Album Review: Kim Sung Kyu (Infinite) "27"

Infinite's charismatic leader Kim Sung Kyu is back after  three years of solo hiatus with his newest EP "27". The EP contains 6 tracks with "Kontrol" and "The Answer" as double title tracks.

With Infinite H, who recently had their comeback this year, a video teaser from their Wooliment's Youtube Channel and several articles hinting for their group comeback, I was a little surprised by Sung Kyu's comeback, I really thought Infinite will make their group comeback this May.

Anywho, Infinite is one my favorite bias group and since I still love and listens to Sung Kyu's I Need You and 60 Seconds from his previous EP, there's no doubt that I will also listen and make a review for this one. I've heard that this EP was solely produced by Nell's Kim Jong Wan and that Epik High's Tablo was featured in one of the songs. So without further ado, here's my review on Sunggyu's newest EP, 27.

The album opens with 27, an instrumental intro track arranged and composed of Nell's Kim Jongwan. The only thing I can think of with this intro track is his korean age. Omo! 

Next is The Answer/It Has To Be You, one of the albums title track and my personal favorite. It  starts off like a ballad, it then catches to a more lively alternative rock feel and as the song progresses, a group of string instruments were then added creating a dramatic orchestra-like musical extravaganza sending shivers down my spine. Aside from its heart felt melody, what really caught my attention to this song were the lyrics. It was painful, desperate and full of longing, like he was really in pain and dying without her. I also love and commend the incorporation of english lyrics that alas says something or contributes to the song's story. I wasn't just random english words and phrases that often tends to be pointless or make non-Korean listeners bleed though their ears. I also like the vocal arrangement for this track, it was really suited to Sung Kyu's full vocal ability. I really am envious of the Inspirits who already heard him sing this track live on stage. I hope one day I can see him perform this live as well. I really think he is one of the idols who can sing perfectly live on stage. 

Sung Kyu once again made my heart ache of pain and longing for someone with Alive.Truth is, I don't fully understand why the title was Alive, so a simple random thought came to my mind. I think the girl was either dead or had gone far away from him to the point that he can't do anything to have her back, thus making him ask and wish that if only the girl was still alive and with him, he wouldn't feel the need to empty himself of all her thoughts and memories of her. These sad and longing lyrics combined with soft melancholic piano keys and Sung Kyu's soulful singing, radiates with longing and sad feels. Sigh. Sung Kyu oppa, please don't make me cry.

Next is Kontrol, the second title track off the album and yet again another personal favorite. If I were to choose between The Answer and Kontrol as my current Sung Gyu jam, I would probably pick The Answer, I still can't get enough of the feels and goosebumps every time that song plays, but on the other hand, there is something in Kontrol that makes me want to listen to it over and over again. It has this mystical indie vibe that somehow reminded me of The Chaser for a bit. Lyric-wise, this has the similar heart breaking and longing feel just like the previous tracks, but this time I think it was more desperate as Sung Kyu keeps calling for her to come back. While looking for the english translation of this track, I stumbled upon some kpop forums linking the video of Kontrol to the Sewol Ferry Incident, saying that the song was meant and Sung Kyu's dedication for the Inspirit (a Sung Kyu biased) who was included on the incident, but apparently Sung Kyu and Wooliment cleared the issue stating that the song and the video was in no connection the the incident. Indeed, it was a relief that the issue has been cleared, yet if I were to asked, it would also be nice to know that if it really was dedicated for the Inspirit during the incident, this song will be more meaningful and can definitely make me tear up every time this song plays.

Daydream, my most anticipated track off the album, simply because of Epik High's Tablo was featured in the song together with his Borderline unit partner Kim Jongwan of Nell. Up to this day I'm still in hyped of Epik High's Born Hater, so knowing that Tablo was featured in this track, I was really excited and this was also the very first time Tablo was once again reunited with Wooliment artists which made it much more exciting. Gladly, the song turned out to what I anticipated it to be, it was light, bittersweet, memorable and by far had the most positive longing feels to it. He wasn't destructive to himself just like the previous tracks, it was more of just missing someone from a far. I also love autotuned parts/twists of Sung Kyu's voice through out the song, it made it more interesting to my ears. But what really made to tightly close my eyes and isolate myself from all the noise was Tablo's rap part. His tone was soft yet his words and delivery were sharp, which I think really suits the song arrangement and making it more dreamy to my ears.

