Album Review: Infinite H (Dongwoo & Hoya of Infinite) 2nd Mini Album "Fly Again"

Finally, after two long years, Infinite H, my favorite kpop hip hop duo so far, is back with their second mini entitled "Fly Again". It contains seven tracks with "Pretty" as its title track.

So, where do I start? How about sharing how happy and excited I am about this album? Well first, Thank goodness, the long wait is finally over and yes, two years is a very long time, Woollim! Haha. I can still remember those days, when I've read about countless articles/rumors of Infinite H's comeback in 2014, then only to find out that they will only be having one track on Infinite's Season 2 album and no album nor a single comeback performance for them (sigh). So when, Woolliment announced their comeback this month, I was really happy and excited for I can once again see my precious Dongwoo rap, sing and dance. I know he usually do these things together with Infinite, but there is something in Infinite H, that makes me see him differently, it's like he really owns the stage, he gives out more awesome performances,he looks more manly and sexy,and he looks genuinely happy plus I can focus more all of my love for him since Sungyeol (my ultimate Infinite bias) is not around and of course more air time for him, which makes me more happy hahaha (Dongwoo Overload, Yes!). Dongwoo is my bias wrecker in Infinite by the way. Haha. So I hope you will all understand.

Until now, I am still listening and a fan of their first mini album, Fly High, I really love their songs "Without You" and "Special Girl" Hahaha. So, I am hoping that this album is similar or even better than the first one. Let's see, shall we? (P.S. This is once again purely subjective, No Hating Please :))

First up is "Fly Again" featuring DJ IT, this is the intro track of the album. The first time I heard this track, I was really getting the hip hop feel of the album. This track itself left me with good impressions and expectations of the whole album itself.

Next is "Pretty", this album's title track. This song reminded me of Special Girl from their first mini album, Fly High. It gives out a relaxing yet exciting vibe that Special Girl has, only this time I think Pretty is more fun to hear. I also think it is a perfect title song for this album, its refreshing, certainly feels good to hear and definitely catchy especially the oh la la la part. Haha. Hoya's flirty voice/tone really suits the chorus of the song while Dong Woo's sweet vocals compliments it. I really like how simple and laid-back this song is, from its lyrics down to its beats and melody, even the way they deliver their rap lines and their cute sexy dancing, its just so fun to hear and watch. Ahh! I really can't help but smile while listening to this track. It feels so damn good.

Im Not Going Anywhere featuring Yang Da Il. Everytime I listen to songs of Infinite, Tasty or Lovelyz, there will always be this one distinctive track that you can point out and say, "Oh! This is definitely Woollim", like a Woollim Quality Seal. For some reason, these songs have this old, disco, 70's to 80's feeling to it, and this track in particular, is one of them. Aside from this song being the "Woollim Sealed" track of this album, when I first heard this song, I really thought Woohyun was featured in this track. Im sorry, its just that Yang Da Il and Woohyun sounded so similar here. Haha. Also, I know this song may not sound very hip hop-y, mainly because of its disco vibe to it, but I still like this song, mainly because of Dong Woo's rap part. I know I'm being bias right now, but I really love Dong Woo's tone when he raps, it sounds so lazy, rough and manly to me, like the voice of a person who just woke up from a good night sleep. Hahaha. Truth be told, I really think that the "morning voice" is the sexiest tone of voice ever for me Haha.

Next is Collide/Life Goes On, featuring Soo Jung of Lovelyz. One, kudos to Soo Jung, her voice really suits this track and she delivered it perfectly. Second, I like how this song sounded so soft and mellow, like an acapella. It's refreshing, right?  Third, the lyrics and its meaning, this song is about them talking about their past, their hardships of being a student, a trainee, a dreamer, and now as Infinite H. I think this song was written to inspire, that no matter how hard life is, even when the whole world is up and against you, just bump against it and just go with the flow.

