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!!!

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!

Top 25 Songs of 2014! [new blog name]

Welcome to my new blog! (I'm still working on a few things.) I have officially changed my blog name from Camisado Mind to Iridescent Lotus. I'll do a post later on how I came up with that name and why I've changed the name.
I would like to stick with the same general content that I had posting before, but more of the things I want to talk about. Less promotions.
And what I want to talk about today. . . music!! These are my Top 25 Songs of 2014!

Click the "xx" to listen to the song. 
Let me know if you like any of them, and what your faves for 2014 were. If you happen to have a post, please leave it in the comments. :)

1. Gaeko (개코) - "Festival Virgin" [xx]
2. HA:TFELT - "Truth" [xx]
3. Jencarlos Canela - "Volveré" [xx]
4. Taemin - "Danger (괴도)" [xx]
5. Hoody - "Baby Oh Baby" [xx]
6. T-ara - "Sugar Free (BigRoom ver.)" [xx]\
7. Epik High - "Amor Fati" [xx]
8. Ailee - "Teardrop" [xx]
9. Taylor Swift - "Style" [xx] (not  the best quality; sorry)
10. Hyoseong (전효성) - "Good-night Kiss" [xx]
11. TaeTiSeo - "Holler" [xx] 
12. Girl's Generation - "Mr. Mr" [xx]
13. Got 7 - "A" [xx]
14. Ariana Grande - "Why Try" [xx]
15. Nick Jonas - "Jealous" [xx]
16. Block B - "Her" [xx]
17. EXID - "위 아래 (Up & Down)" [xx]
18. 2NE1 - "살아 뷨으면해(If I Were You)" [xx]
19. 15& - "Not Today, Not Tomorrow" [xx]
20. 2NE1 - "너 아님 안돼 (Gotta Be You)" [xx]
21. Hyuna (현아) - "빨개요 (Red)" [xx]
22. HA:TFELT - "Ain't Nobody" [xx]
23. Taewan (태완) - "되로 누워 (Laid Back)" [xx]
24. Taeyang (태양) - "눈, 코, 입 (Eyes, Nose, Lips)" [xx]
25. Taeyang (태양) - "Love You To Death" [xx]

I'm actually kind of surprised at the placement of a lot of these songs, and that some of these even made it to this list.

Here are a few bonuses that I loved, but there just wasn't room on this list!

1. Selena Gomez - "The Heart Wants What it Wants" [xx]
2. Girl's Generation - "Goodbye" [xx]
3. 15& - "티가 나나봐 (Can't Hide It)" [xx]
4. 2PM - "미친거 아니야? (Go Crazy!)" [xx]

I hope you guys had an awesome New Year, and I hope this year is good for you & full of great music!

Summer's Temptation Blog Tour -- Playlist!

Title: Summer's Temptation
Author: Ashley Lynn Willis
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Series: Vandeveer University #1

If there are only three truths in life, they are these. Women will always try to change a man. Men will always say anything to get a girl in bed. Tyler Mason will always have a long line of girls trying to domesticate him, and none will succeed. If one of these ceases to be true, the world will cease to exist.
These are the rules as college student Cassie Faye knows them, so when she gives up on dating in favor of a man who can satisfy her without tempting her heart, her next-door neighbor Tyler tops the list. Tyler isn’t the type of boy Cassie would fall for, but he’s the perfect guy to teach her how to claim her sexual independence without losing her heart in the process. Too late, Cassie finds out that under his womanizing exterior is an attentive, considerate lover who brings out passions in her that she'd barely glimpsed before.
What if she’s wrong about the third truth? What if the world as she knows it is about to cease to exist?

Amazon | B&N | Apple

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★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

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Ashley lives in the Midwest with her husband of twelve years. For eight years, she worked as an engineer in general aviation but quit her job to be a stay at home mom to three precious children. She began writing in September of 2009 and has been penning her imagination ever since.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter 

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by Good Choice Reading Blog Tours

Read my review of this book here!

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.

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!

March 2014 in Music!

If it weren't for music, I couldn't get a lot of things accomplished. Including life. I love music. And because of that, my favorites are constantly changing. Here are the top 25 played songs that I played during March 2014! In brackets are the number of times listened. This only included my iPod and not the amount of times I listened on my phone or CD. After this post I'll reset the plays on my iPod and start over for April.
To listen to the songs & fall in love with them too, simply click the song title!

