ADMIN VIRGIL

SECRET’s Jun Hyo Seong has made her solo comeback with her second mini album with a title that is speaks spring- “Coloured”. Love how it uses the past tense instead of the present which obviously means that this album is going to focus on happy things of the past… I think.

Enough thinking lets us get to know what this mini album has in store. The album has a total of six songs which are Follow Me, 나를 찾아줘 (Find Me) (Feat. D.Action), 딱 걸렸어 (Busted), So Good, Dear Moon and Hello….. It’s me… (hahahah sorry I couldn’t resist).

“Follow Me” starts with a bang and when Hyo Seong asks you to pay attention to her, you make sure you do. The song is a melting pot of music bytes all fussing and blending together… a bit too much if you ask me. But even amidst the blaring drum beats, Hyo Seong’s voice can be heard and tries to equally dominate the track. The song is much like a rock anthem and then the tapping. Clapping beats come; it is a welcomed rest before the beats start beating down your ear drums once again. “Follow me” is an attention grasping song, this is one way to get the listener’s attention.

When “Find me” begins playing, it seems much like the song is revisiting the golden age of Kpop music. One of the most musically beautiful tracks in the album, “Find me” has an addicting chorus line and a very peppy undertone melody of whistle tones and piano tunes. The song sing about being trapped and losing oneself, thereby calling out to that special someone to come and save her. Untouchable’s D.Action comes into rap and that’ gives the song the much needed lift. The song is penned by both Hyo Seong and D.Action and the effort is visible. The song is pretty on its own.

The music video is sadly a disappointment because of the lack of story but scores double points in terms of visuals. Hyo Seong makes sure that whoever is watching her music video is jealous of her, the girl is beyond perfection. The dance is pretty but not much of it is shown to properly gauge it. There is only one scene in the music video that made some sense to what Hyo Seong is singing. 

If you want to see some pretty visuals but no story or depth, then watch the music video but if you want to listen to a near classic melody then I suggest you stick to listening to the song “Find me”. It is perfect on its own.

“Busted” is an interesting title to a song and like the title; the song too starts off interestingly. When she sings “That Boy” you already know where this song is headed. The song is unusual for the way it is written and the musical accompaniment. The track is more techno pop than mere pop. The song calls out to the guy to look into her eyes and touch her heart. “Busted” is a mediocre song which is bumped up by the musical accompaniment.

“So Good” is the next song in the album and it starts of which the chorus. The song has a lot of repetitive words in it, which only adds to the innocence and cuteness of this song. The back ground score finally decides to simmer down a bit just enough for Hyo Seong’s voice to sweeten the path. This is just one of the songs where I managed to properly grasp the sweetness of her voice without raising the volume.

Finally a mellowed down serious toned melody! “Dear Moon” is a romanticised sad ballad melody. The song is beautiful to listen to and I am happy that I can fully immerse in her vocals. The song is haunting and the vocals are spellbinding. This is one song you definitely need to listen to along with “Find me” as the two songs perfectly contradict one another in terms of musicality and stand as examples of what genres Hyo Seong can blend her voice into. This song is a must listen to.

The album comes to a close with another pepped up number. A sugary love song, “Hello” is the perfect blend of music and vocals. The song is all thing colours and happiness. The sweet nothingness that Hyo Seong whispers every now and then between choruses is bound to make you giggle! “Hello” is a warm song and is great song to close the album with.

And with that we have come to the end of this review. The entire album seems to revisit the kpop music of the golden time where the songs were peppy, loud and emitted colours making sure you were energised and happy as you listen to it.

What do you think? Which song did you like and why? let me know in the comments section below!

ADMIN VIRGIL

      OH MY GIRL is one girl group to look out for – their concepts are not generic and the girls each have a spunky attitude. OH MY GIRL is back on scene with their new mini album ‘Pink Ocean’. The artsy concept for this album has already been garnering a lot of attention so without further ado let us get on with what the album has in store!

      “Pink Ocean” has a total of five songs, being - Liar Liar, B612, I found love, Knock Knock and One step two step

     The album begins with the title song “Liar Liar” which is song that is about indecisiveness, one of the many side effects of falling in love. The song describes in detail about how the girls are turning and tossing in bed indecisive of whether to confess to the man or not.

