After returning from his mandatory military service in 2023 and upon his dramatic exit from his previous company S.M Entertainment, things were looking up more than ever for the singer when he established his own company INB100, allowing him creative control over his musical output.

Most recognised as a member of one of South Korea and China’s most successful pop groups EXO, the main vocalist debuted as a soloist in 2019, where he enchanted and thrilled audiences with his powerful and charismatic vocals. Now in his 4th mini album containing 6 smooth R&B/pop-infused tracks, Baekhyun sounds supremely confident in his talents and revels in the new musical freedom he has been granted.

The first of these 6 tracks, entitled ‘Good Morning’, is a dreamy introduction to the suave sound that Baekhyun has been known to deliver through his solo efforts. With a serene, easy tempo and a chill piano-led instrumental, Baekhyun’s honeyed vocals float lazily upon the track; creating a warm and mellow vibe for listeners to sink into. The smoothness of the singer’s lower register is employed to great effect here as his vocals only contribute to the song’s irresistibly tranquil tone. The lyrics could be said to express the soloist’s optimistic attitude to this new beginning in his career (“Hello world, morning has come again…Now our dream will begin”), as well as adding to the soothing ambience.

The album’s title track, ‘Pineapple Slice’, is a delightfully flirtatious dance-pop jam brimming full of addictive sugar-sweet melodies, groovy rhythms and the singer’s signature breezy high notes. Even upon their very first listen, audiences will have to admit that the track has an instantly addictive quality which only grows the more it is played. The old-school synth led chorus beneath Baekhyun’s airy harmonies certainly captures the thrilling highs of love and crushes, while the lyrics portray Baekhyun trying to win the heart of a love interest. The excitement of the chorus is definitely bolstered by the song’s playful lyrics “Callin’ me extra sweet, just one bite, Pineapple slice of me”. It’s no secret that a big part of the singer’s charm is his ability to show off his breathtaking vocal range by mixing his silky lower range with impressive high notes, and ‘Pineapple Slice’ has all this and more.

The singer’s confidence in his vocal prowess is fully displayed on the slick ‘Rendez-vous’, which is characterised by a bright piano melody and Baekhyun’s deeply charming vocals that paint a passionate picture of love. The singer channels his inner romantic with dreamy lines like “Without you, everything is meaningless, You are my only universe”, and the chorus’ tender declarations of a lovesick partner. Fans and new listeners alike will love this song’s easy-listening style that still allows audiences the chance to hear why Baekhyun is considered one of the best vocalists in the Korean music industry.

‘Cold Heart’ is the album’s emotive ballad-esque track which details the painful breakdown of a relationship. Beginning with a sombre piano intro overlaid by Baekhyun’s smooth vocal timbre, the vocalist immediately laments on being emotionally shut off from a partner (“Now left alone in this place, a wall built high”). Imbued with a lulling, sombre tone that will leave listeners rapt, ‘Cold Heart’ is a brooding track overflowing with the singer’s versatile charisma.

The singer switches things up by adopting a sultry slow-burn ambience on ‘Woo’; a silky R&B track that benefits massively from the singer’s soulful croons and effortless vocal runs. Professing his unconditional love for a partner, the singer sensitively sings his way through lines like “When you call my name, for you I can do anything”; his delicate and expressive vocals amplifying the song’s romantic message tenfold.

The album’s closing track ‘Truth Be Told’ is a minimalistic yet edgy track that speaks of the singer’s inability to move on from a toxic relationship. Angsty lyrics in the chorus (“Truth be told, I can’t bear it any longer”) exacerbate the song’s foreboding ambience while captivating audiences with its moody R&B sound.

Score/Excellent: ‘Hello, World’ is certainly the sound of a new beginning for the K-Pop singer, who manages to show new sides of himself as an enduringly successful pop singer, R&B crooner and sensitive balladeer. With his newfound musical and managerial freedom, this may very well spell the start of the singer’s best solo music output yet.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow Baekhyun on:
Instagram
X (Twitter)

The post Baekhyun – Hello, World – The 4th Mini Album (E.P Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

Even after dropping a record-breaking mini-album, a supercharged full-length Japanese effort, multiple chart-topping collaborations with internationally renowned stars and contributing to the soundtrack of movie ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, the 8 member boy group have no intentions of slowing down towards the year’s end. Instead, the self-producing group set out to refine their abilities by dedicating an entire album to their love of hip-hop music. Long-time fans may remember the band’s ‘Mixtape’ album back in 2017, which was released even before the group’s official industry debut. Back then, the boy’s passion for music was clear, and now in 2024, the group is back to demonstrate just how far they have grown as idols and musicians.

