Good Luck Mini Album Review

B2st are back!! The talented boy group is back this time with a mini album after last year's 'Shadow'. I wasn't a fan of last year's album because it seemed catered to Junhyung's breakup with Kara's Goo Hara. Hopefully, they are out of that funk to release new material that will put them back at the top like their song 'Fiction'. 

We Up: This is a really fun opening song. It's funky, upbeat, catchy with pop synthesizers it's great, their vocals are good it's just great.

Good Luck: This is the title song and it is rightfully so. Great song. I LOVEEEEEEEEEEE Junhyung's part because the lyrics matched with the tone of the song and the instrumental was amazing by itself. Great song. It will have to grow on me because it's not simple and catchy, it has alot of elements in the song but it's really good. Good job to Junhyung because his composing and producing skills are definitely at the top.

Love the quality of the video, I'm sure I will watch again to catch everything because alot of B2st videos have some type of symbolism going on. LOVEEEEEE THE CHOREO. The only thing I'm not here for is the wannabecoon collection for Hyunseung's attire. Not feeling it at all.

Dance With U: These heavy synthesizers seem to be the theme for this album and it's really good. It's giving every song so far a good dramatic touch. It's like at any moment there will be a dubstep breakdown but thankfully we don't have to resort to such cheap measures. I like the song alot!

No More: This was released last week. A beautiful r&b ballad. 

I LOVE how creative this video. It's pretty and the promotion of the members on Instagram is great. Again, I'm not here for the foolishness on Hyunseung's head. Everyone else looks nice and clean cut while he looks like he's gonna go clock in for work at janitorial services.

History: YASSSSS. R&b slow jam!! HERE FOR IT!!!

By Your Side This Night: I really like the vibe for this. It's so chill and jazzy during the verses and then it picks up during the chorus but it's still really beautiful. It's a mid-tempo ballad song but you can def jam to it. Great song!

Sad Movie (Korean ver): This is my first time hearing this, I did not here the Japanese version so I am loving it. LOVE ITTT. 

Overall: This was a really good album start to finish. They have a more mature, darker sound but it's still pop and you can dance to it too. I applaud the producers for the songs and the composers including Junhyung and any other B2st members that contributed to this album. Really good. Nothing negative to say at all!

Rating: 4.8/5

Rise 2nd Album Review

FINALLY! Taeyang is back with a full album! His last album 'Solar' was released in 2010 it has really been 4 years since Taeyang gave us any new material (except for Ringa Linga). Disrespectful YG, just DISRESPECT. Taeyang's much anticipated album 'Rise' is digitally released today while the physical release will come later.

Intro(Rise): This was used in his teaser video released a week ago. It's a nice intro, I like the instrumental alot and I like his voice alot. I can hear the maturity. And it's sexy haha. When he cusses it's sexy to me hahaha because you don't really hear that coming from him. Anyways it's great. I almost wouldn't mind it being a full song because it's really good! He also sings the entire song in English.

Eyes, Nose, Lips: This is the title song and it's a beautiful r&b ballad! We weren't really expecting the title song to be like this but it's a really nice song!

It's nice to see Taeyang naked. Always a pleasure. It's just Taeyang singing to us in a one take shot and then a billboard of the girl he's singing about burns in the background. Nothing much to it, very simple. I'm sure for the other title tracks Taeyang will give us more quality in his music videos.

1 am: Upbeat, piano and drum heavy, more pop. It's a nice song, I like when it builds up to the chorus, good song, nothing memorable to me though.

Stay With Me ft G-Dragon: I believe Taeyang produced alot of this album because of the piano and consistent beat that is evident in all of the songs thus far. I like that it opened with G-dragon he added a nice touch to it. It's a nice pop song and I can see it being high on the charts and the public liking it.

Body: This has a little soul and funk to it. I really like the beginning and I like CL's voice too. It's a fun upbeat song, I don't really care for it because the lyrics are a little lame. I really like the instrumental during the verses!

Ringa Linga: We all know this song. I didn't like it at first but I grew to love it.

This Ain't It: This is a beautiful ballad!

Let Go: really like the melody for this, it's mid-tempo and good. The rhythm is very catchy, I like it.

