Album Review: Minah (Girl's Day) "I Am A Woman Too"

Girl's Day resident cutie and power belter Minah, released her first solo album entitled "I Am a Woman Too." I actually didn't expect this to happen, I know she has an incredible voice plus Girl's Day garnered a lot of attention in the past years making them more popular now, but I was expecting more of a unit from Girl's Day, more like a Sojin & Minah duet or perhaps a Yura & Minah tandem to happen. But none the less, I'm still rooting for these girls, coz I freaking adore them, so here I am listening to my girl Minah as she trails her way into spotlight. Fighting! 

The Ep contains 5 tracks, with 3 original songs and 2 instrumentals. And first up on the list is That's So Weird featuring Kanto of Troy. Upon hearing the  first few seconds, this song automatically reminded me of Tamia's Officially Missing You. I know they don't sound alike that much, but still there were parts of this song especially the guitar strumming that really has the Tamia feels to it. Anywho, the song simply talks about the feeling of being in love; that she feels strange on how she can't stop looking to his pictures, doesn't know what to wear, doesn't know how to react when he's around, and why she misses him all the time. Love is indeed weird right? Haha. Aside from it's cutely written yet straight forward lyrics and it's feel good R&B-ish tempo, I really love Kanto's rap parts in this song, it added flavor to the song making it more interesting to my ears. 

Next is I Am A Woman Too, the EP's title track. First of all, Minah really looks beautiful in the MV, though she looked like she matured way too much her actual age because of her make up and styling, I think she somehow managed to pull it off in her own way and gosh I envy her legs on that video. As a song, I give it a thumbs up, but for being the album's title track, well maybe its a bit no for me. I know she sang it beautifully with all those whisper/falsetto like notes or whatsoever, plus she looked and sounded really sexy which I think serve its sole purpose which is to make Minah more appealing to her adoring fans especially her male fans. But honestly, it sounded like everything was in chaos, and I really am not digging the fan chant like raps on every verse of the song. Furthermore, I'm still on the process of understanding on why there is a "Sing it with me now" and "I love you, love you (well there is nothing wrong with these lyrics per se, but the "eyy's and uh uh"s were disturbing for me) part. I know it made the song more memorable and catchy, but it really threw me off.  I don't know, I am not really feeling it as of the moment.

Third is Colorful, if I were to choose which song I prefer to be the EP's title track, I will definitely pick this one. First, this song really showcased her vocal prowess, unlike the first two songs where it felt like her singing were a little restricted.. Second, when I first heard it, I already know it's the Minah song, something that was really meant for her to sing and perform, coz to me the first two songs especially the title track made me think and feel that Sojin would be a better fit on singing and performing it. Third, this song is lively, cheery and adorable with just Minah singing it, like there is no need for her to look and act very sexy to prove her existence. I mean, her voice and singing abilities were already appealing and sexy so why overdo it right? I also think its better to see her cute and sexy rather than matured and sexy. 

The last 2 songs were instrumentals, so I guess this concludes my review on Minah's first album. Honestly, the album appeals to me like it was rushed and no proper planning was made. I heard that Dream Tea Entertainment said that they have been preparing for Minah's album way before and that preparations were made, but it doesn't appeal to me like they did everything though. Up to this date, I'm still wondering on how, why and when did this all happen, I know, Girl's Day has been in the music industry for quite some time and yes I really think they deserve to at least have solo's or units, but everything really feels rushed and weird. They should have at least released teaser videos of her preparing for the album, not just BAM! Minah will be releasing her first album this March straight to your face. Anywho, even though I still feel weird about it, I will continue to listen to this album, maybe one day I'll get to love everything about it and not feel strange at all.So I guess, its a 7/10 for me. It's a little rough and please for her next EP at least devise a good plan for it. I also think at least this EP has decent and ear worthy words and beats unlike other songs/EP's that I have encountered lately. It also has the Minah feels/vibe to it, which is very girly so I still like it. Since Minah has debuted as a solo artist, I am hoping for a Sojin solo or a unit perhaps? Please! And before I forgot, Congratulations Minah for your debut and Fighting!!

