Lee Hi : Seoulite Full Album Review

Seeing as I reviewed the first part of Lee Hi's Seoulite album, I thought I might as well review the second half. I'm going back on what I said in that post too because THESE songs are better than she has released before! This half also has songs and styles that suit her voice a lot better.

1. My Star

Lee Hi is channelling the 1960's Mo-town vibes so well through this song and I have had this stuck in my head since I first heard it! The song is so cheerful and happy and is a good tune for the spring season too. Like a few of her songs on the 1st half, this is really easy to listen to but still has more exiting parts too, such a when 'the boys' and 'the girls' join in.

2. Blues (희망고문)

Another song with 1960's vibes, which Lee Hi does so well. This is a lot slower and a bit more heartbreaking than 'My Star' but still has a great beat and rhythm to it. The harmonies in this song really compliment her voice perfectly too. 

3. Passing By (스쳐 간다)

If you didn't know, I play guitar and this song really got to me because the melody the guitar plays is really nice. The style of this is very different from the previous two songs and I would even say it has a little bit of a country style to it. It's very gentle and also very easy to listen to. This song is actually the only song on the album that the lyrics were written by Lee Hi and it was composed by her too.

4. Up All Night (밤샘) (Feat. Tablo)

If I'm honest, I thought this was a new version of 'Breathe' when it first started because it's also ballad, though gentler, with a piano. It also features Tablo, who wrote and composed the song, with loving but sad lyrics. In comparison to 'Breathe', I very much prefer this song because it's a bit more interesting to listen to.

5. Video (안봐도 비디오) (Feat. Bobby of iKon)

This is another song that's constantly been in my head because of it's super catchy chorus. I would say that this is another energetic yet easy to listen to song but Bobby's rapping is a bit aggressive in comparison to the rest of the song. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but it does change the overall tone of the song and gives it more edge.  

6. Missing U

I love listening to this song to feel chilled out which is helped with the jazz organ and the classical piano riffs in the chorus. Even though it's quite slow, it's got quite a bit of energy behind it, especially thanks to Lee Hi's vocals offering quite a lot of power in the chorus.

I give Seoulite 5/5, just like the first half of the album. Lee Hi has released another half album with a high standard of songs that have an easy going theme and a good quality of sound. The melodies, harmonies and rhythms of every song on this album are incredible and I absolutely love it. This half of Seoulite is definitely my favourite and I can now actually say that I got a bit bored of a few of the songs on the first half after a while. Again, well done Tablo, DJ Tukutz and Lee Hi

Do you agree with me on my opinions of the songs? And which half of the album do you like better?

I'm in love with this album artwork too!!

Lee Hi - Seoulite : Half Album Review

Lee Hi is back after what feel like forever and she's brought an incredible album that I've had on repeat non stop. In my opinion, all of these songs are better than anything she has released before (although 'It's Over' was a good tune) and it's no surprise with it being produced by Tablo, DJ Tukutz and herself. Here's my review:

1. World Tour (비행) (Feat. MINO of WINNER)

What a perfect song! I've been really into easy listening songs lately but they still need a bit of excitement and variety in them or the song can get boring very quickly so MINO's rapping was a cherry on top for me. Easy and flowing melodies from the chorus and the 'don't think about it' part at the end has me humming this song whenever I'm not listening to it.

2. Hold My Hand (손잡아 줘요)

Another easy and relaxing song with jazzy vibes, especially with Hi's voice being a little raspy. This is fun and uplifting which matches perfect with it's vintage style. I love the harmonies that play a good part in conveying those old school vibes. This is probably my favourite song on the album.

3. Breathe (한숨)

This is where the album takes a turn from being bouncy and light hearted, though the lyrics are still uplifting and sweet. This ballad seems to be either a hit or a miss with most people and I'm still undecided. Written by SHINee's Jonghyun, the pitch of the chorus makes me feel a bit uneasy and I'm not so sure that Hi should be singing it because it doesn't suit her voice. Other than that, I must say I will probably listen to this song the least because it's a ballad that could have a bit more to it for more emotion to come out.

