SHINee - SHINee World

SHINee – SHINee World
Release Date: 29 August 2008
This review is written by Nian Xi. It is a personal opinion, and no personal attacks are intended.

1. The SHINee World (doo-bop)
2. 사랑의 길 (Love's Way) Sarangui Gil
3. 산소 같은 너 (Love like Oxygen) Sanso Gateun Neo
4. 너 아니면 안되는 걸 (ROMANTIC) Neo Animyeon Andwae Neungeol
5. 그녀가 헤어졌다 (One for Me) Geunyeoga Heojyeotda
6. 화장을 하고 (Graze) Hwajangeul Hago
7. 마지막 선물 (Last Gift) (In my room-Prelude) Majimak Seonmul
8. 내 곁에만 있어 (Best Place) Naegyeote Manisseo
9. 혜야 (Y Si Fuera Ella) Hye Ya
10. 눈을 감아보면 (Four Seasons) Nunmeul Gama Bomyeon
11. In My Room (Unplugged Remix)
12. 누난 너무 예뻐 (Replay) Noona Neomu Yebbeo

SHINee released their first album for their debut, entitled SHINee World, which is also the name of their fanbase. Compared to their previous mini-album, Replay, this album displays SHINee as individuals who are beginning to shred their images as teenagers and trying to venture into the adult world. They croon more ballads than expected, which is in contrast with their bright and sunny identities.

The title track, The SHINee World, is an upbeat production, which is a very relevant portrayal of SHINee’s intended image as a contemporary group. The song has dynamic techno music, with lyrics custom-tailored as an official introduction to the newly debuted group. Despite its being a fast track, the harmonization done is close to flawless. The unique part of the song has to be Min Ho’s rapping near the end – he wrote the lyrics himself - where he introduces each member together with their monikers.

The current hit of the album is Love Like Oxygen, which is a remake of Martin Hoberg Hedegaard’s Show The World, at a lower key. Jong Hyun’s voice sounds a little strained when he does the verses, even though he has a voice that resembles Martin’s. It may not be a typical song that many prefer, but the song is well done as a group song overall.

For the ballads, the most outstanding tracks have to be Love’s Way and Romantic. Both songs have very soothing melodies, in which the lead singers - Jong Hyun, Onew, and Key - proudly show off their extraordinary vocal styles. Romantic tingles listeners with moved emotions, while Love’s Way adds a more novel and refreshing feel to the album. In My Room (Unplugged Remix) is an acoustic version of the original song, accompanied by a piano piece, complete with smooth harmonization. Last Gift is also embraced by a beautiful piano melody flowing seamlessly throughout the song. The lyrics of these songs are written sentimentally, reflecting the boys’ anticipation of what love could give.

One For Me, Graze, and Best Place are some of the mid-tempo tracks collected in the album. Although they have similar beats, they are still enjoyable to be listened to in their own ways. Best Place has light-hearted music and is very pleasant to the ears. Four Seasons has a slower pace, but it is a disappointment as it does not leave very profound impression.

Jong Hyun has done a solo song, Hye Ya, which is a cover of Y Si Fuera Ella, a Spanish song by singer Alejandro Sanz. The song is relatively difficult to sing to, but Jong Hyun has shown the world his ability to twist and turn his vocal frequently, and still manages to give a perfect performance of the song.

Replay was included in their mini-album as the title track. It is catchy and the rhythm is addictive, and it is potentially the song chosen to be played repeatedly in your iPod. Unlike most love songs, the lyrics speak of the affection that a younger boy has for a girl who is older than him. Thus, Replay stands out a lot among many title songs. Interestingly enough, the song has also helped SHINee successfully attract a colossal number of noona fans, which is the reason why the group plummeted to popularity in a short period of time.

It is an amazement how these five newcomers could produce a stellar album at such tender ages. Jong Hyun plays an impressive tenor of the group with his frequent belting; Onew has a wide vocal range; Key projects a distinct voice; and Min Ho blazes with his strong rapping skills. The youngest Tae Min has his fair contribution to the songs. Sadly, his vocal is weak and is often overpowered by the other members’ voices. Other than brilliant vocals, the album also excels with smooth music textures. With this successful debut, SHINee holds all the aces to emerge as stars with multiple talents.

