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....

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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...

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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...

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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,...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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