Reviews written by AM
-
October 15, 2006 Magnificent Piece~
This was my second ever album by the group S#arp, the first being their 5th "Style". I've had significant exposure from the group prior to this review so this is somewhat of a retrospective review (it's been enough years already as you can probably tell). I just felt that this album still deserves a review because it's truly one of those memorable compilations.
It's hard to pick a favorite amongst the songs in these albums as almost every track is special. Fun, flavorful, and extremely movable, this is one of those classic albums that'll remain on my playlist for ages to come!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Jadu Version 0001
October 15, 2006 Jadu is Jadu -- good & fun!Having listened to Jadu's 2nd album first, I felt confident that I would like this album as well. Apart from extremes, I usually find that many artists tend to maintain similar styles in successive albums, especially between their 1st and 2nd offerings.
After listening to this album, I'm quite pleased. The fun element is still around and the distinctive voice is ever so present--a win-win combo!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
So Chan Whee Vol. 7 - The True
So Chan Whee Vol. 7 - The True
(2)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:October 14, 2006 Goodness Gracious!Contrary to previous reviewer's comments below, I absolutely loved this album. I did notice the deisgnation of the album falling under Rock, which was why I was a bit hesitant in purchasing this since I'm not one the greatest rock fan out there. Sometimes, we do have to take risks and try something different. This one turned out to be an awesome gamble.
I loved every minute of this album. It's full of vibrant energy and hardcore charisma!! All sub-genres are well covered in this album and there's truly a selection for everyone. As this is my first So Chan-whee album, I'm extremely curious as to what her other albums sounded like because this is just fantastic. Definitely a winner in my book.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Yang Pa Best - Pi An Wha
Yang Pa Best - Pi An Wha
(3)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:October 12, 2006 Grand By All ScalesTime and time again, YangPa's music never fails to capture a piece of me. This, her best album certainly is no different. Comparatively low profile, I believe YangPa is truly one of the greatest Korean modern-balladeers of this era and Pianhwa attests to that. Each song, one by one, manages to express a unique feeling and grandeur of the ever-so-famous "love song".
An absolutely wonderful which includes a handful of her music videos, allbeit low-fi, is still a great addition to this masterpiece.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
October 1, 2006 Unique.
The first F.O.X song I came across was "Toyoirui Angma", purely by chance and I just gained an interest for the group and their debut album. Their style of music closely resembles that of O-24. Comprised of a lot of mid-tempo urban tracks with a lot of sexy rap (ok, that's a term for attractive girls being tough==), these girls manage to produce an album with an attitude.
The tracks are pretty much in your face and give off this "Don't mess with us" vibe, which just appealed to me at the time. It's just a refreshing change at the time it was released and even up to this point, it's still a unique album.
Certainly, I'm a proud owner of "Ruling" and you should be one too!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
October 1, 2006 Unharnessed Talent
I picked up this album randomly, thinking that SAVE was a co-ed group. The album cover certainly didn't help. Anyhow, SAVE, which stands for--get a hold of this--"Sound's Absolute Vanguish Emotion" -_____-;; is a vocal duo who was unable to break through in the utterly competitive music market.
Although not entirely their fault since the album did have some great tracks, I felt that they just didn't have that extra something special that other artists like Sechskies, HOT, and Duke were able to provide. This album contains a variety of late 90's/early 2000-classic-styles containing the breakbeat elements, some dark-side-HOT-like-4th-album-type pop, and of course, a ballad or two which is a must for any album.
New listeners will likely think of the album as cheesy since the style was really embedded in that past era. As far as myself, I still like it due to my recent exposure and fascination for K-Pop way back when before the DBSKs, the BoAs, and the Lee Seung Gis.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Help Me Vol.1
Help Me Vol.1
(1)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:October 1, 2006 Westernized Samples Galore~I'm unsure if the extensive sampling of past Western hit songs is intended in this album because it surely houses a lot of 'em! And they are excellently done as well. The samples have all been made to Euro-club songs and the lyrics completely transformed into Korean.
