August in Music

Summer wrapped up with the month of August but these groups and soloists made sure the season ended with good music.

1. Girls' Generation - All Night

Korean

Released: August 4th

2017 marks a decade since Girls' Generations debut, bringing them to drop an album in commemoration of their 10th anniversary. "All Night", one of the two album singles, is accompanied by a documentary-style music video in which the members share their thoughts and sentiments through mini-interviews. The song is disco-pop with a groovy beat and a hook typical to bubblegum-pop music.  It's catchy enough, but I personally think SNSD's album release is weak and underwhelming for something as special as a 10th anniversary.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 2/5

2. Taeyang - White Night

Korean

Released: August 9th

Taeyang, whose stage name means "sun", released his third studio album with the clever title and theme "White Night" (which is a night when the sun never sets). Ahead of the album, Korea's "Prince of R&B" released the intro of the same name. "White Night" is an enchanting r&b track with electronic sounds and a climactic chorus. The music video is very mesmerizing and features scenes filmed on the icy coasts of Alaska, presumably under a white night which is a normal occurrence in that part of the world. My only issue with this is that it's not a full song, as it deserves to be!

Review: Song - 5/5  MV - 3.5/5

3. Anna - Party Crasher

Mandarin

Released: August 16th

Anna is the 16-year-old niece of popular Taiwanese singer A-Mei. She has been referred to as "the strongest monster rookie" due to her promising talent, specifically her dance skills. In the MV for "Party Crasher", Anna was able to show her powerful moves with dances that were choreographed by Kiel Tutin (who has previously worked with artists such as J-Lo, Jolin Tsai, Big Bang and 2NE1). This fun hip-hop performance was paired well with the energetic trap beats of the song.

Review: Song - 2.5/5  MV - 4/5

4. Taeyang - Wake Me Up

Korean

Released: August 16th

Taeyang doesn't want to wake up from his dream-like love. As mentioned earlier, the Big Bang vocalist returned with an album after four years. "Wake Me Up" was released alongside "Darling" as the lead single from the LP. This track is American-style synth pop, but it has been noted that the best utilized "instrument" is Taeyang's own voice. His vocals add a point of interest, to what otherwise, would be a bland listen.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

4. MERA - Born

Mandarin

Released: August 16th

MERA is a five-membered girl group based in China. They officially debuted on August 3rd as the first female group under their record label Mai Rui Entertainment. In "天生", the girls of MERA perform in a very k-pop-like style, and I mean that in the best way possible. The song is fun, their outfits are cute and there's and underlying empowering theme. I must say though, the melody reminds me of something else that I can't quite put my finger on.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

5. Faky - Suga Sweet

Japanese

Released: August 20th

Faky squeeze in one last summer song before the season ends! If your sweet tooth hasn't had enough after their sugary single "Candy" released back in 2015, then you'll be delighted with this fun bop about sweet love. "Suga Sweet" is a digital single made available through Spotify, and has yet to have a music video, but the song itself is enough to entertain with talk of Hershey's kisses, ice cream, and peanut-butter cups.

Review: Song - 5/5  MV - N/A

6. Kassy - Let It Rain

Korean

Released: August 25th

Kassy's career path can be comparable to that of Heize. Both soloists were contestants on Unpretty Rapstar, carved a hip-hop persona for themselves, but then softened their musical genre and image for their career thereafter. I think that this is very smart move as Kassy has a beautiful vocal color and is less awkward singing than she was rapping. "Let It Rain" is an acoustic ballad in which Kassy's airy voice carries the melody and song's emotions smoothly.

Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 2.5/5

Sources

Info: 1,2,3a,b,4

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

Solos and Sub-Units in Girls' Generation

Members of a group often have their own solo projects, and as popular as Girls' Generation is, it's no surprise to know that some of its members can stand on their own. Currently, four members have had their official solo debut including Taeyeon, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, and Seohyun. There is also an official sub-unit, TaeTiSeo (TTS) which consists of the most vocally talented members in the group.

