Padd Solutions

Fanboy:

It pretty much goes without saying that Cassies all across the world want TVXQ to return as the 5-member boy band that they have known to grow and love. Unfortunately, fans are feeling the pressure to choose sides while each side is quick to point to fingers at who's at fault here. "JYJ are traitors for leaving the company that made them who they are." "HoMin are traitors for not joining their fellow members in suing SM." Blah blah blah...

Fast forward to now, and we have witnessed JYJ suffer setback after setback of not being able to make it post-SM. It seems that these guys just can't seem to catch a break. JYJ can't perform on Korean television. JYJ are ineligible to be on various charts such as Oricon. JYJ's reality show gets cancelled before it even airs. It is literally issue after issue that seems to prevent the trio from even succeeding.

Once again, JYJ fans are pointing fingers at SM. Yes, SM has interfered in several of these incidents, but it has not been proven that they have been involved in every setback for JYJ. While at the same time, some JYJ fans are turning their backs against HoMin, because they are associated with the company that is "set out to destroy JYJ".

I don't consider myself a Cassie (mostly because it sounds too feminine...) so I'm not as emotionally invested in this issue as other fans. But let me just say that I feel terrible for these guys. A part of me is kind of hoping that it would make JYJ just simply surrender and go back to SM to return at the 5-member TVXQ. I strongly believe that if TVXQ were to make a comeback this year as the quintet, their success would far exceed HoMin's and JYJ's success combined.

On another note, I absolutely hate that fans are against SM's artists. Feel free to hate the company, but there is no need to bash the artists of the company (including HoMin). Honestly, fans really shouldn't be getting involved at all. This is really JYJ's, SM's, and HoMin's matter to deal with. We, as fans, do NOT know the whole story. We only know what has been stated as "he said, she said."

I just hope that this unfortunate firestorm of controversy gets resolved soon. Don't we all want closure now?

I'm still going to support both HoMin and JYJ. I love both artists. I'll continue hoping that they return as 5 one day, because after all, I'm still waiting to see them perform "Break Out" live. Just once, please! Until then, I shall continue making old TVXQ compilations and relive the memory of the quintet that commanded the stage as 5!


Fangirl:

Our readers can now see one of the fundamental differences of opinion between Fanboy and myself: Fanboy likes SM and I despise SM.

As a passionate Cassie, it was some time before I was able to form any sort of reply to this post beyond "KEYBOARDSMASH!@&#$!!!!!" After taking some time to compose myself, here is the most coherent response I could come up with:

KEYBOARDSMASH!@&#$!!!!!

Nah, just kidding. But it really did take me a long time to corral my emotions into any kind of coherent thought.

Fanboy believes that fans should not interfere and should allow SM, HoMin, and JYJ to work out the issue on their own. I disagree. I think SM is a big bully and JYJ could use all the help they can get.

I further disagree with Fanboy's statement that "we have witnessed JYJ suffer setback after setback of not being able to make it post-SM." I would like to remind him that despite opposition, the JYJ boys have been fantastically successful in their individual activities, toured Asia and the US, sold a respectable number of "The Beginning" albums and released another successful album that was completely self-composed. And they remain among the highest paid celebrities in Korea. Imagine what they might have been able to do if they had been able promote their activities as well?

However, I agree with Fanboy that while fans may feel free to hate SM the company, fans should not be hating on SM's artists. While I personally like to envision the CEO of SM Entertainment as a bitter old man (who snacks on puppies for lunch and polishes his devil horns in his free time), I believe the artists of SM are honestly charming and talented people. If anything, they are also vicitims of the situation.

I too look forward to that day when all five members may stand on one stage again. Until then, I'll do what all Cassie do - always keep the faith!

What do you think of the JYJ controversy?

With the increased popularity of K-pop worldwide, demand for Korean pop idols has risen too. Thus we have new K-pop groups have been debuting by the dozen. Here are our thoughts on many of the rookies groups that debuted in 2010, in order of debut date:


CN Blue
Boy Band - F&C Music
Members: YongHwa, JungShin, JongHyun, and MinHyuk
Debut Song: I'm a Loner

Fanboy: I like it when these boys are featured with other artists. Such as their duet with SNSD for the Kelly Clarkson cover "My Life Would Suck Without You" or at last year's Gayo Daejuns with FT Island, Onew, Luna, Junsu, and IU. It's a shame that rock bands aren't as prevalent in the K-Pop world.