Some of the samples I recognize include "Chinguga Yeonineuro" (from Madonna's "Material Girl"), "2beonjjae Mannam" (from Culture Club's "Karma Chameleon"), "Kkumerado" (from Simon and Garfunkel's "Sound of Silence), and "Jejudo Apbada" (from The Beach Boys' "Kokomo").
It's really nice to hear these songs once more, and even with a completely different rendition! Hopefully, plagiarism wasn't in effect as this album is truly a treat for those of us who had a bit of 80's music exposure.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Hong Kyung Min Vol. 7 - EVOLUTION OF RHYTHM
Hong Kyung Min Vol. 7 - EVOLUTION OF RHYTHM
(2)Our Price: US$16.99List: US$22.99Save: US$6.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:October 1, 2006 He Still Has the FireThrough the years, I've always found Hong Kyung-min's consistently prime. Even if he's seen as more of the older class, I think he fits well with the current crowd of musicians and does a good job of battling the rest of them for the spotlight.
"Evolution of Rhythm", as all of Kyung-min's albums is predominantly rock-based with a hybrid of varying sub-genres. The intro track is a dazzling orchestral piece which is quite captivating, leading to the album filled with his majestic, raspy voice.
As always, his rock ballads like "Geuttaega Johasseo...", "Sarang, Cham...", "Dasi Saranghage Doendaedo", and "Geugose Seoseo" are unparalleled. But my favorite track would have to be "Curtain Call" which is one of passionate dance-rock mixes that Hong is known for releasing.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Namolla Family Single - Namolla
Namolla Family Single - Namolla
(1)Our Price: US$10.99List: US$14.99Save: US$4.00 (27%)Related promotions:October 1, 2006 Not Recommended At AllSeeing the funky appearances and wacky antics of the Namolla family on the small screen, I was wrong to expect the same quality of entertainment translate directly into their first single.
In all honestly, I was not impressed by their first single. The first two tracks are quite unappealing and the third track, one that has more of a "gangsta" vibe is the only good song to come out of this. All things considered, I believe your money is better spent elsewhere.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
GUYZ Vol. 1 - Diary
October 1, 2006 Good Alt-Punk AlbumAnother one of those albums that I had no expectations of, nor have I even sampled the group. Well to my surprise, I was slightly deceived by the cover and you might be too. Guyz is a rock band whose music is mainly alternative and pop-punk. You're not going to find any dance music in here!
Having said that, I really enjoyed this album even if I'm not the greatest rock fan. The songs were mostly enjoyable and easy to listen to. The main vocalist has a higher-than-average pitch than most rock leads out there which adds to the uniqueness.
As the rock genre is not as popular as other genres out there in it's local scene, I can actually see "Diary" spearheading the style up in there along with the more mainstream dance/ballads/pop music.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Bae Seul Ki Vol. 1
2 people found the following helpful
October 1, 2006 Bravo for her first!Regardless of how amazing or how terrible this album came out, I would have definitely purchased it. Bae Seul-gi is just one of those artists whom I truly admire wholly for all sorts of reasons.
Luckily, her first album is a good one--a handful of exceptional songs come to mind immediately. My favorites would include "Petal Floor" which is a sweet ballad, "It's Groove"--a smooth midtempo dance-popping track which features one of the great rookies of the year, Crown W, and the excellently chosen title track "Strong Woman".
I noticed that the mini-drama "Break" really influence Seul-gi's music in that a lot of it are good tracks for break dancing and the like. More obviously, her theme for "Strong Woman" is dominated by the said image. It really wouldn't have been my choice for her but she manages to pull it off well.
Overall, this is quite the enjoyable album and was worth the wait.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Seo Ji Young Vol. 1 - Listen To My Heart Limited Edition
Seo Ji Young Vol. 1 - Listen To My Heart Limited Edition
(1)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:September 25, 2006 All Tracks Consistently GoodWhen the S#arp fiasco broke out a number of years ago, I just didn't know what to think of the members. Unfortunately, I was more of a Lee Ji-hye fan than I am a Seo Ji-young fan so I did feel more disappointment on Ji-young's side but years have passed and I'm glad that everyone's just doing fine.