Soloists

Taeyeon

Kim Taeyeon was the first member to make her solo debut, and she did so with massive success. As of now, Taeyeon's discography is comprised of 1 full album, 2 mini-albums, a digital single, an SM Station single and several OSTs.

1. Rain

Rain is often used in music and art to reflect sadness. That is true for this ballad, in which Taeyeon feels the 'rain' even indoors as she sadly longs for a past relationship. It has a jazz and r&b composition and maintains a light-hearted, sweet melody, despite the heart-rending lyrics. The music video is as mellow as the song: Taeyeon sits in a room full of mementos as the "sadness" floods in.

2. Why

Taking a complete 180 from 'Rain', 'Why' is a tropical house track about freeing yourself from burdens and worries. It has r&b, EDM, and acoustic guitar rifts all wrapped in the audio. In the sunny, bright music video, Taeyeon is depicted enjoying California in all its glory; all the while showing off her voice register.

3. I Got Love

Basically everytime Taeyeon releases something, it features a different sound or a different combination of genres. 'I Got Love' is nothing like the tropical EDM of 'Why', the stagnant acoustic of '11.11' or even the mellow r&b of 'Rain'. This track, which was a pre-release of her full album, is urban-r&b with a suspenseful production. Taeyeon and SM Entertainment didn't play it safe with this sound. Though, they did step out of bounds; the song is interesting but has some undesirable elements.

 Other Songs:

4. Fine

5. 11.11

6. I (Feat. Verbal Jint)

Tiffany

The second member of SNSD to go solo, Tiffany established her individual music career with 1 mini-album and an SM Station single. True to her Californian roots, Tiffany's music is influenced by American pop music.

1. I Just Wanna Dance

This track is like a refurbished 90s electronica song: it's retro and modern at the same time. The sound can be compared to that of American singer Carly Rae Jepsen, while Tiffany's vocals are somewhat like Ariana Grande's. The tempo is rather lukewarm; not fast enough to be considered a dance track.

2. Heartbreak Hotel

Tiffany is sick of being alone, so she checks out of 'Heartbreak Hotel'. The storyline is one heard all too often: a girl falls hopelessly in love with a bad boy who breaks her heart. In the rap by Simon Dominic, we get the guy's point of view: he thinks their relationship is a burden. His part not only adds dimension to the song lyrically but also soundwise: the rough, rugged rap that adds contrasts with Tiffany's smooth vocals.

Other Songs:

1. I Just Wanna Dance (English Version/Remix)

2. What Do I Do

3. Talk

Hyoyeon

Hyoyeon made her solo debut through SM Station. She currently has only one song, but she has been a featured artist on one of Taeyeon's b side tracks and has participated in a couple collaborations. 

1. Mystery

Hyoyeon wants to hypnotize you with her dancing, and rightly so since she's considered one of the best female dancers in K-pop. 'Mystery' has an exotic tune, almost like the music that is played to charm snakes. Personally, I'm not a fan of the repetitive, word chopping chorus, but I can appreciate Hyoyeon's solo effort!

Seohyun

The group's maknae, Seohyun, has a solo discography that consists of 1 mini album and a few OSTs. Several of the tracks on Seohyun's debut album were penned by the songstress herself.

1. Don't Say No

As the youngest Girl's Generation member, Seohyun was always viewed as an innocent young girl. With 'Don't Say No', she painted a more mature image of herself but kept the femininity. Also, there is a rather dark theme in the music video. Seohyun seemingly poisons her ex, perhaps because he said "no" to getting back together and found a new girlfriend? Despite the random plot and visuals of the mv, 'Don't Say No" is a rather cohesive dance-pop track with r&b elements and a resonating piano backdrop.

Other Songs:

1. Love & Affection

2. Hello (Feat. Eric Nam)

3. Magic

Subunits

TaeTiSeo (TTS)

Comprised of the groups most vocally talented members, TTS is Girl's Generation's only official sub-unit. The name 'TTS' comes from the names of the members: Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun. As of now, they have 3 mini albums.

