[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] SISTAR - Lonely (2017)

After seven years of their career, SISTAR announced disbandment on May 23^rd, 2017. This decision was quite unexpected by public. SISTAR’s songs still received well and they still active performing in various events recently. Then the members’ relationship was good between each other too.

However, SISTAR felt that it’s time to put an end for the group and focus on their individual path. It’s sad, but the girls tried to cover it up by giving us one last comeback. On May 31^st 2017, SISTAR released their goodbye single called Lonely.

So, are you ready to say goodbye to SISTAR? Check out my review for Lonely below………………

Lonely proves that SISTAR is not just one-dimensional group. This song is far from SISTAR usual cheerful and upbeat singles. Lonely offers more medium tempo sound with simple instrumental. It has acoustic and electronic guitar melody that dominated the whole song.

The vocal treatment was different from other SISTAR singles too. Hyorin, Soyu, and Dasom plays out with their softer voice while Bora maintained her signature rap style. SISTAR voices mixed well with instrumental sound. This makes Lonely soothing and pleasant to listen.

Lonely deals with how relationship change based on its lyrics. SISTAR feels that their relationship is not the same again. Their partner becomes distant and makes SISTAR lonely. The girls express this condition during catchy refrain part. I am sure you will easily remember ‘Lonely, lonely, lonely’ hook.

At the same time, Lonely lyrics also represent SISTAR career. They decide to end their relationship just like their career. Still, SISTAR does not want to bury themselves in sorrowful situation. The girls want to cherish their happy memories through Lonely music video.

SISTAR bond is the highlight of Lonely music video. We see how each member looks close and enjoy each other company. It’s bittersweet to see them play around in hotel room, laugh along on the street, and take picture together.

Lonely music video also creates homage to their signature sexy concept. One scene shows SISTAR walk in beach with sleeveless shirt and hot pants. This reminds us with SISTAR previous video clip such as Loving U or Alone. Our memories comeback again when SISTAR decide to dance their previous hits during beach scene.

Since Lonely theme is more melancholy, music video tone tries to capture this mood.  The usage of color seems softer instead of bright like SISTAR previous video clip. Lonely music video also focuses on showing quiet scenery in Macau setting. Take a look at how the shot of empty streets dominated throughout music video.

Lonely is a beautiful goodbye from SISTAR. The song was nice to listen while the music video complements it well. It’s nice to see SISTAR tries something fresh at the end of their career. They choose melancholy song instead of the usual bright summer songs.

Still, I wish SISTAR release another summer anthem beside Lonely.  It would be great to see SISTAR smashes with their last summer comeback and leaves their legacy. But, I take what I get and I am glad with it. It’s better than left with nothing, right?

SISTAR will always be one of my favorites girl group. Thank you for lighting up K-Pop music scene with your catchy yet fun summer tracks for the past seven years. Thank you for letting people know that it is not wrong to be sexy as long as you are comfortable. At last, thank you for setting example that every woman is beautiful no matter how different their skin colors, body shapes, concepts, and mannerisms are. You will be missed.

Rating:            3.5/5

PS: While reminiscing old SISTAR hits, check out my review of their various summer comebacks here.

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] SISTAR - I Like That (2016)

If there is one thing that cannot be separated from SISTAR, the answer is summer time. This four-member girl group has consistently released new song every summer since their debut.

This year is no exception. On June 21^st, SISTAR made a comeback with their fourth mini album called Insane Love. They choose I Like That as the title track for this album.

Based on the teaser, I Like That shows something different from SISTAR past summer releases. No more colorful outfit, beach scenery, and cheerful song. SISTAR is back with more mellow and sultry theme just like what they did with Alone, a song that elevated their career.

How much does I Like That differ from SISTAR previous summer releases? Check out my review below………………………………………………………………..

Since the beginning of the song, we know that I Like That will sound different from their previous summer releases. It has strong drumbeat and saxophone sound that goes all the way throughout the verse. The saxophone sounds heavier, which gives off darker vibe compare to similar sound in previous releases.

