My Top 8 Worst KPOP Songs of 2017

We had some pretty good songs this year, but there were also some...not so great songs. And though I'm only listing 8, I had more but wanted to keep this simple. I would like to talk about each song and why I didn't like it! Also, because there are so few songs, I'll be putting them in order from bad to worst!

#8. Red Velvet - "Red Flavor" - click to watch MV
 First of all, this music video is terrible! This song came out in the summer, but they are so white washed. The colors and kaleidoscope effect is completely assaulting to the eyes. I cannot with the verses. They get on my ever loving nerves! I'll admit the chorus is slightly catchy...the dancing though? Hell no. Just no! No.

#7. BTS - "Best of Me" - click to listen (fanmade video)
This hurts me to put them on here--but I can't completely fault them; The Chainsmokers had a lot to do with this. I was so excited to hear they were working together, but what the actual fuck happened in the studio!? This song is so repetitive, obnoxious and just whyyyy!? This does not sound like something from The Chainsmokers or from BTS. Never again. Literally every other song on this album is gold, so I deleted it and pretended it never happened!

#6. Twice - "Signal" - click to watch MV
I just don't get it. This song is so fucking bad! I have loved Twice since their debut, however I feel like every song gets worse and worse with every comeback. The worst dance they've done, and probably one of the worst I've seen all year!! And this cheesy ass video that was weird as all fuck. JYP, what are you doing!? And that ridiculous ass bowl cut ya'll gave my girl, Chaeyoung!? *slaps hands* Bad, JYP! No! At least Tzuyu got to be in the (terrible) chorus.

#5. Twice - "Knock Knock" - click to watch MV
Oh my goodness gracious great balls of fire, I hate this MV so effing much. Why, in February do we have kids in Halloween costumes!? And just the editing in general -- *cringe* And yet another terrible dance. I know it has nothing to do with the amount of girls in the group because G. Friend, Pristin's "Black Widow"...enough said. The song just does not flow for me and I was over it before it was finished.

#4. IKON - "B Day" - click to watch MV | dance practice
What. The. Fuck. Is. This!? And that dance..... I just wanna rip my ears off! I didn't love "Bling  Bling", but at least it was tolerable. This is literally 7 guys girating with T-Rex hands and saying "wah wah wah wah". That's it. That's the whole song guys. I don't celebrate my birthday that way, so I guess I've been doing it wrong!

#3. EXO- "Power" - click to watch MV
SM, why did you do this to our boys? First you take Lay out of the equation, pissing fans off but then you give them great songs like "Ko Ko Bop" and "The Eve"... hell the whole The War album, and I was slightly okay. But you turn around and do this: Some cheap ass song in a cheap ass music video filmed 99% in front of a green screen? This song sounds like something DISNEY would have put out 5 years ago in a musical. I don't know what was going through the mind of the person who wrote it, produced it and then SM for giving it to EXO, but don't you ever do this shit again!!! I will say that Sehun looks damn good, though. 

#2. 2NE1 - "Goodbye" - click to watch MV
This was the dumbest shit! Not only did YG not need to give us this, they should not have. Telling us that one of the best girl groups were disbanding was enough, leave it at that. Why did you have to give us a sad and pathetic song from the remaining three members? That was not only a slap in their face, but in Blackjack's as well. We all deserved better. And it's a shitty song as well! I fucking hate the way the say "안녕"!! The MV is just bad and it's supposed to be all emotional, reminding us of their past. Yeah, it reminds us of their past--when they had good songs and good MVs. Fuck you kindly, YG!

#1. GOT7 - "You Are" - click to watch MV
THE MOST OBNOXIOUS SONG FROM ANY OF MY BIAS GROUPS THIS YEAR! It actually infuriates me how much I hate this song! Fuck my life this was so bad! It starts off alright, then we get this weird ass rap (from my ultimate bias) that doesn't fit with it and then the song changes styles completely and the awful chorus with the English that annoys all shit out of me! "There is not a cloud"...no NO NO NO NO! The only good thing about this whole thing is the fact that Jackson stuck with the dark hair. In fact this whole album was just terrible; "Teenager" was the only decent song and even that was questionable. GOT7, I just hope you do better (after resting *cough*JYP*cough*) in 2018!

Top 50 KPOP Songs of 2017

This year had some amazing KPOP songs, but somehow fell flat in comparison to other years. (Especially 2013, for me.) But there were some songs that I have played over and over and over and over. . . You get the point.

I could not figure out how to put these in any particular order, so I've put them in ABC order by artist! Links to the song or music video included. Enjoy! And please let me know what you're KPOP faves were this year. Just click the song title, and let your ears experience magic. 
I highly recommend skipping over the songs you've already heard and just listening to the unfamiliar ones. One of my goals this year is to listen to different Kpop, more of the underground stuff, or just artists & groups I haven't listened to before.  

