[Album Review] Lee Hi 'First Love'

The worst thing you can do after taking a listen to Lee Hi's debut album is call the arrangements lazy. But what you will or might have already done so is call many of the songs boring. On one hand, you are diminishing the foundational basis of the composition while the other is simply a reflection of your musical preferences, albeit limited in range. The sounds of each track in the album musically collide to show the colors of its many respective composers (Choice37, Teddy, Lydia Paek, Tablo, Realmeee, etc). It's fair to say that there hasn't been an album such as this one where one can abstractly decipher each composer's bread and butter by listening to each one's interpretation of the R&B & Soul genre. As it is with interpretations, there are some clear flaws but the production is far and above anything we've heard in awhile that it overcomes those flaws and exceeds normal listen-ability while going beyond its specific genre without diminishing it. Lee Hi sounds better than ever and the soft methodical tones tug at your heart. The sounds of the album are much more subdued than 1.2.3.4 but still manage to make a strong statement.

Overall, all the tracks complement each other highly and go well with each other. The only regrettable aspect of the album is that the intro and the two title tracks, in terms of grandeur, overshadow many of the other compositions that are much truer to the modern blues form. It's truly a shame they won't be appreciated as much. The heart & soul of the album exists in its true form in the other tracks. 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. That's not saying that everything's perfect but for an album in a saturated field, it comes pretty close.

The 15 Best Korean Drama OST Songs of 2012

@Star1 Magazine

Individual songs are tricky, especially when one's establishing one over the other based on qualifications that are murky at best. In 2012, Korean drama viewers witnessed a wide range of talents that shined onscreen as well as on the music scene. 

There were obvious OST songs that stood out from the rest while others stayed comfortably within the OST blueprint. Many music producers during this year's run were rewarded for taking an unconventional approach with their tunes and blending it within the fold of the drama in a manner that was fresh and awe-inspiring. Powerhouse vocalists gathered heavily under each project this year and made the releases more relevant.

The higher relevancy that the soundtracks saw could be attributed to the fact that the releases stayed current with a hint of nostalgia infused with youthful energy. Let's explore some of the biggest releases in 2012. At the end, leave me with your thoughts on this year's releases.

Debut 2012: Must Listen 'Top K-Pop Idol Groups'

Everything is normal once again in the world K-Pop, there's high flying action left and right with new groups debuting seemingly every moment. For the companies, it's about making profit of the huge 'Hallyu Wave' extending across the globe while for the youngsters involved, it's about achieving the age old dream of being an idol star with the added benefit of making money. Even though I try my best to give each group a serious listen, there has been too many groups debuting that it's been a little hard keeping up. However, the talent pool this year among debut groups has been the best it's ever been in my experience.

In this post, I will share with you the debut groups that have not only managed to appear on my radar but has left me impressed wanting for more. To be fair, I will not include the stellar rookie acts such as Ailee, Busker Busker, John Park, Juniel, Baek Ah Yeon, 15& and Lee Hi. since all of them are not specifically idol groups. This post will feature the bands that you should definitely must listen to because they have serious talents that may put them on top some day. New groups are walking a fine line because everything rides on their impending debut with companies putting all their stakes in making the group prominent through release of strong debut tracks and creative concepts. Through out the year, newer and younger stars will join the older ones while others will be forced into fading out through the back door. Afterwards, be sure to check out these new budding idol groups.

Let me know afterwards which groups you thought deserve spots at the top.

The 10 Best Korean Drama OST Albums of 2012

This year's notable OST albums, as selected by your one and only k-ballad crazed admin. If a plot of a drama makes up its body of work, then the soundtrack provides it with the much needed soul. This year was a good year in terms of the variety aspect since more than 90 South Korean dramas were released this year. There indeed was something for everyone and while I did not watch that many dramas, I definitely kept up to date with all the OST (Original Sound Track) releases so I could precisely make up such a list as this. 

Don't let the adorable picture faze you, this is serious business!

On a personal note, hope this new year brings forth lots of happiness and meaning. Let me know your choices for top Korean drama soundtrack albums and what you liked this year.

[Review] [Single] Lee Hi 'Scarecrow'

November has turned out to be a huge month for Lee Hi, the adorable 16 year old YG soulster. On the eve of Scarecrow's release, Lee Hi danced, albeit awkwardly, to win the Triple Crown on Mnet's M! Countdown. 1,2,3,4 achieved monstrous success on the monthly chart and proved the rookie powerhouse was here to stay. On a more softer and mysterious note, YG had previously no plans for a second single release until CEO Yang Hyun Suk decided he had found the right person that could carry a JYP produced, circa 2008, song originally reserved as a solo debut song for Park Bom. 

Was Scarecrow an appropriate release after the success of 1,2,3,4 and who were those singing choir girls that were heard right near the end of the track? All I can say is, Lalisa Manoban danced her way expertly to the top to be one of them.

[Solo] Best K-Pop Idol Solo OST Releases

Flying Petals

This second post in the series detailing idols' solo ventures will focus on Solo Ost Releases. The first part [read here] detailed the individual solo track releases. Within the last decade, the film industry, particularly drama-land, has with open arms been welcoming a huge influx of idol actors. In addition to taking over roles reserved for veteran actors, the newer generation idols have also been popping in the OST market. Nowadays, music directors are without hesitation bringing in idols from popular groups to sing for the OST of their dramas. Due to the changing market, popular idol singers are nowadays preferred because the drama in the process gets some exposure as well.

Whenever quality starts withering away from the kpop world, I turn to the massive OST land for solace because it doesn't disappoint quite as often. This year alone, releases such as Taeyeon's Missing You Like Crazy and Lee Jong Hyun's My Love managed to take top spots on music charts, further solidifying idol stronghold in this huge market. Without further ado, check out this extensive list to feel an appreciation for when talents meet expectations.

[Review] [Single] Lee Hi '1.2.3.4' and Debut Single All-Kill

YG Entertainment

Making it look as easy as 1,2,3,...4, another little digital monster has stepped out of YG and made a phenomenal splash. Released on the 29th of October, Lee Hi's 1.2.3.4 quickly swept the online music charts and earned an all-kill in the process. Known for her soulful and deep voice as a contestant and runner-up to Park Ji Min on SBS's 'K-pop Star', Lee Hayi had amassed much popularity even prior to signing with YG due to her care-free attitude and singular personality display on the show. Now that Lee Hi has finally debuted with a single and conquered the digital charts, does it foreshadow greater things to come from YG? Particularly, did the song raise your anticipation on the soon to debut vocal group SuPearls?

1.2.3.4 deviates just enough in 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 significant and 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. 

[2010-2013] Korean Dramas with the Best Soundtracks (OST)

Korean Dramas were one of the earlier premier exports of the Hallyu Wave beginning at the turn of the century. To this date, it is riding high on its popularity with the music industry along its side. It has continued to achieve global recognition that began with classics such as Winter Sonata, Autumn in my Heart and Dae Jang Geum. Often times, the sound track of a Korean Drama plays a pivotal role in its perception and recognition. Within its scenes, music scores are blended in onscreen to tell a deeper story, foreshadowing a lurking evil or returning happiness. In the case of Autumn in my Heart, it can move the viewer to tears with its sad instrumentals accompanying the heart-breaking scenes.

As a fan of Korean Dramas, I am often times captivated by many original soundtracks with its quality sound and complete package. I often like soft ballads with piano tunes that often makeup the track-listings of an OST. Therefore, I have decided to make a list of OSTs that in my opinion are the most enjoyable and feature several valuable tracks. Let me know as well which soundtracks were the most enjoyable in your opinion.

Alphabetically. Yearly.