Love You to Death: My favorite song off the album and it's not produced by Teddy. I love it.

Overall: Almost every song off this album was produced by Teddy...and I don't like it. This album doesn't really seem Taeyang. It's not really r&b or pop, but the sound does suit him. Taeyang can make anything work. I like that he went for something different with his sound, but I honestly don't like any of the songs except for 'Love You to Death'. I love Britt Burton for this. Taeyang's best songs on this album are from other producers. Sorry Teddy. Almost every song here sounds the same, there's no range, it's honestly kind of...boring. I wanted more and I'm disappointed. Good album, but...it's not what I wanted to hear.

6/10

Tense Album Review

For starters I am loving this album cover it's pretty creative and simple at the same time. Well this album has been released as a part of their 10 year anniversary as TVXQ...but...not as the 5 they started off with. But I won't go into that, it's too sad. I'm just gonna say Keep the Faith.

TEN (10 Years): YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. It's that sexy sultry r&b I always love from them but it's really subtle and serves as a great opener. The lyrics pretty much sum up their 10 years they've been together by naming the titles of their lead singles and saying thank you. Love it!!

Something: This is the title song off the album which was released early last week so everyone should've heard it by now. It's jazzy swing and it's the first time they've attempted this genre and they've pulled it off. It's refreshing to hear something different from what's currently being played on the radio. It immediately sets them apart...apart from them being TVXQ haha. It's catchy and fun and through time it will stick in your head since the song doesn't have extremely memorable moments apart from the instrumental itself. But, it's still a good song! The choreo def makes this song.

YUNHOOOOOO gah he's so sexy...unf. ANYWAYS, I lived for the choreo, video is pretty cool great concept, not here for all the white women though. It's getting annoying kpop. We need some diversity. There's nothing wrong with having white women in your video, nothing wrong with that, but there's more to the world than only them. Rain had an abundance and I'm not just saying that because I'm black...it's just THERE ARE BLACK PEOPLE KOREA USE THEM. Or Hispanics, Mexicans, use EVERYONE. Not that hard.

Your Man: This reminds me of something from a Japanese drama! It has that happy, lift your spirits type feel! I do like the use of the horns, we're still continuing with that jazz feel we had in the previous song. The song is decent but it didn't really do much for me. 

Moonlight Fantasy: I really liked the beginning of the song, I thought it was going to be a ballad haha, but then it became upbeat. I enjoy the chorus alot!! It's really fun and again we have subtle, underhanded jazz moments so I'm glad that theme is recurring. 

Beside: Ahhh I love this instrumentallll!! It's good r&b and I'm always here for TVXQ r&b. Love this song, as soon as it started, it just hits you in the r&b/soul heart haha. I love it! 

Double Trouble: This instrumental is very strong and grooving and HoMin portray it great, I just wish there was more to the composition. I didn't like the way it was arranged but there are some really good moments. Especially during the hook and Changmin's long high notes. Good song and I wish I was here for it but I can't like it all the way. Love the instrumental.

Off-Road: I love how dramatic it sounds at first then it goes into this mid-tempo r&b/pop ballad. I love this song. At first I was skeptical, but nah I'm here for it. I love the instrumental!

Smoky Heart: FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU. THAT DAMN R&BBBBB. WHOOOO. LAWD TAKE ME NOW. They need to stop with this baby-making music I'm WOOO. Love it. Dead and gone.

Love Again: They've gotta chill with the baby making r&b.

Steppin: Jesus. Love it too. This is that old school r&b with Uncle Junebug on that mean bass and yo cousin on the electronic piano. HERE FOR IT.

Rise: A beautiful ballad!!

Always With You: Japanese drama ending!! Great way to close the album!!

Overall: I liked this album more than their previous one because it wasn't all over the place. However, I feel like they should've just made a greatest hits album and included 3 or 4 new songs and call it day. I feel like they just put this together because it's been 10 years and they haven't made a comeback in a year, might as well package it all together. But that being sad, it's a great album. I would've gave them my coins if it was straight r&b. Seriously. I'm still waiting on that day but we'll get there. The r&b done here is impeccable, 'Something' is great and the upbeat Soundtrack songs are good to, they do that alot so if you're a fan of that you'll love this.

