Kpop – List of R&B releases 2011 (Mid-Year)

Just summarizing all the R&B (includes R&B/pop, R&B/ballad, R&B/Soul, and some R&B/Hip Hop) releases by Korean artists. This is the mid-year list. I hope I didn’t miss out anyone, if so, you can comment below, and I’ll update the list.

January             
One Way – Rainy Days (full album)

As One – Taste of Love (digital single)Standing Egg  – Have You Ever Been In Love (with Ra.D) (Acoustic Ver.) (digital single)

SeungRi – VVIP (mini-album)

Yoon Jong Shin –  2011 月刊 尹鍾信 January (digital single)

February          
Kan Mi Youn – Sunshine (with Jun.K of 2PM) (digital single)

Yoon Jong Shin –  2011 月刊 尹鍾信 February (digital single)

LeeOn – 내게 하고 싶은 얘기 (If)  [I Want To Talk] (digital single) 
Jung Moon – U R My Lady (digital single)

March              
Yoon Jong Shin –  2011 月刊 尹鍾信 March (digital single)

Will2 – Ma Girl (digital single album)

Swings – 본능적으로 Remix (By Instinct) with Yoon Jong Shin & TaeYang

Wheesung – 가슴 시린 이야기 (Words That Freeze My Heart) (mini album)

Kim Tae Woo – Brothers&Me (with JYP and Rain) (single)

April                 
iSTORY -입 속이 타 들어가 (The Inside of My Mouth is Burning) (digital single)
Brian Joo – Uneveiled (mini album)

Daesung – Baby Don’t Cry (single from Big Bang Vol. 4.5 Special Edition)

Soulman – Second Single From The Road (digital single)
Jay Park – Take A Deeper Look (mini-album)

Swin - ChocolateMusic 3rd Anniversary Spring Day, Part 3 (digital single)

           

May                
Yoon Jong Shin – 2011 月刊 尹鍾信 May (digital single)

BEAST/B2ST – Fiction and Fact (full album)

Code-V – Honestly (full album)

N-Train – One Last Cry (digital single)

Jasmin - 봄이 (Spring) (digital single)

June
Brand Newjiq – Propose (digital single)
Enoch (에녹) - First (digital single)
015B - 월부터 6월까지 (From January To June) feat. Yoon Jong Shin                   

                      

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

Yoon Jong Shin released his July 2011 monthly single on June 30, 2011. The title track, "Shin's Rhythm for 20 years...(feat. Postino)", is actually a medley of 12 songs from his past albums! Most of the songs chosen are more upbeat and fun rather than his usual slower romantic love ballads. This is definitely a good way for new and younger fans to learn more about his music.

Tracklist
1. Shin's Rhythm for 20 years...(feat. Postino)

The 12 songs are in the following order:  
1. 고속도로 로맨스 (Expressway Romance) ** 
2. 친구와 연인 (Friends and Lovers) **
3. 영계백숙 (Chicken baesuk) (refer to After Shaving remix track)
4. 내사랑 못난이 (My Ugly Duckling) **
5. 바래바래 (I hope, I hope)
6. 바캉스매니아 (Vacation Mania) **
7. 즉흥여행 (Impromptu trip) **
8. 오늘의 날씨 (Today's Weather) **
9. 애인하나 없는 사람들을 위해 (For Those Who Don't Have A Boyfriend)
10. 팥빙수 (Patbingsu/Red Bean Sorbet) **
11. 막걸리나 (Rice wine)
12. 본능적으로 (Instinctively) **

** jct recommendation - worth listening to the full track


Listen below:

New Music: 015B feat. Yoon Jong Shin (윤종신) - '1월부터 6월까지 (From January To June)' (2011)

015B is a popular Korean ballad group. They recently released a mini-album entitled 20th Century Boy. Yoon Jong Shin made a guest appearance in one of the tracks, Track 2 - "1월부터 6월까지 feat. 윤종신 (From January To June feat. Yoon Jong Shin)". Actually the whole song is sung by Jong Shin! Hehe! It's a ballad/R&B track with smooth vocals and nice melody.

Yoon Jong Shin made his debut as a guest vocalist of the band 015B in 1990 and actively participates in the production of their albums. So, I was really hoping Jong Shin would be featured in their latest album, and he did!

Tracklist (modified):
2. 1월부터 6월까지 feat. 윤종신 (From January To June feat. Yoon Jong Shin)


Listen below:

New Music: Enoch (에녹) - 'First' (2011) (digital single)

Enoch (에녹) is a Korean male R&B singer who recently debut. His real name is 윤창영 (Yoon ChangYoung). His first single entitled First was released on June 21, 2011. The title track, "처음 봐  feat. Joseph, Seha (Look At The First)" is a mid-tempo R&B/Hip Hop song with nice vocals and melody.

