[REVIEW] Kim Hyun Joong - Lucky Guy

Hurm...me gusta ;D

LUCKY
All opinions expressed are my own. You wanna complain about other people's views, then quit reading blogs or whatever. And considering the inevitable bias of this post, you're probably a hater, anyway, if you disagree enough with my opinions enough to get annoyed.

So, Kim Hyun Joong, my favourite person in the entire K-Pop business, recently came out with his 2nd mini-album and 4th MV as a solo artist. Of course, as much as I want to see SS501 back together again, despite the fact I became a fan in the middle of their current hiatus, I'm really loving Leader's solo stuff. Out of all the SS501 members' solo stuff, his is definitely my favourite. Though, as always, I may be biased. But, I think it's mostly that I like his general style of music best. Not that his style is perfectly consistent, but all the genres he's tackled so far have been pretty awesome genres and the songs have gone down brilliantly well with me. His voice isn't the strongest I've heard, but it's really nice and listenable, and I'd listen to it over plenty of better singers, (though, his voice is GOOD, I'm not denying that). The way I feel about his voice is probably similar to the way I feel about Yamapi's, only...the feelings aren't as strong as compared to those which I have for Yamapi xD Though, that being said, Hyun Joong has always looked kind of like a Korean Yamapi to me, anyway.

Right, now, tangent over, on to the actual reviewing part.

First off, the song.
Their seems to be an almost spy/surfer-ish guitar riff playing in the background throughout the song's verses. And lots of big brass instruments in the chorus and stuff. It's not a totally new or original style, but it sounds good. It gives the song a fun and lively feel.
The song is also really catchy. I've heard the song about 3 or 4 times, and the chorus is already completely stuck in my head. It gets under your skin, but in a good way. The vocalisation thingies in the chorus sound really good, too. I love when Hyun Joong does those. Actually, he's one of these people who should just hold notes all the time. He sounds really awesome doing it.
Well, not all the time. I'm exaggerating. But, whatever.
I don't know what else to say about the song itself. It's good, it's catchy, it's lively, it's danceable, so-on so-forth.

So, then...
On to the MV.
It's mostly really awesome.
Only possible complaint is the beginning where the girl's in her bikini and Hyun Joong's totally checking her out. Not because I'm the kind of fan who gets annoyed by her favourite male celebs checking out girls, I feel that getting jealous over celebrities is pathetically futile. Ah, so this is where the 'My opinions are my opinions' thing comes in. Because, yeah, I feel strongly about that crap. And more very opiniated stuff here.
If jealousy isn't why I dislike the scene, what is?
Well, a women standing about looking attractive in a bikini...slightly objectifying. I can't be bothered going into my reasons why, cause that will cause another ramble session, but, yeah, that's my only criticism.
I mean, Hyun Joong looks great throughout the MV, the colour scheme is really nice and effective.
My favourite thing about the whole MV is probably the dance shot scenes. The choreograhpy is really awesome (and fun - I tried the dance and it was fun <3), and his facial expressions during them are so awesome. Also, it's one of these dances taht has like...interaction and stuff. Like, with the female dancer, who is the girl he's trying to hook up with in the video. He interacts with her in a way that almost tells a story, but not quite. I really love dances like that, and I don't know why. I think it's because it makes them more than just dances. It adds character to the dance.
Also, I really love the Mic shots. His hair is gorgeous, and his smile looks amazing! *____*
I'd picspam. But I'm lazy as hell 8D


All in all, love the video, love the song, love the dance, love the man~
This song has managed to score itself a big fat
9 out of 10!