The vocal goes well with the verses. Hyorin is great as usual while we finally hear more of Dasom vocal. I like that the vocal and music able to complement each other and capture SISTAR anger to a guy who cheat on them. The verse is basically the best part of I Like That.

The music slows down a bit in the bridge, but the drumbeat is still there. Hyorin and Soyu exchange lines and reassure themselves that they are fine without the guy. I like that this part shows their vulnerability that contrast to their strong verse. Soyu shines the most in I Like That despite having lesser lines. Her husky yet airy voice match well with the anger theme while also gives off a little fragile touch to it.

Then, the drumbeat goes faster along with guitar riff to build up the chorus. The chorus is catchy and you will easily remember it after listening for the first time. Personally, I Like That is one of the few SISTAR songs that grab my attention in the first place

Unfortunately, the second part of the chorus quite disturb the strong dynamic of I Like That. It’s a let down when they decide to only sing one line and let the beat drop.

The rap part on the second verses is also the weakest link of the song. Bora is not the strongest rapper in K-Pop, but her weak flow becomes obvious this time. Her tone suits fun and cheerful song more than this type of song.

Thankfully, the bridge spices up the song again with its harmonization. It’s a nice change to I Like That before it becomes too repetitive.

I Like That Music video is the best SISTAR music video so far. It’s visually stunning from the cinematography, tone, setting, to the styling. The red tone captures the essence of sexy, sultry with a hint of anger.

The shots are great although the constant zooming in dance part is a bit jarring. My favorite shots are during Dasom solo part with lanterns, Soyu solo part with red roses, and during SISTAR part on the bed. It’s beautiful.

SISTAR gorgeous styling also contributed to the visually pleasing music video of I Like That. Their outfits suit the concept and we finally see them has decent outfits after six years of their debut. Still, their choreography is too simple and unchallenging. It’s also interesting to see them having natural black hair color instead of the usual crazy color in K-Pop idols.

The whole concept of I Like That music video seems to be inspired by Chinese and Japanese culture. Those lanterns, architectures, and letters remind me of Chinese culture, but the kimono resembles Japanese one. It’s quite risky for them to take this kind of concept, especially if they kind of hinted brothel setting.

SISTAR tackles classic theme in K-Pop with different approach through I Like That. It has gloomy and sultry vibe, but the song itself doesn’t become sad and melancholic. SISTAR takes a strong approach with its music and lyrics in I Like That. This also accompanied by visually stunning music video that capture SISTAR sexiness well without looking cheap.

I Like That reminds people that SISTAR doesn’t just become a hit after one concept, but they are capable to be more than that in their seasonal release.

Rating:           4/5

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5 Surprising Idols

Hello, everyone! How’s the first week of 2016 going for you? Hopefully, you can manage the good spirit until the end of this year J

Last year, I started 2015 posts with the list of next generation boy and girl groups. It turns out to be spot on because most of them manage to become bigger or maintain their popularity in 2015. I guess I have talent on that hahaha.

This year, I will start with another list, but it’s more light and unique. I called it surprising idols. Why is it a surprise? Because in the early days of their career, nobody would have thought these five idols will get it big among their teammates. Also, it’s a surprise because some of them gain recognition in the most unusual way.

So, here is my list of five surprising idols that gain fame in these past several years………

1.     EXID Hani

           

Hani is one of a kind case. People started to pay attention to her when her solo focus fan cam went viral in 2014 and gathered 18 million viewers until now. Her alluring charisma captivated people, which also made them take interest to her group, EXID. The most surprising thing is the song in the fan cam, Up & Down became a massive hit in late 2014 despite released 3 months earlier.

Hani’s popularity skyrocketed too. She scored various endorsement deals like  with video game Clash of Kings, hosted and guested in various shows such as My Little Television, Crime Scene, and Law of the Jungle, and became cameo in drama The Producers. Her smart and funny personality is a reverse charm to her sexy personality on stage.