***

This is the first formal and more professional review that I write for celebrity album. I was actually doing it for a forum, and I think I quite enjoy it. I might consider doing more reviews in the future. =D

FT Island - Colourful Sensibility

Hmm... It's been a while since I last paid attention to FT Island, and I see some members orchestrated changes for their images. Hahaha... or should I say, ALL of them are different from the last time I saw them. That's a good thing, it's time for them to project something refreshing and novel. The boys are growing up hey!

Another one of my lengthy review of their new album, Colourful Sensibility (I've done one on Cheerful Sensibility). Well, generally, the whole album is AWESOME from head to bottom. It doesn't give me the urge to stop or skip ANY one of the songs at all. I just continue listening to all 12 tracks. It's rather difficult to find an album like this, so props to FT Island for being so successfully in capturing my attention.

I do realise most of FT Island's songs are named "Sarang...". In Colourful Sensibility there are already four songs named after the word "love". I wonder why... Hahaha...

사랑후애 (譃爱) (Lying Love)
I believe this is the title song. It reflects some similarities with their older songs, with the similar genre and beat. Sometimes their songs confuse me because I can't differentiate which is which, in addition to the name-confusion I already had. So this track is basically very well-done, though it's not my most favourite song.

여자는 몰라 (Girls Don’t Know)
그대는 사랑입니다 (You Are Love)
These tracks are alright, not too addictive to me. I just have fun listening to them to sooth the ears, because they're composed with adequate use of musical instruments (no heavy metal even though it's semi-rockish).

Love Is
This song is cute! Reminds me of FT Island Song in their first album. Too bad I still have yet to find any MV on it. I foresee there will be smiles on the boys' faces!

멋쟁이 vs 예쁜이 (FT vs PRI) (The Cool vs The Pretty)
This sounds happy and quite catchy too! I'm guessing the lyrics are related to Primadonna, as the title states? That's a very creative name to be given to the song. Hahaha... I'm quite glad to see how artists always value their fans by inserting fans-related stuff in their songs. If I were a die-hard FT Island fan I would have died of pure bliss.

외워두기 (Memorize)
미워하고 원망하고 (Hate And Resentment)
I'm putting these two together because they're the primary songs that caught my interest the most. These are the two songs that make me hit the repeat button the most times. Hong Ki's performance on mainly the chorus is absolutely priceless. I could tell he put real emotions in singing the song, which was all conveyed through his husky voice. The other members (sorry I couldn't tell who) also did fantastically in the verses. These songs are just... beautiful. I can't wait to see them being incorporated in some melancholic Korean dramas. I swear, I could cry my lungs out to the dramas if that happens.

1분 1초도 (Even For One Minute And One Second)
Another beautiful ballad! Won Bin played the harmonica again eh? Hahaha... that signifies full talent utilisation. Hahaha... the song is quite unique, because I sense sadness and sweetness at the same time - sweet sorrow? Hahaha... Reminds me of one of their songs in Cheerful Sensibility, First Kiss.

사랑하지마요 (Please Don’t Love Me)
Ah... Hong Ki sweeps me off my feet again with his tearin'-up-my-heart vocal again! I swear, the guy is just natural and tailor-made to display his affection through songs. Mind me, I honestly thought the track sounds like songs from the 90s or even 80s. Reminds me of Otsuka Ai's song, Daisuki dayo.

사랑이라 부르는 이름 (A Name Called Love)
Troublemaker
Train
Track 10 is nice. The last two tracks must be the only two songs that are super upbeat, which is a genre that I kinda miss after listening to so many ballads previously. It's like they start with FT Island's style and end with FT Island's style again. I'm not saying that the songs arranged in the middle of album aren't FT Island's style, but I just find up-tempo songs are more typically FT Island. Hahaha...

Overall, the album is truthfully worthy to be bought, or at least, listened. I'm glad to hear more solo performances from the rest of the members other than Hong Ki. At least the songs are not predominated by Hong Ki alone only.

Cooking dramas

... and trying to digest each one of them. Ever since the beginning of May holiday I can't recall how many series I've actually watched. Most of them were Hong Kong series, because they are the only series that could keep me watching them continuously. I can't really stand Taiwanese dramas, not anymore. I am currently trying to watch TKA (it was interesting) but I spent quite a number of times fast-forwarding most of the segments. This is one thing that I'm getting disappointed with Taiwanese dramas - they lag so much. I'm afraid sooner or later they are getting worse than Korean dramas.