Here it is:

My Top 50 KPOP Songs of 2017

1. AOA - "Bing Bing"
2. AOA - "Excuse Me"
3. Block B - "Shall We Dance"
4. Brave Girls - "Don't Rush"
5. Brave Girls - "Rollin'"
6. BTS - "Spring Day"
7. BTS - "Not Today"
8. BTS - "Intro: Serendipity"
9. BTS- "DNA"
10. BTS - "Dimple"
11. BTS - "MIC Drop" (Original // Remix)
12. BTS - "GoGo"
13. CLC - "Hobgoblin"
14. CLC - "Meow Meow"
15. EXID - "Night Rather Than Day"
16. EXID - "Boy"
17. EXO - "The Eve"
18. G-Dragon - "Super Star"
19. Girl's Day - "Thirsty"
20. GOT7 - "Never Ever"
21. Jessi - "Arrived"
22. KARD - "Trust Me (BM & Somin Ver.)"
23. MAMAMOO - "Aze Gag"
24. MAMAMOO - "Yes I Am"
25. Monsta X - "Beautiful"
26. Monsta X - "From Zero"
27. NCT 127 - "0 Mile"
28. Nine Muses - "Love City"
29. NU'EST W - "Where You At?"
30. Playback - "Want You to Say"
31. Pristin - "Wee Woo"
32. Pristin - "Black Widow"
33. Ravi - "Bomb"
34. Red Velvet - "Peek-a-Boo"
35. Red Velvet - "I Just"
36. Red Velvet - "Perfect 10"
37. Seventeen - "Don't Wanna Cry"
38. Seventeen - "Crazy In Love"
39. Seventeen - "Trauma"
40. Seventeen - "Rocket"
41. Shannon - "Hello"
42. Shannon - "Love Don't Hurt" [Korean Ver. // English Ver.]
43. Stellar - "Archangels of the Sephiroth"
44. Stray Kids - "Hellevator"
45. Taeyang - "Tonight (feat. Zico)"
46. Taeyang - "Empty Road"
47. Taeyang - "White Night"
48. Taeyang - "Wake Me Up"
49. Teen Top - "Because I Care"
50. Winner - "Really Really"

I really wish I could have included some SHINee in this. I have been waiting for a comeback from them for a long time, and then we get absolute tragic news on December 18th. I don't want to talk about that here (I'll write a future post when I've collected thoughts). I just wish them the absolute best in 2018!!!

Top Ten Tuesday [002] // Tune Tuesday

Top Ten Songs You Wish Were Books!

.Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Broke and the Bookish actually gave a couple of options this week, and this is the one I chose. This was extremely hard for me to choose ten songs! Whenever I get inspiration to write, it usually comes from a book, so when I chose each song, I actually mentally plotted out what I would love to see happen with these!

1. "No Woman I've Found" by Madison|LST [lyrics]
   With this one, you won't be able to find the song online anywhere... so I typed up the lyrics & put them in a google doc for you to read them. I would love the book to be from a male POV and he imagines all of these scenarios in his head involving this girl & the last line simply reads "she asks me to walk her in and then. . ." Ugh.. The amazing and annoying perfectness! Unfortunately you can't find this song anywhere online. Tweet Madison|LST and tell him to put it back up. :)  (@madisonlst)
   
   
2. "Whalien 52" by BTS [song & lyrics]
   I know that if you read the lyrics, everyone would imagine something completely different. But personally, I see a guy who is overseas, falls in love with a girl and her family won't accept him. Even though he knows the language, culture, music. He just wants to be seen. Yeah... we'll go with that! 
   
   
3. "André" by JoJo [song | lyrics]
   I imagine a girl in the midst of getting married and she's ridiculously stressed out and she finds a journal she kept when she first met her soon to be husband. In it she's reminded of all the amazing things about him and how she felt when she first met him; and it helps calm her down and realize that as long as she's with him... that's all that matters. That no matter where they end up "it all makes perfect sense."
   
   
4. "Do You" by Rap Monster [song & lyrics]
    I imagine a girl who lives her life through 'self-help' books and carefully plots every single day. Until she meets someone (Maybe like Rap Mon?) who shows her that there is so much out there and shows her she can still do what the fuck she wants and that it's OKAY!! (no love triangles here).
   
   
5. "Fearless" by Taylor Swift [song | lyrics]
   Honestly... I see it as a girly lovey dovey NA. Nothing special here. I just like how the love sounds like it could be powerful, beautiful, and fearless!
   
   
6. "Sound of Pulling Heaven Down" by Blue October [song | lyrics]
     ↓AND↓ (6 & 7, I imagine pretty much the same thing)
7.  "Darker Shades" by ¡MAYDAY! [song | lyrics]
   I imagine a world on the brink of an apocalypse. It's hundreds of years into the future and scientists were able to determine the end of the world, warning the population that things are about to go very very bad in a few months time. And instead of going into a panic, 4-6 friends decide that the only thing that matters is facing every fear they have...together. Including traveling as far as possible in the continental US, falling in love, losing virginities, trying alcohol, drugs. Doing everything that won't matter after awhile when you'll be gone anyways. Basically a book before the apocalypse. I would see it focusing on one girl in particular with a few chapters or paragraphs from her friends. 
   
   
8. "널 사랑하겠어 (I Choose to Love You)" by: Dong Mulwon[original] or Hyorin [song | lyrics]
   A story that spans over time about two people who can't let go of each other. No matter where they are in the world and finally...after years of separation, other relationships, jobs, highs & lows--they are able to reunite and come together. Realizing they were truly meant for each other.
   
