Taemin - "ACE"

SHINEE's maknae Taemin has debuted as a soloist! Shawols know that he is the member who has consistently expressed the wish to go solo, and now he finally has. He has definitely made a name for himself outside of being 1/5th of SHINee. Although his solo style is very similar to SHINee's, there are some clear differences that set him apart.

The first song on the album, "Ace," was written by TVXQ's Changmin and features his vocals during the chorus. This title track's R&B style is not new to Taemin, as SHINee has had their fair share of singing this genre, but "Ace" features a jazzy bass line to which Taemin sings along flawlessly.

This track showcases his unfailing musicality along with "소나타 (Play Me)". Another slow track, it utilizes samples in the background to keep listeners from becoming disinterested. The parts that stand out the most, though, are the tempo changes after each of the main verses. Taemin's high vocal range is showcased during these parts and allows his fans to hear a softer side of him, compared to his power vocals in SHINee's performances. "괴도 (Danger)" is the second title track and is picks up the pace compared to the previous two tracks. The style of the track, along with Taemin's vocals, are eerily reminiscent to Michael Jackson's style; but as MJ is his idol, it makes sense. The best feature of "괴도 (Danger)" is during the hook when the instrumental becomes more simplistic and listeners can really hear his vocal ability.

"Experience" features the new hit style in SM: emphasizing the off beats throughout certain parts of the song. It definitely keeps listeners entertained, but there actually may be too much going on in "Experience." It even features a dubstep segment, which sounds a bit off when compared to the rest of the song. This style is continued in "Pretty Boy", featuring Kai of EXO. The incorporation of samples in this album is done very tastefully, but the harsh trumpets in this track take away from the intended effect. It was a good idea to include Kai on this track, as some listeners get bored with only singing and need a little rap to aid them in regaining interest. The last song on the album, "거절할게 (Wicked)" starts off with a sensual trombone line but quickly changes to an uptempo beat for the first verse. In the case of this song, the back-and-forth between tempos really works. It gives off both a jazzy and R&B feel at the same time.



Overall, ACE is a great effort by Taemin and sets a great stage for him to work with as he ventures on to more solo activities. 4.6/5

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J-Min - "Hoo"

SM Entertainment's new solo artist J-Min has released her single "Hoo" ahead of her July album release. She has already performed the track on various music shows, displaying her ability to also play the guitar. Although J-Min mostly active in Japan, SM Entertainment seems to have noticed the want for ballad singers and is testing the waters with her upcoming album.

Consisting of only guitar, drums, and piano components, "Hoo" is a simple song that was obviously produced with the intentions to show off J-Min's clear and strong voice. Her wide vocal range is showcased along with her unique sound which differs from many other female Korean artists. Singing the song live during showcases has also demonstrated her raw talent.

It's a little strange that SM hasn't been promoting J-Min's activities, but she has done well with relying on just her talent so far. If SM promotes her like they do other groups, she is sure to be a hit in no time. 4/5

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Block B - "Jackpot"

Block B has announced their upcoming 7th album, and from it their title track "Jackpot" has been released. This is the first time Block B has promoted since their "Very Good" promotions last year, and they didn't disappoint. "Jackpot" follows their unique and versatile style while keeping up with the current music trends. The instrumentation is kind of all over the place, but they manage to pull it off in the end.

"Jackpot" incorporates some elements of 40s swing music, and in some parts seems to be made for an old black and white mystery film. It even takes on some characteristics of jazz in the breakdown, but the chorus is the section that gives the track a pop song feel. The overall use of brass instruments remains the theme throughout the song, but the varying styles being used together takes a while to get used to. Although I try to focus on the musicality of songs rather than music video releases, I have to say that the video for "Jackpot" really brings it together. It may even be better than the song itself. The creepiness of the abandoned circus reflects on the uneasiness of the varying styles utilized in the track, but with the aid of actress Kim Sae Ron, the boys' fun antics manage to help tie these styles together in a seamless fashion.