4. Official (Feat. Incredivle)

We've fully come out of the bouncy and smiley songs and we're into the hip hop now, as expected on a YG artist's album. It starts off with what I thought was going to be a much lighter sound but then it slows and goes into a heavier beat. I love Incredivle's rap and I think it adds that extra something to the track making it an instant favourite for me.

5. Fxxk Wit Us (Feat. Dok2)

Lee Hi says the F word too obviously and too much for me to play this song out loud when my family is at home but that hasn't stopped me.... Hi is great at having a cocky but cool sound in her voice which I think is conveyed perfectly throughout the whole song. It's a great addition to the feeling of the song too as if she knows that no one can fxxk wit her and her man.

I give Seoulite 5/5. Recently, I have felt like there hasn't been many songs that I really love and that I would play continuously but this album has broken the trend because it has (almost) everything that I could ask for in an album. From light hearted cute songs that aren't babyish to the more fierce hip hop songs that don't try too hard. Well done Lee Hi, Tablo and DJ Tukutz.

What do you think of Lee Hi's album? Do you agree on my review of the songs?

I adore this album artwork, too!

Red Velvet - The Red : Album Review

How long has it been since I have done an album review? Too long for me to leave it any longer that's for sure!! And because I have been really loving Red Velvet's 1st Album, The Red, I thought I would review it.

1. Dumb Dumb

The title song! Probably my favourite song they've done, it's got such a good tune in the chorus and the repetitive 'dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb' that makes the song really fun also makes the song so addictive.

Even though the rap parts really do not show good rapping and there is no part that has incredible vocals, sometimes songs don't need them to deliver what the producers or artists want to and the song works great with what is has. I will most likely be listening to this for the next week none stops.

2. Huff n Puff

Again, another really good tune that's really fun which is common for Red Velvet and I can't help but feel like this song, along with the concept as dolls, is a bit Christmassy. Am I the only one getting that vibe? Like I know it's the next major holiday after halloween but maybe the beginning of September is a bit soon for Christmas vibes, you know?

Anyway, back to the song. The electronic and hip hop beat is quite odd but because it works so well (for me, anyway) it really makes this song as lovable as it is.

3. Campfire

Campfire has a mellow-er feel but is still upbeat. If I'm honest, I would have made this song a lot more mellow and laid back if I was the producer for this song. Don't get me wrong - I love it the way it is but because it is a song about being at a campfire and the surroundings with feelings of love and I don't think the song works well with the lyrics and feelings that it's trying to portray. As someone who studies music and wants to be a music producer, I feel very strongly about these types of things so ... please excuse me....

4. Red Dress

The verses of this song have really got it going for them! They are killing it! The chorus, however, is a different story. It's OK but it doesn't really compare to the verses which are so lively, upbeat and full of expression. If I'm honest it is a bit boring and I remember feeling a bit disappointed when I first heard it because it was a bit like an anti climax really.

5. Oh Boy

This is a song that I think will grow on me. I listen to it and I know it's good because I can hear the beat and the vocals enveloping around me and make me feel good but it doesn't stand out as much as other songs do on this album.

6. Lady's Room

Now please don't hate me for what I'm about to say. This entire review is my opinion and I would respect you if you said that 'Dumb Dumb' or 'Huff n Puff' were not taking your fancy. Lady's Room really has nothing to it and I don't really see a point in it. Because of this it reminded me a bit of Girls' Generation's 'Party' as it felt like it was just created because they needed a song. Sorry .....

7. Time Slip

Opposite to Red Dress, I really love the chorus but the verses are not so good, however parts of them are. This is because the chorus and verses have different styles and almost belong in different genres - the verses are hip hop based whilst the chorus is a slow pop song. And let's just mention the harmonies because they are very nice to listen to!

8. Don't U Wait No More

Part of me likes this song and part of me doesn't. It's an easy beat with adventure of vocals ... maybe a bit too adventurous a few too many times, though. The easiness of the song is likeable but the repetitiveness is plain and the toe-curling vocals (at times) is not.

9. Day 1

This takes me back to kpop back in the good old days. Am I the only one who got this? I'm thinking Early Orange Caramel and IU style. It's fun and doesn't have anything too over powering (I'm talking about style or instruments). It could maybe have something more too it to make it more memorable but I'm not sure what that something would be. Nevertheless, it's a good song without this secret something that my concious is telling me it should have.