   
9. "싫다Hate it" by Baek Ji Young [song & lyrics]
   A woman has lost her husband in the war and tries desperately to move on. I feel like someone who has actually been in thi situation (maybe not necessarily to war... murder... detainment...suicide...kidnap...whatever) can write such a story. I would want to be so gripped with emotion it would be hard to continue the story!
   
10. "Far Away" by Nickelback [song | lyrics]
    The nostalgic feels that happen when I hear that first cord. I could still cry from it. This video shows a story with so much more than the way I lived this song. Think high school love I had a hard time accepting and letting go at the same time. (terrible time, love still freaks me out) I would love it to be almost exactly what I went through. It would piss off and annoy a majority of the readers, but that was me. I really really liked a guy, he liked me, I pushed him away--missing that opportunity and then pined for him for about 3 years. Trying so hard to send mental signals that I was ready. Eventually we graduated and all moved on. Annoying right!? *sigh*

That took an exceptionally long time to put together. But there it is, my Top Ten Tuesday list and Tune Tuesday! Maybe someday I'll actually write one of these. Loving the idea for 6/7!

K-POP BREAK: Comeback Anticipation [2016]

Every year, sometimes a few times a year, an artist or band will release a new album, music video(MV), and change up their style. In the K-Pop world, this is known as a "comeback." There are many artists that I am anticipating a comeback from in the year 2016.

I do not know when any of them will have their official comeback, some may not even have one this year. I'm just hopeful.

Once one listed has had their comeback, I will italicize the artist name, move them higher on the list, and put the song next to it with a link to the official MV [or to the single, if there isn't a MV]. These are in no particular order, just what I thought of as I was creating this list. I will also try to review the song (or album) whenever they are released!

* 2013 K-Pop Comeback Anticipation*

*2014 K-Pop Comeback Anticipation*

1. Anda ~ "Taxi"
2. 4minute ~ "싫어 (Hate)" 
3. 백지영[Baek Ji Young] ~ "약도 없대요 (No Cure)"
4. Mamamoo ~ "1cm의 자존심 (Taller than You)", "I Miss You"
5. Ladies Code ~ "Galaxy"
6. Block B ~ "몇 년 후에 (A few years later)", "TOY"
7. 이하이 (Lee Hi) ~ "한숨 (BREATHE)" & "손잡아 줘요 (HOLD MY HAND)"
8. GOT7 ~ "Fly"
9. Red Velvet ~ "7월 7일 (One Of These Nights)"
10. BtoB ~ "봄날의 기억(Remember that)"
11. DAY6 ~ "Letting Go(놓아 놓아 놓아)"
12. BTS ~ "불타오르네 (FIRE)"
13. VIXX ~ "Dynamite (다이너마이트)"
14. AKMU ~ "RE-BYE", "사람들이 움직이는 게(HOW PEOPLE MOVE)"
15. TWICE~ "Cheer Up"
16. EXID ~ "L.I.E."
17. EXO ~ "Monster", "Lucky One"
18. SISTAR ~ "I Like That"
19. B2ST/BEAST ~ "Ribbon"
20. MADTOWN ~ "Emptiness(빈칸)"
21. SPICA ~ "Secret Time"
22. Two X ~ "OVER(꽂혀)"
23. 24K ~"Still 24K"
24. missA
25. After School
26. B1A4
27. Girls' Generation
28. Ailee
29. Shannon
30. Rania
31. SHINee
32. 9Muses
33. 2NE1
34. SISTAR19
35. f(x)
36. Troy
37. Epik High 
38. Tablo
39. Secret
40. DMTN

Top 5 Albums of 2014!

Yesterday, I posted about my Top 25 Songs of 2014. Today I'll be posting about my top 5 albums!
After listening through all the music of 2014, these albums had the most played songs.
(Make sure you click the "xx" next to the song to watch the live version, music video or just listen to the audio of the song.)

Here they are:

2NE1 - CRUSH

1. Crush [xx]
2. Come Back Home [xx]
3. 너 아님 안돼 (Gotta Be You) [xx]
4. 살아 봤으면 해 (If I Were You) [xx]
   
5. 착한 여자 (Good to You) [xx]
   
6. MTBD [CL Solo] [xx]
7. Happy [xx]
8. Scream [xx]
9. Baby I Miss You [xx]
10. Come Back Home (Unplugged Version) [xx]

Aside from "Happy" and "Scream"(I prefer the Japanese version), this was a rather solid album. I don't think I'll ever like anything they put out as much as their first album, To Anyone. . .  but this was definitely a good one!

HA:TFELT - Me?

1. Iron Girl (feat. Lim) [xx]
2. Truth [xx]
3. Ain't Nobody [xx]
4. Bond (feat. Beenzino) [xx]
5. Wherever Together [xx]
6. Peter Pan [xx]
7. 다운 (Nothing Lasts Forever) [xx]

I'm not sure where this album came from, but all I can say is yasss! This one was definitely a surprise for me. I loved every song on this album. THe uniqueness of her voice, the diversity of each song! I just hope she does another solo soon. HA:TFELT (Heart felt) aka Ye Eun from Wonder Girls. I did a review of this album, you can read by clicking here.