Anyway, let me count back the dramas I've watched. First and foremost, A Journey Called Life (Kam Sek Leung Yuen), starring Kent Cheng Chat Si, Steven Ma Choon Wai and Linda Chung Kah Yan. The story revolves around how modern but ordinary people deal with the various tragedies, dramas, traumas happening in life. It's quite refreshing, because the dramas in the show NEVER STOPPED! It's like before a wave dies down, another wave rises up (Chinese idiom, go figure it out). I vividly remember that I spent only two days to finish up the whole show, so you could see how addicted I was.

Linda's acting improved so much! I hardly recognise her anymore because... she transformed quite beautifully. Her chemistry with Steven was awesome. There was this scene that showed how she gave birth to her stillborn baby and it was so heart-breaking to watch. I guess they really poured all their emotions into portraying the scene.

Next was some ancient Hong Kong series which I couldn't remember its name. That was kinda ridiculous, because... Yumiko Cheng just isn't the girl who could star in ancient shows.

Then there was The Money-Making Recipe (Si Nai Gu San). Jesus! Kiki Sheung and Michael Tse just WEREN'T meant to be! Gosh! What the hell is wrong with the producers? They were a married couple? Please! They look more like siblings to me! Nevertheless, the drama was mainly about the sharemarkets. Helped me quite a lot in business I must admit.

I also watched YYSJY (Ying Ye San Jia Yi). This was the only drama that I watched entirely from the internet - all thanks to Youtube. It was great, and I was REALLY impressed with Qiao En and Ming Dao's acting. They just showed pure and impeccable expressions! For a moment I actually thought that they were real, as in real Xia Tian and real Ah Jiang! I think I enjoyed this more than Wang Zi Bian Qing Wa.

Just finshed Forensic Heroes 2. Interesting, because I give them credits for being able to create so many cases with suspense (although I don't really get curious most of the time). I think they depended on too much chemical assistance... hahaha... well basically it means that, if you realised, in the show no matter what kind of cases they encountered with, they just need to send ALL evidences to the chemistry lab and the DNA tests will direct them to the murderers. Plus, they did things too complicatedly until I couldn't believe that there is such thing existing in the world. Puh-lease... if the forensic teams WERE that great there wouldn't be so much chaos in this world - we wouldn't need to forensic team anyway. The solutions went too fast, so I actually hoped they could slow down the series a bit.

Now, trying to finish TKA (They Kissed Again) AS SOON AS POSSIBLE because the DVDs aren't mine. I wasn't that obssessed before I saw the kissing scene Arron Yan had with Petty Yang! OMG! I can't believe he showed up in TKA! I mean, I DID hear about his participation but nothing concerning their kissing scene! God! I'm still on episode 6 and I WILL get to the kissing scene soon (episode 10). Hmmppph! Dad caught glimpses of the drama's progression and his reaction was "This show is so sexual!" OMG! Can you believe he said that about TKA? Well, thanks to the kissing scenes Joe Cheng Yuan Chang and Ariel Lin Yi Chen had; three scenes are enough to give my dad a connotation of the whole drama theme/plot. They DID kiss too much - 40 or more scenes - but it was really... weird. I just fast-forwarded most of the intimate scenes because they were quite boring.

Speaking of which, I agree that recent Taiwanese dramas are trying to use SEX to sell their series. Fated To Love You and TKA... there are more I know. God! I don't know if I will cringe if I saw the making out scene in FTLY because I heard it was HOT! Then dad will come in and start his "Sexual" talk again.

Girls' Generation, signifies girl power

Alright, many people must know that I am a huge supporter of girl power. At least you could decipher this from what I have written in my previous blog entries. BoA must be my idol, because I think it is very obvious that she is an extreme hard-worker and an artist who refuses to be defeated by challenges. To be honest, she is quite lucky to have made it to her place she is on right now, but I think most of her hard-work contributed to it. She is barely twenty-five, but she is already earning ten times my parents do, and garnering probably ten times the attention Matsushima Nanako gets in Japan. Now, don't bash me for that, for I really feel that BoA is... I don't know, humongous in Japan.