Top Songs of March:

1. “착한 여자” by 2NE1 [28]
2. “Where You At (feat. Young Luffy)” by Louie [22]
3. “Amazing” by B1A4 [19]
4. “살아 봤으면 해” by 2NE1 [19]
5. “Baby I Miss You” by 2NE1 [19]
6. “Tattooed Heart” by Ariana Grande [ 16]
7. “상사병 (Symptoms)” by SHINee [16]
8. “Ringa Linga” by Taeyang [16]
9. "대답은 너니까” by VIXX [16]
10. “Girls Girls Girls” by GOT7 [15]
11. “상남자” by BTS [14]
12. “They Just Don’t Know” by Little Mix [14]
13. “Story of My Life” by One Direction [14]
14. “Healing” by U Seong Eun [14]
15. “Come Back Home” by 2NE1 [14]
16. “너 아님 안돼” by 2NE1 [14]
17. “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons [13]
18. “Someday” by VIXX [13]
19. “길” by B1A4 [12]
20. “Like Oh” by GOT7 [12]
21. “Honeymoon Avenue” by Ariana Grande [11]
22. “Seoul” by B1A4 [11]
23. “내가 니 남자였을 때” by BTOB [11]
24. “난 니가 좋아” by GOT7 [11]
25. “내가누구(feat. Yubin) by Sunmi [10]

I've been loving 2NE1's recent album, CRUSH, (honestly, it should be called a mini album). I didn't care much for it upon first listen, but a lot of the songs (mainly the ones in this list) have grown on me tremendously! I may or may not (okay, I totally am) be fangirling over GOT7. Especially JB and Jackon; though they're a few [5] years younger than me.
I cannot stop listening to "Story of My Life" by One Direction and "상사병" by SHINee. They are perfect. They will probably be on my next Top Listens!!
I'm actually surprised that "Ringa Linga" by Taeyang is so high on the list; I didn't think I listened to that song very much. But... I did.

What are your fave recent listens?

January 2014 in Music!

If it weren't for music, I couldn't get a lot of things accomplished. Including life. I _love_ music. And because of that, my favorites are constantly changing. Here are the top 20 played songs that I played during January 2014! In parentheses are the number of times listened. This only included my iPod and not the amount of times I listened on my phone or CD. After this post I'll reset the plays on my iPod and start over for February!
To listen to the songs & fall in love with them too, simply click the song title!

ENJOY!!

Top songs of January:

1. “The City” by The 1975 (26)
2. “Chocolate” by The 1975 (26)
3. “Someday” by VIXX (13)
4. “LA Song” by RAIN (12)
5. “Amazing” by B1A4 (11)
6. “Story of My Life” by One Direction (11)
7. “Ringa Linga” by Taeyang (11)
8. “DOOM DADA” by TOP (11)
9. “대답은 너니까” by VIXX (11)
10. “30 Sexy” by RAIN (11)
11. “Honeymoon Avenue” by Ariana Grande (10)
12. “내가 니 남자였을 때” by BTOB (10)
13. “Window” by G-Dragon (10)
14. “상사병” by SHINee (10)
15. “Goodbye 20” by Lim Kim (10)
16. “비밀노래” by 유성은 (10)
17. “Pressure” by The 1975 (10)
18. “Miniskirt” by AOA (9)
19. “니가 뭔데?” by G-Dragon (9)
20. “Move” by Little Mix (9)

I think it's fairly obvious that I was loving The 1975 this past month. Their debut album is just so good! I can't wait ot hear more from that group. And the K-Pop group, B1A4 shocked me with their recent album "Who Am I?" It is so so good. I highly recommend it if you're a K-Pop fan or maybe a fan of 1D!

Can't wait to see what my faves are for February!

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!!!

Monthly Favorites - JUNE!

1. BOOKS:  The Keep by Veronica Wolff
I have read and loved all three previous books in The Watchers series by Veronica Wolff. When I received the book in the mail with a paper insert saying this was the final book, I prepared myself for an epic finale... but was left with a very very open ending with too many questions for it to be the end. So I turned to Twitter to ask the wonderful Veronica Wolff herself about a next book and she responded with this...[click here]! So yeah.. I'm pretty excited! :) Read my review here.

