Mint Condition - 'Caught My Eye' (2011)

Mint Condition is a underrated 5-member R&B/Soul group from the 90's. They are celebrating their 20th anniversary since debut this year with the release of a studio album in April. The first single, "Caught My Eye"is a mid-tempo R&B song with great vocals!

Listen below:

New Music: Yoon Jong Shin (윤종신) - 2011 月刊 尹鍾信 February (digital single)

Yoon Jong Shin released his February monthly single titled "2011 月刊 尹鍾信 February" on January 31, 2011. The title track, "바바바 (부제: 화해송) (Feat. 이상순) [BaBaBa (Part II: Reconciliation Song) Feat. Lee Sang Soon]" is a slow-tempo Bossa Nova/Jazz song with a very nice melody and great vocals. The song is sung by Yoon Jong Shin, and Lee Sang Soon plays the guitar. *Updated 11/02/01*

So far, the 2 monthly singles released (Jan & Feb) has a Jazz component, which is great because it sounds nice with his vocals, and I like R&B/Jazz too. His earlier albums (eg. Vol. 3) has more Jazz/pop/R&B ballads actually.

Tracklist:
1. 바바바 (부제: 화해송) (Feat. 이상순) [BaBaBa (Part II: Reconciliation Song)feat. Lee Sang Soon]


Listen below:

Yoon Jong Shin - Yoo Hee Yeol's Sketchbook Performances 11/01/14

Yoon Jong Shin performed the following songs on Sketchbook:
"Temperature of Separation"
"Walking Man"
"Instinctively"

Great performances, especially "Walking Man" with the impressive ad-libs!

Watch "Walking man" performance below:

Album Review: SeungRi – ‘VVIP’ (Mini-album)

Album release date: 2011
Genre: Kpop, R&B/pop
Rating: 3/5                   
Review by: jct

SeungRi, a member of the Korean male group, Big Bang, had a big hit in 2009 with his solo track, “Strong Baby”. On Jan. 20, 2011, he returns with his first mini-album titled VVIP. VVIP is by no means a masterpiece – his vocal style and range are limited and somewhat two-dimensional, and his subject matter is almost completely unoriginal – but despite that, the album has a certain amount of charm, and style that SeungRi’s target audience will certainly be able to appreciate.

Solo Star  

SeungRi’s music style seems to be influenced greatly by Justin Timberlake, as seen with “Strong Baby”, and it is further carried into this album. Imitation is a form of flattery, as long as it is not overdone, which he doesn’t. The JT influence is most obvious in the album’s first single, “VVIP”, which is a up-tempo R&B/pop song where he gets a chance to show his cocky and playful side as he sings, “I’m so hot of the five guys lately/ All are fascinated /They say I’m really great/ Even if we don’t say it/ Say I’m really great.”

The second single, “What Do You Want Me To Do Now” is a mid-tempo pop song about a broken heart as he sings, ”What am I supposed to do?/ I gave you everything that I had and laid it down before you/ The only thing I have left is you/ Don’t avoid me anymore/ I’m break it down down down.”  Some notable tracks in this album include “Open the Window” feat. G-Dragon, and “Outro (In My World)”.

There are a few shortcomings in this album, one of which is the lyrics. The lyrics are quite unoriginal, and it is neither complex nor mentally stimulating. Most of the songs are clichéd tales of love, and doesn’t put a new spin on old topics such as the girl-you-are-so-fine-let’s-hook-up track “Magic”, and the since-you-left-me-I’m-falling-apart track “What Do You Want Me To Do Now”. And although the album’s not completely devoid of substance, the substance it does contain is shallow and surface-deep. Despite SeungRi wrote the lyrics and co-composed nearly all the songs, the results are not too spectacular. Nevertheless, it is still a good attempt for his first mini-album.

In addition, his vocals are quite mediocre, and not that distinctive. However, his vocals are at its best in slow to mid-tempo love ballads compare to up-tempo songs. An example is “Outro (In My World)”, which is one of the better songs in the album. The album also has the right number of guest appearances; however, not all are great. G-Dragon’s parts certainly complement well and do not overwhelm SeungRi’s vocals. Unfortunately that can’t be said about the song with IU. One thing about guest singers is that they are there to support the main vocalist and not to hinder or overwhelm them, no matter how strong or not the guest’s vocals are. In the song, “I Know”, IU’s vocals does not complement well with SeungRi’s vocals, and in some parts, she stands out more. That said, the song isn’t entirely bad, as she doesn’t completely hinders SeungRi’s vocals, but it’s easily a forgettable song.

