[EP] NAYEON – NA

Released: June 14, 2024
Charts: #1 / 454,000 copies sold
Tracklist:
1. ABCD (8.00)
2. Butterflies (7.00)
3. Heaven (ft. Sam Kim) (6.50)
4. Magic (ft. JULIE of KISS OF LIFE) (8.25)
5. HalliGalli (7.00)
6. Something (7.25)
7. Count It (6.75)

NAYEON’s second solo EP is a huge improvement over her first and one of the best K-Pop releases of 2024.

The title track track, “ABCD“, differs from her previous by having her lean into the pop/R&B stylings, bringing an early 00s style that reminds me of the big divas of that time. It’s catchy, swinging between different sections that are all packed with their own hooks. I think my only issue is that I’m not sure I totally buy her voice in this song. She does well in the lower registers, but her nasally voice just doesn’t give the song the needed punch to take it beyond.

My favourite track on the EP is the slinky “Magic“. Featuring Julie from KISS OF LIFE, this comes across less like a feature and more like a full on collaboration and I like that Julie is integrated a lot. The funky R&B style is really fun, but its the slithering melody that I really love. The hooks are laid back, but still catchy enough. “Something” sort of continues this laid back pop/R&B style and it ends up being another favourite for me. It’s not quite as dynamic since it doesn’t include a feature, but the hooks are really fun to sing along too.

Nothing is really bad on this EP. “Heaven” is one of the slower tracks and therefore, the melody can take a little bit of time to really get going. There are some nice elements thrown about though and I enjoy Sam Kim’s inclusion as he helps round out the harmonies. “Count It” is the other slower tune, but it has some really pretty pieces to it. The chorus is especially gorgeous with its dreamier qualities and use of background vocals. I just find the melody is a bit slow to take off.

Overall, this is a pretty good EP and I hope Nayeon leans a bit more into this sound because it’s a favourite of mine from 2024.

7.25

[Album] Do As Infinity – BREAK OF DAWN

Released: March 23, 2000
Charts: #3 / 319,000 copies sold
Tracklist:
1. BREAK OF DAWN (6.50)
2. Standing on the hill (6.00)
3. Oasis (6.75)
4. Another (7.00)
5. 心の地図 [Kokoro no Chizu] (6.25)
6. Heart (7.25)
7. Raven (6.50)
8. Welcome! (5.00)
9. Painful (5.50)
10. Tangerine Dream (6.50)
11. Yesterday & Today (8.50)

Do As Infinity’s debut album is a decent starting point with its softer pop/rock styles and sounds.

There are some really good singles off of the album. “Heart” is the hardest hitting of the bunch, but it works in its favour by standing out. It doesn’t really sound too out of place, however, it has some really interesting elements in its arrangement. The sweet guitar refrain really stands out and its strong percussion make sure it packs a lot of power. With that said, my favourite song on the album ends up being the sweeter ballad, “Yesterday & Today“. It heads in a more acoustic style, but also is backed up by sweeping strings to give it a more emotional tinge. It has a gorgeous build up and its final moments are worth the wait.

The best album track for me is “Another“. It’s not the most exciting track, but it sort of takes on DAI’s usual stylings, but gives it an edgier style. The added hip-hop sounding beat and strings layered on top give it a lot more to play around with and amplifies a more emotional tone to the song. “Raven” was originally a B-side from the “Yesterday & Today” single and it opts for an explosive pop/rock sound. The chorus is a bit blaring at times, but it gives it a lot of power and punch. I do enjoy the contrast between the softness of the verses compared to the chorus, giving it a lot of tension.

“Welcome!” is my least favourite of the bunch. It takes on a more joyful, pop/rock sound, focusing a lot of a bouncy piano. I think it’s cute, but it doesn’t quite feel like it fits this album as the rest of the songs take on a more serious tone. I think the melody just doesn’t quite work for me either. “Painful” is a bit better, but takes on a quieter, softer sound. The use of the flute-like synth gives it more character, but it just lacks a strong melody to really get me to return to it. It also stands out for its rapping, which definitely wasn’t what I expected.

