News...

Well...I have come to the conclusion that I really don't like blogger...but I like this blog...so...
I am moving it...
to wordpress...

http://huzzypop.wordpress.com/

It was in the middle of the mega post, that I just fell out of love with blogger. I really just don't think it looks nice...and I suck at it...so I am moving to something that is sleeker looking. Wordpress is just that. I will be moving a majority of my post over there, as well as tweaking some, and keeping the halfway through the year mega post, which will just turn into an end of the year one.
If you follow me over to wordpress, I am going to be ever grateful, and I will do my best to get on the ball with everything, if you don't...thank you for your time.

Because I needed something to write about: Girls' Day, AoA, and Bestie team up for a SNSD cover

While in the middle of writing my mega-half way through the year mega post (Which some of y'all got to read a little early), I found out that there was a special stage for the ladies. Three girl groups had come together to create a super-group to take on the likes of SNSD. 

Did they succeed?

SNSD's Mr. Mr. covered by Girls' Day, AoA, and Bestie

Find out my thoughts under the break!

Got7 releases the video to their latest single A

As said in another post, Got7 has returned. Their hiatus (if you want to call it that considering they have had a more visible presence in four months than some of their seniors have had in their careers) has been ended with their new single A. The song had been debuted earlier with a showcase (not yet released), and comeback stages on music shows (along with fan preferred Good Tonight). After a few days they (being their company JYPE) have finally released their second music video.

Got7: A music video

I am going to come forward and say I love this video. Coherent plot (they all fall for the same girl), charming, it fits the song (bright lighting, colorful, with a bit of a comical flair). It makes the song a lot more interesting than it actually is. I do think that them lusting after the same girl is tired. Like I understand it is expensive to hire seven different girls, as well as make sure that the group themselves are able to get time in with their lady, as well as group shots, as well as a story, as well as background scenes, and all that. But still...tired of the one girl/guy fits all. But that is just a really minor complaint. Like it only popped up when I was writing this. 

Also bonus points for a more diverse range of background people. I think this was the video shot in Malaysia, which would account for the lack of Korean faces. However shot out to the wide range of ethnicities, and shades going on.

But once again, that is just a bonus. The fact that the video on its own was solid gives me hope.

Got7's new mini Got*insert one of them damn hearts* has been released today, be on the lookout for the review!

History returns with Psycho (nd...yeah no)

History Psycho comeback stage

I don't know who History is, and I don't care to know. I am not feeling this song at all, and I am okay with letting this be the last time I listen to it. 

Another post about my Mid-way through the year mega post!

Hey!
Hello!
How are you?

Well...here is the deal...after starting the post, and realizing I have not even come close to listening to a fourth of what has been released, I decided to switch it up. Instead of giving you a recap of the entire first six months...I decided that I would just list my favorite/memorable things. That allows me to do a little less work with catching up musically, while also alleviating pressures among other things.
However...I still want to know what you guys want!
If there is anyone or anything you want to talk about I will!
That will go under reader's choice

Right now I am in the middle of trying to pick out the music that I have been loving, some of it has been talked about on this blog, others have not...so the post should be full of surprises.
However to bypass some of that surprise you could send me things.
In the comment section, just throw something out there that happened in K Pop that you don't think I would know about or even cared to really look up on. It can be a comeback, debut, a performance, anything. Just throw it out there, and your choice may get picked...
But I can only pick something if you give me something. So...

KuzzReviews: Crush's Crush On You may leave you with just that.

First off I had erroneously claimed that Crush was just debuting. I was in fact wrong. He has been active since 2013, as well as putting out a single over the last few months.
With that being said, this is definitely my favorite album as of now. I love R&b, and I have been beefing with K Pop's usage of the genre because it comes off as very bland in my opinion. People loved Exo's Moonlight, however I thought 2007 when I heard it, and then I read the lyrics and was just incredibly turned off.
As I have said before R&B in K Pop is just like it is in the West (with some slight difference), where it exist as a genre, however to find acts in the realm of K Pop, especially idol pop is very hard to do. Any musical act that does not follow the idol way tend to be rarer and usually do a specific genre. We have seen this with Pop-R&B duo 15&, YG's new hit Akdong Musician, upcoming ladies Megan Lee and Yuna Kim (one who gives you more Taylor Swift, the other a lady MC).
Ultimately two of these acts have the backing of well known, and influential companies behind them, however they all exist within a world that they are essentially outcast in. K Pop is dominated by the Idol trend, and that means if you don't follow it, you may or may not be a success, but you will most surely be outnumbered.
Crush comes in as one of the few R&B acts who dares go against the grain (this is so extra and exaggerated, but it makes for a good write so bear with me). So to get back on the point, Crush On You had me instantly musically, and I saw very few issues, with one that really stood out, and will be discussed.