Block B is always bringing something new to the table, and "Jackpot" is no exception. Some fans already love the song, and others aren't fond of it. But you have to agree that it's definitely a unique addition to the K-Pop world, along with their quirky, and slightly creepy, music video. 3.5/5

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Eric Nam - "Ooh Ooh"

After a year hiatus, Eric Nam is back with "Ooh Ooh. From B2MENT's youtube channel, "Eric's new song "우우(Ooh Ooh)" is a uptempo Nu Disco song with a powerful brass line and addictive chorus." Following the trend of many recent K-Pop releases, "Ooh Ooh" does indeed feature trombone and trumpet riffs and a groovy bass line, making for all around feel good, funky song.

I actually didn't know Eric Nam was a singer before this track was released, but I'm pleasantly surprised. I had no idea he was hiding such powerful and smooth vocals. I think this kind of groovy backtrack really compliments his voice, but I'm sure he could pull off ballads, too. I haven't had a chance to review Infinite and I don't listen to them in my regular playlist, so I only knew Hoya from his role in Reply 1997. His flow in "Ooh Ooh" is really fun, and along with Eric Nam's vocals helps make the track a great spring song.

Releasing this track after a hiatus was a good move for Eric Nam, as it will be sure to garner some attention. This trendy song will stay on repeat in your head for days after the first listen, and you won't get tired of it. 4.3/5

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BTS - "Just One Day (하루만)"

BTS released their second album Skool Luv Affair earlier this year, and are following up with a music video release of "Just One Day". From the music video description, "BTS's next song [Just One Day] is a trendy urban hip-hop song where minimal rhythm and neat composition of instruments stand out. [...] You'll be able to listen to a sad voice of the BTS's vocal line that has been hidden by the songs with strong beats."

True to the description, "Just One Day" implements minimal instrumentation, allowing listeners to really hear the emotion in the boys' emotions. A stark contrast from their usual upbeat singles, it also shows the group's versatility. I also think the track will appeal to rap lovers that don't generally like K-Pop, as the sparse instrumental causes some of the lines come across as reminiscent of Korean rapper Beenzino's flow.

Very different from their previous release "Boy in Luv", BTS showcases their emotional and caring sides in this song. Although some mid-tempo songs aren't catchy, "Just One Day" is a song you can't get out of your head with its cute repetition of "Do It" during the chorus and the 90s remindful vocals. It definitely deserves a place in your playlist. 5/5

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Akdong Musician (AKMU) - "200%"

Akdong Musician has released their new single "200% in lieu of their upcoming debut album PLAY. After winning K-pop Star 2 and signing a contract with YG Entertainment, their highly anticipated efforts are finally being available to the public. Comprised of 18 year old Lee Chanhyuk and his sister, 15 year old Lee Soohyun, these siblings are certainly making a big splash into the music scene.

"200%" is a jazzy, feel-good song riddled with jazz and acoustic elements throughout. It's no surprise that these siblings can sing really well; Soohyun's vocal range really shines in this track and I was surprised with how well Chanhyuk raps. Many fans were worried about YG changing AKMU's original sound, but it seems like there was nothing to worry about. The song and music video and still very age-appropriate for the siblings, and it seems like they were given the freedom to continue composing songs that they're comfortable with.

Akdong Musician's debut album will be released on April 9, and if "200%"" is any indication of how good the rest of the tracks are, everyone should be anticipating its release. The track is fresh, original, and will definitely start topping charts. 4.6/5

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Billionaire - "That Night (그날밤에)"

Billionaire is a new male duo, comprised of members HooNia and Bumma, debuting without an agency with their new track "That Night". The duo raised money to produce the music video and the song was composed by HooNia himself. They also found a choreographer online to help with the music video. It's safe to say that these guys have a passion for music and are dedicated. Their hard work definitely pays off, as "That Night" provides listeners with the duo's sooth vocals, hard-hitting choreography, and fresh sound.

Billionaire definitely delivered with their vocals, and anyone can tell that they can sing very well. Their tones are completely opposite, as one has a throaty tone and the other a slight nasal one, but together they sound great. These calming vocals along with flamenco lines littered throughout make for a relaxing song. Accordion elements are also included in the instrumental, adding a slight "foreign city night" feel. There isn't much variety throughout the song, though, as the background stays virtually the same throughout. But for a self-arranged song without agency-quality equipment, HooNia did a great job.