This album is a nice introduction to Do As Infinity’s sound, bringing that serious pop/rock tone with some interesting elements thrown about.

6.52

[EP] IVE – IVE EMPATHY

Released: February 3, 2025
Charts: #1 / 1,483,000 copies sold
Tracklist:
1. REBEL HEART (6.25)
2. FLU (6.50)
3. You Wanna Cry (4.00)
4. Thank U (3.50)
5. ATTITUDE (7.00)
6. TKO (6.50)

IVE’s third EP is unfortunately not a particularly interesting release for me, despite me really enjoying a lot of their previous material.

The first title track is just not my cup of tea. “REBEL HEART” changes up their sound once again, blending elements of pop and rock into one. Usually I enjoy this style, but my biggest issue is that the chorus just isn’t all that interesting. It has grown on me a bit over the last year, but I’m still waiting for the hook to really sink in. I do enjoy some parts of its arrangement though. The powerful guitar and percussion definitely gives it a lot of punch and the steady beat keeps its energy going. I much prefer the second title track, “ATTITUDE“, which swings firmly into the dance/pop territory. It’s not one of my favourites from them, but the hooks hit much harder and the use of the Suzanne Vega sample definitely gives it a cooler edge. Despite its sound catering to me, there’s something missing as the execution can feel a little flat at times. I still like it though.

The better album tracks are “FLU” and “TKO“. Both have more uptempo sounds, with the former going for a dance/pop sound with elements of disco in its arrangement. The hooks feel a little softer this time around, but it sort of works with the songs steadier arrangement. The latter stands out for its pop/R&B sound. It’s always weird hearing the group head in this territory as I never thought they could fully commit, but I actually really enjoy its chorus melody. It reminds me of early 00s Max Martin.

The two softer tracks end up being my least favourite of the bunch. “You Wanna Cry” doesn’t really interest me all that much. It also employs a pop/rock sound, but the melody ends up so flat that the arrangement feels almost like a waste. There is no sense of urgency to it. “Thank U” is a slower, mid-tempo pop/R&B track. Its arrangement doesn’t really do all that much and feels empty most of the time. It feels like it has the opposite problem to “You Wanna Cry” because the melody isn’t so bad and the song would’ve been better with a more interesting arrangement.

Overall, I’m quite disappointed with this release. I know IVE has the ability to really hit it out of the park, especially with their title tracks, but everything seemed to mediocre this time around.

5.63

[EP] ILLIT – bomb

Released: June 16, 2025
Charts: #1 / 513,000 copies sold
Tracklist:
1. little monster (7.25)
2. 빌려온 고양이 (Do the Dance) (7.50)
3. jellyous (7.50)
4. oops! (6.00)
5. 밤소풍 [Bamsopoong] (6.75)

ILLIT’s third EP continues the high quality that they have been releasing since their debut. It brings a little new and a little old, but still fits firmly in their wheelhouse.

The title track, “Do the Dance“, brings in some French House and differs from their last two title tracks that were geared more towards the bubblegum pop stylings. There are still moments with the vocal delivery, but the use of synths definitely elevate the song to a more mature energy. I think the only thing is that the hooks aren’t quite as sticky this time around, leaving much of the song carried by its fantastic arrangement.

“jellyous” was another promoted track, but feels more squarely in ILLIT’s previous territory, with its retro bitpop sound. It definitely has a lot more elements that head into that bubblegum territory, but it works out because the hook is just so catchy. It’s definitely another favourite on here for me. The opener, “little monster” goes for a subtle vibe. I like its quieter energy that contrasts to the more boisterous and vibrant tracks on the EP. It still has a pretty catchy hook to keep it easy to go back to though.

For me, “oops!” and “Bamsopoong” are the weaker tracks, but not that bad overall. “oops!” almost feels like a MOMOLAND song with its quirky synths and fart-like beat. It feels more like a track that is meant for mass catchiness, but there are still some fun elements thrown about that give it that ILLIT charm. “Bamsopoong” heads into a dreamier territory, but still retains a sense of forwardness due to its arrangement. I feel like it’s the least dance-focused track, so it stands out, but I like it because the group doesn’t relegate this softness to a ballad.

