KPOP ROUNDUP 2016 pt. 2

Welcome to the second installment of my KPOP ROUNDUP 2016! Basically this gives me a place to gush about my fave songs every 4 months, then concluding with a final 2016 list after the first of the year. I'll start with honorable mentions then move into the top ten! (P.S.: these are title tracks only, so click on the ☆ to see the MV!)

Honorable Mentions:

☆ "Monodrama" -  EXO's Lay (I don't know if this counts because it's not in Korean so a special honorable mention)

☆ "Good Luck" - AOA

☆ "On My Own" - Amber

☆ "Starlight" SNSD's Taeyeon ft. DΞΔN

☆ "Very Nice" - Seventeen

☆ "All Mine" - f(x)

☆ "Whatta Man" - I.O.I

☆ "Love Paint (every afternoon)" - NU'EST

10. "Starry Night" - SHINee's Onew and Lee JinAh ☆

9. "She" - VROMANCE ☆ 

8. "Crying" - Stellar ☆

7. "Navillera" - GFriend ☆

6. "Can't Help Myself" - Eric Nam ☆

5. "Monster" - EXO ☆

I think this song encompasses all that EXO can be. It's intense, engaging, and aggressive without force-feeding you. The vocals are still top tier and hold their own over an enthralling beat. Honestly the song is good enough for me to just listen to the instrumental and call it a bop, but the members brought it to another level. Not to mention the rap is awesome, it's different from the overall vibe so it catches your attention but similar enough for it to fit. Even my dad likes this song.

4. "Free Somebody" - f(x)'s Luna ☆

I'm starting this out by saying Luna is SM's best female vocalist, end of story. Now that that's out of the way, I absolutely adore this song. It's so funky and smooth, while still maintaining some of the EDM influences f(x) is known for. Her vocal execution is incredible, she seems to know when to hold back and when to let out powerful notes. The mix is also really cool-y done, I can hear layered vocals throughout the track. A beaut of a song, 10/10 would listen every day.

3. "Fantasy" - VIXX ☆

This song is GORGEOUS. VIXX topped my list last time, I'm never let down by their music. The mixture of classical and trap influence blew me away, the opening with a sped up moonlight sonata was beautiful. Once I hit the chorus each listen, I get chills up and down my body. A breathtaking song, I can't really say anything else.

2. "She Is" - SHINee's Jonghyun ☆

You might be thinking, what could've beat "Fantasy" after that review. Welp, here it is, another slightly more beautiful song. This track makes me want to dance! Jonghyun's vocals are so unique and lovely, his range is crazy impressive. The R&B vibe fits his voice so well, and I can hear how much he likes this song just by listening to how he recorded it. That little rap breakdown that went into a call and response !!! Thanks, Jonghyun, I love you.

1. "Secret" - Cosmic Girls (WJSN) ☆

... Surprise? What's this? Someone beat out VIXX and SHINee? Let me introduce you to WJSN. These 13 girls executed this masterpiece put in front of them so well, you wouldn't think they debuted only this year. I. Love. This. Song. The strings mixed with a funky bass? Great. The powerful yet floaty vocals? Amazing. The perfect rap tone and length? Superb. Not to mention they have one of the most incredible up and coming vocal lines in rookie groups. The only complaint I have is the beat drowns out those beautiful vocals at times, but that's to no fault of the girls. I literally listen to this at least 3 times a day.

That's all from me! I put together a youtube playlist ☆here☆ if you want them all at once. 

Leave me your own top 5-10 in the comments!

I'm lame

Hello again to the 3 people that read this. I was surprisingly busy over the summer and un-surprisingly lazy on my off days. I'll be posting the kpop roundup part 2 within the day, so look out for my rankings of the summer tracks!

As for reviews, I really really do want to catch up. I figure now that I've started school again I can work albums into my schedule! But, I'm gonna have to be a bit picky in which ones I review if I want to be on track by the end of the year... //sweats//. If there's any albums you REALLY want to see me review from where I left off, please comment below or spam me on twitter! @floralyoori :) Otherwise I'll just be picking out big names and personal favorites.

Here's to not being a bum!

-Julia

Nam Woohyun (남우현) - Write

Summary

I know Woohyun through Infinite and ToHeart (a personal fave) so I was excited to listen to this album. It's very calming and beautiful, very well put together and executed!

Individual Song Reviews:

1. “Write”

Lovely intro! Piano and string are a double kill for me.