1. Twinkle

In 2012 SM Entertainment gave fans a very glittery surprise: an SNSD subgroup! The music video portrays Seohyun, Tiffany, and Taeyeon as red-carpet starlets and the song is just as flashy. It is a very bubblegum pop interpretation of funk from the 1970s and 80s.

2. Holler

TTS continue their sparkly, glamorous concept with 'Holler'. This song has a funky rhythm as well and shows the power of the girls' voices even more so than their previous release. The lyrics are about making a connection with a boy through eye-contact and wanting to break the ice.

Other Songs

1. Baby Steps

2. Checkmate

3. Whisper

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Sources

Info: 1,2,3,4,5,

Images: a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j,k,l,m,n

January 2017 In Music

In January, a few artists whom I was waiting for made a comeback. Including Jessi, whose last release was a single in March 2016 and 2NE1 whose were on hiatus since 2014. Here are my favorite songs that came out in  January.

1. Meng Jia - Who's That Girl

Released: January 3rd
Mandarin

Chinese singer and rapper, Meng Jia (孟佳), released her second single since her solo debut. You may know Jia as a former member of k-pop group Miss A, but now she is standing alone and establishing her personal music style. 'Who's That Girl (她是谁)' is a medium-tempo pop ballad that reflects a girl's identity crisis as she looks in the mirror. The song has a catchy chorus and relatable vibe.
Review Song - 5/5 MV - 4.5/5

2.  NCT 127 - Limitless

Released: January 6th

Korean

'Limitless' is the lead single from NCT 127's second mini-album of the same name. It has been described as "urban r&b" and features the rookie group's amazing vocal harmonies. There are two music videos: the rough version and the performance version, the former of which I found bizarre. However, the latter is impeccable and boasts NCT's razor-sharp dance moves!

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

4. BY2 - Peach Blossom Cheongsam

Released:  January 12th
Mandarin

BY2 ditched their trendy electro-pop style for a traditional aesthetic and sound. The twins are feminine and poetic as they dance in floral qipaos with wax parasols. All the details make the music video artistic and intriguing. There is paintbrush imagery that alludes to ancient Chinese art, cherry blossoms and kaleidoscope effects. The song, which utilizes traditional Chinese instruments and opera singing, still has a modern twist.

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

5. Seohyun - Don't Say No

Released: January 16th

Korean

The Girls' Generation maknae made her solo debut with a mini album and single. In 'Don't Say No' Seohyun is begging for her man to come back with a pop/r&b tune. The music video visuals are kind of odd: she wears artsy-glam outfits and cooks up some frightening recipes. But, Seohyun makes everything better by throwing glitter in the air!

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

5. 2NE1 - Goodbye

Released: January 20th

Korean

"Goodbye" is 2NE1's last single as a group. The members (excluding Minzy) released this farewell a few months after their disbandment. There are few ballads in 2NE1's discography, but each of them has stellar musicality. "Goodbye" is a few steps lower than the groups earlier ballads, but still a nice listen. It has an acoustic production and features mournful lyrics written by the group member, CL.

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

6. Jessi - Don't Make Me Cry

Released January 22nd

Korean

Jessi's soulful voice, combined with her ability to bring out strong emotions in music, makes any song she sings, amazing. "Don't make Me Cry" is a song about a potential break-up. The cracks in the couple's relationship are getting too big and the singer is heartbroken. "Don't make me cry. Don't do me wrong." But at the end of the video, the inevitable happens: they break-up.

Review: Song - 4.5/5 MV - 3/5

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

K-Pop Songs That Are Commercials (CFs)

Did you know that some K-pop music videos are actually commercials that promote a company's product? Sometimes the product placement is rather obvious or hinted at in the song's lyrics. Other times, it's hard to even tell that the release is a paid endorsement! Here's some k-pop songs that are pushing a product towards you.

