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!

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kris vs SM: The nonsense of it all.

I really didn't want to talk about this.
I made three post, left each in the drafts, then deleted them.
It just...this post is going to be a mess because I just don't know how to really express what is happening in my mind in regards to it.
Warning these are opinions, and scattered ones.

First off I am team shut the hell up.
In my Keyshia Cole voice pre gap removal: I just want it to be over.
At first I was interested simply because of fan reactions. Let me tell you...these Exo stans lost their damn mind like they lost their favorite cousin that was practically their sibling/twin. It was all doing way too much for me. At the time it was funny. I am not going to lie, it was funny. Y'all talking about legit tears and shit, and I am like...no chill. But that passed, and I got bored/annoyed/tired of it.
In the middle of that I tried looking at the info that was given as clearly as possible. Ultimately it didn't affect me, so me trying to really care was just not at 100%.
I give it a smooth 80%.
However looking at the case...it just seems a lot was put on Kris and Exo, and not enough on SM.
The case is not Kris vs Exo. It's Kris vs SM.
And I don't know how that seems to be escaping minds.
No wait, I do...but that is for later.
Anyway, for those who have been so fortunate to have completely missed this...Exo's Chinese unit leader, Kris has filed suit against his parent company SM.
I don't know the legit reasons, but the ones flying around: health related issues, Kris just over it, he wanted to be an actor, the stress was getting to him, idol life ain't shit.
All valid, and more than likely most of them are true. Which ones are not my place to understand and decipher. Not a possible Judge of this case.
Still that was not enough for fans of the group. The information of all of this was released barely a week before Exo's first solo concert.
This is where that fan reaction started getting REALLY tired.
Because of his actions, at this particular moment...Kris was dubbed a traitor.
"How could he do this right now, what about his group? They worked so hard! AND THE PRODUCTION CREW?"
I don't know why I didn't see that coming, but man...
I didn't even take the time to look at many fancams...but it didn't seem like much was put into it. I assumed the most that needed to be changed was finding something to replace the very likely, and undeserved solo for Kris (probably that stupid ass SM melody they did), do a little to the choreography to accomodate them, and redo the VCR's. That's it.
I just think too much stock is being put into Kris. Kris as a member of Exo, be it the whole or his unit. Kris as some evil force. Kris as some victim (although this is a thin line to tread).
Ultimately the information that was given puts Kris in both a good and bad light.
Good: Another one leaves. For people who think SM is an oppressive force, this further cements that notion. I mean...I believe it. I don't think all intentions are pure, but at the same time, SM has had several problems, two of them being only in the last five years. When there is smoke, there is sure to be a damn fire. SM is just good at making sure that smoke doesn't get out too often.
But anyway that is not my point.
My point is all of this is nonsense.
Kris wanting to leave SM is not nonsense.
The narrative that Kris vs Exo is.
SM literally has not had to do anything because the fans doing most of the work. Take the attention off of SM, and lets focus on how this affects everyone else.
I'm going to say something as a person who has not one stake in all of this, other than some peace and quiet of course...
Kris was not all that useful. As a leader that depends, but musically/performance wise...what did he have to offer?
Nothing.
Popularity...while he may be popular and all that, Luhan and Xuimin were more popular in their respective subunit, each having home field advantage (Xuimin's populairty can be up for debate, but I am pretty sure he is one of the bigger ones in that section). It wasn't like they were losing a Suzy, or a Hyorin pre-2013.
There were losing a Kris.
Too much stock is being put into him like that which makes this whole thing feel bigger than it should be.
On top of that, Exo performed as a group, and not in their units. So that's one, out of 12 members.
Exo feeling betrayed...don't doubt it. Feeling miffed he left right before a concert. Don't doubt it from some of them.
However this incredible focus on them in all of this just...what about the fact that this is about Kris not liking SM?
How is that not the real issue here?
If it turns out that the other members were partially responsible for Kris leaving, then yeah. Or that they tried to get him to stay (Which they apparently did not know)...then yeah.
But overall this case has become less about Kris leaving SM, and more so Kris deserting the OT12 shit.

I don't have much to say about it because ultimately, I am not invested outside of fascination.
The way this is playing out is expected, but still bothersome.
Basically saying: Too much focus on everything but SM and their overall relationship with Kris...and how that is slowly but surely being moved so far too the backbground in favor of Kris vs Exo...like gain some focus and look at the big picture. Regardless of who is right or wrong, SM don't want to be wrong, especially since they went through this twice already, so they are going to do the safest thing and let the innocent ones (Exo) fight this battle of words...
Tis all.

KuzzReviews: 15& deliver a pleasanstly sweet record with Sugar

You like that title?

Anyway, I am going to say it. I am a fan of 15&. Despite them being 16, and me being 22 (gay male so there is no creepy desires going on), I like them. They are talented singers, and their music is cute. Going on two years soon, the group has released three singles prior to their first album, with little impact from them. However now, they are moving forward as a group, and an album has been bestowed to us.