The album certainly has some obvious shortcomings. However, overall the album isn’t bad as SeungRi plays his role well and manages to come across as a solo star.

Tracklist

1. VVIP
2. 어쩌라고  (What Do You Want Me To Do)
3. 창문을 열어  feat. G-Dragon (Open the Window)
4. Magic
5. I Know feat. IU
6. White Love
7. Outro (In My World)

[Update]: Z-Chen & Fish Leong - '一家一 (One plus One)' (2010) MV

I previously posted about this song (Note # 12), and the MV was released recently (Jan 2011). I really like it! It's very sweet!

Watch it below:






Extra: Z-Chen performed "凌晨三點鐘 (3 am)" live on the show, 康熙來了, on Dec. 22, 2010. I really like his live performances

Khalil Fong - ' 玩樂 (Play)' (2009)

Just catching up on some Khalil Fong's music. This song was released in late 2009 for a Nokia commercial. It's a mid-tempo R&B/Soul song that he composed and produced.


Listen below:

New Music: Standing Egg (스탠딩에그) - 'Have You Ever Been In Love with Ra.D (Acoustic Ver)' (digital single)

A new song with Ra.D!!

Anyways, Standing Egg (스탠딩에그) is a Korean indie group consisting of composers, and they recently release a digital single called "사랑에 빠져본 적 있나요 with Ra.D (Acoustic Ver) (Have You Ever Been In Love)" on Jan. 17, 2011. It's a mid-tempo Soul song, and it sounds really nice!

Tracklist:

1. 사랑에 빠져본 적 있나요 with Ra.D (Acoustic Ver.)
2. 사랑한다는 말 (inst.)

Listen below:

Brutha - 'Love Must Carry On' (2011)

A new mid-tempo R&B song by Brutha with nice beats and vocals. Brutha is a 5-member boy group, and they are all brothers! They debut back in 2008.

Listen below:

New Music: As One - 'Taste of Love' (digital single)

As One is a Korean female duo that debut back in 1999. They recently released a single titled "Taste of Love" on Jan. 17, 2011. The title track, "You Are My Baby" is a slow-tempo R&B love ballad.


Tracklist

1. You Are My Baby



Listen below:

Album Review: Ra.D (라디) - ‘Vol. 1 My Name is Ra.D’

Album release date: 2002
Genre: R&B/Soul

Rating: 4/5
Review by: jct

                  

On his debut album, Vol. 1 My Name is Ra.D, Ra.D delivers well-sung R&B music with a unique style. Not only does he compose nearly all the songs, he also arranges them, and the results are impressive. On this album, he sings about the process of meeting and parting with love as well as friendship.

Personality & Style

The album’s title track, “So One” is a mid-tempo R&B song about wishing a lover could come back to him as he sings, “If you come back, you can make my wish come true/ I would be happy if you come back, that’s my wish/ So One/ I only have one wish, only one”.  Another highlight is “바램 (Hoping)”, which is a mid-tempo R&B love ballad with comforting beats and tender vocals, “I hope I could be with you, just the two of us/ I won’t wish for anything more/... you can imagine with joy/  I’ll give you all the happiness and we can live happily/ I want to be with you.” Simple yet honest lyrics like these as well as arranging all the songs on his own add to Ra.D’s reputation as a talented song-writer in R&B/Soul music.

Also deserving mentioning is the cover, “White Christmas” which has a more R&B flavour, and he sings it completely in English. Other notable songs include “내가있어 (I’ve Got)”, “Coming to Your Mind”, “넌 내게 했던 얘기를 (You talked about me)”, and “난 네게... (I offer you…)”.

A major highlight of this album is that there is more R&B/Soul and less hip hop sounds which is great because Ra.D’s vocals and style can stand out more, without being overwhelmed by hip hop. In all the songs, he sounds strong and delivers the emotions well, but he wouldn’t be considered a top-tiered vocalist.