10. Cool World

Somehow I listened to this song before I even watched the 'Dumb Dumb' music video (I don't really know how either). And though I may want to call this song a bit boring, it is actually a right tune! The melodies and rhythm that it contains wraps well with the beat and instruments. It's not a song that I could get up and dance to but it is a song that I would listen to when I'm on the bus or walking to college - that says something!!

So there it is! My review on Red Velvet's 'The Red' album. Please let me know what you think about the songs if you feel the same way that I do or even if you feel like I should know how much you disagree with my opinion!
- Zin

Album Review: Mamamoo - Hello

I loved Mamamoo's songs from before their debut and now that they have debuted and released their album I can't stop listening to it. Their sound is a lot different from other kpop idol groups and their vocals are really incredible.

1. Hello

This is an intro song so it's only 43 seconds but I think if it was to be a full song it would be really great, the harmonies are really good and help to give the song a sexy type of feel. There isn't anything extravagant happening with the vocals because the song is quite slow and is quiet which again makes the song quite sexy.

2. Mr Ambiguous 

I have been listening to this so much since it came out. Like their other songs, it is jazzy but this has a very up beat rhythm. Similar to other kpop groups they have found a way to put rap in a genre that is completely different to rap but it also fits really well even though it is just a short bit. This is the song they debuted with and it was a very good choice as it also shows off their great vocals especially at the end.

3. Heeheehaheho (Feat. Geeks) 

The title makes it sound as though it could possibly be a fun song but it has a laid back vibe to it. The rapping compliments the girl's singing very well. I haven't read the English lyrics but it sounds like it could be a song about how they're happy now they've broken up with someone? This is one of my favourite things in kpop that, even if you don't speak Korean, you can usually understand the emotion the singer or rapper is trying to communicate, something I hardly notice in western music.

4. Baton Touch

Baton Touch is another upbeat song with a good beat and still has the jazz genre happening but it is a lot more jazzy than the others and has an almost 1920's jazz theme to it but still sounds modern. Their vocals are shown in a different way at some points proving their talent even more by doing short and quieter phrases.

5.I Do Me (Hwa Sa Solo)

Out of place with the rest of the album, this is pretty much a hip hop song. The rapping is really good and she shows a few different skills such as quickening the pace and also rapping slow with style which some idol rappers cannot do. This song, to me, has a similar style to Teach Me How To Dougie, mostly because of the beat and the main part being repeated.

6. Don't Be Happy (Feat. Bumkey)

This is not as jazzy as the others but still has elements but is more acoustic than the others with less instruments to help bring out the vocals. Some parts also seem to have elements of tango or rumba music, this may sound odd but this also helps to add a demanding and fiery feeling to the music and the vocals. Bumkey has a really good voice which goes very well with these types of songs and his voice and vibe that he brings to the song compliments Mamamoo's vocals well too.

I hope you enjoyed, I feel like I have written quite a lot about the songs but the album is really impressive and the album is £3.49 for all 6 songs. I recommend you listen to some songs if you haven't yet.
- Zin x
P.S I'm not sure how many of you keep up with my updates or if any of you do seeing as my blog is still new but it recently reached 1,000 views and is now well over that so thank you all who visit and read my posts, I will continue to try my best to do well with my blog ^^

GOT7 - Got Love (GOT♡): Album Review

1. U Got Me
I first listened to this out loud in front of my family and realised it wasn't a good idea... The beat in the verses are strong and it has a hip hop style along with the cool whispery-type raps to make the song have a sexy vibe. The chorus is different as it is singing and has a sweeter sound with a melody to change the song up a bit. I really like this song and it surprised me that Got7 would have a song with a sexy vibe like this seeing as the just debuted this year.

2. A
This has been my favourite song since it came out and I still can't stop listening to it! It has such a catchy rhythm and a really good beat to it. (I apologise that I don't know all the members names) The vocals of the 'A' bit are probably what really makes the chorus so catchy and also quite different from other songs.

3. 나쁜짓 (Bad Behaviour)
This is also a favourite on the album. It has a hip hop and electronic sound, like a lot of kpop songs, but has kind of chanting in it and makes it seem more of a fun song, although the translated lyrics seems a bit creepy to me sometimes.