I would describe the overall feel of this album as it is called...Sugary. It is mild pop, R&B, with some other influences here and there. Very pleasant, and fun. I think the album was done well enough, and the girls more than delivered on their part as the communicators of the music. I do think there are some things that could have been handled better of course, but before I get to that.

15& Sugar full album

Things I liked in K Pop: Bestie and Ladies' Code

While I work on a massive post for 15&, and gather the strength to write reviews for Hyosung and Jiyeon (As well as venture into more male idols because)...I just want to remind people that these two female acts happened earlier in the year and I was thoroughly here for what they delivered.

Ladies Code: So Wonderful

I loved everything about So Wonderful. The song was dark and fun at the same time, and worked well with the slightly dimmer feel of winter. The video had a story line to it (and was almost fully understandable), and they looked amazing. The only issue I had was that the song was an obvious attempt to recreate what had happened in Pretty Pretty, their last single. I mean...the little part near middle where Sojung became relevant to the song (she was only used on the chorus at first), was...really...eh. Still a nice song, but next time don't try to do the same thing again that closely. Sadly the song did not give them the push forward, but it did keep them on their good streak of releases.

Bestie: Thank U Very Much

I like Bestie. Bestie is a fun group. Bestie has nothing dynamic to them. Unfortunately the only place they could take up is well occupied by Sistar. The issue with Bestie is that they blend in way too well, and their music is very light. Nothing that could make you go wow, but it will get you going. Their single prior to this was Love Options, and while it was a signature Brave Sound moment, it didn't get them anywhere. They then follow up with the light breezy break up song Thank U Very Much *ow!*...however it was released in the time. This song isn't by any means a big single that could have pushed them into the big leagues, however it could have been a summer single. The visual, the very relaxed ass beat...why release this now? Does not make sense. It's a nice track, just bad timing in my opinion.

And there is that. 

Comments...they are nice

I see some of y'all coming and going, and that is okay, but like...if you want to...you can comment.
Pleathe...

Not K pop related (But I will make it work)

One of my favorites is finally making a return to the music scene.
Jazmine Sullivan decided to come out of her semi retirement and grace people with her presence and vocals.
Honestly I think it is great she took time off for herself, even if she thought it would be a permanent one.
For a K pop tie in...this could be the same thing Sunye is experiencing. Ultimately Jazmine's career was not going the way she wanted so she took time off, and that is good. If you lose focus, even if it is something you love, please do yourself a favor and reevaluate everything. Sunye could possibly be done with K pop, or she may just need time away from music to really regain a sense of herself.
I think a lot of idols need that. Some got in for the reason of getting into other venues (perfectly valid as being a singer is not the only responsibility of an idol), others really want to be apart of music...and get that fame. But if you lost sight of your goal, it is always nice to really just look at what you are doing and where you are.
*This is assuming that many of these idols have the option of taking time off for themselves, especially long periods of time like Jazmine who took four years, or Sunye who is taking five for Haiti...which they don't*
*Also Sunye did not say she was giving up idol life, but she is going to make focus on Haiti and her family*
*Also I hate the Haiti situation, I don't hate Sunye wanting to find balance in her life and career*
Anyway for my Jazmine Sullivan fans, here is her performing and I want to share my happiness.

Things I do, and hope to do well

Hey, another post!
*For the imaginary people who follow this blog*
I like to analyze and review shit. Yes I am one of those fans. Yes I look beyond what there is and see for other things. However that does not always happen. Most often, I take things for face value, and just try to say what worked, if it worked with the song, and what I thought could have been improved (there will always be something, even if it is just minor organizational issues of songs on an album).
But yeah, be looking out for that.
I am just waiting for translations of songs so I can get the lyrics.
Right now I am in the middle of listening to Pink Blossom by Apink, and...it's cute. That's good and bad.
So yeah be on the look out for any reviews.

Cute and Sexy concepts: Why I don't like them. (nsfw...AT TIMES)

I didn't want to get all serious real quick,a nd honestly I plan on trying to stay away from that as much as possible. But one thing I do want to talk about, or at least express my thoughts on, is the cute and sexy concepts.
K Pop is a very visual based industry...I mean I don't think there is one music industry that isn't visual based these days. The US music scene changed their charting rules to include youtube...like...why?
But regardless of that, K Pop is big on the visual...they even have a job for someone with that title...
One aspect of this visual music scene is concepts. Every act has a concept, often times they overlap.
Two of the biggest, widely known are the cute and sexy concepts.

One of the biggest examples of the cute concept:

SNSD's Gee (God Forbid) is one of the biggest known examples in K pop of the cute concept. The way they sing is very cutesy (Sunny's voice sounds almost way too childish for a woman her age at the time), their movements are cute and nonthreatening, they are singing some inane (but very catchy) love song.Their outfits are not traditional cute concept (lack of pastels and overly bright colors, or school girl/sailor outfits at a uniform look), but it still gives them a very youthful appearance.