‘Walkin’ On Water’ is the thrillingly loud and brash number that opens this 12 track mixtape, and what a ride it is. Experimenting with the 90s sounds of boom-bap, the track explodes onto the scene backed by thunderous percussive beats and rapper Felix’s unshakably smooth bass vocal tone. The lyrics speak of an inner strength and self-confidence “Crashing waves but I’ll never fall… Thrashing rain I’ma bring the storm”, which hit particularly hard against the track’s savage instrumental. The chorus’ call of “Water water walkin on, water water walk it off” certainly carries the group’s enthusiasm and confidence that nobody can bring them down. The mixtape also features an alternate ‘(Hip Ver)’ of ‘Walkin’ On Water’, which further focusses in on the bombastic 90s sound that will have listeners bouncing right from the start.

‘Bounce Back’ and ‘U (feat. Tablo)’ are the two other tracks that feature the whole group’s efforts, with both songs playing around with elements of hip-hop and contrasting emotional nuances. While ‘Bounce Back’ contains a powerful message of resilience in the face of adversity (“Stray Kids rock the world, bow your heads”) set against an imposing hard-rock tinged instrumental, ‘U’ sensitively showcases the members’ softer sides while championing their penchant for melodic rap alongside Korean hip-hop royalty Tablo from rap trio Epik High.

From here comes all 8 members’ solo songs that frame their individuality and songwriting skills in a practiced and suave fashion. Group leader Bang Chan is up first with ‘Railway’; an edgy English track that displays the singer’s comfortability with sultry dance-based numbers. “Yeah, this train never sleeps, brace yourself, take a seat” the vocalist warns, before smoothly delivering a melodic chorus that will have listeners swooning in their seats. In contrast to this, ‘Railway’ is followed up by Australian rapper Felix’s sentimental offering ‘Unfair’, whose lyrics riff off the story of Beauty and the Beast to wondrous effect. With a lilting melancholic edge, Felix’s slick vocals flawlessly convey a story of longing for love set against a piano-led hip-hop backing track.

Youngest member I.N delights with his luxurious siren vocals on top of a trippy dance track on ‘Hallucination’. Within this minimalistic song, I.N’s haunting vocals are guaranteed centre stage and lend the track a cool, chic vibe. Lee Know is perhaps another member whose vocal talents were in the past overlooked, and hence his solo ‘Youth’ will capture fans’ attentions with a fun and uplifting sound that perfectly complements the singer’s sweet vocal tone. With its bouncy tempo and energetic vocal delivery, ‘Youth’ naturally brings out the singer’s hidden charms. Both ‘Hallucination’ and ‘Youth’ are a tribute to Stray Kids as artists; celebrating each others’ versatility and displaying their strengths through innovative and arresting musical productions.

Charismatic rappers Hyunjin and Changbin turn up the heat with their songs ‘So Good’ and ‘Ultra’, where each bring their unique vocal tones to the forefront of their mixes – Hyunjin pairing his husky croon with a striking dance beat, and Changbin opting for an intense mix of hip-hop to bolster his fiery rap verses. Both tracks are incredibly cool in their own right, and offer listeners thrillingly original takes on hip-hop.

Rapper Han and singer Seungmin both offer delightfully nostalgic tracks that take flight with a distinctive rock sound. Han’s emotive vocals soar boundlessly on ‘Hold My Hand’, which triumphs with its comforting lyrics (“I wanna make you the happiest one…Hold my hand now”) and instantly joyous instrumental. Similarly, Seungmin’s ‘As We Are’ will charm audiences with its rousing tempo paired with the singer’s honeyed vocal performance, as he recounts his emotional journey on the way to becoming a musician. It’s the perfect way to round off a mixtape that overflows with the versatile talents and passions of all 8 members, who come together to continually create powerful music filled with soul.

Score/Outstanding: If there was any doubt that each and every artist within Stray Kids was destined to follow the path towards music, then ‘Hop’ stands as a testament to each members’ hard work and unfailing passion for their craft. ‘Hop’ demonstrates that the boys will only continue to excel and conquer the world with their music, by showing that they are truly in a league of their own.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow Stray Kids on:
Instagram
Youtube

The post Stray Kids – Hop (Album Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

Since the 2019 formation of boy group Tomorrow X Together, known as TXT, the quintet immediately found fame with their fresh, groovy pop sound and their versatile vocal talents. As the second boy group under HYBE Entertainment after industry juggernauts BTS, TXT was subjected to immense pressure from audiences to succeed and possibly even equal the popularity of their predecessors. Despite this burden however, the members have continually proved their musical prowess and ability to shine bright even under the most scrutinous of industry gazes.

‘The Star Chapter: Sanctuary’ is only another gem in the group’s practically flawless discography. The members turn their angelic vocals to six dreamy tracks about the joys, excitements, and adventures of love.