Closing the EP is another collaboration/duet with Kpop Star's Park Younha entitled, Reply. This sweet acoustic track was like a simple yet endearing conversation between two lovers, where they can't seem to find to right words to say to one another and just let their actions speak for them. It was very simple that I sometimes think it's a bit lacking and unfinished.  

I'm giving this EP an 8.5/10. Though I was expecting more of a group comeback this May, Wooliment and Sung Kyu didn't disappoint me in any way with this EP. Compared to his first EP, Another Me, Sung Kyu did show something new, interesting and great improvement with this new EP. It was mature and full of soul and emotions, and these emotions radiates through me as he sings each and every line of the whole EP. Also, all through out the album, I can't help but be amazed and be mesmerized by his soulful rock voice. It was so good and beautiful that I just want to listen to it all day, which I totally did by the way. In all of my days as an Inspirit, I have never thought of Sung Kyu as my bias wrecker,  but now, it seems like I am already infected with Sung Kyu virus and that I don't want to undergo any treatment.  Haha. Anywho, I'm wishing the best of luck to my new Infinite Bias Wrecker Kim Sung Kyu for his comeback and promotions. We, Inspirits will always be here to support you. Fighting and Congratulations in advance. 

A's recommended tracks: "The Answer", "Kontrol", "Daydream".

Album Review: BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) "In The Mood for Love Pt. 1"

After 8 months of unending concert tours from different parts of the globe (yep, and still more to come), back to back music award showcases and awesome performances, variety show appearances and guesting and  the like, BTS finally made its official comeback to the kpop scene with their newest EP, "In the Mood for Love Pt. 1" on 29th April 2015. 

Honestly, I am really looking forward for this comeback, I want to relive the feeling when I first became a fan of them, which was during their "Just One Day" promotions. Haruman took my heart and breath away and I still can't get over with it. In fact, it is the most played song on my playlist followed by Cypher Pt. 3. When it comes to their songs, I really enjoy their soft, mellow, RnB-ish tracks more, than their fast, upbeat, angst-driven tracks, so when I heard the teaser/music preview of their new EP, I literally had goosebumps all over my body. And now that it is officially released, I really am very excited to share my thoughts about this EP. 

The EP opens with Intro: In the Mood for Love, solely performed by Suga. Normally, I would just ignore this track since most of the intro tracks were just instrumental, but this one was different, in fact I think this is one of the most interesting intro tracks I've heard so far, not only because the track has lyrics and someone was singing on the track, but everytime I hear this track, I really am intrigued of the meaning behind those words and its connection to the whole EP. Based on my understanding of the lyrics, Suga compares and see's his life like a game of basketball. And just like in every basketball game, there will be times when you are afraid to shoot the ball, when you miss a shot and when you miscalculate things, but in the end no matter how scared and afraid you are of the risks and moves you take, you still go for that one last shot, jump for that one last rebound and you focus more to have that final shot. Thus making you realize that those hardships made who you are now and of course made you happy. I really love the lyrics of this track, comparing one's life to a basketball game sure is creative and intriguing. I really commend Suga for making his favorite sport as an inspiration for such a strong and honest intro track. 

I Need U, the title track and by far my most favorite track off this EP. To me this song was perfection. From its beat and arrangement, to lyrics, choreography, styling, concept and mv; everything was just perfect. When I first heard of it, I already knew that it was going to be their winning song. I have been an ARMY for quite sometime, and among their previous tracks and comebacks, this particular track definitely stands out for me. It wasn't the typical Bangtan track filled with angst and swag, it was smooth, honest, mature and just perfectly beautiful. Honestly, I can't still find the right words to describe the feeling that I always have every time I listen to it.  I feels like I am on a roller coaster ride of mixed emotions that is addictive and thrilling. Its painful yet it also makes my heart flutter with love.

Next is Hold Me Tight, another favorite of mine. The track starts off with a beautiful piano melody accompanying Jungkook's beautiful humming, it then gradually catches to a more hip-hop-py beat as the song progresses. To me, this song was like the new "Let Me Know". It gives off the same frustrated feeling of love, attention, and longing that I always feel whenever I listen to it. The lyrics were painfully cheesy that it breaks my heart listening to them confess and ask for the girl to accept them once again. Among the rap verses, J-Hope's part stings to most for me, it sounded really desperate but full of love at the same time. Suga's part however reminded me a little of Drake for some unknown reason. Haha. Vocally, I really love the transition of voices among the vocal team especially Jungkook's and Jimin's switches. I am also beginning to appreciate more of Jin's vocal skills with this song, I think this was the first time I listened to him without imagining him struggling or being awkward as he sings his part. And lastly, the very reason why I am addicted to his track is mainly because of Jimin's high notes. It was pure eargasm nothing more, nothing less.

