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[Full Album] Zhang Yixing (LAY) - SHEEP

Release Date: October 7, 2017

Title Track: SHEEP (I Need U is a pre-release track)

Knowledge of Artist: 10/10; Xingmi for life.

TRACKS:

1. SHEEP - First off, I was not expecting this type of sound, but it’s not too bad. I feel the flow of the lyrics could’ve went better with the beat, but it’s pretty good!

2. I Need U - The 90s r&b sound is giving me life, and this whole song is just love, love I tell you.

3. Peach - This song made me laugh. 50% oh my god I can’t believe Yixing is singing about ass, and 50% what even is this song. Catchy though!

4. Hand - This sounds like baby making music, I approve.

5. Boss - I don’t know how to feel about this honestly. Like the beat is fire, but the lyrics kinda make me cringe.

6. Shake - The beat made me dance but the thought of it being about ass made me laugh again. But it’s really good.

7. Too Much - There’s something really addictive about this song, but I’m not a big fan of the word flow.

8. Mask - I really don’t like this. It just sounds like a mixture of the previous tracks; it didn’t capture my attention much.

9. Director - This one’s not too bad! 

10. X Back - I liked this one! The chorus is nice, and the lyrics are pretty catchy.

Final Thoughts: I had high hopes for this album, but it was a bit of a let down for me. The more I listened, the more I feel the songs just started sounding the same, and it was getting hard to continue.

Album Rating: 3/5

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[Single Album] DAY6 - Every DAY6 October

Release Date: September 29, 2017

Title Track: When You Love Someone 

Knowledge of Group: 4/10; more familiar with their music, but that’s about it.

TRACKS:

1. When You Love Someone - First of all, vocals are ON POINT. Secondly, this song is a slow jam that I didn’t know I needed in my life; it’s absolute perfection.

2. I Need Somebody - Another glorious song, and the chorus is so damn good. You can truly feel the emotions in this song.

Final Thoughts: This was a good monthly release! Both songs are divine, and has me anticipating next month’s release.

Album Rating: 5/5

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[Mini-Album] Bolbbalgan4 - Red Diary: Page 1

Release Date: September 28, 2017

Title Tracks: Fix Me & Some 

Knowledge of Duo: 1/10; I’ve heard of them (and how they always top the charts with a release).

TRACKS: 

1. Some - This is a chill, yet addictive ass song. The vocals and beat were like milk and honey, and I’m obsessed!

2. Blue - The chorus is so good that it almost makes me forget what the rest of the song sounds like.

3. Fix Me - GOOD. GOOD. GOOD. Vocals are no joke, my god.

4. Imagine - This sounds so cute to me for some reason, and it’s really pleasing on the ears!

5. To My Youth - I feel emotionally invested in this song. It makes me think of past memories and reminds me of how much has changed since. This should’ve been a title track.

Final Thoughts: Soooo, who wants to help me learn everything about these two? This album has such a change of pace from the usual Kpop songs I listen to, and I can’t get enough.

Album Rating: 5/5

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[Mini-Album] Royal Pirates - Hasta la Vista 

Release Date: September 26, 2017

Title Tracks: Hasta la Vista & Where U At 

Knowledge of Duo: 1/10; member changes like crazy and I think I only know one of their songs.

TRACKS: 

1. Te Quiero - I love this song so much. I love how they even used a Spanish music sound for the background, it’s refreshing. Aside from the Spanish phrases, it’s an all-English track, which was a nice change.

2. Where U At - This was really good track! Nice sound elements and beat, a great tempo, and the flow of lyrics are really nice.

3. Hasta la Vista - The beat had me dancing automatically, granted I don’t know if that’s from the familiarity of it or not. Lyrics go well, I just wish the chorus was a little better; it lacks compared to the verses. Another all-English track featuring Spanish phrases.

4. Angel (Sooyoon’s solo) - I really like the laid-back vibe this song gives off. The vocals go well with the beat and tempo, and the chorus (while simple) is amazing.

