Teen Top's new album "Roman" shows a refreshing new image for our boys...

The boys of Teen Top (L to R): Chunji, L.Joe, CAP, Niel, Ricky and Changjo

I've been listening to Kpop for around 2 and a half years now, and I've seen lots of new groups debut, but only a few have impressed me as much as Teen Top has. This group came into the scene in 2010 with a strong and aggressive image when they first debuted with their single "Clap". What has sustained my interest in them is their ability to reinvent themselves (or maybe I should be giving a little bit of that credit to their agency, TOP Entertainment). Although they're relatively new to the scene, they have managed to establish a rather strong following in Korea.

They've just made a comeback recently with the release of their new mini-album, "Roman", last July 21. This time around, they aim to portray a playful, sentimental and romantic image with their new releases.


It's interesting to note that Teen Top is being managed by TOP Entertainment --- a talent agency owned by Andy Lee, one of the members of the legendary male idol group, Shinhwa. It's awesome to know that these guys are being mentored by veterans of the industry, and the results of that support and tutelage is seen in their body of work. They're awesome vocalists with varying range and style, plus they're awesome dancers! See for yourself by taking a look at one of my favorite Teen Top singles, "Supa Love".

"Supa Love" by Teen Top (MV with English Subs)

When they released their first two mini-albums, "Come Into The World" (2010) and "Transform" (early 2011), they focused a lot of developing a strong and aggressive image. It's a good contrast considering they're probably one of the youngest groups around (their leader, CAP is 20 years old; while their maknae, Changjo, is 17 years old).

"Roman" let's the boys relax a bit by shedding the dark and brooding image, and sees the boys becoming playful and romantic. It's a departure from what people are used to seeing them as, but it's an interesting and appropo image considering how old they really are. The album is composed of 5 original tracks, with varying musical genres.

Their launching single, "Don't Spray Perfume", reminds me a bit of the theme of "Noona Neomu Yeppeo - Replay" / "You're Pretty - Replay" by SHINee, since it's being sung to an older woman who's become the object of a younger man's affection. The situation becomes a little bit complicated since the guy already has a girlfriend, and he's asking his "noona" (older sister or girl) not to put on perfume because his girlfriend might find out that he's flirting with another girl. It's naughty, yeah... well, it's a guy song... what can I say.

The track is a mid-tempo electro-pop single. Although it didn't catch my attention as strongly at first, the song grows on your after listening to it a couple of times. It's got an interesting rhythm, and it doesn't overpower your ears with non-stop beats and thumping --- there are those dramatic pauses and build-ups that make a pretty good house track. The song definitely has club potential with a little remixing.

"Don't Spray Perfume" by Teen Top (MV with English Subs)

The next track in the album, "Beautiful Girl", follows the pace established with the first track, and pulls you in with a mix of R&B and hip-hop. The song is addictive, and showcases the boy's ability to harmonize as a group.

"Beautiful Girl" by Teen Top (Audio with English Subtitles)

"First Kiss" is probably my favorite track in this entire album. It's dark and sensual R&B mixed with powerful hip-hop and rap. The approach in slowing down the groove makes sense since it's all about making-out (hehehe!). I love the fact that CAP and L.Joe get to stretch out their parts in this track, since we don't get to hear them a lot in most of Teen Top's tracks (as opposed to Niel and Chunji). Total eargasm, my friends... you've got to listen to this song!

NOTE: Of course, you're beginning to think, if the song is THAT GOOD, then why didn't they lead off with this is the first place? My answer --- a conservative Korean TV industry with strong censors. I'm pretty sure as soon as their sensors see that this song is all about outright making out, they'll be banning this from a mile away! Oh well...

"First Kiss" by Teen Top (Audio with English Subtitles)

Slowing the pace even further is the pop-ballad "The Back Of My Hand". No other song in this album showcases the shift in image and style being made by Teen Top more than this short and sweet song. It's an amazing pop-ballad with awesome group harmonies. CAP and L.Joe make another go at rapping in this song, and it always amazes me to see how rapping in Kpop pop-ballads don't seem so forced, and can even build up the emotion of the song.

"The Back of My Hand" by Teen Top (Audio with English Subtitles)

It's rare that a new idol group is able to release multiple mini-albums within a year, but Teen Top has managed to prove that they can consistently provide great material, and show their audience that they're masters of reinvention as well. It's been nearly a year since they've debuted, but they have managed to deal hit-after-hit with their releases. I'm pretty sure most of their fans, including myself, are looking forward to what's next.