f(x) Returns with ‘Electric Shock’

The girls of f(x) is back with their latest album Electric Shock this summer!

The album features the title track Electric Shock, a fun, catchy and upbeat song, and the girls are dressed in neon colours in the music video. Check out the music video to Electric Shock below!

Other dance songs on the album include Jet, Zig Zag, and Love Hate. Meanwhile, Beautiful Stranger, a track by Amber, Luna and Krystal, is arguably the group’s best song so far in this album.

Beautiful Stranger infuses some R&B vibe into the dance pop track, and the beats in the background coupled with Amber’s great rap and the harmonization from Luna and Krystal makes this a great listen.

Let’s Try, the last track on the album, is a mid-tempo track that winds down the high energy to end the album on a subtle note. While not as outstanding, I find this track more easy-listening than the rest of the over-synthesized dance songs.

SM should stop giving f(x) the unwanted songs and give them ‘real’ songs for a change. It sometimes hurts to see talents like Amber and Luna get overlooked just because their songs are not as popular as other idols.

Hopefully their next comeback would be greater!

The author loves f(x) nonsensical yet addictive tracks such as NU ABO, La-Cha-Ta, and Pinocchio!

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Juniel stuns with 'My First June'

Newcomer Juniel has everyone comparing her as the next 'nation's little sister'. Her soft and angelic vocals in fact, very closely resembles IU's, but she gives off more of the rocker cum singer-songwriter vibe.

Nevertheless, her first album, titled My First June, showcases the different genres that she can take on.

Illa Illa, the first track, is complete with guitar riffs in the background, but yet manages to have that indie / folk rock sound that all singer-songwriters channel.

The music video for Illa Illa is about the memory of a long-lost love. Check out the video below!

The second track, Ready Go! is a previously released track when Juniel debuted in Japan. This song shows the girly side of her, as the song is done in a cutesy bubblegum pop style.

Everlasting Sunset is a mellow ballad that shows her vocal ranges. In this song, her voice is more mature, she sounds different from her take on Ready Go! which she delivered in a higher pitch. Everlasting Sunset is one of my favourites off the album, as Juniel really did well on this one.

Mask is another song which is on the rockier side, but there are some great moments in the mellow opening strains where Juniel makes you anticipate what is coming next. Somehow I did not really favour the electronica sounds in the background that comes after that, but overall the song isn't too bad.

The last song, Fool, is a duet with CNBLUE's Yonghwa who co-wrote song. This song has managed to help her gain attention in the K-pop scene which is overcrowded with so many idols. Besides riding on her labelmate's fame, Juniel also shows that she can also sing. This song reminds me so much of Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat who both collaborated in the international hit Lucky. (Okay, I admit I am a fan of duets!)

The music video for the happy-go-lucky song, Fool, is simply charming as we Juniel and Yonghwa both strum their guitars while singing to each other. Here's for those who have yet to watch the video, as well as Yonghwa fans who will absolutely love his new look!

The author loves singer-songwriters. Don't know why, but they seem to have this particular vibe and sound that is so great to listen to!

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JJ Project 'Bounce's into K-pop Scene

JYP Entertainment latest addition to its stable of artists is JJ Project, which comprises of Im Jae Bum, known as JB, and Park Jin Young , known as Jr. Both rookies appeared recently in the drama Dream High 2 on KBS World, as students of Kirin Art High School.

Their debut album Bounce is more edgy and rock and roll compared to other JYP artists.

The title track Bounce is a fun track that is guaranteed to make you bounce along with the beat. Check out the music video for Bounce below!

Hooked starts with a guitar riff and the song’s vibe reminds me a lot of songs from the likes of bands such as Simple Plan.

The last song is Before This Song Ends, a dance track that features Miss A’s Suzy. Although it’s a bit too much auto-tuned for my liking, this song’s beat definitely makes it a great dancing and working out track.

