NCT U - Boss
It’s been two years since NCT U has released music and I, for one, have been greatly anticipating their comeback. What a comeback too! With the addition of two new members, Lucas and Jungwoo, NCT U released “Boss,” a grungy, electro-hip-hop track. The song is punchy, with braggadocio lyrics like, “Don’t you know I’m a, I lead you, I’m the boss, Don’t you know I’m a, I move you, I’m the player” (Don’t you know I’m a, 내가 널 이끄는 boss, Don’t you know I’m a, 내가 널 움직일 player). Overall, the song, as well as the choreo, is full of swagger.
Check out the stunning landscape in the MV as well, reportedly shot in Ukraine. Keep an eye out for some neat camera tricks and trippy visuals.
- Kerry
BoA - One Shot, Two Shot
I didn’t think BoA could top herself after “Nega Dola,” until we got “One Shot, Two Shot.” The song has a dirty, synthy electro sound which I really vibe with. It also displays BoA's impressive vocal range, especially if you listen closely to all the backing vocalizations. You can hear BoA exercising her range in her ad-libs.
The MV is probably my favorite part. In usual BoA style, there is some exemplary dancing, beautiful outfits, and intriguing cinematography. With mostly subdued backdrops - a white room, a dim subway platform - the dancing, music and styling become the focus during the video. There’s a bit of drama sprinkled in there as well, so practically something for everyone!
BoA is such a queen. I am in love with her new music, and, not gonna lie, I need a red velvet romper now.
- Kerry
Weki Meki - La La La
To be honest, I haven't really followed Weki Meki throughout their development. That is, until I was graced by member Rina's teaser image for their new second mini-album, Lucky!
The lead up to the release of their MV for "La La La" was quite a roller coaster. While the teaser images were killer, the strange music video teaser didn't quite hook me with their unexpected sound and outdated styling. Surprisingly, it turns out the teaser completely fooled me, and the MV for "La La La" is actually a bombastic track with a hella lot of sass and stunning visuals. I'm impressed, ladies!
- Julie
Min Kyung Hoon x Kim Heechul - Falling Blossoms
Super Junior’s Kim Heechul and Buzz’s Min Kyung Hoon released an emotional rock ballad in “Falling Blossoms.” Aside from incredible vocals, the MV really stunned me, seeing these usually-funny men in such serious and inclusive roles. The two artists act as brothers in a different home setting than we're used to seeing portrayed in Korean entertainment. Kyung Hoon takes the role as the head of household who gets tangled with some gang members while caring for his family, while Heechul portrays his different-abled brother. Representation of developmentally-disabled people is rare in Korean media, and I genuinely applaud Heechul and Kyung Hoon for committing to having diverse characters in their work.
This isn't the first time they've collaborated either. In 2016, along with their Knowing Brothers cast mates, they released a similarly progressive, though sillier, song called, "Sweet Dream."
- Julie
Hash Swan - Wang Like Alexander (Feat. Gray)
Alexandrite, the second mini album from Hash Swan, was released this week. The album itself is packed with powerhouse producers and includes some choice features, such as Dean and Dayday. The title track “알렉산더처럼 왕 (Wang Like Alexander)” is produced by Gray, who also features on the song. The song has a dual meaning. On one hand, Hash Swan and Gray are referencing famous fashion designer, Alexander Wang, and comparing themselves to him. On the other hand, the word “wang’ (왕) means ‘king’ in Korean, thus the artists are likening themselves to royalty.
Overall, the track has got a laid back guitar/bass instrumental, a catchy hook, and Gray’s feature is seamlessly blended into the song. The MV is also slightly weird and full of visuals, which I am a sucker for.
If you want more Hash Swan, this time with a sexy Latin guitar instrumental, check out "Francesca" (feat Dean)!
- Kerry