September is usually a dull month with the Chuseok holiday, but there were still some great releases. I highly recommend giving a listen to the albums of the various groups mentioned. There are some amazing b-sides like Dreamcatcher’s Silent Night and all of AKMU’s album. Volume 5 will be out shortly as I am back on schedule, look forward to it!!
CLC - Devil
CLC recently has been releasing edgy and attitude-filled songs. This song brings the group back to melodic territory. I enjoy the retro vibe of the song. The bass line carries throughout the song mixed with great synths. I love the strong chorus lines instantly making it an irresistible catchy earworm.
Rating: 8.6/10
Dreamcatcher - Deja Vu
Deja Vu is one of my favorite title tracks from Dreamcatcher. The most memorable part to me is the intro combining Siyeon’s vocals with the soft piano line. The evocative piano intro is a stark contrast to the rock instrumentally filled chorus. The dichotomy between these extremes is what keeps this song an exciting listen.
Rating: 8.2/10
Bolbbalgan4 - Workaholic
Ahn Jiyoung vocal timbre is what drew me to BOL4’s style of indie pop from the beginning. However, I can’t deny my slight disappointment with their latest single Workaholic. The melody didn’t immediately resonate with me unlike their other singles (Galaxy, Some). The best element of the song is definitely the instrumental. The groovy bass line keeps the song interesting along with the tastefully placed organ.
Rating: 7.5/10
AKMU - 어떻게 이별까지 사랑하겠어, 널 사랑하는 거지 (How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One I Love)
AKMU’s long awaited comeback starts with Suhyun’s voice – compelling and emotive. Chanhyuk joins in small moments, but they are some of the most important moments. Their voices blend so effortlessly that I leaves me wishing for more Chanhyuk parts. The trend continues throughout the album with Chanhyuk taking a back seat for his sister. I’m pleasantly surprised they went with a restrained ballad as their comeback. Just close your eyes and let the music wash over you.
Rating: 8/10
FTIsland - 관둬 (Quit)
This is FTIsland’s first album without their leader Jonghoon, but you wouldn’t know when listening to this big ballad. I can’t help but feel like this is Hongki’s solo track. I’m a sucker for piano and string intros. The arrangement brings in more elements to the instrumental giving the song a symphonic-rock feel especially during the chorus. I love how the song snowballs into a lighters-in-the-air song.
Rating: 8.2/10
Zico - Human
Human has Zico as more of a crooner than a rapper. I prefer this song over his other single from the same album, Daredevil. Zico’s voice isn’t the best, but has this alluring quality to it. The emotive, melodic chorus sold the song to me with the vocal layering and Zico’s singing. The song is right in my wheelhouse with acoustic guitar and a soft hip-hop beat.
Rating: 8.2/10
WeGirls - Ride
I never heard of WeGirls until now. Ride has great energy with its strong groove with its tropical synths. I see this as a song I would enjoy in the edm realm of music. The song’s melody is easy-going and makes the song a pleasant listen. However, I believe the girls’ company could have opted for an arrangement that displayed their vocals more. Bouncy and charming, Ride may not have the staying power of pop songs, but I’ll enjoy it for the time being.