[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 Their decision unfortunately makes More & More becomes repetitive and outdated.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  

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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] TWICE - Feel Special (2019)

It is almost impossible to pass a year with only one TWICE comeback. The girls are back again this year with a new album, Feel Special, and a same name title track on Monday, September 23^rd 2019. This is TWICE's second release in 2019 after Fancy in April.

Feel Special comeback feels different for TWICE since Mina will not join the promotional activities despite appearing on the music video and album. She has suffered anxiety disorder for these past several months and decided to sit back from TWICE promotional activities. Her elegance presence will be missed on Feel Special comeback, but her health should be the number one priority. Hopefully, Mina takes her time to rest and eventually feels better.

Although Mina is absent, Feel Special comeback still raises anticipation because the teasers display a  more mature image of TWICE. The girls are ready to transform their image gradually after years of embracing bubbly concepts. They make their first attempt on Fancy comeback and continue their transformation through Feel Special. 

How does TWICE show their mature image through Feel Special song and music video? Check out my review of TWICE newest title track here.........

Feel Special maintains TWICE signature energetic music. It has a strong electronic beat, a pop melody, and a catchy hook. The mature side comes from TWICE attempt to explore different song arrangement. Feel Special mixes TWICE signature style with house music, which makes the whole song goes upbeat instead of having various beat changes like their previous releases. It also does not have a fast interchange between singing, talking, and rapping during verses. As the song composer, JYP gives TWICE a long singing part that allows them to showcase their vocal abilities. Each member delivers her parts well; even Chaeyoung surprises me with her sweet vocal to open the song.

Feel Special continues TWICE tradition to release an enjoyable song. However, the combination of house music and singing part makes Feel Special sounds repetitive in several parts. The arrangement stays similar throughout the song without vocal improvisations on bridge or final refrain. Only Dahyun rap part has a different arrangement, which spices up a song the little before it ends.

Meanwhile, Feel Special music video focuses on the glamour theme, which also marks TWICE transformation into mature ladies. The girls wear glitter makeup, silk dresses, and jewellery and pose in luxurious settings such as a studio with a chandelier or a living room with gold statues. The bold colour tone like gold, red, and blue dominate the music video and its combination with the glamorous image makes Feel Special visually pleasing.

Feel Special music video then continues TWICE previous releases, which shows each member in her individual scene. However, this approach seems more poignant this time since it integrates with the song lyrics. TWICE opens up about their insecurities and loneliness amidst their cheerful celebrities status through Feel Special. They stare longingly to the camera on their individual scenes. Take a look at Mina’s sad eyes when she walks inside a forest, as well as Sana’s when she sits in front of the store in the rain. What keeps them strong is their love towards each other and Feel Special music video displays this lyric in a touching way. TWICE pairs up and one of them has to console others on the music video scene. Dahyun gives Sana umbrella, Momo embraces Tzuyu who traps inside a dollhouse, Chaeyoung smiles at Mina despite she stays inside a cube, Jihyo feels relieved to see Nayeon on television, and Jeongyeon stares at all TWICE members from her throne. It is a nice callback to Feel Special lyrics without having to sacrifice the music video visual.

Despite the song repetitiveness at some parts, Feel Special manages to reveal TWICE mature side without losing their own flavour. It is still a catchy dance track, however, the girls combine it with house music genre and longer singing line. The music video also continues to let each TWICE member shines in her individual scenes while shows their transformation into a glamorous image.

But the most important thing is Feel Special allows TWICE disclosing their vulnerabilities. It is nice to see them being honest with their raw emotions, especially since they have high celebrities status. Their actions hopefully could encourage more talks about this issue in K-Pop world because behind their perfect facades, our favourites are still the ordinary human being.

Rating:                        4/5

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] TWICE - Fancy (2019)

TWICE joins Blackpink and BTS to have an April comeback! On Monday, April 22^nd, 2019, the girls released their new mini album called Fancy You with Fancy as the title track. TWICE comeback gathered a lot of curiosity since the first teaser release, which shows the girls with bold styling. Public want to know whether TWICE decide to ditch their bubbly image and go for mature looks through Fancy. This assumption grows stronger because TWICE junior, Itzy has debuted this year and targeted on younger audiences, which could allow them to explore more sound as well as concept.

So does TWICE really change their image through Fancy? Check out my review Fancy You album title track below…………

Fancy opens with a combination of electronic beat and guitar riff. It presents a different side of TWICE since the way they play the instrumental gives a sultry vibe as well as retro sound. The opening sound followed by an interesting verse where the music tones down and relies on a percussion beat. Fancy electronic beat starts to rise again during Jungyeon and Momo’s part at the second verses and continues with Sana and Tzuyu chanting-like pre-chorus.

Fancy opening verses are promising because it mixes different sound without losing its charm. It also showcases a more mature side of TWICE. The solid opening amplifies on the second verses with Dahyun and Chaeyoung’s rap part that does not fall into cliché then Jungyeon and Mina’s follow up. Verses definitely the most dynamic part of Fancy, which continues TWICE strength from their previous title tracks.

As for its refrain part, Fancy considered as safe because TWICE sticks to their pop sound. The “Fancy you” hook is catchy enough to stick in your head for a long time, but it does not add an interesting element to the song. Nayeon and Jihyo’s singing style is quite worrisome too because the refrain sounds way above their range.

TWICE continues to show their mature side through appearances on Fancy music video. The girls play out with bold eye shadow and wear bright as well as patterned dress. Aside from mature, this styling also fits Fancy retro-inspired sound. TWICE members do not find difficulties in adjusting this different image. Each of them manages to be captivating on the screen whether on individual shots or dance scene.

At the same time, Fancy music video still presents TWICE quirky image through its setting. We see Nayeon sits on a pink diamond on the lake, Jihyo lies around bubbles, and Tzuyu stands in a milky way. All of these scenes wrap in neon pink tone. It is such a pity the special effects are overboard and TWICE signature unique storyline is missing though.

TWICE successfully breaks out their shell with Fancy. The song and music video theme are more mature compared to their previous hits. However, it still stays on TWICE brand with its exciting verses, addictive hook part, and quirky music video. Fancy is a great start for TWICE to grow with their music and sound. Cannot wait to see how the girls venture next!

Rating:                                    4/5

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