Reviews written by AM
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Ha Ri Su Vol. 5 - Summer
Ha Ri Su Vol. 5 - Summer
(1)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:2 people found the following helpful
September 24, 2006 Starting To Slow Down...The hype-and-hysteria of Korea's first transgendered superstar has calmed down, and so did her music. I definitely like her first three albums much more than her last two. The techno-club focus has toned down and has transitioned into mainly mid-tempo pop music. Not to say that this is entirely bad because with age, comes maturation, as well as change.
My favorite tracks would have to be "Meotjinnamja" (Track#2), "Funky Girls" (Track #3), and "Summer Summer (Summer Remix)" (Track#12) as they resemble the power-dance styles that I absolutely love.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
See U Love Story Vol.1 - See U
See U Love Story Vol.1 - See U
(3)Our Price: US$14.99List: US$19.99Save: US$5.00 (25%)Related promotions:September 24, 2006 Nice, Light MusicVery short, but enjoyable pop album. It manages to keep the Happy-Go-Lucky theme pretty much from start to finish with the exceptions of the ballads "Forever Friend" and "Missing You".
With the bright yellow cover and trio of cutey gals, this album can actually judged by it's cover. It presents, emphasizes, and successfully conveys easy-listening, light-pop music, without stressing ultra-powerful vocals and glamorous orchestrations.
Recommended for listening on a lazy Sunday afternoon carwash, a nice stroll on the park, or something to kick-start a nice little nap.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Ha Dong Kyun Vol. 1 - Stand Alone
Ha Dong Kyun Vol. 1 - Stand Alone
(3)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:September 24, 2006 Too much happiness? Get this!If you're planning on buying this album, make sure you buy a box of Kleenex on the side as well since it is one of those sorrow-filled, saddenned albums. It's almost as if Dong-kyun made the album expressing as a way to express his inner anguish and lifelong pains.
I liked how they opened the album with the accordion-folk piece. It was really fitting with the overall theme. The next six tracks are a succession of powerful, sombre ballads which breaks off into a jazz/R&B.
From hereon, a couple more sorrowful music is played and come track #14, "One Fine Day" I asked myself: "How did my Lee Jung album get in here?" This track did not sound like Ha at all and it was just out of place. Not that it was utterly bad, it's just that it didn't fit in this album.
Overall, I the album was good, not spectacular. My favorites would have to be "Sarangege" due to it's nice hook, and "Haengbokhan Saram" which is one of the more passionately-sung tracks in the album. I would not recommend this to the already-depressed. 7/10 for me.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Kan Mi Yeon Vol. 1 - Refreshing
Kan Mi Yeon Vol. 1 - Refreshing
(6)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:September 19, 2006 Good Album, Solid EffortFirstly, I'm ecstatic that Kan Mi-youn chose to be a balladeer as it suits her the best. So many artists have risked their newly-made individual careers, shying away from the group image they once was known
for, to try and be something completely different just for the sake of it. Even within Baby V.O.X, Mi-youn couldn't pull of the hip-urbanite persona. We all knew she was a softy inside and this album proves us all right.
To those expecting a Baby V.O.X-tailored album, this will be quite the disappointment, There are no power dance tracks or hard-bass songs on "Refreshing". This album is more-closely related to light and easy-listening pop and adult contemporary themes---something that is well-suited and truer to Kan's individual nature.
Composed mainly of ballads (("Eojjeorago", "Yetnaryeoja", and "Geu Sarameul Chajajuseyo")" and easy-listening/uplifting ("Geu Aen Neoege Banhaji Anhasseo", "Hayan Nuni Naerimyeon", "Kiss", and "Don't Touch") tracks, this album is more than complementary to Kan Mi-youn's continuing career in the music business.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
September 19, 2006 Un-be-lieve-a-ble!
Without a doubt, one of the best produced Korean albums of all-time. Initially thought to have signed with the wrong label, the petite threesome fit in very well with the rest of the YG boys. More importantly, they have found a true-hit maker to produce the album--the man, Perry himself.
All but a few of the songs are amazing hits in their own rights, successfully mixing up styles and techniques from groovy club styles, to breakbeat rythyms, and down to the soft ballad themes.
The title track, "I'll Be There", is an excellent pop-song which was not extremely explosive but was able to put the girls on the map. "Let Me Be The One" is just a classic Perry song, right from the get go. From hereon, the album takes a complete 360-degree turn with the ballads "On And On" and "Na byeonhaennabwa". Surprisingly, these are not out of place and fit quite well.
After hearing track #5, "Neowa Nan Hanangeoya" I remember pausing to myself and saying something to the effect of "Damn, this album is the bomb!" I absolutely love the creativity and the revival of the breakbeat motif used in this song. Just wow...