((This was meant to be posted a month ago. Don't I fail? 8D)

[ALBUM REVIEW] Morning Musume - 12, Smart

12, Smart

Okay...so this is my first time doing a proper, though-out review of...well, anything, to be all that honest. I've done simple reviews, but nothing proper.
I felt like starting with MoMusu's new album, which released today~
I just downloaded it and am giving the whole album a good listen, so, yeah...
Here are my opinions on the individual songs

1. Give me Ai - 9/10

This song has all the ingredients to be 'that one song off the album I really love', a phrase that only really applies to H!P albums. For me, there's always this one kind of song that I like above all the others. I dunno how to explain it but I can think of examples; Moonlight Night, Fantasy ga Hajimaru, Midnight Temptation (C-ute), Magical Future! (Berryz)
On top of that, it's pretty much a total Ai linewhore fest. I mean, in most cases, linewhore fests sucks (at least, in H!P. J-Ent linewhore fests are still amazing, such as Bokura no Machi de by KAT-TUN. No bias included in this comment >.>), but, I like Ai's voice a LOT. Seriously, make her a soloist NOW~ That way she can get all the lines, and no-one will ever complain!
But, yeah, the song's catchy, the chorus has a great beat~ I love it. It's a good album-opener. Maybe creates false expectations for the rest of the album, but whatever.
Only criticism is...why in the hell did anyone think it was a good idea to give Sayu that high-ish wail note? Seriously...I mean, I like her, she's cool...but she can't sing >.> For shit.
Also, yes, Give me Ai. Now. /shot/

2. Only You - 8.9/10

Well...this was a single, wasn't it? I can't say much about it...Whatever there is to be said has already been said.
All I can say is that I've grown to accept Riho's linewhoring in general, but still keep to the view that this song is beyond her years.

3. Silver no Udedokei - 7.5/10

The opening of this song...reminds me of your typical K-Pop boyband opening. With the soft ballad style piano, and the guy saying random English words in a mixed accent on top. But, then, the beat speeds up and it becomes a oh-so very H!P-esque song.
My opinion of this song, is that it is a pretty good representation of the MoMusu we will be seeing now. That's right, no Sayu, thanks?
Riho's a little too squeaky for the song, I feel, and I'm disappointed that all of her lines weren't Ai's. That's Riho, right? It's clear they're trying to make a transition here, showing us what it's like without Ai...but she would have suited this song beautifully. Ah well, this song is perfect for Reina's voice. And, at least Riho can do decent high notes...
The rapping...it was unexpected, I guess. But, I'm cool with rap, so it's good. I mean, the girls aren't exactly awesome rappers, but they're good enough.
Also, the random guy returns in the instrumental...and I realise he sounds kinda like he's just been whipped straight out a classic YG Entertainment song. I know what that sounds like, cause I'm Old Skool.
Okay, I lie. My younger sister is an avid YG fan, that's why.
Also, the last solo before each chorus...reminds me of a NEWS song, but I dunno why. Or was it a Yamapi solo? Something with Yamapi in it...

4. Suki da na Kimi ga 5/10

This song...really isn't for me. It's too squeaky, and something about the chorus' tune bugs me.
And the random background voices in the instrumentals sound like they're saying 'Jizz, I wanna jizz', which is a bit off-putting >.>
Anyway, the song's got one of those dance-techno beats, that I guess I wouldn't mind, but this song...doesn't work for me...
Sadly, I think the overdose of Sayumi is to blame. Sayumi and other squeaky members. I do like squeaky people, my fav H!P member is Morning Musume...maybe it's the song is trying to be super-cutsey, while being too squeaky at the same time, and I want to kick the song in the face? It's part of the reason why I don't like S/mileage as much. But S/mileage kick this song's ass.
I like the instrumental, though~
Maybe cause I know I can listen to it without fearing those annoying Sayu-squeaks.
I'm not a Sayu-hater, trust me. But, her as a linewhore...doesn't work for me...

5. Kaiketsu Positive A - 9/10

I love this song like I love I'm Lucky Girl. It's got a similar feel to it, I guess~
Morning Musume needs more singles like this. Quit saving them all for the albums, Tsunku! Also, this song signifies the long-awaited (for me, anyway) return of Ai as a person who gets lines, and I can hear in the chorus.
The tune is really catchy, the song's energy is really powerful, and everyone gets lines. The Kyuukies all get multiple. ALL OF THEM!
I don't think Mittsi's so lucky. But she's not Kanon, so w/e. 8D


6. Kono Ai wo Kasanete - 8.9/10

From what I can gather, this song is a TakaGaki duet. I love these together. They blend so perfectly. And the song is really sweet sounding. Somehow, it reminds me of Kame and Junno's SPECIAL HAPPINESS of the first KAT-TUN album. Not really sure how, though. But it gives off the same kind of emotion, almost.
Both their voices sound really beautiful here~ I love Ai's annunciation in the song. This song is really nice. Another favourite off this album for me. And the high notes sound absolutely beautiful~ They're perfect (and there's no Sayu runing them /shot/).
Thank you, Tsunku, for giving these girls another duet. It was genius of you.