The album is kicked off by ‘Heaven’, a glitzy pop track characterised by a retro synth sound that perfectly showcases the members’ nimble vocal performances. The song presents a blissful image of love which is displayed through the song’s lyrics “Heaven is not far away now, the moment we kissed”. To pair with these wistful lyrics, vocalists Hueningkai, Taehyun and Soobin execute some delightfully smooth vocals which effectively accentuate their practiced falsettos. Even rapper Yeonjun taps into a honey-sweet tone that beautifully complements that of the vocalists’. Ultimately, ‘Heaven’ is a gently joyful track that succeeds in lulling listeners into the gleeful pop tracks that make ‘The Star Chapter: Sanctuary’ really stand out.

Next comes the album’s title track ‘Over The Moon’, which is just as breezy and charming as it sounds. Starting with a soothing guitar intro underneath the members’ graceful vocal runs, the track instantly crafts a suave sound that only bolsters the group’s confident vocals. The song links itself to the album’s comforting concept as a whole (“Beyond the moon farther still through our dreams, sanctuary”) while contributing the sentiment that love has the potential to be magical and all consuming (“Over the moon, over the stars, I soar when you’re in my arms”). Audiences will likely be swaying along to the song’s easy beat and humming to the track’s enchanting melodies; all aspects that rightfully mark out ‘Over The Moon’ as the album’s most promoted track.

TXT return with renewed energy in the cool ‘Danger’, in which the group sing of a dangerous temptation towards a love interest. Accompanied by a catchy bass guitar riff, the song will capture audiences’ attention from the start with its hip and sultry ambience. The lyrics also overflow with romantic drama in lines like “wrapped up in a crime called emotion, I can’t see anyone but you”, which are delivered with plenty of creative vocal flourishes and a general air of swaggering self-assurance. Alongside its memorable chorus, fans will also enjoy Yeonjun and singer Beomgyu’s post-chorus, where the two use their charismatic low-tones to sell the suggestive line “What are you doing to me?”

From the very beginning of the bouncy ‘Resist (Not Gonna Run Away)’, the members’ accomplished vocals are on proud display on colourful vocal lines such as on the song’s opening line “When I see you, I can’t resist, you’re my one and only”. With thumping percussion and playful synths setting the scene for this bubbly pop number, the singers’ comfortability within their soaring higher ranges is really used to its full potential, as both rappers and singers come together to weave stunning harmonies and arresting melodies.

Slick R&B track ‘Forty One Winks’ highlights the subtle yet skilled nuances in the group’s vocal performances, with all five members slipping into pleasantly hushed croons that pair stylishly with the song’s low-key, leisurely tempo. The lyrics speak to the deep-rooted connection between two lovers, where words don’t need to be used to express love and affection for the other (“Send a signal, forty one winks, it’s like morse code”). This elegant track may not be as energetic and upbeat as the album’s other offerings, but it will captivate listeners all the same with its idyllic, somnolent vibe.

‘Higher Than Heaven’ seems like the perfect track to leave listeners on a high after the culmination of ‘The Star Chapter: Sanctuary’. The mid-tempo track’s euphorically charming lyrics, joyful guitar accompaniment and the members’ stirring vocals will appeal to audiences looking for a feel-good track to help warm the winter months.

Score/Excellent: Though all of the tracks on the album are under 3 minutes, all of them will bring listeners some moments of joy, who will find it hard to resist the sweet sentiment that this album explores. It’s a certified winter warmer that will appeal to all ages.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow TXT on:

Instagram
Youtube

The post Tomorrow X Together – The Star Chapter: Sanctuary (E.P Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

After wrapping up their SYNK:PARALLEL LINE tour which enchanted fans across the world and gave the group ample opportunity to display their prowess at live performance and singing, it feels like aespa have barely had time to breathe before being thrust back onto the industry stage once again with new music. Nevertheless, the group’s 5th mini album ‘Whiplash’ sounds neither rushed nor compromises the group’s trendy, yet boundary-pushing sound. Instead, ‘Whiplash’ offers listeners even more evidence that aespa are capable of putting their mark on any genre and triumphing in the process. In the album therefore, fans can expect the group’s usual futuristic hyper-pop bops as well as smooth ballads, pop-rock anthems and dreamy R&B gems.

Title track ‘Whiplash’ comes storming into the fold with an instantly addictive dance beat that will get listeners bouncing just seconds into the track. With an accompanying music video that features members Karina, Winter, Giselle and NingNing strutting like supermodels, the sassy minimalism of ‘Whiplash’ would certainly sound at home in the background of a luxury fashion show. The arresting mid-tempo track is an ode to the group’s supreme self-confidence with a chorus refrain that boasts lines such as “One look give ’em whiplash”; in turn encouraging fans to embrace their unique selves and revel in the newfound confidence that this track will inspire in many. With both the singers and rappers in the group being afforded enough room to showcase their abilities, the catchiest part outside of the chorus may well be vocalist NingNing’s cool rap in the 2nd verse. Utilising her undeniable charisma to sell the track’s hip ambience, the singer raps “Keep it right, I know it, keep it classy”, while proving that each member’s fixed positions in the band are mere guidelines for the aespa members, who continually excel in their versatile talents.

