Reviews written by Josh
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BATTLEFIELD (W/DVD) (DLX) (SNYC)(US Version)
BATTLEFIELD (W/DVD) (DLX) (SNYC)(US Version)
(1)Our Price: US$27.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:September 22, 2009 StrongerI bought her first album last April. Though I enjoyed it, it was a slow grower. This album however, took an instant effect over the listener. If not all tracks, almost all tracks are single material. Unlike her first album, Jordin had more time to grow, be involved and evolve with this album. She's immersed herself with the songs she sings in here therefore allowing herself to pour her emotions more than ever. She also wrote / co-wrote some of her own songs. There would be at times where I forget this is Jordin. She's grown that much.
I'd be sad for anyone who just buys the single Battlefield and whichever other songs-to-be-chosen single releases in the future. Reason I say this is because every track on this album are too good to miss out. I encourage people to either buy the physical deluxe or the iTunes copy. The deluxe tracks "Papercut" (which is easily Jordin's own "Big Girls Don't Cry") and "Postcard" are songs to not leave out.
The bonus videos are also very fun to watch. You can get an idea of how much work the people had to do in the making, including Jordin herself.
And to note, the digital booklet on this album is a lot better in quality than her first album, where it seemed "scanned". This one is a direct digital.
This album actually feels like there's a story told. It definitely conveys with the title track's theme very well. I'm very glad Jordin had more input in the making of this album and thus, she's made a masterpiece she can be proud of. Believe me, you do not want to miss this out.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
This Is The One (Japan Version)
This Is The One (Japan Version)
(18)Our Price: US$32.99Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:March 24, 2009 This IS the OneThis is Utada's 2nd (3rd English album) attempt in breaking into the US music industry. And I can truly say that she's done it this time around. She can actually win the crowd with this album. Already, we were given the trailer of this album with "Come Back To Me". The single truly promised all the other songs a like. An album full of mainstream sound, which Utada achieved and proved. A lot of R&B numbers you can enjoy like you'd enjoy "Take A Bow" while walking down the street with the sunset. A lot of these songs are already potential hit singles that would rig the radio charts.
Utada did it this time. This IS the One.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
EXODUS (Japan Version)
March 24, 2009 "A Beautiful Mess"Music is always different in everyone's ears. But never has music been this different. I couldn't have said it in better words than what Utada described this album as. Like an aftermath of what an evil scientist tried to create. But for some reason, this album puts you in a nice perspective as the detective that tries to figure out what happened in this lab mess. Overall, this is a very dark album that makes you look deep inside the music in this album. Tracks like "Devil Inside", "Exodus '04", "Kremlin Dusk" and "You Make Me Want To Be A Man" truly stands out on that. This album isn't very mainstream. Exodus '04 is probably the only track that is closest to having a mainstream pop sound (after all, it was Timbaland who produced this song). This is not to say that Utada can't create music. The music here just isn't appealing to the mainstream crowd. But if you give a forgiving chance, you can actually enjoy the music in this album. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
BoA US Vol. 1 (Korea Version)
BoA US Vol. 1 (Korea Version)
(4)Our Price: US$14.99List: US$20.99Save: US$6.00 (29%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:4 people found the following helpful
March 24, 2009 WARNING: It's contagiousAs BoA stated before, it's a pure dance/pop album. Each track is surely going to make you turn your speakers up and dance. Many famous hit producers were involved in this album, hence making this one album that won't stop spinning. Sean Garrett, who happened to produced the album's title track, "I Did It For Love" is a great way to start off the album. It is then followed by "Energetic" to Bloodshy & Avant's "Did Ya" (easily BoA's own "Toxic") to "Look Who's Talking", which has a Britney vibe Britney fans can appreciate, as it was co-penned and co-composed by Ms. Spears herself. You'll then find yourself lingering from her first absorbing obsessive single "Eat You Up" all the way to the "Hypnotic Dancefloor". Those who favored BoA's Korean Hit "Girls On Top" will also enjoy the English rendition in this album, most likely as a fan service to English speaking BoA fans. It's also one to be enjoyed by many mainstream listeners.
There are many tracks to enjoy. You'll find yourself intoxicated with this album just after one spin.