Billionaire will surely stand out for their dedication as well as their carefree vocals. The choreography in the music video is eye-catching, too. But there is a lack of variation in their debut track, and listeners may grow tired of listening to the song before it even finishes. Nevertheless, it is a solid debut and people will definitely be talking about "That Night". 2.9/5

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Apink - "Mr. Chu"

Apink has released the music video for their title track "Mr. Chu" from their upcoming album Pink Blossom. Known for their cute image, the album will convey how the girls are blossoming into a more mature image while still retaining their innocence. "Mr. Chu" tells the story of a first kiss and the feelings that come along with it. The mv also has a fresh feel to it, making the song perfect for a spring playlist.

I was a bit worried about the slow tempo the song started with, but it picks up around 0:30 and really shines during the chorus. The instrumentation is great, including a funky bass line, trumpet flares, synths, and strings in the background of some verses. There are even some R&B elements thrown in at the start. Combined, it makes for a very laid-back song. The girls' vocals are also delivered in a breezy way, adding to the feel-good nature of the track.

At only one listen, "Mr. Chu" is catchy but some might not warrant it a second listen. It grows on you, though, and stays true to Apink's iconic style. The production quality is excellent, and the vocals are good as always. If "Mr. Chu" is any indication of how the rest of the album will be, it's definitely something to look forward to. 3.5/5

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4minute - "Whatcha Doin' Today"

4minute is back with "Whatcha Doin' Today (오늘 뭐해)", the title track from their new album 4minute World. The track has a completely different feel from their previous track "Is It Poppin'?", but that just shows how versatile 4minute's sound is.

"Whatcha Doin' Today" is really catchy, and shows off a different side of the girls. The song has a big band feel throughout, including trumpet and saxophone riffs, but still retains a dance pop feel to it. The vocals are great as usual, but the rap parts are showcased a lot more in this song. The instrumental during the dance break isn't as elaborate as a lot other songs being released recently, but it works for them and the overall theme of the song.

Due to the different style of "Whatcha Doin' Today", a lot of fan reviews have been mixed. Some hate the song because it doesn't showcase 4minute's "true colors," but others love it because it shows a side of the girls that hasn't been seen before. The song is definitely different for them, but it's catchy, fun, and is sure to be a hit. 4/5

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Billion - "Dancing Alone"

Billion is a new girl group, and they've released an MV for their title track "Dancing Alone". It's reminiscent of  90s synth pop with modern dance track elements mixed in. They don't actually do any dancing in the video, but their stage presence makes up for it. Their style also reminds me of 2NE. You can tell, though, that they all have strong personalities and are very confident.

In terms of the song, it could have been better. Many parts seem discordant and come off as if some of the girls' vocals are much stronger than the rest of the group. This could just be due to the mixing and production of the song, though. There's a bit of light dubstep mixed in during the dance break, which I think is overused now, but the synths throughout the song a little catchy. After the first listen, though, the song is easily forgettable.

The name of the group is different and the girls seem unique enough, but the track could've used a bit more "umph". Maybe production or the girls were rushed, but "Dancing Alone" was not a good choice for a debut track. 2/5

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Toheart - 1st Mini Album

Toheart is a duo comprised of SHINee's Key and Woohyun from Infinite. Although I suspect the ulterior motive is to more smoothly integrate Infinite into being part of the SM family, it's no secret that Key and Woohyun are best friends and this collaboration was bound to happen. Their voices match well together, not to mention the production quality of the whole album is excellent. This was a brave venture for SM, and the result is great.

The first track, "Intro," is a more jazzed up version of the album's title track without lyrics, so I won't comment on it much. But if you're into instrumentals, the instrumentation is fantastic. The title track of the album is "Delicious". The lyrics are a little wacky,

claiming that love is "nutritious," but listeners are introduced to the album's central funky sound while showcasing Toheart's confident vocals. The DJ scratches give this song a bit of a 90's feel, but the groovy guitar line makes it great for just jamming out on a summer day. Key's unique rapping over Woohyun's smooth crooning is best shown in this track, pleasing both SHINee and Infinite fans. The next track is "미로 (迷路) (Maze)" and really sounds like a combination of SHINee's and Infinite's respective sounds. It's another fun song, begging for listeners to get up and dance. The album takes a turn with "You're My Lady," a smooth R&B track given a jazz feel with trombone and guitar lines. The band instrumental really brings out Woohyun's vocals and Key's scatting is fun to listen to. The slow tempo is carried into "Tell Me Why," including a more Indie sound. I'm surprised SM decided to include this, but it will definitely stand out in mainstream K-Pop. The last song, "출발 (Departure)," ends the album on a calm note, riddled with the sad, yet uplifting, sounds of a harmonica and soothing flamenco riffs.

