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.

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.  

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.

2ne1's Gotta Be You could have been kept

It was long ago promised by YG that four MV's would be released, and Gotta Be You was one of them. Now...it did not happen immediately.
Instead we got Come Back Home, and Happy.
It was in May, on the day of the group's fifth anniversary, did the video for Gotta Be You get released.

2ne1: Gotta Be You

Now I like the song, and said with the right video and promotional handling it could do well...Performed once on music shows, and the video was after they completed their Korean activities (now they are doing random things and touring until their next album).
Thankfully this video was released on the day of their anniversary, but unfortunately the results were just.
Meh.
That is all I can really say to describe it.
Meh.
I get where it was going, and I like some of the visual moments, but overall..meh. 2+2 is not summing up to 4 right now. It just seemed not fully put together.
Like I get that they are going through a maze to find their dude (although the only one to find him is CL). I get the obstacles. I get all of that. The song is about being with someone through it all.
This would have been a visually clever, if they had dedicated a little more time in making it work.
There isn't much to say other than...cute.
Plus there are two other versions and a supposed fourth.
I have seen the dance version, and...hm.
Gotta Be You had a lot of good things (everyone looked cute, there were some nice moments visually, it seemed to have a plot that it tried to follow through with), but they just did not add up to make a successful video.

2ne1's new album *late* review

Today is kind of a review and analyze day.
After two years of whatever YG was doing, 2ne1 finally released their second full album (almost five years into their careers...that says a lot).

Crush, the title of their album, debuted with great numbers, a good single, and a tour. It did so well, that it even topped the iTunes chart in the US (that is an accomplishment, but don't let it get to you), and debuted at #60 on the Billboard 200 (which is the chart for albums, and that placement is pretty damn high). Regardless of how many wins they get for this comeback on Music Shows...2ne1 came out a winner in this.
When it comes to the album, for me I went through stages to get where I am today. At first I was in love with the album. I thought it was a a great cohesive body of work...but then I listened to it again...and again...and again...
And I found problems. Small ones.
So where do I stand today?
 First off the album starts with Crush, the title track (not the promotional single). For it to be a full song, it works just as good as the opening track. Crush has an energy that reminds you of 2ne1 in a sense. Kind of chaotic, not fully fleshed out, but entertaining. The song is loud and brassy and energetic. It left me excited for what was next. Unfortunately Crush does not really describe the album at all. It doesn't even describe 2ne1 on the album. While I like it, and it does work in a sense musically, eh...we get a 180 immediately.

All that bravada and boss bitch attitude falls so quickly to the way side with "experimental" pop record Come Back Home. Originally I loved it, but had some issues I could not pin point. After a few more listens, I found that Come Back Home was very...ambitious. What this song did right was take sounds that were more solemn in nature, and allowed the girls to sing over that. 2ne1 themselves did everything right, CL specifically gave me a lot, and I was okay with that. And in stand alone sections I appreciate what they did. I won't lie I loved the intro and first verse. The xylophone (I think) just gave off this swaying feel. And then when the beat drops>>>>
Shit. And to top it off, CL comes in and gives off the best part of the song to be honest. The reggae element of the song is played with. We have more cliche/traditional (which ever way you want to assess it) in the verses, the chorus take a more pop lean, and the break down basically breaks it down and then recreates it in this electronic sound. The chorus itself feels like it wants to be epic, but I think the girls don't have the skill vocally for that. The breakdown is nice by itself, but was too much in the song. That second one could have been a bridge or something. The final chorus raises the key only slightly, and then the song ends. The song has nothing epic after CL comes in on the first verse, and it coast for the most part. It's nice, but I kind of wanted a little more. Just a little.

Gotta Be You was supposed to be the other promotional track, but they have only performed it once...sad because this song was obviously meant to be the mainstream pop song. It is very poppy, very dance oriented. In my opinion much more focused sound wise. I think with Come Back Home, they were trying to create this moment, but with Gotta Be You, it came a lot more naturally. I do with 2ne1 could/would step it up vocally. A lot of the times the song could benefit from a little more spark. CL's two verses are nice, the second one being the best. I had trouble identifying Minzy at times in the song. I found that CL, Minzy, and Bom all have slight similarities in tone. Bom would come in, and then Minzy, but it was immediate and I still thought it was Bom, though it was an overall improvement vocally. It's a nice song, that I could see tearing up the charts if given the right promo/video.

If I Were You is the first(technically second if you count Come Back Home) ballad of the album, and it was written by CL. Nice. Dara starts the song off, which is strange. This is one of those songs where I wished more oomph vocally. CL gave it. CL was feeling it. The others sounded good. But it just felt like CL was somewhere else emotionally, and vocally. One thing I don't like are the ad libs in the background during the chorus. They are so choppy, and misplaced, and come off with poor execution. Also the chorus has this slight dramatic feel to it...that I don't think the girls can give just yet. I think CL can, despite being a technically poor vocalist herself. I don't want to sit here and praise CL all day, but she gave levels in this song.

