May in Music

Here are my song picks from the month of May!

1. Shi Shi - Guilty

Mandarin

Released: May 7th

Shi Shi is an absolute ballad queen, she always has the most beautiful, emotion churning songs. "Guilty (內疚)" was co-composed by the Taiwanese-Korean songstress herself and incorporates musical trends from both Taiwan and Korea. It is a piano-ballad, a genre that is popular in the Chinese-speaking world but also has electronic dance music that is commonly used in Korea. According to the song's description on KKbox, "Guilty" is about feeling remorse after ending a burdensome relationship.

Review: Song - 4.5/5  MV - 2/5

2. Cherrsee - Piano

Japanese

Released: May 15th

Cherrsee is a J-pop girl group whose name is derived from the words "cherry seeds." This act was formed by Korean producer Brave Brothers and the members received guidance from K-pop girl-group AOA. For this reason, Cherrsee gives off a very K-pop idol feel. In fact, their latest song reminds me of a popular Korean song - Rough by Gfriend. Like the aforementioned, "Piano" has a rich string and piano-based instrumental. It is the lead single for their first mini-album which includes the Cherrsee's older songs. 

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

3. NCT 127 - Chain

Japanese

Released: May 16th

In November 2017, we got a taste of NCT 127's Japanese debut with a new version of "Limitless," and now they've finally debuted with their first Japanese mini-album. The album, "Chain" intends to reflect the chain connecting Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo, Japan. Its lead single of the same name takes the concept quite literally, incorporating a chain drill sound throughout the song and showing the members using power tools. Overall, NCT has developed a unique, niche style of music and "Chain" definitely follows suit. Though initially overwhelming, the song got better for me after a few listens.
Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 4.5/5

4. BTS - FAKE LOVE

Korean

Released: May 18th

BTS confess that their love was all smoke and mirrors in "FAKE LOVE." Such a sharp contrast from the group's previous release "DNA," their latest album and single talks about the dark side of love. As I mentioned in my album review, BTS further show their flexibility as artists with the trap-style of "FAKE LOVE." I appreciate the combinations of grunge guitar, trap beat, and vocal layering, as well as the continuation of the "Love Yourself" storyline. It's a perfect song!

Review: Song - 5/5  MV - 4/5

5. Shinee - Good Evening

Korean

Released: May 23th

Shinee makes their emotion-heavy return as a four-membered act, though they will always be remembered and cherished as five. With "Good Evening," they stay true to their brand of a contemporary R&B group that they've developed over the years. The song, which is actually a remake of  112's 1996 single "Cupid,"  mixes R&B with electronic dance. The genres are blended smoothly and the track maintains a mellow, sentimental vibe. "Good Evening" and it's accompanying album was released to celebrate Shinee's 10th year anniversary. The EP "The Story of Light Pt.1" is the first part of three, so look forward to the rest!
Review: Song - 4.5/5  MV - 3/5

6. Pristin V - Get It

Korean

Released: May 28th

Pristin is a ten-membered rookie group with a bubbly and fun energy. However, they really switched things up with the debut of their first sub-unit. The five girls of Pristin V take on villainous personas to make the man of their affections fall in love with them. The music video is equally filled with dark and light aesthetics as the girls seem to revel in their schemes. "Get It" is an r&b pop song with trap elements and heavy synths. It has a well-constructed production, though it veers very close to being generic. Still, "Get It" was a nice way of showing Pristin's versatility as Kyulkyung, Rena, Nayoung, Eunwoo, and Roa, all own the villain attitude.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

Sources

Info:1a,b,2a,b,3,5a,b,6

Images: *,*,3,4,5,6

* are screencaps I made myself

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

Asian Pop Stars with Orange Hair

Pop stars tend to be daring when it comes to fashion and with hairstyles too. These K-pop, J-pop and C-pop stars pulled off hairdos with neon orange, scarlet, and tangerine hues!