5. Dark Chocolate (Moon Kim’s solo) - SEUNSUALITY. This is really good, no lie.

Final Thoughts: It’s a shame this is their farewell album, because it sold me. At least they went out with a banging album.

Album Rating: 4/5

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[Mini-Album] K.Will - The 4th Mini Album Part 1: Nonfiction

Release Date: September 26, 2017

Title Track: Nonfiction 

Knowledge of Artist: 1/10; pretty sure I only know like, 2 of his songs.

TRACKS:

1. Hello, Autumn - This is strong ballad, I actually felt my heart skip a beat.

2. Nonfiction - This song made my heart hurt, but in a good way. Does that sound sadistic?

3. Let Me Hear You Say (ft. Soyu) - Words cannot express how much I love this song. Soyu’s vocals are extraordinary here, and they blend so well with K.Will’s. The chorus is also pretty damn nice.

4. Lost Her - The beginning had me hooked because I thought it was a build (which only turned out to be slight build), and the rest of the song did not disappoint. I also feel he sounds really sensual in this track?

5. Fall in Love - Slow and relaxing with a hint of an r&b sound; I’m in love. Vocals are damn good, too.

6. Goes Around - This song is so raw with emotion that I didn’t know I could feel so attached to a song.

7. Here I Am - I don’t know if this is supposed to a ending piece or if this is a hint of what Part 2 of this album is gonna sound like, but I’m here for it!

Final Thoughts: This is a pretty good album! We all know K.Will’s vocals are no joke, and he astounded me with his vocals in every single song.

Album Rating: 4/5

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[Mini-Album] B1A4 - Rollin’

Release Date: September 25, 2017

Title Track: Rollin’

Knowledge of Group: 4/10; familiar with the members but only a few of their title tracks.

TRACKS:

1. Rollin’ - The intro beat totally threw me off, but I’m glad it progressed to this upbeat pop sound. The lyrics are really good, but the chorus is disappointing.

2. You Need Me - Wasn’t too thrilled about the majority of the sound, but it’s pretty good!

3. Love Emotion - So, so good.Perfection, really.

4. Smile Mask - The light rock sound has me hooked, and the lyrics flow so well with the sound.

5. Call Me - Nice song, just not as impact as the previous tracks.

6. Like a Child - A nice ending to the album! Chill but strong, great vocals... it’s just great.

Final Thoughts: This album is pretty good! I may have to get back into the group.

Album Rating: 4/5

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[Mini-Album] IU - Flower Bookmark II

Release Date: September 22, 2017

Title Track: Last Night Story

Knowledge of Artist: 7/10; quite familiar with her/her work.

TRACKS:

1. Autumn Morning - The fact that almost a minute was pure IU (no background sounds whatsoever) was heavenly because we all know she has one hell of a voice. Then it progresses to an acoustic sound playing with her vocals, and it’s just such a peaceful song.

2. Secret Garden - Another peaceful serenade that is so good, you’ll want to listen to it over and over again.

3. Sleepless Rainy Night - This song has a nice blue jazz background that I absolutely adore, and it suits IU’s vocals so well.

4. Last Night Story - This song has an interesting instrumental that really catches your attention; I just can’t tell if I like it or not. The set-up of IU’s vocals in this is also interesting, and I really enjoy it.

5. By the Stream - This has a haunting melody in a way, and I’ve never been so turned on by vocals in my life (that may be a lie, but). I almost wish this was the title track..

6. Everyday with You - A fresh and gentle ending to the album. It’s simple, but the good type of simple!

Final Thoughts: IU never fails to amaze me with her versatility when it comes to albums. She’s gone through many different sounds, and all suit her perfectly. But this album, it’s a whole different level in greatness.

Album Rating: 4.5/5

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[Full Album] SECHSKIES - Another Light

Release Date: September 21, 2017

Title Tracks: Something Special & Smile 

Knowledge of Group: 2/10; Familiar with some of their songs.

