Roy Kim

Roy Kim - "I Need Healing"


I just love this song. It's perfect for a moody, autumn afternoon, or anytime that you feel like listening to a warm, soft rock song. You'll know when you listen to it. The song talks about going back in time and saving a lost love from failing. Roy Kim was recently the winner of Superstar K4, and is Korean American, so the little drops of English are perfect for him. He has such a great voice...

U-Kiss & Infinite

It's already been more than three months since I wrote my first review on Psy. Unexpectedly, time has really flown by since then. During all this time, I never got to review a mainstream K-Pop artist, despite my initial goals for starting this blog. And when you say mainstream K-Pop, you can't leave out boy bands. So for what will probably be my final post for this blog, I will do a dual review on two of my most favorite boy bands, U-Kiss and Infinite.

U-Kiss
Label: NH Media
Debut: August 28, 2008
Singles: "Am I That Easy," "0330," "Neverland"

Dongho, Kevin, AJ, Soohyun, Hoon, Eli, Kiseop (l-r)

I first got to know about U-Kiss in Asian Media Club. It seems like that's where most of my K-Pop revelations have come from. Julia showed this music video, of their song, "0330," and almost immediately, I was hooked. At first, it was just because of their music (I know, surprising, right?), but as I gradually got to know them, I eventually fell in love with them. One of the best things about the K-Pop industry is that it lets you get to know your favorite bands and artists, through "variety shows," or essentially talk shows or "a-day-in-the-life" shows that document their lives. Although some variety shows are similar to American reality shows, and therefore what they show sometimes seems kind of fake, a lot of them do a good job of portraying the real lives of K-Pop artists (or that's what I like to think). The thing that got me to fall in love with U-Kiss is that they seemed a lot more open and honest than most K-Pop boy bands. Usually, most K-Pop groups just say the obvious thing, where they only answer the questions that they're directly asked. However, U-Kiss has a knack of sometimes saying the  wrong things and being a little too truthful. For example, in one of their interviews, they were sneakily asked if they watched porn, and they confidently answered yes, they do watch porn, sometimes. Most boy bands would act all shy and innocent, and cleverly divert the question. I think that U-Kiss is one of those exceptions for K-Pop boy bands, who try to show their real personalities instead of just promoting their flawless looks and talent. Although a lot of boy bands try to do this these days, U-Kiss was the first boy band that I could really relate to, or at least feel like I could relate to, and therefore will always have a special place in my heart.

Infinite

Label: Woolim Entertainment

Debut: June 9, 2010

Singles: "Be Mine," "Paradise," "The Chaser"

Dongwoo, Woohyun, Sunggyu, L, Hoya, Sungjong, Sungyeol (l-r)

I just found about Infinite this summer, on the first day of August to be exact. This time, I actively searched for them, because of all the hype surrounding them at the time, and because I was just bored. Infinite is one of the most popular boy bands these days; they're essentially called the trend in the K-Pop industry. They're rising in the K-Pop scene day by day, despite the fact that they only have two years of experience behind them. Their huge following is only increasing in Korea. However, what really got me to like this band is their similarities with U-Kiss. On the surface, Infinite and U-Kiss don't look at all alike, but I got the similar feeling from Infinite as I did with U-Kiss. After all the watching, observing, poring over their performances, interviews, and shows, I really felt like Infinite were just seven ordinary guys pursuing their dreams in the music world, who happen to be really attractive and talented at the same time. They have that boy-next-door appeal, but on stage, they are the idols, the K-Pop stars that they're known to be. In a way, they're kind of the younger version of U-Kiss, in my mind. Perhaps even more talented, and lucky, in terms of their success in the K-Pop industry.

Big Baby Driver

This week, I review a fairly unknown artist in the Korean music industry, from a completely unknown genre of Korean music. Generally, I would put her into the indie category, since she is part of that group of artists who do non-mainstream music. However, as you will see later in this post, her music is very different from most indie artists who do mainly rock and pop music. Her music is not like any I've ever heard before. I hereby introduce you to Big Baby Driver.

