[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] 2PM - My House (2015)

2PM is the next boy group joining the summer comeback. They had a blast last year with the party anthem, Go Crazy. This year, they go back to their root with sexy R&B track, My House. Check out my review of their newest single below…………………………………………

My House is 2PM second title track with member, Jun K., as the composer. Once again, he proved his capability in creating diverse type of song. In the past, he already made a ballad, electronic, and hip - hop song. With My House, he brought back the R&B genre.

My House is a simple, yet catchy song. It has the usual K-Pop song formula with repetitive words in several parts, making it easier to sing and memorize. But in terms of music, it’s different. Most of K-Pop songs now rely heavily on noisy electronic song. My House takes the opposite way by going simple.

It’s simple because it only has guitar and bass sound in most of the part. This type of sound is refreshing because it’s rare in recent K-Pop songs. Beside that, the guitar and bass sound brought the R&B element of this song. To avoid making the song becomes boring with the guitar sound, Jun K made different melody in each verse. The differentiation added more dynamic to the song flow.

In terms of vocal, all of them nailed their part. What I love the most from 2PM is that each member able to show their strength and cover each other weakness in terms of vocal. Each of them could shine. There is no member who overshadowed others. But still, I wish I could hear more Nichkhun in this song. I also feel that Taecyeon’s rap is awkward in some part of this song.

My House music video is one of 2PM best music videos. It represented the song lyrics where 2PM wants to take the girl to her house. The girl may looks ignorant, but the boys know that she actually wants to go too. To make the music video more interesting, 2PM put a spin of various fairytales on it.

I find the fairytale aspect interesting for boy group with mature image like 2PM. Fairytales often associated with childhood. Beside that, most of the fairytales has female as the main character, which is why only female artists that mostly done this concept. It’s quite unique for a boy group to have this kind of concept.

The music video began with Cinderella references. A girl is running away from the ball because it’s already twelve in the midnight. But then, each of the boys began to approach her and persuade her to go home with them. Each of their scene represented different fairytale.

Taecyeon became a wolf (The Red Riding Hood), Wooyoung let the girl to eat an apple (Snow White), Junho walked through a corridor where the talking rabbit hide (Alice in Wonderland), and Chansung has a monster-like hand (Beauty and the Beast). I am not really sure about Jun K and Nichkhun’s scene, but many have pointed out the Rapunzel and Cinderella references.

The fairytale storyline accompanied by beautiful visual in this music video. I love the color tone, setting, and costumes. It represented the classy and glamour image of the story and 2PM image itself. I also like the fast editing at some part. It added the mysterious aspect to the music video.

Overall, My House is an enjoyable song to listen in the summer. It’s simple and catchy. It also brings back 2PM signature style in sexy R&B music. The music video is one of their best too. It put a twist on classic fairytales.

Rating                         : 4/5

Read More

[MUSIC REVIEW] 2PM - Going Crazy (2014)

Six men of 2PM are back! On September 10^th, they released music video for their newest single called Going Crazy. However, the album itself will be released on September 14^th. With this single, 2PM made the second attempt on making party anthem after Hands Up in 2011.

Going Crazy will be the first 2PM title track with Jun K as its composer. Jun K has known to often compose songs for 2PM, his solo track, and other JYPE label mates. He has solid track record, so it is a bit unexpected that he only able to compose the title track after six years debuted with 2PM.

So, are you ready to go crazy with 2PM? Check out their music video below!

Going Crazy will get your attention since the first listen. It is a super catchy song with addictive chorus and enjoyable beat.

This song opened with a beat that sounded like 80s disco music. There is synthesizer, bass, and guitar sound on it that emphasizes the funky vibe. Then, it followed by Wooyoung, Chansung, and Junho’s vocal part. The song flows really nicely between the verses. It is enjoyable to listen.

But, my favorite part would be the chorus part. Going Crazy shows how to make a good chorus for K-Pop song. It has simple words with addictive hook without sounds repetitive. The formula is effective and I am sure that you will not get the chorus out of your head after listening to this song. I have to give applause to Jun K for this because it is not easy to make a song that will instantly get your attention since the first listen.