*I just want to make a special note on the US version of this album. If you're a foreigner outside of US and wants to buy from YesAsia, it will NOT contribute to BILLBOARD (I contacted them myself). At least get the Korean release as it will support the charts there.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Heart Station (Japan Version)
Heart Station (Japan Version)
(19)Our Price: US$34.25Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
August 30, 2008 Music is born once again.Utada is an amazing person. Throughout her career, she has been writing and composing most of her own music. She never stops amazing me. The lyrics are beautiful and they contrast well with the music, building this sound scape that's so possible for anyone to imagine as they listen through. The tunes in each of these songs are so unimaginable and so acceptable. It's hard to think such tunes like these existed. This album surely is a great example of how music is an endless flow of creativity. The hours Utada spent in composing and writing at home surely payed off.
For those wondering, this album includes her singles since 2006's Bokua Kuma (I'm a Bear) to the most recent 2008 single Prisoner Of Love. This means that many great songs are surely included in this album as well as the new material. Even better, this album is mastered by Ted Jensen. Mastered from Sterling Studios once again, this album sounds just as great when listening.
Unless you understand Japanese, you'll probably get a little idea of what the music is about to not understanding it at all. Buy this album regardless of whether you understand Japanese or not. Only then you can understand why such music like this exists in Japan and in today's time in music.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Made In Twenty (20) (ALBUM+DVD)(Japan Version)
Made In Twenty (20) (ALBUM+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(14)Our Price: US$43.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:2 people found the following helpful
August 26, 2008 Made in twenty and in beauty.I still remember on the day of its release, many reviews were posted saying how this album is 'blah' and that and boring sounding. I can safely say one thing about these people: they do not understand the lyrics. This album is SPECIAL. And I mean no exaggeration. Without a doubt, there are many who loves J-POP music these days but not many understand the lyrics or meanings in Japanese. They only go for the sound with the voice and the music, not the meaning. I respect those who love foreign music regardless, but it's time they be fair with the music they don't understand. Especially for our BoA, who's now grown up over the years.
(please copy and paste this link if you want the overview of the songs I reviewed/full review: forums.boajjang.com/index.php?showtopic=103186 )
The album flows extremely well from beginning to end. I'm sure BoA had some input in the ordering of the tracks otherwise, it is nicely ordered anyhow. The fact that she is now over 20 shows how she has matured in her music. Though BoA only beautifully written three songs on this album, she still took the songs she didn't wrote by singing them and making them her own. Great compositions as well. Truthfully speaking, I cried when listening to this album simply because the lyrics are SO sad. Winter Love especially, just blew me away. Just looking back, this album stands out gold in BoA's journey in the music industry. Sure, this album does not sound as great as her previous albums, but you have to take in account at times when lyrics leads the music you hear.
This edition is PACKED with videos. They include the three singles' Promotional Videos (which were well filmed) and if you're lucky, not 8 but 10 live tracks from THE LIVE concert footage (since 2 are in the first press editions, which are surely gone by now). I'm overwhelmed by how much they offered in this album. Those who own the PVs from the singles and THE LIVE concert should just buy the CD-only version.
I'm sad for those who do not know Japanese to judge on this album unfairly. If you dismissed this album because of the other reviews, then you are missing out with them on the BoA they did not understand.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
May 11, 2008 A story you must hear.
Jade's 2nd album as a solo artist and the 7th overall (from her sweetbox days). This is perhaps her most sentimental album yet. Even more than After The Lights/13 Chapters.
As Jade stated, these songs are based upon her experiences in the past year. Lyrically, we can see and hear the story. The great sounds coming from each song comes with a bittersweet touch. Unbreakable is a great track to start off the album (and a nice lead off single), a power ballad with strong words. Though the theme Moonlight Sonatta has been used before in Don't Push Me, this is a nice rendition. Many great ballads are to be heard after listening to the first track. It kept me in awe through out. The last track Empty Pages closes the album very nicely. Piece Of Love has to be one of my favourties. It was a rare song for Jade to have for it did not include the usual elements a pop song would have, where there are no beats to be heard and just the great symphony strings with Jade's soft and strong vocals that speaks for the words in the song. The other tracks besides the one mentioned do use the usual elements in a pop song in a very different way.
As for the album cover, I learned to love it though I still feel it does not do enough justice to the overall meaning of the album. Some of the pictures inside should have been the album cover as not only they are beautiful but they easily match on how the over all album sounds and feels like..