Now for sexy we have:

Miss A's Hush is my favorite example of the sexy concept done so far. There outfits are darker, and more revealing, they sing with their normal voice, sometimes a little huskier. Suzy does take on an infantile sound in the bridge, but that is the only place that happens. The dance is much more sensual, and openly suggestive. They way they give face to the camera is also more sexual. Now this is one of my favorites for two reasons: one, Miss A was given a song that was more or less sexual, which made this sexual concept a lot more palpable. Also there is something more aggressive about Miss A which allows them to pull of the sexy concept and not look uncomfortable (yes even Suzy).

Now these two concepts are not all uniform. The reality is that the concept (assuming that there is a group of concepts that are used throughout K pop) is simply a template, and however the group handles it is up to the company them.There has been a bit of similarities between the concepts as of late (especially with the increase in sexy concepts)...however acts usually try to distinguish between them.
But this isn't just about their existence...I have problems with both of these "concepts" (with the idea of concepts in general...but another post at another time).
Starting with cute concepts...they just...creep me out. The idea that practically grown ass women (most are able to go to clubs with a valid form of id on certain nights). What's worse is that sometimes they are thinly veiled ways to be sexual. Like Apink's iconic song No No No had them shaking their asses in short skirts...while singing in a very cute way. It just...Also it tends to limit acts in my opinions. Yeah it can be fun, and you can get some cool shit out of it, but at the end of the day Sunny from SNSD sounds a lot different when she isn't forced to be the aegyo cute member.
When it comes to the sexy concept my feelings are much different. While I have very little patience for overdone cuteness, I do have all the time for sexy. My western faves (the Supreme faves) include Beyonce and Janet Jackson, both of them have released albums that are incredibly sexual, and have been talking about sex for years. Janet basically gave someone a lapdance and sent him over the dge with an orgasm...like I am pretty sure he came. Beyonce has opened up more about her sexuality as time went on (far cry from the slutshaming she did with Nasty Girl), and now has a song called Partition in which she states:
He monica Lewinskied all on my gown.
*For those who read this and don't know what this is referencing
I fell out, died, came back, and found a new religion from that line.
I enjoy sexual beings being open about their sexuality. I don't care.
However what Janet and Beyonce have that K Pop does not...agency. Janet and Beyonce not only talka bout sex in their music, they are open about in their lives. Beyonce is more conservative about it, but she says make love to her husband, and talking about feeling sexy and such. Janet openly said she had her clit pierced, saying she got it becuase she heard that if she got her labia pierced it could possibly go numb... These are two grown ass women who enjoy sex at different levels. It is what it is.
However in K Pop, we don't have that same level of control. The companies not only make their music, they handle their image. Their image is very important, to the point you could be fucked by something like a...you know what T-Ara jokes are of poor taste. Simply put your image holds greater weight in K Pop.
So when it comes to sexy concepts, it is more so in the image of what is perceived sexy.
Some smoldering stares (dark make up is a must)
A few sexy movements (your hips will be winding and gyrating)
The clothing will range from tight skirts (of various lengths) to shorts that may or may not have been painted on.
And the song...
Well...it is really not a sexy song, but the delivery will be with a husky voice, almost evenly tempered.
But the song...is not about sex...or even anything remotely sexual.
Because sexual songs are just...a rarity.
See I gave you an example of a K Pop act doing the sexy concept that I enjoy. Now here is an example of one that fits the typical K Pop experience.

Read the lyrics. Nothing about this is sexual in the slightest. It's about a break up. But everything about this from the clothes to the dance, is considered to be under the sexy concept. And this is the norm. K Pop is only sexy in image, and really ain't about shit further than that.
Now once again that does not mean there are not idols/acts doing sexy beyond the image. Ga-In basically got big because of masturbation. The group from which she derives from are no strangers to discussion adult affairs. Sunmi's glorious return to K Pop as a solo act was with a song that basically was about thirst for dick.
They do exist beyond the image...
But then begs the question...who is really about this sexy life?
Once again, Beyonce and Janet not only talk about sex/give images of sexy in their careers, they are open about feeling sexy themselves. When looking at K pop, I have no idea who actually is okay with sexy concepts beyond the fact it is getting them a check right now. Many of these girls don't get to say whether or not they are okay with what they are doing, so I am to assume that there is a very likely chance that they have no agency in what they do or say...which is expected. They may be totally into it, and saying we get to be sexy on stage and there isn't nothing they (the public) can do about it. But at the end of the day the one making decisions about their images and concept are their bosses, and they are just using the same, tired ideas of what sexy is (over and over again)
Basically: cute concepts are like a creepy fetish, and y'all got grown ass women trying to act like children and nonthreatening for whatever reason. Sexy concepts are only sexy in name, and rarely go the full monty (song+dance+visual), plus the overall lack of knowledge of how these ladies feel about doing something that is apparently deemed sexy.
Despite that, I do like some songs and overall looks that have been deemed cute and sexy...but the concepts themselves are my issue.
Tis all.