Sick. If Hold Me Tight was my new Let Me Know, Sick is definitely my new Jump, War of Hormone and Paldogansan. The track gives off an inviting vibe to just party and have fun. The lyrics were also playful and catchy especially V's screaming parts. This track will definitely be included in my Turn Up Party Mix Playlist. It also reminded me of Amber's Shake that Brass and Jason Derulo's Trumpet, mainly because of the playful horn sounds.

Up next is Bangtan Diss, a funky dance track about them as fun boys. I first heard of this addictive track in one of the fancams during the BTS Begins concert in Seoul, and just like my initial reaction when I first saw it, I immediately stood up, uttered and sang weird korean pronunciation lyrics and did my silly version of Taehyung's Wo Wo Wo Wo Dance. If I am going to compare this track to previous BTS hits, this surely brings back the Attack on Bangtan feels, where I can feel all my muscles twitch as all of my nerve endings fire unstoppable amounts of serotonin to my entire body. It's really exciting and fun to listen and especially watch them perform it carelessly on stage. The lyrics, the beat and the way they perform it really suits its title. I also think Taehyung did an incredible performance in this track, all his parts and adlibs really made the song more fun and intoxicating. And lastly, I really love the part where Taehyung and Jin's vocal harmonizes during the Wo Wo Wo Wo part, its really addictive! Ugh! Still can't get enough of this super catchy track.

Converse High. I remember my sister spazzing about this track during BTS Begins. She was just full of uncontrollable almost manic feels and even convinced me to buy her a converse high for her birthday, and my response was like "Huh? What is wrong with you?". Now, after hearing the track without all those fangirl screams, I now understand why she was spazzing that time. This sweet, feel good track definitely rose the feels meter higher among Army's, especially to those who had a pair of converse high. Who would not melt and fall for a group of boys singing about how their sweet admiration on someone who wears a simple converse high right? But honestly, the real reason why I a am currently spazzing to this song like crazy was because of Yoongi's rap, especially this part,

"Anyway, when you meet me,

Don't wear converse shoes

It's too hard to take them off of you"

OMG!! Yoongi, why?? I didn't know you have such a naughty mind. Kyaaa! This is too much! I just can't take it anymore so much feels, mianhe.

The boys toned it down a bit, with a smooth soulful (more like very personal) track, Move. One of the reasons why I stan and fell in love with them is because of their truthful and sincere lyrics, and this particular track really touched my heart. The song talks about them moving from being trainees to something better, thus being what they are now - as BTS. Everytime I listen to this track, I can really feel their worries, frustrations, their hunger and thirst for success and at the same time I can also feel their genuine happiness and relief on moving forward and finally being able to reach and make their dreams come true. 

Outro:Love is Not Over, the final track off the album. Like their previous outro tracks, the vocal line once again takes all the credits for this beautiful RnB-ish ballad track closing the EP. Amongst all the outro's BTS produced, this is by far my favorite surpassing my long time favorite outro, Propose. Just like their previous outro's, the track was also short yet this time I personally think the harmonies and arrangement were better, or even perfect to my senses and of course how can I forget those heart fluttering lines that gives off so much feels to my noona heart. 

In summary, I'm giving this EP a 9/10. I really had high expectations towards this EP and I am really am glad that the EP met my expectations. As I listen to every song, I became more attached and in love to it that I sometimes lost track on how many times the song has been playing in my ears. I also think that the vocal line did improve a lot and sounded much better. It somehow feels like that this EP was made to showcase the better BTS vocal line, just like what Dark & Wild did for the rapper line. Though I am a Suga stan (rapper line fan), I personally think, the rapper line had less lines and exposure throughout the whole EP, but I also think the extra lines and exposure for the vocal team was one of the reason why this EP sounded more beautifully and that it really matches the concept of the whole EP as well. In the future, I hope to see more improvements on both rapper and vocal lines. I am also looking forward to Suga's upcoming mixtape, and yes I will make sure to make an review about it as well. Lastly, Congratulations to BTS's 5th Win! Yey!  I knew you'd make it! Hoping for more successful comebacks and performances. Wishing you all the very best. Fighting! 

A's recommended tracks: "I Need U", "Hold Me Tight", "Move" "Converse High"