[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Red Velvet - Peek A Boo (2017)

Following TWICE and Seventeen, Red Velvet also conducted another comeback in 2017. Red Velvet released their newest album called Perfect Velvet with Peek-A-Boo as title track on Friday, November 17^th 2017.

This is the third comeback for Red Velvet in 2017. The girls are currently enjoying consecutive success after releasing Rookie and Red Flavor. Because of this, people anticipation for Peek-A-Boo rose.

With Peek-A-Boo, will Red Velvet manage to create another hit and fulfill public expectation? Find the answer through my review below……………………….

Red Velvet took on tropical house genre with Peek-A-Boo. This was quite unexpected since the joyful tone of that genre usually appeared during summer. However, Peek-A-Boo did not sound out of place in fall season. It has whistle tune, which gave dark and mysterious feeling just like the current gloomy season.

Red Velvet combined between tropical house genre and their signature music style. Peek-A-Boo verses represented Red Velvet characteristic through the usage of loud percussion and bass sound. This successfully built the song dynamic, which was why verses became the strongest part of Peek-A-Boo.

Unfortunately, Peek-A-Boo chorus part did not follow through. It fell flat due to the domination of one repetitive phrase and tropical house beat. They should put after chorus as the main base because it has more interesting melody and vocal. Speaking of vocal, I felt Wendy and Seulgi’s capability did not maximize in Peek-A-Boo. There were barely challenging part for them.

As for its lyrics, Peek-A-Boo talked about playing game of love. The music video managed to represent while twist it in creepy way at the same time. Red Velvet acted as group of mysterious girls who lived under same house. They often ordered pizza and invited the deliveryman to stay in their house. The deliveryman happily accepted their offer. But, little he knew that the girls actually prepared something crazy for him.

The creepy storyline of Peek-A-Boo kind of reminded me with Russian Roulette music video. However, it has darker tone in terms of color and setting. Red as well as brown color dominated the architecture of Red Velvet classy house. Moreover, the mysterious aspect also emphasized with fast editing and unique cinematography.

Red Velvet themselves managed to capture people attention with their presence in Peek-A-Boo music video. Each girl has great styling and looked gorgeous on her own way. At the same time, the styling seemed coordinate with overall music video theme. Look at how red became the main color of Red Velvet dresses and its shades showcased through their makeup.

Peek-A-Boo proved how Red Velvet became more comfortable with their color. It has a mix of quirkiness and catchiness in terms of music and music video. This would easily make Peek-A-Boo got good reception in public. However, Red Velvet should not easily become satisfied. The girls still have many potential that did not showcased fully in this single. Way to go, Red Velvet!

Rating:                        3.5/5

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Red Velvet - Red Flavor (2017)

Red Velvet added into the list of girl groups who have a comeback this summer. Red Velvet released their newest album called The Red Summer on Sunday, July 9^th 2017. This album has Red Flavor as the title track.

Red Velvet growth in K-Pop music scene is quite promising. Their title tracks got better reception on each release although they have not produced the ‘it’ song yet. Their quirky style also fitted the current trend of girl group concept.

Through Red Flavor, will Red Velvet finally gain their momentum? Check out my review below……………

Red Velvet tries something simple with Red Flavor. They leave the fast talking verses and decide to sing throughout the song. There is no sudden transition too, which makes Red Flavor flows nicely and easy to listen since the first time.

Although it has simple style, Red Flavor does not instantly become boring and uninteresting. Red Velvet manages to keep their signature energetic music. This song combines percussion sound with funky bass and synthesizer. It very unique!

All of these combinations could make Red Flavor as a perfect summer theme song. It is infectious where you will automatically sing and dance. Moreover the lyrics able to portray summer season well. It tells a story about how Red Velvet falls in love with a guy and wants to go with him. However, Red Flavor also has its own flaw.