Nick Jonas - Nick Jonas

1. Chains
2. Jealous
3. Teacher
4. Warning
5. Wilderness
6. Numb (feat. Angel Haze)
7. Take Over
8. Push
9. I Want You
10. Avalanche (feat. Demi Lovato)
11. Nothing Would Be Better

Nick Nick Nick. . .  I don't know what happened between Nick Jonas & The Administration and now, but I like it. I loved that album, but this one is so so good! I first listened to "Jealous" and had to immediately get the album, and was absolutely shocked that I not genuinely liked every single song on this album! Good on you young Jonas. I can't wait to hear more from you.

EPIK HIGH - Shoebox

1. 막을 올리며 (Encore)
   
2. 헤픈엔딩 (Happen Ending) (feat.조원선) [xx]
   
3. Rich (feat. 태양) [xx]
4. Spoiler [xx]
5. 부르즈 할리파 (Burj Khalifa) (feat. Yanki & Gaeko) [xx]
   
6. 또 싸워 (feat. 윤하) [xx]
   
7. Amor Fati (feat. 김종완) [xx]
   
8. Born Hater (feat. Beenzino, Verbal Jint, B.I, Mino, Bobby) [xx]
   
9. Lesson 5 (타임라인) [xx]
   
10. Life is Good (feat. Jay Park) [xx]
11. Eyes, Nose, Lips (feat. 태양) [xx]
12. Shoebox (신발장) (feat. MYK) [xx]

Epik High is one of those groups that are just so good. I never really listened to them before they joined YG, but after they did, and listening to Tablo's solo album Fever's End, I knew they were something special. I have a few favorites on this album, but I think the one I play the most is Amor Fati. This will definitely go down as a favorite for a long time.

태양 (Taeyang) - Rise

1. Intro (Rise)
2. 눈, 코, 입 (Eyes, Nose, Lips)
3. 새벽한시 (1AM)
   
4. Stay With Me (feat. G-Dragon)
5. 아름다워 (Beautiful/Body)
   
6. Ringa Linga
7. 이게 아닌데 (This Isn't It)
8. 버리고 (Let Go)
   
9. Love You to Death

I was debating whether this should be number one, or Epik High. But after noticing how many songs I liked on each album, and how many plays I had, Taeyang's album won out. I don't think I will like another album like his first one, Solar; but this one comes pretty close. My favorite song is "Love You to Death", but I played all of them frequently. Even the intro was another song for me, and a portion was even my ringtone for awhile.


Here are a few bonus albums/honorable mentions that I loved, but there just wasn't room on this list.
»--> Taemin - Ace (Quite a surprise from this one. It has a soulful vibe, but the tracks are still easy to dance to and just enjoy!!) [tracklist here]
»--> 개코 (Gaeko) - Redingray (I've always loved Dynamic Duo, especially Gaeko & this album is one reason why. I think "Rhythm is Life" is my favorite song on the album even though it was released a year before the album itself. "Rose" is another favorite because of --what I like to call-- his lazy singing style.) [tracklist here]
»--> TaeTiSeo - Holler (I have really grown to like Girl's Generation over time, and I was pleasantly surprised that I liked this mini album from the sub unit so much!) [tracklist here]
»--> Ariana Grande - My Everything (There are a few songs on here that aren't necessarily my favorites, but over all... I really enjoy this one. I love her voice and the lyrics themselves have improved from her first album, Yours Truly.) [tracklist here]

So. . . there it is, my Top 5 Favorite albums of 2014. I can't wait to see what music I'm going to be loving this year! I hope you had an amazing year in music and a great 2015 as well. Happy New Year!

MUSIC REVIEW: "Me?" by HA:TFELT

HA:TFELT - Me? [mini album]
Rating: ½
Genre: K-Pop/Indie
Language: Korean

Track List:

1. Iron Girl (feat. Lim of Wonder Girls) -xx
2. Truth -xx
3. Ain't Nobody -xx
4. Bond (feat. Beenzino)-xx
5. Wherever Together -xx
6. Peter Pan -xx
7. Nothing Lasts Forever -xx

I haven't been a fan of Wonder Girls for very long. In fact, I only have their 2012 album "Wonder Party". I never bothered getting into their previous work (they haven't released anything sense). So I wasn't as excited about this solo debut from Wonder Girls member, Ye Eun... But because she was a member of said group and JYP records, I was still curious and had my listening ears on.
I watched the video for "Ain't Nobody" and was a little confused as to whether I liked it or not; especially her voice. When you're in a group, and have a distinct voice, it doesn't really stand out that much, but as a solo artist, she definitely carries her own. After listening a few more times, I fell in love with the song and ended up loving her voice.
I listened through the full album a few times until I had my favorites chosen and even knew some of the lyrics to a few songs.
"Iron Girl" was yet another song that I was unsure of upon first listen. It has a weird beginning, interesting--albeit empowering--lyrics and just no definite genre. I immediately recognized Lim's voice in the song. She is one of the only members of Wonder Girls who I could recognize by face and voice. After really listening through, this became my second favorite song right after "Ain't Nobody".
I believe the only song that I wouldn't go to to play would be "Peter Pan". It's a pretty song, but a bit too. . . soundtrack-y sounding.
"Nothing Lasts Forever" has to be the most unique song on this album. It sounds as if it wasn't mixed properly, but yet.... on purpose. If that makes sense. I read that it was actually written for a Wonder Girls fan who passed away. And I choose not to look too hard into that, because I'd rather not tie something like that or what exactly happened every time I listen to this song. But it's kind of hard not to when the lyrics read: "But I'm here to remember/You'll always be remembered".