This post is purely based on my opinion and music preferences. No hating please.

Album Review: Donghae & Eunhyuk (Super Junior) "The Beat Goes On"

This is purely based on my opinion and music preferences. No hating please.

Alas! My favorite Super Junior couple Donghae & Eunhyuk (YES! I ship them. Oh, such beautiful creatures.) have finally released their very first physical album entitled "The Beat Goes On." Flashback to 2012, when I first saw them in Oppa, Oppa! Man, these two rocked that yellow and red suits and still manage to be super handsome even they look and act silly. Woot! Anywho, since it was already a very long wait for ELF's especially Eunhae Elf's like me, there is no better way to show my love to them but to indulge my ears with their music and how about I share my insights to other Elf''s as well.  가자!!

The album opens with The Beat Goes On, a feel good EDM filled song that to me sounded like a remix/mash up of Bonamana, Sorry Sorry, Sexy Free & Single & Mamacita (for the aya ya part) with a pinch of f(x)'s whimsical music. It even made me think, maybe this song was meant for Super Junior or at least they considered it right? It totally has that Super Junior feels in it.

Next up the album's title track, Growing Pains. It starts off with a soft guitar riff then accompanied by another set of whimsical piano (not really sure though) notes. Donghae's vocals were perfect and on point as well as Eunhyuk's killer rap. The chorus part was definitely an eargasm moment for me, their voices blended perfectly without overpowering one another. And can I just say that I am starting to fall in love with Eunhyuk's voice. Before I always see him as a rapper, but because of this song (actually the EP), I realized I missed a lot and what the hell have I been doing ignoring Eunhyuk's voice this whole time. Ughh! I'm sorry my Anchovy. This song is just perfect for me, nuff said. A trivial note: This song was composed and written by Donghae; not just a beautiful man, he really has talent. I love you Oppa! (fangirling moment!)

D&E continues to cause arrhythmias to my kpop heart with Sweater and Jeans. With a more laid back and a little mellow beat, the boys serenades with lyrics:

"You are my vintage sweater and jeans

Always on my body"

&

"Would you be my forever?

Be my Marilyn, I'll be your James Dean."

Like seriously? Who wouldn't fall for that, right? Ugh! What a tease. Anyway, Eunhyuk continues to mesmerize me with his lovely voice. With no rap parts for this track, this song really showcased both of their sweet voices, and I feel like Eunhyuk is singing his parts effortlessly than Donghae. Haha

Breaking Up, a very interesting break up track opens up in a very opera like manner, with string instruments setting its beat then gradually catches into a groovy disco tempo. How can a break up song be this groovy and feel good, right? But then realization strikes, it's kpop, nothing is impossible so might as well live with it. Plus I really like it, though its about breaking up, the beat itself is really addicting. 

Lights, Camera, Action!, Okay, this is current morning prep jam. It really gets me all pumped up and ready to start the day and YES, I put my hands up when "LET ME SEE YOUR HANDS UP" plays. Why not? Its hella catchy and really gets me going. And I also feel like I'm partying with them whenever this song plays. Haha! So YOLO!

Next is Can You Feel It?, when I first heard of it, I know this is going to be another Oppa Oppa! moment for me. And yes, my boys didn't disappoint me. So yesterday, as I am doing my youtube browsing, I saw this thumbnail "150315 Super junior D&E - Can You Feel It @ M! Countdown", clicked on it and BAM! flashback and memories of my obsession and fangirling during the Oppa Oppa days. I honestly can't find the right words to describe my happiness seeing them super cute with their little pigtails on. Kyaaa!! Though the song is basically the least of being beautifully written in this EP with its repetitive lyrics and other mindless elements on it, this song for me is still entertaining both in my eyes and ears, I guess its better not to google about the lyrics so it wouldn't spoil the fun and of course the feels. Haha!