7. Kono Chikyuu no Heiwa wo Honki de Negatterun da yo! - 9.2/10

This is probably one of my favourite MoMusu singles in a while, and it's a brilliant last song for Ai~ Of course, since it's a single, I'm too lazy to say anything about it. 8D

8. Kare to Issho ni Omise ga Shitai! - 8.5/10

I also really love this song, but not as much as the previous one. Again, too lazy for singles...

9. My Way ~Joshikou Hanamichi~ - 8.5/10

To me, something about this song seems very Berryz-esque. Probably the guitars, to be honest. Though, the instrumental break thingies remind me of Spyro music, and that makes me feel all happy and nostalgic. The chorus has a typical H!P sound kinda blended with some anime thing. And I swear I can hear Kame, depsite how impossible it may seem. And I mean Eri, not Kazuya. That would confuse me too much...
Line distribution seems fair enough. Or at least, Kanon gets a line or two, I think. And Sayu gets a shouting line. Which I approve of, btw. See, I don't hate her. I'm just not so crazy about her.
Anyway, this song is nice~ Not super original and doesn't stand out to me, but has a nice refreshing and energetic feel to it. I like it <3 And it sounds so H!P-ish. Also, on top of Berryz and anime, the chorus has a Buono!-ish feel to it~ Like, classic Buono! stuff~

10. Otome no Timing - 7.8/10

Starts seems like another song that wants to barf bubblegum on me.
And, then, the singing starts. This mus be Aika and the Kyuukies' song? Is it all of the Kyuukies or just some?
I only recognise Aika and Kanon, cause I fail.
And maybe Erina?
Though, I do know what Mizuki sounds like. What?
Regardless, the song sounds really nice, and it's nice to hear what these members sound like. And one of them sounds like Nakky, but which one, dammit ><
But, the song has a nice sweet feel, and no longer sounds like it's barfing bubblegum, but instead candy floss. Which is nicer, any day.
Anyway, though I did like the song, I dunno if it has a lasting impression on me, and I mostly liked the fact that Aika got a chance to linewhore. How nice for her~ ^O^

11. OK YEAH! - 8.9/10

This song just from the very first line is another favourite from this album. It's got an awesome ParaPara sound.
Though, it sounds a bit like a heavier version of S/mileage's Uchouten Love in some bits. But, it also such a typical MoMusu song. At least, the Ai-leader era. Or whatever.
But, the verses sound really awesome. And the chorus sounds even awesome. The blending in is too perfect, and the shouting in the background sounds great. It's a really powerful-sounding song. And Gaki's voice sounds really pretty. Of course, so does Ai. But that's a given. At least when you're as biased towards her as I am. Some lines of this song have an almost classic anime sound to them. Well...not classic. That inbetween thing.
Though, the stupid voice halfway through annoyed me. But he turned into a noise that reminds me both of 2NE1's Can't Nobody and BIGBANG's Hands Up! in one go...
Anyway, yeah, that's one catchy chorus. And Reina's last soloin the penultimate sounds really awesome. Unfortunately, like Kono Ai wo Kasanete, despite the awesomeness, it doesn't quite hit a 9, but it's too awesome to be any lower than 8.9. So, there you have it xD

12. Maji Desu ka Ska! - 7/10

There is only one thing for me to say. And that is...I like this single less than when it came out. When it came out it was a dead-on 9, but I suppose the song's been a bit overdone...or something...

OVERALL ALBUM SCORE
8.2
This was actually an Average Score. I put the Scores into a calculator, added them and divided them by 12, the number of scores. Just in case you didn't know how averages worked >.>;;
So, basically, yeah, it was a good album. But I still preferred the last 3. 'specially 10 MY ME. So, yeah, the album's good. Really good. But not great or super-amazing. I think it would have been better but that one song let me down...
Ah well~
It's Ai's last MoMusu release ever, better enjoy it while I can...
I'll miss you, Ai~
Go solo please? /shot/

A new chapter begins in the Never Ending Wonderful Story...