The only downside to this is the fact that some of these songs do not seem to fit in with the album such as Undone, which is a track that has steady fast paced beat with electrifying vocals. Though I now love and adore the song (comparable to Rihanna's Don't Stop The Music in a way, let's say), first hearing it after the many great ballads threw the balance off for the album. Perhaps if it was a bonus track, I would have give the album a 4.5 or even a 5. It is understandable however, since it was originally meant for Out of the box but licensing issues got in the way as I heard so it had to be mashed in this album.
In all, this album is well crafted in lyrics and well composed in sounds. Jade and Roberto are really one of a kind. It really breaks my heart that they both are not well known. As a fan, I'm still dreaming for that day to come. Those who do not know Jade Valerie should definitely buy this album. Maybe some of you can relate yourselves with this album and set a page to your own.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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BoA - The Face (CD+2 DVD) (Korea Version)
BoA - The Face (CD+2 DVD) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(3)Our Price: US$29.99List: US$41.99Save: US$12.00 (29%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
March 29, 2008 "GLAMOROUS "*I haven't watched the 2 DVDs yet due to reasons I can't say...so I'll rate the music for now.
BoA's 6th Original album! avex seems to be really pushing it hard in promoting her album this year. BoA also is getting herself more involved in the making of the album, as she co-arranged the song Girl In The Mirror (no not Spears' version) and wrote to Smile Again, GYAPPU ni Yarareta! , and [co-wrote] LOVE LETTER. When it's BoA's lyrics and her singing them, you can feel more of not only her singing sensation but the soul of the lyrics she sings. I'm looking forward to more of her works in the future.
This is not to say she has never took singing seriously before of course. The other songs in the album are great. As usual, she's able to sing out the words in songs and make them come alive while some can be for plain fun listening.
As for sound quality ( VERY IMPORTANT), this album was mastered once again in New York (BEST OF SOUL was also) and the quality is BETTER than the ones released as singles (Lose your mind, Love Letter, be with you, Sweet Impact and the B-sides that follows). The clarity is so much better sounding that you can hear every possible sound in the songs. Even Hey Boy, Hey Girl is remastered! It's too bad it's not included in the Korean release though due to licensing issues. GLAMOROUS
It's too bad this album had its lowest first week sales in her career, despite getting no.1 in the Oricon charts daily + weekly. Well it can be said that some buy from iTunes (since it was in first place on top 100 albums for 2 weeks straight). Oricon won't tell the success it had for real since Billboard Japan had it in top 10 longer.
This is a must get album if you're a BoA fan. Though not her best, it is still a great album! And I love the packaging with the cardboard sleeve. The booklet has lots of neat pictures of BoA but is less glossier than her previous album but is still of great quality!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
T (2CD+2DVD)(Japan Version)
T (2CD+2DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(36)Our Price: US$76.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
March 23, 2008 A new begnning for TohoshinkiThe boys were right when they said that this was their 'first real' Japanese album. Their pronunciation on words has improved so much and because they understand Japanese better than before, they are able to sing out more with their soul to the lyrics in the songs they sing.
I just love about every track but if I was to choose, it'd be Purple Line (again, YooYoungJin's works has never failed to impress me), TRICK (a GENIUS work of art)and other A-side single tracks and Darkness Eyes, Rainbow, and heck the rest.
This version is a MUST GET. Not only do you get an awesome 52-page book but the packaging along with the bonus disk, which has Song For you and Japanese versions of the Korean songs from their past Krn albums such as You're my miracle, etc.Kiss shittamama sayonara, composed by Yuchun, co-wrriten with Jejung - I see a future career for Yuchun as a composer. After how many songs he composes, he just seems to get better and better. The lyrics in this song are so sad, too.. This song alone made the album VERY special.
Music in this album is so great that I don't even have enough space to write about the DVDs (which are awesome). The music videos are well produced. I'm just upset there isn't Purple Line in here...even if they just add the 'trailer' version they had when promoting the single, I wouldn't mind. It is now added into their History in Japan Vol.3 however. I expect this PV to appear on their next album...
I don't only recommend this to Tohoshinki fans. That's how 'awesome' the album is. It's too bad the chart entry in the Oricon sales only went over 70k as of today, considering the amount of promotion avex put on these boys...
