[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 Some parts sound repetitive though, but Left & Right never feel outdated because of its sleek production.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

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Top 10 Best K-Pop Songs 2019

Hello everyone, how’s it going? I can’t believe we finally arrived at the end of 2019; it feels like yesterday when I started to write this year’s first music video review.

2019 has been a challenging year for me. I still need to adjust with my master’s degree life while finish dissertation on the same period. Both require a lot of energy and time, which is why I didn’t have a chance to write this year’s Summer Showdown. But luckily, I passed all those steps and ready to attend my graduation next month. Yay!

In the K-Pop music scene, 2019 has been an unusual year. Many idols find difficulties to create a longevity hit on digital charts. Rumors sparked that some singers use chart manipulation to defeat them. This issue becomes a hot topic nowadays, however there is still no further investigation regarding it.

All of these are quite pitiful since K-Pop idols themselves actually release various great tracks throughout 2019. That is why I decide to celebrate their achievements and make 10 Best K-Pop Songs 2019 list on this blog. This list is based on personal preferences, so don’t be too worried if your favorites do not make it. In fact, feel free to share your own list on the comment section below.

So, are you ready? Here is the list of 10 Best K-Pop Songs 2019……………….

Honorable Mentions: A Pink - %%, Chen – Beautiful Goodbye, MAMAMOO – HIP

10.  AKMU – How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One that I Love

After Chanhyuk finished his two-years military services, AKMU proves that they still have their charm on How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One that I Love. It’s a ballad track with a piano sound background about how hard it is to let go of someone that you love. Chanhyuk and Suhyun display both soothing vocal and strong emotions, which not only able to carry us away, but also create pleasant dynamic to this song.

9.     IU – Above the Time

Listening to Above the Time feels like reading a fairytale. There is a bittersweet feeling of longing and hoping because of IU’s storytelling way of singing. But at the same time, there is a nostalgic beauty behind her light vocal, wrapped in a dramatic piano and string sound. It’s full of IU signature style, which makes Above the Time easily her best releases this year.

8.     Day6 – Time of Our Life

Time of Our Life travels us back to early 2000s era where band dominates the whole music industry. It is an anthem with strong guitar and drum beat that manages to pump us up. The song might sound loud, however Day6 adds a heartwarming touch through its relatable lyrics. They remind us on the importance of making the most out of our youth. Interestingly, their decision makes Time of Our Life becomes a more powerful song.

7.     Taeyeon – Four Seasons

Taeyeon attempts something new by taking reggae genre through Four Seasons. She plays along with a strong bass and whistle sound and goes into more soulful way of singing. It’s a twist to Taeyeon’s clear vocal tone, however it does not bury her roots. Four Seasons still has a catchy pop chorus like Taeyeon’s previous singles.

6.     ITZY – Dalla Dalla

Playing with the term Dalla Dalla, which means different in Korean language, ITZY proves that they are indeed unique among other rookies. Look at how the song mixes different elements such as a trap breakdown, a pop chorus, and a catchy post-chorus chant. It’s infectious, yet does not sound too messy, thanks to a powerful drum beat which serves as Dalla Dalla main foundation. 

5.     BTS – Boy with Luv (feat. Halsey)

When you already so successful, what will you do? For BTS, they choose to have fun by releasing Boy with Luv. This is their most pop title track to date with its catchy hook that spread through different parts of the song. The bright theme fits the song lyrics about falling in love, but it does not mean BTS takes the song lightly. Boy with Luv has a rich song arrangement from funk-inspired guitar riff, quirky keyboard sound, to Halsey’s striking vocal tone.

4.     Seventeen – HIT

When K-Pop idols approach a trendy sound, they often have to sacrifice their signature style. However, Seventeen proves the otherwise through HIT. They take the EDM genre and craft the song’s arrangement based on their own sound. Yes, HIT has a fast-paced rap, chorus breakdown, and chanting-like ending. But; the soaring vocal style and hook melody still screams Seventeen. What a great combination and a strongest release from them this year!

3.     GOT7 – You Calling My Name

Forget previous hard-hitting title tracks since GOT7 aims for a minimalistic style on You Calling My Name. Their distinct vocal tone and harmonization take a center stage in this R&B style title track. It’s sexy, yet still playful due to the addition of strong guitar riff. The latter instrumental also effective to give enough punch for You Calling My Name.

2.     TWICE – Fancy

It’s about time for TWICE to switch things up and present more mature side of them in 2019. Fancy is an electronic-pop sound with an interesting dynamic; switching between the girls’ powerful and airy vocal, as well as, singing and talking on its verses. The build-up is strong, but surprisingly, the refrain opts for a bright hook and soaring vocal. This is a fantastic combination because it shows different side of TWICE, yet still carries their uplifting spirit.   

1.     Chungha – Gotta Go

Gotta Go has everything that makes it the best K-Pop songs in 2019. It starts with an alluring melody and a powerful beat on verses to a simple hook chorus. The arrangement between these parts is gripping enough, but the real climax happens during the post chorus when Chungha’s soaring vocal appears alongside a unique synthesizer sound. It’s a strong dynamic from a pop song and rare to be found nowadays, which is why it’s not surprising to see Gotta Go sits on top of this list.

That’s all the list of 10 best K-Pop songs in 2019. It’s a diverse list since most idols attempt to do something different this year. It’s refreshing to listen to new side of them, while also relieving to see them does not forget their own signature style. It’s a great achievement and I cannot wait to hear what they have in store next year!