Moving on to the members’ vocal, their vocals also suit the song. Even Taecyeon’s rap sounded good on it. I give another applause for Jun K that able to showcase each member’s strength.

As for the music video, it is really suit the lyrics, which is about going crazy at the party. When I first watched it, I was like, “What the hell is this???? Hahahaha”. It is a really weird music video, yet hilarious at the same time. I think the whole music video it’s like 2PM hangover dream after the party.

There are various settings that being usage on the music video such as garage and living room, which are quite simple. There is also a studio scene with bright blue lights for their dance scene. But, the most memorable part would be the fake moon setting. It is really surprising, but this able to capture the crazy element of the whole song theme.

Then for the styling, Junho, Taecyeon, and Chansung look really good with their laid back style. But at the same time, they need to change Nichkhun and Jun K’s hair. For Wooyoung, well he really defines the crazy concept through his style hahaha.

As for the dance, it also fits the crazy theme. It still highlights 2PM signature acrobatic dance, but this time, they seem to make a spoof version of it. The highlight part would be the motorcycle dance on the chorus, which is hilarious and unique.

With Going Crazy, 2PM is really going crazy. It is a catchy song with addictive beat and hook along with fun music video that suit the whole theme. It also proves how 2PM able to make another party anthem after Hands Up.

But, the most important thing is I love how they decide to leave out their beastly image and go carefree on this comeback. It really affects the viewers too. After all, you will not care about how weird the music video, choreography, and the styling is. You just laugh, sing, and dance along with them. You too are going crazy with 2PM ;)

Rating: 4/5

Read More

Happy Birthday Nichkhun : Letter to A Birthday Man

cr: KHUNNIE0624.net, @VITAMIN0624

Dear Nichkhun Buck Horvejkul,

I first encountered you in June or July 2011 along with my first introduction of K-Pop music. I still remember you had a little part in your fellow group mates, Taecyeon and Wooyoung, drama titled Dream High as a Romeo in one of the commercial at the drama. I did not take that much interest at you at that time and apparently, this still going on when I discovered your group, 2PM, Hands Up music video and also your Caribbean Bay advertisement with your "ex-wife", Victoria. To me, Taecyeon and Wooyoung seemed more interesting than you while the Caribbean Bay itself seemed more intriguing than the fact that you bare your six pack abs on the advertisement ;)

It was until, I found this super cute, adorable commercial for Baskin Robbins..........

Hahahahahaha I still remembered I used to replay it for a long time when I first watched it. And until now, that had to be one of my most favorite commercials. Thanks to that, I began to take interest in you. I learned that you're actually not Korean, but Thai, which explained why your face looks so foreign to me. I know how you are fluent in English, Thai (obviously), Korean, and Japanese, which amazed me. I know your position in 2PM as a rapper although nowadays, it seems that you sing more than rap, and I am not complaining about that since I really love to hear your angelic voice. Put it with your piano skills, you are ready to take fangirls' heart away. Not only your voice, but also your wink can take their heart away too. I also know how you and your group, 2PM, able to manage a successful records in South Korea, Japan, and other countries, including mine, Indonesia. Lastly, I recognize how people love to call you as an angel, not only because of your angelic face and voice, but also because of your kind hearted where you often help other people. But, I also recognize how the title becomes a burden to you when you had to involve in a scandal last year.

cr: Woogle

Dear Khun, in your 25th birthday (or 26th in Korean age), my wish is simple. I want you to stop thinking too much about what people said about you. Remember what you said on your line in Don't Stop Can't Stop.......

You wanna see me fall right? (Haters)

                                    Like a candle on a windy night, yeah right

Just watch me do this take a breath hold tight

I'm never going down without a fight, aight?

See? You are the one who encouraged us to not have to worry about what people said and you have to do that too. Stop apologizing to everyone Khun, it is already enough, we already forgive you. Although maybe you still think that it is not enough, but truthfully, it is enough, you already did your best. Remember, you cannot change your past Khun, but you can change your future and be a better better better man like what you said on your concert in Seoul two days ago.

