[MUSIC ALBUM REVIEW] SNSD - Oh!GG - Lil' Touch (2018)

Girls’ Generation (SNSD) had a bumpy road last year. Their 10^th year anniversary comeback fell under expectation in terms of commercial success. Then three of SNSD members, Tiffany, Sooyoung, and Seohyun decided to leave agency SM Entertainment. Public became doubtful about SNSD future although members insisted there was no disbandment.

One year later, SNSD takes interesting spin towards their status. The remaining five members in SM Entertainment, Taeyeon, Sunny, Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Yoona creates a sub unit called Oh!GG. They released single album Lil’ Touch with same name title track on Wednesday, September 5^th 2018.

The existence of Oh!GG makes public curious. How does their concept and sound differ from SNSD as whole group? Could five of them carry on? Check out my review of Lil’ Touch album here………

Lil’ Touch offers pop sound, which resembles previous SNSD hits. It has catchy refrain part that easy to remember since the first listen. This is the strongest part throughout the song. Lil’ Touch addictive refrain accompanied by strong beat as well as electronic guitar sound. All of these combination makes the song becomes more exciting.

What sets Lil’ Touch apart from SNSD songs is its vocal arrangement. The girls play out with their lower range, especially during verses. This arrangement makes the song has sultry vibe. It is different from SNSD songs, which sounds lively because of high notes.

The domination of lower register is an fresh attempt from Oh!GG. However, the vocal direction goes nowhere since the middle until end of this song. It makes Lil’ Touch repetitive. The absence of strong vocalists, aside from Taeyeon and Sunny, seems greatly affect them.

As for the music video, Lil’ Touch does not offer something new. We see the girls wander around then dance in different setting such as glass house, and stairs. It also shot in tilt angle, which becomes current trend in K-Pop music video.

It is Oh!GG itself who sells the music video. Each of them has captivating stage presence. They command the screen and shines on their own. This fits Lil’ Touch lyrics where the girls ask the boy to approach them.

Lil’ Touch concept also suits Oh!GG. The makeup and styling looks elegant while adds a bit of sexy touch. It fits their age where Oh!GG is now grown women, not the cute teenagers who still wear white shirt and jeans like SNSD in Gee era.

Fermata brings something completely different from Lil’ Touch. It is a simple medium tempo song. The song also dominated by sweet acoustic guitar melody although there is a touch of tropical house sound after the refrain.

Similar with Lil’ Touch, Fermata refrain is a reminiscence of SNSD songs. It has lovely harmonization. Each member vocal fits well with the song. There is no one who overpowers others.

Fermata means pause. Throughout the lyrics, Oh!GG talks about how they try to rise again after obstacles in their life. This seems to be a representation of the girls’ current condition. Oh!GG comes back a year from underperform album and members’ departure in agency.

Oh!GG manage to carry SNSD legacy through Lil’ Touch album. Each song balances between SNSD signature style and Oh!GG different touch. It is quite unfortunate that there are only two songs on this single album.

Still, Oh!GG need to work on their vocal. Each of them could carry a tune, but they find difficulties to utilize members’ strength. They also need to set clearer direction in terms of music and concept in the future. How much they want to resemble SNSD and stand on their own.

Rating:            3.5/5

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Girls' Generation (SNSD) - Holiday & All Night (2017)

Happy anniversary, Girls’ Generation (SNSD)! The girls celebrated their 10^th year anniversary on Saturday, August 5^th 2017. It is amazing to see them come this far. Throughout 10 years of their career, SNSD manages to break records as girl group, compete fiercely with boy groups, stand tall above risk of disbandment that happens on their peer group, and set legacy to their juniors.

Since 10^th years anniversary is a special occasion, SNSD has prepared special gift for public. The girls released their sixth full album called Holiday Night on Friday, August 4^th 2017. This album has double title tracks, which are Holiday and All Night.

With Holiday and All Night, SNSD tries to showcase different side of them while also give a sense of nostalgia to public. How does their double title tracks sound? Check out my review here……….

SNSD embraces retro theme again with Holiday after Lion Heart success in 2015. However, their approach is little different this time. Holiday sounds grander and bolder because of brass, saxophone, and trumpet domination. Beside that, it has stronger vocal too. Listening to Holiday reminds me with Broadway production.

Aside from Broadway, Holiday gives a nostalgic feeling to SNSD older tracks. The loud beat as well as repetitive chorus seems like homage to Gee and Oh!. This song maintains SNSD signature pop style. At the same time, it does not sound overly cute since the main retro theme keeps its elegance.

Holiday is a solid and catchy single from SNSD. But, it is still lacking in some parts. The transition after chorus could be smoother. They need to work on drum arrangements at chorus ending. It sounds like the song will end soon although it is actually not. Moreover, Hyoyeon’s rap and Tiffany’s bridge create jarring transition after chorus since their part has different tone from rest of Holiday.