Wrapping things up and another Donghae masterpiece brought to life is Mother. A heartwarming ballad  full of gratitude and love dedicated for their mothers. With sweet lyrics like:

Love you Mother, I love you

Like no other, I thank you

Now I'll be your strength and return that big smile

Im pretty sure, every mother or woman who heard this will feel warm and loved inside. Oh! Donghae, you really are the sweetest. I also like, the almost acapella part, where I imagined Donghae and Eunhyuk singing this is front of their moms then a choir pops out singing the song with them clapping, swaying and moving in similar directions. By the way, I heard Eunhyuk's mom despised Donghae before because Donghae is always trolling on Eunhyuk, with this song I hope her feelings towards Donghae would soften at least. Haha. 

I'm giving this a 9/10. I really love and waited for this album for such a long time. To me this album gave me what I expected it to be, though there were little bumps and missed turns, I really think they have provided an ear-worthy album that will be on my playlist for a very long time. And I still can't help myself on obsessing with Eunhyuk's voice, so yes this album sure is a keeper. Another thing that I really liked about this album is that, it never made me feel bored while listening to it, there were different music elements in it that really made me hit the repeat button multiple times. I already know in my guts, that this EP will do real good in any music program or even in record sales, so I'm congratulating them in advance. All I wish is for them is to continue making good music and please grant us, the Eunhae Elf's our eternal wish which is for the two of you to live happily ever after. Haha. Kiddin'. Again, Kudos Donghae and Eunhyuk.

A's recommended tracks: "Growing Pains", Sweater and Jeans", "Breaking Up"

The A-List: My Top 3 Most Awaited KPOP Group Debuts of 2015

According to Wikipedia, there are a total of 23 KPOP rookie groups who will debut this year. Amongst all of these groups from different entertainment companies, I picked out 3 of these rookie groups that I've been wanting and waiting to debut this 2015. .I've known these groups for quite sometime and had been following them through social media, news and entertainment articles, cameos, etc. and now that its 2015, I really can't wait to see them perform on stage and debut as mainstream KPOP artists.

First up is Cube Entertainment's first multinational girl group, CLC (Crystal Clear). It is a 5 member girl group consisting of Seunghee, Sorn, Yoojin, Seungyeon, and Yeeun. So how did these girls got my attention? Flashback in 2011, when Thai contestant Sorn won the very first season of Kpop Star Hunt. I can clearly remember how she used to have black/brown hair plus she really looks like Selena Gomez' twin sister. During that time, I appreciate more of her dancing than her singing, and now as years passed with her, training under Cube Entertainment, and after watching clips of CLC's street performances in Hongdae, I've become to appreciate more of her singing. I really think her hard work really payed off. Plus points as well for they can play different kinds of musical instruments which I think is refreshing to see among K-girl groups. According to different K-media sites and Cube Entertainment, CLC will be debuting this March 19, and Yay! I really can't wait. Plus their teaser images/profiles were really cute. I'm 100% supporting these girls and I hope other Kpop fanatics will love them as well. Fighting!

iKON. I've known iKON since WIN: Who is Next?, where they were originally known as Team B without the participation of iKON's current maknae Chanwoo. It is a 7 member hip hop boy group under YG Entertainment consisting of B.I, Bobby, Jinhwan, Jon Hoe, Yun Hyeong, Dong Hyuk and Chanwoo. Before becoming iKON, they had undergone 2 reality/survival shows namely WIN: Who is next and Mix&Match. During WIN, they were known as Team B, but unfortunately faced defeat with Team A, popularly known as WINNER now. After a bitter defeat, they were once again put into test in Mix&Match, where the final iKON line up was determined. This group already made impact to my KPOP heart during their stages and performances on both shows plus they are very quirky and hella funny. I also adore their mad skills both in singing (especially in making their songs) and dancing, they are really good and knows how to put a kick ass performance. I strongly recommend to watch their performances in WIN and Mix&Match, and mind you guys, you will really fall for these guys.

