[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Seventeen - Left & Right (2020)

Seventeen released their new album Heng:garae with title track Left & Right on Monday, June 22^nd 2020. They settle with their signature bright image this time; showing a 180-degree transformation from last year’s dark and sexy Fear. Left & Right is Seventeen first comeback after Pledis Entertainment acquired by Big Hit Entertainment, BTS and TXT’s agency, in May 2020. Their decision to return with the fun concept gives a sense of relief since fans initially afraid the management change will limit the group creativities.

Much like their previous hits, Left & Right still produced by member Woozi and longtime collaborator Bumzu.  Does Seventeen manage to carry the similar magic from the past in Left & Right? Let’s find out on my review below….

Left & Right is a classic Seventeen song. It grabs your attention since the beginning due to its high energy chorus. The boys open the song by singing, “Left and right, left and right”, hook simultaneously, which will stay in your head for a long time. After the addictive chorus, Jeonghan’s vocal comes then the rest of its verse has the usual vocal-rap banter. There’s a touch of funk element through guitar and bass riff, which adds groove to Left & Right.

Meanwhile, the pre-chorus consists of Seventeen’s vocal line belting out high notes. It adds an exciting build-up to its chorus that we already got familiar with since the opening. The song structure is pretty simple and it’s obvious that Woozi and Bumzu play it safe this time. Some parts sound repetitive though, but Left & Right never feel outdated because of its sleek production.

The song might be a safe choice, however Left & Right music video is more than that. It takes on a quirky storyline which shows the Seventeen boys do various experiment in different settings. We see them fail to do a marathon, throw Hoshi up in the sky, and watch S.Coups flies his car. It’s quite bizarre yet fun to watch, thanks to the members’ deadpan acting :D. 

The camerawork and choice of setting also emphasizes on Left & Right quirky aspect. It’s amusing to see how they play with wide and landscape shot; giving more comic relief to each scene. While the setting really embodies the song title itself, traffic lights and signs. Both are quite unique for K-Pop music video and yes, it truly elevates the song.

Seventeen is back to their comfort zone through Left & Right. It’s a bright tune with memorable hook and sleek production despite not offering something new. The music video is a hidden gem because the unique camerawork manages to grasp the quirkiness of Seventeen situation. They do random things that will make you laugh.

Left & Right might not have the same magic like their previous hits because at some point, you get too familiar with this. However, they continue to nail their bright style that you can’t help to welcome them. So yeah, I guess they win ;)

Rating:            3.5/5

Read More

[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] TWICE - More & More (2020)

TWICE tried their best to brighten our summer. On Monday, June 1^st 2020, the girls released their newest mini album More & More with a same name title track. This is TWICE first comeback in 2020 after launching their most personal track to date, Feel Special last year.

Despite the current pandemic, TWICE has a massive promotional round for this comeback. They signed a contract with Republic Records to help their global expansion, collaborated with Youtube to launch documentaries Seize the Light, and let Tik Tok played a snippet of More & More prior to its release. They also have Zara Larsson and Julia Michaels to produce the title track music along with MNEK and Justin Tranter, and JYP and BIBI for its lyrics. Anticipation built up; we wonder how More & More will sound.

Does More & More manage to fill our expectations? How does it differ from TWICE previous title track? Check out my review for More & More below………………………………………………………

More & More off to a promising start with Nayeon and Mina belts out their vocal. There is only a synthesizer sound that accompany them; emphasizing on their timbre differences. Then Tzuyu and Momo follows through and a tropical house beat starts to appear. It’s a dynamic verse, much like TWICE previous title tracks.

More & More arrangement becomes stronger on its pre-chorus. The beat goes faster while TWICE sings catchy phrases “More More” on repeat. It’s easily the most memorable part of this whole song. Not only that, it also serves a great build-up to More & More chorus.

However, More & More chorus could not keep its momentum. TWICE opts for a music breakdown on the chorus like their previous summer hit, Dance the Night Away. Yet they fail to recreate the same magic by leaving their signature soaring vocal. More & More chorus only has a mix of tropical house and electronic music sound. It feels flat compare to its dynamic verses and pre-chorus.

TWICE continues to keep the music breakdown after the second chorus and during the last part. Their decision unfortunately makes More & More becomes repetitive and outdated. The addition of rapping could not make the song more exciting too. It’s such a pity since More & More begins with a solid start.