Other than that, Holiday also has too many ad-libs from Tiffany, Taeyeon, and Seohyun. This becomes problem because some of their parts sound like Taetiseo song with all those retro and elegant vibe. It seems they still need more effort to differentiate SNSD and Taetiseo sound.

As for music video, it successfully captured Holiday lyrics. Seohyun write its lyrics, which talked about how you must have fun and go on holiday with SNSD. We see SNSD act to make you join various activities in front of camera throughout the music video. They pick clothes in their room, go to restaurant then dance in studio.

Their activities give interesting charm to Holiday music video. Most of them related with their previous music videos. The bedroom setting resembles I Got A Boy, elevator scene looks straight up from Hoot while mannequin properties appears as icon in Gee.

Holiday music video becomes more fun with its musical inspired concept. Throughout the video, SNSD walks around and sings while changes their activity. They also add retro vibe to incorporate with the song through cinematography. It looks a bit blur to emphasize old school feeling. Then SNSD also appears in bright styling although some of the outfits is a hit or miss.

SNSD plays out with disco music in All Night. They brings us back to 70s era through synthesizer and keyboard sound. All of these instruments dominated the song verses. It accompanied with delicate yet sultry vocal from Sooyoung, Yoona, Yuri, and Hyoyeon.

When it reaches chorus part, the music changes. SNSD put modern touch by including electronic dance genre. Their vocal tone changes too where Seohyun and Sunny take the lead. The transition sounds smooth because there is constant melody. I love this combination! It works well and builds up the song. Moreover, it is nice to see SNSD adapt with trend while still maintain their signature hook during chorus.

As a whole, All Night is better song than Holiday. It sounds more fresh and sophisticated. Still, All Night is not a perfect song. It would be better if SNSD removed rap part and dance breakdown. Both look outdated and not match the song flow.

Meanwhile, All Night music video comes with two versions. The first one has longer duration, which includes SNSD interviews. They talk about their experiences and meaning of their group. Unfortunately, the interview bits do not work well with the rest of All Night music video. It was because the song displays fun vibe while interview describes SNSD emotional moments. It would be better if they put the interview in slower song.

The second video cuts SNSD interview bits. We get more glimpse of All Night choreography. It looks sleek and energetic. Plus, it emphasizes on party scene just like All Night disco genre. SNSD tries to have fun together in club scene throughout music video.

All Night music video also displayed retro theme. It has blurry cinematography to match old era. This supported by SNSD styling which full of sequin dress along with curly hair. Their looks are on point and gorgeous.

In the midst all of these fun aspects, SNSD still shows their emotions in subtle way during All Night music video. Some of them look lonely and distant although they are in crowded place. This gesture is actually matches All Night song lyrics. It is about how SNSD misses their lover and want to spend the night with him.

SNSD delivers solid comeback on their 10^th year anniversary. Holiday brings out nostalgic feeling while All Night shows new side of them. Both songs successfully represent SNSD in mature way.

Also, the girls look enjoyed performing it on the music video. This attitude makes their presence stronger, something that they lack of since several years ago. I wish they could maintain this kind of energy on next release.

It’s impressive to see SNSD still kicking it after 10 years. They manage to show great gift on their anniversary. Congratulations and looking forward for your future endeavors!

Rating:                        4/5 

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Thoughts: The Future of 2nd Generation K-Pop Groups from Big 3

Happy New Year 2017! Everyone, how is your New Year celebration going on? Did you manage to fulfill your resolutions last year? Hopefully everything went well and you are ready to welcome 2017 with high spirit J

In K-Pop music industry, 2017 would be a prominent year. Many of senior groups from 2^nd generation face issue that could highly affect their future. Some of these groups contract end this year. While other groups have to let their members do military service. With this condition, it’s kind of expected to see them on hiatus, even disbanded this year.

I have a bittersweet feeling looking at these 2^nd generation groups in 2017. These were idol groups who became the gate for me entering K-Pop fandom in 2011. I used to memorize members name in each different group, listen their songs, aware of their choreography, and enjoy their performances. They were really popular during the peak of Hallyu Wave in international scene back then.

Still, nothing lasts forever. These groups have to move on and pursue another goal whether individually or together this year. What can we do as fans just continue supporting them and wishing them the best for future endeavor.

Right now, we don’t know for sure which 2^nd generation groups will stay and which groups will go separately. However, we can still discuss and predict about it right? So, here it is my thought about the future of 2^nd generation groups in Big 3 agencies………..

SM Entertainment

1.     TVXQ

TVXQ will welcome a new era in 2017. Both of TVXQ current members, Yunho and Changmin will finish their military service. That would be no surprise if TVXQ decide to release new single/album to greet back their fans in 2017.

There has been no information about TVXQ new contract after slavery issue in 2009. But, it seemed that Yunho and Changmin had proper contract now because SM Entertainment should learn from the past, right? Beside, TVXQ had higher offer now. They are senior group with thirteen years experience in music industry yet they still SM Entertainment’s biggest moneymaker. Their tour is always successful and their fan base is massive.