I was pleasantly surprised with this release from ILLIT and I would say it was one of my favourite K-Pop EPs of 2025, even if no track stood out in particular.

7.00

[EP] TWICE – Strategy

Released: December 6, 2024
Charts: #1 / 955,000 copies sold
Tracklist:
1. Strategy (ft. Megan Thee Stallion) (7.00)
2. Kiss My Troubles Away (7.75)
3. Like It Like It (7.00)
4. Sweet Obsession (5.50)
5. Keeper (6.00)
6. Magical (5.50)
7. Strategy (–.–)

TWICE’s Strategy EP results in a lot of the same sounds we heard from them before, but also takes some interesting twists.

For one, the title track feels like something they hadn’t attempted before. They never really leaned into the hip-hop sound before, so this is a new one, especially considering the feature of Megan Thee Stallion. I think “Strategy” has a pretty solid hook overall and is infinitely better than their last two title tracks, but the girls can’t quite sell this style 100%. They are also outdone by Megan’s rap. I do like the song though.

Instead, the best track on this EP is easily “Kiss My Troubles Away“, which heads for a more retro pop sound. It has a lot of sleek 80s energy to it, which is a nice change up. It has a good hook that is strengthened by the stomping beat and sparkly synths. I just feel it would hit a bit harder if it was faster. “Like It Like It” is also a good track, opting for a more straight-laced pop/drum&bass sound. It just needs a bit more of a fleshed out arrangement to really bring out its colours.

“Sweetest Obsession” isn’t a favourite for me, but it’s not a terrible song, just more middle-of-the-road. It has a more relaxed vibe to it, which helps contrast the other songs, but it never really goes anywhere. Similarly, I want to like “Magical” more and I understand its addition to the EP considering the time of its release, but its Christmas sound doesn’t quite match everything else. It’s cute, but feels lost on here.

Overall, this isn’t a bad EP from TWICE and has quite a few tracks that I enjoy. I do feel we get a mix of their classic style and something a bit new from them.

6.46

[Album] Aiuchi Rina – Be Happy

Released: January 24, 2001
Charts: #3 / 307,000 copies sold
Tracklist:
1. be happy? (6.25)
2. Close To Your Heart (8.25)
3. 恋はスリル、ショック、サスペンス [Koi wa Shock, Thrill, Suspense] (8.00)
4. snow drop (6.50)
5. Her Lament 〜誰にも聞こえない彼女の叫び〜 [Dare ni mo Kikoenai Kanojo no Sakebi] (6.50)
6. It’s crazy for you (7.00)
7. Can you feel my…? (6.00)
8. Ohh! Paradise Taste!! (5.75)
9. kimi e no sayonara (4.50)
10. Dear…。 From…。 (4.00)
11. be happy. (4.75)

GIZA Studio’s new songstress of the 2000s became known for her anime tie-ins and launched her debut album at the beginning of 2001. Be Happy dances between dance and pop with random elements thrown throughout. It’s ultimately a decent album, although nothing particularly noteworthy.

There were four singles released from the album. Her first, “Close To Your Heart”, is my favourite of the bunch and my favourite song from her. It has a fun blend of dance/pop with some interesting rock elements thrown in the background. I love how powerful the chorus comes crashing in. “Koi wa Thrill, Shock, Suspense” follows closely in style to the last song. It has a lot of strong synths and is propelled forward by its fast paced beat. It has a lot of cool elements that make it a fun listen.

Of the new songs, “snow drop” and “Her Lament” are the strongest. The former has a sleeker dance style that feels more late 00s. It’s a pleasant surprise with its mysterious sounding synths. The latter is a more powerful offering, bringing a dance focused anime theme sounding song. It’s best moments are the instrumental breakdowns after the chorus with its sparkly synth refrain.