Tracklist
1. 처음 봐 feat. Joseph, Seha (Look At The First)
2. 처음 봐 feat. Joseph, Seha (RMX ver) (Look At The First)


Listen below:

New Music: Brand Newjiq (브랜뉴직) - 'Propose' (digital single) (2011)

Brand Newjiq (브랜뉴직) is a Korean R&B male duo consisting of Francis and Hoody. They debut in 2008. They recently released a digital single entitled "Propose" on June 9, 2011. "Propose" is a slow-tempo R&B track with nice melody accompanied with sensual vocals.

Tracklist:
1. Propose
2. Propose (Instrumental)


Listen below:

Track 1:



Track 2:

Album Review: Khalil Fong – ‘15’

Album release date: 2011
Genre: Soul/R&B, Retro Rock, Jazz, Cpop
Rating: 3/5
Review by: jct

After a two year hiatus, Khalil Fong returns with his sixth album entitled 15. On this album, he takes his music in a different direction than the one he followed in the past. His usual traditional Soul/R&B has been put on the back burner and replaced by Retro Rock and some R&B/Jazz. Overall, the album is heavily guitar driven which fits the album title as it is a reference to the age he began learning to play guitar.

A Different Path

The album starts off with a mid-tempo R&B/funk track, “Gotta Make A Change” which is about.social and environmental problems in the world as he sings smoothly, “Listen to the tree they see everything you do/ Look up at the sky can’t you see all the things you do become a sign/ That everything you do has a reason for leaving/ If you think there’s a way to change your life/ Then it’s now time to say that I believe.”

The album features a strong guitar presence which marks a different path that Khalil is moving towards. Although he experimented outside the Soul/R&B genre in his past albums, many songs on this album set a tone that are different from what his fans may be used to such as “曇花 (Epiphyllum)” and “張永成 (feat. Ghost Style) (Zhang Yong Cheng)”. Fortunately, the album is not completely devoid of traditional R&B/Soul and romantic ballads. Some examples include the title track, “因為你 (Because of You)” and “好不容易 (Not So Easy)”. The latter track is worth mentioning as it was written to commemorate his friend’s wedding. A 60-piece orchestra is also used to deliver the song which is about commitment to love as he sings, “Because I only love you/ I’ve already changed/ I realized/ Not so easy, not so easy/ Not so easy to find love with you.” Also deserving mentioning are “Over”, which is a R&B/Jazz track about a broken heart and “無菇朋友(Mushroom-less Friend)” which is a sound based word play implying innocent friend.

It is impressive that Khalil wrote the lyrics, composed and produced most if not all the songs, but the lack of traditional R&B flavour is somewhat disappointing. Although Khalil has smooth and soulful vocals, the guitar sounds is sometimes too strong and overwhelm his vocals. Longtime fans of his may have been surprised by the musical direction he went with this album, but there’s no arguing that it shows that he is capable of delivering new things and sounds comfortable in it. This album certainly represents a major leap in many aspects of his musical skills.

Delight or Disappointment

This album represents a bold change in direction for Khalil, who has mainly followed a tradional Soul/R&B path. Although R&B/Jazz are enjoyable, the Retro Rock genre may not delight those who enjoy mainly R&B and R&B/Soul as it is too heavily guitar driven. Overall his latest work will either delight or disappoint listeners depending on whether one can accept his new music direction.


Tracklist:
1. Gotta Make A Change
2. 曇花 (Epiphyllum)
3. 張永成 (feat. Ghost Style) (Zhang Yong Cheng)
4. 因為你 (Because of You)
5. 情勝策略 (Love Wins Strategy)
6. 無菇朋友 (Mushroom-less Friend/ Innocent Friend)
7. 自以為 (徐佳瑩合唱) (duet with Lala Xu) (Self-Assumption)
8. 二人遊 (Two Person Tour)
9. Over
10. Take Me
11. 好不容易 (Not So Easy)

Yoon Jong Shin - Performances on Yoo Hee Yeol's Sketchbook 2011/06/03

Yoo Hee Yeol's Sketchbook held a special episode entitled "The Musician" for its 100th episode. Jong Shin appeared and performed one of his classic ballad "오래 전 그날 (One Day Long Ago)" which can be found in his 3rd album (Vol. 3). It was a good performance - his vocals are strong and intact. 

Watch below:

Jagged Edge - 'Baby' (2011)

Jagged Edge will be releasing a new album in June 2011. Their current single, 'Baby' is a mid-tempo R&B track with smooth vocals and great melody. Looking forward to the rest of the album.

Listen below:

Album Review: Jay Park – ‘Take A Deeper Look’ (mini-album)

Album release date: 2011
Genre: R&B/pop, Hip Hop, Kpop
Rating: 3.5/5                
Review by: jct

The kind of music on Jay Park’s first solo album, Take A Deeper Look, is exactly what is expected from him: enjoyable, energetic dance music with some slow jams. Take A Deeper Look is no masterpiece and it doesn’t aim to be. It’s simple, good-time music about having fun, dealing with girlfriend issues, and among other things. Although there are some obvious shortcomings, Jay proves here that he has no intention of being gone and forgotten anytime soon.

