Reviews written by AM
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Tim Vol. 1
Tim Vol. 1
(30)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
July 23, 2006 Praise for the Westerner!This album is right on the money. Whomever discovered Tim picked the right path for him--to be a balladeer.
This album tried to pull off some gimmicks (did you see the hair?) that were absolutely unnecessary. Of course, I say this now in hindsight. It's tough being a rookie and risks must be taken in order for one to get more popular, recognized, and eventually accepted. Therefore, I don't blame his PRs then.
Lucky for Tim, his talent overshadowed everything else and he now has a dazzling career ahead of him, due to his excellent singing ability and maturity.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
West Side (Yoo Sueng Jun 1997)
West Side (Yoo Sueng Jun 1997)
(4)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:July 23, 2006 A little som'thin for everyoneThis album makes me think that Seung-jun took a roundtrip along the world before he settled down in Korea to start a singing/performing career.
This album has everything, LA gangster swearing, Woodbrige-type freestyling, influences of reggae funk, and sappy cry-me-a-river tracks. Not to mention, COMEDY (in reference to track 1--you'll immediately know why).
A decent album that has a little something for everyone to kickstart the legacy that is Yoo Seung Jun.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
A SECRET DIARY
July 23, 2006 Selection is not the greatestI only realized a few months ago that Yoo Chae Young actually came out with a second album, "Secret Diary" -- being the inquisitive critic that I am, I rushed to get this album in my library.
In short, the album is a basket of mixed-genre tracks that largely do not fit with Yoo Chae Young's style. Too many low-tempo ballans and not enough Euro-style dance songs which I believe is the right stuff for her. Her voice is not mature enough to be taken seriously within love songs, which were actually plentiful in this album.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Give It Up
July 23, 2006 Slightly DisappointingFor the longest time, I really wanted to get my hands on this album. I had no logical reason really. I didn't know Kim Sun-ah that well and I have only seen her perform the title track once (and I wasn't overly impressed at that). So what was it that urged me to buy this album?
If anything, I think it was the "potential for greater things" that I hoped and longed for from Sun-ah. I wanted to believe that she had a lot more to offer. Perhaps that may be true for others, but I was a bit disappointed after I actually purchased and listened to the album. It fell short of my expectations, which I must admit was initially set high.
I found the album to be quite misguided and no directions. It didn't know what it wanted to say--a story without a plot if you will. Perhaps in time, after a couple more listens, I could grow used to the album but for new listeners, I'm not sure if this is such a good album to purchase.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Davi vol.1 - The Natural
Davi vol.1 - The Natural
(7)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:July 23, 2006 Extremely Well-Done!A very nice album from Davi. I thought at first that she'd have a difficult time differentiating her solo album from the all the albums she produced with Bijou. But, she managed to do that extremely well with "The Natural".
Similar in her comfort-genre, ballads and slow-tempo tracks dominated Davi's first, with a touch of jazz and lounge which I personally didn't enjoy much. Nonetheless, it was an awesome album. The song "Perfect" especially touched me and lucky enough, it had a string version which was equally heartfelt.
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Da Man On The Block!!
Da Man On The Block!!
(4)Our Price: US$10.99List: US$14.99Save: US$4.00 (27%)Related promotions:July 23, 2006 Like Boring Rap? Get This!As my subject clearly states, if you like a boring rap mini-album, Yang Dong Geun's "Da Man On The Block!!" is for you. Everything is so dry and if it wasn't for Gol Mok Gil, I would've trashed this album (not really).
This was an iffy purchase for me because I've only heard of one track, which I thought was only above average. By a blind stroke of luck, I saw this album selling in another store for $0.99. So why not?!? Perhaps we shared the same opinions, the seller and me...
On the flipside, included is a copy of the GMG Music Video which is quite entertaining to watch. Other than that, there's not much more to say.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
West vol.1 - The Birth of A New Club#/1
West vol.1 - The Birth of A New Club#/1
(2)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:July 23, 2006 Under-rated Group / AlbumFor an unknown group, West's 1st and only album is quite good. Composed of many dance tracks and a handful of ballads, "The Birth of A New Club" manages to bring us an excellent and well-ballanced variety of tracks. Most notable are Park Hee-kyung's vocals, very tender and sweet and really lifts the album up.