Im Busy, Sorry, a straight hip hop track featuring Swings and Champagne of Champagne & Candle. According to an article from Allkpop, this song was deemed inappropriate for broadcast by KBS due to cursing, slang and vulgar language used in the lyrics. Well, its true, but let's be honest here, these stuff makes a hip hop track unique from other music genres right? Its just them being honest. Truth is, I am not in any way offended by the lyrics used in this track, in fact I really find these words true and entertaining. It's hip hop, its normal to hear an artist curse and brag about everything that he/she had. Hahaha. How can you deprive the audience with such a great song, I really think its good and the beat is awesome, This track also reminds me of Kanye West's  All of the Lights and Chris Brown's Look at Me Now, the beat is somehow similar don't you think? And please don't be a hypocrite KBS :))

Next is Jekyll and Hyde featuring Taewan. It is just me or did everyone else heard people shouting or even fighting in the background? Ha ha. Then a random thought came into my mind, maybe this song is about breaking up with someone you love, so I immediately searched for this track's english translation, and I guess I was right. This song is about a guy thinking and believing that he is better off without his girl, but at the end of the day he realized that he misses her and his longing for her. Ohh, they are showing off their soft side. Hmmm interesting!!

Crazy/Only If You Are Crazy featuring Sanchez of Phantom, the last track from this album. I think this track is a continuation of Jekyll and Hyde, it has the same beat and tempo and yes, another heart breaking song from our boys, but this time the lyrics are darker and painful. A song about a cheating girl, damn! Why girl!! Why do that to my precious Dong Woo! Hahaha Anyway, I think these last two songs brought out Infinite H's soft and mature side. They are not just talking about love in general, but also the complicated sides of love like cheating and pride. They really are growing and becoming more manly and mature! Ack!!So much feels!! :p

In summary, I'm giving this an 8/10. Mianhe if I may have not share much about the songs and the album in general like my previous posts, well maybe because I'm still in cloud nine while listening to my boys (hahaha), but I really love this album. The long wait was definitely worth it and it is a good follow up of their first mini album. I also think, Hoya's singing improved a lot in this album, same to Dongwoo as well. There is no doubt, this album will rank high on charts. I'm hoping it will also get the recognition it deserves. Fighting Infinite H! Fighting Inspirits!!

A's recommended tracks: "Pretty", "Collide", "I'm Busy, Sorry"

"I know, I'm not a good writer, so please just bear with me. Kamsamnida"

Album Review: Jung Yong Hwa (CNBlue) "One Fine Day"

I know this review is kind of late, I've been busy at work lately, so yeah. Anywho, I'm still gonna share my insights about this album, because it somehow helped me overcome stress at work. So, kamsamnida my beloved Yong Hwa for helping me throughout those busy days. :)

On January 20, FNC Entertainment released Yong Hwa's first solo album, entitled "One Fine Day" It contains ten tracks all written by him with appearances from JJ Lin, Yoon Do Hyun, Verbal Jint, Peter Malick and YDG. Being known as the frontman/vocalist of his band CNBlue, plus his amazing songwriting skills, it was no doubt that this album is a must have among kpop fans (especially among BOICE).

So, shall we start? (P.S. This is once again and forever be based on my personal opinion and apparently taste and style of music, NO HATING please :))

Intro, well to be honest, there is nothing much to say about this track except for the fact that it preludes the next track "One Fine Day."

Next is this album's title track One Fine Day, upon hearing the first few seconds of the song, I know it will be heartbreaking, and I was right. From the lyrics itself down to its melody, beat and rhythm, it really is a sad song, like the songs that 2AM will sing or an OST of a  k-drama where the girl left the boy for some personal issues or what not. I really think it is a good song and somehow very relatable especially among the broken hearted ones who were still unable to completely forget and move on. This song even made me think about my past relationships, but just to let everyone know I have completely moved on and happy with my new found love :))

Cruel Memories, is one of the five songs where he collaborated with other artists. In this track, he collaborated with rocker Yoon Do Hyun of YB ( a famous rock bank in South Korea). Truth be told, I am not a rock music fan, but this song really caught my ears and I really like it. I really love how the instruments compliments Yong Hwa's smooth vocals and Do Hyun's raspy's voice and vice versa.

