J-pop
JEJUNG & YUCHUN (from TOHOSHINKI) – COLORS Melody and Harmony/ Shelter (single)
Jejung and Yuchun from Tohoshinki branched out from Tohoshinki and released a double A-side single as a duo. As skeptic as the idea sounds like, they proved the fans wrong by harmonizing surprisingly well for a duo, and the single is actually a strong comeback from the boys. “COLORS ?Melody and Harmony?” is a beautiful slow-tempo piece that is very J-pop driven, and just shows how talented these boys are. “Shelter”, on the other hand, shows a different side of the boys, as the edgy pop number reflects Yuchun’s fierce rapping and Jejung’s gorgeous vocals. The Tohoshinki boys can never go wrong vocally, but Jejung and Yuchun proved that they have the chemistry to take it further than where Tohoshinki can take them. Good job, guys!
Daishi Dance featuring Mika Nakashima – Memory (single)
Daishi Dance is back! Releasing a single before the whole album, “Spectacular” drops, they are giving us a taste of their awfully delicious music, and my, what a treat indeed it is. This piano pop, dance-driven number, combined with Mika’s sweet vocals are a stellar combination, and if this is something that we can expect from the album that will be coming soon, then our bet is safe to say that the album will be a hit!
Ikimonogakari – YELL / “Joyful” (single)
Ikimonogakari’s latest single, “YELL / “Joyful” is indeed, a joy to listen to. “YELL”, first of all, is a slow-rock number that is a moving piece, not dragged-out and contains just a right number of deep notches that gets you going. “Joyful” on the other hand, staying true to the title, is a happy, pop-rock number that teases the listeners and puts a smile on your face. Ikimonogakari might have steered a little bit from their original sound, but this is still a good single to listen to, and an enjoyable one too!
Mihimaru GT – Unlock (single)
Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_Wst6uNYNc
Mihimaru GT’s latest single, “Unlock” is excellent. “Unlock” contains their usual blend of rap/rock music but there is just something more about this song that makes it thick and definitely stays in your head. “Amethyst”, on the other hand”, sees them slowing down the pace in this Japanese pop number. Looks like they have done it again, this is just a great single to listen to, and will definitely top the charts anytime soon.
Every Little Thing – Dream Goes On (single)
Every Little Thing is back! “Dream Goes On” is a pleasant soft rock number that is just enjoyable on your ears, and “Spearmint” completes the single with its slightly more upbeat tunes, and easy-going vibe. While Every Little Thing has been pretty silent lately, it is certainly nice to see them pop once in a while in the music scene and reminds us fans that they are still around to rock the stage.
K-pop
Gavy NJ – Side A: Heartbreak Hotel (mini album)
Gavy NJ, a three-member female vocal group, showcases quite a few different colours in their latest album, Side A: Heartbreak Hotel. First of all, there’s a typical sad ballad (albeit superbly gorgeous) titled “Pale”. After that they ventured into a slightly uptempo, rock-influenced pop number, complete with rapping from Tae Hye Young from Miss $, entitled “Bye Bye”. Lastly, they gave a shot in upbeat pop number in “Parting Warning”. The members’ vocal shone beautifully in each song, and just so utterly enjoyable, making this album a joy to listen to. If you have never heard of Gavy NJ before, give this album a shot, you will not be dissapointed.
HAM – T.T Dance (single)
And here we have yet another girl group debut from the K-pop world! This time around, it’s HAM, and their debut single is “T.T Dance”. Despite having quite a questionable title of their debut song, it actually contains a pretty distinctive sound. “T.T Dance” is a very J-pop-influenced number, and unlike other new songs in the K-pop world nowadays, it did not go into the fields of electronica and incorporate the use od auto-tune, which is a stellar point for some listeners. They are also pretty much edgier than the rest of the girl groups out there, and with this song under their belt, they are looking at a much brighter future ahead of them.
HInT – Everyday (digital single)
A dash of girl pop couldn’t hurt anyone right? We have HInT here, which is exactly that. “D-DAY” is a mix of hip hop and the aforementioned, girl pop. As interesting as it sounds, it is far more interesting to listen to it, as “D-Day” is a bubbly track, and as their female and male vocals interlaces with each other throughout the song, you cannot help but feel like bopping your head along with the tunes. The second track, “Passions Generation” sounds a bit like “D-DAY”, but nonetheless, still enjoyable, and the female vocals shone much brightly in the song. Overall, a recommended listen if you’re into Happyface/iM and also 8eight.
JunJin featuring Uee & Sukhe – His and Her Circumstances (digital single)
This song does not explain much about Junjin’s milky vocals, but it might gave us an idea of how Uee of After School sounds like. This electronica-influenced number, complete with soft piano background and also its catchy beats, together with Junjin’s and Uee’s almost-whispery vocals, makes this a rare gem and also a hit. Recommended, for fans of both Junjin and Uee as this shows another side of both personalities, musically.
N.S Yoon Ji – Headache (digital single)
N.S Yoon Ji is a new female solo singer and “Headache” is her debut single. “Headache” is an electronica pop song, and when coupled with Yoon Ji’s vocals, it is a rather addictive number that stays in your head after the listen. Not bad for a debut song, as this song is certainly memorable, and attention-grabbing enough to capture new fans for her.