TWICE also experiments with More & More music video, which emphasizes on 70s aesthetics. The girls take bohemian styling by wearing flowy dresses, bell bottom denims, and headpieces. It fits the song summer theme while shows TWICE in a more mature vibe. The girls look gorgeous too!

To maintain similar aesthetics, More & More music video has a flower garden setting. It presents on a surrealistic way with all the lights and exotic animals. The camerawork approaches a similar vibe; however this attempt does not work. The flash editing and exchanging lights make some scenes hard to follow.

With More & More, TWICE manages to do something different. But the results are not always working on their favor. The 70s aesthetics in the music video is a success; presenting the mature and elegant side of TWICE. The song’s dynamic verses and pre-chorus also continue to showcase their signature style. It’s More & More chorus that feels like a regression from the strong streak of Fancy and Feel Special. Never change your signature soaring vocal again, girls.

Rating:                        3/5  

Read More

[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Apink - Dumhdurum (2020)

Apink welcomes their 9^th year with a new release. On Monday, April 13^th 2020, the girls released mini album Look with lead single Dumhdurum. Apink continue to present mature transformation on this comeback since they successfully reached a second peak of their career two years ago. Their latest attempt resulted on bigger achievements, which Dumhdurum topped various music charts on the day of its release; making Apink takes their first spot again after five years.

With all these achievements, one question remained. Does Dumhdurum worth the hype? Check out my review of Apink title track from Look album below………………………………

Dumhdurum carries Apink signature style since the beginning. This song opens with a synthesizer sound that build a repetitive melody. However, it feels more upbeat compare to I’m So Sick and %% due to a strong bass line that accompanied this loop. Their combination gives a touch of tropical house genre instead of retro like Apink previous singles.

This loop continues to appear in Dumhdurum chorus yet Apink does not let it becomes a music breakdown. They sing a hook on the main part then add additional lines to the post-chorus. Their attempts effectively give more kick to the whole song while at the same time, turn it into memorable parts.

Meanwhile, Dumhdurum verses play as a place to showcase Apink singing abilities. The weaker vocalists like Naeun and Chorong make an impressive improvement this time. They manage to help the other four strong vocalists in giving more layer to the song. Apink also tries something different by letting Eunji sings verses rather than the main chorus part. It sounds refreshing to see her out of comfort zone.

Dumhdurum surely shows something different from Apink. But in K-Pop music scene, this song is not groundbreaking like I’m So Sick. It could easily belong to other 2^nd generation girl group five or six years earlier. You feel like listening to this song before, though it’s uncommon in the current music scene.

Apink creates an interesting take through Dumhdurum music video. They ring a call-back to their previous cheerful and youthful image by emphasizing on brighter atmosphere. Yellow, green, and blue color dominated the girls’ makeup, outfits, and settings Yet they continue to display mature side through sophisticated styling. Look at how Apink opts for blazer or flowy dress as well as bolder eyeshadow and lipsticks.

Apink finally achieved a perfect transformation in the ninth year of their career. Dumhdurum follows I’m So Sick and %% successful formula yet explores different genre. It’s catchy much like their previous hits although not offering something new in K-Pop music scene. The music video itself mixes Apink previous bright image to their current sophisticated looks.

Dumhdurum definitely worth the hype. Cannot wait to see what Apink will offer us in the future! The second peak of their career is surely promising.

Rating:                        3.5/5

Read More

[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Suho - Let's Love (2020)

Suho becomes the third EXO member to release a solo album after Chen and Baekhyun. On Monday, March 30^th 2020, the EXO leader presented Self-Portrait, a five track EP with lead single Let’s Love. Suho’s solo venture surprises me because he leaves EXO powerful image behind. Instead of sticking to pop, dance or R&B genre, he approaches rock-ballad theme and vulnerable lyrics.

Let’s Love represents Suho attempt to try something outside of his comfort zone. Will the EXO leader nail it or not? Check out my review of Self-Portrait title track below…………………………….

Let’s Love brings a melancholy mood since the beginning. This song opens with an electric guitar loop and drum sound, which will remind you to classic band ballad tracks. Then Suho’s soft vocal comes during the first verse and provides a strict contrast to loud instrumentals. Both complement each other; making the song pleasant to listen. The similar theme also continues on Let’s Love chorus.