And at last, Khun, you may not be the best singer, rapper, dancer, actor, presenter, model, idol,  and person out there, but you have to know that we know that you already try your best to be that and we are proud of it. Also, you have to know that for every step you take, every decision you made, we, Hottests, will always be there beside you like an angel, like a mother, like the bestest friend of yours :)

Sincerely,

Hottest that always be there beside you

cr: KissKhun

Read More

[MUSIC ALBUM REVIEW] 2PM - GROWN (2013)

 

When people think that EXO fans already suffered enough for not getting the exact comeback timing (Thank God, they are coming back for real now!!!) after one year, well, actually, Hottests also feel that, they even feel worser than that. Believe it or not, it has been almost two years since they see Jun K., Nichkhun, Taecyeon, Wooyoung, Junho, and Chansung comeback as six, as 2PM in K-Pop music scene. The last time these six beastly idol warming up K-Pop music scene is on 2011 with their Hands Up album comeback. After that, they have been busy conquering Japanese market while still doing their concert tours in various countries. Some member actually still active in South Korea with Jun brothers (Jun K. and Junho) participated in variety show, Romantic and Idol and Music & Lyrics, Wooyoung had his solo album last year, and Chansung took part in SBS drama, 7th Grade Civil Servant, this year. But, yeah, it's individual activities, not group.

Which explained why their comeback this year have been anticipated by Hottests along with many other people. Comeback with their third album, Grown, and two title track, Comeback When You Hear This Song and All Day I Think Of You, 2PM once again is ready to enliven K-Pop music scene. Curious with their latest efforts after two years absence? Just stay tune and read this post ;)

2PM opened this album with All Day I Think Of You, the main title track. Check out my review of this R&B mixed with electronic sound song along with its alluring music video here.

The second track, Comeback When You Hear This Song, is another title track from this album. Like what I have been mentioned on my previous post, this time 2PM tried something different by having double title track for this concept. The review of the music video of this song along with the song itself can be viewed here.

The third track, Back To Square One, has similar vibe with Comeback When You Hear This Song. Unlike Comeback When You Hear This Song which came flat at several point and seemed lack of something, Back To Square One surprisingly came as the solid track and became one of my most favorite track from this album. Basically, this song followed the basic flow of a song with verses, bridge, refrain with hook part, and rapping part. But, somehow, each part is suitable with one another and it makes the song sounds catchy and memorable. Big applause to Junho for making this beautiful song!!! The minus point from this song would be the rapping part, which sound awkward and sorry to say, crappy.

The next track, I'm Sorry, goes with a slower tempo from the previous tracks. I'm Sorry reminds me with a type of song that I often listen at cafe, lounge, and restaurant with its strong R&B sound. This song is sooo relaxing, that is why I like it. Don't forget to pay attention to Jun K.'s ad-libs toward the end of this song!!

The fifth track, Today Marks The First Day, brings a cheerful vibe from this album with its upbeat tempo. I am pretty sure you will have a smile on your face when listened to this song eventhough you don't know the meaning ;) It is kinda refreshing to listen to this song since people have been greeted with sad and gloomy type of songs from the previous tracks. Beside that, the strong piano and trumpet sounds also add the fun vibe for this song. As for the trumpet itself, it's interesting to hear it because 2PM rarely used trumpet sound on their previous songs.

2PM back with the medium tempo song through Dangerous, the sixth track. Opened with Nichkhun English narration that will surely melts every fan girl's heart, this song comes out as chilling and soothing song. I love the usage of the guitar sound in this song. I also love the "ummm" part during the refrain because it sounds so pleasant listening. As for the member vocal, Junho's vocal shines the most throughout this song.

From upbeat to medium and finally, the slow tempo type of song on the seventh track, Just For Today. Basically, this song is soooo 2PM, they often sing a song which is similar with Just For Today. Although its typical, this song is actually still sounds very nice. Thanks to Wooyoung and Jun K. vocal who brings the soul of this song.

The next track, Game Over, will bring back the strong and beastly side of 2PM just like what people found on their past songs such as Don't Stop Can't Stop. This song comes out as epic and dramatic with the violin sounds, strong vocals, and rapping part. Seriously, I cannot wait until they performed this song live because I thought it would be mindblowing!!! 

Some people argued that this song should be their title track and I have to say that I must disagree with that. Despite coming out as the strongest song in this album, Game Over also became the only one song which does not matched with the whole concept of this album. That is why I think people will feel trolled when listening to the whole album if 2PM use this as their title track.