Good To You acts as the sister track to If I Were You. I honestly could not imagine one without the other. If I Were You is the grand ballad for drama, Good To You takes those emotions, and makes you sit in them in the dark. The song in my opinion takes the strengths of the girls and puts them to good use. Dara is on the chorus, which is usually a bad idea always for a weaker vocalist, however she rides through it with her sweeter voice. This song is much more focused in mu opinion, cleaner in sound, and all elements work together. G-Dragon contributed to this song, and honestly it shows the level of mastery over their craft. CL's is nice, but very unfocused in my opinion, it wants to be ambitious and tries for this grand moment, but doesn't get there. Good To You sets limits that 2ne1 can work with, and they all give smooth, sensual deliveries.

Mental Breakdown follows as the next transition in the album. THe CL solo also feels like the end of album (explain later). Essentially, it is a dance track, very electronic, and a rap song. I have to commend CL because, while I prefer her as a singer, and people have been giving her a hard time because she kind of fell off as a rapper, she stepped up to the plate on this album, and Mental Breakdown is a testament to that I think. I essentially have no issues with this song...other than the whole Qur'an scandal. Other than that...nothing. I twerk to this song, and I think it is one of the better solos from their idol rappers in a minute.
*Side note I would love to do a piece on what regional styles of rap do these rappers take influence from. I have yet to see a southern rap influenced Korean Rapper yet...*
After Mental Breakdown, we take a trip to album rejects past...aka Happy.

Happy after Mental Breakdown feels off, for several reasons. First off, the entire first half of the album has a sound to it. While there are many genre shifts (dance pop, R&B, reggae, electronic, etc.), they all work together. Musically they all have this dark, mature feel to them. Comparing to songs from last year even there is such a difference between Falling In Love and Good To You. Even Missing You feels disconnected from their songs. This is mostly likely due to these songs probably being made not too long ago. I do think Missing You was made earlier in 2013, and released later. Most of the first part of Crush had to be late November-early December. So when we get to Happy, essentially we are getting a taste at what was another album. Happy is very vibrant which is off compared to the tracks one through six. However Happy is not a bad song. It is far from it. In fact it ties with Good To You as my favorite off the album overall. It just sticks out to me. For anyone that does not know the song is about accepting a love as over, and while not really happy about it, you don't have ill will over said break up. It's nice and refreshing and the production is cute. It also allows for a happy and brighter 2ne1 on the album, especially after most of the songs leave them in pain, or a craze.

Next we have Scream (Korean version). My overall least favorite song off the album. It sounds exactly like 2ne1 2011/2012. That's not bad, but this song does just like Happy and sticks out. However unlike Happy, it doesn't have that refreshing quality to it. I don't hate the song, but this definitely was meant for another album.

Baby I Miss You is a song a I love. It is breezy and smooth, and once again allows for the girls to sit in comfort and sing without issues. Plus this is another CL creation. In my opinion it does better than If I Were You. The beat is just so sexy and like new wave recreated 90's R&B, but not to the point where it sounds dated. This song is a song I can vibe to without getting sick of it.
Now while I like it, there is one minor thing, that unfortunately becomes an issue for me. Baby I Miss You is a breezy and solid track, but is very fillerish.
When it comes to fillers, I have the personal philosophy that not everything can be a single, and not every song can stand alone. Some songs need assistance. Or work as a way to build up to something greater. The purpose of a filler, for me, is to make sure the album runs smoothly. You can have a lot of great songs on your album, but if they don't make sense together, it just makes the experience wonky for me (*See Beyonce's B'Day album). So what does this have to do with Baby I Miss You?
This song is a filler, that has nothing to live for. That sounds bad, but there is no song that follows for Baby I Miss You to serve a purpose. It feels like a track that you would listen to, like, and then the next track comes in and you get your life. However...what follows is not what BIMY can benefit.  

Come Back Home (Unplugged) feels like that secret bonus track, and feels kind of disconnected for me. Why? Because there is something missing between it and the preceding track. I almost think that if Baby I Miss You had come before Happy then I would be singing a different tune...but alas.
Come Back Home (Unplugged) is the final song on the album, and it is nice. I never got the point of taking up space with tracks like this (or instrumentals). Still the song is more focused in my opinion.
While the reggae vibe was the main point of the original version, it got played with way too much to really be effective in my opinion. Too many genre shifts and mixing to make it work. However here, the song focuses on the acoustic vibe, while adding strings in the chorus (usually strings are like advanced sad instruments or something). CL's rap verse is nice and takes the place of where the electronic breakdown kicks in the original.

The album is nice, but I wish somethings were dealt with better. There was obvious ambition that could have been dealt with better, but overall it is not bad. I think the main thing is that there is a section of this album that was obviously meant for 2012/2013. It just is a noticeable point when listening, that I wish wasn't there. It's really only two songs, but they take the mood of the album and switch it, and I can never really get it back. That being said they are not awful songs, just misplaced.
2ne1 the group did a nice job with what they were given. I wish they had more spark as singers (sans CL, who stood out to me as a singer) when it was needed, but overall I can't really complain beyond what is written here.
Rating: 3.9/5
Faves: Good To You, Mental Breakdown, Happy, Baby I Miss You, Come Back Home (Unplugged)