Fangirl: I was so psyched when CN Blue exploded on to the scene in January 2009. A cute Korean rock group? Sign me up! But I have to admit my enthusiasm has cooled in the last year. I suppose in order to succeed in Korea, rock groups have to be more pop than rock (ex. The Trax) but that kind of music just doesn't interest me as much.


F.Cuz
Boy Group - CAN&J Entertainment
Members: Kan, YeJoon, Lee-U, and JinOn
Debut Song: Jiggy

Fanboy: I feel bad for this band. They're sort of known as the failure group in K-Pop. At least they're still around and really trying their best to succeed. Sad that the recent car accident set them back again. However, I feel that they need to put out better material. "Midnight Sun" was decent, but can also be considered sort of generic.

Fangirl: I didn't like "Jiggy" much, but their third promoted song "Midnight Sun" is appealing and pretty catchy. But unless this band manages to hit it off in their next promotional cycle, I'm not seeing a bright future here.


Children of Empire (ZE:A)
Boy Group - Star Empire Entertainment
Members: HyungShik, JunYoung, Kevin, KwangHee, MinWoo, ShiWan, HeeChul, TaeHun, and DongJoon
Debut Song: Mazeltov

Fanboy: I respect these guys' dancing ability, because I'm always a sucker for great choreography. As for their music, umm... not my taste. "Mazeltov" just didn't impress me. I can't get past the English. Sadly, I also think there are too many members in this group. It would take me a while to learn who's who.

Fangirl: It's hard for me to take this group seriously when they have such absurdly bad English in their songs like they have in Mazeltov. But I decided everyone deserves a second chance, so I gave "All Day" a listen, and thought "Yeah... I could get into this."


SISTAR
Girl Group - Starship Entertainment
Members: SoYu, HyoLin, DaSom, BoRa
Debut Song: Push Push

Fanboy: I first heard of these girls when Jo Kwon danced to "Push Push". "Push Push" is ok to me, but "How Dare You" is once again not my taste. I'm not a total fan of that "cute" image.

Fangirl: I've heard good things about SISTAR, but I've never properly checked them out until now. My conclusion? Good, but not amazing. "Shady Girl" is charming and "How Dare You" is catchy enough, but I'm hardly signing up for their fanclub.


Infinite
Boy Group - Woolim Entertainment
Members: L, SungJong, WooHyun, SungGyu, SeungYeol, Hoya, and DongWoo
Debut Song: Come Back Again

Fanboy: This group is easily my favorite rookie group out right now. They are, unfortunately, so underrated. But luckily, they're starting to pick up some steam. They deserve more attention. Why? Have you seen them wipe the floor with Teen Top on the dance battle against them? Or how about their Star Dance Battle this year with Justin Bieber's "Baby" and Far East Movement's "Like a G6"? Yeah, see what I'm talking about?

Fangirl: I frequently call this group "the most in sync boy band EVA!" for their incredibly synchronized dancing. "Come Back Again" was one of my favorite songs of 2010, but I was unimpressed with their live performance of the song. All the difficult vocal parts had been pre-recorded. Still, I'm keeping an eye on these guys. They've got something.


Miss A
Girl Group - JYP Entertainment
Members: Fei, Jia, Min, and Suzy
Debut Song: Bad Girl, Good Girl

Fanboy: Once again, I first learned of these girls from Jo Kwon when he and 2AM covered it at the Star Dance Battle last year. He really introduces me to these girl groups. :) Sadly, I found their cover to be much more appealing, because it was so hilarious. As for miss A, the group is decent, but girl groups these days just don't impress me as much as the male counterparts.

Fangirl: It's hard to believe this group has been around for under a year. They're just everywhere! I guess this shows how much it helps to have a powerful management company. I recognize the girls' talent, and the choreography for "Breathe" was refreshing, but I'm not exactly a fan.