Get this version now. No exception.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
T (2CD+2DVD)(Japan Version)
T (2CD+2DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(36)Our Price: US$76.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:March 23, 2008 A new begnning for TohoshinkiThe boys were right when they said that this was their 'first real' Japanese album. Their pronunciation on words has improved so much and because they understand Japanese better than before, they are able to sing out more with their soul to the lyrics in the songs they sing.
I just love about every track but if I was to choose, it'd be Purple Line (again, YooYoungJin's works has never failed to impress me), TRICK (a GENIUS work of art)and other A-side single tracks and Darkness Eyes, Rainbow, and heck the rest.
This version is a MUST GET. Not only do you get an awesome 52-page book but the packaging along with the bonus disk, which has Song For you and Japanese versions of the Korean songs from their past Krn albums such as You're my miracle, etc.Kissしたまま、さよなら, composed by Yuchun, co-wrriten with Jejung - I see a future career for Yuchun as a composer. After how many songs he composes, he just seems to get better and better. The lyrics in this song are so sad, too.. This song alone made the album VERY special.
Music in this album is so great that I don't even have enough space to write about the DVDs (which are awesome). The music videos are well produced. I'm just upset there isn't Purple Line in here...even if they just add the 'trailer' version they had when promoting the single, I wouldn't mind. It is now added into their History in Japan Vol.3 however. I expect this PV to appear on their next album...
I don't only recommend this to Tohoshinki fans. That's how 'awesome' the album is. It's too bad the chart entry in the Oricon sales only went over 70k as of today, considering the amount of promotion avex put on these boys...
Get this version now. No exception. I was lucky to have bought the Hong Kong release for cheaper but I know now even with this pricetag, it'd still be worth it.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Jade Valerie / Out Of The Box (Japan Version)
March 15, 2008 Just plain fun!I've been a Jade Valerie fan for a while (from her sweetbox days 'til now). Jade and Roberto Rosan (aka Geo)has never failed to impress me album after album. Always creating new sounds in different ways yet the same. This is her re-debut in her music career, only by dropping the name before Jade Valerie and keeping the same music alive.
Jade's lyrics has never been written in such a way where you can follow catchy lyrics and they are very addicting (both sound and lyrics)! Not to say of course that her past works have never been fun at all. Tuned Up especially is very fun while Just Another Day gives a steady latino styled beat and is awesome. Lyrics were really written well and well thought out. Jade's lyrics are just growing album after album and they have never been so fun to listen to! Goodbye and Just Another Day is probably the only 2 songs that were more in the 'serious' tone and lyrical wise. I've never heard such lyrics before by Jade and they are a must hear. I just find it slightly discomforting that Goodbye, for such a beautiful song has the "F" word in it. But what do I know? These lyrics were written out of Jade's experience and we'll never know how painful they were to have that word be in there (and yes, this album does have swear words though only less than half the album has it). Jade also leaves a nice little sweet message at the end of the booklet.
Jade Valerie since then til now has been (as of March 15th 2008) underrated and still is. The world needs to know her. This album definitely opens up a new chapter of Jade's music and the direction is definitely going up. And yeah, $24.99 for 8 songs and one music video is definitely pricey when it comes from importing but it will surely be worth your money. May this album help you realize the awesomeness of Jade Valerie.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Out Of The Box (ALBUM+DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
Out Of The Box (ALBUM+DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(4)Our Price: US$29.49Related promotions:March 15, 2008 Just plain fun!I've been a Jade Valerie fan for a while (from her sweetbox days 'til now). Jade and Roberto Rosan (aka Geo)has never failed to impress me album after album. Always creating new sounds in different ways yet the same.
Jade's lyrics has never been written in such a way where you can follow catchy lyrics and they are very addicting (both sound and lyrics)! Not to say of course that her past works have never been fun at all. Tuned Up especially is very fun while Just Another Day gives a steady latino styled beat and is awesome. Lyrics were really written well and well thought out. Jade's lyrics are just growing album after album and they have never been so fun to listen to! Goodbye and Just Another Day is probably the only 2 songs that were more in the 'serious' tone and lyrical wise. I've never heard such lyrics before by Jade and they are a must hear. I just find it slightly discomforting that Goodbye, for such a beautiful song has the "F" word in it. But what do I know? These lyrics were written out of Jade's experience and we'll never know how painful they were to have that word be in there (and yes, this album does have swear words though only less than half the album has it).