Overall, I sincerely enjoyed this album and was very much pleasantly surprised with how it turned out. I just hope that if Ye Eun [aka HA:TFELT] does more solo work, it's just as good, and just as surprising. I didn't expect her to have such a beautiful voice.
This album has the same kind of vibe of the Wonder Girls song "Girlfriend", which was my favorite on the "Wonder Party" album. And Ye Eun just happened to right it.

Bonus Video:
   The beautiful music video for "Ain't Nobody".

Tune Tuesday - Block B - "Her"

I have four male groups that are equal in how much I like them: SHINee, BIGBANG, Got 7 and Block B.
Block B cancelled their promotions of their last single, "Jackpot" after the Sewol Ferry accident, like many artists did. But unlike many artists, they were completely silent after. I was getting antsy and needed new Block B immediately.

Finally... FINALLY, they released a new single and a mini album to go along with it. And I love the new single!! ZICO and PO's voices.... and Kyung's... and just yes!!

So this week (while I listen to some recently downloaded music for future reviews) I give to you:

BLOCK B - "HER" and their crazy MV.

So, are you a fan of BLOCK B? Who is your bias? I think ZICO is mine, and has been since the beginning.

Tune Tuesday - Latest Favorites

It is time for my most favorite-st thing in the universe. Music. And here are a few songs I've been playing a lot lately! (I don't have a pretty graphic/banner yet, so just enjoy the music!)

GOT7 - "A"

Ohhhhh GOT7... I don't know how you wedged yourselves into my fangirl heart, but I am going insane. I had a bias then it changed then it changed again. But Jackson stays true. That smile and lip bite... I digress. This song is adorable and Mark's voice when he's speaking English. Just... ughhhh!!

Jencarlos Canela - "Volveré"

I still don't know how I came across Jencarlos, but I love him! I will say that the song that was the deciding factor for my love isn't even on this album, but this one is. And i love love it. When it comes to music in Spanish, it has to be Reggaeton style or more slow ballads like this one!

f(x) - "Milk"

f(x) is a hit and miss group with me, I usually like their singles but never any of the other songs on the mini album or album... This was an exception. The album single, "Red Light," is good... but then I listened to this and loved it. Yes, it's a song about milk. Milk soothes a sore tongue and mouth after eating something spicy, so you need milk when your heart gets burned. Eh... Eh!?

Taeyang [태양] - "Love You to Death"

I love love love this album, and I can't really decide which is my favorite song, but I'm pretty sure this is leaning towards being #1.

Sam Smith - "Stay With Me"

I first learned about Sam Smith from the song he has with Naughty Boy called "LaLaLa", I decided to look him up and found this one. Now I hear it everywhere. And as long as it's not the (horrible) version with Mary J. Blige I don't mind it at all.

15& - "Not Today Not Tomorrow"

I didn't care for their first single and was iffy about their second one, but then they released "티가 나나봐" and I loved them! I downloaded the album, and this is probably my other favorite song from it. It was a surprisingly good album!

Ailee & 2LSON - "I'm in Love"

This song and music video are absolutely gorgeous and Ailee's voice is simply beautiful

Jiyeon [지연] - "[Never Ever] 1분 1초"

I used to be annoyed with Jiyeon after Dream High 2. I couldn't separate her from her character. But this debut solo has me changing my mind. I have grown to really like her and this song!

Any songs you're listening to that are constantly on repeat!? Let me know below!!

K-POP BREAK: Comeback Anticipation [2014]

Every year, sometimes a few times a year, an artist or band will release a new album, music video(MV), and change up their style. In the K-Pop world, this is known as a "comeback." There are many artists that I am anticipating a comeback from in the year 2014.
I do not know when any of them will have their official comeback, some may not even have one this year. I'm just hopeful.
Once one listed has had their comeback, I will italicize the artist name, move them higher on the list, and put the song next to it with a link to the official MV [or to the single, if there isn't a MV]. These are in no particular order, just what I thought of as I was creating this list. I will also try to review the song (or album) whenever they are released!

1. f(x) ~ "Red Light"
2. Tiny-G ~"Ice Baby"
3. Bock B ~ "Her"
4. Sistar ~ "Touch My Body"
5. Ladies' Code ~ "Kiss Kiss"
6. BIGBANG
7. Andamiro
8. EXID
9. EVOL
10. Chocolat
11. 2PM
12. missA
13. SPICA
14. 이하이 (Lee Hi)
15. Ailee
16. Dalmatian (DMTN)
17. GD&TOP
18. After School
19. Wonder Girls
20. SHINee
21. 서인영 (Seo In Young)
22. Glam
23. Epik High
24. Tablo
25. TOP
26. Two X
27. Super Junior
28. Wonder Boyz
29. B.A.P.
30. 요성은 (U Seung Eun)

Any K-Pop artists you're excited for a comeback from in 2014? Let me know!