Red Flavor music and vocal does not able to complement each other at some parts. It sounds empty since the instrumental quite simple while Red Velvet vocal tone tends to be sweet. I wish there is more vocal layering to spice up the song just like in second chorus.

As for the music video, Red Velvet once again shows their quirky concept. The girls act as different type of fruit this time. Irene becomes watermelon, Seulgi acts as pineapple, Wendy turns into orange, Joy becomes kiwi, and Yeri changes into grape.  The music video shows how the girls interview those fruits and represents them. It’s bizarre yet successfully capture people attention.

The representation of fruit continues Red Flavor summer theme. This accompanied by the usage of bright colors in most scenes. Colors like red, yellow, and blue constantly come out through setting and properties.

Another summer theme also appears in terms of activities. It showcases how Red Velvet party and dance in outdoor arena. Moreover the girls styling is on point too. They look pretty and bubbly with their summer attire such as dress, shorts, and vibrant-pattern blouse.

Still, there are some points that missed on Red Flavor music video. The editing seems abrupt and computer effect looks messy at some parts. This could make people dizzy and confuse about the music video. Beside that, the setting is quite limited. It is such a pity since there are many things that could be explored in summer theme.

Red Flavor is a nice summer anthem from Red Velvet. It is such a fun song accompanied with bright music video. The girls manage to deliver much solid track compared to other girl groups who try similar attempt this summer. Yes, Red Flavor still has its own flaws, but overall Red Velvet does a good job. I am sure they manage to gain their momentum with Red Flavor!

Rating:                        4/5

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Red Velvet - Russian Roulette (2016)

Red Velvet is back again this year!

On Wednesday September 7th 2016, Red Velvet just released the music video for their newest single called Russian Roulette. This single along with same name album comes three months after their last comeback, One of These Nights on March.

Judging from Russian Roulette teasers, Red Velvet seems aiming for another cheerful and energetic concept known as their Red concept. It's not really surprising since One of These Nights showed the mature and elegant Velvet side.

So, how is Russian Roulette? Check out my review for their music video below...........................................

Back to basic, that’s the perfect term to describe Russian Roulette. There is no experimental sound or complicated dynamic like Red Velvet previous title tracks. Russian Roulette has a usual song structure with verse, bridge, and refrain on repeat. This added by catchy hook part during refrain.

Russian Roulette is very pop, which reminds me a bit with Girls’ Generation songs. However, Red Velvet signature electronic music is style there. I like that they try something new with retro synthesizer and 8-bit sound.

All of that makes Russian Roulette becomes easy to listen and enjoyable since the first time. But, that’s just it. Russian Roulette sounds too simple. It lacks of kick for a title track.

Red Velvet vocal unfortunately doesn’t help much. Their voices sound really similar between one another in Russian Roulette. It’s a pity because Wendy and Seulgi offer powerful vocal while Joy provides distinct vocal color.

Thankfully, Russian Roulette music video gives more kick to the song. Red Velvet once again brings out the unique aesthetics for Russian Roulette music video.

Everything in Russian Roulette music video is so quirky from the cinematography to their style. Both cinematography and style also shows more retro side. The zoom in and zoom out shot reminds me with old school movies as well as the tone.

Red Velvet represents style from 60s to 80s era throughout Russian Roulette music video. I like that Red Velvet goes for cute and sweet style in Russian Roulette compared to previous music videos. Their makeup, wardrobe, and hairstyle are adorable.

The cute and sweet theme also can be seen through the color tone. For Russian Roulette, Red Velvet uses pastel colors like soft pink, baby blue, and light yellow in most scenes.

Despite being sweet and adorable, Russian Roulette music video has its disturbing side. Red Velvet girls compete against each other to win love. This is related with the song lyrics where it tells about love is a game like Russian Roulette. However, their competition is unhealthy.

Red Velvet girls try to get rid one another through heavy violence. The music video doesn’t blatantly show the violence, but some scenes suggest there. Red Velvet girls do the violence in expressionless face, so it makes the music video creepier.