The DVD contains the music video of her promotional single for this mini album Just Another Day. Though not her best video, fits very well with the concept and matches the sound. *this is also different from the finalized version you see from www.jadevalerie.com
Jade Valerie since then til now has been (as of March 15th 2008) underrated and still is. The world needs to know her. This album definitely opens up a new chapter of Jade's music and the direction is definitely going up. And yeah, $24.99 for 8 songs and one music video is definitely pricey when it comes from importing but it will surely be worth your money. May this album help you realize the awesomeness of Jade Valerie.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Addicted (Japan Version)
Addicted (Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$28.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:March 5, 2008 Couldn't stop listening to!*NOTICE: Jade Valerie Villalon is no longer with sweetbox (2001-2007). She is now Jade Valerie, a solo artist under Universal J. Recommend you check out "OUT OF THE BOX" and her "Bittersweet Symphony" album. Her CDs can be found in this site of course :D More info, go to www.jadevalerie.com or www.myspace.com/jadevalerieofficial
Quick sum-up: My favourite tracks were all the tracks other then Beautiful Girl and Over & Over (not to say they're bad of course). This album proves that Jade is growing ever so more and that can be heard and seen in her lyrics and her great vocals. Geo the man, always producing great sounds and co-writing with Jade also. This album is so fun to listen to. Not only addicting and fun to listen to but darn there are nice sentimental tracks in here, especially from Every Step, Break Down, Dreams, Happy Tears and Million Miles. Too bad songs not promoted as singles don't get the attention these days 'cause they are so awesome.
Yes, this album was originally titled Bold and Delicious. Since Ayumi Hamasaki happened to listened and loved her THE GREATEST HITS album (also in this site), she decided that having a listen to their few songs that were then added into her (miss)understood album. The album just had to be renamed and it was fine either way.
As a fan, I wouldn't say this is her best album but it's still awesome! Had a big streak in listening to this album. I just love music video to the title track also. Too bad there's no CD+DVD for this album (music video is included in her LIVE album DVD however). I still can't believe this is the woman who sung real Emotion and 1000 Words. People who only heard her through those songs needs to hear more!
You won't regret buying this. It's just too bad she's not known outside of Japan and Korea as much as the rest of the world and more importantly, her homeland America! This Filopino American artist should have got loads of grammies by now!
Get to know Jade Valerie now through this album or THE GREATEST HITS. Know the reason why there are Jade Valerie fans today that still follows her and believes that she deserves the real international spotlight she may find one day.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Cheon Sang Ji Hee The Grace - Graceful4 (CD+DVD) (Korea Version)
Cheon Sang Ji Hee The Grace - Graceful4 (CD+DVD) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(3)Our Price: US$22.99List: US$32.99Save: US$10.00 (30%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:January 12, 2008 Very fun to listen to.Finally their first Japanese album is released after a long hiatus due to their activities in Korea. This album offers ballads and hot dance tracks that will spice you up and listening all day long.
*I'm only going to highlight the 5 new song/material in this album as many proba
One More Time,OK?, a translated version of the original Korean version Han Beon Do, OK?. Kenzie and shojo tujibayash teamed up well in adapting the song in Japanese without changing the lyrics much while adding a new Chorus line. While keeping the same arrangement, it is altered in having more effects, amping up the instrumentation, making the song sound more deadly than the Korean version. The vocals however, seems to be weaker in some spots. Not much 'attitude' compared to the Korean version. All in all, it is still an awesome track. The music video is interesting as well.
The special edition of Just For One Day, also adapted to Japanese, is a song that the girls are at best in vocals, featuring Jaejong from TOHOSHINKI. Better yet, the arrangement now has more of a jazz variation, moving slightly away from the soft R&B flow.
*Air City OST does not have this special edition so there's a good reason to buy this album.
I'll Kiss You is a very cute song. You don't get to hear much from the girls in singing these kind of songs in Japanese. Well here it is. Their graceful melody really soothes the listener with the cute lyrics and the comforting love.
PARDON ME?? is a song that has the kind of direction Boomerang had, only that the song is more heavy and on the mean side.
5cm (Go senchi) is an awesome ballad. Nao ymt is one of a kind composer. This song has a nice Japanese tune with R&B fused together The lyrics are sad, speaking out of why some love can be so close yet so far. The girls really sung well in this song and should sing more songs like this in the future.