Energy, a pop-rock song where he collaborated with Verbal Jint and one my favorite tracks in this album. I love how light this song is, unlike the first two songs which really sounds sad but good for me, this one made me feel warm and cheery, and I also like the clever lyrics/words Yong Hwa used for this song, its like a confession, where he asks for the girl to be together with him for she is his source of energy. Aww, it made my heart skipped a beat, how about you? Haha

Next is Mileage, a collaboration with YDG (a rapper and an actor by the way). It is a pre-released track of this album that somehow garnered attention among kpopers because of its witty lyrics and relaxing sound. It is a given that Yong Hwa's voice sounds so sweet and relaxing in this song, and I know many will disagree with me on this, but I really like the drunken-tone/style of rapping YDG used here, I really think it suits the song in general. I maybe have a weird style of music but I really think that sweet voice and drunken rapping is a good combo for this song. Also based on my understanding of the lyrics of this song, the guy (husband) is asking his girl (wife) for a hall pass (like the movie);a night where he can be free and do whatever he wants. Haha. Pretty clever right?

Checkmate, another collaborated track with JJ Lin, a Singaporean singer-songwriter based in Taiwan. A straight rock song accompanied by electric guitars and their outstanding vocals. When I first heard this song on my ipod, I was really confused for I heard like three languages used for this song, which were korean, english and chinese. I really found it weird at first, then it gradually made its way to my ears and now I am repeatedly listening to it. And don't forget the lyrics, the song may sound harsh but the lyrics are sweetest. ;)

Next is Without You, another favorite track of mine or maybe the best song for me in this album. This song reminds me of CNBlue's Can't Stop, which I also love, maybe it's because of the piano I guess. There are 4 reasons why I really love this song, one is I love how the song started from a soft, piano-driven melody then gradually layer of sounds were added making the song more powerful. Second, the lyrics, I'm really amazed of Yonghwa's songwriting abilities, and this particular song, those words really hit the right spot. I like how he keeps on insisting that he is fine without her, that he is now living his life better without her, then at the end of the song, he takes everything back, and that he wants her back again to his side. I love his clever yet honest lyrics. It really feels sincere for me. Third, his voice, there is no denying of the fact that his voice is one of the best amongst all kpop idols/singers in the industry. His sweet and smooth tone is really perfect for this song, and I really love how his voice gradually progress from soft to a more powerful tone. His vocal range is indeed daebak!  Forth, the emotions/feelings, for some reason, everytime I hear this song, I can really feel what Yong Hwa is trying to say, that he is longing for love. This song is just full of pure feelings of love and longingness, its just daebak for me.

Last Leaf, another piano-driven track that gradually becomes upbeat. For me, I think this song was written by Yong Hwa for CNBlue to sing, it definitely has the CNBlue feels to it. The lyrics also gives me the feeling of warmth and security, like the feeling of being loved by someone plus the chorus part made me hit the repeat button for this song.

Goodnight Lover, this is definitely the most catchy song in this album, actually it's catchy and cheesy at the same time. From its repetitive lyrics and somewhat summer like feeling of the beat, LSS is on baby. I can also see myself listening to this while going to work or like having a road trip with my friends. I think I'll add this on my road trip playlist.

And last but definitely not the least, 27 Years with American Blues guitarist Peter Malick. A song about reminiscing the past, all those good beautiful days with your friends, the old happy times. I really think this song perfectly concludes this album, after listening to mostly sad love songs (which are good songs too by the way), there is no better way to refresh your ears with this feel-good and relaxing track. By listening to this song, it really does make you think about those old times.

