "Someday We'll Know" is a song that showcases the members' vocals and has backdrop music that is up-tempo and fun, but not overpowering. Anna, Lil'Fang, Akina and Mikako roam the streets of (what appears to be) Tokyo and showcase their dance moves in bright summery clothes!
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 4.5/5

6. Kriesha Tiu - Trouble

Korean

Released: May 23rd

You may know Kriesha Tiu (or Chrisha Chu) as the runner-up of K-pop Star 6 and a member of the on-show girl group KWINS. She is notable for her bubbly personality and for being the first Filipino-American idol. Now she has made her much-anticipated debut as a solo singer (despite her ability to perform very well in a group)! "Trouble" is a fun, Disney/Nickelodeon-eque song that is fitting for a  teen like Kriesha. It's about being in "danger" when you fall for someone: thinking about them all the time and becoming dizzy when you see them.
Review: Song - 2.5/5  MV - 3/5

Sources

Info: 6

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

April In Music

In April a lot of my expectations were fulfilled! Winner and IU made their comebacks, former I.O.I Chungha had her solo debut and Taeyeon dropped her first repackaged album. All of this and more!

1. Winner - Really Really

Korean

Released: April 4th

Winner returns as a quartet in "Fate Number For" with two new singles: Really Really and Fool. Both tracks, penned by group member Seungyoon, are both of good quality and a timely boost for the group after having lost a member. However, Really Really is what gained my attention the most because of its compelling beat and confident charisma. In the lyrics, Winner cooly confesses their feeling to a girl, hoping to gain her affections without being too pushy. This is backed by a mild tropical house beat and a musical-esque music video filmed by the famous American director Dave Meyers.
Review: Song - 3.5/5  MV - 3/5

2. Ten - Dream In A Dream

English

Released: April 6th

NCT member Ten makes his unofficial solo debut through SM's music project 'SM Station'. 'Dream In A Dream' is an ethereal song that is heavily influenced by Oriental art and tradition. Ten sings in English, and while there are very few lyrics, listeners are kept entertained with the sounds of Asian instruments, echoes, and synths. The music video expands on the artistry: Ten, who is known to specialize in dance, showcases his skills through elegant choreography. Overall, even if one does not like the song like I do, the artistry is hard not to appreciate!

Review: Song - 5/5  MV - 5/5

3. Meng Jia - Candy

Mandarin

Released: April 6th

'Candy (糖果)' marks Meng Jia's (孟佳) third song and strive to brand herself as a soloist. Unlike her two previous singles, Candy has a playful energy and features a barrage of sounds: marching band drums, lips smacking and xylophone notes. This style was achieved by the composer, Shinsadong Tiger (a famous k-pop producer) and LE (of k-pop girl group EXID). Here is the lyrics video, colorful and vibrant. By now, I think they would've have released a real music video already if they had planned to.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

4. Luhan - On Call

Mandarin

Released: April 19th

The "King of C-pop" tries his hand at contemporary R&B with added electronic elements. Luhan, whose voice is particularly smooth, effortlessly delivers without the auto-tune he used in 2016.  As always, his music video is very visually appealing and complementary to the song. Its scenes show a world in between reality and fantasy. There are visuals of an infinite flow of mail: letters that never get opened.

Review: Song - 5/5  MV - 4.5/5

5. Kim Chungha -Week

Korean

Released: April 20th

After competing in Mnet's trainee survival program, "Produce 101", Kim Chungha earned a spot in the girl-group I.O.I and has made a name for herself. Now that that I.O.I have disbanded, Chungha has started to follow her own path as a soloist. I believe she will do well because she is a good singer and a great dancer. 'Week' is a slow-rolling r&b ballad that expresses loneliness. It is only a pre-release single so I'm curious as to what is coming next.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 4/5

6. K.A.R.D. - Rumor

Korean

Released: April 24th

K-pop's one and only co-ed idol group debuted with 'Oh Na Na', followed-up with 'Don't Recall' and have now completed their trilogy pre-debut project with 'Rumor'. Up until now, K.A.R.D's songs have been narrating a story. First, a boy and girl begin a relationship, then the guy messes up and the couple breaks up, and in 'Rumor', the couple is hearing rumors about each other and are regretting their break-up. It has an obvious Latin influence and is not far in genre from their previous two songs. In the future, I hope to see them try a new genre, now that the trilogy is over.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 2/5

Sources:

Info:1,6

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

February In Music

We had some big comebacks in February including Red Velvet, Twice and Taeyeon. Overall, they weren't to my liking, but there were plenty of songs that I did enjoy!

1. NCT Dream - My First and My Last

Released: February 8th

Korean & Mandarin Versions

This is the groups' follow-up to their debut song 'Chewing Gum'. 'My First and My Last' is about a young boy's first love. The song is kind of choppy and is influenced by the bass of new jack swing (a genre of 90s music). It has a lighthearted melody and the members dance a quirky, cute choreography, that is much like that of their sunbaes Shinee. I included the dance version, I enjoyed it more the regular music video.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3.5

2. BTS - Spring Day

Released: February 12th

Korean

BTS are poetic as they use the weather to symbolize their emotions. Meeting the one you miss feels like a spring day in the dead of winter. But missing someone can feel like winter in the middle of summer. 'Spring Day' is such a touching display of friendship: the scenes are gloomy when the members are alone, but bright when they are together.

Review: 4.5/5 MV - 5/5

3. Dean - Come Over (Feat. Baek Yerin)

Released: February 16th

Korean

Dean is an outstanding musical artist. Every song he has written and composed for others has his stamp on it and is undeniably his. With that said, it's always nice to see Dean make music for himself. However, 'Come Over' isn't a heavy hitting song, in fact, it took a few listens to grow on me. The smooth vocals of Dean and 15&'s Baek Yerin are what makes it worth listening to. As for the music video, it's a black and white sketch animation. Creative, but rather boring.

Review: Song - 3/5 MV- 1.5/5

4. K.A.R.D - Don't Recall

Released: February 17th

Korean & English Versions

A very fitting follow-up to their debut, which I deemed one of the best songs of 2016. It's an extension of 'Oh Na Na' both sound wise and visually: both songs are tropical house and have the same music video aesthetic. Lyrics from the girls' point of view express wanting to get away from the guy. They pretend not to remember the good times in the relationship. In reply, the guys are trying the persuade the girl to come back and say that they were good together.
Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 4.5

5. Luhan - What If I Said

Released: February 22nd

Mandarin

'如果 What If I Said' is a laid-back electronic song with smooth, unprocessed vocals. Its duration is rather flat, in that it doesn't reach a climax, but this factor makes the song even more chill. The music video has very subdued colors and natural visuals: vintage furniture and mirrors in a sand-filled room with rays of sunlight shining through the windows.

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

6. Faky - Surrender

Released: February 22nd

Japanese

I'm very familiar with this J-pop quartet, and this time they wowed me. 'Surrender' is an emotional plea to their boyfriend to stop fighting. It's perfectly chaotic: shifting from smooth vocals with little background sounds to a barrage of sounds and fast verses. To top it off, the rough & smooth sound of 'Surrender' is complemented by the girls' sporty, grunge outfits.
Review: Song - 4.5/5 MV - 3/5

Sources:

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

Info: 1,5