Tune Tuesday -KPOP!!

 Today is one of my new fave girl groups in Kpop, Chocolat.  Pronounced sha-koh-la... like the French,  Their debut with a rather less than impressive song.  But with the release of their first mini album &  second single, "I Like It",  they grew on me!!  I'm glad to see they've kept it up and had come back with another song I enjoy.
 This four member group;  Melanie, Julianne, Soa & Tia  have 3 biracial members,  half Korean & half American(white).  My bias happens to be Melanie.

 Their latest single, " Black Tinkerbell"  features water dances, story lines and addictive beats.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE MV!!!

MUSIC REVIEW: "있다 없으니까" by SISTAR19

SISTAR19 - "있다 없으니까" [mini album]
Rating:
Genre: K-Pop/Dance/R&B
Language: Korean

Tracklist:
1. "SISTAR19" - xx
2. "있다 없으니까 (Gone, Not Around Any Longer)" - xx
3. "나도 여자인데 (A Girl in Love)" - xx
4. "마 보이 (Ma Boy)" - xx
5. "있다 없으니까 (Gone, Not Around Any Longer) Inst.)" - xx

My thoughts:
SISTAR is a group that's a hit or miss for me. I adore the girls, but sometimes their songs are just too much. But when Starship (their record label) tookd my two favourite girls, Hyorin & Bora and formed a subunit called SISTAR19 I was fangirling a little too hard. I loved their song "Ma Boy" when it was released May of 2011 and I didn't think they were going to do anything else with just these girls. But at the beginning of the year I saw that they would have a comeback and a few days later they released "있다 없으니까 (Gone, Not Around Any Longer)"! Do I like it as much as "Ma Boy"? Yes and no. It doesn't have the same listen & dance factor, but it still has the same sing along factor.

I wish that there were maybe two more songs on the mini album, but I'm glad we got a new song with 나도 여자인데", which, in my opinion has the listen & dance as well as the sing along factor. I love love that one. I kind of wish that was the single they released.

There isn't much to say about this album except, I love it. I love Hyorin's vocals and Bora's rapping. She has this subtlety to her voice when she raps, it's borderline singing but not... if that makes sense. lol.

Check these girls out and their group, with the other members Soyu and Dasom!

Bonus video:
The music video for "있다 없으니까"!

MUSIC REVIEW: Justin Timberlake - 20/20 Experience

Justin Timberlake - "20/20 Experience (Target Deluxe Edition" [Album]
Rating: ½
Genre: Pop/R&B/Soul
Language: English

Tracklisting:
1. Pusher Love Girl
2. Suit & Tie feat. JAY Z
3. Don't Hold The Wall
4. Strawberry Bubblegum
5. Tunnel Vision
6. Spaceship Coupe
7. That Girl
8. Let The Groove Get In
9. Mirrors
10. Blue Ocean Floor
11. Dress On (Target Exclusive)
12. Body Count (Target Exclusive)

My Thoughts:
It has been far too long since Justin Timberlake released anything, so as soon as I found out he had an album coming up, I knew I had to get it. I ended up purchasing this the day it came out at Target (so I could get the two bonus songs).

 I wasn't 100% sold with "Suit & Tie" (it's grown on me), but I didn't care. I needed an album with pages that had his face and a cd with his voice!
Luckily most of the other songs are soo much better. Like my two current favourites, "Mirrors" and "Blue Ocean Floor". When I first heard "Mirrors," there was something about it that pulled me in and when I actually learned the lyrics and say the music video for it, it immediately became my favorite. "Blue Ocean Floor" has a different vibe than anything he's ever released--not just on this album; and it fits into that alternative style genre that is actually my favorite kind of music. I still don't fully understand the song, but I don't care. It's beautiful and tranquil.

"Let the Groove Get In" and "Strawberry Bubblegum" are ones I find myself playing frequently at work, the upbeat, fun vibe of the songs keep me moving and working quickly.

I'll admit I was a little disappointed there were only 12 songs on the deluxe album, but with the length of each song (most 6+ minutes) it feels like an album of 20 songs. Recently Justin stated that this was only part one of more songs to come. I'll be picking that up the day it's released as well (and possibly an extra copy for a giveaway!! ^_^").

I only gave it 4½ stars only because the entire album doesn't have a repeat listen factor so much as a select few: "Mirrors," "Blue Ocean Floor," "Let the Groove Get In," "Strawberry Bubblegum," "Tunnel Vision," and "Dress On."

Is it worth it to buy the Target copy for two extra songs? In my opinion, yes. One the covers are different and you can actually see his face, though out of focus... his face! and two, I love "Dress On" and feel like "Body Count" has a feel reminiscent of his first album, "Justified."

Have you listened to JT's new album? What do you think? What are your favourite songs?

Bonus video:
Check out his music video for "Mirrors". I may have shed a tear or two, and didn't quite understand why. It's beautiful and perfect beyond words!!

Tune Tuesday - KPOP!!

If you've visited my blog before, or know me, you know how obsessed I am with Korean Pop music! This month has been chalk full of hit after KPOP hit! 
Most labels [aside from YG], only release one music video from an album or mini album, but to my very very pleasant surprise, Woolliment released a music video ["Special Girl"] from Infinite H [a subunit from the group, Infinite, containing the members Hoya and Dongwoo.] and then a few weeks later, another one!!