G.NA
Girl (Solo) - Cube Entertainment
Real name: Gina Choi
Debut Song: Things I Want to Do When I Have a Lover (with Rain)

Fanboy: I found the Rain duet to be forgettable. Shame, because it's Rain! However, "I'll Back Off So You Can Live Better" is a fantastic song. It's one of my favorite songs from 2010. If she released an English version here in America, it would be a hit. Sadly, I didn't care for her recent "Black and White" song. Do I need to repeat that I don't go for that "cute" image?

Fangirl: One of the most promising debuts of 2010. G.NA is beautiful, talented and personable, and I only see her popularity growing in the future. Like Fanboy, I don't quite go for the cuteness of "Black and White" but "꺼져 줄게 잘 살아" was great.


Dalmatian
Boy Group - IS Entertainment
Members: Inati, Dari, Day Day, Jisu, YoungWon, and Daniel
Debut Song: Round 1

Fanboy: I don't have a whole lot to say about this group. They don't particularly "wow" me, but I found their two recent singles to be appealing.

Fangirl: Dalmatian's debut in 2010 completely passed me by, but since their mini album came out last month, they have been flying up my favorite list at an exponential rate. Each member is talented and they sound great live (Daniel's voice is to die for). If The Man Opposed perks your interest like it did mine, I recommend Dalmatian's live performance of Officially Missing You, which they remixed themselves.


Co-Ed
Mix Group - Core Contents Media
Members: SooMi, ChanMi, HyoYoung, HyeWon, Noori, KwangHaeng, YooSung, TaeWoon, SungMin, and KangHo
Debut Song: Too Late

Fanboy: Hmm... I like the idea of a mixed-gendered group. It's something refreshing. However, the execution of this group's stages is not what I envisioned. I would prefer that they take a different approach. I liked their music video for "Bbiribbom Bberibbom". That was sort of what I had in mind. Too bad their performances don't encompass that. The stages make me think of "Grease" or some kind of musical. Sigh.

Fangirl: I have no particular love for this group (I think the concept is way too gimmicky and many of the members aren't very talented), but I find their music constantly stuck in my head - especially Bbiribbom Bberibbom.

Fanboy:

When I first started listening to K-Pop, the first thing I noticed was the random sprinkling in of English. Personally, I like it, because it gives me something to sing along to. It's less effort for me to go out of my way to learn the Korean. However, there are always songs that have English lyrics that are awful or just plain hilarious.

Here's my list:

• DBSK - "Purple Line" - "Really wanna touch myself" -- Ok, this one is the standout English to me in all of K-Pop. I like this song, but every single time I listen to this song, this line catches me off guard every time! "What did he say?!"
• Super Junior - "Boom Boom" - "Twinkle twinkle little star" -- I like this song, but I hate this English. Mainly because I hate the song.
• Xiah Junsu - "Intoxication" - "Stroke you like a arpeggio" -- Haha, best pick-up line ever!
• BoA - "Be the One" - "Shake your heart!" -- Actually, this is my favorite BoA song, but this line is very strange. I try to think she's saying, "Shake it hard!" ... See? Makes so much more sense!
• JYJ - "I.D.S." - "I want you in my plans" -- Ok, so this does make sense, but I try to think that they're saying, "I want you in my pants," because I think that is so much funnier.
• SNSD - "Hoot" - Self-Explanatory...
• Rain - "Rainism" - "I’m gonna be a bad boy" -- This song easily has the best beat ever. Sadly, I cringe every time Rain's opens his mouth to start singing the English. It's so off-putting. :'(
• BEAST - "Shock" - "Every day I shock (shock) Every night I shock (shock)" -- Umm... what? This makes no sense to me. Not to mention, it sounds like they're saying, "Shuck." Sigh.
• Shinhwa - "Wild Eyes" - "if you wanna man like a Stronger" -- I think they're trying to say, "Stranger," so yeah, this is a total fail.