Although the topic matter is the same in this whole album, he does switch things up a little when it comes to his backing music, which makes his R&B/Soul music style unique. The album has some slight drawbacks, but it’s Ra.D’s distinctive personality and unique style that hold the album together and make it a cohesive package instead of just a collection of songs. Overall, Vol. 1 My Name is Ra.D is a very solid album.

Tracklist
1. Intro
2. Comin to Your Mind
3. 난 네게... (I offer you…)
4. 내가있어 (I’ve Got)
5. 요술공주 세리 (feat. Master Wu) (Magic Series - OST)
6. Media Doll (feat. UMC)
7. Never Forget 2002 (skit)
8. Can I Get A Little Bit
9. 바램 (Hoping)
10. 소원 (So One)
11. To Homies
12. 홀로서기 (Being On My Own)
13. 넌 내게 했던 얘기를 (You talked about me)
14. White Christmas (Bonus track)
15. Satisfy? (Outro)

Frankie J - 'When Love Rings Your Bell' (2011)

Frankie J has a new song!! It's a slow-tempo R&B song with smooth vocals as always. He seriously needs to release a new album!

Listen here:



Lyrics: 

Butterflies, in my stomach
Every time I feel you coming
I can’t deny, what I feel inside
But this time you have won
This heart of my heart
You convinced me to never leave
Again you made me believe
Uncovered my eyes to see
And now I’m on my knees


When love rings your bell
You better answer the door,
Don’t leave it go home
When love reach your bell
You better open the door 
And don’t let it go home
When love rings your bell
You better answer the door,
Don’t leave it go home
When love rings your bell
Receive well, 
Before it don’t come back no more


Time and time, I can’t done running
I didn’t care, I din’t wanted
But something changed, the day you came
You gave me another chance
Another try
Well you convinced me to never leave 
Again you made me believe
And you uncovered my eyes to see 
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com 
And now I’m on my knees


When love rings your bell
You better answer the door,
Don’t leave it go home
When love reach your bell
You better open the door 
And don’t let it go home
When love rings your bell
You better answer the door,
Don’t leave it go home
When love rings your bell
Receive it well, 
Before it don’t come back no more


Now where you wanna be?
If you never came and rescued me
Love was true to me
I wanna thank you for bringing my baby


When love rings your bell
You better answer the door,
Don’t leave it go home
When love reach your bell
You better open the door 
And don’t let it go home
When love rings your bell
You better answer the door,
Don’t leave it go home
When love rings your bell
Receive it well, 
Before it don’t come back no more.

Lyrics credit: sweetslyrics 

Ginuwine feat. Tank - 'Heaven' (2011)

I haven't heard from Ginuwine for so long!! Ginuwine and Tank are great R&B singers with smooth and nice vocals. This song is also produced by B.Cox!  Awesome! I miss this kind of R&B...

Listen here:



Lyrics:
[Verse 1:]
Ohh I don’t never wanna go back
Cos back seems so far
There’s nothing like my secret place
Girl that’s what you are
Patiently awaiting at the gate
Til you call my name
Cos everytime that I came in
I’m taking away

[Chorus:]
Everytime we get it on
It feels like (heaven)
Angels sing trumbets blow
Like i’m in (heaven)
It’s like i’m… way up there
My god you’ve finally answered my prayers
I ain’t never leaving home
Cos i’m in (heaven)
Heaven

[Verse 2:]
Glad I got my life together
I made it in
Cos being here’s so much better than where i’ve been
I’m enjoying these streets of gold
So perfect and it won’t get old
So glad that I could stay forever
Don’t ever let them sin
Cos…

[Chorus]

[Verse 3:]
The minute that you opened up the door
I swear it’s everything I waited for
Every little thing that you do
Keeps me caught up on you
Got me coming back for more
Cos i’m so hot I fly oh i’m enjoying the ride
And now i’m living in the clouds next to the sun
Your arms are open wide I hear you whisper welcome

[Chorus]

[Outro:]
It feels like (heaven, ohh)
Yeah it feels like (heaven, ohh)
It feels like (heaven, ohh)
Heaven

Lyrics credit: songonlyrics.com

Album Review: Ra.D - ‘Vol. 2 Realcollabo’, ‘Vol. 2.5 Realcollabo + RMX)

Album release date: 2008, 2009
Genre: R&B, Soul, Hip Hop    
Review by: jct

Note: This is a review for Ra.D’s Vol 2 and 2.5 albums since some songs from Vol. 2.5 are the same as Vol. 2, but remixes.