Toheart's 1st mini album is a daring venture with excellent production quality, but the songs could have used a bit more variety. The jazzy and groovy sound throughout the album is definitely not used often, but listening to the same central theme in every song can get a bit old. Overall, though, the album is great and I'm sure we can expect excellence from Toheart in the future. 4.2/5

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1PS - Because I'm Your Girl

1PS, pronounced one piece, has released their debut single earlier today titled "Because I'm Your Girl". I'm not usually a fan of girl groups, but I can definitely get behind this one. During a time in which most of the girl groups are attempting a sexy concept, 1PS's style is refreshing. They've struck a perfect balance between cute and sexy, essentially giving off an innocent vibe.

"Because I'm Your Girl" starts out with piano and gradually builds up to include strings and an addictive drum line, giving off a lighthearted feel that compliments the girls' vocals and concept. Concerning their vocals, all of the girls have strong voices with raspy undertones; quite different from the aegyo-filled voices that many new girl groups are trying to emulate. This will give 1PS an advantage in standing out from the over-saturated market of idol groups.

Although the style of "Because I'm Your Girl" has been done before countless of times, as it's reminiscent of a typical theme used throughout a drama, 1PS makes it work for them. Their vocals are strong, and it's a nice track to listen to during a light, spring day. This is a solid debut, and I'm looking forward to what else 1PS has to offer. 3/5

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BTS - "Boy In Luv"

BTS chose to make "Boy in Luv" their title track to display their manliness, and boy do they show it. The rock/hip-hop tune upholds their reputation of releasing unique songs, and is a breath of fresh air from the "sexy concept" making rounds through k-pop groups. The music video for "Boy In Luv" also showcases the group's great synchronization while dancing (although it gets a little weird when they begin to shove the girl around), and adds to the overall hardcore feel to the song.

"Boys In Luv" opens with a strong drum rhythm with the boys chanting over it (everyone loves chanting these days), followed by a strong guitar line that is prominent throughout the rest of the song. One thing I find unique about the instrumentation is that it doesn't differ very much throughout, but subtle changes in the rhythm keep it from becoming boring. The bridge has a softer feel compared to the verses and chorus, as the guitar line is taken out and a piano riff is added, adding a nice contrast to the edginess of the rest of the track.

The lack of variety in instrumentation, while not a bad thing, leaves a little to be desired. It changes up just enough to prevent listeners from becoming listless, but a little more diversity wouldn't hurt. The hard rock line emphasizes the members' rapping skills and the bridge brings out the group's vocals, all the while satisfying current BTS fans and garnering the interests' of new ones. 3.5/5

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Donghae & Eunhyuk - "Motorcycle"

Donghae & Eunhyuk are back with their first full-length Japanese album. The album is titled Ride Me, with the title track being "Motorcycle". This track is a drastic difference from their Acoustic/R&B Korean track "아직도 난", but it works for them and helps showcase their versatility. The style of "Motorcycle is very quirky and may need some getting used to for some; but you can't resist listening to it on repeat until it grows on you.

The duo hinted at the song having a sexy style, but I think it's a mix between sexy, funky, and fun. The song starts out with a funky beat with the duo chanting, followed by the addition of catchy synths and a dance that's begging to be learned. A harmonica is thrown into the mix during the breakdown, furthering the quirkiness of the track. The beat slows down during the bridge in which their vocals are really showcased. Throughout the song, though, it seems as though Donghae's vocals are pushed to the forefront. Of course, Eunhyuk is mainly a rapper, but I think his voice is very interesting and could be utilized more. This could just be how it's represented in the short version, though.

After just releasing singles for so long, fans (including me) are ecstatic about Donghae & Eunhyuk's full-length album. I think making "Motorcycle" the title track was a good choice, as it definitely garners interest and keeps listeners waiting in anticipation for the album release. It might not be the best song musically, but I think the point of it is to be fun and something listeners won't get tired of listening to. 4/5

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