I consider myself a huge SHINee fan (hence why my Fanboy color is light blue. Mainly because I couldn't do yellow for BoA...). However, as much as I love their music, they seriously have the worst track record in English lyrics. Here we go...
- "Ring Ding Dong" - "Fantastic Elastic"
- "Lucifer" - "Loverholic Robotronic" & "Her whisper is the Lucifer"
- "Stand By Me" - "Together make it love." - I seriously thought they were saying, "Together, making love". Half of these boys are underage! (At the time of the song's release)
- "SHINee World" - "SHINee makes love right now!" - Hold up, what did these underage boys say?
- "A.Mi.Go." - "Cold heart, baby! Cold eyes, baby!" - I actually thought they were saying, "Cold hot, baby! Cold ice, baby!" Either way, it's still somewhat random even though the boys are "frozen in place" by her.
- "Romantic" - "Still I have romantic in my heart"

Ok, do I need to keep going with them? I think you get the picture by now. English lyrics in K-Pop can both be appalling and comical.


Fangirl:

Yes, the "Purple Line" quote really is infamous! It's thought that they meant to say, "I really want to get in touch with myself" but kinda failed. EPICALLY.

Pretty much every rap by Yoochun fits into this category too, as they are often penned by the man himself (Cassies affectionately refer to it as "Chungrish"). I think the best of the bunch comes from either "Shelter" or "My Girlfriend". Allow me to give you a sample: "My dear baby listen to the whistle/ little missile whisper of fiscal/ A theory of porno, oh no?" and "Maybe my love is bigger than Ginger bread man's vitality". HAHAHA.

The best comment I ever read about BEAST's "Every day I shock!" line is this: My theory is that Yoseob thinks he's pikachu so he can use thundershock attack. Hahahaha, thank you MelB for this gem!

I actually don't mind Rain's "I'm gonna be a bad boy" in "Rainism". I think it's the "magic stick" part that kills me!

More songs:

• Rainbow - Gossip Girl - "I wanna gushup gurr, I wanna gushup gurr, I wanna gushup, the sekshi and pretty"
• BEAST - Beautiful - The issues I have with this one are covered thoroughly (and hilariously) by Eat Your Kimchi. Make a lub baby!
• Kara - Pretty Girl - This whole song makes me cringe but the "If you wanna pretty, everyone a pretty" just tops it.

I think the prize for funniest and worst English (and... Yiddish) in K-pop simply has to go to ZE:A for "Mazeltov". It's one of those "must be seen to be believed" so I urge you to see the English subtitled music video. The English is so embarrassingly bad and so hilarious. The intro always makes me laugh - "It shut it down, love. It shut it down, blind. It shut it down, passion!". Then there's the inane list of the days of the week, the fact that they clearly have no idea what "Mochul tob" means, the "Latin girl, Mexican girl, Korean girl, Japan girl" line - it's too much! Hahahaha~! XD

What are some of your favorite 'Engrish' lyrics in K-pop?

Fanboy:

Well, when it comes to a Big Bang music video, I expect a lot from these guys, because their past work has been quite impressive. "Haru Haru" = Amazing! However, once again, I seem to have gone in with too high of expectations with the quintet for their long-awaited comeback.

The music video honestly didn't blow me away. It was neat to see them in a different light. But, it also seemed sort of lazy. There wasn't a definite story in the first music video release. At parts, I was reminded of an old Backstreet Boys music video where the members stand in one spot and overact their lip-syncing as they stare off in one direction and/or at the camera.

TOP seriously needs to change his hair color for this MV and promotional cycle. He just seemed so out of place. And Taeyang really needs to change his look too. He's had the same image for years now. Dude, aren't you due for a change?

I will say this, the song has now grown on me. What helped give it that boost was their live performance of the song. I was very impressed. Why couldn't they carry that concept into the MV? Where was Seungri's skirt in the MV? No where! (Granted, he would stick out in Vegas if he was sporting something like that...Hmm... come to think of it... maybe not. They would just get a different sort of impression of the Big Bang stud.)