"Go" and "Hotel California (Remake)" were my least favorite tracks. "Go" was a bit too urban for the ladies and I felt that it did not really suit them. I understand that they are from the YG clan but then again, they must live and uphold their individuality. With "Hotel California (Remake)", it's just extremely hard to redo such a well-known classic and the accent in this instance was less than helpful.
Overall, and if I haven't delivered the message clearly enough: This is an amazing album that should be on every music lovers' shelf. I'd give a copy to everyone I know, if I could.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Koyote Vol. 9
Koyote Vol. 9
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September 19, 2006 Stylistic change in effect....Gone are the days when Koyote's music composed mainly of hard-hitting, Euro-style, dance tracks but they still manage to keep the interest level high. Older generations who started listening to Koyote in their earlier days would either love or hate this album as it bears a huge amount of change.
As the group matures and their music evolves, there are less and less high-tempo tracks and more mid-paced pop songs as well as ballads. The first three tracks have a very "summer-like" feeling to them and they are quite refreshing to hear. The ballads "Geu Sarameun...." (Track #4) and "Gippeummodeu" (Track #5) are unsurprisingly a couple of my favorites.
Personally, I absolutely loved Koyote's older themes but I also accept their transition as it is presented. Koyote is truly a legendary figure in the K-Pop world and very little can take away the great respect I have for them as a group.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Paran Vol. 2 - Beyond The Blue Sky
Paran Vol. 2 - Beyond The Blue Sky
(2)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:September 18, 2006 A Good ImprovementAfter Paran's first album "I Hold My Breath", I really wasn't sure whether Paran would continue to be an active fivesome. So many groups have gone defunct because of poor reception to their debuts. It seems that Paran was lucky enough to have been given a second chance to continue on and show that they can improve. Fortunately, they worked with that in mind and the results are better this time around.
The intro is a good one and the title track "Daseotgeoreum" is a powerful and moving track which wakes all who have fallen asleep listening to the group's first album. There are additionally exceptional songs in this album and my favorite track would have to be "Geureon Saram Tto Eopsseumnida". This passionate rock-ballad gives the group a much-needed energy boost from sudden decline of power with tracks #3, #4, and #5. Track #9 just proves how the group benefits from Ryan's powerful vocals and really helps this album climb to a purchase-worthy status.
Overall, I think the individual group members just don't have enough firepower that can match up when compared to other existing and well-established male groups out there. Even Michael Jordan needed had a 2nd-hand man to take care of business. Ufortunately, Ryan doesn't have a Scottie Pippen. The vocals lack, the rappers don't hit as hard, and the overall cohesiveness is a bit weak.
Although it's not a bad album, I'm not in a rush to compaign for it either. But for what it's worth, Paran's survival is an achievement in its own right.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Son Ho Young Vol. 1 - Yes
Son Ho Young Vol. 1 - Yes
(6)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:September 18, 2006 Excellent AlbumAfter the eventual breakup of god, there was a lot of speculation as to who would continue their careers in the music business. As the lead vocal of the group, there was no doubt in my mind the Ho-young would be one who'd continue to share his God-given gift to all of us: his powerful voice.
The album's beginning does not suit my taste very well but as the tracks move forward, it got better and better. "Yes" is definitely a unique song and it was a bit risky to use it as the title theme for the album. The song is not as catchy as one would hope but it definitely leaves a mark for it's unprecedented nature.
The tracks that I favor the most are Son's ballads, namely: "Gobaeg" (Track #16), "Sarangeun Ibyeoreul Derigo Oda" (Track #5) and the best song of them all "Unda" (Track #6)--which could sell the album by itself, as a single. Additionally, feel-good tracks "Jibapiya Nawa", "Gibun Hoheun Sangsang", and "Chinguran Ireumeuro" (Tracks #8, #9, and 10 respecitvely) complement the album well and pretty much complete a wonderful feeling of "release".
If there's one thing I would've changed in the album, it'd be taking out filler tracks #7 & #11 which truly don't add any additional value to the album. I understand the necessity to break the flow every once in a while but to me, this was unnecessary here.
Overall, the album is more than excellent. I know it's a time for Ho-young to find his own inividuality after being linked to god for almost a decade but for now, it helps and will help him a lot. The balance that he found as a soloist and as an ex-member of one of the top groups in K-Pop history is commendable. Great job and here's to a successful future!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Zhang Li Yin Single - Timeless
Zhang Li Yin Single - Timeless
(11)Our Price: US$10.99List: US$14.99Save: US$4.00 (27%)Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:8 people found the following helpful
September 10, 2006 Timeless indeed.Unless you're living under a rock and/or sorely disconnected from the Korean music scene, there's no way that you haven't heard of Zhang Yi Lin. A massive buzz is going on about her wherever you go today. Set to be "the next BoA", Li-yin certainly has some tough challenges against her.
