Hwanhee returns to the spotlight with his first-ever full solo album!

When I was reviewing the list of new albums that came out a week or so ago, I saw the name "Hwanhee", and I told myself that the name sounded so familiar. I googled his name up and gave myself a facepalm for having forgotten that this guy used to be part of a very famous Kpop duo named "Fly To The Sky", where he was teamed up with balladeer Brian Joo. Both these guys are amazing singers, and have gone solo as early as 2009.

Hwanhee's self-titled album is a well-balanced combination of awesome R&B tracks and ballads. I kid you not when I say that this album is so well-produced that I had to ask for second opinions just so that I could finalize the list of tracks that I would be featuring in my article. Hwanhee apparently was set on making this album a success, and it shows in the final result.

Sunny Hill pushes the limit with their new single "Pray"...

The members of Sunny Hill (L to R): Jang Hyun, Misung, Kota, Seung Ah, and Ju-B

I first got to know Sunny Hill when I listened to their immensely successful mini-album, "Midnight Circus" (if you haven't read my review for that album, click here). "Midnight Circus" was a departure from Sunny Hill's usual spanking clean and wholesome image. It was a risk that paid off with a multi-chart hit that's still making waves until now.

I was surprised to learn that they came up with a follow-up track to their last single release. Their follow-up track and MV, "Pray", truly pushes the envelope on artistic expression, and expands their repertoire of cutting edge hits.

Navi returns to serenade us with her new single, "Diary"...

While doing a review of new singles last week, I discovered a single from an artist that I felt I wanted to do a spot on since I liked her music a lot. Her name is Navi (which is the Korean word for "butterfly"), and she's an R&B singer in Korea. she's making a comeback with her new single, "Diary", which was just released last week (to be precise, that was on July 1).

Navi's been making waves in Korea since she debuted in 2008 with her song "I Love You", which she sang together with Tablo of Epik High. I mentioned earlier that she's an R&B singer, although that doesn't necessarily mean that she doesn't have a good amount of versatility. She does dabble in different genres of music, but I noticed in her MVs that her delivery would always have that R&B flavor. 

So many new singles, so little time... (Part II)

Our featured artists for this article (L to R): Navid, In So Yoon, The Name,
Brian Kim and Daniel Lee (Krygen) and Mikey (Turbo)

Like I mentioned last week, I still had a few more artists to feature who have recently released new singles for the past couple of weeks. Their songs are great, and I want to share them with the hope that we all broaden our musical horizons, even when it come to Korean music and Kpop (hehehe!). 

As usual, there isn't much written about these artists in English (with the exception of Mikey of Turbo, since Turbo used to be a wildly popular group in the 90's), so I won't be able to give my usual intros to these folks; but then again, it's all about the music, right?

Shin Hye Sung journeys along the "The Road Not Taken"...

Shin Hye Sung --- Lead Vocalist of the legendary male idol group, Shinhwa

Shinhwa is a name that carries with it a legacy in the Korean music industry. Having debuted in 1998, it's most notable achievement is the fact they're the longest functioning male idol group in the history of the Korean music industry (at 13 years running... wow, right?). In an industry where music groups pretty much come and go, Shinhwa is a picture of continuing growth and loyalty to their fan base. Although the group is currently in extended hiatus because members of the group are either pursuing their solo career or are in the military service, they haven't disbanded and maintain their close ties by supporting each other in their individual activities.

Shin Hye Sung, lead vocalist of Shinhwa, is probably the most musically prolific member of the group considering that he has been a solo artist the longest in the group (since 2005, releasing a total of 9 albums), and, apart from being a vocalist, is also well-known as a song writer. He makes a comeback this year with his 4th full studio album titled "The Road Not Taken".

So many new singles, so little time... (Part I)

We've got a storm of new singles this month ---
(L to R): Cha Ji Yeon, Cheon Soa and MC Shin Gun, and Lady Jane

Apparently summer time in Korea is the best time to drop a new album or to make a comeback. It makes a lot of sense since most kids are out of school and have the time to check out new stuff online or in music stores --- it's a sure fire way to ensure your stuff gets listened to. For the past three or so weeks, the trends been drop after drop of new digital singles and albums just raring to get an earful of that summer pie!

I was able to shortlist some digital singles that I'd like to share with everyone, but the list was just a bit too hefty to cover in one blog post. I thought it best to divide the post into two so it would be easier to digest and appreciate the content. Definitely we've got some variety in this list... so there's something for everyone!

Kim Bum Soo goes deep into your heart with "Solista Part 2" ...

 

There are few artists who make a mark on the Korean psyche, and if they do, they're pretty much etched into their national consciousness --- and if there's one thing that Koreans love, it's their love songs. If music is the language that bridges culture, then love is the soul of that language that binds us all. In the time I have spent appreciating Korean culture and music, I see how Koreans (and I guess their international audience too) are drawn to artists who are able to effectively express and communicate this timeless theme.

Kim Bum Soo is such an artist. He's a balladeer who finds his roots in R&B and soul music, but his talent shines when it comes to the ballad. He's an exceptional singer who is able to communicate the beauty and sadness (and often madness) of the different faces of love.

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.

More than ballads for Baek Ji Young in "PITTA"...

I got excited over Baek Ji Young releasing her newest album, "PITTA", last Thursday. There are lots of really talented soloists in Korea, and if there were any solo artists that I wanted to hear more of, one of them would be her.

Baek Ji Young is considered the Queen of Ballads in Korea, and her voice is absolutely a joy to listen to. Deep, rich and passionate, and often leering towards the desperate when the message of the song calls for it. She's not exactly a power diva, but she knows how to make people tear up... that's real talent!