She started 2016 with a bang through her dating news with JYJ Junsu while also planning to become a regular member in another variety show Sibling Love with her brother.

2.     BTOB Sungjae

It took three years for Sungjae to achieve huge success like today. Since debut, he is one of the active members in BTOB. He appeared and hosted several shows while also acted in some dramas. However, not many people aware of his name.

It was until he showcased his powerful singing voice on King of Mask Singer where people began to know him in 2015. This followed by his appearance in drama Who Are You: School 2015 that created buzz because of his acting and chemistry with Kim So Hyun. Sungjae started to receive endorsement deals and offer to become variety show cast, music show host, and to act in another drama, The Village: Archiara’s Secret. His popularity also helped BTOB where their single in 2015, It’s Okay, topped various music charts upon its release for the first time.

           

2015 is surely a busy year for him and this year, he will continue his appearance in variety show We Got Married with Red Velvet Joy and music show Inkigayo.

3.     Girl’s Day Hyeri

Girl’s Day Hyeri showed that it’s possible to hit it big two times. In 2014, her aegyo video to army instructor in variety show Real Men became a hot topic. It has one million views in three days despite the aegyo only lasted three seconds. Her popularity boosted, even made her fan sign event cancelled because there are too many people who want to see her in 2014.

In 2015, she starred as a female lead in popular drama installments, Reply 1988. Hyeri successfully changed people’s negative views about her acting when she turned into the lovable and funny Deoksun, her character. Thanks to both Real Men and Reply 1988, she is now having 17 endorsement deals. There was still no information about her career plan in 2016, but it would be interesting to see whether she could maintain her popularity this year.

4.     SISTAR Soyu

Soyu used to be the least popular member in SISTAR, but now, who doesn’t know her? People began to notice her husky voice after collaborating with Geeks through a remake of Tamia’s song, Officially Missing You in 2012 and with Mad Clown for single Stupid in Love in 2013. But, it was her duet song with JungGiGo, Some that made her well known. Some was a huge hit in 2014 where it won various awards and became the longest chart-topper song in the same year.

The success of Some helped increasing Soyu’s popularity. She made various show appearances, even became the new host of beauty program Get It Beauty in 2015. She also consistently releasing collaboration songs such as The Space Between with Urban Zakapa in 2014 and Closer with 10cm Kwon Jung Yeol in 2015; both of them shared similar success. She also took part in the soundtrack    of 2015 popular drama, She Was Pretty. Currently, Soyu is still resting through her injury. Wishing her speedy recovery, so she can grace us again with her   lovely voice in 2016!

5.     2PM Junho

If we look back to the early days of 2PM, we will never think that Junho will be as big as nowadays. He isn’t as handsome as Nichkhun or as funny as Taecyeon. His vocal and dance often overshadowed by other members too. But, he proved us wrong. He is the hidden gem of 2PM.

His success may seem under the radar for most K-Pop fans since his career focus is in Japan. Apparently, he is the first 2PM member to release Japanese solo album. He has three Japanese mini-albums that topped ORICON daily chart and held Japanese tours for each of his album. He then released his Korean album, ONE, and hold two days solo concert in South Korea last year.

Not only music, he also expanded his career in acting. He has acted in several movies along with popular star such as Cold Eyes with Jung Woo Sung and Han Hyo Joo, Twenty with Kim Woobin and Kang Haneul, and Memories of the Sword with Jeon Do Yeon and Lee Byung Hun. He will try his luck in drama this year through Memory along side Lee Sung Min while also prepare for 2PM Korean comeback and Japan tour.

It’s always exciting to see how these idols find a success in a most unexpected way. I think that is a part of K-Entertainment charm. I will definitely look forward to what they will bring in 2016!

Do you guys have another name, a surprising idol in your opinion?

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