2."끄덕끄덕 (Still I Remember)” music video

I'm such a sucker for ballads. The instruments they used sound wonderful together. Woohyun's vocals are really amazing, it makes me sad he didn't get more recognition for this comeback.

3. “그 사람”

More piano! His vocals are really powerful on this track. On a side note, I'm loving the smooth transitions between songs.

4. “향기”

This gave me total drama OST vibes. I have a soft playlist for night time, I think this will being going onto it.

5. “Gravity”

A more upbeat track, it held my attention a lot more than the previous songs! Not to say the others are boring, but the heavier guitar in this made it more exciting for me.

6. “Stand By Me”

Woohyun has held steadily strong vocals throughout this whole album. Another soft track, the perfect ending.

Ending notes:

A lovely album! Not something I'd listen to everyday, but beautiful nonetheless. 8/10
1. Gravity
2. Still I Remember

Released May 8th 2016
Listen on Spotify here
Support Nam Woohyun and buy this album on iTunes here

Amber (엠버) - Borders/On My Own/Need to Feel Needed (single releases)

Summary

Just because I love her so much, I felt like I needed to chime in on Amber's recent single release series. Thanks @ SM for giving her artistic freedom it produced masterpieces.

Individual Song Reviews:

1. “Borders” music video

This isn't Amber's most interesting song musically, but the message behind it is super powerful. Letting Amber have artistic freedom on her own tracks allowed emotion to seep through. I remember when I first listened I was so surprised SM let her sing, since they usually keep her on rap (which she's equally good at). I usually listen to this song when I'm feeling down.

2. “On My Own” music video

I get goosebumps every time I listen to this track, it's so soft. Gen Neo's harmonies added great depth to the vocals, making the song more dynamic. Amber's vocals are some of my favorite in kpop. She doesn't try to be a powerhouse or hit numerous runs, she's just Amber.

3. “Need to Feel Needed” music video

How do I even begin with this song, I love it so much. The beat, her vocals, the vibe. I can't help but dance to this song, it's so cool and fun. I love the fact the Amber doesn't have to have someone else feature on her tracks, her rapping and singing tones vary enough to keep it interesting throughout. Not to mention I love the short guitar sample they have buried in there, and then the solo! I literally listen to this every day.

Ending notes:

Amber is my talented wife I love her a lot that is all. 9/10
1. Need to Feel Needed

Released March 25th/May18th/May 25th 2016 respectively
Listen on Spotify here here here
Support Amber and buy these singles on iTunes here here here

I.O.I (아이오아이) - Chrysalis

Summary

I didn't watch Produce 101 so I was totally unaware going into this review. I'm a fan of Sejeong and Mina since they are now part of a group I follow, Gugudan. I'm glad these girls are going to split off into new groups or solo careers, they deserve better producers.

Individual Song Reviews:

1. “I.O.I (Intro)”

Typical intro track, though the dreamy tone didn't fit with the horns.

2. “Dream Girls” music video

I was immediately overwhelmed by how much was happening in the song, too many sounds were thrown in. Was that a muted electric guitar? The chorus was pretty catchy, and the rap wasn't bad at all if not for the poorly-made song.

3. “Knock Knock Knock”

The vocals in this track were better than the last, but not very clear. I'm not sure whether this was because of how they recorded it or another reason. Though I would've removed the horns, I liked this song better.

4. “Doo Wap”

An extremely 80's inspired track, I love this style. I've been really impressed with their rapper so far! Though there's one voice that doesn't sit well with me, it's a good song overall.

5. “When The Cherry Blossoms Fade”

Interesting choice starting off with a harmonica. More 80's synth samples, I'm not complaining but where did the idea come from? Their vocals are a lot better in this song, I like the harmonies!

6. “Pick Me” music video

It starts off really aggressive and goes downhill from there. To be blunt, it's a bad song. Really bad. Why.

Ending notes:

I wish for success for each of these girls in their future groups or as solo artists, but the producers dropped this album to a 5/10 for me.

1. Doo Wap

2. When the Cherry Blossoms Fade

3. Knock Knock Knock

Released May 4th 2016

Listen on Spotify here

Support I.O.I and buy this album on iTunes here

AKMU (악동뮤지션) - SPRING

Summary

My fave sibling duo! I remember when I first listened to AKMU, I was so surprised that kpop could sound the way they did. They keep getting more and more talented, and with Suhyun being only a month older than me I'm always blown away by the quality of their music!