Overall, I think this album showed Yonghwa's soft and sweet side, which I think is refreshing to see and hear. Aside from his amazing voice, I really commend his songwriting skills in this album, and for some reason it feels relatable. Some may think that this album didn't put up to their expectations of Yong Hwa, but for me it is a good debut album for him, maybe because it showed a different side of him for me which I like. I'm giving this a 7/10 and I'm looking forward for more beautiful songs not only from Yong Hwa but also from CNBlue. Fighting!

A's recommended tracks: "Without You", "Energy", "Cruel Memories", "27 Years"

Album Review: JONGHYUN (SHINee) 1st Mini Album "BASE"

Last December, SM Entertainment announced that Kim Jonghyun of my ultimate bias group SHINee will be releasing his very first mini album. He is the second SHINee member to release a solo album following SHINee's Maknae Taemin (ACE) and finally last January 12, 2015, "BASE" was relased. Yey!

In the past days, I've been listening to this album repeatedly and yes, this album is addicting in so many ways and levels (haha). So how about I share my thoughts about this album. (P.S. This is based purely on my opinion, no hating please :))

Deja-Boo is one of the two title tracks in this album. It is pre-released track and has garnered a lot of attention even before the official release of the album itself.  This song definitely showcased Jonghyun's beautiful voice mixed with overflowing sexiness in his tone. I just cant get the "La la la la la" part off my head, it's just so good and relaxing to hear.

The second track is, Crazy (Guilty Pleasure), truth is I can't listen to this song without watching its offical MV. Call me perverted, but it just feels like something is missing if I can't see Jonghyun's perfect body while he sings every lyrics of this track. (It's getting hot in here. Haha)

Next is Hallelujah, Jonghyun really got me saying hallelujah in this track. I really like how honest the lyrics are and I really love the chorus part wherein it feels he was singing with a group of angels, with their choir-like voices.

Love Belt, is a duet with Younha (her voice reminded me of Lim Kim, I really am not familiar with her, but I guess she is definitely worth looking for)  I find this track very relaxing, it also give me the coffee shop feel/ambiance while listening to it. I feel like everytime I listen to this song, I am drinking my favorite cup of coffee while reading my favorite book and just letting the hours pass by.

Neon, one of my favorite tracks in this album. In my head, I see Jonghyun in a suit and tie with his "dream girl" mic stand as he sings this track in front of me and don't forget his sexy dance moves of course. Haha. I like how this song started from soft and slow into a more upbeat tempo.

MONO-Drama, my ultimate favorite track in this album. This songs brings me back to the SHINee's debut days. It gives me the feeling that I am listening to old SHINee songs like "Replay and Love's Way (The SHINee World Album) whenever this track is playing on my ipod. I also love how his voice conveys the meaning and the emotions/feeling of this song. Definitely hit the reply button multiple times for this track.

Beautiful Tonight, I personally think that this song lacks something, I just can't tell what it is, but none the less the falsetto plus the sexy whistling made me hit the repeat button for this song. Haha.

Fortune Cookie, a hidden track on this EP, I honestly think this is the weakest track in this album. A short track that feels like it's still in its process to be completed.

In summary, I give this album a 8/10, I really love most of it tracks in it and I still can't help myself from listening to this album again and again. I think I can hear elements of Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and Mike Posner while listening to this EP, with all those falsettos and sexy feels. Hahaha. My dear Jonghyun worked hard for this album and I think his hard work really payed off. He did produce something that is purely his own and kudos to his writing skills as well. I am also hoping and looking forward to his next EP,so this better not be the last one SMEnt. And lasty, please bring SHINee back, one year is enough. Hahaha

Welcome to Living It Daebak!

This 2015, I finally have decided to create my very own blog. Tada!! Welcome to my blog. Nice to meet you, new friend. 

Truth is, I’ve always wanted to have my own blog talking about everything and anything that I personally like & love, some of which are music especially KPOP (so better expect that this blog will be overloaded with Kpop stuff haha), books, movies, series, animes, mangas, events/happenings (mostly KPOP) and even pictures of cute little creatures haha. Just anything that catches my eyes I guess, so no judging please. :)

Fighting!!