1. Jane Zhang

C-pop

Group: N/A (solo)

Song: N/A

2. Doyoung

K-pop

Group: NCT

Song: 7th Sense

3. Hyuna

K-pop

Group: Triple H

Song: 365 Fresh

4. Seulgi

K-pop

Group: Red Velvet

Songs: Russian Roulette, Happiness

5. Jimin

K-pop

Group: BTS

Song: Run

6. Lisa

K-pop

Group: Blackpink

Song: As if it's Your Last

7. Hwasa

K-pop

Group: N/A

Song: You're the Best

8. Rainie Yang

C-pop

Group: N/A (solo)

Song: Angel Wings (天使之翼)

9. V

K-pop

Group: BTS

Song: Boy in Luv

10. Park Bom

K-pop

Group: 2NE1 (formerly)

Song: N/A

11. Sehun

K-pop

Group: EXO

Song: Ko Ko Bop

12. Mami Sasazaki

J-pop/J-Rock

Group: SCANDAL

Song: N/A

13. G-Dragon

K-pop

Group: Big Bang

Songs: Sober, Let's Not Fall in Love

14. Hebe Tian

C-pop

Group: S.H.E.

Song: N/A

15. Sojung

K-pop

Group: Ladies' Code

Song: Stay Here

16. Rosé

K-pop

Group: Blackpink

Songs: Playing With Fire, Whistle

17. Hyosung

K-pop

Group: Secret

Song: Into You

18. Meng Jia

K-pop

Group: Miss A (formerly)

Song: Good-Bye Baby

You may also like:

Asian Pop Stars with Pink Hair

Asian Pop Stars with Blue Hair

Image Sources

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,

February In Music

February is the shortest month of the year, but didn't fall short in good music! Here are top picks from last month!

1. Seventeen - Thanks

Korean

Released: February 5th

Seventeen returned with "Director's Cut", which is essentially a repackage of their most recent album "Teen.Age". The title track "Thanks" seems like a song of gratitude towards the group's fans. With its electronic synths and emotional theme, the song looks back towards one of Seventeen's previous songs "Don't Wanna Cry". In line with the director concept, the music video is "behind the scenes" with cuts of the members in the studio writing lyrics and recording their songs. I interpret this as Seventeen showing a glimpse at the hard work they put into the production of their albums, and paired with song's lyrics, they are grateful to fans for rewarding their hard work!
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

2. Monsta X - In Time

Korean

Released: February 6th

Monsta X always reveal special music videos for select b-sides of their albums. This special clip is extra special though because it was released to celebrate the group's 1000th day anniversary! Much time has passed since Monsta X has debuted, and coincidentally (or maybe not), this r&b ballad talks about wanting to stop the passage of time. "In time, time please stop, so I can see that beautiful light In time, so in this time and place." With this, I noticed that, aside from consistently releasing fanservice clips, Monsta X are also consistent in including a high-quality ballad on their albums. With its smooth melody and lyrics that were co-written by member Jooheon, "In Time" fails to disappoint!
Review: Song - 4.5/5  MV - 3/5

3. Riri - That's My Baby

Japanese

Released: February 9th

Riri is a nineteen-year-old Japanese pop singer who debuted in 2016. She is an apsiring talent, with amazing vocals as well as songwriting and composing ablilites. Her music influences are the likes of Whitney Houston, Beyonce, and Mariah Carey, so not surprisingly, the genre that she takes on is American-style R&B. "That's My Baby" has a good mix of Japanese and English lyrics and has a fun summery vibe, despite being in the winter months!

Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 2.5/5

4. NCT U - Boss

Korean

Released: February 19th

NCT U is a rotational sub-unit of SM Entertainment's boy group NCT. They were last active in 2016 with two singles, and now SM has brought them back to start out their new musical project "NCT 2018". Since the unit is rotational, the member line-up is not consistent and some of the members that participated in the unit's debut are not included. This time, Ten and Taeil did not participate, but new members Jungwoo and Lucas were introduced! "Boss" truly captures the essence of NCT. The music video was filmed in Ukraine and the members show a cool vibe, an atypical sense of style, and great choreography!