2. BEAUTY:

•  Wet n Wild Megalast Polish in "I Need a Refresh-Mint" (I don't think I've ever used a nail polish as frequently as this color! It is the perfect minty color without being too bright. It's subtle and perfect for the summer. I have it on along with the their polish in "On a Trip". The brush is wide and flat which is only a bonus. I hate skinny brushes!
• Wet n Wild Fergie Centerstage Collection Shimmer Palette in "Champagne Glow" (These names are ridiculous. Anyways... Though this claims to be highly pigmented, I find that you really have to get a good amount on before it starts to show. Even with that, I love the slightly rose gold color it gives for a highlight. So it looks like you have color as well as a nice glow.)
• Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask (I've mentioned before that I have oily very acne prone skin. I have used many cleansers, but have recently learned that salicylic acid doesn't work as well for me as benzoyl peroxide. I loved the premise of this being both a cleanser and mask. I have only used it as a mask once, but a cleanser every morning and love the feeling. Sometimes--for a little extra oil control, I'll use my Olay Fresh Effects Shine Shine Go Away Cleanser with it and I feel my skin is perfectly balanced all day.) 
• Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil Free Makeup Foundation (This foundation is perfect for me. It doesn't clog my pores, feels light on the skin,is super matte, and because it has salicylic acid in it--it's fighting acne as it's hiding it. Though this specific bottle is a little too orange & dark for my skin, I mix it with my Revlon Nearly Naked foundation to get the perfect color.)
• Garnier The Radiance Renewer Cleansing Gelée (I bought this on a whim. It was in a pump bottle, had a lot on the cover, but what drew me in was the promise of renewing dull skin and the fact that it had citric extract and hydroxy acid in it. It also says the cleanser is a "cushion-gel technology." Well, I didn't understand it until I used it. It comes out as a gel and becomes a very latherous foam that smells and feels so good. I really feel like it has been helping with the dark spots and bringing...light back to my skin!
• Formula 10.0.6 Seriously Shine Free Matifying Oil-Free Moisturizer (This stuff smells strongly [but I like it] of aloe and bamboo...because they're both ingredients. I believe that this is the first lotion that has given me moisture and actual kept me matte. I'm a sucker for packaging, and the bold yet simple box is what drew me in. I had never heard of this brand before and bought it on a hunch... plus WalGreens had it marked down to $3! I don't think they'll be selling it anymore and I wish I bought another while they had some left. But I believe that ULTA will be selling it. *crosses fingers* I'm super intrigued to try other products from this brand. The only let down is that there isn't any SPF.
• Alpha Hydrox Cream (I read that Alpha Hydroxy cream was very good for preventing fine lines and wrinkles as well as helping scarring and dark spots. So, I bought this. I know that it's helping my acne scars heal clearing, but very very old scars and dark spots are taking longer. I will say that this stuff kind of burns when I put it on... but I don't mind. Because anything with AHA makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, you must apply a sunscreen. [I add some when I'm going outside to my Formula 10.0.6 lotion.])

3. DRAMAS:

• Nail Shop Paris (This drama just finished, so expect a review sometime this week! By far the weirdest drama I've ever seen!!!!!!!)
• Monstar (Ugh...!! So so good! Joon Hyung from BEAST/B2ST plays the lead, and before this drama I didn't think twice about him in B2ST... now he very well may have become my bias! He is perfect!! *currently airing* Pic to the right of Yong Joon Hyung and Ha Yeon Soo, leads.)
• Love Around (Yay...!! Another Taiwanese drama to love. Of course, with any drama I love in the beginning... somewhere they lose steam and fall flat, but I'm crossing my fingers with this one. I love the two leads chemistry! That could also because they were in a previous drama together called Love Now....I think I need to watch it for their chemistry alone!)

4. MUSIC:

• "하.니.쁜. ADTOY" by 2PM (Best song from these boys since "Hands Up"... hands down. Heh.)
• "LOVE" by EvoL (Mannnnn I love these girls. Soo fun and addictive!)
• "Tarzan" by Wonder Boyz (Can I just say how horrible their debut song was... yeah well, this one is far from. Even my little brother plays this song over and over!)
• "Hold on For Dear Love" by Bridgit Mendler (After watching Good Luck Charlie, I was surprised this girl could sing! And I love the whole album, but this is by far my favourite song.)
• "Love Will Tell Us Where to Go" by Bridgit Mendler (Again... love this album and love the vibe of this. I feel like it's in the middle of pop, r&b and jazz... but more pop. If that makes sense!)