An Enjoyable Ride

On his first mini album, Jay provides a range of musical genres including R&B, pop, dance and Hip-Hop/rap. The album’s title track, “Abandoned (feat. Dok2)” is a mid-tempo R&B/pop track about a heart ache after knowing that a lover left him, and he feels alone and abandoned, as he sings, “I bet all things, just to always be with you/ I only got you/ Don’t go anywhere else/ But you left me, my heart hurts.” Also deserving mentioning are “Don’t Let Go”, which is a sensual and romantic R&B track, and “Level 1000 (with Dok2)”, a Hip Hop track where he expertly displays his rap skills. In some parts of the rap, surprisingly he sounds somewhat like Snoop Dogg.

Although Jay wrote all the songs and composed nearly all the songs, there are still some shortcomings. His vocals are limited and two-dimensional, and sometimes brittle and unremarkable. Also, the subject matter of the songs is almost completely unoriginal. However, his attempt in songwriting in his first solo album is still impressive. Although the number of guest appearances in this album is slightly abundant, they do not overwhelm Jay’s vocals and sometimes even help enhance the quality of the tracks.  

Overall, Jay may not be a top-tier vocalist, but he’s got enough charm and personality to make the things he sings enjoyable. Indeed, Take A Deeper Look is an enjoyable ride for those who enjoy R&B/pop and Hip Hop music.

Tracklist

1. Touch the Sky (ft. The Quiett)
2. Abandoned (ft. Dok2)
3. 오늘밤 (ft. 강민경 (Kang Min Kyung) of Davichi) (Tonight)
4. 너 없이 안돼 (Can’t Live Without You)
5. Don’t Let Go 
6. Level 1000 (with Dok2) 
7. Bestie 

Brother Su (브라더수) - 'It Was You' (2010) (digital single)

Brother Su is a Korean R&B singer-songwriter and also a rapper. He was recruited by Ra.D, and the first artist signed under Ra.D's label - Realcollabo. Brother Su released his first single, "It Was You" on February 10, 2010. The title track, "It Was You", is a slow-tempo R&B track with relaxing acoustic guitar sounds, romantic lyrics and smooth vocals.

Tracklist
1. It Was You
2. It Was You (Ra.D Remix)

Listen below:

Track 1

Track 2




Korean lyrics:

시간은 나와 흘러
걸음이 빨라 가끔은 느린 나를 울려도
가면을 쓴 사람들 가득찬 이곳에서 손 내민건 (It was You)

그렁그렁 매달린 눈물을 닦아준건 It was You
Could You Be My Darling 이젠 내가 널 안아줄게

You're Not Alone. I'll Be Here, Your Side
Don't be scared. 혼자가 아니란걸 알게 해준 너에게
I Just wanna thank you. I appreciate (it)
부끄러워 전하는 노래

왜 아무도 없어 따뜻함이 남은건
내 방구석에 남은 내 이불뿐이라고 생각했던 내게
MJ처럼 'You're Not Alone'
나도 모르는 사이 내게로 다가와 손내민건 It Was You

하루일에 지친 날 일으켜줬던건 'It was You'
Baby, Are You Listenin' 이젠 내가 널 안아줄게

You're Not Alone. I'll Be Here, Your Side
Don't be scared. 혼자가 아니란걸 알게 해준 너에게
I Just wanna thank you. I appreciate (it)
부끄러워 전하는 노래

길거리에서 마주치건 
지하철에서 마주치건
버스 정류장에서 마주치건

밤에 일기를 쓸때도
추워서 커피를 살때도
혼자 시트콤을 볼때도

길거리에서 마주치건 
지하철에서 마주치건
버스 정류장에서 마주치건

밤에 일기를 쓸때도
추워서 커피를 살때도
혼자 시트콤을 볼때도

You're Not Alone. I'll Be Here, Your Side
Don't be scared. 혼자가 아니란걸 알게 해준 너에게
I Just wanna thank you. I appreciate (it)
부끄러워 전하는 노래


Lyrics (English translated): 

Time flies with me
It walks too fast so it makes me cry sometimes
Among this place full of masked people 
The one who reached out to me, it was you

The one who dried my tearful eyes, it was you,
Could you be my darling 
Now I'll be the one who hold you 

Chorus:
You're not alone, I'll be here,  your side
Don't be scared
To you who let me know I was not alone
I just wanna thank you. I appreciate (it)
I'm shy so I send this song instead 

Why there's no one? 
I thought that the warmth left
Only under my bedclothes in my room
Like MJ "You're not alone" 
Who reached out to me while I don't know, it was you

Who raised my exhausted body up after day's work, it was you
Baby, are you listening
Now I'll be the one who hold you 

(Chorus)

Even when we meet on the street
Even when we meet on the subway
Even when we meet at the bus stop

Even when I write my diary at night
Even when I buy my coffee to ease the cold
Even when I watch sitcoms alone 

(Chorus) 

Korean lyrics credit: daum
English translated lyrics: jctmusicnotes, xxsashaxx