With more than 2 million views on YouTube and a fierce debut on Music Bank, JJ Project is set to be a new force to be reckoned with in the K-pop scene.

Looking for their next project already!

The author is of the opinion that JYP trainees and artists have truly undergone great training under the tutelage of master JYP. What do you think?

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IU Releases 'Spring of A Twenty Year Old'

IU has released her latest mini album Spring of A Twenty Year Old, which is a follow-up to her successful Last Fantasy album.

Fondly known as the ‘nation’s little sister’, it is no surprise that she has chosen to promote her album through appearances on music shows such as Inkigayo, Mnet or Music Bank.

Nevertheless, all three songs from her latest album is ranked in top 20 of Soribada’s Music Chart, with Every End of the Day ranking 1^st place, Don’t Like That Person at 8^th place and Peach at 17^th place.

IU has also managed to grab the top spot on the Billboard K-pop 100 Chart with her song Every End of the Day for two weeks in a row.

Peach is a mellow ballad apparently written from a perspective of someone falling in love with a really young girl. IU has mentioned that she wrote this song while thinking about f(x)’s Sulli, but fans have ideas otherwise, interpreting that she wrote it with Big Bang's Taeyang in mind. The lyrics glaringly pointed out the Inkigayo moment where he hugged her while on air, and the fans got the idea from there on.

Peach is a really delightful song, and a really good one to relax to. Check out the short live video of Peach filmed in Venice below if you have to listen to the song!

Every End of the Day is similar her previous tracks Good Day and You and I in terms of tempo and arrangement, including the feel good vibe that emanates from the song. An uplifting song for sure, and check out the lengthy music video for Every End of the Day below. (Be cautioned though, it is really long... so watch it only if you have time to spare!)

Don’t Like That Person, as the title suggests, is a hate song which is surprisingly mellow. Though not full of angst like other songs out there, IU’s emotion and tone used is capable of conveying the feeling of dislike.

IU will also be holding her first solo concert titled Real Fantasy in Seoul. It is a two-day concert at Kyunghee University on June 2^nd and 3^rd, and the tickets have been sold out ever since the sale started in April.

Hopefully IU will continue to produce more wonderful works in the future, as she is an outstanding singer in the sea of K-pop idols.

PS: Click on the bold title of Peach for the English translations of the lyrics. Credits go to kpoplyrics.net

The author is an IU fan from the release of her Real album, coupled with her appearance on the drama Dream High.

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Xia Casts Dancing Spell With ‘Tarantallegra’

JYJ fans, especially Junsu fans, have been waiting for this album for a long time. Ever since his debut with DBSK, he has been praised for his great talent in singing as well as dancing.

Therefore it comes as no surprise that Junsu, also fondly known as Xia, chose to have a mixture of dance as well as ballads in his first solo album.

This album is a great success for an artist who did not have a chance to promote his album as others did through advertisements as well as appearances on music shows. The album reached 100,000 pre-orders on the first day and the tickets to the concert tour have been snapped up quickly upon release.

  

The first track, Sunset, is an intro track that has a dark and mysterious vibe to it. It is featured in the opening strains of the music video for Tarantallegra.

  

Tarantallegra, the title track of the album, is fresh and different from many K-pop hits that flock into the market. It has a dark sound that somehow draws you in. Other than the repetitiveness of the catchy opener by Aziatix’s Flowsik ‘What music do you listen to?’ and the chorus ‘Tarantallegra’, the song has the Xia and Juno stamp all over it.

The Tarantallegra music video is one of the most mind-blowing videos for a K-pop song that I have watched so far. It’s sexy and gothic, and coupled with the dancing skills of Junsu, it left me wanting to hit the rewind button over and over again. The amount of flesh-baring shows that Junsu has put much thought over the fact that the music video would not be aired on Korean television, and might as well be used to target the international audience. Below is the music video for Tarantallegra, and for those yet to watch it, be prepared to be blown off your feet by Junsu!