Rating: 8.9/10

Rain Effect Album Review

RAIN IS BACKKKK! After serving in the military for 2 years, boiling in controversy, Rain is back with his 6th album! 

Rain Effect: This is an intro, obviously and it's the intro used for the 30sexy song. I like it, the whole r&b, old Justin Timberlake/Timbaland vibe but with a Rain touch to it, unlike Seungri's complete imitation (no shade). I like it!

30 Sexy: This is one of the main title songs he'll be promoting with. I like how he says "I'm thirty sexy.." but the way he's pronouncing it could possibly be "I'm dirty sexy' and it's meant to be on purpose haha. Because he doesn't explain the meaning of being 30 sexy, and he knows English very well. He knows what he's doing. I'm here for it Rain. Here.for.it. HAHAHAHA. It's pop, like I said the pop r&b mix Justin Timberlake does but it still has the kpop flavor to it. I like it! It's very catchy, I do think the falsettos are a bit tooo much, almost overbearing, but I still love the song. Since he's Rain it'll be a hit, but since he's under so much controversy in Korea who knows what's happened to his image...

LOVE the video, love the choreo as usual. It's a very simple video but very sexy! Love the boot hahahaha!

LA Song: I love the instrumental sooo much but he didn't do the song justice with the lyrics and composition. That chorus is horrible simply because it sounds like he's straining himself. Plus there's not much to the song, but it's so funky and I love the bass and it's SOOO MUCH FUN TO DANCE TOOOOOO. So I like what he tried to do, but since it's soooo catchy and repetitive you can't help but enjoy the song. Love it.

*sigh* This video hahah. I really do want to express my appreciation for Rain ALWAYS having diversity in whatever he does. From his backup dancers, to music videos, thank you for being one of the few Koreans who care for their international fans and like to include people from all over the world in the music video (side eye YG and SM). I don't understand what this video was about, I don't like the fetish part where he gave the black girl the big booty and busts, but like I said at least we ARE IN THE VIDEO AND NOT BEING APPROPRIATED for once.

Where Are You Going Oppa ft Hyuna of 4Minute: I can't take this song or rather just their voices. Actually I don't like it at all. The song is all over the place, the annoying nagging, please, return to sender. I don't wanna hear this ever again. 

Marilyn Monroe: Thank you for thissssssssss, after the tragedy that was the previous song, I needed something to soothe my ears again. It's very calm and soothing but it's still mid-tempo r&b. Great song!!

Baby: YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Baby making r&b THANK YOU RAIN THANNKKKKKKKKKKKKKK YOUUUUUUUU. Great song. All you need to know! That high note just YASSSSSSs LAWD THANK YOU FOR JI HOON THANK YOU.

Superman: Rain has the power to make really good songs, and then he also creates really bad songs. This is one of them lol. I don't know if this song is a joke or not, but it's pretty bad and amateurish hahaha. If you wanna laugh, go ahead and jam to this but I suggest you skip it.

Dear Mama Don't Cry: The way this song is, you would think it's a love song but if you read the lyrics it's for his mother who died when he was young. It's a veryyy sad song, but why does he have it so sexy??? Hahahaha jeez. 

Overall: This was a good album, but it wasn't his best. I feel like he produced this within a month, gave us some good songs and threw in some bad songs just to fill up the album and meet the deadline. I wouldn't say I'm disappointed but he just didn't live up to his previous works. I feel like his mindset was I'm Rain my fans will buy this regardless of its quality. As much as we don't like to admit it, JYP really does make some good songs and Rain was at his best when he was under JYP. Apart from that, I do like some of the songs, just not every song. The album was just meh. Randomly thrown together.

Rating:  6/10

VOODOO Album Review

Rookie group Vixx have just released their first full album called 'VOODOO'. It seems that going for the supernatural concept works well in their favor because of the attention they receive from it. This group has caught my eye given their potential and weird concepts haha so I have been anticipating this album. They are met with favorable reviews (although their company isn't) in Korea so here's to hoping for longevity!