Individual Song Reviews:

1. “RE-BYE” music video

I automatically notice that Suhyun's vocals have matured, this girl is incredible. The instruments they chose give the song a retro vibe, which I love. The song overall is catchy and cool and I especially liked Chanhyuk's unique rap tone.

2. “How People Move” music video

I honestly love this song, the instrument choice is great once again! The entire vibe just makes you want to dance. I also love the point where they take on an almost opera style, it's a super fun way to keep listeners engaged.

3. “Haughty Girl”

This track is much softer that the two previous title tracks. The melody makes you want to sway, and I'd definitely classify it as an easy-listening song.

4. “Green Window”

I was reminded of songs off their first album with this track. it so uplifting and upbeat! I also love how much guitar they use, in this and other songs.

5. “Every Little Thing”

I love strings! Once again with the instruments, I also enjoyed the horns used in the chorus. I feel like this is the sort of song you'd hear in a musical.

6. “Around”

This track gave me Melted vibes. The space they used in production makes the song song huge, giving it a hauntingly beautiful feeling.

Ending notes:

AKMU is honestly one of the most talented artist groups in kpop right now, and I really loved this mini-album! 8/10
1. How People Move
2. RE-BYE
3. Green Window

Released May 4th 2016
Listen on Spotify here
Support AKMU and buy this album on iTunes here

BTS (방탄소년단) - 화양연화: Young Forever (new songs and remixes)

Summary

BTS was the first kpop group I ever really got into, but the hype surrounding them has caused me to drift away and ignore them to some extent. But I always love their music, and was very excited to finally listen to the new tracks and remixes on HYYH part 3.

Individual Song Reviews:

1. “Butterfly (Prolouge Remix)"

When the prologue came out, I learned the snippet we had of this on piano so quickly. I've been waiting so long for the full version, and another 2+ months to actually listen to it. The harmonies sound as good as ever, and I got chills listening to the new verses. Taehyung's vocals were the shining part of the song for me, and I loved the guitar they brought in towards the end!

2. “Fire” music video

Okay, this song and I have a love-hate relationship. It's messy, the parts don't fit well together, and the "harmony" with Jin and Jimin (you know the one) was tragic. But it's somehow still a bop, and has definitely grown on me since first listen.

3. “Save Me” music video

Ah yes, this song is my favorite out of the three I've heard due to music video releases. It's so different from what they've done in the past, and reminds me of something I like to listen to outside of kpop. Rap line killed it as well.

4. “Epilogue: Young Forever” music video

This isn't their most dynamic song, but I can feel the heart behind it. The soaring vocals in the chorus are really uplifting, and who doesn't love a good clap beat?

5. “House of Cards (Full Length Edition)”

This song is flat out sensual, not too in your face but enough to groove to. Jungkook has now been deemed the adlib king, and the harmonies never get old. Jimin in the new verses though [eye emoji].

6. “Love Is Not Over (Full Length Edition)”

I live for Jin and Taehyung harmonies, it's my favorite part of the original version. I did not expect raps to be in the full version, so when Namjoon's part started I got super hyped. The rap line was just the cherry on top of this song!

7. "I Need U (Urban Remix)”

Hoseok singing I've seen the light. I like this remix better than the orginial (which I usually skip on shuffle, awkward). The tuning on the raps was well done, and I really think this would sound great with a live band.

8. "I Need U (Remix)”

This was pretty meh for me, not something I would listen to all the time. The chorus was pretty cool, but the remix only got interesting for me in the last minute or so.

9. "Run (Ballad Mix)”

I've been waiting for this since the first Run teaser, thanks BigHit. This song gave me chills, something about the snaps got to me as well. More Hoseok singing as well, we're all blessed. This mix is such a contrast to the original, and I think I prefer this version!

10. "Run (Alternative Mix)”

I honestly didn't notice much of a difference in this mix. There's some added guitar and a bit of a tempo change.

11. "Butterfly (Alternative Mix)”

Same as the Run alternative mix.

Ending notes:

BTS never disappoints, I'm glad I saved this for over two months so I could give my honest reactions! 8/10
1. Run (Ballad Mix)
2. I Need U (Urban Remix)
3. Save Me

Released May 2nd 2016
Not available on Spotify
Support BTS and buy this album on iTunes here