Reviews written by AM
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Linae vol.2 - 22soulsum
Linae vol.2 - 22soulsum
(4)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:August 26, 2006 Ok with some loose ends..."22soulsum" was a respectable album from Linae--an artist with a lot of vocal talent and growth capability.
My favorites of this album include "Ibyeolhaneun Nal" (Track #1) and "Neoreul Saenggangnage Haneun Geotdeul" (Track #8)--beautifully-sung ballads, as well as "Sarangeun Kkumyeogagi Nareumingeojyo" (Track #10)--a light-hearted and smooth pop song. On the other hand, my least favorite track would have to be Track #11, "Simple Thing" which features the rock group Bulldog Mansion. I felt that the hardness of the group and Linae's style do not mesh well. This album would have been better without this addition.
With regards to the packaging, I was very disappointed with the cheap-looking digipak design. It fails to accentuate the album and in my opinion, did not and will not help album sales in stores. Spend some money on product appeal next time please!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
August 26, 2006 Amazing album to say the least
This is a perfect example of an amazing trans-Asian artist crossover to foreign music markets. Jewelry ALWAYS had a higher-than-average star appeal to them, be it their easy-to-listen to music or model-like appearance and this album just adds to the endless list of positive things that can be attributed to them.
Harsh critics will always mention the fact that they are not the greatest vocalists. Allbeit true, I believe that Jewelry does not classify themselves as such. Instead, they pride themselves on their composure, grace, and albums such as "Superstar".
Mixed with pop-rock, soft-acoustics, and a feel-good theme, this album ranks high on my list of recommended albums. Additionally, the artwork is shot with elegance that adds to the flare and overall value of the album.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Chae Yeon - Best & Figure Limited Edition
Chae Yeon - Best & Figure Limited Edition
(3)Our Price: US$22.99List: US$32.99Save: US$10.00 (30%)Related promotions:3 people found the following helpful
August 20, 2006 A New Chae Yeon Fan is BornChae Yeon's "Best" album is truly one of the most intrigueing and unique 'Best of...' albums I've ever listened to and owned. I was skeptical and hesitant on purchasing this item due to it's originally overpriced cost. Additionally, I wasn't even a great Chae Yeon fan to begin with. With the recent price-drop and the impending rarity of this limited item, I finally purchased it. After this album and having seen many sides to Chae Yeon, I'd have to admit that my feelings and respect for Chae Yeon have changed, for the better.
The most apparent and visible element is the mini-Chae Yeon figure. Although it does not resemble her very well, it's still quite a collector's item and symbolizes Chae Yeon's cheerful and warm nature. It's also a very nice conversation starter.
As far as the music, I must say that I've grown to appreciate her music a whole lot after listening to the entire album. She had a couple of hits during her short tenure in the industry and what this compilation does is highlight what others, including myself tend to disregard: her ballads. Her powerful personality and stage presence gives her away as a dance artist but in reality, she also has quite a few ballad themes under her belt.
This album starts off with not one, not two, but seven ballad tracks. Crazy? I say very crazy. There's an unwritten law that forbids this kind of arrangement because ballads tend to lose their meaning if too much is consecutively topped with another, over and over. Nonetheless for me, it worked--at least this time. The tempo picks up with "Se Beonjjae Sarang (Remix)" (Track #8) and I know that her big pop big hits were about to come.
Some tracks to note hereafter are "Duriseo" (Track #9)--quite possible Chae Yeon's best and most contagious song ever, and "Sarangingabwa" (Track #13)--perhaps the most unique dance-track to come out of the Korean pop scene in the 21st century. This track is a bit hard to describe as it borrows from the worlds of Eurodance, Modern Pop & Polka to compose an amazing and very memorable song, which has come to be one of my favorites.
To end this review, I'd just like to say that this album is truly worth the money. It has turned me from being a huge Chae Yeon critic to an ecstatic fan--something that rarely happens. For her fans, this is definitely another item to add to your collections and to those who have not been infected with Chae Yeon fever yet, this album might very well be your kryptonite.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Park Jung Hyun Vol. 5 - On&On
Park Jung Hyun Vol. 5 - On&On
(7)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:August 20, 2006 Elegance at its Best~If I had one word to describe this album, it'd have to be 'Elegant'.
I love how everything is well-composed and beautifully arranged. From the classical piano intro and outro, to the tracks that present elements of royalty, grace, mystique, and allure. "On & On" is another hit masterpiece by Lena.
A heavy orchestral influence is present into most, if not all of the songs within this album. My favorite track would have to be "Areumdaun Neoreul" (Track #2) which is a perfect blend of classical and contemporary soft-rock. It's just amazing. Other notables include "Miracle" (Track #5), "Geureoji Maseyo" (Track #8), and "Mia" (Track #10).