Intro: Of course it's fucking creepy. Jesus why. But there is a hint of sadness with the orchestra which is beautiful. This is one of the best intros I've heard in a while because it does what an intro is SUPPOSED TO DO. It fits with the concept and it sets the tone. With the horror and sadness mixed in, it seems that this album will try to tell a story...Hopefully the whole album is consistent in theme...

Voodoo Doll: This is the title song and it's very fitting hahaha. The song is about becoming a voodoo doll for the person they love, they will do whatever it takes for them. Intense haha. It's powerful and creepy, it definitely sets them apart from other songs and other idols. I like the song, it has its catchy moments though it doesn't leave that huge of an impression on me like 'On and On' and 'Hyde' do, but that could be because those were generic pop songs. The melody isn't simple which could be why but it's still a very good song. I enjoyed Ravi's rap the most because his raspy voice brings the intensity this song needed given the concept. But it's very unique and creative so kudos.

This was too much. For those that can't stand graphic images, I suggest you find the clean version. Very intense. Again, kudos for their creativity, I LIVE FOR THIS CHOREO, it matches the song to the T which is what I love about Vixx. They stand out because of these concepts and pull it off well which catches Korea's attention. It won't be long till they win awards...

Beautiful Killer: Ohhhhhh I like it!!! This song could definitely be a title song, they should follow up promotions with this. I like it alot!!! Pop, funky, really catchy melody, I like this song alot more than Voodoo to be honest. I want to see this live just for the choreo haha. I like the hint of r&b infused with the pop it's just I LOVE IT. Good song!!!

Someday: Yassssssssss!! A mid-tempo, r&b ballad. I like the acoustic sound too it, their voices are veryyyy soothing even Ravi lol. His voices is too live, sometimes it doesn't suit the song because of that, but he was able to tone it down, very sexy. I love their voices, great song!!

Only You: This was pre-released and I love it. Love. I love the composition, instrumental, it's really good, unlike anything I've heard in a while love it!!!

This video is fitting. If only they had filmed it at night and made it more dramatic, but other than that nice video!

B.O.D.Y.: This song is very upbeat and fun! I like the instrumental alot, my problem is the composition. The lyrics and lack of lyrics isn't that great haha, but I still like the song. It kind of reminds me of an alternate version of 'Hyde' just with different lyrics hahaha.

Secret Night: I was afraid that we would lose the concept since we strayed away from the creepy but we have returned back to it. Song is amazing and Ravi definitely shines here. Reallllly good song!!

Say U Say Me: This so cute and fun!! I really like it, and it's so catchy!! Title makes no sense but it's a good song!! We deter from the weird and resort back to the upbeat pop. I really like the instrumental!! I could hear it being played on the radio here it's good!!!!!!

From Now On You're Mine: This is pop ballad and it's upbeat! I like it! Not my favorite off the album since it does not suit my tastes but it's a really good song!!

Thank You For Being Born: This is a lovely ballad!! It kind of reminds me 90's r&b but with a modern touch. 

Super Hero: A good way to close the album I like it alot!! Upbeat, pop, catchy, unique instrumental it's really good!!

The rest of the album is 'Rock Ur Body', 'On and On', 'Hyde' and the instrumental for Voodoo Doll

Overall: I am very impressed. It's a consistent pop album, but none of the songs are boring. I really do wish that they had continued with the dark concept throughout or to at least tell a story, like how Shinee did with their 'Misconceptions' album though.. Their music is refreshing especially since alot of pop songs sounds the same today, so it's nice to hear it produced differently. The producers are amazing, whoever they are, kudos to them because this is a really good album!! With each comeback, Vixx are trying to make me become a fan. I'm close to adding them to my group of faves hahaha. They have great concepts and choreo which helps them stand out alot so I will continue to have them on my radar. I really loved 'On and On' and 'Hyde' haha. I think the weakest song off this album would be 'Voodoo Doll' but even so, it's still a really good song! There is not one bad song off this album!!!! I will definitely add this to my ipod!!! I KNOW that Starlights will love this album, and other people as well! Congrats to gaining a new fan!!

Rating: 4.9/5