Yunho and Changmin also able to maintain high passion and energy in performing throughout their career. It would be win win solution for them to stay as TVXQ in SM Entertainment.

2.     Super Junior

 

Super Junior definitely be back again in 2017. They have announced the release of their eighth album this year as well as established their own exclusive management under SM Entertainment called Label SJ. Super Junior expected to comeback in full force since five of their members, Siwon, Donghae, Eunhyuk, Sungmin, and Shindong finish their military enlistment this year and ready to join the group. With all of their future preparation, there is a high chance Super Junior will become the next Shinhwa, the longest running boyband in K-Pop music scene.

However, Super Junior still needs to sort out their members’ issue this year. The status of Sungmin and Kangin remains undecided. There is a high chance that Sungmin will continue his career in Super Junior after his marriage in 2014. As for Kangin, it would be hard for him to continue because of his second DUI scandal last year.

3.     Girls’ Generation (SNSD)

Girls’ Generation (SNSD) will celebrate tenth year anniversary of their career this year. Members have hinted special project for this anniversary on several occasions. There has been no clue about what kind of special project that SNSD prepare. One thing for sure is they will come out with a bang.

On another note, 2017 is a year when SNSD contract ended. This could be the end of group too. Let’s be honest, their passion as SNSD slowly diminished in the past several years. Most of the members have looked unexcited whenever they performed together. They seemed lacking in energy and synchronization.

SNSD members also more focused on their individual activities nowadays. Members like Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun fulfill their passion in music through solo debut. While Yoona, Yuri, and Sooyoung branched into acting. It would not be a huge surprise if they decide to go separate ways after SNSD.

JYP Entertainment

1.     Wonder Girls

 

Just like SNSD, Wonder Girls contract end this year on their tenth anniversary too. There have been various reports and speculations about their contract in the media. But, JYP Entertainment and Wonder Girls haven’t officially confirmed it.

There is a chance that Wonder Girls renew their contract in JYP Entertainment. Wonder Girls last two comebacks, I Feel You and Why So Lonely were successful while also set new image for the group. They have shifted their ‘idol who could only sing and dance’ image to ‘band who create their own music and show unusual concept’.

The changing image is a huge benefit for Wonder Girls. They could easily produce any kind of music and offer any kind of concept without have to fit certain idol standard. JYP Entertainment does not have to worry for Wonder Girls release because they can manage themselves. Staying together, both Wonder Girls and JYP Entertainment, seems like the best option for them.

2.     2PM

 

2PM contract ended in 2018, but older members like Jun K and Taecyeon begin enlisting this year. Each 2PM member takes turn in enlisting, so the group will be on hiatus. They have released their last album Gentlemen’s Game in 2016 as well as announced last concert called 6nights on the end of February and early March this year. Both of these dubbed to be their farewell performance before military service.

During this hiatus, each member of 2PM would focus on individual activities. There is a high chance for them to release solo material in music. But currently, members decided to expand other entertainment fields such as Junho and Chansung in acting.

YG Entertainment

1.     Bigbang

 

Bigbang has similar situation with 2PM. They have renewed their contract since 2015 until undisclosed time. However, Bigbang has to face military service this year with T.O.P became the first member to enlist. This condition likely make Bigbang on hiatus and each member will focus on their solo career.

Lucky for Bigbang, each of their members has successfully established name on their own. We see Daesung continue his Japanese expansion by holding concert this year. While Seungri may try various entertainment fields and maintain his business. As for G-Dragon and Taeyang, there is no chance YG Entertainment will put them on hiatus too. It is expected to see them releasing another solo album during Bigbang hiatus.

2.     2NE1

 

Among all groups in this post, only 2NE1 who has officially disband. They have announced disbandment in late November 2016 as three-member group. Their youngest member, Minzy have left the group earlier in the same year.

As farewell, 2NE1 will release their last song together (without Minzy) called Good Bye on January 21^st. This song obviously guaranteed success for them. Public must want to give proper goodbye for one of K-Pop top girl groups with great digital rank.

After disbandment, each 2NE1 member will pursues their own goal in entertainment industry. Minzy prepares for his solo debut in South Korea while CL tries breaking into United States market. Dara also seems to be around in the same field whether as actress or presenter. Bom will have a hard time to bounce back from her drugs scandal. But I can see she still interested in singing. It won’t be shocking to see her release digital singles or simply sing her song composition or cover in social media.

That’s it my thoughts about the future of 2^nd generation K-Pop groups in 2017. Whatever happened, I wish all the best for all of them. I also want to express my gratitude for them because without their effort, K-Pop would not be as big as nowadays. Good luck!!!

Everyone, what are your thoughts about them? What other groups ended their contract this year? Share your thoughts below and feel free to discuss with me!

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