REVIEWS

In Order of Date Published

April 13, 2013

[Review] Lee Hi 'First Love' [Full Album]

The album's two part release followed through with the promises of 1.2.3.4. while going beyond its specific genre mold. Lee Hi's debut album prominently features soft melodic tunes that leave you with a feeling of warmth. The growth is evident and the album itself lovely in its own methodical turn.  The sounds of each track in the album musically collide to show the colors of its many respective composers. The sounds of the album are much more subdued than 1.2.3.4 but still manage to make a strong statement. There is widespread depth in the arrangements and Lee Hi's vocals that make the album a standout. What's highly admirable is the meticulous restraint the YG producers show in keeping the excess elements of pop mainly out of this album.

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November 26, 2012

[Review] [Single] Lee Hi 'Scarecrow'

Released on November 22nd, nearly a month after 1,2,3,4, Scarecrow sees Lee Hi trying to shake off the jitters of 1,2,3,4 in a manner only fitting for a 16 year old. The sound and overall feel is a total reversal from the previous release and follows the usual road K-Ballads take. Composed by JYP and originally intended to be the solo debut track for Park Bom in 2008 before her inclusion in 2NE1, Scarecrow allows Lee Hi display her soulful and smooth vocals without the originality and retro-feeling of 1,2,3,4. The impact is much smaller yet if the track were to have been released as part of an OST for a drama, it would have easily been one of its stronger tracks. Scarecrow works by shedding a more innocent light on the young singer and shows off her vocal chops.

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October 30, 2012

[Review] [Single] Lee Hi '1,2,3,4'

What a surprise! Another little digital monster has stepped out of YG. 1,2,3,4 is a great way for Lee Hi to start of her journey. Her unique and soulful voice along with her peculiar charm are traits that are hard to come by and this is just the icing on the cake. The Motown inspired track mixes confident, mature sound while holding on tightly to a dash of innocence that is to be expected from a youngster. 1,2,3,4 deviates just enough in terms of its effects and little techniques that it succeeds in establishing its own unique charm, something rare in K-pop. In the process, the track brings something much-needed to the music scene, just as 2NE1's I Love You did and does it even better to some extent of mixing and matching something familiar with something retro. A stellar single produced by Choice37 and Lydia Paek with lyrics by Masta Wu.

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September 2, 2012

[Review] G-Dragon 'That XX' is 'One of a Kind'

The 2009 release and subsequent massive success of Heartbreaker proved to be one of the many arsenals in G-Dragon's shiny armor. A follow-up was definitely in order and the release of his new EP titled One of a Kind surely doesn't disappoint. This review will explore the two pre-released tracks That XX and One of a Kind. That XX, continues the acoustic trend from YG and with its piercing lyrics presents a subdued yet high-pitched G-Dragon. Even while rated 19+, That XX managed to garner a 'perfect all-kill'. The collaborative Choice37 and G-Dragon track One of a Kind has the prevalent loud Hip-Hop beat yet sounds soft, in a good way. Sprinkled with massive hooks that capture all that G-Dragon has to offer, the track blends the beat well with the overall tone.

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August 6, 2012

[album review] Super Junior 'SPY'

Released as the repackaged version of their 6th album Sexy, Free & Single, SPY contains four additional tracks. Leaving many disappointed over the lack of overall quality in their 6th album, the repackage sees them trying to shelter back some of the broken pieces. Fortunately, the lack in substance doesn't carry over to the repackaged album and that can solely be attributed to the active participation some of the members took in some of the tracks' production. From the super idol Super Junior, the album impresses in bits and pieces but leaves you dissatisfied. The transition from the cool synth sprinkled Sexy, Free & Single to the the horns blaring 007 inspired SPY therefore seems more than just random title track transitions, they seem to tell a glaring tale of a band in search of its lost identity.

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July 6, 2012

[album review] ZE:A 'Spectacular'

ZE:A has come a long way from their auto-tune ruined Mazeltov single days but before this release, they seemed to be stuck with self-imposed bad luck. Since U-Kiss has escaped Neverland and ventured into a much better place, let's examine if ZE:A will step up and prove themselves to be Spectacular. The dance tracks in the album were disappointing because the beats kept repeating and there were sounds thrown all over the place. ZE:A might finally be heading in the right direction musically and that will hopefully become respected for their efforts. Aftermath might be the one springboard they were searching for and after many trial and errors, the band's Spectacular album release shows that dedication is the one quality one can hope to have. ZE:A are strong vocally and that is clearly apparent in this album.

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