With that being said, let's get into this album.

I Fancy You
When I heard this song, I knew I was here for it. I think taking it slow in the beginning, you really need to give it hard. A lot of people think with ballads and slower songs you need to have the intensity of a satin pillow. With R&B that is usually the opposite, and that applies to I Fancy You. The song is nothing major really, it is just about how into a girl he is. How when they met, Crush was just so into her. While he put effort into the song itself, the overall song was very chill. The beat is very simple R&B. Most of the sounds are very studio made, instead of the standard R&B we hear where we have the overused string section in the back. Here we get the machines work, and that allows for a sexier, mature sound. The only time we hear something that sounds like an instrument is near the end with the piano. What I will say is that this song goes no where really, sans the flimsy falsetto moment...but we won't talk about that...till later. It is one of those tracks you can hear on an album, but not as a single, and does not leave an impression. However after listening to the album, I could not imagine another song starting the album in all honesty. I think what saved this song is the fact that it is followed by a more confident and dynamic song.

A Little Bit (ft Lydia Paek)

I am going to come out and say it. I did not know who Lydia Paek was until I listened to this song. I have heard of her of course. I follow 2ne1, and she has been brought up a few times there. Overall though, I did not know, or cared to know who she was. However I regret that after listening to A Little Bit. This song right here is overall sickening. The xylophone in the back, the 808, the little sound in the back...they come together wonderfully. I found myself just grooving, and doing a little move listening to this. It's obviously standard R&B that you would hear from the states (if you watch 106&Park, you know exactly what I am talking about). The beat is very sexy, which is fitting, because this is a song about getting sexy. By that, he want sot get intimately closer to his partner, and is doing his best. Talking about how grown he is, and that she can get closer...His falsetto is sweeter here, compared to I Fancy You, and is more sensual overall. Now Lydia...in her little part she killed it. I don't know if R&B is her preferred style, but it definitely works for her. Her voice was sweeter, yet had the conviction. Slay a bit girl. Overall two songs in and I didn't regret my decision in listening to this album. The third song really helped reinforce 

Hey Baby (ft Zion T)

Look if I wasn't sold with A Little Bit, Hey Baby did the gotdamn job. First off let's get into this Micheal Jackson Black and White sample that lives on the second verse. I don't know if they got permission to do that or not, but I will be damned if I am not going to live for it. Musically it strays so far away from the first two songs, and that is a good thing. We go from two more current R&B songs, to a song that is basically 1993. More specifically we are getting the ode to New Jack Swing (a popular subgenre of R&B in the late 80's early 90's). Then we get to Zion T, and we are in some Michael Jackson and I...YES LORD. I sincerely hope they got permission to use any samples that have touched this album. What I love is the fact that Zion's voice is strangely appealing, and uses that to mimic Michael Jackson's preferred styling.

Whatever You Do
This song just takes whatever hype that Hey Baby created, and pulled it on stop. We get the less aggressive follow up in this sweet R&B number. It's such a sweet number. The use of strings finally make an appearance and they are just...sweet. They are bright, and contrast the very simple drum and high hat. There is nothing threatening about this song, and the lyrics express this. We get such a sappy but well done love song. When listening to this, I was getting some Musiq Soulchild-esque in sound. Like that 2000's brand of Neo-soul that never really caught on, but was still hot in R&B. The rap was short and Gray did a great job.

Annoying ft Kumapark
When I got a taste of this song...I thought late 90's early 2000's neo-soul Maxwell. The beat just gives me that vibe. Very jazzy, smooth, but very modern (or recent) in energy. I would have thought this was a very chill party type song, but instead we get a scathing break up...in falsetto. I like the idea of it, and had I not looked up the lyrics, I would have been 100% here for this. But the content of the song does not do this beat service. Still without even knowing what was said...I like it.

Beautiful You ft Choiza
This is such a perverted and sweet song all at the same time. I don't even know. Like Choiza made a comment about let me be your straw in your lemonade which I am sure means a lot more than what I think it is. But then not even a bar later, comes and says your eyes are beautiful let me swim in them. The beat is very bright, very old school (like I want to say Stevie Wonder), and I just go with it. Crush vocally is nice, especially near the end with that falsetto. I appreciate his voice at times.

