Some new digital releases I listened to on my way to Canada...

Artists in today's new single feature:
(Row 1) Bekah, Brave Brothers, (Row 2)  GP Basic,
(Row 3) Jang Hye Jin and Yesung,
(Row 4) BGH to, and Goo Ji Sung

I'm currently writing this blog in my Aunt Rodel and Uncle Carl's home in Mississauga, Canada. I took two weeks off from work so that I could attend a family reunion that my dad's side of the family had organized to help everyone reconnect, share and pass on stories (especially for the younger ones). When I received the invite, I took it as a sign for a well-deserved break from work.

The great thing about being on a vacation is that I'm also able to listen to take some time to listen to music --- especially some new singles that have just recently come out.

Bekah - "Take Me To The Place"

When Pledis Entertainment created "After School", the whole idea was to create a female idol group with a regularly rotating roster of talents. At some point, senior members of the team eventually graduate, and talents who are ready to debut are plugged in regularly.

Everyone thought that Pledis had abandoned that concept since nobody has graduated from After School since it was created, and has grown from it's original 5 members to a now whopping 9 member team. But recently it was announced that Bekah, After School's main rapper, would be graduating from After School in order for her to pursue her dream of becoming a designer.

To commemorate her graduation from After School, Bekah released a solo single titled "Take Me To The Place". It's a cool and laid back R&B styled track, but what's interesting is that it's sung entirely in English!

Brave Brothers – "Break Up" 

(feat. Electroboyz and Kikwang)

Here's another reason for me to love Korean hip-hop. For those of you who are wondering who The Brave Brothers are, they're actually producers who were under YG Entertainment, but decided to jump ship and form their own production outfit. They're well-known for working with Pledis Entertainment's stable of talents, such as Son Dambi, After School and Boyfriend (at least now you're not confused why they always say "Brave Sound").

For this single, The Brave Brothers are collaborating with the one-and-only Kikwang of BEAST, and another hip-hop group, The Electroboyz. It's a classic Brave Boys song --- fast-paced hip-hop and R&B laced with a lot of synthesized instrumentation.

BGH to - "Cotton Candy" 

(feat. Eun Jung of T-Ara)

Apparently "BGH to" is a girl group that just debuted last month. The group is actually a trio composed of Su Yeon, Hye Kyung, and Sun Min, and they've been collaborating mostly with Eun Jung of T-ara (she provides the rap for their songs).

The vocals of the girls are amazing... clean and crisp, with varying range. The track itself is laid back and easy to listen to, which makes for good listening when you want to relax. 

GP Basic - "Jelly Pop"

I've only heard of this group because there was a lot of news circulating around how one of the members of the group was prohibited from performing on TV because she was too young. This six members of this girl group (Zion, Leah, Trinity, Amet, Mui and Janey) have a combined average age of 14 (I really did calculate, and it really was accurate information).

They're making a comeback with their new single, "Jelly Pop". The song is characteristically electro-dance pop... very catchy and danceable. I was pretty surprised that 14 year olds could deliver this kind of performance (but then again, if they have the talent and they've been trained the way most talent agencies do train their idols, I shouldn't really be surprised).

Goo Ji Sung - "Bad Guy"

I find it weird when I'm searching for information on this girl, I usually end up either with rappers (because apparently she was featured in a hip-hop group's track, where she first gained some attention), and race cars (she used to be a race car model... go figure, right?).

Among the new tracks I've reviewed, so far this is my favorite. It's solid R&B with good vocal work and rap. It's the kind of track you would want to play when you want to chill at home.

Yesung and Jang Hye Jin - "I Am Behind You"

One thing that I'm sure about Yesung of Super Junior is that he shines best when he's singing a ballad. He has that kind of voice that evokes deep-set emotions.

This is an amazing ballad that's well sung by both Yesung and Jang Hye Jin. Both have amazing vocal range, and were able to communicate of the message well through their singing. I just wish somebody thought of making a kick-ass video for this song.