Long-time fans of the group may liken the experimental hip-hop of ‘Kill It’ to 2021’s slick hyper-pop track ‘Savage’ which both divided and thrilled audiences with its alternative sound. ‘Kill It’ is not too dissimilar to ‘Savage’, with a return to aespa’s signature take on hyper-pop including repetitive lyrical refrains (“I-I-I-I-I I kill it”), unconventional harmonies and a futuristic electronic-based instrumental. Using this formula, ‘Kill It’ will be another high-calibre banger for fans, who will simply lap up this track.

aespa once again change up their sound with the retro-inspired R&B/hip-hop track ‘Flights, Not Feelings’. With a laid-back and even tempo, the song adopts a glitzy and fresh sound, laying a chill foundation for rappers Karina and Giselle to expertly play around with the beat and execute a satisfyingly suave vocal performance. The lyrics talk of a need to protect oneself from the unpredictability of love, as the members express “Catching flights not feelings, I’m not tryna hurt myself”. Winter’s airy, yet husky vocals also work wonders on this type of track; carrying the song’s light melody like a soft summer’s breeze.

4th track ‘Pink Hoodie’ sees the members flaunt their down-to-earth preference for comfort and practicality over flashy and “suffocating” fashion. The track, which plays out over a glitchy bass-heavy hip-hop instrumental, is both playful and ultra sleek in its combination of a swaggering beat and the girls’ cooly casual delivery. The song reminds us that behind the daring hooks and razor-sharp looks of the girl group, 4 supremely talented women stand embracing their unique selves to fans, no matter what anyone has to say about it.

‘Flowers’ is aespa’s enchanting take on slow-burn R&B featuring a leisurely guitar accompaniment and a subtly sultry ambience. This is where dexterous sopranos Winter and NingNing are given wings to soar within this track; unearthing a dreamy vocal performance that sounds straight out of heaven. The lyrics themselves are suggestive in their depiction of falling deeper in love with vivid sensory descriptions of desire in lines such as “Locked away forever in my garden, show me your flowers”. The entire track is softly lulling and will mesmerise fans upon the very first listen.

The album’s closing track “Just Another Girl’ is another triumphant take on an old-school pop-rock sound, characterised by a euphoric, upbeat instrumental, and an extremely catchy melody sung with an abundance of playful attitude. It’s definitely going to be nigh on impossible for listeners to make it through the track without at least humming along to the chorus, which details a girl’s dismissal of a love interest who has been unfaithful. At the heart of it all though, is aespa’s message to keep being unapologetically you, no matter who tries to bring you down.

Score/Outstanding: It isn’t easy for artists to keep outdoing themselves again and again with every new release, and yet aespa achieves this with no lack of self-assurance and confidence in their ever-growing abilities. Listeners can rest assured, knowing that these 4 girls will never let them down.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow aespa on:
Instagram
Youtube

The post aespa – Whiplash – The 5th Mini Album (EP Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

If anyone is still in any doubt that the eight member boy group is not only on their way to dominating music charts but the world in general, then they have clearly not been privy to the astonishing week that Stray Kids have just had. With the release of ‘ATE’, the group resigning their contracts with JYP Entertainment, and the delight amongst fans at the band making it onto the soundtrack of this year’s hotly anticipated blockbuster ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’, the band are in the peak of their careers as industry juggernauts. Amidst all of this commotion however, the band proves with ‘ATE’ that their self-produced music is still at the forefront of their identity as a K-Pop powerhouse, and their quality of songwriting will continue to go above and beyond all expectations.

The album is kicked off in SKZ’s signature hard-hitting style with ‘Mountains’; a powerful guitar-based ode to the band’s widespread influence and sparkling reputation across the globe. Member I.N’s rousing vocalisations serve to hype listeners up upon the commencement of the track while leading seamlessly into an ear-worm refrain (“Head above the crowds stand tall for the hell of it”) delivered in turn by rapper Felix’s deep growl and singer Seungmin’s crystal clear croon. The group knows exactly what their fans want to hear, namely high calibre rap performances, and as always they give back in spades; the gritty rock soundscape of ‘Mountains’ providing the perfect backdrop for Changbin, Han, Hyunjin and Felix’s furious verses that speak of the group’s penchant for world domination. The chorus itself is as swaggering as ever as the members boast “Ain’t nobody stopping me, I’m walking like a titan” over a striking drum beat.

‘ATE’ title track ‘Chk Chk Boom’ is the album’s second track, and what a ride it is. Having previously expressed a desire to write something inspired by Latin music, which has had an undeniably pronounced impact on global charts, the boy-band finally succeeded in bringing a Latin banger filled with savage hooks to their diverse set of listeners. While the song does succumb to the recent K-Pop trend of songs being under three minutes long, the track is full of quirky vocal deliveries, snappy repetitions (Ra ta ta ta I’ma make it boom boom chk chk boom”) and suave harmonies that make it memorable. A ‘festival version’ of the song is also available on the album, which turns the whole song up to eleven with thumping club beats and a raging tempo.