Want
This song...How I want to love this fucking song. Like the intro alone...and then that beat...sick. And Crush sounds great. My issue is that they didn't think that was enough. Like right before the chorus...you know what I am talking about. That sound in the background...it just...disrupts the entire flow. And from there on...the song is just a mash of things that don't work, and don't last. Like the most consistent thing in the song comes at the end... It's a lot and it makes me mad because you can hear at it's core there is a sick ass beat. Crush sounds his best on this song, his voice loses that overall slight grating feel to it, and is more palpable. And the lyrics! Bitch let me tell you this song could have been life if it was not for the damn beat.

Hug Me ft Gaeko

Eh...the only thing about this song that I want to talk about is that I was honestly expecting a My Boo sample with how it started. It's my least favorite song off the album (even when taking into account of Want). Rather plain song when listening to the album (but definitely the most public friendly for K Pop). Gaeko came a little too hard on the record. Like a smoother approach would have definitely done good for the song, but eh. On the album it works as a gateway to the next song.

Give It To Me ft Jay Park, and Simon D.

The beat is ordinary, but I liked it. Remember that grating quality to Crush's voice I talked about earlier...it's in this song. This is an issue I will bring up later, but for now, just know...Jay Park slayed this song. Jay sounds like a full fleshed freak, and his verse sounded smooth (nasally) and moist. I can't think of another word to describe it. He sound nasty. Like I could sit here and give you a list of things I truly believe Jay Park is not above doing in bed, and this verse really says it all. Plus he gave us a math lesson...so...yay. THE NUTELLA REFERENCE IS THE REALEST NIGGA MOMENT IN THIS SONG, AND I WILL WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO TOP THAT! This is an aspiring freak anthem and I am happy. For the little Korean children that listened to this album...I'm praying for you.

Friday ft Jimbo
After Give It To Me...we all need to take a moment to go find Jesus. Friday is a very nice departure after that debauchery. There is still a very sexual vibe to it, but at a very low temp, it is hardly noticeable. The beat is very chill, giving me Maxwell flavors circa Now flavors. It's a very relaxing song, and I enjoyed it. The harmonies were lovely, the beat consistently on point. I don't know who Jimbo is, but good job bruh.

Sometimes

Maintaining the very smooth relaxed vibe created with Friday, we hit the final song. Sometimes is very chill and beautiful. It's the ritual post break up song, that you see on a lot of male R&B albums. I think the beat could have gone for a more brighter topic song, but this isn't bad. The strings are beautiful, the keys are smooth, the drum keeps it going. The beat I think is one of my favorites. It's just overall a well done song.  Crush could have gave a softer delivery, but his harmonies and arrangements in the background are just beautiful. As stated before an overall well done song. My only issue is that since this song is the final song, I wish it had ended with a more resolute feel. It just tapers off, when it could have gone like 10-20 seconds of strings, and then end with the keys. Something to give this album that final snap.

Crush On You really lives up to it's name...and then some. Like first off, it is actually R&B. Like a full album by a modern artist that sings R&B. Of course there are Korean R&B singers, but none getting the traction Crush has gotten. Also this album does not just give you a monolith sound, it gives you some old school (of various eras), gives you some darker sounds, gives you brighter, more vibrant sounds. It does not stay within one mold. I appreciate that on so many levels. I loved that this album actually made a diverse attempt at R&B.
Tracklist wise, I don't hate it. Honestly I think it works the way it is...If I would change something for the sake of it, it would have to be the order of Whatever You Do, Annoying, and Beautiful You. But they also work right where they are though.
The biggest issue I think I had, and it only was a problem while reviewing this album, was Crush himself. I think he has a lovely voice. I think he had good moments. However at times he felt stuck vocally. Like at times it should have been much softer vocally, and he was always intense. He is also a bit throaty, which can take away from the beauty of his voice. Also when singing with other singers, I found his voice rather boring, and he would get upstaged. Lydia and Zion T. stole the show on their respective songs. Like I was feeling it, and then I heard them, and I was like oh...maybe it has something to do with them being more experienced in their craft (I don't know how long Crush has been singing or working on his music overall period). Still Crush himself delivered overall, I just want a more focused and polished delivery next time.
Overall, I think the album was well made. Even if there are some issues...I don't find it bad in the slightest. Right now, this is my favorite record of 2014 in K pop, as well as being one of my favorites for all of 2014. Crush did the damn thing, and got a good line up to help out.
Hopefully his next record will only show improvements.

Because I am not done posting today: AOA bring it back with Short Hair.

First off, I thought AOA was a band...
Eh...
Anyway they are back with the help of Bravesound/Brave Bros./Whatever his name is.

AOA: Short Hair 

The song is soooo Brave Bros. Like you can hear Alone rocking in the background. Still it is a cute song. They are a cute group, and the video isn't half terrible. These outfits are meh...like what policewoman wears that? Still it is nothing terrible. The song is actually nice, and I don't have a problem nodding my head to it. Although I think I am getting to the point where Brave Bros just needs to be an album track...instead of a single.