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Seventeen - Fear (2019)

Seventeen is back again this year! After You Made My Dawn in late January, the 13-membered boy group released their new album An Ode on Monday, September 16^th 2019 with Fear as title track. Fear promises a different image of Seventeen based on its dark teasers. It shows the opposite of Home, the previous album title track, which emphasized on melancholy and calm images. 

Seventeen’s transformation seems fit since they have reached the fourth year of their career. They are no longer boys and slowly turning into gentlemen. Fear also becomes continuation of Hit because the pre-release track from An Ode album presents mature version of Seventeen when promoted a month ago.

So, how does Seventeen embrace Fear? Do they nail the dark concept? Check out my review of the title track from An Ode album below……………..

Seventeen approaches dark and mature sound by exploring R&B genre on Fear. Strong beat and vocal riffs dominate this song, followed by synthesizer sound to fit the current trend. The verses have a great dynamic, starting from soft vocal during the opening, fast rap, to high notes. It serves as an exciting build-up to the song refrain, which also does not disappoint.

Fear refrain plays on Seventeen’s strength with its easy to remember pop melody. It has ‘Oooo’ hook like the usual Seventeen title tracks. The English phrases such as ‘poison’ and ‘the way I love’ also memorable while also suits Fear lyrics about toxic love. I like how this song has a satisfying pay-off after an exciting verse.

But unfortunately, the engaging dynamic does not last long since the transition between refrain and the second verse sounds abrupt. The strong refrain suddenly stops and Jeonghan’s soft voice comes to start the second verse. The similar problem continues to appear between the bridge and last refrain. Because of this, Fear sometimes does not sound like a complete song, even ends too fast.

The jarring transition also happens in Fear music video. Seventeen works again with Rigned Film, a team behind Hit music video, and both already set their signature styles for the music video. The unusual camera angle, fast editing, and contrast color tones continues to present in Fear and this combination enhances the song darker theme. Look at the scene when Dino stands in a dark room alongside smoke and cables. However, the scenes often have different resolution and lighting, which disrupts its transition such as when Jeonghan has his individual shot.

Seventeen successfully displays dark image through Fear. It’s an R&B inspired track with exciting verses and catchy refrain, while still emphasizes their signature style. The music video showcases Fear dark theme too with its color tone and cinematography. However, Fear still has inconsistency problem due to the abrupt transition on the song and music video scene. It’s a promising style from Seventeen, but they still need to work more on it.

Rating:                        3.5/5

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Seventeen - Home (2019)

Seventeen is a boyband that I grow fond of in 2018. It takes me a long time to realize how talented these boys are. Their musical direction is intriguing while their concept is exciting. I love how they always showcase different sides of them without leaving the whole Seventeen brands

Because of that, no wonder I anticipate Seventeen’s first release in 2019, Home. This is a title track of their newest mini album You Made My Dawn, which released on Monday, January 21st, 2019. The album name might feel familiar since it is a continuation of Seventeen’s mini album last year, You Make My Day.

With the release of Home, I am curious to see what kind of image Seventeen will show to the public. Check out my review of Seventeen newest single, Home below..........

Home surprises me since the beginning because Seventeen starts this song with minimalistic sound. The music only relies on a medium tempo beat and a pop piano melody. The members’ vocal takes center stage, which each of them successfully delivers their part well. Judging from its beginning, Home is a melancholic song that far from Seventeen previous upbeat title tracks. This seems fitting with the song lyrics about how the boys will always be a home for their lover. 

However, things change when Home pre-chorus arrives. Seventeen’s individual vocal melts into harmonization while the piano melody becomes more dramatic. This is actually a solid build-up for a smashing refrain, but Seventeen decides to break the formula. They go back with minimalistic sound from Home verses during refrain part. The only difference is the vocal sounds more powerful with the addition of high notes. This is an unusual dynamic for a K-Pop song. 

When you feel that you understand how Home will flow, Seventeen gives another surprise. The refrain has an ending hook part, which accompanied by an electronic music breakdown. Now, this is the song climax! It does not sound out of place though because the pop piano melody still exists. The breakdown also serves as a callback to Seventeen previous title tracks.

I love Home dynamic because it is fresh yet still showcases Seventeen’s signature style. This is definitely a standout title track from them. It is a pity that Home ends too fast since the boys have the potential to add different dynamic during the song ends.

As for Home music video, Seventeen continues to collaborate with VM Project Architecture that has experienced in directing the boyband’s previous tracks. Their collaboration always pleased to watch because they manage to bring out distinct side of each other. Just like previous Seventeen music videos, Home mixes members’ close up shots with sleek dance scenes, solid color tones, and unique cinematography.

Although the style has become familiar, Home music video does not become cliché since Seventeen and VM Project Architecture tries to explore with settings and properties. They stick to a simple theme that fits the song title. Most scenes in Home show different sides of a house with various properties from a sofa, a lamp to a table, which gives a warm feeling to the whole music video. 

Seventeen presents unique style with Home in January 2019. This song has an unusual dynamic with a combination of a medium tempo beat, a strong vocal, and an electronic music breakdown. But at the same time, Home still fits Seventeen discography because it has a pop arrangement and bright music video.

Home adds into the list of K-Pop songs with an interesting dynamic at the beginning of 2019. If you notice, some of the early releases this year also have an experimental structure. It is such a bold move for K-Pop singers and I gladly welcome that :)

Rating: 4.5/5

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