      The song is simple and makes reference to their theme of pick oceans and whales. The chorus is addictive and the song, just like the other title songs done by OH MY GIRL is fun and is a must listen! I love this song and I think it is a must listen to.

      The music video shows all the girls hiding the fact that they are all in love with the same man (Gongchan from B1A4). It makes a fun watch as each of them find out about the other.

      “B612” starts off like a breeze in the winter sea and then builds up on it. Another love song that talks about loving and missing the significant other, “B612” has musical accompaniment that makes it feel grander and new. The girls harmonize like magic and by now it is clearly a joy to listen to these cuties sing.

      The third track is another love song titled “I found love”. The girls are revisiting the concept of love with this song which has slow and sweeping melody. The song is like the once you listen while going on a trip, when the girls sing about finding love, it makes you feel all happy and gushy inside.

      The fourth track in the album is “Knock Knock” which is a bit more open about confronting with one’s love. “Its true, its true” yaaaaaaassssssssss…. Hahahah I know it is only five songs but I feel they are wearing and tearing the concept of love a bit too much. It is nice to listen to the girls sing but I seriously wish they would sing about other things.

      The last track in this mesmerising album is “One step Two step” which is a sugar coated love song about wanting to be with the significant other, in love but of the innocent kind. This song reminds me about the tracks you get in the opening or ending of a cheesy slice of life anime series. The song is simple but the way it is arranged makes it unique and the lyrics when sung by these girls are so believable I tell you! You should take a listen to it just so you can get my point.

      And with that we have come to the end of the review, let me know which song you like in this album and why, in the comments section below!

ADMIN VIRGIL

      Lee Hi is finally getting the limelight after close to three years of minimum to no musical output. The soulful earthy voiced singer has finally dropped a half of her album “Seoulite” which is was produced by Lee Hi herself and along with HIGHGRND’s Tablo and fellow Epik High member DJ Tukutz.

      The half album has a total of five songs which are:

01.World Tour (비행) (Feat. MINO of WINNER)

02.Hold My Hand (손잡아 줘요)

03.Breathe (한숨)

04.Official (feat. Incredivle)

05.Fxxk Wit Us (feat. Dok2)

      The first song we have is, “World Tour” which features Mino from WINNER. The song has a retro revisited funky vide to it and starts off with Mino announcing that he/she is going on a world tour. When Lee Hi starts singing, she takes you on this journey of “world tour” with her. Her voice is soothing and very alluring. The song has a lot of swag to it and when it builds to the chorus, it turns over to a good swinging like melody. Lee Hi and Mino make a good duo musically and is a real treat to the ears.

      I am so glad there are two music videos for this half album and one of the songs to get a music video for it is “Hold My Hand”. “Hold My Hand” revisits the 60’s retro feel with its beats and simplistic chorus tracks, as the song speaks of wanting to be in the presence of your loved ones again. The song is sweet and Lee Hi’s voice and rendering gives it a unique vibe. The music video is shot in pastel galore and a lot of old school game graphics are incorporated. The costumes are whimsical and jarring but not loud and very appropriate to the theme it adheres to. In all, Lee Hi’s effortless glides and moves on the Hoverboard whiles she sings seem to highlight this theme at its best. A true comeback song in all its glory.

      “Breathe” has been steadily getting a lot of praise since it had dropped, part of it lending to the fact that SHINEE’s JongHyun had penned down the lyrics for it. Aside from the song being so beautifully lyricised, is the effortlessly powerful way it has been sung, which is all due from Lee Hi. Lee Hi’s voice carries a lot of brevity in itself and when it rises to lyrics of hope and beating the odds, chances are, this song is going to turn any listeners to an avid fan.

      The music video shows a wide range of people, who have stumbled upon a wall or a stop in their life and feel that they can no longer go forward. Lee Hi is shown seated in what seems like an empty ice rink in one shot and on top of a building with wind in her hair in another shot. The music video is picturesque and pleasant to the eyes and really puts a lot of emphasis on the song than the moving images. A good effort! Also, towards the end, the music video slightly tilts towards the left, I do not know if you have noticed it, I am just saying it.