1. 2NE1 - Don't Stop The Music

Promotes: Yamaha "Fiore"

2NE1 are warped into a colorful Lego world and party with Fiore motorcycles! They sing to the DJ, telling him to keep the music pumping so everyone can dance till the morning.  It's such an addictive song with auto-tuned vocals and trendy flair. And I didn't notice at first, but 2NE1 sing "Fiore" at some parts, just in case you forget what the song is promoting. In the MV, we get to see loud outfits, smooth dance moves and the fun, friendly chemistry between CL and Minzy.

2. Mamamoo - Woo Hoo

Promotes: LG G5 & Friends (cell phone)

From the first second, Mamamoo serenade listeners with their enchanting vocals. In such fresh harmony, these girls express the excitement of finding someone special. Their charm and flirtatiousness is all captured in a one-take music video. The video caption describes it as a"medium-tempo, funky" song. Overall, I just love the summery/spring concept! "Woo Hoo" is only a commercial, but it's Mamamoo at their finest.

3. Orange Caramel - Abing Abing

Promotes: Baskin Robbins (Ice Cream)

Lizzy, Raina and Nana entice you to fall in love with all thirty-one flavors. They assure us that ice cream is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. And I agree, though the girls' delivery is overly saccharine! 'Abing Abing' advertises a specific ice cream called bing-soo, which is a Korean shaved ice dessert. Tasty!

4. SNSD & F(x) - Chocolate Love

Promotes: LG Chocolate (cell phone)

Both girl groups released a version of this song. Girls' Generation (SNSD) are elegant ladies who sing about their love for LG's chocolate phone. Their version of the song is retro-pop with a feminine charm. The music video is in a fancy venue and the members wear white outfits. On the other hand, f(x) take a darker approach to 'Chocolate Love' with the ever-so trendy electro-pop. Instead of white lace, f(x) wear black leather and are edgier.

5. NCT 127 - Taste The Feeling

Promotes: Coca Cola

NCT collaborated with Coca Cola and released a Korean version of 'Taste The Feeling'. Members Jaehyun, Taeil, Yuta and Haechan provided the vocals for this track but the entirety of NCT 127 is included in the music video. Each member is shown doing an activity, but they all fall short of success. Then, they take a sip from the iconic red bottle and get the drive and ability to succeed. Like most Coca Cola commercials, this MV makes sure viewers associate their soda with happiness, friendship and positivity.

6. Yuri X Seohyun - Secret

Promotes: Pantene hair care

What's the secret to Yuri's and Seohyun's fabulous hair? They tell us in this endorsement for Pantene hair products, which is complete with silky tresses and slow-motion hair flips. 'Secret' is a dance song that has European-pop elements. The whispered chorus is backed by a heavy electronic bass. It is very chic and is paired with an equally cool video. Yuri and Seohyun dance beside each other and pose on fancy motorcycles and cars.

7. 2NE1 - Be Mine

Promotes: Intel 'Make Thumb Noise' Project

'Be Mine' is a laid back, medium-tempo song that shows the best of all the members' vocals. It is about a girl's confession to her long-time crush and desire to finally start a relationship. In the music video, 2NE1 show their technical savvy, as it is a promotion for a computer processor company. Laptops are shown throughout, and on their screens are with behind the scenes clips of 2NE1.

8. Girl's Day - Hello Bubble

Promotes: MISE EN SCENE  Hair Color Products

'Hello Bubble' is a rather short but fun promo song. It's normal for Girl's Day to switch between cute and sultry concepts, and for this release they went with the former. The music video shows the girls as they get ready for a date. They sport quirky, colorful clothes and show off their trendy styled hair, as it's an endorsement for hair dye.

9. Girls' Generation - Visual Dreams

Promotes: Intel Core

Girls' Generation get technical in 'Visual Dreams' to promote Intel Core computer-processors. It's a bouncy, fun synth-pop track with quite a bit of English in the lyrics. The music video is basic, but entertaining with plenty of colorful special effects!