Speaking of studs, Daesung is really stepping out in the original music video release by making out with a chick in a hotel. Getting all hot and sweaty and stuff. As they say, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." (Side note: It was refreshing to see him get the spotlight this time.) However, it was nowhere near as provocative as Seungri rolling around half-naked in bed with that chick in the "Strong Baby" MV. Honestly though, this is still pretty tame compared to American music videos (Hello, Christina Aguilera!), but I like how YG pushes the boundaries with their MVs. Unlike some other companies... (*cough* SM *cough*)...

The music video for the song was just ok to me. The original MV is an improvement with the new scenes and Daesung's "bed scene". Not a standout MV when I compare it to their past work. I mean, they flew all the way to Vegas to do this? I expected more. But I think this song will continue to grow on me, and who knows, maybe the music video too.


Fangirl:

What a relief to see that the music video broad-casted by SBS two days ago was merely a butchered version of the original music video! My thoughts about the MV had been along the lines of "You went all the way to Vegas for that?!" But thankfully my fears were averted when YG finally posted the original music video this evening.

That's not to say I think we have a masterpiece on our hands. I didn't like the daylight scenes filmed in the empty lot filled with signs. How much better would this MV be if those scenes had been filmed against shining Vegas lights instead? Then when they cut to the desert sunrise around 2:50, it would have had twice the impact. That way for most of music video it would have been nighttime ("Tonight" - ya follow?) until we hit the climax and then boom, it's dawn.

This music video is less story-based (Lies or Haru Haru), and more atmospheric (Don't Tell Me Goodbye). I personally have no problem with that, but I can see how Fanboy would miss the narrative style that has worked so well for Big Bang in the past.

I also wasn't feeling some of the new looks the Big Bang members were sporting. Shoulder pads, GD? Really? And TOP's Spock hairdo has got to go. But Daesung in a simple pair of jeans and a plain white dress shirt rolled up to his elbows looked simply amazing. And those sweaty bangs hanging over his eyes...

*cough* Excuse me, I seemed to have lost my train of thought. Where was I? Oh yes, fashion -

Yeah, Taeyang probably should change his look. The faux hawk does suit him, but he's had that look for two odd years now. It's time to change it up, Youngbae. And personally, I'm glad that Seungri's skirt from the performance of 'Tonight' didn't make it to the MV. That concept simply baffles me.

I would rate this music video above 'okay'. It's not my favorite Big Bang music video ever, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.


What did you think of the music video?

Super Junior M's 2nd Mini Album 'Perfection'
Release Date: 2011.02.25
Itunes - YesAsia


01. 太完美 (Perfection)
02. 命運線 (Destiny)
03. 幸福微甜 (Love is sweet)
04. 表白 (Off my mind)
05. True Love
06. 吹一樣的風 (My all is in you)









Fanboy:

Well, I consider myself a Super Junior fan and when I saw that their new album was titled "Perfection", I was certainly hoping it would live up to its name. Not necessarily, but I still liked it.

Track 1: "Perfection" - It's no wonder why SM chose this as the lead track, because this is my favorite song off the album. Granted, it's not a lot of people's favorite (due to too much auto-tune), but I'm somehow drawn to this song's catchiness (and choreography).

Track 2: "Destiny" - I guess one word to describe this song would be "sweet". It's pleasant to the ears. Not my favorite, but it sounds like one of those songs you'd find in a romantic comedy movie soundtrack. Particularly at a part where the boy runs to find the girl. Discovers her. Confesses his love for her. And then, they kiss. And then, this song plays.

Track 3: "Love is Sweet" - This song reminded of one SHINee's early songs off of their first album ("Four Seasons"? Or even "One" off their "Hello" repackage). Again, it's another "sweet" song (I would hope. Judging by the title here...). Not my favorite. It was just ok to me.

Track 4: "Off My Mind" - It seems to me that Henry is utilized a lot in this song. He's becoming one of my favorites now. (Side note: I'm really disappointed that Henry didn't use his amazing violin skills in this album. That was definitely needed and very much missed.) For some odd reason, I liked this song. It was a catchy up-tempo track and seems like it could have success here in America (thanks to Henry). My favorite song after "Perfection".