Anyway, I am quite surprised with the fact that Jun K. wrote this song. I mean I love how he always produced different type of sounds with his songs (compared Alive , Don't Go, and Game Over). Beside that, Game Over also continued Duble Sidekick great track record with their song composition (they created SISTAR massive hits last year, Loving U).

Surprise comes out with the ninth track of this album, Coming Down. Apparently, 2PM youngest member, Chansung, is the one who composed this song. Honestly, I am getting proud of Chansung day by day, thanks to his never ending spirit of continuing to improve himself in music area like vocals and even bravely composed a song. I mean wow...people used to say that he was tone deaf at the early days of 2PM debut, but look how much he can achieved now :)

Anyway, Coming Down is back to 2PM slow and R&B type of song again just like what the rest of this album mostly about. Unfortunately, this song could potentially makes people feel bored or sleepy because this music of this song sounds similar until the rest of this song just like how the song flows. But, still this song sounds sooo sexy just like how people often associated Chansung with :p

Another Junho song composition from this album, Go Back. The interesting part of this song is how 2PM played with the beat and sound of this song. This song opened with slow tempo accompanied by string sounds, but then, the beat gradually became fast and the string replaced by the electronic sound before the refrain part. Until finally, at the refrain part, the beat already became faster and electronic music dominated the refrain part sound.

The eleventh track, Love Song, which also Junho self-composed track is one of my favorite song in this album. It was relaxing and pleasant listening, but still sexy with its R&B vibe. i really love the refrain part because it is soooo eargasmic. Meanwhile, Nichkhun part sounds sooooo cute. Another thing would be Taecyeon part which comes out in the verse along with Nichkhun singing part that I found interesting. Why? It's because Taecyeon rapping part usually stands out alone, not being mixed with the singing part.

Finally, here comes the latest track from this album, Jun K. self-composed ballad track, Suddenly. If you feel familiar with this song, yes, 2PM had released this song before for their first Japanese album, Republic Of 2PM, with title Hanarete Itemo (Even If We Are Apart). Eventhough they released it in Japanese version first, Jun K. actually already composed the Korean version of this song since long time ago because he first revealed the Korean version of this song during HaHa Mong Show in 2010.

If you think that the Korean version will be exactly the same like the Japanese version, well you are wrong. 2PM created a little twist with the song arrangement where they have guitar sound as the main element of this song unlike the Japanese version which has piano as the main element. As a result, the arrangement sounds a lot more simple although they still used the string and violin sounds to make the song sounds more grand.

Suddenly also became one of the few songs that still sounds great regardless what language that have been used to sing this song. But still, there is one flaw from this song which is at the end of Wooyoung part because it somehow sounds weird and forceful. As for the rest, it flawless especially 2PM vocals (Chansung vocal OMG!!!) which just proved people that they are not only the best when doing acrobatic stuffs, but they can also carry a ballad song too.

With their third album, 2PM successfully showed people their mature side not only in terms of concept, but also in terms of music & vocal. It's really making me proud to hear how much their vocal have improved and how much they take part in producing this album. People can hear Junho, Jun K., and Chansung self-composed songs in this album. They can also hear Taecyeon's own composed rapping part since he did that for six of the song in this album. Moreover, it's really nice to see how they still carry out their sexy and manly image while try something different with R&B and mid tempo type of songs through this album. The minus point from this album would be how the title track is the weakest link among all the songs in this album (don't worry 2PM, SHINee also did that with Why So Serious? from their The Misconception Of Me album this year :")). Beside that, the similar sound from almost all the songs in this album could potentially make people board.

At the end, 2PM showed us their huge transformation through this album. From boys to men. From idol to.......ehmehmehm....soon to be the real artist :) Once again, what time is it? It's 2PM, baby!!!

My Favorite Tracks                                          : Back To Square One, Today Marks The First Day, Game Over, Love Song,     

                                                                                 Suddenly

Best to be Listen At                                         : When you are chilling out at the cafe, restaurant, or lounge, when you are t    

                                                                                 together with your boyfriend or girlfriend and when you are driving

Rate                                                                     : 4/5

Read More