Eccentric rap track ‘JJAM’ is also brimming with tongue-in-cheek lyrical quips paired with a bass-heavy electronic instrumental. Changbin’s sharp delivery of “I got no jam? You got no jam? We gotta jam” is a particularly catchy line in the chorus; ‘No jam’ refers to the Korean slang for ‘no fun’ and therefore proves that even after years of writing music, the group are still enjoying every minute.

The upbeat hip-hop track ‘I Like It’ cleverly places the members in place of a commitment-phobic character indulging in his hobby for casual relationships. Singer Lee Know’s honeyed vocals still sound lovely over the chorus’ defining line “Yeah, I love that I like you but I don’t wanna love”, which frames the character’s immature and nonchalant nature. The song is drawn to a close with an unforgettable vocal outro by rappers Han and Felix; immediately certifying ‘I Like It’ as an unapologetic anti-romantic anthem.

The energetic drum and bass track ‘Runners’ serves as the English language song of the album, while also promoting the members’ determination to keep striving for greatness as one of the industry forefronts. The group chant “I won’t stop running, I know that I’m becoming G-O-A-T I’m stunning” and asserts their unity as a group while dealing with challenges head-on.

Penned by rapper and producer Han, ‘Twilight’ is a much more subdued affair; substituting pounding bass and frantic tempos for a piano and guitar-led ballad containing delicately sung melodies. The lyrics paint a sombre picture in the wake of a breakup, but still stand out for their beauty in lines such as “In my room, a beautiful emptiness is left in the night again”. Though it may be subtle, ‘Twilight’ is an immensely enjoyable track characterised by its soothing late-night vibes.

‘Stray Kids’ will prove to be the emotional peak of ‘ATE’ with its many references to the group’s impressive rise from tentative beginnings to K-Pop giants with legions of global fans. With its drum and bass instrumental, heartfelt vocal harmonies, and lyrics reminiscent of all the band has gone through, long-time fans will be sure to shed a tear during this track.

Score/Outstanding: Another stellar album from undoubtedly the best of the K-Pop sphere. Honestly, by this point, this is what listeners can expect from the group – inimitable creativity, inspiring songwriting and of course an abundance of talent.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow Stray Kids on:
Twitter (X)
Instagram

The post Stray Kids – ATE (Mini Album Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

6 months on since the release of the K-Pop quartet’s explosive 4th mini album ‘Drama’, fans were practically drooling over the hotly anticipated announcement of the group’s 1st full album. Now, after weeks of pre-release promotions, the 10 track ‘Armageddon’ has arrived with fierce momentum.

The beginning track ‘Supernova’, which was utilised as a pre-release for the album, is exactly the kind of weird and wonderful sound that aespa are known to deliver to hordes of awaiting fans. The song, which compares the power that aespa bring to the music industry to the effects of a supernova, starts with an instantly commanding verse and a strong beat that outlines the track’s confident lyrics “look at me go”. The pre-chorus contains perhaps one of aespa’s most catchy refrains; the girls’ sassy calls of “ay oh ay” echo underneath the members’ dynamic vocal lines. All four members’ vocals are captivating in the layers of personality that they can collate within the track; with Karina and Giselle contributing stylish raps and Winter and NingNing showing off their accomplished vocal prowess. The track’s glittery electronic touches in the instrumental are a highlight amid this supercharged dance bop, particularly when it comes to the bold synths in the chorus and dance break section.

The title track ‘Armageddon’ may not have as dramatically arresting an intro as previous hits such as 2022’s ‘Girls’ or 2021’s ‘Next Level’, but it serves up thrills and chills just as easily within its edgily experimental sound. With an unconventionally grungy hip-hop instrumental, ‘Armageddon’ radiates a subtle power that grows exponentially with the members’ larger than life vocal performances. Taking advantage of quirky lines throughout the slow burn track, such as the pre-chorus’ undeniably striking “Bang chitty bang bang, chitty bang bang”, ‘Armageddon’ serves as yet another reminder as to why aespa stand out among the masses of K-Pop girl groups.

The glitchy ‘Set The Tone’ is anthemic in its deliverance of aespa’s fiercely unapologetic brand of futuristic pop jams. With the girls smoothly adlibbing over a disjointed instrumental, aespa’s seemingly effortless ability to exude swagger and confidence is on centre stage here. The 4th track ‘Mine’ also uses this minimalist approach as the members’ vocals carry this deliciously dark banger. With NingNing landing some breathtaking Ariana Grande-like vocal runs and the group revelling in their impressive synergy, ‘Mine’ is a song that only aespa could execute to this sky high standard.

The group bring some light-hearted fun to the table in the sugary pop song ‘Licorice’. Comparing a crush to the sugar rush felt while indulging in the titular sweet treat, aespa add a lively dose of playfulness in the wake of the charismatic ‘Mine’. The song’s hook (“You’re just like licorice”) is simple but still sung with enough charm to immediately enchant audiences upon their first listen.