The first half of Let’s Love is enjoyable; however, its strongest part actually appears on the second verse. It presents different structure from the previous part that allows Suho to explore on his vocal. He tries different singing style and blends with the harmonization at several parts. The addition of hook is a nice touch too that makes Let’s Love more memorable.

Not only in terms of music, but the lyrics of Let’s Love second verse is also a turning point for this song. After expressing his longing feeling on the first verse, Suho praises someone he loves and mentions how they make his life better. He gives a hopeful spirit to Let’s Love; much like its title that play with EXO chant. Overall, the second verse prevents the song becomes repetitive since the latter part follows rock/ballad cliché bridge.

Let’s Love melancholy yet hopeful theme continues on the music video. Suho sings in various settings with opposite color tones. He stands in the dark room, which represents the first aspect, while sits in front of brick red wall and yellow picture that maintains the latter feeling. The combination represents his album title too, Self-Portrait, since it showcases different reflection of Suho. Aside from that, Let’s Love music video does not offer something new, which has potential to bore you at several parts.

Though several parts feel formulaic, Let’s Love is a solid solo work from Suho. It pushes the EXO leader to go outside of his comfort pop/dance/R&B zone. His vocal surprisingly fits rock-ballad genre, which means it’s promising for him to continue go down on this route. The music video might seem repetitive, but at least, it’s nice to see Suho embraces different side of him.

Suho’s solo is another proof EXO member has clear direction on what they want to do as solo artists. Between this, Chen’s, and Baekhyun’s, each has a distinct color which not only set their identity as a solo artist, but also differentiate it from their group works. It’s promising and I can’t wait to see other EXO members solo attempt in the future!

Rating:            3.5/5

Read More

[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Kang Daniel - 2U (2020)

Kang Daniel is back! The Produce 101 alumni just released his second EP, CYAN with title track 2U on Tuesday, March 24^th 2020. It’s Kang Daniel first comeback after a short hiatus due to mental health issues at the end of last year. His break is understandable since 2019 is an exhausting year for him. In the span of one year, Kang Daniel has to deal with the disbandment of his project group Wanna One, a suspension of contract on his former agency, and a dating news with TWICE Jihyo. That’s a lot to process, nevertheless Kang Daniel manages to get a hold of it and finally comeback in the music scene.

2U presents another peek of Kang Daniel’s identity as a solo artist post-Wanna One. What kind of music style and music video concept that he aims for? Check out my review for the title track of CYAN album below…………………

2U proves that sometimes simplicity could turn into something gold. This song actually does not have much going on in terms of music. It only depends on a strong R&B beat and a playful loop that appear throughout the song. However, it has a catchy arrangement, which turns 2U into a solid pop song. There is an easy melody on its verses, a slight build-up on the pre-chorus, and a memorable hook during the chorus part. All of these makes 2U effortless to listen; meaning that it does not force attention.

2U also makes a good use of Kang Daniel’s vocal. The former Wanna One member does not have a strong vocal or a distinct singing style. Thus, this song does not have challenging notes; opting in a safe range which Kang Daniel comfortable to sing to. Still, I wish 2U explores the vocal aspect more because it has potential. Listen to the vocal layering on its pre-chorus, which is a hidden gem that interesting to be played out more.

Kang Daniel might not excel in vocal department, but he has a magnetic screen presence. 2U music video relies heavily on this since it only has a limited setting. Kang Daniel shows his antics as a cleaning service in the cinema who abandon his job to have fun. It’s quite entertaining to see him run and hide from the security throughout the music video. His charm continues on dance scenes, which he makes the choreography easy to watch. I also like the addition of female dancers because it’s kind of refreshing to see a male rookie does not afraid to dance in pair with the opposite sex.

Kang Daniel hits the right spot with 2U, which manages to emphasizes on his strength as a fun performer. The song does not offer something new, yet its simplicity makes it stand out and catchy. Meanwhile, the music video presents Kang Daniel strong screen presences, whether through playing a skit or dancing. Through 2U, Kang Daniel shows that he walks on a promising path as long as he maintains his signature style….and continues to work on his vocal abilities.

Rating:            3.5/5

Read More