It was, and still is very tough to break out with many other pop acts overpowering newer groups, and unfortunately, West wasn't able to survive.
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July 23, 2006 Chameleon Group...
I picked this album up without ever hearing a single Deux song prior. I was rather intrigued by other people's opinions and reviews on their other works--being one of the best fast-paced techno/rap duos there are (were) in the business. Although the prementioned was there, I didn't really expect too many slow-tempo songs on this, their "Best Of..." album.
After hearing the entire album, I picked up on what could've been their 'massive' hits and started to recognize some of the tracks that I still hear on today's shows and such. I really enjoyed those.
Deep inside, it's possible that Deux wanted to be balladeers in their own respect and not be labelled as this hardcore funky duo as it certainly shows in "Forever"Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Harisu vol.1 - Temptation
Harisu vol.1 - Temptation
(13)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:July 23, 2006 After The Hype...Good Music !!If you have not heard Harisu's history with her transition, then you have been living under a rock. That's ok though because it has absolutely nothing to do with this album and it's amazing music.
I'd classify this album as dance, more than anything and it will definitely make you move. As with these types of albums, the strength of the vocals does not matter as much the style and rythms of the compositions. Harisu is not a vocalist but a performer. What was once thought as a quic 15-minute scene has turned out to be a phenomenon.
If you could get your hand on this album, I'd advise for you to do so!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Typhoon Vol. 1 - Troika
Typhoon Vol. 1 - Troika
(3)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:July 23, 2006 Nice Blend, Great 1st AlbumThis album rocks! Think of a triple-crossover between the light-hearted sounds of Cool, the sweet melodies of S#arp, and the dance allure of Koyote and you have Typhoon!
More and more am I learning to not judge groups by their (almost-always-cheesy) names. Luckily, I got over the fact that this group's name is somewhat-lame very quickly because this truly is an album worth purchasing.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
July 23, 2006 Amazing Kickstart!
Comprised of jumpy songs from a cute five-some--how can you not like that? Extremely fun album composed of catchy dance and pop-tracks.
The CD also contains video extras including an intro clip, backstage clips, and a music video. Love this album to bits.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Surprise
Surprise
(52)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:July 22, 2006 Surprise Indeed!And what an amazing one this was...excellent booklet-type packaging, lovely songs, and special features in the disc. As hard as I try, I can't find anything negative to say about this. Perfection right through the core!
This is truly one of those K-Pop albums that I'll cherish forever.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Click-B Best - The Best Of Click-B
Click-B Best - The Best Of Click-B
(22)Our Price: US$16.99List: US$22.99Save: US$6.00 (26%)Related promotions:July 22, 2006 An Album That Changed OpinionsI must admit that I'm not the greatest Click-B fan, nor have I made a big effort to really give their music a shot. I'm not exactly sure why that is but I know it's partly because of the image they presented in their earlier days--a trying-hard rock band. I refused to believe that portrayal. In fact, the only Click-B albums I own today are "Cowboy" (4th, their first "Pop" album) and "Click-B" (1st, as a collectible).
Well, I've finally caved after all these years and decided to give them a chance. I bought this "Best of..." album not expecting anything. To my surprise, I actually enjoyed the album a lot. Allbeit my favorite albums are still the mainstream dance/pop tracks, I did not dislike the other tracks whatsoever. Two discs full of enjoyable music, with a bit of an edge too!
Therefore, for all Click-B non-believers and all that are curious, this album might be a pretty good start for you. I'm actually considering buying more of their past albums now due to this...Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The secret
July 22, 2006 Just ok.Chae Na Ri's first and only album is just ok.
If she was capable of a higher vocal range, I certainly did not hear it in this album. In actuality, I found her voice to be extremely plain--similary to Sung Yuri's (Fin.K.L) vocals . Thank goodness for some good music and compositions for saving this album from being a complete disaster.