Look at her! Don't you think she's the typical dream girl for all guys?

With that said, I think it pretty much explained why I named my blog after one of her songs, Girls On Top - now I know it carries a connotation of something else, but please stop being horny! If you read the lyrics of the song, it is practically what I've wanted to say all this time!

So back to the topic about girl power, which leads to my next recent obsession - Girls' Generation a.k.a. Seo Nyeo Shi Dae. They are a Korean pop group consisting of nine teenage girls around my age, focusing on mainly bubblegum-pop and R&B. I wouldn't say they are sexy, but they could be the best examples to portray the word "youth". Here is a picture of the female version of Super Junior, who are also under the management of SM Entertainment.


So it's pretty clear that they are also DBSK, CSJH and BoA's juniors, debuted just last year August with their album entitled Girls' Generation. I was so blind to have not noticed them so soon. I figured there could have been so much fun if I had!

So a brief introduction of each member, ranking from first to last in accordance to my favourites.

First up will be YoonA, born 30th May 1990. Holla! She's younger than me but more successful than me, I know, but you don't have to remind me that. She is probably the most experienced member, because before she debuted in SNSD, she appeared in various MVs, such as Super Junior's U, one of Lee Seung Ki's MVs, DBSK's first Rising Sun concert, and is currently the leading lady in You Are My Destiny. I guess I am so envious of her but at the same time, I couldn't help but feel granted for SM. YoonA is certainly not to be underestimated, even though she isn't the lead singer or the leader in SNSD. She is one of the best dancers and one of the best actresses in the group, thus embellishing the group with more talents and making it more favourable.



Next tags along Yuri, who is just four days older than me!!! Unnie!! Ok, she might not be the best singer, but you should definitely watch her dancing on Super Junior's Attack Of The Pin-up Boys! She was featured in the movie as one of the dancers and she gave some great moves. Plus, she is one of the best dancers and she is really capable of pulling off just ANY kind of dance genres, including ballet! I guess she is gifted with this really nice figure and flexible joints. She also appeared in DBSK's Korean version of Beautiful Life MV, so you could see how close the two groups are.

Her pictures are currently used as my display pictures in almost everywhere, and I guess I'm just soaked in vanity when people keep on complimenting me that I look very pretty. Look closer, people! Hahaha!

Guys, don't tell me your heart didn't skip a beat when you see this seductive wink of hers!

Third would be Tae Yeon, Miss Leader shi! I believe she doesn't look very peculiarly beautiful at first glance but she gradually melts your heart with her impeccable voice! Please, take a look (listen) at her solo, If, and try to convince me that she doesn't sing well. I'll make you lick the floor! She reminds me of an innocent and innocuous young girl, and some say she resembles BoA. Do you see the resemblance? Well, not really for me. There was an uproar of rumours claiming that she is secretly dating DBSK's Xiah Junsu, just because they gave each other a low high-five on stage during a performance in Hollywood Bowl, USA. I didn't buy that, because the high-five looked really normal and common. But later on there were observations saying how she was spotted shopping with Junsu in a department store - she was tousling Junsu's hair and Junsu pinched her cheek in return. That got me curious, although I try not to talk so much about it. I don't mind about who dates who whatsoever. In fact, I'm so thrilled about this! Junsu and Tae Yeon, both heavily gifted individuals, I won't be so brute and try to separate them (as it's not in my authority as well).


Next on is Seo Hyun, the magnae - the youngest. She is like two years younger than me, but so mature and precocious! You really wouldn't believe it! Here, take a look at her picture!

So guess her age?

She sings really well, although I think her voice could be kinda pitchy at some time. It is good nevertheless, because it enables the group to survive some songs with higher keys. I didn't think she looks good - ordinary - but she is one of those who grows on you as you watch more of her. I have a hunch that she is quite an obedient girl as well, considering how much she misses school after her debut. She cried in one of SNSD's candlelight talk, where she expounded that one of her biggest regrets is that she has to be negligent in handling her school work. *hearts* Oh, have I mentioned that she speaks really fluent Mandarin? I don't think she learnt it since she was young, but if she had such a result after learning it for a couple of years, I would say she is good with languages - though I think sometimes she speaks Mandarin as if like she's participating in public speaking.