This album did surprise me when it came out and I couldn't really predict exactly what Ji-young's music would sound like. I'm happy to say that she chose this mature sound, which I'm not entirely sure what I'd categorize it as. It's somewhat of a contemporary-soft-rock blend of sorts.
All the songs are unique and enjoyable in their own right. No filler tracks as well which is another plus. "Listen To My Heart" is just filled with a steady barrage of easy-listening tracks. You start playing it, you don't want to stop it.
P.S. This limited edition comes with a very nice sleeve and a handful of postcards with Ji-young's image on them. Back in the S#arp days, I never really paid attention to her looks but seeing her now, she's quite attractive with a good physique. Getting her signature crooked-teeth fixed was also a plus for, while others still mourn the trademark.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Som In vol.1 - Alone With Flower
Som In vol.1 - Alone With Flower
(1)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:September 24, 2006 Beautiful Album!Here's another album that I cannot give a negative comment on. It's one of those hit-or-miss albums that I took a chance on and I'm glad I did.
Som In rocked my living room in a sweet and gentle way with her mostly-ballads album. Every single one of them is just magnificent. You'll also notice that she has three duets with Ko Yu-jin--"Because I Love You", "Seulpeunsarang", and "Cheoeum Neukkimcheoreom"--and all these tracks are just magic!
A nice addition to the set are tracks #5 and #6, respectively "Geudaero" and "Yegam". These two bring out the playful and joyful side of Som In. Edging more on the adult contemporary side, it blends well with all the other tracks in the set.
Truly an album that can take your breath away!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Oh Jong Hyeok Vol. 1 - ISSUE
Oh Jong Hyeok Vol. 1 - ISSUE
(5)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:4 people found the following helpful
September 24, 2006 Please Stop The Pain...I never became a huge Click-B fan and with this album, I understand more why that is the case. Jung-hyuk being their lead vocal isn't very impressive, and neither is this album. It was actually excruciating listening to the first few songs of the album and I wanted to tear up my speakers pretty bad--honestly, I am not exaggerating.
"Majimageuro Bye Bye" (Track #2) and "Face Off" (Track #4) just had horrible music, or as I'd want to call it, "noise". The ballads "Saranghaennabwa" (Track #8) and "Jugeulmankeum" (Track #9) were some of the better tunes in the compilation and perhaps the shining unit amongst all of them would be "Handarina" -- never was I so excited to hear Eugene's vocals. It was not because I think she's the greatest vocalist of all-time, it's just that I wanted to hear someone other than Jung-hyuk! My goodness...
I know I sound like an absolute hater but before you judge my review, have a listen at the album and see if your ears don't bleed. You have been warned. I believe your $12 is better spent elsewhere. Regards.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Jang Woo Hyuk Vol. 1 - No More Drama
Jang Woo Hyuk Vol. 1 - No More Drama
(16)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:September 24, 2006 Save the drama...as per title.Eventually, we all knew that each individual H.O.T member would debut as a soloist and here we have Woo-hyuk's! We all knew what a great performer he was but that was a time when he was with the other four but as a soloist--that has yet to be seen...
In short, this album to me was a hit and his solo effort is more than excellent! What I truly enjoyed and respected about this album is that Jang stuck to what he was, and what he knew---he's a dancer who harnessed his gifts and was able to create an album that truly represented him as an artist.
Music contained in the album involves a lot of popping and breakdance beats, as well as some rough rap that is Jang Woo Hyuk's vocals. You can kinda tell the rawness of his range which adds further to the authenticity of this album I believe. No more drama definitely solidifies his stance as a soloist and deserves good praise.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
First Story
September 24, 2006 Timeless ClassicAfter recently reviewing one of my all-time favorites (Isak-N-Jiyeon's 1st album) I must do this amazing album some similar justice. Jang Nara has truly made my kpop experience absolutely fantabolous and this was album that helped a lot to establish this passion!
This album had a variety of flavours from sweet ballads, to urban rhythms, to this exceptional dance track "Gloomy Sunday"--I had to single this out because this truly was a song that kept me coming back to this disc, years after the fact. Two of my other favorite songs are "Gobaek" and "Mulgogi Jari". These songs just have this fairy-tale essence about that's perfect for any light-hearted drama.