Soooo that's it. I know it's a lot, but I haven't had enough for one month since March, so I decided to combine them in this month. Next time, I'll narrow it down a bit, but this is that. ^_^"

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: "CODE #01 나쁜여자" by Ladies' Code

Ladies' Code - "CODE #01 나쁜 여자" [mini album]
Rating: ½
Genre: K-Pop/R&B/Dance
Language: Korean
Debut Year: 2013

Tracklist:
1. Intro...Bad Girl
2. 나쁜 여자 (Bad Girl)
4. Supergirl
5. Dada La
6. 안울래 (I Won't Cry)

My thoughts:
I learned about this group through their individual member teasers (Sojung, Rise, Ashley, Zuny, EunB), and there was absolutely no inclination as to what genre or sound these girls would have, but I was definitely intrigued.
A few weeks later they released the music video for their debut single, "나쁜 여자" and from the first note I got chills. I don't really know what I was expecting from them, but this wasn't it. It's good. Like... really really good. Especially for a rookie group's debut song and music video!
I immediately downloaded their mini album and fell in love. "Supergirl" is a super fun, motivating, girl empowering song while "안울래" is their only real ballad and though it shows their amazing vocals, it doesn't really need to seeing as how they sound amazing in all of the songs.

"Dada La" has an addictive beat and hook, "bling bling B-L-I-N-G" that I catch myself singing randomly, though my favourite part of this song is the chorus, I absolutely love Sojung's voice! There's a kind of burlesque sound to the song that makes me want to put on knee high songs and short shorts and dance around the room like I'm on a stage. (TMI? Oh well. ^_^")

This will most likely be in my "TOP 10 KPOP Albums of 2013" this year! Super fun. Of course, who knows what the rest of the year will hold!

I like to say that these girls are a mix of SPICA and Wonder Girls. They have the gorgeous vocals like SPICA, but they're more of an upbeat dance group (without being obnoxious and girly) like Wonder Girls.

Bonus video:
Check out their debut music video for "나쁜 여자" below. I love the dance and colors of the music video. [Watch this video here to see the dance in full. Amazing synchronization for a rookie group!]

Monthly Favorites - MARCH!

1. BOOKS: Just One Day by Gayle Forman

I had originally planned on buying this book, but wasn't quite sure if I wanted to... Now I wish I had. It deserves to be on my shelf. It was soo good! I loved the flow of this book, the characters, the writing, the life, the scenery, the timespan, everything! I cannot wait to read Just One Year(which just got a lovely cover) from Willem's POV. If you haven't read this one yet, run to your nearest bookstore & buy it! Read my review here. (Sorry it's such a poor review that doesn't do it justice!)

2. BEAUTY:

• Olay Fresh Effects Shine Shine Go Away Shine Minimizing Cleanser (Well, that is a mouthful. This has quickly become one of my favorite cleansers... ever. I have very oily and acne prone skin and this with my entire[days worth] routine has helped not only the current acne, but the scars from my previous breakouts. I love that I feel so fresh after using this. When I first started using it, I learned that I was using almost 3x more than I needed for a full, thick and rich lather. And I love the light smell as well!)

3. MUSIC:

• Justin Timberlake's 20/20 Experience Album [Target Deluxe Edition] (I don't think I need to say more. But I am falling in love with songs I didn't care for when I first listened to this album, like "That Girl" and "Strawberry Bubblegum". So good. And I cannot wait for Part 2 of this album. Read my review here!)
• JoJo - Can't Handle the Truth (Even though there is absolutely too much talking happening on this , the actual songs are so so good! And this one may be my favorite. This link takes you to the site to download the album free and legally!)

4. FOOD:

• Oranges... again! 
• Nice! (by Walgreen's) Orange Mango Sparkling Water (I love the light taste--that tastes almost exactly like my favorite orange juice... but lighter--the fizzyness, and the price. Only $.99 in our WalGreens. Plus there are added vitamins, biotin and green tea flavonoids! No calories.)

I think I already know what will be in my April favorites!! :) What were your March favorites? Anything in these categories, or whatever. Leave a comment! :)

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!!

Monthly Favorites - FEBRUARY!

1. BOOKS: The Edge of Never  by J.A. Redmerski

Another one of those characters that I related to so much! A great story from beginning to end. And the guy was not a bad boy, just tough and sexy and sweet! Even though you're left with a fairly satisfactory ending, there will be a second book. I can't wait to read that!

