J-pop
Remioromen: Starting Over (single)
Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kndZ0-pdhoU
Remioromen is probably best known for their heart-wrenching ballad “Konayuki”, but they have come a long way since then. Their latest offering, “Starting Over” is an upbeat, happy single, and shows how versatile this band is. “Akehoshi”, a b-side song to this single, also carries off the same mood as “Starting Over” while “Yume de Aetara” builds up your emotion at first, and takes you along on a ride of a gorgeous ballad. This is a solid single, and audiences can anticipate this one to be a hit this summer.
Chihiro Onitsuka: ???????? (single)
Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2gu_HUK3sU
Chihiro Onitsuka posses this deeply-moving, sometimes haunting voice that really suits her songs. This single is no exception, she bounced back from her “x/Last Melody” single to give us another painfully beautiful ballad, “????????” (”Kaerimichi wo Nakushite”). This song is actually about how one must not give up when facing life difficulties, and what better timing for this song to be released, with the rest of the world facing economic downturns and recessions. Chihiro Onitsuka is one powerful singer, and this is a great example of why she is one.
Younha: Girl (single)
Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkcFo2n5_L4
After a strong of Korean albums, Younha is back in the J-pop scene with a lighthearted song entitled “Girl”, which sounds as sunny as her PV for this song. Younha’s signature guitar-pop sound is evident in this song, and it is good to know that she has not lost her touch. Overall, this is a pleasing single from Younha that will keep fans wanting for more.
Meisa Kuroki: SHOCK -??- (single)
Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOPF_KyVYQo
Kuroki Meisa proves that she is not just another pretty face with her first single, “SHOCK -??”. Her voice is something that is strong, albeit not powerful, but it is certainly not the usual cutesy J-pop voices that dominates the music scene. Having said that, the single is rather addictive, with clear dance/RnB hooks, and will stay in your head after a few spin.
K-pop
Epik High: Remixing the Human Soul
Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBjvBQm_RPo
Epik High releases yet another album for this year under their new label, Map the Soul. These hardworking hip-hoppers released an album earlier this year, went on a world tour, came back and made another album, remixing their previous hits to give it a fresher sound. Practically all of the songs in there are dance-themed, and “Remap the Soul” which is a remix to the popular “Map the Soul”, sounds almost ethearal, lifting it from the old-school flavour it once had. This album proves that Epik High is always a step ahead in their own game, and let’s hope more great things are coming their way for this wacky hip-hop trio.
Son Dambi & After School – Amoled (single)
Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq37YibLeDw
The highly-awaited collaboration single is here! Son Dambi teams up with the girl group After School to give us a single called “Amoled”. This streetwise-sounding, electronica-flavoured song is actually a song for a Samsung CF by the same name, and while it sounds somewhat generic with the rest of the latest pop singles that are released for the summer, this one is bound to swirl inside your head for a while, because of its infectious dance beats and interesting music video that comes with it.
DNT – ???? ?? (single)
Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEGb_Fkpx6I
The charismatic boyband DNT is back, and with a new member! All is not lost however, because this single “???? ??” (”Crazily Pretty”) is rumoured to be the next hit, and it is not hard to see why. The pop/dance number is radio-friendly, and with a new fresh style to boot, they will surely win the heart of fans who have been waiting for their comeback.
MC Mong – Humaniamal (album)
Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxY6GcBgbeQ
MC Mong’s fifth and latest album saw him going on a Red Indian-concept, with the song “Indian Boy” as the promotional song for the album. The music video has some fans complaining at how politically-incorrect it is, but one has to give credit to MC Mong for creating such an infectious song for a questionable title like “Indian Boy”. That being said, the rest of the album is a pure joy to listen to. “Luv D.N.A” featuring Navi is worth a mention here, it is amazingly catchy with Navi’s great vocals. Overall, this is a great album to listen to, and there are plenty of remarkable songs to please everyone.