TRACKS: 

1. Something Special - A happy track with an easy listen, very nice!

2. Feeling - A nice upbeat dance track that kinda gives me a 70s/80s vibe with the feeling, really good!

3. Smile - The piano in the beginning made me highly aware that this was not going to be a happy song, even though it’s called Smile. Therefore I looked up the lyrics and it’s a mix of love and pain and damn am I invested.

4. Need U - Jazzy instrumental? YES PLEASE. This song is so good and the vocals are A+.

5. Back Hug - When I saw the title, I immediately thought of SNSD (one of my favorite b-tracks of theirs), and this is just as good.

6. Drinking Problem - The intro reminded me of a 90s rock song, so I was a little sad when it got a little more upbeat. Regardless, it’s such a nice song with lovely instrumentals.

7. Vertigo - I was instantly reminded of GD’s Crooked, and I am all over this song; perfection!

8. Never Again - This song is pretty good, I just couldn’t find anything amazing about it.

9. It’s Been a While - The way the vocals are portrayed in this song is just so good, I got chills!

Final Thoughts: I see why SECHSKIES was a huge thing in the 90s; they’re amazing! I feel like I need to devote my spare time listening to their discography.

Album Rating: 4/5

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[Mini-Album] (LOONA) ODD EYE CIRCLE - Mix & Match

Release Date: September 20, 2017

Title Track: Girl Front

Knowledge of Unit: 1/10; I knew they were debuting.

TRACKS:

1. Odd (Intro) - The sound effect is annoying, but it got me interested!

2. Girl Front - SO GOOD. this song had me dancing automatically. The distorted male voice effect could go though.

3. Loonatic - Another catchy track (and I love the play-on of the title) that is addictive! The sensual vocal sound is what really drags you in.

4. Chaotic - This sounds so damn sensual and I LOVE it. The verses could’ve been a bit better, but the chorus is perfection.

5. Starlight - Another amazing sensual track. Lyrics could’ve been a bit stronger though.

Final Thoughts: If LOONA doesn’t keep this sound when they debut as a whole, I’m going to be devastated. This album is perfection, and actually has me look forward to the whole group debut.

Album Rating: 4/5

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[Mini-Album] APRIL - Eternity

Release Date: September 20, 2017

Title Track: Take My Hand

Knowledge of Group: 2/10; kinda stopped following them after their first comeback.

TRACKS:

1. Take My Hand - It’s cute and catchy, and the lyrics are pretty nice!

2. Thing - Great beat and sound,but I feel the lyrics were a bit lackluster compare to the background music.

3. Magic in Love - I get Mr. Chu vibes while listening to this, and I like it. All the elements in this track worked really well!

4. Hey Yo Hey - Nice song, but it didn’t hold my attention very well.

5. Tingle - This sounds like a song that I would hear for an anime, and it was really enjoyable! The verses could’ve been a little stronger, but it’s still good.

6. Can I Love You - I didn’t like this song. I don’t know what it is, but it just didn’t get a reaction from me.

Final Thoughts: It seems that from what I can remember, APRIL hasn’t changed their sound much. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but in this case, I would’ve liked to hear something different from them. Not a bad album though!

Album Rating: 3.5/5

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[Mini-Album]  BTS - Love Yourself 承 'Her'

Release Date: September 18, 2017

Title Track: DNA 

Knowledge of the Group: 9/10; the only thing I haven’t caught up to was any pre-BST BTS/ARMY inside jokes. I also would like to thank each and every one of them for making my life miserable! 

TRACKS:

1. INTRO: Serendipity - I heard this back when the comeback trailer dropped, and instantly fell in love with it. Now listening to it once more (without Park Jimin’s distracting visuals), I am still in love with it. Jimin utilizes his vocal abilities in all the right ways, and I’m happy to see him begin the album.