Now the rest of the tracks I did not mention are awesome as well. I'm only highlighting the 5 new songs/material for this album. Other dance tracks to look forward to would be Piranha, Sweet Flower, Get on the Floor, The Club and Boomerang. The girls had displayed awesome vocals in most of the songs. My Everything is also a nice ballad (also adapted to Japanese). My respect to Maria Storeng for originally writing the song. The booklet also has pretty pictures of the girls and it suits well with the concept. juicy LOVE is alright. It was kind of disappointing that it was released as a summer single but it's not a track you can easily like. After a few listens it gets into you. CORNHEAD did his part well in the song. The album flows well in order from track one to twelve, in terms of what the song has to say. It's almost as though you can find a story in it.It's really hard to say why their 2006 singles did not chart well, for they were awesome. At least this year they are more successful ( a lot more).
I can say that if you haven't purchase their singles before, this is a great package in getting all the singles in this album. Too bad that the other tracks from the singles is not included in the album for they were great also. Those that have been eager in getting the girls music videos now has the chance to do so with this album. The only slight downside is that the music videos are listed and played in reverse order, as they should have been chronological order.
2007 seems to be the year that's the most successful yet with TENJOCHIKI. You can definitely see that in this album.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
2007 Winter SM Town
2007 Winter SM Town
(11)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$18.99Save: US$6.00 (32%)Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:5 people found the following helpful
December 25, 2007 A gift that you must have.Let me start off with saying how beautiful this album is (no exaggeration). I read the reviews below though I am going to have to disagree with one on how it can be 'boring' (though they are entitled to their own opinions whatsoever, with my respect).
The packaging was simple and nothing unique though the texture in the CD cover is interestingly bubbly. With simple blue reindeer in a white background suits well for the album. The booklet, attached to the jacket, will have nice pictures of [your] favorite artists.
(Reviewed track by track in order)
All the artists here contributed greatly to this album not only with their presence but their vocals. And better yet, taking part of a great cause for Korea's Children Foundation (though the money you buy from here doesn't go there I think...).ONLY LOVE delivers a nice message of bringing attention to the poor and with only love, can we move on. Having 38 artists sing together brings the message to life. BoA wrote beautifully of her lyrics and has sung beautifully to her song (On December 27th). Fans in Korea will be happy with this song. DBSK has awesome vocals and lyrics in Evergreen. Micky and Max really fused their heads into making such a song. The Super Juniors have done it again in bringing upbeat happiness in their First Snow. The Grace sings gracefully in the two songs very well(We Wish You A Merry Christmas/Feliz Navidad), almost as though they would be singing right in front of you. KangTa as usual, has always impressed me with his English towards his singing in the holiday classics in the Winter SMTOWN albums. Girls' Generation -a new girl band consisting of 9 beautiful girls, singing their lovely melody indeed in their song. Hyun Jin's sung beautifully well not only in vocal but in ENGLISH. This is the first time for herself to have a studio song recorded in English. Though not perfect, it is (more than) decent enough for anyone to understand the first time. Choo Ga Yeoul's singing style is unique and grabs listeners of the older age. Probably not accepted as the 'today' music in his past works though this song is probably the best thy far. Always had personally loved his works though this one is something. Zhang Liyin. We have yet to hear her new album. O Holy Night (in Korean) will keep you busy this Christmas season. She is the Asian Celine Dion and will bring you the atmosphere of the Holy Night when He was born. The closing track with Song Gwang-Sik's instrumental works. Like Choo Ga Yeoul, his works might not captivate much of the audience today. This will probably have the listener listen all the way to realize his vision of the Childhood in Christmas. As for TVXQ's bonus track TRAVELING, this will satisfy fans (like myself) who are out of reach in digital singles and will cherish this song from this CD.
Overall, this is without a doubt better than last year's Snow Dream album. This album will enhance your Christmas experience. The arrangements in each of this song has been put through a lot of effort. Songs that were in English being sung by the SM artists were also very well done.
On a personal note, I'm blown away. I was worried that this album will not be received by my doorstep on time before Christmas and here it is. Arrived at 5:35 PM Christmas Eve '07. What a miracle. After going to Church, I listened to this album with surround sound while my family was busy decorating the tree with the dark night out my window with snow blurring by. Just wow. If I just listened to this album on the computer, it definitely would not have been the same (this is my advise to you all - listen with high-end speakers when you get your CDs). 5 stars. No it is not perfect but it is perfect enough as it needs to be.