I've always felt that it's a bit tougher for female artists to try and break through the industry when their first title track/single is a ballad. With "Timeless", I think Zhang has a great chance of getting past the 3-month rookie syndrome where new artists just fade away thereafter, and actually live up to the expectations that so many people have of her.
Composed of two ballads and their respective instrumentals, I found this single quite enjoyable. Both "Timeless" and "Y" are very good songs which demonstrate the beautiful and powerful voice of Li-yin. Xiah Junsu of Dong Bang Shin Ki lends his voice on the title track, and the blending of their vocals is truly a work of art. Additionally, I was exceptionally glad that "filler" tracks weren't included in the single. Truly quality over quantity was exercised here.
I highly recommend this single, one that could very well be timeless in the sense that it could be the single that gave birth to the future's next superstar.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Park Jung Ah Vol. 1 - Yeah
Park Jung Ah Vol. 1 - Yeah
(7)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:2 people found the following helpful
September 7, 2006 Amazingly up to par~Hearing the release of this album made me drool with excitement and justifiably so. After hearing this album from start to finish, Park Jung Ah proves once and for all that she has that amazing rockstar talent that we knew was there. As the central figure in Jewelry who rose to the top of the KPop world, we bear witness to why that was the case.
I knew that when she'd decide to break out with a solo effort, she'd go the Alternative Rock route. With the movie "Madeleine"'s soundtrack, her two songs were nothing short of spectacular and I just hungered for more. This album is truly worth the wait.
The song selection and tempo control is excellently produced in "Yeah". Songs like "Don't let me go" and my personal favorite, "Ireoji Maseyo" truly exemplifies what Jung-ah is all about--power, grace, and passion.
What an unbelievable album to kick-start a promising solo career!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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MINE Vol. 1 - Teenage Superstar
MINE Vol. 1 - Teenage Superstar
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September 4, 2006 Best Way To End Summer 2006!Have you ever watched an Asian anime, thinking to yourself "That theme song really made the series extra special..."? If that's the case, "Teenage Superstar" by newcomer MI;NE is a dream album for you.
From the beginning of the album, well into the middle, and all the way through the end, I kept thinking how suitable this album is for lifting shows like such. I say this because of MI;NE's seiyuu-like cute and youthful, yet powerful voice. Additionally, there seems to be a heavy JPop influence as well.
A fun and punkish pop-rock theme runs all throughout "Teenage Superstar" and there is not one dull-moment in each of the songs. After hearing the first few, I just couldn't wait to hear more and I wasn't disappointed.
A release like this is probably the best way to end the summer of 2006. The title of the album is very fitting in that a new teenage superstar is born. Amazing!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Square Vol. 1 - Rookie Of The Year
Square Vol. 1 - Rookie Of The Year
(1)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:September 4, 2006 Good First AlbumA very good offering from the oddly-named Square. Although I'd disagree that they are 2006's Rookie of the Year, this album definitely has a couple of nice tracks within it.
My favorites would have to be "Yakhan Namja 06"--nice chant-like pop track, "Again"--a good R&B track which features the sweet vocals of Ray from M.Street, "Jalga"--a soulful pop track, "Luv Bites"--well-rounded song featuring Joosuc & Taewan, and "Meollieseo On Pyeonji"--which features the awesome Byul!
Classified as a rap album, I'm not sure if classic rap enthusiasts would enjoy this that much. I felt that the MCing was quite mellow and the opposite of raw. Overall, it's a good album with a nice mix.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Huh Yun Jung Vol. 1 - Passion
Huh Yun Jung Vol. 1 - Passion
(1)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:September 4, 2006 Magnificent Contemporary-TrotKorean Trot is not exactly my cup of tea but this album has proven that it is worthwhile, and deserves to be given a chance. Huh Yoon Jung manages to mesh classical Korean folk and pop-contemporary into a highly enjoyable single, "Passion".
"Dalbicharae" and "Stop" are elegant compositions which use many traditional instruments while "Yeoljeong" are groovy trot tracks that make you want to get on your feet and shake your thang. The third track, "Geurium" is probably my favorite one of the set, where Yoon-jung's voice shines. These types of songs suit her well and I'd love to hear more of these sombre ballads the next time around.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
A.sia Vol. 1 - Babycat
A.sia Vol. 1 - Babycat
(1)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:September 4, 2006 Simply Amazing!If these ladies performed in a church, there'd be a lot more faith in this world. A.Sia brings a musical allure and powerful vocals nothing short of symphonic. I somewhat envision and compare them to a funky and graceful church gospel group that perform like Divas and look like supermodels.
I truly liked all the tracks within this variety-filled album, my favorites being "Moreugesseo"--a striking R&B track with wicked rapping and unrivaled harmony, "After Club" a power-dance track that makes you want to dash on the floor, and do a little bump n' grind, and "Babycat"--a mid-tempo pop song that's just full of energy.