Last but not the least is Monsta X. They are the new boy group to debut under Starship Entertainment, consisting of 7 members namely Shownu, Wonho, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Jooheon and IM. I'll be honest here, I've only known these boys for like 3 weeks but I really am addicted to them right now. In the past weeks, I am researching about these boys like a maniac (but a decent one of course, no harm intended just pure love for them) and based on my little reasearch, these boys were formerly  known as Starship Boys.  Some of them were also former members of underground KPOP groups. Like iKON, they were also a product of a reality/survival show called No Mercy. I have to admit, when I first saw the teasers of the show, I really convinced myself not to watch it coz they'll be like a copycat of iKON, and I really regret what I did, only if I could turn back time, I really will. I know they are both hip hop groups but to me there is no need to compare these two groups, they are unique in their own ways. Plus the more hip hop group the better right? Hahaha! I am a fan of hip hop music, so I guess there is no other choice for me but to love them. I know I need to research more about these boys, but based on their performances in No Mercy, I really think these boys will have a shot in dominating the KPOP industry this year. So I wish them luck, and please debut them soon Starship.

With these 3 rookie groups just waiting to debut this year, I really am hoping they can have all the love, support and attention that they deserve. I also hope that they will be considered and be tagged as the Super Rookies of 2015 just like Winner, Got7 and Lovelyz in the past year. I am supporting these groups in every way that I can and I hope other KPOP fanatics will appreciate and love them as well. I also wish the best of luck to other K-groups that will debut this year, and I promise to find time to like them as well. But for now, I just want to say "Fighting to CLC, iKON and Monsta X.!"

Album Review: Niel (Teentop) "oNIELy"

This is a very late post, I've been really busy lately. I'm sorry Niel. This is still purely based on my music preferences and taste, so no hating please.

FACTS: I am a new Angel (Teentop fan). I became a fan last year (2014), while watching Weekly Idol Episode 115 "Teentop - Rocking" - Random Play Dance. Bias: Chunji. Bias Wrecker: Niel.

Since he is my Teentop Bias Wrecker, there is no way I won't make a review on his very first solo mini album. Truth is, I've been listening to this album since its release and have taken some notes on what I think of this album. So without making this later than it is, shall we start?

The album opens with, Only You a slow R&B-ish track. To me, this song sounded so sexy that it reminded me of Usher's Nice n Slow and Chris Brown's Take Me Down. It really sounded sexual to me (but in a good way of course) that I sometimes daydream of Niel singing this song in front of me while sexy dancing (Haha), well this song is about making love anyway, so I guess my feelings towards this song is somehow appropriate right? I also like how his voice just rides and flows with the song's beat, especially those whispers, "ahh's" and "oh yeah's", it's so freaking sexy to hear. For me this song, left a good impression and what to expect from the album, those others think that it was a weak opening track for it lacks the usual "umpft" that we hear in Teentop's albums or from what we usually hear from Niel himself, I really think this song left a good impression that our favorite mudskipper has now bloomed into a sexy manly namja. 

Lovekiller, the album's title track. The song started out with Niel's soft voice accompanied by an acoustic guitar, then it gradually catches up to a more upbeat tempo which I think made the song interesting. I know, this is not the newest trick in the box, but to me it's one of the songs who gave justice in using this technique, that it added flavor and swag that really matches the mood of the song and the choreography as well (thumbs up to those MJ inspired steps as well). The lyrics were also good and clever, and of course his voice is perfection. The only thing that threw me off with this song is the rap part; it didn't ruin the song but it also didn't made the song better. For me this song was already beautiful even without the rap part.

Affogato, a pre-released bittersweet breakup song featuring Teentop's leader, CAP. When I first heard and saw this on Youtube, I immediately googled on what this song is about and what is an "Affogato". It turns out, Affogato is an Italian ice cream dessert with an espresso topping, and that it reflects on the song's message which is the bitterness of a breakup like the dessert. I really love the lyrics of this song and how it was written, I feel like Niel was really telling me his heartbreaking story, like I was walking with him in that cafe. I also like his vocals here, it has those Niel falsetto's mixed with his sweet voice, which makes this song refreshing to the ears. This is definitely one of my top tracks in this album.