I was originally planning to wait for the Taiwanese release of the CD+DVD version though the release is in January. By then Christmas is over. If you haven't purchased this album by Christmas, take lesson from this review for this will make your [next] Christmas an unforgettable one. Otherwise may this album bring the Holiday tunes to your ears.
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2006 Summer SM town
December 18, 2007 Buy before you go.I'll keep this as short and simple as possible.
I got this album (Taiwanese version, comes with a bonus VCD with music video + making of) around last year December. Yes it was definitely out of season. But it suited well for the road trip in getting to Florida and exploring Florida for the Christmas Holidays (and to Disney World).
I have so much summer/Christmas memories with this album. Every song in this album holds dear to my heart. Some songs have fun lyrics while some are a bit down to earth nice...
This album surprised me a lot with how awesome these songs are, even though some arrangements were from some European based songs (only Dancing Out I believe..and Red Sun). I love all the tracks but if I were to choose, it'd be Black Beat's Shake (and yes I agree, this song is definitely something special), Catch The Shooting Star (Cheon Sang Ji Hee The Grace), Summer Night Love (KangTa), Without You (TRAX), Raindrops (HyunJin) and Oasis (TVXQ). Well it might as well be every track since this album as I said, is awesome.
Black Beat could have had their big break Shake. Now I'm not even sure if they still exist as a group anymore, as well with TRAX. I'm so glad they took part in this album for they were just awesome and still are.
Regardless, I love the album so much. The booklet is pretty awesome, though some are printed in black and white in mine. Nice glossy pages. Buy this with this years Summer album (2007) and in you're more than complete and set to go.
No exaggeration. This album is something special Not buying this before going on vacation is a MISTAKE.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
U EP (Taiwan Version)
U EP (Taiwan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$11.99List: US$16.99Save: US$5.00 (29%)Related promotions:1 people found the following helpful
June 20, 2007 "U" will love it!From the debut of the Korea's 13 members boy-group Super Junior's with TVXQ's [Show Me Your Love], they moved on to their own light-bubblegum pop single [Miracle] to the hard-rock [TWINS (Knockout)], they rose to instant popularity in the K-POP music scene. And undoubtedly, this single really proves that they can do much more.
This CD singles A-side track title [U] really shows off their vocal talent to the fast-paced rapping by Eun Hyuk and Ki Bum. This song's chorus is quite catchy, as with the tune, having all the boys offer their voices in soprano, alto and bass and great vibrato! With the slight up-beat rhythm, it pumps the song up to a great deal. With the new member of the Super Junior Cho KyuHyun, it brings the group to more power with his soothing hard vocals and indeed, brought his own debut spotlight with the group.
The MV on the other note (which will be released on VCD format with the limited version of this single released in Taiwan on June 21st 2007), really had the spotlight shining on the 13 boys, where they had great choreography to the dance steps to this song. Too bad there's no release on DVD for VCD quality really drains it up. 'Tis a sad disappointment for SM Entertainment to not market their CDs with music videos in Korea (due to their difference and demand in their industry).
The B-side track [Endless Moment] offers a softer ballad-like side and it's just a song that will make you smile and see how they can sing in a lighter touch.
And finally, the last track of the CD [Lovely Day] is a song that'll capture those hearts. Without a doubt, this song is western-influenced, something like what you'd hear from the Backstreet Boys.
So far, all the three tracks in this single has really made a perfect pack, offering a great balance of ballad to a up-beat dance song and a mid-tempo song that will get you singing along. What's even better, this single version released in Taiwan offers Instrumental tracks to the three songs, unlike the Korean release. You can either listen to the song's instrumentation or simply sing along! Just the price tag you gotta bear in mind due to currency, with $11.99 USD is like buying an album in North America. Now this CD "U" MUST buy!
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Sweetbox Live (ALBUM+DVD)(Japan Version)
Sweetbox Live (ALBUM+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(3)Our Price: US$45.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:March 20, 2007 The first live DVD!The first ever live footage (on DVD) of sweetbox. This has been one of many (or any) sweetbox fans wishes or dreams to have in their collection and for their fan sake. And this DVD truly delivers that although there are still things that comes in the way from this DVD.