      The fourth track is “Official” which features Incredivle in it. The song has the perfect jazz melody and blues in it as Lee Hi’s voice confesses that she wants what she shares with her special man to be official. The song is enchanting and tempting in the way the music rises and falls. The chorus is simple and straight to the point. Incredivle, boy when he comes, he drops it like it is hot and walks away without looking at the damage he has done… hahaha that is how he raps, he slays. Overall, this song is something you will probably want to come back to.

      The half album comes to a close with a statement making anthem song. “Fxxk Wit Us” is powerful and chants time and again about being true to yourself and quite frankly not giving a damn about anything else. I personally love the slow pop rock melody and Lee Hi’s chorus chant is smooth and speaks no nonsense. I personally love this song, though it has a good amount “eff” words garnished in it, it is still a hearty song that anyone can gobble into. 

ADMIN VIRGIL.

      Just yesterday, we reviewed Jung Joon Young’s Sympathy and today we are doing another song by the musical chameleon!

      “Amy” is a beautifully written love song that speaks of professing love of a superior kind to his lady love who is named “Amy”. The song is beautiful and has a dream like trance to it and this added with Jung Joon Young’s base singing of the chorus really hits off expectations. The song is pure bliss to listen to and time and again Jung Joon Young proves that what he has is a classic voice.

      The music video in some way connects to the video of “Sympathy” but instead of showing a sequel or prequel to what happened in “Sympathy”, “Amy” takes it a step back by showing or rather emphasising the emotions and feelings that ranged in him as he left his lover. The video is shot in sections of one shots snippets and show a bit of the conundrum of his surrounding which matches with his falling/failing love life. A truly picturesque video but it is the song that lifts it up to greater bounds.

Let me know what you think in the comments section below. :)

Admin Virgil

       And just when you finally succeeded in perfectly jamming to "Eureka", Zico turns tables by dropping a single album that caters to the ballad genre?!

       That is right the tiger cub Zico of the squad BLOCKB has been creating quite a storm in the music industry with his consistent solo performances. That man has already given out a good set of songs last year but in the year 2015, to which I am still pumping to and now my sick-slayer-lyrics-rapper king has decided to go down the path of ballad.

 So well shall plunge into ballads as well...

 Zico’s digital singles album is titled “Break Up 2 Make Up”, which consists of two ballad infused melodies – “I am you, you are me” and “It was Love” which features Luna from f(x). Both of these songs are accompanied by a music video as well, so that mes two times the Zico-wiko!

The first song titled “I am you, you are me” is a breezy song that talks mildly about destiny and finding one’s soulmate in the world. The song is simple and relatable and with its head bobbing melody makes for a fun and funky listen. 

The music video is simplistic, do you see him there??? oh so cute! anyway, the music video shows Zico and a female employee in a convenience store dressing in identical manner from head to toe. To take thing even further, the two seems to get hurt in the same place and also get their shoes untied at the same time. The music video tries to drive home the message of being made for one another in a clean and simple manner that is definitely effective.

The second ballad number in the digital single is “It was Love” which features the lovely vocals of Luna from f(x). The song is a beautiful melody that speaks of yesterday’s loves which is still yearned for today. This sad song of lingering love is truly emotional and powerful in the way Luna has rendered it. The song just adds another feather to Zico’s hat as it stands proof of his amazing production skills. 

This music video does not have Zico in it, because he only produced it, he did not take part in singing the song.

The music video shows Mariko Shinoda packing up the belongings of her apartment which she had shared with her boyfriend. The subsequent scenes shows that the two might have fell apart as Mariko thinks back on all the happy incidents she spent with him in the apartment. The music video comes to an end when Mariko confronts the pains of heartbreak.

Both the song are no a level of their own with each giving out a different genre, a different feel to music. Zico has once again proven to be a tough contender in the music industry as his songs are truly one of a kind and a must listen.

Admin Virgil

This picture looks so cozy and warm. I feel that all the girl groups that debut in 2015 look sweet friendly and seem to be going for a concept that is more closer to home in terms of femininity and girl-next-door. Lets just home they kept circling around this concept and not plunge into the sexy concept. 

Enough of that! let us move on to today's topic in this post my Girlfriend and your girlfriend and every bodies girlfriend wannabe GFRIEND!

And one more reason to celebrate, they have named their fandom - "BUDDY"
 yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey! 