The album falters in its last few tracks. “Dear…。 From…。” is a sweet ballad, but it’s just downright boring. It has some really pretty moments in its melody, but ultimately, the song doesn’t really go anywhere. Rina tries her hand at 00s pop/R&B with “kimi e no sayonara”, but it’s a bland attempt. The melody isn’t catchy at all and her voice sounds strained.

For a debut album, this isn’t bad, but it isn’t a good one either. I feel like if she followed through with more anime theme sounding tracks, it would have been better on the whole.

6.14

[Album] MAX – MAXIMUM

Released: December 11, 1996
Charts: #1 / 1,288,000 copies sold
Tracklist:
1. LOVE LOVE FIRE (7.50)
2. EXTASY (6.75)
3. TORA TORA TORA (8.25)
4. SO MUCH IN LOVE (6.50)
5. BROKEN HEART (7.50)
6. BECAUSE I NEED YOU (7.00)
7. REALITY (7.50)
8. Kiss me Kiss me, Baby (6.75)
9. SUMMER TIME (7.00)
10. 恋するヴェルファーレダンス 〜Saturday Night〜 (HYPER J-EURO MIX) [Koisuru Velfarre Dance ~Saturday Night~ (HYPER J-EURO MIX)] (6.50)
11. Seventies (7.25)
12. GET MY LOVE! (7.75)
13. STRANGER IN THE NIGHT (6.75)

MAX’s debut album is Eurobeat central. Differentiating themselves from Namie, a large number of the singles are covers and the music is heavily inspired by European dance music.

The five singles from the album are amongst the best tracks. “TORA TORA TORA” is the stand out with its catchy hook and high-octane dance music. It’s still one of my favourites from the group. “GET MY LOVE!” is also another great tune and goes full into the Eurobeat ‘para para’ sound. Its beat is intense and its chorus is high energy and powerful. It’s just a fun song overall.

“BROKEN HEART” is one of the album’s best tracks. I like its more serious tone despite its Eurobeat-centric beat. Its synth refrain is one of the standout moments on the album. “REALITY” is another of the better album tracks. It’s a bit more generic in its sound but its flashy post-chorus breakdown is catchy while its chorus has some good hooks.

There aren’t any moments that I disliked on the album. “SO MUCH IN LOVE” isn’t a bad song as it follows closely to the rest of the material. I just don’t connect with its melody as much as it doesn’t have any stand out hook. The album’s first single, “Koisuru Velfarre Dance ~Saturday Night~ (HYPER J-EURO MIX)” is a cute cover of a famous Whigfield song. It’s just not that interesting though and falls flat on its chorus.

This is a pretty good album overall. It does get a little one note due to its over-reliance on the Eurobeat sound, but it’s hard to fault the more high-octane, powerful energy that goes with the sound.

7.15

[Digital Single(Re)] f(x) – LA chA TA

Released: September 1, 2009
Charts: N/A
Tracklist:
1. LA chA TA (8.50)

f(x)’s debut single, “LA chA TA”, still remains one of my favourite songs from them. Compared to a lot of their earlier music, it doesn’t feel as gimmicky, opting for a more straightforward sound. The hook is a bit ridiculous but it works and it is insanely catchy. The music is also quite fun with some flashy synths here and there, but it doesn’t quite fully give into the electropop style that was popular at the time, so it feels a bit less outdated.

8.50

[Album(Re)] Crystal Kay – C.L.L 〜CRYSTAL LOVER LIGHT〜

Released: March 23, 2000
Charts: #60 / 19,000 copies sold
Tracklist:
1. Interlude P.P.P. (–.–)
2. Eternal Memories (8.25)
3. こみちの花 [Komichi no Hana] (3.75)
4. More Lovin’ (6.50)
5. TEENAGE UNIVERSE~Chewing Gum Baby (6.75)
6. レッツすいかどろぼう [Let’s Suika Dorobo] (5.25)
7. タカ・タカ・タカ [Taka Taka Taka] (4.50)
8. ダーリン P.P.P. [Darling P.P.P.] (6.00)
9. トゥデー・フレンド・ザ・デコレーションケーキ・かうかう・GO [Today Friend the Decoration Cake Kau Kau GO] (4.00)
10. つれないギター [Tsurenai Guitar] (–.–)
11. パパどんピ [Papa Donpi] (6.25)
12. Rainy Blue Day (6.00)
13. C’mon Babe (6.25)
14. Shadows of Desire (7.25)

Can’t say I’m particularly impressed by Crystal Kay’s debut. It differs from her later material as it leans a bit more into rock with elements of R&B, country and blues. It’s a bit too mature at times I feel.