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 4/5

5. CLC - Black Dress

Korean

Released: February 22nd

CLC has decorated their career with different concepts and music styles. This time they go for a strong, feminine concept that even seems a little bit dark. "Black Dress", a heavy EDM song with hip-hop elements, is about a girl who dons a black dress to make a man fall for her. The beat gets an A+ and CLC's vocals are on point, however, "Black Dress" falls short because the progression of the song is stagnant. Also, repetition does not always bother me, but I wish this song didn't rely so much on the words "black dress". With that said, it's nice to see their company's effort at making them a versatile group.
Review: Song - 2.5/5  MV - 3/5

6. Red Velvet - I Just

Korean
Released: February 28th

"I Just" is a heavy electronic synth pop song that was produced in part by SM artist Hitchhiker. It is a b-side from Red Velvet's second full album and explores the group's "velvet" side. The beat instantly makes this one of my favorite songs by Red Velvet, and it has quirky elements that set it apart from typical EDM. Though "I Just" was released last November (with the album), the group is only now a releasing music video. The MV a is very simple and homemade clip that appears to have been filmed with a cell-phone.
Review: Song - 5/5  MV - 1/5

Sources

Info: 2a,b,3a,b,6

Images: *,*,*,*,*, 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

November in Music

Here's my top picks from the month of November!

1. NCT 127 - Limitless

Japanese

Released: November 4th

NCT 127 released the Japanese version of "Limitless" which is a preview of their upcoming debut in Japan. You may recall the Korean version from this past January, and you will hear that the song in Japanese is just as high quality! The music video, however, has a slightly darker, edgier concept. The members of NCT dance and roam around in a mysterious warehouse.
Review: Song - 4.5/5  MV - 5/5

2. Block B - Shall We Dance

Korean

Released: November 7th

Block B's last comeback was in February with the quirky pop tune "Yesterday". However, with "Shall We Dance", the versatile group goes back to showing their love for urban music. There's a very obvious Latin influence, which is paired with brassy horns and an addicting beat. And as usual, the guys of Block B are styled very flamboyantly.

Review: Song - 3.5/5  MV - 3/5

3. Namie Amuro - Finally

Japanese

Released: November 8th

Namie Amuro gracefully ends her long, successful career with a final compilation album. Through "Finally", Amuro seemingly bids the music scene farewell with a touching sentiment and opens a new chapter of her life, "I'll spread both hands towards an unknown world the light shines into, and I'll accept it all so I'll go to a brilliant future, finally." This ballad is complimented by the beautiful and calming aesthetic of the music video. Note: I've only included the teaser because the video is not on youtube, but you can watch the full mv here.
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 4/5

4. Eric Chou - Without Her

Mandarin

Released: November 16th

Taiwanese singer-songwriter Eric Chou's latest song "Without You" is sure to attract much attention with its style and sound. It closely follows the latest music trend of EDM and has a very enjoyable melody. Personally, I love the way the song transitions between English and Chinese, and between piano and electronic. This is just a taste of Eric's upcoming album, "The Chaos After You", which is to be released very soon!
Review: Song - 5/5  MV - 4/5

5. Jannine Weigel - Heart Stop

Released: November 17th

English

Jannine Weigel is a 17-year old Thai-pop singer, but much of her music is in English. "Heart Stop", from her second English EP, is a catchy pop tune about the thrill of falling in love. It's fun and sounds very much like something Disney stars release when they start off their solo careers. 

Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 3/5

6. K.A.R.D. - You In Me

Korean

Released: November

"You In Me" is KARD's first official comeback since their debut in July. To me, this song really points back to their pre-debut singles in terms of sound, theme, and choreography. "You In Me" is about reaching a desperate point in a troubled, failing relationship - much like "Don't Recall". As for genre, it is electronic or tropical house like the majority of their discography. What makes this KARD release different is the dramatic music video. The members are paired into couples and act out a dying romance, in which the guy dies - perhaps symbolizing that the relationship or love is dead.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3.5/5

Sources:
Info: 4, 5

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

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