Suen and Sion's solos, "Moreugesseo ~Part2~" and "Oneulharuman " respectively are also beautifully done but a slight nitpick on the overall presentation--why not have the rest of the members perform solo tracks as well? This in my opinion would have been a good addition for two reasons: (1) showcase their personal abilities as vocalists, and (2) avoid having them achieve "prop" status, if you know what I mean.
In any event, this album is magnificent and a treat to listen to. I'd truly recommened this album to anyone.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Baek Ji Young Vol. 5 - Smile Again
Baek Ji Young Vol. 5 - Smile Again
(6)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:September 4, 2006 I'm smiling along...With this album, Baek Ji Young focuses more on ballads than her latest releases. I believe this is mostly due to her ageing status in the industry. Not to say that she is old, but she is a veteran who has somewhat unleashed her massive energy in the latter years.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a huge Baek Ji Young fan. I've purchased all her albums in the past and I will continue to purchase her albums in the future. Sadly though, this album did not strike me as hard as others. I think her ballads-focused work is great for her future but I tend to live in the past where she was this bombastic latin dance queen--an era where she really shone.
This album still contains the salsa elements as with Tracks #4, #5, and #13 but as mentioned, it has more ballads than usual.
Baek Ji Young is an artist that I have an utmost respect for and I hope she'll continue on with her music career for years to come!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Seo Jin Young - The Best
Seo Jin Young - The Best
(5)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:September 4, 2006 Consistently Good"The Best" by Seo Jin Young is a very good album if your main style is ballads, and slow- to mid-tempo soft rock music. It's refreshing to say the least and the consistent quality of each song is definitely a plus for this album.
If I were to compare this album to albums that are out there, I would say that it is reminiscent to earlier works of Lena Park (Park Jung Hyun) and is also similar to the fabolous music of Kang Soo Ji.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Bandi Vol. 1 - Bandi Story
Bandi Vol. 1 - Bandi Story
(1)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:September 2, 2006 Wonderful~~With an excellent mix of ballads and soft rock songs, Bandi's first album is a true delight. Even with a limited genre focus, each of "Bandi Story"'s tracks are unique in that they are able to express a similar message in a distinguishing manner every time.
I regret the fact that I have not ever seen her perform live which, I could only image would be quite a marvelous experience. She seems to have this pure and demure quality to her that is just so attractive.
This album is truly one of those hidden gems that I'm glad I found. Wonderful!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Ak Dong Club vol.1 - Remember
Ak Dong Club vol.1 - Remember
(14)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:August 27, 2006 Excellent ArrangementAk Dong Club's 1st is a wonder. Nice songs, nice rythyms, and a close-to-perfect sequencing of tracks. Most albums tend to focus on individual songs without paying close detail to the album as one, cohesive collection that will likely be listened to from start to finish by the audience, at every given chance.
The songs by themselves will survive but this bonding between songs expresses 'better storytelling' if you will. Starting from stronger, more powerful-sounding songs, moving onto mid-tempo tracks and ballads, and ending the set with a handful of nice, summer-feeling, and warm tunes.
Definitely an excellent effort by the newcomers and hope to see some more albums from them in the future.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
True Image Of New
August 27, 2006 RefreshingRefreshing is the word to describe this new boy band's first album, "True Image of New". For the most part, the songs tend to have a very smooth and calm theme, capitalizing on 5tion's soft voices and light harmony. Although this is a great for some, it was only so-so for me. I was expecting more uptempo tracks but did not really get it.
The album takes some wild 180-degree turns in its sequence. So you have this mellow album all the way through track #5 and all of a sudden, "She's Gone" (Track #6) starts playing and there's 5 angry rapper-dudes! Whoa there...Thereafter, the mode changes again to a happy & blissful giddy track "My Girl" (Track #7). I felt that the sequence was just wrong on this part.
A couple of songs also sample some of the West's classics such as "Ije Uri" (Track #3) which sampled Diana Ross' "If We Hold on Together" and "Happy" (Track #10) which sampled Neil Diamond's "Stand By Me". The latter was really a treat to hear in Korean.
Overall, the album is a good buy and worthy for collectors who want artists' first albums.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Aisha vol.1 - Dream
August 27, 2006 ~Love it!This might sound weird but Aisha's got a cute voice for a balladeer! That's the first the thought that came to me when I popped in "Dream"
Her first album is excellent. Filled with ballads with beautifully composed melodies and ear-catching introductions and hooks. The title track "Kkum" and the outro song "The Letter" are my favorites, although the earlier track would've been better without the cheesy train-horn sound effects. Another highlight is track #7 "Deaf". This is the sole Dance-Pop track in this entire album and it was a good one. Perfectly placed and just right, so as not to ruin the overall theme.
Excellent album once again, and definitely a keeper by all means!
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