Anyways, here is the music video for "니가 없을 때 (Without You) feat. Zion-T". 

I love Infinite, mainly for their epic dancing, but this subunit is a huge win for me!!

What do you think?! I'm loving it and the album!

Top 25 Songs of 2012!

(xx: music video)

Keeping this one plain and simple! :)

1. JoJo - "Demonstrate" (xx)
   
2. After School - "Flashback" (xx)
   
3. AOA - "Get Out" (xx)
   
4. B2ST - "아름다운 밤이야" (xx)
   
5. Karmin - "I Told You So" (xx)
   
6. BtoB - "WOW" (xx)
7. 4minute - "Volume Up" (xx)
8. Secret - "Poison" (xx)
9. GLAM - "Party (XXO)" (xx)
10. Jay Park - "Know Your Name (feat. Dok2) (xx)
11. Block B - "닐리리 맘보" (xx)
12. 가인 - "피어나" (xx)
13. Stephanie - "Game" (xx)
14. 서인영 - "Anymore" (xx)
15. Andamiro - "말고 (feat. YDG)" (xx)
16. SPICA - "I'll Be There" (xx)
17. SISTAR - "나혼자" (xx)
18. 이하이 - "1, 2, 3, 4" (xx)
19. miss A - "남자 없이 잘 살아" (xx)
20. 2NE1 - "Be Mine" (xx)
21. BIGBANG - "Fantastic Baby" (xx)
22. Ailee - "Heaven" (xx)
23. G-Dragon - "Crayon" (xx)
24. BIGBANG - "Bad Boy" (xx)
25. SPICA - "Painkiller" (xx)

I know 99% of the songs are Kpop, but that's all I seem to be listening to lately. Ugh. But I'm trying to listen to the genres I love in English more often again, like country, altrock, poprock, rock, pop, R&B, [some] rap, etc.... We'll see how long that lasts. ^_^"

Top 10 K-Pop Albums of 2012!!

With 2012 at a close I have decided to start off the new year with my TOP TEN list of favourite KPOP albums from 2012. I went through about 42 albums [which include--and are mostly--mini albums] released anytime between January 1st to December 31st, 2012. I narrowed them down to the top 10 I found myself playing over and over.

I did base a lot of the ranking on how I liked the music but it also consisted of past work, lyrics, like-ability, repeat-ability and how much I like the artist!

The songs in the tracklist labeled in bold [next to album cover] are my favourites and the ones crossed out I just couldn't get into or just...do not like. :)
Enjoy!!

#10 - EVOL, "푹파해줘"

1. "푹파해줘"
2. "I'm Sorry"
3. "Magnet"
4. "우린 좀 달라"
5. "1, 2, 3, 4, 5"

EVOL, Effective Voice of Ladies or LOVE spelled backwards.
I first heard their song "We Are a Bit Different" and knew the title was more than accurate. They were. And I loved their style. After listening through a lot, I ended up deciding that "1, 2, 3, 4, 5" may very well be my favourite song on the album! 

#9 - Block B, "1집 Blockbuster"

1. "11:30"
2. "Interlude"
3. "닐리리 맘보"
4. "Mental Breaker"
5. "장난없다"
6. "Movie's Over"
7. "넌 어디에"
8. "로맨틱하게"
9. "Halo"

The absolutely addictive song, "닐리리 맘보" is what drew me to this album. However I was already a fan. They're quite possibly my favourite rap/pop group in the Kpop world. (Right after BIGBANG of course.) However, after listening through, I found out it wasn't the only song I loved. "장난없다" and "Mental Breaker" are always playing on my iPod. The only song I'm not a fan of is ,"넌 어디에" it's just too slow!

#8 - SHINee, "Sherlock"

1. "Sherlock (Clue + Note)"
2. "Clue"
3. "Note"
4. "Alarm Clock"
5. "The Reason"
6. "낯선자"
7. "늘 그자리에"

SHINee is the reason I got into KPOP in the first place. Their song "Lucifer" wormed it's way in my brain and has yet to leave. Therefore they will always be my bias group.
Now, onto this album [which was released after two darn years of waiting] I didn't love it immediately, but I liked it. Sherlock has one of the best dances and the live performance still makes me squeal like a fangirl. After hearing the songs, "Clue" & "Note" separate, I deduced that the album was kind of a rip off. But then they gave us "Alarm Clock" and all was forgiven. Just... Perfect!

#7. SISTAR, "Alone"

1. "Come Closer"
2. "나혼자"
3. "No Mercy"
4. "Lead Me"
5. "Girls On Top"
6. "널 사랑하겠어 [Hyorin solo]"

With so many bold songs, I'm a little surprised that it's not higher up on my list, but I also based it on quality and past songs. And this is the first album that I liked... let alone loved by SISTAR. I've always been a fan of Hyorin, but the group never worked for me. This album is so much fun and still being played all the time!