Definitely would recommend this album!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
J-Walk Vol. 2 - Someday
J-Walk Vol. 2 - Someday
(10)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:August 20, 2006 A good album.Similar to their first album, J-Walk's "Someday" focuses mainly on low-tempo contemporaries and ballads. Whether this is a good or bad thing depends solely on the listener.
Personally, I appreciate ballads and when J-Walk does one, it is done beautifully. My personal favorites in this album are "Saranghaeseo Mianhae " (Track #8) and "From Me" (Track #9).
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A.One vol.1 - Turn It Up
A.One vol.1 - Turn It Up
(1)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:August 19, 2006 Va-va-voom!Excellent mini-album from A.One!
I was a bit skeptical at first, paying full-price for a mini-album? Is it really that good? Lucky enough, a few months later, the price dropped and I was able to pick up this album. After listening to it, I would've actually paid full price if I had sampled it earlier! It's a pretty awesome set!
Mixed with an anthem-like, funk-pop main track along with songs that vary frmo Western contemporary, mid-tempo club sounds, and a simple yt creative packaging concept (half-fold, digipak), this album's worth getting.
Truly a hidden gem that's worthy of purchase!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Love is... Vol III
1 people found the following helpful
August 19, 2006 SatisfyingI've heard a handful of Jinjoo's songs in the past but this was the first album I ever got my hands on. To describe my review in a flash--I'm satisfied.
It's a good album with variety. "Love Is..." contains songs ranging from hard pop, sentimental ballads, power-club, classical, jazz, and even a reminiscent 80's tune with "Wae" (Track #9).
It's hard for me to select a favorite track but I could say that all songs were sung by Jinjoo with an equal vocal strength. Gotta love that!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Chae Young In vol.1 - The 1st My Life
Chae Young In vol.1 - The 1st My Life
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August 13, 2006 Just ok.Although enjoyable for younger Korean music fans, I fel that Chae Young-in's breakout album from the Redsox is intended for a more mature audience. The theme and music fits adult contemporary styles well and having said this, I personally enjoyed it less as I'm not ecstatic about the genre as I am with others.
I found her voice to be a bit on the "regular" side and nothing spectacular. The best track on the song would have to be "Chodaebadeun Gyeolhonsik" (Track #9)--a ballad that shows the most passion from Young-in. Other notable tracks include "Happy Day" (Track #3) which sounds like a track from the Brian Setzer Orchestra, as well as "Haengbokhan Kkum" and "La La La" (Tracks #7 & 8 respectively)--two songs directly ripped from Redsox's first and only single before they went their separate ways.
Overall, the album is not bad but it's not that great either. Here's to hoping that Chae Young-in would focus on more ballads in the future as it seems to be the most suited for her style and vocals.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
MuGaDang Single - MuGaDang
MuGaDang Single - MuGaDang
(2)Our Price: US$10.99List: US$14.99Save: US$4.00 (27%)Related promotions:2 people found the following helpful
August 13, 2006 Could've Been BetterFrom the start, I didn't have high expectations for this single, just because of the fact that YG seemingly tossed these four individuals together and thought that they'd magically acquire chemistry with little effort.
After hearing the single, I got what I thought I'd get--a "so-so" single that honestly isn't worth the money for me. "Don't Call Me Babe" (Track #1) was a dry song that I did not enjoy at all. Track #2, "Nose Norabose" was a better-sounding track with more substance. "Just Funky (Track #3) picks up an energy that the first two songs sorely lacked and the Disco remix of "Nose Norabose" (Track #4) saves the single from being a total borefest.
I'm not entirely sure I'd recommend this single to anyone other than hardcore YG family fans and those who'd like to have everything and everything KPop.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Park Jung Eun Vol. 1 - Letter From My Heart
Park Jung Eun Vol. 1 - Letter From My Heart
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August 8, 2006 An Album with Promise...My first impression was that the album cover does not represent the voice within this album. The person imaged looks like she has a tiny, heavenly voice. As soon as I saw it, I said to myself "Finally. Bae Seul Gi's first album!" Boy, was I proven wrong but you have to admit that the resemblance is uncanny. After listening to the album, "heavenly"--yes but "tiny"---definitely not! Park Jung Eun definitely can carry the range.
The album is a ballad set no matter what your perspective is. Some cannot stomach this lack of variety, while other absolutely love it. I find myself to be somewhat in the middle. With "Letter from My Heart", I enjoyed it a lot. The songs "U Just" (Track #1) & Geuraeseo Sarangeun (Track #4) are sung quite soulfully, while tracks like "Doenjangjjigaereul Johahae" (Track #2) demonstrates Jung Eun's sexy, and somewhat-raspy voice. Depending on the song, she resembles Ann, Baek Ji Young, J, and Gummy--a list of vocalists that are on top of the game.