__

After a long hiatus of 6 years, Ra.D is back with his second album, Vol. 2 Realcollabo, and a year after Vol. 2, he released Vol 2.5 Realcollabo + RMX, which contain remixes of some songs from Vol.2 as well as new songs. All the tracks are marked with Ra.D's unique R&B, soul, and hip-hop sounds, that revolves around topics like family, friendship, and love.

Great Style          

All of Ra.D’s albums have a story, and this time in the second album, it’s about parting with love, new love, and his affection for family and friends. The title track, “Goodbye” is a slow tempo R&B love ballad about a broken heart but slowly moving on, as he sings smoothly, “Because the times we spent together was short/ It will always be regretful/ Please don’t forget about me, I won’t forget you either/ So that when we meet again, it won’t be too awkward.”

Also deserving mentioning is “I’m in Love” which is a song about falling in love with someone and taking a step forward to tell them, as he sings, “If I don't approach first, I’m afraid I would lose you/ So I wrote a letter and prepared a  small gift for you/ If my love for you gets deeper, I knew it would only hurt me more/  It’s true that my mind is full of fears/ With my anxious heart I prayed and hoped/ I believe that person is you/ I’m in love, I’m falling in love.” Other notable songs from these two albums include “너와 함께 있음을  (Your Perspective)”, “Mal Love (Promised Summer RMX)”, “너와 함께 있음을 (Lullaby RMX)”, “Couple Song feat. Kelley”, and “멋있는 친구(Cool Fella) (feat. 정인, 인발, DJ Bay with ziEyA)”.

Certainly style and song production are two things these albums have in abundance as he is able to capture the emotions of each song through his unique style of R&B, soul, and hip hop sounds. He also covers a wide range of topics from love to gospel songs, and manages to sound strong in fast-tempo R&B/Hip hop song as well as mellow and sensitive love ballads. The fact that Ra.D composes, arranges as well as mixing and mastering all the tracks to give listener new sounds is impressive.

One possible flaw with the album is the abundant number of guest appearances. The large presence of hip hop artists on some songs seems to overwhelm Ra.D’s vocals, and the song becomes too hip hop for R&B fans. However, the vocals of some of the female artists in the duets complement well with Ra.D’s voice.

Overall, Vol. 2 and Vol. 2.5 are very well-performed and well-produced albums that define R&B music nicely. These two albums are highly recommended for those who enjoy R&B seasoned with Soul and Hip Hop music.


Overall Rating
Vol. 2 Realcollabo – 4.5/5
Vol. 2.5 Realcollabo + RMX  -  4/5

Tracklist
Vol. 2 -  Realcollabo
1 . Intro
2 . Goodbye
3 . 떠난 내 님은   (Just Leave Me)
4 . 멋있는 친구(Cool Fella) (feat. 정인, 인발, DJ Bay with ziEyA)
5 . Sweet Love (feat. 꼬깔이)
6 . 엄마 (Mother)
7 . I'm In Love
8 . SP Collabo (feat. VJ, Steady B, KeBee, Sick Boi, UMC)
9 . Mal Love (feat. 인발, DJ Bay with ziEyA)
10 . Couple Song (feat. Kelley)
11 . 너와 함께 있음을  (Your Perspective)
12 . Happy Birthday 

Vol. 2.5 -  Realcollabo + RMX
1. Mal Love (Promised Summer RMX) (feat.Inbar)
2. Everything's gonna be alright (feat. 꼬깔이, 배켱, Inbar)
3. 너와 함께 있음을 (Lullaby RMX)  (Your Perspective)
4. I'm in love (Piano RMX)
5. Goodbye (Original mix)
6. 난 네게 (Acoustik RMX) (feat.Inbar) (For You, I Will)
7. I could sing of your love forever (Silky RMX) (feat. Grace Eun, 꼬깔이)
8. Jesus Loves me (Groovy RMX) (feat. 조수아, Hena) 

Album Review: One Way – ‘Rainy Days’

Album release date: January 2011

Genre: R&B/Hip Hop, Kpop

Rating: 3.5/5
Review by: jct

On their first full album, Korean male group, One Way delivers more catchy R&B/Hip Hop music as well as slow-tempo R&B materials. Although Rainy Days doesn’t break new grounds musically or lyrically, it’s still an enjoyable listen.