‘Bahama’ showcases the beachy vacation vibes that fans have no doubt been waiting on; sweeping vocal lines and saccharine melodies characterising this feel-good song of the summer. The lyrics themselves are dreamy and evocative of a tropical paradise and help transport listeners to a blissfully tranquil headspace.

On ‘Long Chat’, the girl group best known for exploring the realms between humans and AI is at their most down to earth on this uplifting track. Encapsulating the comforting feeling of catching up with old friends and set against a bubbly and harmony-heavy chorus, this track is soothing in its cheerful ambience. ‘Prologue’ taps into this same melodious soundscape with the group sending a motivational message to those struggling in the midst of their transition into adulthood.

aespa go pop-rock on ‘Live My Life’; an ode to the self-confidence and freedom that comes with breaking free of other’s expectations. The vocals are euphoric as ever here, and wonderfully embody a youthful joy that is at once enthralling to its listeners.

The final track ‘Melody’ is the perfect track to unwind to after making it through this momentous album. A sensitive love song, the group showcase just how their already impressive vocals have matured since their 2020 debut.

Score/Outstanding: Fans waited patiently for this album, and now is their time to bask in this golden moment knowing that aespa are no doubt one of the best in the business. For new listeners: prepare for a sonic explosion of gritty instrumentals and soaring vocals – for sure you will never look back.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow aespa on:

X
Instagram

The post aespa – Armageddon – The 1st Album (Album Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

BOYNEXTDOOR broke out onto the K-Pop world stage in May 2023 with their upbeat single ‘WHO!’, whose 3 sleek pop songs charmed audiences far and wide with their touching lyrics, dreamy vocals, and above all approachable ‘boy next door’ concept that all 6 members effortlessly settled into upon debut. The playfully sweet conceptualisation of the group was also a welcome shift away from other K-Pop boy bands at the time, most of whom embraced darker, more mature images and sounds.

Now a year on from debut, the band continue to refine their stylistic and musical accents on tracks already bursting with the sounds of love, life, and youth. ‘HOW?’ offers 6 new tracks plus an English version of the title track ‘Earth, Wind & Fire’; a collection of songs that deal with the giddiness of new love and the thrill of romance.

The opening track ‘OUR’ kicks the album off with a combination of pleasantly airy vocals, smoothly integrated raps, and a bouncy instrumental. While the prevalence of bass throughout the track reminds listeners of BOYNEXTDOOR’s hip-hop leanings, the song is overall light and delicate in tone; acoustic guitar flourishes and a steady swaying tempo allow audiences to tap into the modern groove of the young artist’s music.

The lyrics themselves paint a sweet picture of a couple’s first date and the nerves they feel throughout the day. Lines such as “Pretending to be calm, but I’m still trembling” and “I hope you feel the same way” easily pull the listener in with its notes of honeyed realism. With the members ranging in age from 20 to just 17, this light-hearted sound does not come across as forced or cringy in any way but rather contributes to the draw towards the energetic group.

The following track ‘Amnesia’ plays out as the plea of someone going through a rough patch in their relationship, making them question the very nature of their connection. The song’s boppy acoustic instrumental, however, provides an infectious vitality to the track despite the melancholy expressed through the lyrics. The vocals are again a highlight here; the members’ clear and harmonious voices lending the track a lingering feeling of purity and romance.

This delicately wistful ambience is carried over into the retro-tinged pop banger ‘So let’s go see the stars’. From its subdued beginning, which is driven by a sprightly drum beat and faraway electric guitar, to its euphorically melodic chorus, the song’s nostalgic pop-rock allure will almost immediately appeal to listeners.

The group jumps into new territory on the title track ‘Earth, Wind & Fire’, where the band’s colourful vocal combinations and creative lyrics are provided ample time to shine amid a rapid-fire fusion of pop and hip-hop. “You ain’t just a girlfriend, that ain’t enough no, you’re my earth wind and fire” is just one of the many lines that stand out in this bubbly track dedicated to a beloved partner. Upon first listening, fans will indulge in the song’s loving sentiment and generally bright and upbeat sound.

However, upon further listening, the talent and passion needed to deliver such smoothly delivered yet still thrilling raps and melodic vocals must also be appreciated, for they contribute so much to the song’s addictively singable quality. After 2023’s previous title tracks ‘Serenade’, and ‘But Sometimes’, the bar was high for the group to deliver another spellbinding hit. ‘Earth, Wind & Fire’ does that and more; only highlighting the best of the group’s talents.

‘Life is cool’ starts like a cosy campfire anthem with all the acoustic charm and sugar-sweet harmonies expected from the boys. The chorus is blissful in its celebration of all of life’s joys (“Singing, laughing, life is cool”); the members’ joyful vocals create a delightfully feel-good vibe that listeners will love. Singer Riwoo really shines here; his silky smooth falsetto adds an elated sense of innocence to the mix.