2. BEAUTY:

• Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation (I am in the color Nude. Love this foundation. The lightest I've ever used and it doesn't start feeling heavy by the end of the day. I have oily, acne prone skin and though  this is light to medium coverage, it smoothes out and evens out my skin tone!)
• Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action (I had stopped using this for awhile and couldn't remember why... until I opened the bottle. It smells soo strong like men's cologne. But it works really really well for me, so I'll get over it!)
• As I Am Coconut CoWash - (This stuff is awesome. It cleaneses your hair without stripping it, but doesn't leave it feeling heavy and limp. In fact, my hair hasn't looked so full and voluminous in a very long time. It's supposed to be for ethnic hair, but my mom [who is white] uses it and loves it as well. You don't need a conditioner with it, but I use one anyways, which only adds to the benefits! You can get it at Sally's.)
• Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Amethyst - (These colors don't last very long and I'm not a fan of the brush, but I love the variety of colors. Especially this one. I got in purple, but it's kind of awesome that it's called Amethyst since that is my birth stone.... ^_^" The website is a bit misleading, the color is more true to purple.)

3.DRAMAS:

• Substitute Princess - (A Taiwanese drama that has completely won me over! I highly recommend this one. Not too heavy in the comedy, but not a sad/sappy drama either! Super fun theme song that I fear if I download, I'll never stop listening to it.)
• Level 7 Civil Servant - (I talked about this one and why I loved it here. Yet another Korean drama I can't pull myself away from!)

4. FOOD:

• Oranges - (Seriously, I've probably had a billion this past month & I'm still eating them like crazy. I've had 2 today of the Cara Cara variety.)
• Lipton Iced Tea in Pomegranate Blueberry - (I hate tea unless it's premade and fruit flavored. Love this kind!! It has just enough of the tea taste without being over powering. I hate tea.... hate.)
• Red Velvet Cupcake Coffee - (My  mom got it for me for my birthday and I've had it almost every morning. I mix it with regular coffee to not use it up and you can still taste it. It's true to name... sooo good!! No link, sorry. I can't find id on the interwebs.)

5. MUSIC:

• "BizzyTigerYoonMirae" by MFBTY  - (Yo! The beat, the lyrics... TASHA... Just perfect! Add this to your workout playlist!)
• "Ring Ma Bell' by Two-X - (Fun, girly, a bit too girly at times. But I like it. I LOVE LOVE the colors in this music video, their hair, makeup and outfits. Everything. I enjoyed their debut song "Double Up" which was less girly, something I usually like, but for some reason, I like this one a little better.)
• "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - (I'm late on this train. But I hate this song. I love this song. I can't help it. I love the lyrics, the beat and the flow of the rap. So, yeah... I'm addicted. I think Macklemore looks like Jeremy Scott's little brother.)
• "있다 없으니까 (Gone, Not Around Any Longer)" by SISTAR19 - (I didn't love this song as much as their other, "Ma Boy", but it is still a beautiful song. Though the dance is predictable. I love Hyolin's voice and Bora's subtle/sexy rapping! And can I please have their legs & shoes? Please? 제발?)

I recommend you check any and all of these things out asap!! I'll try to think of all new things for March.
What are your favorites from February?!

Monthly Favorites - JANUARY!

1. BOOK:  The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden by Jessica Sorensen
   Okay...... This book tugged at the heart, was sexy, and real, and beautiful. There was just the right amount of push and pull. The romance and sexiness was not overshadowed by how dark the book was as well.
   The ending though.... That cliffhanger was horrible!!! I cannot wait until the sequel comes out! [Full review to come.]
2. TV SHOW:  Chicago Fire, Pretty Little Liars, Beauty & The Beast, The Mindy Project, & Go On.
3. DRAMA: 이웃집 꽃미남 (Flower Boy Next Door) and Substitute Princess.
4. SONG: "I GOT A BOY" by Girls' Generation
   I'm not even that big of a Girls' Generation fan... at all. In fact I find most of their music borderline stupid and annoying. But because I like a lot of the members [9 in total]. I'm always tempted to just listen in hopes that I'll like something. And this is finally that song. There are 3 other songs on the album I like as well!
   "I Like That" by GLAM
   I loved their debut song, "Party (XXO)" for the lyrics and how fun it is, and though I liked it, I was glad to see they had a more upbeat, less bubble gum vibe with this song!
5. APP: Dramafever& Viggle.

I recommend you check any and all of these things out asap!! I'll try to think of all new things for February.What are your favorites from January?!

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. ^_^"