Big Baby Driver is a 30-something woman who was part of a small band called Atombook. After sticking with them for a few years, she decided to go solo, where she performed under various stage names, such as "Dog Drover" and "Ruby Dog." Finally, she adopted the name Big Baby Driver, and officially started her career as a singer. Other than that, I don't know anything else about her, like her real name, or any of the music she released in the past.

Aside from the very unusual and quirky name, Big Baby Driver's music itself is very unique. If I had to describe it, I would say it is an incomprehensible mix of Korean rock and country music. The country part of it is inevitably shown in the song "Everyday Blues," from Big Baby Driver's eponymous first album, where the guitar sounds give off a country vibe. One of my favorite songs from this album is "Your Sun Is Stupid."

"Everyday Blues"


"Your Sun Is Stupid"


While I was pretty satisfied with the refreshing sound of the songs on her first album, my favorite song of Big Baby Driver would be "Spring I Love You Best" from the original soundtrack of the Korean drama, "A Gentleman's Dignity." I love the instrumentals in this song, as well as the lyrics. It makes me wish spring was here already... Many of Big Baby Driver's songs are completely in English, and this one did a pretty good job of using it. The grammar isn't exactly perfect, but it's good, considering how the Korean music industry is known for using pretty bad English. Here are the lyrics:

I wish I had someone who suddenly arrived
And showed me how the flowers grow and come out in winter field
I wish I had someone new tender to my heart
Someone who'll share me precious time 

Someday you'll find me in the hands of the wind
Somehow you'll lead me to the warmer nights
Someday you'll find me in the hands of the wind
Somehow you'll lead me to the warmer nights 

If I had pretty spring at the corner of my heart
I say goodbye to winter land, you so cruel the winter wind
Check the weather through the phone the number is 131
Don't you know the truth is in fine weather 

(Love you best)
(Love you best) 

Someday you'll (love you best) find me in the hands of the wind
Somehow you'll (love you best) lead me to the warmer nights
Someday you'll (love you best) find me in the hands of the wind
Somehow you'll (love you best) lead me to the warmer nights

"Spring I Love You Best"

The tracklist of "Big Baby Driver":

1. You Gonna Quit Me Blues
2. Big Baby Over 38,000 km Away
3. Your Sun Is Stupid
4. I'm Leaving Here Now
5. I Am A River Dolphin
6. Constantly Vanishing Me
7. Everyday Blues
8. Marca's Wedding
9. You're A Jumping Zebra
10. Let's Breaking Down
11. Tomorrow
12. Singing For The One Less Lonely Mind

Nell

I've been kind of obsessed with Korean indie artist Nell lately. Although I'm not going to review them, since I already did an indie band (Busker Busker), I'll just show you their music video for one of my favorite songs of theirs. It's called "The Day Before," check it out!

K.Will

I just recently came upon this, and I just couldn't help not show it on this blog. It's a music video for the song, "Please Don't," by Korean ballad singer K.Will. Although he's not as famous as some K-Pop artists, he's become very popular in Korea. I really like the song, but the music video itself is particularly interesting. The story is very unusual, compared to how most music videos seem to go in the Korean music industry. All I can say is, there's a big twist in the ending, and I thought that the music video did a really good job of hiding the key point of the story until the end. Just check it out, and you'll see!

C-Clown

On the Friday before Thanksgiving Break, Sherry played a certain music video in Asian Media Club. It was called "Far Away" by a rookie boy band called C-Clown. They debuted earlier this year in July. Along with being a kind of strange music video, the song has been stuck in my head ever since. It's about a guy longing for his best female friend who he's had a crush on for a long time, who's also dating a douchebag. Same cliche story, but still catchy song. Therefore, I present to you the music video, along with the song, which is very addicting, for some reason:

"Far Away"

Loveholics & Davichi

This week, I have two artists that I'd like to introduce, because I really couldn't choose between Loveholics and Davichi. Both artists' music make me feel nostalgic, and matches perfectly with the cold and bittersweet weather we seem to be having these days. While Loveholics is of a more modern rock genre, Davichi's is a combination of R&B and ballad.