This is no news (pardon the pun) to any Johnny's fan now, but I felt like posting my views on the matter.
I mean, that's what blogs are for, right?

First off, basic summing-up of the dealio with this

Mr Pi decided his best of course of action was to focus on his up-and-coming solo career, and y'know what? I don't really blame him - NEWS have been pretty damn inactive for some time, and he's been doing way more solo work than group work. Might as well go with the one that's most likely to go anywhere, right? Ryo's reason for reason, however, or so I like to believe, seems to boil down to pure Osaka Love. Or maybe it was the same reason I've given Yamapi? He left because being in two groups was getting a bit too much for the poor chap, so he decided he had to drop one. Of course, he went with the one which lacked in sheer Kansai awesome, or rather, the one that was inactive. This year's been pretty active for the Kanjanies, whereas, for NEWS, it's been a rather...dead year (unless you're Tegomass). So, I believe they both had good reason to leave. Not saying I wanted them to, but I'll go into the more personal emotion-based side of stuff later.

Here, I've decided to take a look at the dramatic line-up change since 2003, and each ex-member's reason for leaving, if you can read it. Kusano's is still probably one of the best reasons ever - caught drinking 'something' out of a can. Bless, being an idol can be harsh? I don't blame the guy for buggering straight off to another company when that's your treatment. Ah, well, at least the old Johnny's kind to some of them -coughJinandRyocough-

It may take some getting used to...4-member NEWS. Even when Jin left KAT-TUN, as upset as I was by the whole affair (mainly due to my huge-ass Jin-bias), I adapted quick enough. At least to the image of the group. I was already familiar with 5-member KAT-TUN thanks to Bokura no Machi de and Cartoon KAT-TUN II : YOU - admittedly, it took me longer to accept that Jin was gone forever, but whatever-, but I've never seen this lineup together for NEWS. I imagine it may be hard for me to adjust. I will still support the group - they're my 2nd favourite group, and they're going to stay as such, no matter who leaves. Unless, Jin & Pi miraculously form some kind of wonderful duo group. Though, fortunately for NEWS, the chances of that are pretty damned slim ;D

Now, how I feel about this...
Well, I didn't want it to happen. At. All.
I mean, I'm sure everyone feels that way. Well, except my friend, who is apparently glad that Pi's gone. I wanna hit her round the face for that.
Cause, yeah, Yamapi is my favourite member. By a looooooong shot. He's my 4th favourite singer. Full stop. Though, I absolutely adore him as a soloist, so that's some consellation, at least. Ryo is my 3rd favourite in the group, losing to Tego. I really love Ryo and his voice, but I don't listen to Kanjani8 as much. I mean, I like them, I do. Trust me. It's just...I haven't heard any of their new songs since...TWL...I don't even know their names. Except that one had something to do with...homes? I don't know. Ah well...That's my own fault, I guess.

All in all, I'm totally gutted about the whole situation. I read the title of the article over on tokyohive and sincerely hoped it was some kind of April Fool's joke. Then, I remembered it was October...And, tears actually welled up in my eyes. xD No joke.
I mean, I knew everyone kinda saw the Pi thing coming eventually, but most of us didn't want to accept the rumours. But, it wasn't just that. The double-departure bit got me especially. I mean, 2 out of the 3 Johnnies in my Top 10 Johnnies Ranking had left my 2nd favourite group at once! It was a shock, really.
And to add to the suckiness, this signified the second departure of my favourite from a Johnny's group...And it also happened exactly a week after Ai Takahshi's graduation from Morning Musume, Ai being my favourite. Also, the month just before, Heechul, my favourite SuJu boy, had just left for his 2-year army training.
How fun xD

Well, I plan on supporting all members in all their fields, even the older ones. Not that I know how to support Kusano. I still support Uchi.
But, I don't support Taka. But he's not really anyone but 'That Guy-wait, who?' to me. :/ So, yeah...

RELEASE SOMETHING SOON, PI!