AOA's first mini album has been release so be on the look out for a possible review!

JYPE's new boygroup Got7 comes back after...like four months

However in their time away musically, they have gotten a fandom name, a reality show, have gone to Japan and Brazil, and done the standard musical comeback stuff...
JYPE is really putting in the effort into making this group happen. How do we know...well they are back musically, with their new single A.
Performance and extra stuff under the cut.

2ne1 is on their way with a Japanese release, and a lot of remakes (including album titled song Crush)

In the midst of a positively received album, a successful tour, a company tour, and different solo ventures...2ne1 have somehow managed to put in creating a Japanese album of Crush. With that...you are not only getting Japanese versions of their newly released album...you are getting Japanese versions of 2012-2013 songs, as well as some other things...videos and such.
The Blackjacks of Japan (and for the lucky ones that can get a copy on the international front) are getting a big album.
So in their efforts to make it known...they are releasing videos of some songs in Japanese.

There is only one new video and it is for the opening title song, Crush.

2ne1: Crush (Japanese version)

Now you have heard my stance on the song. It's cool, but it lacks something...a small something. But I like it. The video...fits reflects my sentiments on the song. I like what they were going for...but it did not really come together fully. I liked the visuals (Especially after the three versions of Gotta Be You), and they devoted time to each place...but what does the opening scene have to do with anything (also for anyone that does not get it, that was a reference to Breakfast At Tiffany's. Classic Audrey Hepburn cinema masterpiece). Why are they in a burlesque room? Why are they dressed like slight anarchistic? Why is CL in a dressing room full of halfdressed chicks dancing? Why is Dara at school? Each girl was essentially given a place, but it didn't fully work for me. A lot of this should make sense, but it doesn't. THe end with the illuminati esque moment just...where and why? It should make sense because that is the big moment of the song, but eh. It feels like they were trying to make a more focused version of I Am The Best (I hate the song, but the overall visual is decent), however it just came off bleh, and if anything more cluttered. I do appreciate them going with girl power, and trying to express their sexuality a bit. It's cool. However it just felt a little sloppy to me. I do think this is an overall improvement from Gotta Be You, and a lot of the scenes are definitely gif worthy. But they done better, and probably will continue to do better.  

Half-way year mega post coming soon!

So 2014 decided that it did not like taking it slow, and so the year is almost gone. We are six months in, and it doesn't show a sign of slowing down.
With that being said, a lot of things have managed to happen in K pop.
I am in the middle of the beginning efforts of a huge post....
A half-way year mega post!
*Cue massive applause*
Basically what this post is...it will *ideally* be a large mega reference post. Music comebacks that happened, interesting debuts, scandals, shit like that.
I started this blog relatively late, and have not been on it...so there are things I have not talked about on here (Like TVXQ vs Girls' Day Something, or Bi Rain's return to K Pop, or Spica's You Don't Love Me single). There is a lot that has happened that needs to get some shine.
So...for all my imaginary readers...I need you to help a blogger out.
If you can send me something that you think I desperately need to insert into this massive post. It can be a debut, a comeback, a scandal, a simple music video.
Send me something, and we will make it work!

Because scandals are always fun: Taeyeon and Baekhyun confirmed to be dating

For those who have been living under a rock...in the last few hours, it has been discovered that SNSD and Exo have members in a relationship...with each other.

*CUE MASSIVE LOUD, DRAMATIC GASP*

The members in question?

SNSD's Main Vocalist Taeyeon and one of Exo's Main Vocalist Baekhyun. 

Korea's well known media publisher Dispatch broke the story only a few hours ago...with pictures to back them up.

Ooh...scandalous.

I really don't care...I am not a fan of either group, and I am moving away from liking scandals for fan reactions...that's lame. It can be fun, but really after awhile you are seeing the same shit over and over again from kids...like they are hardly that creative.

Anyway, this is their business that has been put out there for whatever reason. It is supposedly a thing in South Korea where they will have a celebrity scandal to hide something bigger. 

I don't know what, nor do I really want to...but if we are putting people's business out there to be ridiculed, harrassed and slut-shamed, because Taeyeon's insta looks like hell and no water. 

Once again...it's malicious. 

Also it is theorized that SM had already known about this, as these pics were taken a month prior to their release...and organized this. As a way to soften the blow...or possibly hiding something, what other's believe to be the juicy part...kissing! 

OOH SCANDALOUS!

Once again...Taeyeon and Baekhyn are victims to a messy entertainment system.

That's all I really have to say.

San E and After School's Raina have a sweet date with their duet.