2. DNA - Words cannot express how much I love this song. The whole song is catchy; the lyrics, the beats, ALL OF IT.

3. Best of Me - Now I wasn’t too sure what to expect once I heard The Chainsmokers took part in making this track, but it’s pretty good! It’s one of those tracks where it might take some time to grow on you, but it’s pretty nice to me.

4. Dimple - I love the sound of this song, and I feel like the vocals are extra good. Damn you Bangtan.

5. Pied Piper - This is gold. All the elements are amazing, and the vocals (for the majority) sounding soft and airy made me fall in love.

6. Skit: Billboard Music Awards Speech - Just hearing this again brought tears to my eyes along with the hugest grin. I know many people don’t see Western recognition like this as a big deal, but this was a really proud moment, and I love seeing it be a part of this album.

7. MIC Drop - I GOT HYPE BEFORE THE WORDS EVEN STARTED. You know when a song has that type of sound that you just know it’s gonna be amazing? This is a perfect example.

8. Go Go - This one’s good, but it doesn’t give me as many emotions like all the previous tracks. 

9. OUTRO: HER - I LOVE THIS. It kind of has that early 90s hip hop sound that I loved, and the lyrics are so good. Perfect ending to the album!

Final Thoughts: This album blew me away! I had no idea what to expect after WINGS/YNWA, but the boys did not disappoint, at all.

Album Rating: 4.5/5

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[Full Album] BOBBY (iKON) - Love and Fall

Release Date: September 14, 2017

Title Tracks: I Love You & Runaway 

Knowledge of Artist: 10/10; me and this little turd have had a love/hate relationship since the beginning of time.

TRACKS:

1. I Love You - I’m low-key happy summer’s over so I can stop hearing this beat (in different variations) in songs. That aside, this song is good! Catchy lyrics, rap was nice, not too bad!

2. Runaway - Let me just say Bobby’s raspy voice in the beginning gave me feelings, like damn. The rapping was great, his vocals were great, this song is just great.

3. Alien - Interesting song, although the only part I really enjoyed was the chorus.

4. I Would - Not too bad! Catchy and simple.

5. Up (ft. WINNER’s Mino) - You know you’re in for a treat when these two work together, and this song is no different. It’s not exactly my type of sound, but still good!

6. Secret (ft. DK & Katie) - This song didn’t keep my attention too much, but from what I can remember, it’s alright.

7. In Love - THIS. SONG. Everything about it is amazing, this should’ve been a title track!

8. Swim - This song is catchy right off the bat; I couldn’t help but move along to the beat. Lyrics are pretty good, too!

9. Firework - Chorus is really good, I just feel the rest of the song doesn’t live up to it.

10. Lean on Me - This is an interesting song. Still not sure how to feel about it.

Final Thoughts: Not bad for Bobby’s debut solo album! I look forward to continue our love/hate relationship.

Album Rating: 3.5/5

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[Re-Packaged Album] GFRIEND - RAINBOW

Release Date: September 13, 2017

Title Track: Summer Rain 

Knowledge of the Group: 10/10; I still love SinB with all my heart and am happy to see Sowon getting more love these days! 

TRACKS (I’ll only be reviewing the new tracks. To see my review of the original version of the album, Parallel, click here!):

1. Summer Rain - This track has that GFRIEND sound that I LOVE. The piano intro was beautiful, then it transformed into this soft pop sound that is so pleasing to the ears. All that was missing was Yuju’s out of this world high-notes, but it’s still really good!

2. Rainbow - This song is so damn good, I kinda wish they would’ve used this as the title track. The chorus is powerful, and it shows the girls’ amazing vocal abilities! And the ending, ooooooo yes.

Final Thoughts: These were the perfect tracks to add to this repackage! I was hoping to get one or two more, but these two are so good, I’ll let Source Music slide, just this once!

Album Rating: 5/5

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[Mini-Album] ELRIS - Color Crush

Release Date: September 13, 2017

Title Track: Pow Pow

Knowledge of the Group: 1/10; I knew they were a group.