Russian Roulette is SM Entertainment and Red Velvet attempt to bring out K-Pop old school signature sound. The song is pleasant listening, but it doesn’t really go anywhere at the same time. The quirky yet scary music video fortunately makes up for what’s lacking in the song. Better luck next time Red Velvet!

Rating:                        3/5

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[MUSIC ALBUM REVIEW] Red Velvet - Ice Cream Cake (2015)

I never really pay attention to Red Velvet at the beginning. I feel like everything about them is too rushed from their debut date, title tracks, and concept. Beside, quirky concept is not really my style.

But when they released the teasers for their Ice Cream Cake album, it finally caught my attention. They showcased two contrasting image on their teasers, bright and dark. This is the part of their double concept where the fun and bright concept represented by Red and the mature and dark image represented by Velvet.

Other than the teasers, the addition of their new member, Yeri, also made me curious. What is her role? What kind of change that she could bring for the group?

Finally, all of my curiosity answered on March 17^th, 2015. Red Velvet released their new album and here is my review………………………

The main title track of this album, Ice Cream Cake, continued the usual SM Entertainment’s title track sound for the past several years. There is a strong electronic sound, fast-talking/rapping part, the non-sense lyrics (I still cannot get the exact meaning of the song lyrics, are they waiting the boy to give them ice cream?), and the sudden transition for certain part. Most of the times it sounds messy, but fortunately, Ice Cream Cake proved the otherwise.

It still enjoyable to listen without making our head hurts. This mostly because of the strong drum sound that keeps appearing throughout the song; keeping the song together and reminding us that it still the same song. Beside that, the drum along with guitar sound also effective in giving more kick to the song. It definitely lifts up our spirit and bright up the song.

Moreover, the strong drum sound shows unique contrast with the slow music box sound that often appears in the whole song. It’s interesting for them to use music box sound since other groups rarely do this. The music box melody along with the “la la la” part is very catchy too. You will constantly sing to it along with the refrain part.

As for the vocals, all of them do a good job. Seulgi and Wendy are really good as always while Joy and Irene showcase a nice tone for rap part. Unfortunately, we cannot really see Yeri because she only gets a little part during this song.

For the music video, it’s definitely one of the best from SM Entertainment. Finally, the music video outside the box! I love how they maximize the various setting from desert, gas station, and café. It also clearly showcases the foreign location, which in this case is United States. The choreography is good too. It looks energetic.

I also love the girls’ styling! They rock those blonde hair and the colorful wardrobes. But, I wish they change the pool shot for Yeri since she’s too young, it quite uncomfortable to watch for me.

Still, the most important thing is the music video able to capture the song’s fun atmosphere. Good job for the music video and the title track itself!

  

If Ice Cream Cake leans towards the Red side, the other title track, Automatic, shows their Velvet side. It sounds more mature and smooth. The song begins with R&B beats then accompanied by bass, synthesizer, and piano sound at the end of each verse. It’s pleasant listening to listen at the first time.

However, the song then gets repetitive. There is no change or kick throughout the song. The vocal is not really helpful because the girls sing the same pattern on the whole song. It lacks of variation.

The saving grace of this song is the music video. Different from Ice Cream Cake, Automatic music video tone is more dark and gloomy. They also go back in the box for this music video. But, it works for this music video because it captures the song theme about longing for someone and deeply in love with him. The small space and minimalist setting represents the lonely side.

I also like the maroon and yellowish brown color tone on the music video. I feel like the maroon color represents the sultry and the longing vibe. Meanwhile, the yellowish brown represents the warm vibe when the boy is beside them. The color combination is gorgeous too.

Not only the color tone, but also the girls’ styling is gorgeous. What I love the most about Red Velvet is how they fit these two completely different concepts without looking unnatural.

Lastly, I think special credit should be given to the editing cinematography team. The editing is sleek and the shots are beautiful, especially the opening scene during the Seulgi part. I think these two factors are really important in helping to apply the song’s theme to the music video.