Ever since San-E left JYPE, he has been on his grind making a name for himself. In the last year alone I could not not see him at some music show, or something about a song by him. 

His latest musical contribution comes in the form of a duet with the main vocalist of After School, and their sub-unit Orange Caramel, Raina.

San E and Raina: Midsummer's Night Sweetness

This song is so enjoyable. Very light, very breezy, and nothing about it comes off forced. San-E handles most of the song's structured verses, while Raina ad libs and sings the chorus. I do wish she had gotten a verse in, but it is nothing really. The song's title reference is to William Shakespeare's lighthearted play a Midsummer's Night Dream. If you have never experienced the play, it's just about random people/things/gods falling in love. Though the reason for this reference is lost to me, I do love it. 

The song itself is about a kind of random date that happens in the night hours. Raina had called him not thinking he would pick up, they go out, drink beer (San E mentions that they might be intoxicated to some degree at least twice), even go on a walk and just chill. The song itself feels like the date. San E's ability to play a storyteller and set up a scenario worked so well, and Raina only enhanced that. Another positive is their deliveries. San E has a natural fast paced, kind of squirrel sounding voice. He can either give you sever quick witted verses, or a very light almost comical-esque one. Midsummer's Night Sweetness falls under the ladder, however instead of being comical, he comes off very chill. Raina's voice is light, girly, and charismatic. 

The video is just like the song as in their is a lot of focus on San E, but it doesn't feel off or grating. Both do their best, giving cute performances, with this being one of the few times I have ever seen San E not being...well San E. He comes off more like an average nice guy, and Raina plays the girl that is charming. My favorite moment is when they were talking about the bug, and Raina stops, claps her hand as if she killed a bug...I don't know...simple things make the difference.

Overall this song and video do it for me. Just simple sweet goodness. Nothing over the top, no one is outshining the other, nothing felt out of place or lacking. 

It felt right, and I am okay with that.

Say it with me: Tahiti should have kept it.

I don't know what/who/why of the existence of Tahiti. All I know is that they made a comeback with the song Oppa Is Mine.

And well...

Tahiti: Oppa Is Mine

Why? Everything about this brings me :/.

That expression is all I can give.

The song itself is nice. It's nothing spectacular in the long run, but I would rank it in the ballpark of say Thank You Very Much, or at least a notch below that.It's entertaining, it's kind of fun, but overall, who really gonna to press replay other than fans?

What may have pushed me to this conclusion is this awful video. Their aesthetic is cute, but the everything of this comeback is giving me no thank you. Just based off the music video, the dance is uninspired. The music video is bleh. The fact that I was not even creeped out by the fact that they kidnapped two different guys and poisoned them...all because the video had me on some bored shit. Even the creepiest thing about it is boring.

How do you do that?

Regardless...Tahiti looks like a combination of multiple D-C+ girl groups, but here is to hoping they can do better...or something.

So...what do you guys think?

Jun K. releases the Korean version to his song No Love (With possible album following)

In a twist, we are getting the Korean version of a Japanese released record after. Jun. K is one of the six member group, who has stuck mostly to music. His fans have been very vocal about him releasing something in Korean, and it seems like their prayers are being answered.

So here is the Korean version of No Love

Jun. K: No Love (Korean Version)

Now I am not exactly a fan of 2PM. The first real full record I have listened to by them was Grown, which I absolutely loved. However as a group, I really am not into them. One I don't like boygroups, and two...I am not a particularly insane about JYPE boygroups. I don't understand why, but 2PM and Got7 just do nothing for me, and they are more or less set up like other boygroups. I do however appreciate the music they make though...just not enough to like them.

However I acknowledge that Jun K. is incredibly well rounded and has an actual desire for music. No Love is nothing short of a good song. It's a ballad that doesn't feel like your standard K Pop ballad, the lyrics make sense without trying hard...it feels like a lot of dedication went into making something worth the time. If  The beginning I have heard in another song (R. Kelly's When A Woman Loves), and this video really tries to be artistic to the point where it comes off as doing too much. Eh...

Also Jun K's delivery can be a tad bit on the annoying side...throaty and airy...but that is a personal thing. 

Anyway the song is nice, and from my understanding it is on an album. 

It has been confirmed that his Japanese album will be released in SK. 

What do you guys think of the song? Do you think his album will do well?

Comebacks that I was not aware of and probably should have been (The dude addition)

I tend to be very...picky when it comes to who I am really into. Most of my music is female idols, with a few dudes here and there. And by few...I mean I got like an album from SHINee, an album from 2PM, and a song from GOT7.