Taking US Success for a...TEST DRIVE

So, yeah, most Jin fans know already but the dates and details for Jin's US debut were released today, as well as the promo pic.

So, details. I shall go into them. Yes.

The single is called 'TEST DRIVE ft. Jason Derulo'. My opinions on Mr Derulo...I'll go into them slightly later.

Promo Pics

Single Cover. Not sure what I make of it. Features a class Jin epicface. Is his mic...exploding?
Poster at Shibuya. Looking pretty effective against the night sky. Has the dates on it, which ruins the surprise when I type them up later on -.-;

This picture's kinda like...'Look at NYC be replaced by Jin, ahaha!' Is it okay that it entertains me for that reason? I love NYC, but, yeah...xD Also, Kis-My-Ft2 seem to be getting replaced by...Sexy Zone, maybe? Cause that's a Fuma...or a Kento...if I ever did see one. They're from B.I.Shadow, anyway...>.>

Release Dates
Yeah, the pictures above didn't ruin that part for me xD
So, looks like their are two versions, the US Ver and the Japan Ver. I'll go into the differences in a minute.
First off, the dates themselves;
US - 8th November (I spent all of September wanting it to be October, but I want it to be November! Or at least, the end of October...)
Japan - 7th December (A week after GACKT & KAT-TUN. This fortnight...it satisifes me =w= I mean, aside from the fact my birthday happens within that time, too...)

Info
As stolen from Tokyohive who stole it from Sanspo
'Singer, Akanishi Jin (27) will distribute his new song “TEST DRIVE Featuring JASON DERULO” in the U.S. on November 8th, officially making his U.S. debut. The new song will be a duet song with Jason Derulo. The track is described as an up-tempo R&B song.

Akanishi commented, “I’m happy to be able to receive this opportunity. I’m looking forward to sharing my music with many people.”

Though it will only be released as a digital song in the US, he will release the song in Japan on December 7th, as part of an upcoming mini album, which will include three other tracks. It was also reported that Akanishi is currently recording an album he is planning to release in the US next year.'

That's right. There is no physical version of the US single. A letdown? Kinda. US Release => UK Release, and Derulo-Boy's more popular here than in the US, anyway. But, there's a physical Japanese release, so, yeah. At least there's something there with substance.

Now, are any of you wondering why this is the case, this whole business with Digital Singles and stuff? Well, even though I only worked this out myself...well, look at the title of the song. Or rather, the title of this post. Worked it out yet?

Well, basically, the deal is, Jin is planning to release 2 singles and an album in US in the near future. Thing is, this is a case of 'if'. Not even maybe, if. 'TEST DRIVE' will be put up on iTunes for download - like, paid download, obviously - which sucks, I don't have an iTunes account and generally don't do that whole...er, paying for downloads thing...Anyway, so...the market will be tested by number of downloads and radio coverage. Basically, if it does well, that will show that there is an open market for Jin, and the 2nd single and album will be released. However, if this doesn't go so well, then...well, it'll prove that there isn't really a market for Jin in the US, and the 2nd single and album will be scrapped. Or in the US, at least.

For those reasons, I think 'TEST DRIVE' is a pretty clever name. Though the song, from what I've heard, is clearly about women or whatever, the title itself has a double meaning, also referring to the fact this single is Jin test driving the possibilities of his success in the Western market. Or that is what I believe. And, I don't believe I'm looking too much into things. Y'know, Bakanishi can be smarter than he looks...sometimes ^o^

Furthermore, I think this is a pretty good method. It's better than just jumping in, investing money into something, then watching it all crash and burn. Now, I'm not saying Jin's going to fail, by the way. In fact, using these methods, I don't suspect great failure, at all ;D

Urp, I rambled...(NOTE : I go off on tangents)

Tracklist

US Single

1.TEST DRIVE featuring JASON DERULO (7th Heaven Mix)
2.TEST DRIVE featuring JASON DERULO (Main Mix)
3.TEST DRIVE featuring JASON DERULO (Funky Stepz Mix)
4.TEST DRIVE featuring JASON DERULO (Static Revenger Dub)