Loveholics (top) and Davichi (bottom).

Loveholics is a modern rock group that now consists of members Kang Hyun Min and Lee Jae Hak. The group was founded in 2002, under the name Loveholic, where they still had Ji Sun, a former member and the band's lead singer. She left the group in 2007, and in 2009, the duo came back with a new album, as Loveholics. Since both of the members are instrumentalists, the group now uses the help of guest artists for the vocals in their songs.

At first, I considered checking out some of their older albums, because they still had a singer back then, therefore their songs were probably better. However, I was surprised when I listened to their latest album, "In The Air" by accident, and found out that it was actually really addicting. This is the first album that Loveholics released since Ji Sun left, and they haven't released anything else yet.

I was completely amazed by this album. The first track, "Raining" had me immediately hooked, and I thought that the whole album flowed very well together. "The Wind Is Very Cold" and "Words You Shouldn't Know" were my favorites, while I loved the instrumental sounds of "Raining" and "Miracle Blue." It's perfect music for rainy days and when you're feeling down, even if for no reason.

"Raining"


In The Air (2009)

1. Raining (ft. Christina)
2. The Wind Is Very Cold (ft. Whale)
3. Pain (ft. Jang Eun Ah)
4. Pause, Secret, Comfort (ft. Woo Mi Jin)
5. Beautiful (ft. Park Hye Kyung, Park Ki Young)
6. Miracle Blue (ft. Shin Min Ah)
7. Message From Tokyo (ft. Miki)
8. Words You Shouldn't Know (ft. Arim)
9. To Me, You Are (ft. Kang Hyun Min)
10. Butterfly

Davichi is a ballad duo that consists of members Lee Hae Ri and Kang Min Kyung. In Korean, "Davichi" essentially means "light that shines everywhere." The group was created in 2008, debuting with their first album, "Amaranth." They immediately took the spotlight, winning "Rookie of the Month" at the Cyworld Digital Music Awards, and managing to get first place on a popular music show. After more than four years since their debut, Davichi has made their name as one of the most talented ballad singers in the industry, despite essentially being a K-Pop act.

Since I was somewhat aware of Davichi before, I decided to check out some of their older albums. When I first checked out "Amaranth," it was amazing. The songs range from catchy pop to very powerful R&B-like ballads. I especially liked the guitar sounds, and what is that, an accordion playing in the beginning of "Put On My Thick Lipstick." "Sad Promise" had a really catchy chorus - "I don't wanna do it, don't wanna do it" was stuck in my head for a few days. Overall, I thought all of the songs were pretty good, and refreshing to listen after listening to plain old K-Pop all the time.

Here's "Sad Promise," along with the music video:

"Sad Promise"

Amaranth (2008)

1. I Love You, I Hate You
2. Put On My Thick Lipstick
3. The Bad And Hurt Me
4. Sad Promise
5. Old Love
6. Sad Love Song
7. Starry Night
8. Is That How It Is
9. Barely Barely
10. The Opposite Of Breakup

Leessang

This week, we go from indie to a more hip-hop genre of K-Pop, with duo Leessang. I almost did them for my first review, but changed my mind after listening to Psy's most recent album. Although I'm not very familiar with the hip-hop and rap genre, I will try to review them the best I can.

Leessang is a duo made up of members Gil and Gary. Simple, right? When the two left Honey Family, a well-known hip-hop group at the time, they decided to form a group together. In 2002, they officially debuted under the name Leessang, with the release of their first album, "Leessang of Honey Family."

Gil and Gary (left to right, front).

Because Leessang is a group with such a long history, I won't be able write about them as a whole. This will be their tenth year anniversary since their official debut, and since this is my first time getting to know them, I think I won't be able to review them as well as the other artists, most of whom I'd listened to before. Therefore, this post will be more like an album review than a general artist review. One of Leessang's most recent albums, titled "AsuRa BalBalTa," was released in August of last year. It is probably the duo's most successful album to date, becoming the most popular album of 2011, and all thirteen of its songs topping Billboard's "K-Pop Hot 100" chart. In case any of you were wondering, "AsuRa BalBalTa" is a sort of chant that means "Everything Comes True."