How Cute! Buddy is by far the most cutest name you can give a fan.

Moving on!

These girl group of six “GFRIEND” have been capturing the hearts of many with their pure and innocent image and now the girls are continuing on with the innocent image in their 3rd Mini Album 'SNOWFLAKE'. The album has a total of six songs excluding the instrumental. The six songs being “Snowflake” (The Intro), “Rough”, “Say My Name”, “Luv Star”, “Someday” and “Trust”.  so lets get cracking!

The intro song is short and sweet but effective as it endorses what these girls are known for – Innocence. The song has a layers and layers of overlapping music score which makes me feel as if I am in some Disney fairy movie or some fantasy film where I am about to venture into war. 

This was how I looked as I was listening to this one minute or more song... you can say that I was completely mesmerized by this intro eh? Got to hand it to the guy that composed this song... 

The title track of the album “Rough” talks about a girl wanting or wishing that she could be more mature or in the song’s essence “grow up” so that she can stand up for what she feels and likes. The song talks about wanting to confront a special someone but hesitating because they are young. An indecisive youth, you can say.

 though it maybe, it seems to work wonder with this group as they prove time and again that even the littlest things have an equal or higher importance in life. Very moving.... 

The music video shows the girls donning school costumes and going along their separate individual path before coming together at the end of the music video. GFRIEND has outdone itself with their near perfect timing and synchronized twirling routines. The music video is soft and tries to put in or showcase the girl’s pure image as much as possible. So much twirling and swaying... so cute..

The third song is “Say My Name” which starts off with a funky tune infused rock melody. The song is upbeat and groove worthy. “Say My Name” as the name of the song suggests, the girls ask that you call out to them. The song has a melody that changes as it reaches the bridge as goes on to the chorus. “Say My Name” although the song is different there are certain elements in the song that resemble the other songs done by this group.

The next song in the album is “Luv Star”. The song starts with a bit of a skit at first which is adorable to listen to. The girls seem to make a wish upon a star which if you had guessed by the title of the song is about their love. The song has an easy beat line to it. “Luv Star” has a more dream like vibe to it, be it the lyrics, the way it is sung or the musical accompaniment. The song is simple and cute and is worth listening to.

“Someday” is a mellowed down version of all of their pepped up melody. The song is filled with hope bound to sweep off all those blues. The song has a clap like beat which makes this very retro like. I am trying to write more but I just cant..... sad all the songs feel repetitive for some reason. I wish they can try something different in terms of musicality... 

“Trust” is a moving ballad. All things slow down as the girls sing in a story telling like fashion. The song’s really showcases each girl’s distinct voice as the melodies and instruments taken the back seat. This song can easily make it onto one’s favourite’s list with is slow rhythm and swaying melody and dream like vocals. “Trust” is a must listen to in this album! I like this song and you should really try listening to it...

To end, the album overall is simple and that cause the album to lack, aside from the title track and "Trust" the other songs seems to be mildly repetitive, not in lyrics but in musicality. Maybe this might work for others overall, but not with me.... 

Why? Because it seems to work out well for these girls. These girls have a unique set of vocals and harmonize very well. If given a better score and chance I think they might skyrocket even further! all the best to GFRIEND. 

ADMIN VIRGIL

      Hey guys! how is life treating ya? Oh HO OH I am going good, great even! Look at me, Just look..

   That irreplaceable smile!

   But thank god it is December! Ever since I found out that PSY is making a comeback, I just had to keep calm and wait till his comeback... I was all calm on the outside but inside I was like

      

huff hufff fufhfhf PSY ufhuehuewuhefuhuiefhhef *gasp gasp*

  

        for those of you who are interested about the nitty gritties of details, PSY's seventh album, simply titled PSY THE 7TH ALBUM has long since been anticipated because 1. PSY himself and 2. for his battalion of other featuring artists in his tracks.

    The album has a total of nine tracks which are Dance Jockey, 'Remember You' featuring Zion.T, 'Napal Baji' (bell bottom pants), 'Daddy' featuring CL from 2ne1, 'Dream' featuring Xia from JYJ, 'RocknRollbaby' featuring Will.i.am, 'The Day will come' featuring Jun In Kwon, 'Mister/ uncle Swag' featuring Gaeko from Dynamic Duo and 'Sing' with Ed Sheeran.