The singles are a mixed batch. The standout is her debut, “Eternal Memories”, which goes for a quieter, sweeter R&B sound. It’s effortless and still sounds beautiful to this day. Fourth single, “Shadows of Desire”, is the next best. It’s different from a lot of the other songs due to its more psychedelic pop/rock sound. It’s really cool and has a colourful arrangement.

I would say the best album tracks are when Crystal leans into the R&B sound. “More Lovin’”, for example, is another quieter pop/R&B song. It gives off similar vibes to “Eternal Memories” and has elements of Brandy’s 90s material. “C’mon Babe” is a cute uptempo R&B tune, bringing in influences of 60s music like the Jackson 5 and Natalie Cole. It’s not the catchiest and Crystal’s voice still sounds a bit too immature, but the song is fun.

The album’s weakest moment comes with the third single, “Komichi no Hana”. I’m confused why this was released as a single. It does have an R&B foundation but brings in some rock elements. I just find the melody to sound lazy and the arrangement is messy. “Today Friend the Decoration Cake Kau Kau GO” goes for a more laidback, country sound. It’s just not my cup of tea and is somewhat boring to listen to.

Overall, this isn’t a terrible starting point for Crystal, but I wouldn’t say it’s a terribly impressive start. At such a young age, the album comes across a bit too mature at times but there is a youthfulness that is endearing.

5.90

[Album(Re)] Otsuka Ai – LOVE PUNCH

Released: March 31, 2004
Charts: #1 / 698,000 copies sold
Tracklist:
1. pretty voice (7.00)
2. 桃ノ花ビラ [Momo no Hanabira] (7.25)
3. さくらんぼ [Sakuranbo] (8.50)
4. GIRLY (6.00)
5. 雨の中のメロディー [Ame no Naka no Melody] (6.75)
6. しゃぼん玉 [Shabondama] (7.50)
7. 石川大阪友好条約 [Ishikawa-Osaka Yuukoujouyaku] (5.50)
8. 片想いダイヤル [Kataomoi Dial] (7.25)
9. ハニー♧ [Honey] (6.25)
10. 甘えんぼ [Amaenbo] (7.50)
11. Always Together (6.50)

Otsuka Ai’s debut album is a pretty solid release. It showcases both sides of her signature styles, the over-the-top uptempo tracks and the sweet pop ballads.

Three singles were released from the album and they all bring something a little different. First single, “Momo no Hanabira”, is a cute mid-tempo pop song with some Okinawan influences to its sound. “Sakuranbo” is the album’s best track and is a fun, pop/rock tune with boisterous vocals. Its hook is explosive and energetic. “Amaenbo” ends up being the ballad single and gradually builds and builds towards its emotional ending.

There are a number of good album tracks on here. The relaxing ballad, “Shabondama”, matches its name with its bubbly synths and sweet sound. It’s a wonderfully cute song. “Kataomoi Dial” is a frantic, uptempo pop song with a cool guitar and adorable melody. It’s a great song from Ai and one of her best album tracks.

The only track I would label as weak would be “Ishikawa-Osaka Yuukoujouyaku”. On many of her albums, she has one over-the-top, overtly cute pop song and this one is it. It’s cute, but it’s a little too much for me at times. “GIRLY” isn’t bad, but its country-esque sound gets a bit lost in the landscape of the album. It’s a fun track, it just doesn’t have a strong enough hook.

This is a pretty decent album overall, but it could be polished in places. I feel like she does this better with her next few albums as they utilize the same sounds and styles, but with stronger hooks.

6.91