Disclaimer: It isn’t that I’m promoting the idea that Korea and Japan are “stealing” songs from North America and making them sound better…I mean, they are making them sound better, but…whatever. Just enjoy the songs…and don’t kill me.
Passion (Remix) – Se7en feat. Jinusean
Korean| Pop
Yes, this was my favorite Se7en song for a short while. For those of you that don’t know, this song is basically a remix of J-Kwon’s “Tipsy”, with the beat sped up and with better vocals. The song’s a great song to dance to and it’s what got me hooked onto Se7en in the first place (I usually find out about different bands/groups/singers through their singles and MVs). The dance moves in the MV are pretty good too.
Foolish Foolish – Yuya Matsushita
Japanese | Pop
As the song progressed, I really thought Yuya was going to start singing Ne-Yo’s “So Sick” since the two songs are so similar. I can definitely picture Yuya singing Ne-Yo’s song with the only complication being the accent. As for which song is better…I couldn’t really say. I think both are equally good.
Again & Again – 2pm
Korean | Pop
Apparently this song sounds an awful lot like Envy’s “Shawty Dangerous”. I don’t necessarily like one version over the other. Okay, that’s a lie. I like 2pm’s version but that’s probably because I think you can dance to it.
New Look – Namie Amuro
Japanese | Pop
Okay. This isn’t really a sampling issue as it’s really a homage to the original (“Baby Love” by The Supremes). It’s a good song, simple but clean and it conveys the sentiments of the sixties. I like the fact that she didn’t defer too far from the original but was able to revive it and give the song a makeover that’s appropriate for this time.
Why I Like You – Super Junior
Korean | Pop
This sounds…okay, it’s pretty much a remixed version of Ne-Yo’s “Closer”. Unfortunately, in this case, I’m going to have to side with Ne-Yo. I think his version is more upbeat and I like his voice better in comparison to Super Junior’s (sorry!). Still a decent song though.
Labels: 2PM, Amuro Namie, Contributor; Carmi, Jinusean, Se7en, Super Junior, Yuya Matsushita
I’m not really one for this “special day”…unless you count my love of chocolate and the fact that all that yummy chocolate goes on sale the day after. So, Happy Chocolate Day!
Puppy Love – Bennie K feat. Gipper
Japanese| Pop
A nice mid-tempo song that isn’t overly sweet. Gipper’s raps provide a nice contrast to Bennie K’s vocals and the simple accompaniment. It’s mellow and sweet, reminding you of what most people think of when they’ve first hit the “love bug”.
First Love – Hikaru Utada
Japanese | Ballad
I personally like the techno version even though it kills the feeling of the song. Since I haven’t heard this song in a while, I thought I’d post it for those of you that missed the song when it first came out way back when. The instruments are relatively simple but complimentary and allow Hikaru’s voice to come through and convey the emotion.
Make Love – Big Bang
English | Pop
Another relatively simple arrangement but I do like the guitar that seems to be main instrument (or at least the one that I paid the most attention to). It isn’t the best song from them (I like Number 1 better) but a decent song to listen to anyway.
1000 Words – Koda Kumi
Japanese | Ballad
Continuing on the theme of bittersweet, here’s another song that’s meant to remind you of loves lost and mistakes made. The piano and violins emphasize the sadness (I always liken sadness to violins and pianos). I like the sound of Sweetbox’s voice better but I think Koda’s voice conveys more of the emotion as there are times when Sweetbox’s voice sounds too sweet and high-pitched for something like this.
How Deep is Your Love? – Jinusean
Korean/English | Pop
It’s my favorite Jinusean song and a decent remake of the original song by the Bee Gees. The faster tempo (than the original anyway) and raps give it a light-hearted feeling even though the original message of the song is meant to be a sad one. Still, it’s a nice mellow version that isn’t as well, deep, as the original.
Labels: Bennie K, Big Bang, Contributor; Carmi, Jinusean, Koda Kumi, Utada Hikaru