When I saw the teaser photos for this album, I know this will be MJ inspired and boom, I was right. Lady, an all the way MJ inspired track featuring another Teentop member/rapper, L.Joe. To me this song is once again one of those MJ copycats that we always hear from artists whose musical influence is MJ. Well, I'm not hating on the song, in fact I think its one of those MJ copycat songs that sounded really good and hella addicting. I like its beat and his vocals which I think really sounded a little MJ-ish. I also like L. Joe's rap part, because unlike what Dok2 did in Lovekiller, L.Joe rap did not killed the mood that the song has and I also think that part gave me a breather from all those Niel's MJ like singing. One last thing, I really think this song has a similar sound on Crush's Hey Baby featuring Zion T.

After a very upbeat track, Niel once again slows it down with a sweet and tempting "cheating" inspired track in Call Me. Yes, its about cheating. Based on my understanding of the song's lyrics, Niel was trying to persuade the girl to call him whenever she feels lonely or if her current boyfriend hurts her, that he will always pick up and be there for her, and that the girl should keep their little rendezvous a secret first, so I guess it's about cheating right? Aside from its very tempting lyrics, I also like how his sweet vocals compliments the beat smoothly. At some point when I first heard of this track, I really thought it was a Teentop song that I missed on their Exito album, this track to me gives off that Teentop feels to it.

Niel continues to slow it down with another slow to mid tempo track Epilogue. If Call Me was about cheating, well this time I think the so called "forbidden relationship" hit rock bottom as this song was about breaking up. Well of course, I just assumed and made up a story in my tiny little head that the girl she was trying to get in Call Me, really became his girlfriend and after some time of being in love with each other, they just fell apart, thus this song was made. (Tap on my back for making this up HAHA). Aside from its sad meaning, this track made me feel like I'm waiting for more, that I'm hanging for a little bit, it even made me think "That's it? Was it over?". I don;t know I just feel like it's an unfinished track for me.

And last but definitely not the least track from oNIELy, Song of an Angel. Honestly, when I first heard this song, I was a little annoyed for I can't clearly hear what he was saying and he sounded like he's mumbling and just randomly whispering korean phrases to me. But as I continue to listen to it, my heart and ears gradually opens to listen to his soft voice, it's like he's singing me a lullaby to sleep. In this song, Niel portrays himself as an angel who is looking after a person who is very dear to him, and for some weird reason, I think this song was his little way of thanking Angel's (Teentop's fans) for always being there for them, and that he wants to reciprocate that love through this song. I know its not very cheesy and like straight to your face "Thank you and I love you Angel", but for me, this song really touched the "Angel (Only Teentop) part of my heart. I don't know maybe I'm just overthinking things, maybe he was just randomly singing it for another person. Uggh! Anyway, I also think this song is a good ending track for this EP.

 Overall, I'm giving this a 7/10. Truth is, I guess I expected way to much from Niel, but I still think this is a good EP. I see myself listening to this from time to time especially the title track, I just can't get enough of Niel's MJ moves and he's voice was really perfect in that song. The whole album itself, gives off a very relaxing vibe, where I can see myself listening to this while sipping a cup of coffee on a lazy afternoon or when I'm just too lazy to get off my bed. Though, it didn't quite reach my expectation, I still hope this is only the beginning of Niel's solo career, coz honestly, even though I am a Chunji bias, I really love Niel's voice, it's really sweet, soft and nice to my ears. Everytime I hear him singing it's like his flirting with my ears. Haha. I hope next time, his next EP will have different flavors it in, not just slow and sad ones, add more fun in it like what "Lady" has. And lastly a TEENTOP comeback soon please.

A's recommended tracks: "Lovekiller", "Affogato" "Lady".