I am a huge fan of B1A4 and purchased their first full-length album Ignition when it was first released. Little did I know back then, but they've re-released the album with two brand new tracks and re-titled the album: The B1A4 Ignition Special Edition. And even though the repackaged album only contains 2 brand new tracks (plus their instrumentals at the end of of the album), I've still purchased the album and am currently waiting for it to arrive in the post (I may be posting photos of my copy when it arrives!). I reviewed the album back in March (you can read my full review here) but I think it's time that I gave my review on those brand new tracks - 잘자요 굿나잇 (Baby Goodnight) and 너 때문에 (Because Of You).

The title track of the album (the track that they're currently promoting) is Baby Goodnight and it's a huge departure from their previous title track - Baby I'm Sorry. They returned in March with a dark concept and shocked fans with their almost grown-up attitudes and darker image. But now, B1A4 have returned to their cute, fun and colourful image that they were previously known for. The song itself is a fun, light and energetic pop song that almost seems to feature old-school gameboy sounds. Although it's not a song that would be considered a huge dancefloor filler, it still has elements that make you want to get up and have "dancing party time" - as they beautifully coo in the chorus: "dancing, dancing, dancing in the moonlight". This song definately echoes their first two songs - OK and Beautiful Target - and proves that, although they showed their maturity with Baby I'm Sorry, B1A4 have not lost their fun and energetic personas.

The second new track that B1A4 have given us is 너 때문에 (Because Of You). This song is a lovely midtempo track that fits in nicely with their previous songs (especially the sound that they explored in their first two mini albums). Although the song doesn't have any gimmicks or cute moments, it's a fantastic song to display the member's vocal capabilities (especially Sandeul, who sounds absolutely amazing!)

All in all, I think that this re-release is completely worth buying (whether you've bought the original version or not). We may have 'only' been given 2 new tracks but they are both great songs and the repackaged album features lots of new photos and a brand new concept. Well worth buying, I'd say.

A Pink were one of the top rookie groups of 2011 and released a couple of hits during the past year (MY MY and I Don't Know). And now they're back with the first full length album - a short collection of songs that showcase their cute and sweet sides. But is this just more of the same of what we've already seen from A Pink?  Is their image becoming a little tiring now? Let's find out.

Click the "read more" link below to read my full review of A Pink's Une Annee:

Girls' Generaiton divided into 3 this month for the release of their first sub-unit's mini album - Twinkle! The sub-unit group, comprised of members Taeyeon, Tiffany and Seohyun, were given the odd yet appropriate name Taetiseo. Their group name may not be a word that rolls off the tongue, but what about the music? I review Taetiseo's first mini album Twinkle after the break and see if the album lived up to expectations....

Click "read more" to view my track-by-track review of Taetiseo's Twinkle mini album:

My latest review is for 7 member group U-KISS' sixth mini album - 도라도라 (DORADORA). Released a couple of days ago, I've had enough time to listen to it and give you all my review. So without further-a-do...

Click "read more" to read my track-by-track review of U-KISS' DORADORA:

Everyone's favourite cute and bubbly girl group are officially back! I've been awaiting the comeback of Girl's Day since last Summer, when I first became addicted to their monster-hit 반짝반짝 (Twinkle Twinkle), which went on to become one of the 2011's biggest songs. And yesterday, they released their long-awaited new mini album and new music video for Oh! My God. Today, I'll be reviewing their mini album...

So, click the "read more" link below to read my track-by-track review of Girl's Day's Everyday II mini album:

SISTAR are back with their 5th release and their first ever mini album - Alone. As the follow-up to 2011's massive hit SO COOL, a lot was riding on Alone. But has it delivered? SISTAR have definately evolved as a group and their style is a lot different from their previous releases - but is this change for the better?

For my track-by-track review of SISTAR's first mini album ALONE.... click the "read more" link below!

4minute are officially back! After a year long break and a series of delays and push backs, their newest mini album Volume Up was unleashed to the public this week. But, was it worth the wait?

Check out my track-by-track review of Volume Up after the break:

Having being teased for the past 100 days - yes, it was 100 days of teasing - April 7th finally saw the release of  SM Entertainment's latest creation - EXO. EXO are a 12 member boyband technically but have split in half - 6 members have become EXO-K and will promote in Korea and the other 6 members are part of EXO-M who will be promoting in China. Because I'm a K-Pop lover and am currently learning Korean, this review will focus on EXO-K's version of their debut single MAMA.

Firstly, I have to be honest - I had completely lost interest in this whole project. I felt that we were overloaded with teasers and the hype was so over-the-top that I actually lost interest in them quickly. However, the first time that I heard MAMA and saw the music video - I was utterly blown away. From the cinematic introduction, explaining how EXO came to be, to the Iluminati-esque robes - I knew that this was not your standard run-of-the-mill music video. The music video seems to give each member a certain power of symbol - and each member can manipulate water, fire or other elements. This immediately gave the MAMA music video a unique and epic atmosphere because instead of seeing EXO-K as K-Pop Idols, they seem to be supernatural and out-of-this-world creatures. Also, the amount of special effects and the elaborate set design really shows how much SM has invested in this group. Indeed, this video is very slick and well produced - and combined with the superb choreography, the MAMA video truly is a winner and easily one of the best music videos of 2012 so far.