TRACKS: 

1. Heart Bank - Vocals are really good, and the song is just the right amount of cute! I can’t help but feel like I’ve heard this melody before somewhere...

2. Pow Pow - When I looked at the title, I was expecting something cute and really catchy, but while it is cute, it doesn’t really pop out at you. Still a nice listen though!

3. Roopretelcham (열려라 그대) - I feel like the flow of the vocals and the way were sung didn’t fit the beat, but for the most part, it’s a nice song!

4. Wonderland Girl - I feel this song is a mix of debut style LABOUM and GFRIEND, and it’s got a nice sound! I feel the vocals could’ve been a little stronger though.

5. Farewell (ft. A-Tom) - SLOW JAMMM. I feel this song would’ve been better if the chorus got a little stronger, but it’s still a beautiful song! A-Tom’s rap (albeit short) fit very well!

6. Midnight, Moonlight - This didn’t keep my attention too much.

Final Thoughts: This isn’t a bad album! I would’ve liked a bit more variety with the melodies and beats, but still enjoyable.

Album Rating: 3/5

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[Mini-Album] JUNHO (2PM) - CANVAS

Release Date: September 11, 2017

Title Tracks: Fine (pre-release) and Instant Love

Knowledge of Soloist: 3/10; familiar with his 2PM work, but not his solo stuff. Also not too familiar with his personality.

TRACKS: 

1. CANVAS - A very chill, steady song with nice elements.

2. Fine - This is also a chill song with an addictive chorus; it’s the best part honestly.

3. Instant Love - While this song was a little more upbeat, it didn’t seem to hold my attention much.

4. Nobody Else - This is good song. All the elements and vocals just make this song good.

5. Bye Bye (ft. CHEEZE) - There’s just something about this song that I can’t stop loving. WHY WASN’T THIS A TITLE TRACK.

Final Thoughts: I’ve heard better, I’ve heard worse. This really just floats in the middle for me, unfortunately. 

Album Rating: 3/5

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[Mini-Album] MXM - UNMIX 

Release Date: September 6, 2017

Title Track: I’m The One 

Knowledge of the Duo: 1/10; I knew they were Produce 101 trainees that were debuting together.

TRACKS: 

1. Good Day - This is a song that’s so addictive and catchy, and the chorus is so cute.

2. I’m The One - Compared to the previous track, this one was pretty good, but not amazing.

3. Being Objective - Although I wasn’t a big fan of the beat, this was a nice song! Lyrics can get stuck in your head, and the chorus (albeit repetitive) wasn’t too bad.

4. Just Come Out - Nice song, but it didn’t keep my attention too much. 

5. Save The Rest - This song was pretty good! The tempo, the beat, and the lyrics were all nice to listen to.

6. I Just Do - The lyrics didn’t even start and I was already all over this song. It has the best melody, and their voices fit this song so well.

Final Thoughts: Overall, not too bad! I’m interested in seeing what they’ll release in the future.

Album Rating: 3.5/5

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[Mini-Album] PENTAGON - DEMO_01

Release Date - September 6, 2017

Title Track: Like This 

Knowledge of the Group: 2/10; I know they’re a group under CUBE, and that Hui and E’Dawn were in Triple H with HyunA.

TRACKS:

1. Like This - This is one of those songs where for the first minute I was on the fence, but once the chorus hit, I was sold. This song is great, the harmonization is impeccable, and whoever does the high notes has won over my heart.

2. It’s Over - A good song, amazing vocals, but I found it a tad boring.

3. One More Night - Beat and tempo was an interesting mix, and I liked the buildup to the chorus! But unfortunately, those were the only things I liked. It just didn’t catch my attention much overall.

4. Get That Drink - This song has all these elements that are not my usual cup of tea, but it was interesting to listen to.

5. When I Was In Love - A nice mid-tempo jam that’s a really nice listen! The harmonizing during the chorus gave me feelings.

Final Thoughts: This was an interesting album to listen to, and it’s giving me the incentive to check out their previous albums.

Album Rating: 3/5