Album Review: “Let Me Explode” by EvoL

“Let Me Explode” (폭파해줘) is the debut 1st mini album from the new highly anticipated girl group EvoL from Brandnew Stardom Entertainment.

(image credit fuckyeahevol tumblr)

Tracklist:

1.  폭파해줘 (Let Me Explode)
2. I’m sorry
3. Magnet
4. 우린 좀 달라 (We Are A Bit Different)
5. 1.2.3.4.5

POINTS

• Like Block B, BNS did it again with their debut music video. Teases the audience with fierce music, delivers pop. It makes the listeners go hunt down the rest of the tracks though!
• Well… None of the four songs on the mini album are technically “hip hop” (the closest being Magnet and Let Me Explode).
• A general trend in the composition of the album: repetition in the songs.
• There is A LOT more English in the songs than what you think, haha…
• The girls have pretty strong voices, particularly Jucy, Yull, and Hayana.
• How much part the did EvoL’s leader, Say, have in the composition of the music I wonder…
• The album is pretty catchy, definitely an interesting listen.

OPINIONATED REVIEW BELOW

Kpop Review: La-Di Da-Di by CROSS GENE

(It has been a while hasn’t it? My apologies… I will still be busy this summer, but there will definitely be some new music reviews! – Izzy)

La-Di Da-Di is CROSS GENE’s debut track from their first mini album “Timeless: Begins”.

(left to right: Casper, Yongsuk, Shin, Takuya, Sangmin, and J.G.)

POINTS

• A composition of 1 Japanese, 2 Chinese, and 3 Korean guys? Completely digging this.
• Super catchy song.
• Super…. Interesting…. Choreography…..
• Are half of the members part time acrobats/ninjas/bboys?!
• Powerful and distinct voices! Wow!
• The most Engrish song I have heard this year of 2012… In fact, it feels like 30-50% of the song is Engrish, haha.

OPINIONATED REVIEW BELOW

Kpop Quick Review: Twins (Knock Out) by Super Junior

(Because they’re about to comeback August 3rd and there’s still time for summer, I’m going to do a Suju review marathon 🙂 I wish I would’ve done this for all the other comebacks (I never thought about it! Plus I’m busy…)… I won’t be able to do these review marathons after August 14th, unless there’s a weekend comeback… 2 Super Junior reviews a day! Enjoy 🙂 – Izzy)

Twins (Knock Out) is Super Junior’s debut single from 2005 (back when their concept was a “rotational” boy band “Super Junior 05”, and Kyuhyun, Zhoumi, and Henry were not in the group plus its subunits), and is a cover of Knockout by the British boy band Triple Eight.

(Whoa. They’ve grown. Image credit devvybluekyu)

POINTS

• Wow… The hair, video, song and concept. Definitely different from the cute Sorry Sorry or sexy Bonamana.
• I used to be really into rock and screamo before I got into kpop (it’s weird to admit haha). This pop rock is an interesting mix.
• This was back when Sungmin had a lot of lines…
• This was back when K.R.Y wasn’t as prominent.
• This was back when Kangin, Kibum and Hangeng were still here…
• Was this the fashion back in 2005? It’s sorta awkward to look at now in 2011… (Heechul… You’re really pretty, but this…)
• It’s manly. I could see fanboys sprouting from this song.

QUICK REVIEW BELOW

Kpop Review: Without You by BoM (Blooming of Our Music)

Without You is BoM’s debut song.

POINTS

• It’s not just heartbroken vocals: there’s heartbroken rapping too.
• A very sweet and memorable chorus.
• This isn’t your average ballad. The lyrics, though romantic, don’t exactly give off that overly used romantic vibe… (explained below)
• Lovely vocals. But then again, they are a ballad group.
• Do other ballad groups have rappers in them?
• Why are people comparing them and Block B to 2PM and 2AM? (my opinion below).

OPINIONATED REVIEW BELOW

Kpop Quick Review: Dr. Feel Good by RaNia

(Korean MV credit kpopTVHD)

Dr. Feel Good is RaNia’s debut single.

POINTS

• CATCHY.
• SEXY.
• CAPSLOCK.
• 2 versions: Korean and English.
• They are very powerful for a rookie group.
• Why is it that when boy bands get all sexy, it’s encouraged, yet when a girl group does sexy it’s bad? Read my opinion.
• They’re also really talented (don’t be blinded by their provocative image. Their live performances are strong).
• Yes, it’s similar to Eurythmic’s “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”. Read my opinion below.

QUICK REVIEW BELOW