Set Me Free is another dance track that just screams back at JYJ’s former company... so SM, please set them free!

No Gain is a very unique song, written by Jaejoong for Junsu. It has a melancholic tone, similar to that of In Heaven, just not that moving as the latter.

The fifth track, I Dislike Love, is the OST for Yoochun’s Rooftop Prince drama, and it was reported that while recording for this song, Junsu was so moved that he cried after singing the first verse. It’s a song about heartbreak, and Junsu’s vocals and interpretation makes it all the more beautiful and touching.

Turning Around and Around is another track on the album that fits to be an OST song.  It’s an optimistic song that’s really uplifting. One of my favourites on the album for sure!

The next song is Intoxication, one track that had previously been released in Japanese. Although the lyrics scream sexy and sensual, Junsu’s dancing made it an even sexier song. For the Korean remake, sounds of guitar strumming has been added in. Somehow, I felt the Japanese original is more livelier and upbeat, but hey, that’s just me.

Breath is another dance track, and rumoured to be the sequel to Mission. I was taken aback at the opening by Double K, and somehow the beat did not really get to me. Maybe I will have to watch Junsu dancing away to this one to appreciate it more!

Another ballad, Obviously Know, is another song on heartbreak, in the similar veins of DBSK’s former ballads. I really do wish to hear this sung by five of the greatest idols in K-pop (for me that is, and Cassies all over the world)!

Lullaby showcases Junsu’s soft vocals, showing the mellow side of him that is so different from the ‘dancing machine’ image that he shows during up-tempo songs. A great song to unwind after a long day.

Fever is a dance track that slows and picks up speed, and has a great beat. It doesn’t really stick on me though, and the cheesy English gets to me sometimes. ‘I make you Fever...’ Ah, Junsu... your Engrish is so funny... Tee hee!

The last track of the album, The Dew-Laden Tree, is definitely my most favourite track off the album. Although this ballad has a simple melody, there’s something to this song that just draws you in, and never letting you go. Many reviewers, and also Jaejoong as well, loved this particular track very much. The lyrics are also very touching, a person’s confession of love to a lover. Junsu’s vocal in this song is just perfect, soft and melodious. No one could have done a better job!

Junsu’s personality and hard work can be seen etched over this album. I hope that he continues to sing for many years to come, as a solo artist, as well as with his brothers as JYJ!

PS: For the English translation of the lyrics to all songs on the album, please click on JYJ3.net's link. 

The author is a huge fan of JYJ. Junsu’s latest release has turned her into a Xia fan, as she usually only focuses her attention on her bias!

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Rooftop Prince: Ratings That Hit The Roof

One of the most anticipated dramas of the season is Rooftop Prince, which is pitted against King2Hearts and Equator Man in the same drama timeslot in South Korea. What makes the race to garner high ratings more tense is the fact that all 3 dramas, from SBS, MBC and KBS respectively, happen to start airing their first episodes on the same day!

The main reason that attracts me to Rooftop Prince is none other than JYJ’s Park Yoochun of course! Ever since his debut in Sungkyunkwan Scandal, I have been a huge fan of his acting as well as music. In Rooftop Prince, he plays a modern day character and a Joseon Crown Prince.

The teasers for Rooftop Prince promises a drama full of hilarious moments as well as mysterious circumstances. And they sure did live up to their promises! Here’s the teaser to Rooftop Prince to convince those of you who still have yet to watch the drama!

Rooftop Prince’s storyline starts off with Yong Tae Moo (Lee Tae Sung) meeting up his cousin Yong Tae Yong (Park Yoochun) in the States and asks him to return to Korea with him on their grandmother’s request. While on a yacht, an incident sparked Tae Moo to hit Tae Yong, throwing hi overboard. Tae Moo’s greed and jealousy set in, and he left Tae Yong to drown while he plans to return alone to Korea and claim Tae Yong’s position as his own.