As for the song, it's just as unique and epic as it's music video. The strings and vocals at the beginning definately give this song a vibe that I can only describe as apocalyptic ...! I wouldn't say this song was the most radio friendly and I definately believe that MAMA will divide a few opinions - it's very brave for a debut single. However, for me, I think it's incredible. My favourite part of the song is undoubtedly the breakdown - the clashing drums, the heavy-metal guitar and the rap which wouldn't sound out of place on a heavy-metal song.

For a debut, this is flawless. But the only problem that comes with debuting with a music video like this? The follow-up. EXO may have lived up to the 100 day hype, but living up to this near-perfect music video may be even trickier. 

As I'm struggling to find new albums/mini-albums to review, I thought I'd review another one of my favourite albums from 2011. I'll be reviewing After School's first full length album Virgin and hopefully explain what it is about this album that I love so much.

So, for my full track-by-track album review, click on the "Read More" link now!

Despite debuting two and a half years ago, Rainbow are only now releasing their first full-length album - Over The Rainbow. Although they're a full-fleged Korean success, their first album is actually a Japanese release. Korean fans may still be waiting for their debut Korean album, but for now, this Japanese album will have to suffice. And, warning - do not let that cutesy, bright cover fool you - Rainbow are sophisticated and sultry women, and Over The Rainbow proves this.

For my full track-by-track review, click the link below to read more:

f(x)'s first album Pinocchio was by far my favourite album of 2011. Nearing it's first birthday, I've decided to write a review of it - celebrating all its glory!

Check out my track-by-track review of f(x)'s Pinocchio below:

Sherlock is the fourth mini album from Korean supergroup SHINee. After a year and a half away from the Korean music scene, they returned this week with Sherlock - but does it live up to the hype and anticipation?

Click below to read my track-by-track review of SHINee's Sherlock:

B1A4 were by far my favourite boyband to debut in 2011. Their songs OK and Beautiful Target were so fun and summery, and I found myself singing along to Beautiful Target 24/7. Now, March 2012, they are officially back! IGNITION is their first full-length album and they've opted for a more grown-up and darker image this time round.

If you want to read my thoughts and feelings about the new album, click the link below to read my full review of  IGNITION:

Nu'Est finally debuted yesterday with their first ever music video - FACE. And it did not dissapoint. I've been waiting for Nu'Est's debut since December, after seeing them in After School and Son Dambi's Christmas single Love Letter. Nu'Est is on the same record company (Pledis) as After School and when the members were announced, the 5 guys were tentatively named After School Boys or Pledis Boys. But their official name was announced as Nu'Est which is miles better than the original names.

And after a week of teasers, FACE was finally unveiled to us yesterday. For a debut single, I thought it was mighty impressive. It was slick and sharp and I really enjoyed the concept - a bullying concept which I had never seen in a K-Pop video before. I was really pleased that FACE was set in a school environment. Just as After School's debut video for AH~ was set in a school, so was FACE - and I liked that link. But unlike AH~, FACE is a gritty, edgy and powerful song. The English lyrics include lines such as 'stupid', 'so what' and 'shit' - proving that Nu'Est aren't messing around. The song is not only powerful in it's lyrics but also in it's beat - especially the dub-step breakdown in the middle.

Dancing wise, I thought these guys were so impressive. I enjoyed the chair choreography and the whole 'bullying/hitting' element to the routine. It was fast-paced and energetic and as it was set in a school, it looked really rebellious too. Ren is my favourite member because of his cold and non-cholant persona - he is the definition of 'So What?'.

Overall, I was highly impressed by Nu'Est's debut. Whereas other boybands might have debuted with a softer side, Nu'Est have already come at us with something strong and shocking. I feel like they won't be going down the fun/cute route, which I am very happy about. If they stick to this edgy image, I'll be looking forward to what else they have to offer.

5/5

C-REAL debuted last year with their song No No No No No and I was a big fan of it. It was a soft R&B number with sweet vocals, and the 5 members of C-REAL were dubbed as 5 mini IU's - another K-Pop artist I'm a big fan of.

This week, they returned with their new single Joma Joma and their second mini album Love Diary. It's definately different to No No No No No but I can't help but feel that it's a step back for C-REAL. Although their first single was insanely cute, it still had a grown-up feel to it. But somehow, Joma Joma seems quite childish. The girls have been dressed in a very young way (school uniform-like, if you will) and the whole tap-dancing element to the song makes it overall a bit kiddy-like. I thought their first mini album was really strong and although the members were obviously very young, they could still compete with the older, more mature K-Pop Idols. But this time round, I feel they've gone back a step and released something 'safe' instead of trying to mature.

All of that said, I still think it's a good song. I don't think it's a song that I'll be blasting out of my car when I'm driving, but for a short and sweet song - it does the trick. I really like the rapper of the group who gives C-REAL the edge that they need. The other songs on the mini album are pretty good - 맘에 든다고 has a computer-game vibe to it but works surprisingly well.

