SEUNGRI - '1, 2, 3!' and 'Where R U From? (feat. Mino)'
Five years after his last solo EP, Let’s Talk About Love, Big Bang’s Seungri finally released his first full album called The Great Seungri. The nine-track album includes title track “1, 2, 3!” and the secondary title track “Where R U From” (feat. WINNER’s Mino) in which Seungri goes full-on PSY in the hilarious music video parodying some pretty huge recent political events relating to North and South Korea.
The first title track, “1, 2, 3!” was released with a fun music video that looked like a genuinely rad time to film. The one-shot video follows a dapper Seungri through numerous 50s themed sets and quick wardrobe changes while belting along to the groovy pop-rock track. Three seconds is all it takes to fall for the girl, and Seungri knows he’s falling fast as she “flipped my body and heart upside down…I’ll count to three so you come right over.”
I enjoyed both MVs way more than I expected, and I think it had a lot to do with Seungri’s fully committed expressions and the energetic cast of characters. With the fatigue of the ups and downs of everyday life, The Great Seungri delivered refreshing and much needed bangers for the summer.
- Julie
Hyolyn - See Sea
I think my favorite thing about Hyloyn is the fact that she gives you everything you didn’t know you needed. Her most recent gift to us is "See Sea," part three of her singles project, Set up Time. The song was preceded by "To Do List," and the sizzling "Dally,"(another repeats song for me). "See Sea" is the literal definition of a summer dream. With soft lighting and warm aesthetics, it almost feels like you could be sucked inside the video itself (which I would absolutely consent to).
Hyolyn not only has the beautiful summer body goals but the wardrobe to go with it, rocking a variety of Adidas pieces and sexy bathing suits, all complimenting her lovely tan. I love the direction she’s taking with her recent debut as a single artist and I can’t wait to see more from her in the future!
- Dreena
LABOUM - Between Us
The newly made quintet has returned for the first time since July 2017. Member Yulhee announced her departure from the group last year in November and this will be the first comeback for LaBoum as five.
“Between Us” is the title track of their fifth single album, which consists of one other track, “Love Game.” Soyeon took part in writing and producing the title track, which has a more grown up sound than previous LaBoum songs. Aesthetically, the MV is eye-catching, displaying the girls, alternatively, in beautiful royal blue outfits and white glittery dresses. Set entirely on a sound stage, the set designer chose to strip the background down to minimal objects - picture frames on a wall, a mirror, a lone car - and use the magic of lighting and color to create intrigue. The overall effect is captivating and really highlights the girls.
The song is almost a ballad in its lyrical content but leans heavily on pop synths to bring a fresh, upbeat feel. The girls sing of the powerful attraction between lovers, using alluring lines like, “When our body heat touches, when our lips touch, the stars in the night sky, shine and fall on us.” I really love the lyrics of this song for the poetic way the girls sing of the irresistible attraction one experiences as you sink into a deep love.
LaBoum has only ever won one music show first in their four year career, back in 2017 for "Hwi Hwi." I hope “Between Us” brings them more success!
- Kerry
CHUNGHA - Love U
Chungha’s development as an artist has been really interesting to watch ever since finishing 4th on Produce 101 and her time with the successful short-term group, I.O.I. The Texas-born star became a trainee, girl group member, and soloist all within a time period of about 5 years! Her last solo comeback featured title track “Rollercoaster,” and Chungha’s concept was a bulls-eye for me in terms of riding the electro-pop trend while still adding her unique, modern energy.
That’s why this comeback with “Love U” was bit underwhelming to me. While Chungha sports stunning visuals and her signature bright energy, the song takes a step back to the tropical house trend that she debuted with in “Why Don’t You Know.” The airy verses build up the anticipation for an energetic chorus, but it gets halted by the heavy reliance on an oversimplified tropical melody while Chungha croons “I just wanna, wanna love you.” She does have some moments where she takes her voice to the high notes that sounds really clear and powerful. Even if this track didn’t beat my favorite “Rollercoaster,” I’m still looking forward to seeing how Chungha develops her vocal range and her future concepts.
- Julie