After listening to this album, it's obvious as to why Jang Nara's career has soared to unchartered heights, both in Korea, and abroad. Truly magnificent and an album that's recommended to all.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Isak N Jiyeon vol.1
1 people found the following helpful
September 24, 2006 An Amazing AddictionIsak-N-Jiyeon really came out of nowhere and hit me like a bus! I meant that in a good way because I was just utterly blown away by their first album.
The formula was to put in a couple fresh faces who can belt out a harmony, accompanied with fresh, and attractive looks then give them excellently produced songs and out came this! I really like the see-saw pacing and arrangement of slow-uptempo-slow-uptempo-etc. tunes. For most, this would be quite difficult to adjust to but Isak-N-Jiyeon's first does it quite well.
Having a healthy balance of gorgeous ballads and danceable/catchy pop songs, this album stands to be a greater hit than most albums who fail to comprehend and deliver the complexity of sequencing.
My favorite song would have to be "Neol Wihaeseoramyeon" which is just a lovely ballad, followed by the hard-bassed songs "Bad, Good Thing" and "Double". Amazing!!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Ray Kang Vol. 1 - Now, Here
Ray Kang Vol. 1 - Now, Here
(6)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:September 24, 2006 Very Nice Soft Rock AlbumRay Kang is a unique artist in K-Pop today due to the style of his music. There aren't many alternative/acoustic artists out there today as the genre is not as popular in Korea as it is elsewhere. If I could compare his music to current acts out there, I'd have to revert back to Western artists who seem to have more of an influence to Ray Kang than any other local musicians.
All the tracks are either of the soft rock, alternative, or acoustic ballad genre and all are very well composed. Not to mention, they are all sung very well, as the other reviewers had pointed out--he does has a great soothing voice!
I must caution and emphasize once again that the songs run a similar theme allthroughout. There are no surprise melodramatic ballads nor hard-pumping techno beats anywhere on this album. Variety is not observed and it is very specialized accordingly.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
All Black Single - Chapter 1
All Black Single - Chapter 1
(1)Our Price: US$10.99List: US$14.99Save: US$4.00 (27%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:September 24, 2006 Wouldn't Recommend This OneTrust me, the duo's name is amazingly deceiving. All Black is actually two Korean, mid-teens males who thought having a name as such would reduce their upper-middle class, clean-cut image down to a ghetto-respectable level. And so ends this short rant on how ridiculous this name is. Now onto to the music!
The music is ok really. I even put the first two tracks on repeat for a while. "Music" is actually a very catchy track and as long as you don't see All Black perform it live, it will remain a good song. "Kkum" is another decent song and with the addition of TBNY on the track, it sounded even better. "High" was trying to be extra-dark and fails miserably. It just didn't sound right to me. "Holiday" wasn't bad, but it was nothing extraordinary. "The Thrill" was similar to "High" in terms of...well, everything. Only the lyrics have been changed.
In all honesty, I wouldn't advise anyone to pay the money for this single. It's a rather weak set in my opinion.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
CHAE RINA Vol.1 - The First Step
CHAE RINA Vol.1 - The First Step
(2)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:September 24, 2006 A Nice Blast From the PastI'm writing in retrospect--a good 4 years after this album's first release. Although I've had it for a number of years now, I must admit that I didn't really pay that much attention to this album. I guess that time wasn't right nor was I too enthused after hearing it for the first time.
Recently, the duo "Girl Friends", consisting of Yuri (formerly of Cool) and Chae Rina was made and I just had to take a second listen to this album to reminisce what Chae Rina's music was like. I was really expecting a lot of awesome rapping because she did such an excellent job on "Girl Friends". Surprisingly, this album consisted of a lot of breakbeat rhythms, and mid-tempo/pop dance tunes, with a virtually non-existent rap element. Nonetheless, I'm glad I dug this up from my collection to give it a second listen as I really did find a slight fascination with it.
Some highlights in the album which I really liked are "Ibyeol Geuhue Iyagi", which ironically is a duet with another Cool member, Lee Jae-hoon as well as "Saddist", which is an excellent harmony between Rina, rapper T and vocalists Bubble Sisters.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
Bookmark & Share