When I first listened through the whole album, I was really impressed. Being as foreign and new to the general hip-hop and rap genre as most of you are to K-Pop, I instantly fell in love with the music. While almost all of the songs were pretty catchy and fun to listen to, I realized that there was more emphasis on the lyrics and meaning of the songs. Unlike most K-Pop songs, Leessang's songs seem to have something honest and real to say, and I really like that about them. For example, in the song "Reminiscence," the main rapper, Gary talks about his past, from how he grew up and came to find his dreams in music at the late age of 26, to his successes with Leessang and disappointments in love. Like most rap songs, it has a very catchy chorus (featuring famous Korean singer Baek Ji Young), which is basically a chant that says, "up and down, sadness and happiness repeat, love and breakups repeat, my life goes round and round." Check it out:

"Reminiscence"


I really like all of the songs, so it's really hard to pick my favorite. However, I think "The Bird That Has To Fly Before Dying" (wow, that's long) stuck with me the most. At first, I liked their title song "Turned Off The TV," because of its very catchy chorus. I actually had "because I love you so much, I turned off the TV" stuck in my head for a while. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, go check it out (probably with English subtitles, though)! As I got used to Leessang's more hip-hop sound, I preferred the songs where Gary rapped more often and there were less chorus lines. I especially liked how all of the songs flowed together in the order they were in the album. So, if you'd like to listen to some of their songs, I'd really recommend listening to the whole album, if you have the time. There's even a playlist on YouTube for that. Tempted?

"The Bird That Has To Fly Before Dying"


Here's the music video of "Turned Off The TV," if you dare to watch it:

Overall, I thought that "AsuRa BalBalTa" was a very good listen, despite having no expectations, or previous experience with hip-hop/rap whatsoever. I can now understand why this album was so popular in Korea, again, despite not being your usual K-Pop. It seems like more non-K-Pop artists are becoming successful nowadays, which is so refreshing. Leessang has been doing their thing since 2002, and don't seem to plan on stopping anytime soon. Like in all of my reviews, I really recommend checking their album out, just try putting those 3 minutes of music through your ears, whenever you feel bored or just want something new to listen, say, while doing homework. Even though you don't understand what they're saying, you might still like the music, enough so that you'd look up the meaning of the lyrics, and eventually gain an interest so great that you end up learning a whole new language. Just saying, it could happen...

The full tracklist to "AsuRa BalBalTa":

1. You're The Answer To a Guy Like Me (Prologue)
2. You're The Answer To a Guy Like Me
3. Turned Off The TV...
4. Serenade
5. Reminiscence
6. I'll Give Everything To You
7. The Bird That Has To Fly Before Dying
8. AsuRa BalBalTa
9. Wild Goose Chase
10. Gangnam Riche
11. Am I?
12. Hope
13. Grand Final (Planet Shiver Mix)

DBSK

DBSK (also known as TVXQ) is one of the most popular and well-known K-Pop boy bands in the world. Originally a 5-member group, they are now active as a duo, and have managed to take over the music scene several times during the past few years. Although they are not the music gods they once were, the group is still very talented and have had some of the coolest concepts I've ever seen in K-Pop.

"Keep Your Head Down" (2011)
This was their first single after three of the members left and they came back as a duo. While I didn't completely love the song, I thought the music video was really cool, with all the fire effects and the powerful dance break in the beginning.

"Catch Me" (2012)
This is their most recent single, released in September. This time, I really liked both the song and the music video, but what really wowed me was the choreography. Whoever came up with this is pretty amazing. Much props to the backup dancers, as well as both the members, for being able to pull off such difficult choreography. Check it out for yourself, especially 3:30. You'll know what I mean.

Block B

Another update on what's currently hot in K-Pop. Block B has come back with "Nillili Mambo." Check it out!