EXO - MAMA (Tittle) Review

Yay, so I've been away for some days know, first becouse I was at my grandmas without internet, and later because I forgot my laptops charger -_-, but now I'm finally back and ready to take on EXO ^.^

This post is reserved for the tittle track, I will make sure to tackle the rest of the songs later ^.^

For starters MAMA is a song that can either be a hit or miss. You like it or you don't, as easy as that.

What I really like about the choreography is that it is complicated and flashy, but still manages to keep it's identity apart from other SM groups. The song does not seem very catchy at first but gradually gets stuck in your head. Specially the creepy and eerie chorus. Anonymous Heartless Mindless. It does happen to remind of the old SM days when ID: Peace B, Triangle and Don't Don where center stage. Of course this time around the dance is all EXO.

The MV is really really flashy and entertaining. I was a little taken aback by the second half when Kai from EXO-K, and Kris from EXO-M scream, but I got over it :p



I do have to mention that the Chinese version of the song seems more wild and edgier than the Korean version. This is most probably Kris' and Tao's doing and I love it !


Overall, EXO already left an impression with History and What is Love, and MAMA is just a reinforcement of their talents. Out of all the rookies in the past months EXO has the most potential to remain relevant and reach the top.

On the other hand, I must say that although they are good MAMA does not leave the same feeling of a perfect debut that SHINee (REPLAY), CN BLUE (Loner), and 2NE1 (FIRE) left on the fans. MAMA will probably be remembered as a good song but not as an all time favorite.

Any thoughts on MAMA ?

Review - SISTAR "Alone"

Let's be honest here, SISTAR's last album sounded cheap as can get. The songs did nothing to make SISTAR stand out from the rest, specially in competition with Miss A's "Good Bye Baby". On the other hand it made them sound like every other rookie out there. To me a first album is the reinforcement that a group has been in the industry long in off to leave it's mark and be recognized, and SISTAR did not achieve that with their first album.

On the other hand, I'm happy to say that SISTAR has won my favor again after this mini-album. I finally feel like their music fits them as a group and leaves a good impression. The tittle track is by far the most impressive song in the album. "Alone" is sophisticated and shows of the members vocals. Furthermore it is a slow but dance-able track and the MV really does capture the mood of the music. My only regret is that they did not use Las Vegas to it's full potential when filming the MV.



I really liked all of the songs in this album, some more than others but they are all good quality. For the first time since "Shady Girl" I find that SISTAR's songs don't sound annoying.

"Girls on Top", is the funnest track in the album and is all about girl power.



"I Choose to Love You" is a sweet ballad (+ Hyorin's solo), and really suits Hyorin's voice.




"Lead Me" has a very catchy chorus, and is just nice to hear in general.



"No Mercy" did not leave an impression on me at first but it seems to be growing on me. I really feel like dancing when I listen to this :p

Review: C.N Blue [EAR FUN]

One of my favorite groups in K-pop is C.N. Blue, but to be honest, I was somewhat disappointed by their first full album, FIRST STEP. I felt like most of the songs sounded the same and did not really connect with me, plus in my opinion they didn't really suit C.N Blue. After listening to their third mini-album EAR FUN, I'm glad to say that they are back on track, sounding awesome. This album has a clearer sound, the music does not drown out the lyrics and they complement each other well..


My favorite track out of the six is "Still in Love". Out of all of them this deserves to be in the ranks of the best of C.N Blue along with "Love Light" and "Love Revolution" (song tittles with "Love" where not intentional!) I specially love when Jonghyun takes the chorus in songs, his voice is just so sweet and peaceful, and makes a really awesome contrast with Jong Hwa's more distinctive and stronger vocals. Plus, Stabirabi Rapststabira is the catchiest chorus coming second only to Oetoriya Oetoriya Ddaridiriddaradu.

This song could be considered the second tittle song after "Hey You" and it's music video is very personal and actually fits the mood of the song. No flashy camera effects or lightning. We just have the guys of C.N. Blue in their practice room jamming out.



Next up is the tittle track "Hey You". This song is much more flashier than the previous mentioned, but it still follows the same "clean" sound (for lack of words). It's not as catchy as "Still in Love" but it is nice to listen to and inspires some hard core head boobing. Like usual Jong Hwa and Jonghyun sound great. All in all the song is good an easy to the ears, and fitting as a tittle track.

The MV for the song is the opposite of the MV for "Still in Love", and as a tittle track it is expected. We still see the members playing their music but in a much more glamorous way. The presence of C.N. Blues star quality in all it's glory.



Next up is song number three, "Dream Boy". The first time I heard this song, I thought "This song would have been perfect for a Drama OST." It just has that feel from the "You're Beautiful" or "Heartstrings" period. This song will probably not stay in my mind for a long time but it's nice to listen to.



"Rock n' Roll", is another of my favorite songs from the album. This song is different form the accustomed C.N Blue sound. It is much more lively and crazy but that makes it special.



"Run" is also pretty good, and almost took first place in this album for me, but "Still in Love" was to hard to beat. Like "Rock n' Role" this song is also lively in it's own way and just fun in general.



The last song in the album is the Korean remake of the Japanese version of the song "In My Head". "In My Head" is powerful in off to have been a Japanese single, and one that I really love. It is not any less impressive in Korean, although I do have a preference for the Japanese version, which in my mind sounds sharper.



All in all C.N. Blues album was great. What do you guys think about the album? Do you have a favorite song?

Review: "Going Crazy" - Song Ji Eun

Secret's Ji Eun has launched her own solo career a week after she has finished the groups promotions. I have to say I really enjoy her song and will probably play it repeatedly on my ipod. The song just has this sorrowful feel, probably due to Ji Euns voice and that endless piano music in the background.

Kpop Song of the Week

F.Cuz's Wanna be your Love

포커즈's - 친구졸업 

(or also known as "Friend Graduation")

This song involves a boy/man speaking of confessing his feelings to his female best friend. His intentions are well felt, and it makes me wonder how the girl will react to it. The song does not include what happens after but only of the boy's internal feelings and thoughts. It opens my eyes to realize.."how many guys have been through this but have not had the guts to confess?" We can all learn a lesson from a song from kpop! Turn around and look at your male best friend!  I hope to see this group improve on their music because they can sing well and the music good, but it can be improved! 

Tell a Kpop Song of the Week

From SHINee's Lucifer

A-Yo

This is a soothing song that has captivated my heart. The song on its own does not have complicated rhythm or lyrics, but has what other up-beat songs are missing: feeling. Without really looking for the lyrics or the translation, this song played in my list constantly. I was not curious to find out what the song talked about, or the story behind it, because I felt like I already knew it, just by listening to it. I'm thankful for whomever composed this song!

Before writing this post, it felt like a duty to read the translation and actually know what the song said. It did not disagree with the mood of the song. I won't attach the translation, because it feels unnecessary. If you have not heard this song, I recommended that you do as it is uplifting and peaceful song.  Here is the link! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5qYH1194js