Meanwhile, in the Joseon era, Crown Prince Lee Gak (Park Yoochun) pines over the death of the Crown Princess (Jung Yoo Mi) who mysteriously drowned in the lake overnight. Lee Gak gathers 3 trustworthy fellows to help him solve her mysterious death: Song Man Bo (Lee Min Ho), Woo Yong Sool (Jung Suk Won), and Do Chi San (Choi Woo Shik). While on a trail to discover the truth behind the Crown Princess’ death, the four fall off a cliff and lands straight into the rooftop house of Park Ha (Han Ji Min).

Park Ha tries to shoo the 4 men in Joseon costumes by bringing them to the Palace, but they get into all sorts of trouble with people and the law. There were many hilarious moments where the 4 men are like fish out of water, and I couldn’t stop laughing although I was already clutching my stomach in pain!

As the 4 men adjusts themselves in the modern world with Park Ha’s help, they came to realize they have crossed over 300 years to the future because they were looking for a solution to the Crown Princess’ death. The Crown Princess’ modern day lookalike is Park Ha’s step-sister Hong Se Na, who happens to be the secretary to Tae Yong’s grandmother.

Meanwhile, Lee Gak finds out that he resembles the missing Tae Yong and assumes the latter’s identity in his bid to get closer to Se Na and also solve his wife’s mysterious death. Tae Moo is convinced Lee Gak is just an imposter and wants to reveal Lee Gak’s true identity. Will Lee Gak eventually get to convince Tae Yong’s grandmother that he is who he claims and solve the mystery at the same time?

Tune in to ONEHD on Astro B.yond Channel 393 every Monday and Tuesday at 9pm to watch the drama unfold itself!

The author is smitten with the drama’s cast, storyline and even the OST by notable singers such as Baek Ji Young, Ali, Jay Park, and last but not least JYJ’s Junsu!

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TaeTiSeo Shines Like A Star With 'Twinkle'

After seeing so many sub-unit debuts from girl groups the past 2 years, nothing catches my eye more than the debut of TaeTiSeo, the sub-unit from the famous Girls' Generation. TaeTiSeo comprises of Taeyeon, Tiffany and Seohyun, and their unique unit name is a combination of the first syllable from each member’s name.

TaeTiSeo shows that sometimes less is more, and their album Twinkle is the proof of that. Although they have taken on a retro concept, something that Girls Generation has never done before, they seem to fit in that genre and come off quite convincing too.

  

The title track Twinkle is an upbeat retro-styled song, quite in similar vibe to Secret’s Love is MOVE, albeit a much toned down version. The lyrics tell us that everyone wants a piece of their idol, assuming that the girls are diamonds or gemstones that ‘twinkles’.

The music video for Twinkle is quite fun, showing the girls in retro outfits, singing and dancing. It’s practically KARA’s Step, colourful outfits and backgrounds, just with less prancing around. Look out for cameos by EXO-K’s Kai, Sehun, Chanyeol and Baekhyun! Enjoy the music video!

One of my favourites on the album is Goodbye, Hello which really brings the retro vibe whenever I put it on. It’s a happy-go-lucky song that really gets you bopping your head along.

Other retro-influence songs on the album are OMG (Oh My God) and Library while Baby Steps and Love Sick are slower ballads that show off the girls’ vocals.

Somehow, the final track Checkmate didn’t quite end the album on a great note for me. It’s quite a rocky number and didn’t really have the retro vibe. But all in all, it wasn’t really a bad song after all.

TaeTiSeo is proof that Girls' Generation doesn’t need 9 members, as 3 members were sufficient enough. Or probably the more talented members are grouped in this sub-unit? But I digress.

Love this album, and love their new concept. Wonder when will it start appearing on Malaysian music racks? Definitely gonna get myself a copy!

The author is a fan of Girls Generation ever since she heard Run Devil Run and couldn’t get the tune out of her head for weeks.

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