The understated, drowsy vibes of ‘Dear, My Darling’ perfectly succeed in bringing the album to a reflective close. The soft piano paired with subtle bass guitar only helps to emphasis just how enchanting the group’s vocals are here. Despite being under 2 minutes, the track is at once soothing and undoubtedly addicting.

Score/Excellent: For anyone wishing to immerse themselves in all that 5th generation K-Pop has to offer so far, BOYNEXTDOOR must surely be 1st on your list, because missing out on these versatile talents would be a great shame. Only a year into their careers and they are already producing music of this calibre? It can only mean great things for the future of K-Pop.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow BOYNEXTDOOR on:
Twitter
Check Youtube

The post BOYNEXTDOOR – HOW? (Mini Album Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

After shaking the industry with the release of 6 mini albums packed full of edgy fusions of dance, hip-hop and R&B, and memorable collaborations with singer-songwriter Pink Sweat$ and British pop group New Hope Club, the sextet are finally ready to deliver a full album of punchy bangers to their loyal fans and listeners.

Title track ‘Killin’ It’ is the song that kicks off the album’s 10 tracks with thrilling vocal dexterity and an ever-chantable chorus. An ode to the band’s slick self-confidence and unwavering pride in their versatile talents, the quirkiness of this track beautifully and unapologetically captures the youthful spirit that keeps the heart of P1Harmony beating. Not only are the vocal performances by skilful vocalists Keeho and Theo A-Tier, as expected, but due respect should also be paid to perhaps the industry’s most underrated gem, Kim Jongseob. With his position as a rapper as well as the group’s youngest member, at just 18 years old Jongseob’s unmistakable flow and charisma delivering his thunderous rap in the 2nd verse is both impressive and already characteristic of this young talent. As the boys chant in the chorus “You already know, we’re killing it”, listeners won’t be able to help agreeing.

Smooth R&B crooner ‘Late Night Calls’ displays the group’s flexibility in genre and their flawless ability to seamlessly shift from the energetic and hardcore to the mature and poignant. While the song’s minimalistic acoustic guitar-led instrumental lends the track a sultry slow-burn vibe, the tell-tale passion and driving force of the group is still prevalent in the song’s honeyed vocals and hypnotic beat that pulses subtly throughout the song.

‘Everybody Clap’ is a return to familiar form for P1Harmony, where the members’ striking adlibs, vocal runs and dynamic raps take centre stage in this fist-pumping bop. Encouraging all their listeners to get up and dance (“Everybody hands up!”) and lose all their inhibitions in this dance-pop anthem, the band sound as confident as ever flaunting the high-powered sound that they do best.

On the flip side of this, the band explore a more sensitive and subdued vibe on ‘Love Story’, which is immediately enchanting in its sweetly soft vocal harmonies and delicate acoustic instrumental. Fans will no doubt feel as though they are floating on a cloud while listening to this song; a welcome change of pace for a group whose most notable releases lean more towards a savage sense of style and a gritty combination of hip-hop and dance-pop.

‘Countdown To Love’ and ‘Emergency’ are, besides the title track, the standout dance tracks in the album with their upbeat and lively party beats. In the former, the member’s fevered shouts and spirited calls of “It’s the countdown to love, let’s throw a party when it is done!” really hype up the playful atmosphere created in the track, while a groovy guitar riff on ‘Emergency’ infects the listener with its carefree burst of energy and instantly addictive melody.

The cool ‘2Nite’ is driven by a deliciously compelling bass line which melds pleasingly with the distinctly soulful voices of the vocalists as well as the rapid-fire bursts of immaculate rap verses. Fans will above all find its rousing and repetitive lyrics “Oh no here we go, ra ta ta ta on the floor” immediately memorable through all of the timeless swagger and self-assurance that the group effortlessly exude here. ‘Let Me Love You’ expresses a similar air of coolness through the song’s bopping chorus and smoothly sung lyrics “Let me love you, you should just let me adore you”. In addition to this, there is an element of old-school R&B integrated into the track’s colourful verses, adding even more intrigue to a song that from the beginning promises listeners a raving good time.

Closing tracks ‘Street Star’ and ‘I See U’ finish the album with just the right balance of savage and sweet. ‘Street Star’s hyper synths and blistering verses gives fans absolutely no respite from the group’s bold brand of fiery hip-hop, while ‘I See U’s mellow vocals and leisurely beat rounds off the album with a touching message of love for the fans.

Score/Excellent: The 1st full album is finally here and it’s everything we could have asked for and more. While ‘Killin It’ still clearly draws from the swaggering confidence, skilful rapping and goosebump-worthy vocals of their debut, it showcases so much more than that. With the group sounding as tight and polished as ever, ‘Killin’ It’ is an ode to how far the boys have come, and is proof of the fact that their versatile charms still enthral us years later.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow P1Harmony on:
Twitter

The post P1Harmony – Killin’ It (Album Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

The hotly anticipated 3^rd full album from the K-Pop sensation Stray Kids has already proved to fans around the world that the 8-piece boy group are here to stay.