Infinite

InfiniteL Last Romeo

I'm going to be 100% with y'all and say I thought/think Infinite is a poor man's SHINee...whom I am not fond of either. This song right here did not persuade me any further out of that thought. While the music does not match SHINee at all, their overall group just screamed a performance group meant to rival SHINee. Once again, I don't find SHINee all that appealing, and I don't find Infinite appealing. The song is a little too animated for my taste, the video was doing all kinds of too much. I have seen a performance of it, and I think they look good so...eh...it isn't a complete L.

Vixx: Eternity

Another one where I think everything was just a bit too much. The song sounds like a remix. I had the same issue with the video, that I did with Infinite: it was a lot. I will say that there was definitely more focus in the video than Infinite. Obviously there is a focus on the theme of time (song is called eternity, the video takes place in a clocktower). Also they are a good performance group.

BTL

No.

Eric Nam: Ooh Ooh

This is old, but Eric Nam was a delight. The song is that type of pop they want to say swag with but not really. It's Bruno Mars pop. And I think that works for Eric. 

Boyfriend: Obsession

Boyfriend is an oddity of a group. They are the very...very...very...rare case of a boygroup who are not as known, publicized, pushed than the female group of their company. The female group in question...Sistar. Eh...the song's beat is nice I will give it that. The song is...well...the video actually disturbs me becuase they blew a chick up for no damn reason...also...why the fuck is she reading Peter Pan? What that got to do with anything? Nevermind...I like the beat, but they as a group sound dull.

There are more but these were the ones I noticed and said nothing much about. Of course 4men, Fly To The Sky, and a small group named Sweet Sorrow all made their ways up to the front.

So tell me: what comebacks happened that got you interested, that I did not speak about?

Because...

A video has been dug up of Kim Jongin (Kai from SM's new big group Exo), where he is with friends...doing some shit...and in one instance...he decides to throw off some curses and slurs...
Guess the slur.

And another one bites the dust

It has finally come: Psy's return features Snoop Dogg and a lot of alcohol.

AND I DON'T HATE IT.

Actually I like it.

I do think the song is a bit cluttered production wise, and Snoop is very active on the song, but I like it. Psy does the chorus, and follows Snoop with a Korean verse every time, but it feels like Snoop is running this song. I don't feel like I need to take this song too seriously and I appreciate that. Also it is more in the lane of what I like outside of K Pop...so...thanks...I guess.
 I do think the beginning scenes in the video were too much. I like the adventure they go on more. It's fun. Like they are two grown (old) ass men who go on a drinking spree because they can. It doesn't feel overly made, or pretentious like some K Pop videos come off to me.
I also appreciate that blackface moment was not added to the video.
Overall the video is just drinking until your organs say no...and then repeat.
We get two cameos from YG's G Dragon and CL (the leaders of their respective groups).
I don't know. I really don't hate it. Psy, YG, and his international label recognize that Psy can only...well to be taken seriously will be hard. There are a lot of implications in that (Western problems, and a whole lot of racism), but if you can't prosper off your own struggles, then who can (we know who, just let me get that out there). Psy has to be a joke character to even get recognition anywhere outside of South Korea.
I do applaud him in trying to continue to make a career in the states (Albeit unexpectedly). No doubt YG is waiting to use this for his other acts (more than likely 2ne1 and Lee Hi, who don't have the pressures of military obligations to fulfill...plus the west is more into female acts/solo acts).
In the meantime I'm going to enjoy this a few times before I get over it.

U-Kiss returns with Quit Playing (Don't Flirt), I am firmly on the side of them keeping this to themselves.

So forever never gonna get theree U-Kiss has returned...and...

This is my first time listening to them as a group, and I have to admit, they are doing nothing for me. 

Quit Playing (Don't Flirt) is very...

Bland/obnoxious/skip worthy.

But I like the beat.

The video doesn't help. The group has come under fire for it being too raunchy...even though it got the 19+ seal. 

I'm not bothered by a possible three way, even though two guys on one girl can end up with dick in ass moments (always here for that as a gay man)...I'm bothered that the video basically made it okay to be pushy.

This chick was obviously not here for these two dudes. She pushes them away several times, and slaps one of them.

Like...when is taking a hint a lost art?

The video really could have done better with that. Why not make it where she was scoping them out as well?

Why was she a reluctant participant?

These are simple ass things that could have been dealt with better.

Also the choreo is bland and the video just looks...

I doubt I am going to listen to their album, because this really just bored the fuck out of me.

But here is the video.

