Discovering the talents of Code-V in their latest album, "Honestly"

The boys of Code-V --- (L to R): Min Ho, Jaewon, Naro, Sangwoo and Sol

I honestly wasn't sure what urged me to review Code-V's recently released album "Honestly". A lot of things weren't really working for their favor to get a lot of attention for their launch...

1. They aren't a well known Kpop group. For the most part, they are obscure internationally (I didn't even know about them, and I research a lot already!)

2. Their album didn't really ring a lot of bells in terms of media exposure. The album was released with the least amount of pomp I've seen for a group that seems to be making a comeback (yes, they've been around... since 2007, in fact! Although they've already changed group names already). No bells and whistles on Korean TV and not many appearances to help promote the album (which is really unusual for a male idol group).

What made me review this album then?

Well, you'd understand what I felt when I began to listen to their music. It's hard for me to admit, but this group is composed of some of the most talented vocalists I've ever heard in a male idol group.

Code-V during their 2010 comeback with
ex-member Taemin (2nd from the left)

The group is composed of 5 members --- Sangwoo, Naro, Sol, Jaewon and Min Ho. This group has been to hell and back since they debuted in 2007. Based off on what I've read online, Code-V originally debuted in 2007 as a group called "Bless" (and you'll notice in some of their songs, they mention "Bless is back"). They didn't do very well in their initial foray into the Korean music industry, and came back into the limelight named as Code-V (which stands for "Vision, Voice, Vital-Variety, Vital-Visual Signs"... that's a lot in one breath! hahaha!). The sad part of this story is that the boys also experienced pretty much the same thing for their comeback, which led to the exit of their ex-member / ex-leader Taemin, who eventually was replaced by their new maknae, Min Ho.

I'm not one to dwell on the past, so I'd rather focus on what drew me to them in the first place... the awesome music that they put in front of them. Their vocal harmony is amazing and seemingly effortless --- and this goes for both their recorded and their live performances. It's amazing to see these many great vocalists in one group.

A good example of how good they are as singers is their launching track from the album, "I'll Say It Honestly". It's a passionate ballad about lost love and letting go. I guess I have a thing for Korean ballads since I like 2AM, Four Men, and balladeers like Kim Bum Soo and The One too --- Code-V is a strong contender when it comes to this genre. They've got a strong R&B feel, and the song brings the tune closer to the blues with a slower, melancholy rhythm (love the way the electronic synthesizer creates that blues-y mood during the non-chorus parts of the song).

The video was very well produced too. Loved the lonely atmosphere created by the group scene with the car in the middle of a dirt road, and the use of the color filter that gives it a hazy retro feel. The camera angles are also interesting, utilizing tight transitioning from shot to shot (nearly abrupt, but the next cut scenes are connected so you don't feel entirely alienated from the change).

Sol, one of their members, is also the male lead for this video. It's cool how his acting is cool and subtle, but deliberate at the same time).

"I'll Say It Honestly" by Code-V (MV with Eng Sub)

Another personal favorite of mine is their re-release of their 2010 hit "Addiction" (which, back then, I wasn't really aware of hehehe!). Although this song was produced prior to Taemin leaving their roster, the track showcases how these guys can easily shift gears from ballads to mainstream Kpop. The song's production value is just like any electro-dance pop --- infused with a lot of percussion and bass beats. The key element in the mix though is Code-V's amazing harmony. I'm amazed particularly with Jaewon since he doesn't look like your typical male idol group rapper... his skills are mad good (and his English pronunciation is pretty good too!).

"Addiction" by Code-V (MV with Eng Subs)

NOTE: This MV was released during Code-V's 2010 comeback, so 

you should also see their former leader, Taemin, in the video. Obviously, 

Min Ho's not yet in the picture.

Another similar song in the album that I like which follows the same vein as "Addiction" is their second track, "Go!". The song is offers an interesting contrast when it shifts between the frenetic chorus and the briskness of its non-chorus sections.

"Go" by Code-V (Audio Only)

"I'm More Sad", Code-V's 6th track in the album, is another interesting song which fuses elements of R&B, hip-hop and electronica. It's not as fast paced as "Go!" or "Addiction", but the vibe is laid back and rather addictive.

"I'm More Sad" by Code-V (Audio Only)

The rest of the album is composed of many well-made ballads, some of which were released in well-known Korean dramas (i.e. Giant, Baker King Kim Tak Gu). I just find it hard to believe though that for a group as talented as Code-V they haven't found that sweet spot yet that would cement their place among the top stars in Kpop. Maybe they've focused so much on delivering excellent vocal harmony that they haven't spent as much time making the rounds for media exposure. Maybe their handling agency may not have the network to compete with larger management agencies. Who knows.

One thing is for certain, Code-V is the real thing --- true talent rounded up in a collection of excellent songs!