As previously mentioned, this album is recommended for K-ballads but is not for those who require variety, nor dance music. A worthy album deserving a 7/10.
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TRAX Vol. 1 - First Rain
TRAX Vol. 1 - First Rain
(6)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:3 people found the following helpful
August 7, 2006 Respectfully SoIt's unfortunate that the Trax's numbers had to be reduced by one prior to the release of this album but luckily, their music lives on.
I'm really glad with the direction that this album was produced. A nice mixture of soulful rock ballads and harder grunge-type tracks all rolled into one disc. There's an outlier song, "Crazy" (Track#6) which I felt was a bit out of scope. Nonetheless, it wasn't that bad.
Typhoon's voice sits right in between Kim Hyung Joong's clear intonation & Hong Kyung Min's raspy
vocals--in essence, it's just about right. When he belts his heart out, I feel like I believe him. Another positive note is that for some songs like "Liez", the rest of the band joins in on the vocals and gives the song an extra something. I like that.
For a band that's been through quite a while to get through to where they are at, you'd have to respect the Trax. And with this album, my respect is just strengthened.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Suh Young Eun Remake album - Romantic 2
Suh Young Eun Remake album - Romantic 2
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August 7, 2006 Feel-good album of the year!You cannot listen to this album and be sad thereafter. Perhaps the ultimate feel-good album of 2006, Suh Young Eun produces another great album with her magical voice.
Filled with many soft ballads ("Neol Saranghagesseo" & "Jangmi"), lighthearted pop tracks ("Joha Joha", "Kakteil Sarang", & "Sesange Ppuryeojin Sarang Mankeum"), and a couple of songs which takes you back to the 1940s ("Gaettong Beolle" & "Geudaereul Mannaneun Got 100 Miteojeon").
A lot of different non-contemporary instruments have been used in many of the songs such as the harmonica, trumpets, and even hand-clapping (technically not an instrument but still rarely used) which distinguishes the album from other sets.
The album ends with two beautiful love songs, "Saranghalkkeoya" & "Sarangui Changa" which completes the amazing compilation. Both are duets which will just melt your heart.
Overall, an excellent album to purchase for both new and old fans of Suh Young Eun's musical talent!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Kill Gun Vol. 2 - Baby G
Kill Gun Vol. 2 - Baby G
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August 7, 2006 Where's the energy?Admittedly, Kil Gun's an artist that just slipped me by with her 1st album. I didn't really enjoy it all that much. For her 2nd, I wasn't that excited either but still decided to give it a shot and do a review.
If I could add something to this album, it'd be more energy! Most of the songs are begging for a breath of life. I think a lot of the time, emotion is held back and KG does not unleash her potential energy.
Tracks #6, #8, #10 really help this album out a lot, giving it some fighting power to remain on store shelves and keep interest lingering. "Wae Molla" really reminded me of another mega-superstar in the business--Kim Hyun Jung.
I could only imagine the benefits that Kil Gun would reap if she ventured out into the power-dance genre, which seems to be more suited for her at this point.
Having said all that, I'm not ready to give up on Kil Gun and wish her a better song selection on her next album, if she chooses to continue on her career in the music world.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Nan-A Vol. 1 - Sweet Soul
Nan-A Vol. 1 - Sweet Soul
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August 7, 2006 Awesome Newcomer In HereA nice blend of urban music sung with a youthful voice--what a fantastic combination! This, describes Nan-a's first album.
The album is truly a big surprise for me. I decided to give this unknown album a try without any pre-conceived expectations. Included in the compilation are a lot hard-pop songs (Tracks #4, #8, #11, #12), a handful of mid-tempo jazz-lounge and R&B tracks (Tracks #3, #5, #7, #10), and a couple of nice ballads to seal the deal (Tracks #14, #15).
If I were to compare this to other albums, it resembles Yuri's (not of Fin.K.L) first album "Just Like R&B" which is another hidden gem of the K-Pop.
This album's definitely worth your money, and at the very least, a try!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Stony Skunk vol.3 - STONY RIDDIM
Stony Skunk vol.3 - STONY RIDDIM
(1)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:August 7, 2006 A Taste to Acquire...Korean Reggae. It's true!
Given the fact that this is Stony Skunk's 3rd album, I've only heard a couple of songs from the prior to this one. "Raggamuffin" from their 2nd album was definitely the bomb and the energy was just unbelievable. Having heard this, I was terribly excited to hear their 3rd album. Sadly, I was a tad bit disappointed.