Crush debuts with Hug Me (And brief thoughts on Korean R&B visibility in K Pop)

This song is called Hug Me, and giving me seventh grade feels.
R&B in the Korean music scene has always eluded me. I have no intention of delving too deep unless given a reason, so I stick with what K Pop has to offer. Unfortunately I always get the same things over and over again.
Musically R&B has to find a place somewhere. In the US, there are few acts who exist in the mainstream but keep their R&B roots. Contemporary R&B usually exist to allow for a larger population to enjoy your work. However R&B in itself is still a more or less thriving genre. It is not as popular as it once was, but still holds success and is slowly blooming musically.
In SK however, it seems R&B does not have the same weight as it could in the states. Despite not being the popular choice, some how Idol pop has taken over. Within idol pop, a lot of the creative ability, and possible musical aspirations are stripped for popularity and success (which in itself is never guaranteed).
All this is to say that Korean R&B does not have the same value as it would in the states. There are not many singers who I would dub with the R&B title, or even sing R&B music.
JYP has a more rhythmic quality to their music, while YG is basically black people inspire us, so they sometimes have R&B motifs. SM is generally strict pop, however with certain groups like SHINee and TVXQ they will insert R&B (notice these two groups are considerably flexible groups). However you have very few singers who are R&B in style.
Baek Yerin of 15&, Taeyang of Big Bang, and Kyungsoo from Exo are three who I immediately think of as R&B singers. Others just get away with easy enough imitations (and a lot of riffing and running).
Me personally, R&B singers have a certain style to them. They grew up listening to it, and sing in a certain way and it is clear.

It's rarely about tone.
ANYWAY...LONG INTRODUCTION TO SAY THAT THERE IS AN R&B SINGER NAMED CRUSH.

Crush: Hug Me (ft. Gaeko)

It's very typical in R&B sound, but it doesn't sound like 2007-2008, which is a positive. Also the video is so mid 2000's. The overall aesthetic is pretty typical in my opinion. However it is nice to have someone who exist outside the norm of K Pop. He released an ep, so be on the look out for that.

For eye rolling moments

A lovely little piece from Exo's Chanyeol's instagram

Now let's play the game of where things went wrong.

Important information: Ali actually does release music.

Ali: What Is Love? (ft Loco)

I never knew Ali was a legit musical artist. I just assumed she was one of those people you call to sing at your event or something...

Well now that I know this information, I like it. Ali is one of those emotive singers with an interesting approach to singing (Slightly throaty to come off a little more raw than her actual voice allows). It's not noticeable here since she kept it cute. However she knows herself and gave us some moments. The beat near the end did this change up, and we got some drama. I will say Loco is eh...but I am no expert on Korean rappers, so I can't really judge him. 

Still this should definitely get a video, with her on the beach with some cute ass dude and some simple choreo she don't have to do. 

Okay but slay

I have a soft spot for 15&. They are talented, and I am charmed by them. What makes me love this performance, is how Jimin came in on this song. Her little changes in phrasing, and interpretation. I liked her more than whatever the dude's name who did it with Ariana.
Yerin of course did her thing, but I really just want to give props to Jimin right now. My biggest thing with Jimin is that her intepretations tend to go two ways. When she was younger she would go balls out vocal glory. By that, I mean she was very high notes, big, drama vocally. But it felt like a lot. In her most recent covers it felt very...passive. Like she was not even trying musically. All her covers sounded nice, but compared to Yerin  (who is a smarter/confident vocalist), I was really just not impressed.
In my mind, Jimin is still learning and growing (As is Yerin, but she seems like a step ahead as a singer), and this is a step in the right direction.

Huzzy Update: Blog Clean Up

Hello!
This is Huzzypop. I just want to tell you guys, thank you for the views over the last week or two. Really cool seeing them increase. I hope you guys enjoy my opinions, and I will definitely try and do better with overall writing and shit like that.
Just some things I want to bring up.
I am trying to make this blog look a lot cleaner and easier to maneuver around (aka I am going to have to finally learn html), so I will be in the process of doing that.
Also I know that I am behind on some of these comebacks.
I know Infinite and Vixx came back but I have completely said nothing about them, nor giving them a post really about their music videos and things.
I promised, or at least I think I did, to do reviews on Hyosung and Jiyeon's solo debuts...and the most I have given were one or two post on their videos and songs.
I am in the middle of Jiyeon's review...
I will try and get to work on a lot of these things.
Also once again, for the people that come and go...if you by chance stay a little while, by all means comment and all that. Don't be afraid. I am an argumentative person, but really don't be scared.
I can't make promises on anything right now, but I am definitely going to get a lot of the random non comeback related post out of my drafts and onto your screens.
Once again, thank you for taking time to read and not immediately clicking off the screen.

K Pop's resident Light skin finally releases his second full album.