Now lets delve into the songs, shall we?



     The album starts of with this bang!-in-your-face-ha!-I'm-better-than-you track, where the big man himself is telling you that he is the dance jockey. the song has some quirky retro jazz notes in the background which is layered with a simple dance rhythm beat. The song more then something revisits the old schools theme. Got me going like.

      'Remember you' is a song for the past, dedicated to your high school loves of the youthful days, if you know what I am sayin'



  the song reminisces the good old days when love and life was simpler than now. Even the melody of the song is more old school, reminds me of the time when shiny leotards and yoga pants where all the rage.. that was where my old school lovers are at, baby!



  Zion.T's voice adds a subtlety to the song as the chorus is more simple and straightforward, his voice really gets to you. I don't know what the concept here is, maybe PSY is trying to showcase the evolution of music from the past till now. Whatever it is, this is a song has a feel good nostalgic vibe to it..  

 

  When 'Napal Baji' started I didn't feel much but when he screamed 'Napal Baji' and the beats suddenly shot up, I knew that 



yas yas yas yas yas yas! SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSLLLLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY!
   
     the song is funky, fresh bright and has the most appropriate music video I have ever seen! The song if you haven't guessed by now, is a tribute to the 80's fashion of Bell bottom pants or the literally translation of the song title would be "Trumpet Pants". The song's chorus made me feel young again! 



          If the pant dedicated song didn't floor you then this song is bound to push you off with no warning whatsoever! 




     'Daddy' is one of those songs that is meant more for the international crowd as the lyrics basically show off the singer's pride in his brand built name. Daddy is quirky confident and just all out fun song that forces you to let things loose and dance.



or at least nod your head to it.

    quiet frankly CL featuring in the song is more for the eye candy aspect in the music video than the song. She makes an entrance like a ninja or some combat character by doing a front roll flip and then asking PSY where he got his body from. A mere accessory in the music video like all those girl characters in action games.



         All fun and games makes PSY look like a carefree man. But if you have been an ardent follower of the veteran, PSY is not someone you can take for granted. His true musical skills shine through after his title song. 'Dream' is a heat felt song with an invigorating theme around it. PSY's matter of fact style matches well with Xia's crooning tunes. The song is mellow but makes sure to leave a mark...

        When I read that THE WILL.I.AM was featuring in one of PSY's tracks, all I had to say was.. 



         Expectations are high for 'Rockandroll baby' and thankfully, the song does not disappoint but just merely makes it. Like my sensei said "safe but sorry"



    (boy how she enjoyed putting me on the spot)

           The song talks about seizing or even freezing the day and having fun till daylight (I think). Mind you the song does take its own sweet time getting to the chorus, but from then on, the music stays steady. 

          This dance song is surprising not overpowering with its beats but it does sort of get worn out by the end, but, like the song, I don't give a f..... fun!

          Tensions run strong in the song about looking on at the bleak future with a glimmer of hope at heart. Veteran powerhouses coming together about a song titled 'The Day will come' is such a moving number. The song is moving and very reflective. Jun In Kwon's voice in the chorus is more like a mesmerizing chant of a sorcerer putting down an ultimatum. The song is worth listening to bruh and the fact that I am not incorporating a gif to emphasis that means that I am serious. 



           Throw your reason out the window as 'Mister Swag' is here to throw his two cents worth of wisdom at you!
          


fooled you. 
          The song is mildly invigorating and is a happy go lucky fast paced song. Gaeko's intrusions in the song adds a fun twist in the song and unlike the other feature artists who compliment one another, Gaeko and PSY build up off on one another in the song.

           The sly fox put in a GD reference in the song.. oh you! you clever little thing, you probably dig a jiggie over that, didn't you?



      I am guessing the last song is a little something throw in there, you know a little extra for them ladies




       the song is a remixed version of the original song by Ed Sheeran "Sing", the song is unusually for its blend, but doesn't match up well with the originals of all the tracks that came before.

       The album is simply fantastic, truly motivating but not with an in-your-face sort of manner. The songs are simple and relatable.

       I am attaching the full length album for you to listen to. 

Let me know what you think, I am so curious to know what you think about it.