I was expecting more fire and power from their tracks but it mostly consisted of songs that are rather plain. There were a few enjoyable tracks in this album but none really stood out amongst the other 'influenced' music out there today.
The lowest point of the album had to be the butchering of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" -- terrible! Anyhow, to those who want to try out a new sub-genre of KPop, this shouldn't be too bad if you have money to burn and a high tolerance for artists suffering with a bit of identity crisis (e.g. Track #4 is LATIN REGGAE for goodness sakes...)Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
August 5, 2006 Where's the angst?
For the self-dubbed "First Feminist Singer" I just didn't feel enough anger, backlash, nor aggressiveness within this album. I was expecting a passion similar to what the Beastie Boys felt against Corporate America, what speedsters feel about traffic, what vegans feel against Ribfest...you get the idea but I just didn't feel that from Ji Hyun's 1st.
The tracks are largely rock/alternative-oriented with a hint of lounge/jazz as well. Overall, I'd group this with other adult contemporary stuff that I can do without. Not very pleased is all.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Girl Friends Vol. 1 - Another Myself
Girl Friends Vol. 1 - Another Myself
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July 30, 2006 Perfect.A star-studded album that was well-worth the wait. When this pairing was announced many weeks ago, I was nothing short of ecstatic. Joining Yuri (former female vocalist of the co-ed group Cool) and Chae Rina (former rapper/vocalist of Roo'ra, & soloist) together was a marvelous idea.
After all the introductories aside, the music is fantastic! A lot of great pop music, complementary rap & R&B, dance, and smooth slow jams are in this album. There is no shortage of additional talent within the compilation either. Headliner artists included in this album consist of: Brown Eyed Girls, Monday Kiss, SG Wannabe, Baek Ji Young, Lee Jung, Uptown, Lee Jae Hoon, Kim Gun Mo, & Haha to name a few! -- it's like an awards show in one disc!
Some of my favorites within the album are "Listen" (Track #2), which has a nice latin feel to it, filled with abundant acoustic elements, and "Ipsulman Kkaemuljyo" (Track #4) which uses an entrancing harp melody all throughout the song for an uplifting experience. For special mention are Track #7, "Namjahana Yeojadul" --a song that would appeal to lovers of Cool's music--a song with a very summer-y feel to it and "All In" (Track #8) --a very retro-yet-contemporary feel reminiscent of latter dance genres. I could continue talking but it's best for you to give this album a try first-hand. You will not be disappointed!
I've always been a big fan of Yuri for her amazing stage presence, quirky personality, and hyper-attractiveness. Chae Rina, although less vibrant is an artist whom I respect just as well. I can only imagine how amazing the performances will be for this album's promotion...today is a good day for K-Pop.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Sori vol.1 - Let's Get it on
Sori vol.1 - Let's Get it on
(2)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Related promotions:July 23, 2006 Great Great Album! Sexy~I won't comment on how gorgeous So Ri is because the previous reviewer already elaborated on that aspect but what I will do is comment on her music.
"Let's Get It On!" is a very sexy album. From the genres selected, down to Sori's vocals. Think a much youthful Uhm Jung Hwa-style with the undeniable spunk of Kim Hyun Jung all rolled into one disc.
Most notable of the songs are the explosive dance bomb "Nal Tteonaga" (Track #2), and the remake of The Cardigan's (Western) "Love Fool" (Track #10) with a cute Asian accent.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
UN Vol. 1
UN Vol. 1
(5)Our Price: US$14.99List: US$19.99Save: US$5.00 (25%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:July 23, 2006 Decent First AlbumTwo different artists with contrasting styles complimenting each other very nicely---that, is UN.
An ok album by all means which clearly demonstrates that these guys are still trying to find the music that's right for them. Giving us an array of styles to choose from, it's evident that they can perform multiple-genres. When I first heard this album, I thought that they would be more suited for a ballad career. Today, six years later, I still believe that.
Yet, this album's main spark is actually a hip and fast track, "Pyeongsaeng" (Track #7). It's so fun to listen to even after half a decade has passed.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
UltraCats Vol. 1 - Wishes
UltraCats Vol. 1 - Wishes
(1)Our Price: US$10.99List: US$14.99Save: US$4.00 (27%)Related promotions:July 23, 2006 Chae Yeon? Japanese...Yes, that's her all right. Kind of weird seeing her with three non-attractive Japanese fellows ain't it? Nonetheless, this is where Chae Yeon got her big(ger) break into the Korean mainstream.
An extremely small single (2 tracks), this just ranks average. Nothing spectacular or bombastic. Funny enough, I actually like the second track, a pure instrumental over the first one.
Although Chae Yeon's music continues to present this lingering blandness, it's nice to see how successful she's become. Best of luck to Chae Yeon.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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