#6. EXO-K, "MAMA"

1. "MAMA"
2. What is Love?"
3. "History"
4. "너의 세상으로 (Angel)"
5. "두 개의 달이 뜨는 밤 (Two Moons) [feat. Key from SHINee]"
6. "Machine"

With so much hype around this group from SM I was sure I'd dislike them, but after the 23 teasers (way too many, IMHO) I started to fall into the hype and as soon as "What is Love?," "MAMA," and "Machine" were released, I was hooked. I hate that all of these boys are much younger than me. They're adorable and I love them. Favourite rookie boy group this year!

#5. miss A, "Independent Women Pt. III"

1. "남자 없이 잘 살아"
2. "Ma Style"
3. "If I Were a Boy"
4. "Madness [feat. Taecyeon of 2PM]"
5. "Time's Up"

Oh miss A.... They've always been a favourite girl group, probably my second favourite [right after 2NE1], but nothing they've released in the past has completely wowed me... and then I hear "남자 없이 잘 살아"  and wonder what the heck happened. But the rest of the album can't be as good right? Wrong! "If I Were a Boy" and "Madness" have been played just as much as their title song. However, "Ma Style" makes absolutely no sense, in English or in Korean! Confused by that!

#4. SPICA, "Painkiller"

1. "Painkiller"
2. "화"
3. "Up N Down"
4. "Russian Roulette"
5. "No More"
6. "일기장"
7. "독하게"

These girls blew me away with their song, "Painkiller" and then their harmonies and vocals in "독하게" were borderline magical. I have yet to tire of this album, especially "Painkiller". This needs little to no reason as to why it's fantastic. You just need to go listen to it yourself!
While listening through this to see where I wanted it on my list, I relearned about the song, "일기장" and have no idea why I haven't had this on repeat as well!!

#3. BIGBANG, "Still Alive"

1. "Still Alive"
2. "Monster"
3. "Feeling"
4. "Fantastic Baby"
5. "Bad Boy"
6. "Blue"
7. "빙글빙글"
8. "EGO"
9. "사랑 먼지"
10. "재미없어"

Oh man. BIGBANG.... I get these feelings that are feely feels that are feely. And I can only describe them as such. There is something about them that I can't quite pinpoint that's more perfect than any boy group in the history of ever. (Yeah... I said it.) I can't choose and stick to one bias in this group....They're perfect.
And so is this album. Except "빙글빙글." That song should have never happened. It's horrible in my opinion. I just cannot stand it. However every other one is perfect!!

#2. Andamiro, "Hypnotize"

1. "Hypnotize"
2. "Fever"
3. "I Don't Care [feat. Dani B. & Jonathan Carey]"
4. "Good Luck to You"
5. "주치의"
6. "말고 [feat. YDG]"
7. "Hypnotize (English version)"
8. "Hypnotize (Areia Balkan ver.)"
9. "Hypnotize (Club Extended Mix ver.)"
10. "Hypnotize (Club Extended Mix English ver.)"

There's always that song, artist, or album that surprises you. Whether you've heard about them in the past, or in this case, just now learning about them. There was absolutely no hype or promotion for this girl that I had heard of. I stumbled across "Hypnotize" and instantly loved her and her look. The song took some getting used to. And then I heard "말고" and knew I had to download the album, and to this day it is the most played album on my iPod. Especially the song "Good Luck to You". Her vocals are beautiful and fun. Each song is so different from the last. There's disco vibes, R&B, 90s, techno and just... perfect. I cannot wait to hear more from her in 2013 and hope she gets the recognition she deserves!

Drum roll please. . . . . . .

#1. G-Dragon, "One of A Kind"

1. "One of a Kind"
2. "Crayon" 
3. "결국 [feat. ?? from YG New Girl Group]"
4. "그 새끼"
5. "Missing You [feat. Kim Yoona]"
6. "Today [feat. Kim Jong Wan]"
7. "Light it Up [feat. Tablo & Dok2]"

There is only one word to describe G-Dragon, and that is "genius!" Every song he creates is quite obviously his heart and soul. Every minute and beat and lyric are planned perfectly to just the right amount. This album showcases his one of a kind [heh] style and how different he truly is from the mainstream Kpop, yet he is one of the most popular artists. Whether solo or in BIGBANG. "Crayon" won best song of the year, and I cannot disagree with that! I was a little apprehensive about this album, I didn't think it'd be as good as his first one, "Heartbreaker" but it ended up being better. Much, much, much, much, much better! I don't know who is the singer in "결국" but her voice is magical. I have a full review of this album, here!

Tuned in Tuesday (003)

This is "Tune in Tuesday" hosted by Ginger at GReads. I'll feature a song with a music video I absolutely love and think you should listen too!

Today, as obvious, is Valentine's Day so I've decided to post my new favorite song that is simply beautiful. This chick is probably my new favorite K-Pop singer. Definitely the rookie of the year!!
The video is absolutely gorgeous. The song is about nothing but love. Being in love. Happy love. Undeniable love. And irrevocable love. Watch the video below.



Here is the debut song and MV from rookie singer, Ailee with "Heaven"!


Please check out the live performance here. It is somehow better than the original. And watch her gorgeous cover of Beyonce's "Halo" here!

Do you have a "Tune in Tuesday"? Link it. And tell me what you think of this song! ♥

♥♪♫ Happy Valentine's Day ♫♪♥