Let's not forget, the pretty album cover helped as well...Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
A4 vo.1 - Miracle's Happen
A4 vo.1 - Miracle's Happen
(2)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:July 22, 2006 Why must they be 'gangsta'?Correction--I meant 'wannabe gangsta'. This applies to a couple of their songs on their 2nd album (Another correction--"Miracles Happen" is A4's second album, contrary to this YesAsia listing). If there's one thing that turns me off on musical pieces such as this, it's the misplaced swearing. If it thinks it makes them cooler, they're sadly mistaken.
Given that rant, the album itself is not bad. There's variety, and a handful of the songs are actually re-playable. Ranging from ballads to mid-tempo pop and the aforementioned rap-imitation, the album is not that terrible.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
2006 Summer SM town
July 2, 2006 Weaker Compared To The EarlierIn comparison to the previous SM Town summer albums, this one is nowhere near their league. I'd only give a satisfied nod to a couple of the songs and the rest will take some time to get used to.
As a previous reviewer mentioned, what makes the intra-label collaborations special is that the artists get to mix and mingle their vocals on the compilation but with 2006 Summer SM Town, it was more like each artist was in it individually. The fact that there are twice/thrice as many members that the previous releases does not help this album as more and more individuals have to vie for some time in the spotlight. In this case, the saying "the more, the merrier" does not really apply.
In time, I'm positive that I will learn to tolerate, like, and perhaps even love the songs on this album but at the present time, I can't even listen to it more than once due to other better albums out there.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Turbo - Turbo History
Turbo - Turbo History
(10)Our Price: US$22.99List: US$32.99Save: US$10.00 (30%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:July 2, 2006 Good Music, Cheap ArtworkYes, the greatest hits of Turbo, all in one--or four rather--CDs! Was very excited in acquiring this multi-disc set. It was nice reminiscing to one of the dance legends back in the 90s but for the overall value of the item, I was less pleased.
I felt that the remix albums were poorly compiled and frankly, and not so sound vain but I probably could've made the tracks spicier. In addition, the artwork and packaging is EXTREMELY cheap and lackluster. I kid you not when I say that the box and all front and back artwork on the individual CDs are all plain text on white paper. Is this how one of the greatest duos in K-Pop history want to be remembered? Plain?! I don't think it does any justice to the product. Quite a poor choice.
After that mini-rant, I'd say that it's still worth getting if you're a big Turbo fan and if you do not have any of their other albums, which I would actually recommend over this product.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Sung Eun Vol. 1 - ECDYSIS
Sung Eun Vol. 1 - ECDYSIS
(2)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:June 27, 2006 A Gamble That Paid OffI must say, I'm very, very, surprised with the quality of this album. Seeing Sung Eun on Korean variety and game shows, as well as hearing her being labelled as "leading the next generation of sexy singers" really piqued my interest.
So was this album just one to be listened to once and stacked on the shelf? Not quite. The album is very lively with loads of unique and jumpy dance songs that I feel listening to over and over again.
Sung Eun's voice is not bad at all and fit well with the types of songs that she has on Ecdysis. Highly recommended for Pop lovers. Love it!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Crown J Vol. 1 - One & Only
Crown J Vol. 1 - One & Only
(3)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:June 27, 2006 Excellent ; More Than Just RapI was extremely excited about the release of this album. Heard some samples of him collaborating with other artists prior to his debut, AND then hearing "V.I.P" -- I just had to get it.
I'm very impressed with this album. He definitely raps well and his attempts at R&B and slower songs are also enjoyable. Korea's rap scene will definitely benefit from Crown J's first album and perhaps, heighten the genre to its rather obscure position today.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Kim Hyun Jung 1
June 24, 2006 Very Nice 1st AlbumI just recently acquired this album (different store though), excited to hear how Kim Hyun Jung's music career started. Interestingly enough, the dance tracks she had then have a striking resemblance to the tracks she has now. Similarly, very few non-dance tracks are mixed into the entire compilation.
The album was enjoyable and is a good 1st album to keep.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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