The DVD includes the concert filmed on Christmas Eve '05 at Seoul, Korea (which was the same concert in Japan, having the concert named '10th Anniversary"). Unlike other concerts, the performances are supported by backup dancers/singers to support the main star, Jade Villalon! The concert was well choreographed for songs we know (from CLASSIFIED to ADDICTED) and it really roared up the crowd in some songs (mostly, the songs they knew such as Korea's favourite: Don't Push Me). Some songs may even surprise or amaze you and you may have never expected them out of the songs you knew. Jade also delivers some amazing vocals in some songs.
In terms of having the concert before the ADDICTED album was released, it had 9 songs from the album that they performed live along with 8 other songs that sweetbox is fond and famous of. Glady having this released 8 months after the concert, it brought a different view for some songs we may or may not liked before and now we like because of the concert performances (which may have brought you laughter or tears, or awes you've never expected of from Jade).
The DVD also includes nice bonus features that the korean version release DVD does not have such as the ADDICTED music video. This was perhaps AVEX CASA's decision to add the music video, for the ADDICTED album released in Japan never came out with a CD+DVD since JADE -silver edition. The other side of the features include a nice little 'Behind The Scenes" and information on the backup dancers and sweetbox's history with Jade and the Producer (Geo), though it is in Japanese.
Now after watching the concert, listening to the Live CD, you seem to hear more out of the concert in between songs such as Jade talking to the whole crowd. Now as a fan, I'd love to see this in footage yet it went the other way around? It was a bit disappointing to find that these were included in the CD rather then the DVD and it goes the other way around, too. It should've been the CD that never included the 'in-betweens' and having the DVD done so.
Aside from all that, you get a nice booklet that shares Jade's thoughts of the concert and her 'thank-yous'. It's a good read and it'll be heart-warming for the fans to read.
Unlike North American releases, Japan releases has been always about CD+DVD included in one package. In overall, this is still worth the buy.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Bleach The Best (Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
Bleach The Best (Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(3)Our Price: US$45.25Related promotions:2 people found the following helpful
March 18, 2007 REVISED review.The CD- WOW are the songs awesome! And for those who'ver never collected the singles collectively throughout the years would may be surprise to the original mixes.
Booklet - if you know japanese, then this is a goody for you. You're gonna have a good read from reading the lyrics and other goodies, too. Along with the nice view of pictures!
NOW...
The DVD!!
THE GOOD- the outros are CREDITLESS!!It even has versions of outros! Such as YUI's song LIFE with the Soul Society Version and the School Version.
As for the outro with the song COMET, it has 13 versions and these versions can be accessed if you watch all the video clips, it'll grant you the secret menu.
THE BAD -the intros are NOT creditless
Although the intro is creditless, it's still worth the DVD for they included the versions of the outros such as the 2nd season outro with the song COMET, having included ALL the 13 versions. Considering from that, not all the DVDs has done this and I'm glad they added it this time around.
Overall, this is still a very good fan item for those who are interested in the music you hear from BLEACH and is still definently worth it. GET this now while you still can! This item will soon be gone!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Bleach The Best (Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
Bleach The Best (Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(3)Our Price: US$45.25Related promotions:1 people found the following helpful
March 3, 2007 Truely the BEST to fans yet...The CD- WOW are the songs awesome! And for those who'ver never collected the singles collectively throughout the years would find a suprise to the original mixes and would definently find this a good collection and a big save up of money.
Booklet - if you know japanese, then this is a goody for you. You're gonna have a good read from reading the lyrics and other goodies, too. Along with the nice view of pictures!
NOW...
The CREDITLESS DVD!!
THE GOOD- the outros are CREDITLESS!! YEAH! Comes with a menu using one of the tracks from the OST as the menu background song.
THE BAD - the intros are NOT creditless.
The item description already stated that only outros will be creditless though I still think that the intros still should've been creditless. Though the reason why is unknown. It does kinda disappoint me, in having all the other anime BEST editions that comes with compelte creditless intros and outros.
Overall, this is still a very good fan item for those who are interested in the music you hear from BLEACH and is still definently worth it. Don't let the creditless intros distract you from getting this edition. Get it before it's too late! It is only until March 31st (2007) will they stop selling the limited editions though I'm not sure if YesAsia will follow that method.
GET IT NOW if you know you have to and or if you are a BLEACH FAN!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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