Having achieved a record-breaking 5.1 million pre-orders for 5-Star, it is safe to say that expectations were high for the group to keep pushing boundaries with their genre-bending style. And, as expected, they did not disappoint.

Stray Kids’ producing trio, 3Racha, masterfully navigate feverish hip-hop beats, staccato raps, soulful vocal performances, and hard-hitting bass to present a practiced and polished sound, meticulously refined through years of industry domination.

The album’s title track, ‘S-Class’, is a playful dissection of genres the group often mingles in. From its starting whistled intro, to its harmonic bridges and minimalist, though addictive chorus, ‘S-Class’ strays from K-Pop’s conventional dance-pop to dabble in old-school hip-hop rapping and contrasts soaring instrumentals with sharp repetitive vocal phrases.

The group boasts about being the “best of the best” and feeling like the “brightest star” as compared to their industry counterparts, and even just going off album sales and accolades, they would appear to be telling the truth.

But, the fun doesn’t stop here. The boys present a collaboration with Tiger JK, a member of the legendary Korean hip-hop group Drunken Tiger, on track ‘Topline’. As long-time fans of the rapper, Stray Kids baptise this holy union in fire and ash in this explosive rap-fuelled anthem.

Group rappers HAN and Changbin bounce bars off of Tiger JK’s swaggering verse as the group furiously chant “Ain’t nobody can do it like this”, leaving nothing to be desired in the wake of this savagely infectious track.

For all its break-neck glory, 5-Star also has offerings of emotional ballads and sentimental lyricism.

‘Youtiful’ is a heartfelt song of encouragement and devotion dedicated entirely to the group’s fans, known as STAY, to “don’t ever doubt yourself” and embrace being “youtiful”. Backed by delicate acoustic strings and tentative electric guitar, the members’ sweet and pure vocal performances provide an uplifting sentiment to their loyal listeners.

Aside from love and confidence though, 5-Star shines with additions such as ‘FNF’ (Fauna and Flora), which expresses regret in the aftermath of the Australian bushfires. As a love letter to wildlife and nature, Australian member Felix reflects upon his anger and disbelief at the tragedy through lyrics such as

“I can feel the rage burning up inside my heart” and “I can’t stop thinking about what I could’ve done”.

Though these meaningful confessions are enveloped in the soft and hopeful sounds of dance-pop, listeners are inevitably drawn to think about wider issues in the midst of the memorable 5-Star.

The album perfectly wraps up with the sound of summer itself, ‘Mixtape (Time Out)’, combining lively rock guitar with light and harmonious vocals sure to get listeners singing out loud. With a run-time of just under three minutes, ‘Mixtape (Time Out)’ ensures that fans are no doubt left scrambling for the replay button, solidifying 5-Star as an unforgettable album by a group thriving in their unique brand of confidence and professionalism.

Score/Oustanding: There is truly something for everyone on this album. Whether that’s soft-sung ballads or energising anthems to hype you up on a bad day. There is even a song entirely in English (‘Super Bowl’) for those tentative about foreign-language lyrics. 5-Star takes no prisoners and demands attention through its largely experimental style and emphasis on self-confidence; it’s definitely an album that will keep a solid reputation for years to come.

[We rank albums on a scale of: Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, Outstanding].

The post Stray Kids – 5-Star (Album Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

The vanguard and preeminent gem of this EP is christened “Super Shy.” Its dominion spans the K-Pop soundscape like a tempest. This track ascended to South Korea’s coveted Circle Digital Chart throne, clinching NewJeans their third consecrated chart-topper in the nation. On an international spectrum, it assumes its pinnacle across diverse charts, reigning supreme in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. The crescendo reaches its zenith, marking its highest attainment on the Billboard Global 200 (at the distinguished second place), the UK Singles Chart (capturing the 52nd spot), and the US Billboard Hot 100 (nestling into the 48th slot).

Inaugurating my rendezvous with this group, I happened upon “Super Shy” via an Instagram story shared by a friend. Its production instantaneously captivated me, leading me to assume I had unearthed a novel indie UK garage group. The song’s backbeat exuded a resemblance to Shanks & Bigfoot’s classic “Sweet Like Chocolate.” It was, in reality, a K-Pop song. A stark departure from the run-of-the-mill K-Pop anthems that I hear in the gym.

Here’s my rating for each song on a scale of (1-10):

“New Jeans” – 7

“Super Shy” – 10

“ETA” – 7

“Cool With You” – 8

“Get Up” – 6

“ASAP” – 9

Rating/Excellent – A pop gem.

[We rank albums on a scale of: Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

The post New Jeans – Get Up [EP REVIEW] appeared first on Music Review World.