Overall, I'm not dissapointed with this comeback. However, I am not blown away or overly impressed either. I think these 5 girls are exceptional vocalists and I do see a bright future for them, but I hope - for their sake - that their next release will be something with a bit more subtance and with signs of growth.


3/5

I've already the music videos for BIG BANG's BLUE and BAD BOY, and I've also reviewed their entire Alive mini album - but now it's time to review BIG BANG's latest music video for FANTASTIC BABY.

The music video was released today and oh my goodness - I am beyond impressed. I'm currently exhausted after a long, stressful day - but after seeing this music video, I feel envigorated and energised!

The music video is full of energy and excitement. It's incredibly fast-paced and that totally matches the speed of the song - a catchy, eletronic dance number. It's also refreshing seeing this side of BIG BANG after their cold New York videos of BLUE and BAD BOY. What impressed me the most about this video is the fashion. BIG BANG have always been on the forefront of fashion trends, but with FANTASTIC BABY, they have surprassed trends and their style here is unique and futuristic.

G-Dragon is my favourite BIG BANG member and by far the most adventurous and daring character of not only the group, but in South Korea as a whole. His clothes are really edgy and have a punk feel to them, but it's his hair that really steals the show. It's not often you find a man who can pull of hair like he does in this video. Despite the pink highlights and the long-flowing fringe, G-Dragon retains his masculinity through his swagger and persona. He is like the male Rapunzel in the first shot of the video and completely breaks down boundaries with his use of hair styling and make up. Iconic!

Although TOP is my least favourite member, I have to give him props for his styling in FANTASTIC BABY. He totally rocks the aqua hair and his military outfits suit him down to a tee. I'm not sure if the glasses that he rocks in the final scene are the most flattering, but he still manages to keep his suave persona in check. Daesang, Taeyang and Seungri all up their fashion-game for this video too. Although not as daring as G-Dragon or TOP, they still posess a cool and edgy style.

After all that, I'm going to watch the video one more time and head for bed. Then wake up in the morning and watch it all over again.

I am currently watching Dream High 2 and I'm absolutely loving it. I will confess, I never saw the first series of Dream High. But, so far, this series has grabbed me so much that I'll be hoping to watch the first series very soon.

I was attracted to seeing Dream High 2 because of Jiyeon from T-ARA. I'm a fan of T-ARA and Jiyeon is by far my favourite member so when I found out she'd be starring in this new series, I was so intrigued. So I started, and I was not dissapointed at all. Dream High 2 may be set at an arts school but it's completely opposite to the usual sterotypes that are attached with the 'art's school' programmes on TV. This series doesn't heavily feature annoying brats who want to be famous and they aren't any cheesey show numbers. It's as far away from High School Musical as possible.

Most of the cast is young and features stars from K-Pop Idol groups (Jiyeon from T-ARA, Jinwoon from 2am and Hyorin from SISTAR) but as well as great vocalists, they're also pretty good actors. Especially Jinwoon from 2am who is probably my favourite character. He's so cool and doesn't show his feelings often but I feel like he wants to. JB is another great character, although he is rather cold-hearted at points.

The series is a mixture of emotional highs and lows. It can be so funny at points (mainly due to former After School member So-Young's character Soon-Dong who makes me laugh with her crazy facial expressions and mannerisms). It can also be highly emotional (Kang Sora's character has such a hard time and I really feel for her).

Although it may have a few clichés and it can be over-the-top in some places, I still find it a fantastic show where the characters are so relatable. I don't want the series to end!


What do you think of Dream High 2? Better or worse than the first series?

It's finally here! BIG BANG's new release has arrived and I couldn't be more happy with it. I became a huge BIG BANG fan last year when they released their 4th mini album and became obsessed with them after their Love song single. And now, one year later, they've returned with their 5th mini album ALIVE.

Check out my track-by-track review after the break...

miss A are back with their 4th release - Touch. Click below to read my track-by-track review of the first release of 2012:

Time permitting, I'll be reviewing every new BIG BANG track that will be released over the next week. Their first track of 2012 is Blue. Whereas they stormed 2011 with their awesome electro hit Tonight, they begin their Alive Mini Album campaign with a slower paced song.

Blue quite simply took my breath away. For a song which is so unassuming and subtle, it had quite an effect on me. The 5 members of BIG BANG all sound fantastic. There are no vocal gymnastics or crazy loud vocals. It's all very soft and subtle, and I love that about this song. Production wise, it definately has a soft and sombre feel to it. This matches the vocal delivery of each member. This song is an example of a song where you don't have to understand the lyrics for it to be able to provoke emotions in you.

The music video was also fantastic. I watched it a few times in a row because it was THAT good. It was shot so beautifully New York and had a cinematic feel to it. The blue tint to the video made it look a lot colder and emotional too. The 5 guys look awesome, I wish I could have their style (especially G-Dragon's!)

I'm really looking forward to the other 5 songs and videos! Knowing that they'll be promoting 6 songs during this comeback has me so excited for the upcoming week!