The third track, Somethin’ Kinda Crazy, reminds me so much with Michael Jackson’s song, The Way You Make Me Feel. This could be because Teddy Riley, who has worked for Michael Jackson in the past (although not for this song), produced this song. There is heavy influenced of R&B and 80s music with all those bass, synthesizer, and keyboard sound.

Somethin’ Kinda Crazy is lovely just like its lyrics, which are about how the girls meet a boy and the boy fall in love with her. The harmonization is lovely too. I think this is the plus point for Red Velvet since not many girl groups do harmonization nowadays.

Unfortunately, it does happen to their individual part. Their vocal seems lack of power, even Wendy and Seulgi toned down their vocal. As a result, it covered by the strong beat at some parts. The vocal variation also needed in this song  to make it more dynamic since the beat is similar throughout the song.

  

Stupid Cupid is my favorite track of this album. It’s fun to listen. The refrain are very catchy, especially the “Stupid Cupid” part. Also, I love the funny lyrics, which talked about how the girls mad at the Cupid who keeps missing the girls’ target.

The music is unique to with the mix of strong guitar sound like Western Cowboy movie, electronic sound, and drum sound. Although it sounds disjointed at some parts, the drum sound able to maintain the song’s continuity.

Beside, they finally get the vocal part right. Wendy and Seulgi shine the most in this song, especially during the bridge part. Their powerful vocal fits this kind of song. Meanwhile, Joy, Irene, and Yeri soft vocal gives the playful vibe for this song. Finally, there is dynamic on their vocal, but still, I think they should erase the talking part. It kind of disturbed the song flow.

The girls are back with R&B sound on Take It Slow. Unlike their previous songs, the music for this song is quite minimal with only keyboard, bass, and little bit of drum and guitar. The minimalist sound is good for them to showcase their vocal and they don’t disappoint us. Each voice fits well with the song. Beside, you can see that the right vocal affects how the song flows. It’s enjoyable to listen and there’s the dynamic on it.

But, my most favorite part is their harmonization. It sounds really beautiful in this song, especially during the refrain part with the addition of trumpet sound. My other favorite part is the lyrics, which referred to noona romance. I think this is unique since not many groups take this theme in the women perspective.

The last song, Candy, is the sweet ballad to close this album. In terms of arrangement, the arrangement is quite minimalist. There is only classic R&B beat along with little fingertip and violin sound at several parts. But, this sound brings back the nostalgic feels. It reminds me so much with old school girl group sound on the late 1990s and early 2000s. It even reminds me of Wonder Girls!

Beside that, the lyrics, which is about how they want the boy to stay by their side, are really sweet too. It makes you go back to the old times where you meet your first love. The whole song definitely has a soft spot on me.

Overall, this album is sweet and smooth like an ice cream cake. Everything is so catchy and pleasant listening. I really like the musical direction that they take with this album. It has R&B and electronic sound influence, but they take the playful and light side. I think girl groups nowadays rarely done this kind of approach (I can only think of Wonder Girls and SISTAR), so this is a plus point for Red Velvet.

For the future, their biggest homework is their vocals. Irene, Joy, and Yeri need to work on more for their vocals because they have quite big gap with Wendy and Seulgi. This affects the line distribution and vocal dynamic in their songs. It clearly seen on this album, even I feel that Wendy and Seulgi have to tone down their vocal in some songs. Also, the addition of Yeri does not give significant improvement for the group on this album.

Another thing that they should pay attention is the double concept. It was a unique innovation, but at the same time, it could make people confused. Which one is the real identity of the girls? They need to find a way to avoid this issue.

Overall, Ice Cream Cake is a sweet surprise from Red Velvet. I become a fan now and definitely look forward for their next releases!

My Favorite Tracks   : Stupid Cupid, Take It Slow, Candy

Rating                         : 3.5/5

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