Japan Mini-Album

First-Press Limited

CD
1.TEST DRIVE featuring JASON DERULO (7th Heaven Mix)
2.TEST DRIVE featuring JASON DERULO (Main Mix)
3.TEST DRIVE featuring JASON DERULO (Funky Stepz Mix)
4.MY MP3
5.PAPARATS
DVD
1.TEST DRIVE featuring JASON DERULO ( MUSIC VIDEO )
2.TEST DRIVE featuring JASON DERULO ( MAKING OF THE MUSIC VIDEO )

Regular

1.TEST DRIVE featuring JASON DERULO (7th Heaven Mix)
2.TEST DRIVE featuring. JASON DERULO（Main Mix）
3.TEST DRIVE featuring JASON DERULO（Static Revenger Mix Show Edit）
4.MY MP3
5.PAPARATS
6.TIPSY LOVE

Basically, you want that PV? Pre-order the damned thing! I know I'm going to ;D (Just lucky that's the time of year when I get money ;w;)

Now, for the tracklisting.
ZOMG PAPARATS!!
I would have reallt loved Magnitude to be on there, but, whatever, PAPARATS is amazing, too~ And MY MP3. God, jizz, much?
I do like TIPSY LOVE, but, ehh, never really had the same effect on my. Though, the other two are my 2nd and 4th favourite of the YELLOW GOLD tour songs~ Gya~
As for all these 'mixes'...Imma assume that 'Main Mix' is the normal version? xD I DON'T KNOW!
This is confusing business.

OPINIONS TIME

WARNING - Ranting shall ensure

Derulo
What do I make of Mr Derulo? Mr Jason The Loo Roll /shot/
Okay, I'll be honest. Before Jin's collab was announced, I had no idea who Jason was xD
I asked some friends at school about him and the responses I got were interesting;
'He's some guy who always says his own names in his songs';
'Jason Derulo is a twat'
Not quite the answers I was looking for, but, fine.
However, since then, I've gotten a better idea of who he is, and I understand that I'm not a fan.
That 'It Girl' song is on the TV a lot, when my sister surfs through channels in desperate pursuit of whatever Example song she can find...and I can say, I don't really like it.
Plus, he's stupid. Like, not actually, I dunno about his academic qualities. But, I saw this interview, and the interviewer's all like, 'So, are you doing any more collaborations soon?' and he's like 'Ah, no, I am not. I may releases remixes and stuff, though'
Watching this, I'm just sitting there like, 'Huh? Did I hear that right? WHAT ABOUT FRIGGEN JIN, YA...Ughhhhh'
Not a way to impress the Phob, no way, Mr Loo Roll.
He can sing, though, so, whatever...

Will I buy it?

Of. Course. I. Bloody. Will. 8D.
Not the US one, though. Like I said, I dun do the whole iTunes thing. I have some kind of contempt towards Apple. I mean, aside from the fact that I hear that they don't treat their workers well, but I just dun really like their products. They're over-rated. I mean...the iPod? I'm fine with a SONY WALKMAN. I dun see how they're a worse choice. I mean, first off, they 100% less prone to breaking than those god-damned iPods. Besides, recent models for iPods. Are. Ugly. Especially the new iPod Nano. It's hideous, wtf? I mean, I had an MP3 Player the same general shape. But he looked nice, difference (he deserves a gender). And whoever decided that 'the iPad is beautiful' is stupid. It's a giant touch screen. I hate touch screen. I don't mind iTunes itself, but I'm more of a Windows Media Player person, but whatever. I don't do paid downloads either.
So, yeah, Anti-Apple rant aside, I'll be buying the Japanese mini-album. With my birthday money *____*
Though, I only plan on buying the DVD version. I mean, remixes don't excite me, and if I really want TIPSY LOVE, I can just download it individually. Besides, I have a feeling the Making-Of will be mostly in English. A bonus for us English-speakers ;D

So, that's all for now. I'll come back to this topic when more news is released, or when the single releases.

Also, if you read all of this...you must be either bored...or...I dunno xD

3rd Blog, 1st Post ~Let's Hope For Activeness~

Yur, as the title says, this is my 3rd blog...
The rest kept going inactive, so let's hope that I'm not a lazy arsehat this time round ;D

As to the contents of the blog...they will be decided as I go along with things but for now...


Some Kame for good measure