As I said in another post, I have a special relationship with Taeyang. I firmly believe he has an appreciation for black culture, however do to looking on the outside his views may seem a little skewed, and can veer toward problematic at times. So I stay at arms lengths with his ugly ass hairdo, and his clothes that need to be returned to Asap Rocky.

I tend to affectionately call him Korean Light Skinned. He GIVES vibes that he wants his ultimate form to be a better Chris Brown (not with the whole incident, just musically and such). And you know what...I want him to get there. Just from his interviews he has done, he tends to view music with a more critical eye. However he has limitations, oddly set by the company hyped to be about the artist (Which I saw through when  I got into K pop real quick). However I firmly believed that if anyone was going to give me R&B in Korean Pop, it would be Taeyang. It had to be. 

I will say that I personally am not getting R&B at a very extensive level. There is shades of it, but overall, no to R&B. Especially the R&B he was talking about (talking about Frank Ocean, and Miguel, and shit...)

I honestly thought we were going to get some The Weekend type shit. Or at least The Future..but alas...

However I don't even want to pretend that the album did not give me all I could ask for.

Taeyang releases a new video...and giving you light-skinned emotions.

Now I have a special relationship with Taeyang. He is...special. Musically I will concede that he is one of the few artist to actually do R&B in the realm of K Pop. We throw that term around a lot...and we shouldn't. K Pop's interpretation of R&B is limited. Very outdated, very contrite. The most modern we will get is more so in line with a mature version of R&B that you see with older acts. Taeyang I could see as one of the few who geniunely has an interest in the genre, and tries to keep up with it. 

So my expectations for Taeyang were...special. I won't get into the album...that's for another post, but I will talk about this video.

Taeyang: Eyes, Nose Lips

The video is very...bland. It is essentially him walking and singing shirtless in a parking lot...

I mean there is not really much to give. The end with the billboard of his ex burning up was kind of extra giving the lack of anything in the video. 

And his dancing was very extra...once again do to the lack of anything in the video.

He should have just gave a straight up attempt at De'Angelo's iconic video Untitled (How Does It Feel). I mean I was pretty sure the video was going that way, but who wants to really go for that comparison.

The song is nice though,

KuzzReviews: Jiyeon's solo debut with 1min 1sec (video)

Everytime I hear anything about T-Ara, I immediately say bless their hearts. They are one of the legit K Pop scandals, and because of what went down, they are basically trying to get somewhere. They are doing as well as they are going to do, now...which is well...bless their hearts.
So when one of them goes solo, hm...
Jiyeon debuted as a solosit not too long ago, and has been on the efforts for her spotlight. With that she has given us a rather solid video.

T-Ara's Jiyeon: Never Ever (1min 1sec)

I have to say this is one of the more creative videos so far. 

First off there is a story line. With story lines in music videos, you have to fit a shitload of narrative in a three to four minute space. Couple that with the standard vanity scenes of the artist, as well as dance scenes, you really have maybe 2 minutes to make a case with a story. With Never Ever, I am positive that this video did well with what they wanted to accomplish. With Never Ever, they decided to give focus on the story more so than the actual performance aspect (which CCM compensated with a dance practice for anyone feening for that). I appreciate this as it allows for the story to develop and move on, and come to an end. Jiyeon is esentially dreaming her day to day life. She is not aware of the fact that this is not reality at first. She continues to do the same thing over and over again. The space in which she was inhabiting inside of her own mind gave off a very fake feel. Not fake in that it looked cheap. But it had no basis in reality. Come to find out that this may have possibly been induced, and she is involuntarily being drugged into this hallucination.

This is supported by Jiyeon's world going white suddenly, only for a figure of a man in a white jacket (like a doctor's) appearing. She then goes back to her own little world, however it does not last as she is now more aware. Things are dead in the house (the flowers, and the fish), she notices the time has flown way to quickly, and does not move in the same way everything else does. By the end it is snowing in the house, and a man in black with an umbrella is standing near the door. 

We end the story with her in an asylum, the only thing from her world is the red scarf she was knitting.

I just gave you a semi-play-by-play of this story.

I liked it, however I do think there were some vague things. Of course the man in white is supported by the final scene. However I am confused as to why she is there? I believe that she is drugged into a hallucination, and she is slowly but surely becoming immune to its affects. Which is why by the end, we see her more aware and at the window. 

Also who is the man in black?

The video started off fine, only to get a little wonky near the end. It was as if they realized they only had so much time and kind of skipped over things to make it end on time. I do think the video was good. The dance scenes were nice...I mean...the mirror one was sickening to be completely honest, but overall they were not the main focus of the video, and really didn't even take up much space. They were just peppered in...some places a little heavy on said pepper.