Some Shining Moments

The album contains 10 new songs and 4 bonus tracks (3 instrumentals + radio edit of 'Rainy Days'). However, there are only three really good songs on One Way’s full album, Rainy Days, and they happen to scatter in the beginning, middle and end of the album, which is in itself a smart strategy.  

First, the good: “Rainy Days” (both the Korean and English version) is a slow-tempo R&B song with a rap segment about a broken heart. The vocals are very calming and smooth as they sing, “Any chance I’m taking right now/ To shower down this pain/ Rainy days, rainy days/ Now that’s you’ve gone far away/ My raindrops pouring down my eyes/ You know I’ll never be okay.” Also, the background sounds of raindrops are a nice addition to the song.  

The next single, “Forever” is a solo song by Chance which was released as a digital single back in July 2010. It’s a slow-tempo R&B love ballad about the relationship of a typical couple as they go through many ups and downs. Chance dedicated this song to the love of his life, as he sings smoothly with romantic lyrics: “It’s been a long time since I met you/ The good memories come out one by one/ Like the black coffee that you like, along with the bitter memories”, and he continues, “Forever, Forever, Forever/ Happy tears flows down/ You and I just like this/ We’re going to stay together forever.”

The album ends off with the track, “A Thousand Words” which is a piano-based R&B ballad about a heart ache and wanting the lover to come back, as they sing passionately, “Cause soon I gotta find/ The ways of living without you, I’m losing my sight/ Of path we walked through together/ and baby tell me how/ does it have to be right now?/ you’re all that I’ve got all I need/ so I’m willing to say a thousand words put together, I love you.”

“Rainy Days”, “Forever”, and “A Thousand Words” are pretty much all there is in terms of above average songs. Most of the other 6 tracks aren’t particularly clever and may be considered clichéd rehashes. However, the production of the songs in general is decent and doesn’t rely on computerization and studio gimmicks, as they use distinct electric guitar sounds, and nice piano melodies. The album also has the right number of guest appearances and for the right songs, without overshadowing One Ways’ vocals.

Overall, there are some shining moments on Rainy Days, as the songs are well-sung, but most of the songs aren’t particularly spectacular or outstanding. However, the group is still young, and they’ve still got plenty of room to grow.

Tracklist
1. The Forecast (feat. One Sound Choir)
2. Rainy Days (feat. 준수 (Junsu) of 2PM)
3. New drag
4. 빠져 (Out)
5. Forever
6. Flight 101(feat. As one)
7. Can't stop
8. Coffee (feat. J.ae)
9. Rainy Days (Unplugged English Version)
10. A Thousand Words
11. Coffee (Trumpet version) - Bonus Tracks
12. Forever (Harmonica version) - Bonus Tracks
13. A Thousand Words (Harmonica version) - Bonus Tracks
14. Rainy Days (Radio Edited Version) - Bonus Tracks

New Music: Yoon Jong Shin (윤종신) - 2011 月刊 尹鍾信 January (digital single)

Yoon Jong Shin decided to continue releasing monthly singles in 2011, which he had started in 2010. On January 4, 2011, Yoon Jong Shin released the January monthly single titled " 2011 月刊 尹鍾信 JANUARY". The title song, "Happy New Year...With You (feat. 김광민 (Kim Kwang Min))" is a slow-tempo ballad that sounds somewhat like jazz on some parts. Jong Shin sings smoothly thoroughout the whole song, with the piano accompaniment by Kim Kwang Min. He's a very good pianist, I must say. Overall, it's a nice and soothing song.


Tracklist
1. Happy New Year...With You (feat. Kim Kwang Min)



Listen below:

Ra.D - Music Videos

"Mal Love feat Inbar (인발)" (2009) - 




"소원 (So One)" (2002) -