Next up is Tiffany, whose original name was Stephanie, but was changed due to the clash of name with CSJH's Stephanie Kim Bo Yeong. She was born and raised in Diamond Bar, California, and therefore possesses a strong command in English, both spoken and written. I am skeptical about her singing however, because I heard her singing off-key! Well, it's apprehensible, because she is one of those who acts as a spinal bone of the group when it comes to singing. Not all the girls have sweet voices, but Tiffany's vocal could be like... one of the better ones. I don't consider her one of the best though, after witnessing how she went off-key. I guess she still needs more practicing in her pitch-control before she could become like Tae Yeon.

I won't post up her picture, but if you know me, I have received comments that I look like her, except that she has really big eyes. O.O Hahaha...

Ok, it must be odd for me to put Jessica at such a lower rank, because she was the one who introduced me to SNSD. I didn't check much about the group until I heard about her rumours with Dong Hae, Kang In, Hee Chul and Jae Joong. I thought she looked like a doll at first, and she is quite decent and demure, but I think I need to think twice after watching her on variety shows and such. The fact that she was also a Californian once could contribute to her openness and inquisitiveness, but her confidence comes off as arrogance to me. I don't want to elaborate more about the reason, but it's all based on my personal observation on her attitude. Nonetheless, she has a husky but wonderful voice and I have no doubt of her capability to support the group vocally. She is fluent in English too, although unlike Tiffany, she developed a Korean accent now.

Soo Yeong is pretty, but she is very underrated! I guess it's because she doesn't get much lines in songs. I wouldn't say she sings good, because her voice is very ordinary. You could simply pull a random girl from the streets and ask her to sing a line of Merry-Go-Round, and you could get the same result as how Soo Yeong could do.

Hyo Yeon must be the best dancer in the group. I saw this video of her representing SNSD to deal with this dance battle with Wonder Girls, Kara and Black Pearl. I must say, compared to the others, she diffuses this do-not-mess-with-me aura on the dance floor, and her movements are really energetic! She looks like Song Hye Kyo in some angles, but I think I have yet to come to like her yet.

Sunny is also underrated, although I wouldn't say she is my favourite. Ok, I admit I detect her existence in SM as a result of nepotism. Well, please do not blame me for putting this so bluntly and brutally, but it doesn't help much getting to know that her father, her sister and her uncle are all SM staff members. I do think Sunny is potential, but I kinda resent her for getting the opportunity partially because of her relationship with the staff members. However, I give her props for being appreciative of the presents her fans gave her. I saw her wearing a shirt fans from SoShified presented her during Hollywood Bowl. I must say, I admire people like her who do not shove fans' presents aside or even sell them.

I'd like to clarify that this is purely my opinion, so I could have got my facts wrong. I hold no intension trying to insinuate and bad-mouth her. I apologise if I sounded harsh.

Time to get cosy

Whee! Exam is finished! Well, actually it's done five days ago. I was busy watching dramas online and goofing off that I didn't post here.

Ok, exam wasn't really good, so I try to put that off my mind.

Mom is resurrecting the plan of going traveling again! It's thrilling, but I don't like her idea of following tour groups. I really dislike having people breathing down my neck and telling me where to go, when to go, what to do and what not to do etc... and traveling groups have all these characteristics. Mom and dad were arguing about more personal things and I don't think this is going to work out. Perhaps we will be postponing the vacation to September again, which makes it officially one year anniversary of postponing. My idea is to visit Hong Kong; big city with high living standard... my type, my type. Hehehe...

DBSK and SNSD (Girls Generation) just released a super cute CF for Samsung Anycall Haptic. I just love it, even though it was only a freakingly short 30-second clip! I am so happy that finally DBSK are working with girls, and PRETTY GIRLS.I'm really annoyed that some fangirls keep on claiming the guys as theirs and because of this CF, they are bashing SNSD. Grow up, kids! DBSK don't belong to anyone but themselves! Stop dreaming about marrying them and denying real professional female artists the rights to work with them! You don't know how many people like me are dying to witness that.

I can't post the video clip here, but I will post the pictures here! Aren't they beautiful?






My original support goes to Jessica and Jae Joong... please let it be true!!!