Sources:

Images: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9

This or That? {6th 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.

Taeyeon I v. Ju Jingyi Everyday

'I' is Taeyeon's well-received solo debut! The song is a pop-ballad with soft-rock elements and boasts the songstress' steady vocals. There is beautiful scenery in the music video, as it was filmed in New Zealand, and there's a "finding myself" plot. In the same way, Ju Jingyi's 'Everyday' also has a visually appealing music video. She wears boho-chic clothes like Taeyeon and sings with a clear voice.

• Taeyeon - I
• SNH48 鞠婧祎 (Ju JingYi) - 每一天 (Everyday)

My Choice: My favorite is Ju JingYu's. There's so many members in SNH48, so it's nice to hear Jinyu's voice by itself.

Sources:

Images: 1,2 

Artist Profiles~Girls' Generation

Girl's Generation, also known as Sonyeo Sidae (SNSD), is perhaps Korea's top girl group. Their career stretches back 9 years and they keep a good-girl image (with an occasional sassy song). SNSD went from 9 to 8 members in 2014 when Jessica Jung left, however, they've maintained their popularity.

Girl Group

Girl's Generation (SNSD, SoShi)

Korean

1. Lion Heart

'Lion Heart' is a retro-pop track about a girl that falls in love with a playboy. He has a wandering heart so she tries to tame him like a lion. In the music video, a lion-man pursues the hearts of each SNSD member behind their backs and gets caught cheating! Then...you'll have to watch it yourself! The entire thing is true Girl's Generation. And from what I can tell, it was just as popular with international fans as Korean fans.

2. Dancing Queen

This is another retro-influenced jukebox jam. 'Dancing Queen' is actually a remake of Duffy's 'Mercy' with lyrics written by members Tiffany and Jessica. The video is reminiscent of 'Gee' because they all wearing colored skinny jeans and then one scene hints at a later release when Sooyoung says 'ayo gg'.(from I Got A Boy released a year later). 

3. Mr. Mr

With scratchy electronic synths and bass, 'Mr. Mr' is perfect for dancing. It's not cutesy like their typical music, but there's still slivers of the classic SNSD in there. Mainly because of the catchy, repetitive chorus. My favorite part is the music video, which has a dark doctor theme. The visuals are overrun with the color pink and SNSD's 'Mister' gets a heart transplant.

Other Songs:

4. Talk Talk (2016)

5. Bump It

6. Baby Maybe

Sources

Profile,1,2,3

This or That? {4th 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.

F(x) Chocolate Love v. SNSD Chocolate Love

These are actually the same song, just different versions. 'Chocolate Love' is a promotional track from 2009 for the LG Chocolate cellphone. Both groups did a CF in their own style. SNSD's version is more girly and sweet while f(x) are more trendy and edgy.

• F(x) - Chocolate Love, 2nd Version of MV
• SNSD - Chocolate Love, 2nd Version of MV

My Choice: I like the F(x) version of the song more!

Sources

Images: 1,2

Visual: Artists with Red Hair

Bright colored hair is a popular look in k-pop. Here's a list of idols who rocked red. I included the video in which they wore the style. Who's your favorite! ^^

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

Boys

Jimin (Bangtan Boys) 
 Dope/Sick ♥ 

Key (Shinee) 
Tokyo Dome 2014

G-Dragon (Big Bang) 
 Bang Bang Bang

P.O.(Block B) 
Very Good

Hyunseung (Beast) 
Beautiful Night

Luhan (EXO) 
Wolf Perf. ♥

Girls

Dasom (2EYES)
Pippi Pippi

Amber (fx) 
Red Light  ♥ 

Park Bom (2NE1) 
Clap Your Hands ♥

Krystal (fx) 
Rum Pum Pum ♥

Wendy (Red Velvet)
One Of These Nights

Sunny (SNSD)
Party

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