4. Good Tonight
Again, it is mostly a hip hop style song and the music has a lot happening in it whilst the singing is a lot more relaxed and slower for most of it and it fits really well. The music also has mixed sounds. (I'm sorry if you don't understand what I'm about to say) certain chords can sound happier and some sound sadder and in this song they are mixed together so I'm unsure of what kind of feeling it gives off other than being relaxed but also mysterious.

5. Forever Young
I really like this song too and is very different from the other songs as it is more acoustic than the others. It still has a hip hop beat and sound hip hop when they're rapping but the singing sometimes makes it sound like an R'n'B song. I didn't listen a lot to their debut album so this is the first time I have heard them do a song like this and it works very well with their voices.

A Remix's

6. Collapsedone 

This is my favourite remix. The only thing that has been changed is the backing music which is an acoustic backing. It helps to give a different feel to A and also, like a lot of acoustic songs, helps you to focus on the singing or rapping and the lyrics. It also helps you to notice the music and what is happening behind the vocals.

7. TOYO
I am perhaps not that keen on this one but I think if the vocals were re-recorded to fit the music better then it would sound cleaner. The speed of the vocals have been edited to fit it which is why I don't really like it. It is a slower and quieter version and a lot more relaxed.

8. FRANTS 

I have very mixed feelings on this because it is mostly dubstep throughout the song and, to me, only really fits with the song in certain parts. It sounds like the type of song that would be played in clubs because it is so heavily remixed at points which is another reason I don't like it and I'm probably not going to listen to this unless I had to.

Which songs are your favourite? Let me know by commenting below!
- Zin x

Akdong Musician - AKMU Play : Album Review

I have been waiting for they're debut for so long and I'm pretty sure so many other people have been as well and finally they're here! So I'm going to be reviewing the songs off their debut album, Play.

Give Love - This is really cute (well all of the songs are) especially when they have that small call and response part that they put sometimes in their songs. The melody and lyrics are really sweet and has such a happy feeling. I feel like I should be skipping down the street hugging everyone when I listen to this ...

200% - I love the beach and holiday features in the song to help make it a summery song with a happy vibe, the MV turned out to be quite sad at the end but, again, it's really cute and sweet and I've found myself humming the chorus because it's so catchy.

얼음들 (Melted) - I think this is my favourite of the whole album even though it is sad and it sounds sad and maybe that's why I like it? They'e voices sound so good, the melody sounds so good, the music is really good, I just really like it. When Chan Hyuk does the rap part in it, it just makes it even better (I really like this song really really really, i need to calm down)

지하철에서 (On the Subway) - !!!!! It's such a relaxed and laid back cute song with just their voices and the guitar. I have listened to this to listen to when I do studying and it's good to help concentrate because it's really relaxed.

가르마 (Hair Part) - This has quite of a jazzy feeling and again this is also very relaxing but also sounds entertaining (? I don't really understand but it's the best word I could think of). When I'm listening to the album I normally forget about this song but I really enjoy listening to it.

인공잔디 (Artificial Grass) - It has sounds of outside and children playing in the background and it makes me really happy, I haven't looked up the translated lyrics but it sounds such a happy, light-hearted song that it makes me smile when I listen to it.

안녕 (Don't Hate Me) - This one is quite stripped back and simple like 'On the Subway' but has a sadder and more lonely feeling to it. I also really like listening to this when I'm studying because of the way it is simple.

작은별 (Little Star) - I always get this melody stuck in my head and it's a really sweet, cute song. I love the piano behind their voices and the way their voices sound in this as well.

길이나 (Anyway) - Another sweet song, but this is really joyful and has some of their conversations in which is always really cute and when they almost whisper at one part and it becomes quiet reminds me of how cute they're songs are. I really like this one and is one of my favourites of the album.

소재 (Idea) - I love how this one is very different and they still pull it of and it is still really cute. It's more electronic and has different instruments added than their other ones.

Galaxy - Another sweet song and it's also really cute. I really love the guitar and the other instruments with the 'jungle' kind of drums and it really helps to add a night time feel to the song for me. It's a really enjoyable song and this is also one of my favourites in the album.

If you want to listen to the previews and listen for yourself or download the album the iTunes link is here

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.