Track 5: "True Love" - This track seems like it could have come off a Korean drama soundtrack. I guess you could say it's one of those feel good songs. For some reason, I picture this song being used as opening credits to an 80s sitcom where each cast member turns to the camera and smiles as their name flashes across the screen. However, it's not my taste.

Track 6: "My All is in You" - I think this is one of the best vocally-powered songs on the album. Kyuhyun and Ryeowook really shine on this one. I think this is my 3rd favorite song on the album. Mainly because I appreciate true vocal talent. It was a nice song that seems to have a nice emotion behind it.

I'll be honest, when I first listened to this album, I really liked it. However, as I listened to it two more times, I realized it wasn't as great as I thought it was. I feel like the album doesn't have a long-lasting appeal. I think I'll really be only listening to, at most, 3 songs weeks down the road.

I know you're not really that crazy about Super Junior like I am. What did you think, Fangirl?


Fangirl:

No, I'm not too crazy about Super Junior, but I do really love some of their songs. That stayed pretty consistent after listening to this album. I'm no ELF convert, but there are some songs on the album that I really enjoyed.

I would like to preface this review by saying ballads are mostly not my thing. It often takes whole lot of repetition or back-story for them to grow on me. But on to the album -

"Perfection" isn't my favorite on the album like it is for Fanboy, but I enjoy a power dance track now and then. It's not "perfection" exactly, but it is catchy and dance-able.

"Destiny" is a typical SM ballad that builds to an interesting electric-guitar-fueled bridge. Like I said, I usually don't go for ballads, but I have to admit I was tapping my toe by the end of this song.

"Love Is Sweet" is... another ballad. At least SuJu M has the vocal talent to pull it off.

You're so right, Fanboy - Henry really shines in "Off My Mind". Not only did he sing the song solo, but Henry composed it as well. It seems we had many of the same thoughts about this song. It occured to me that this song would do well in America, too. I hope to see much more from Henry in the future. The boy is talented!

Excuse me while I dig the pixie dust and starshine out of my ears. I'm sorry Zhoumi, I know you worked hard composing this song but "True Love" just isn't my jam. I don't know how much more of those tinkling chimes I can take...

Now "My All Is In You" is the kind of song I can dig. A beat you can snap your fingers to, gorgeous vocal harmonies, a catchy chorus. And we finally get to hear Kyuhyun's soaring voice. I dare say I like it even more than Super Junior's Korean version (사랑이 이렇게).

I like Super Junior M best when they skip the ballads and "cute" songs. Unfortunately, that makes up only half the album. Except for a few select tracks, "Perfection" didn't do it for me.

What did you think of Super Junior-M's mini album?

Big Bang's 4th Mini Album 'Tonight'
Release Date: 2011.02.24
Itunes - YesAsia


Tracklist:
01. Intro (Thank You & You)
02. Hands Up
03. Tonight
04. Somebody to Love
05. What is Right
06. Cafe









Fangirl:

So Big Bang asks, "I'm fine thank you and you?" Well, pretty damn good, thanks Big Bang. Let's start with the lead track, "Tonight" (the MV of which I am eagerly anticipating...).

This is the most coherent response I could muster up: When Big Bang does epic, this is what it sounds like. This song hits the highs, the lows and all the places in between. I cannot wait to see this song topping all of the charts, because I'm loving it.

"Hands Up" and "Somebody To Love" are Korean versions of the B-sides from two of their Japanese singles - Tell Me Goodbye and Beautiful Hangover, respectively. There were no significant changes so I find my reaction the same as when I first heard the Japanese versions. Hands Up is danceable enough, but it feels like a filler track. Somebody To Love remains one of my favorite Big Bang songs. Though I said there were no significant changes in the Korean versions of these songs, I was struck by the difference in TOP's parts. His style is changing, becoming more playful.

I'm just really digging "What Is Right". It's a pop song with some slight rock influence and a hefty dose of Big Bang swagga'. And any more guitar in K-pop in a good thing in my book.

"Thank You & You" is a good opener. I love the slight attitude that is hinted at in the song. Like it could be a polite, "We're fine, thank you. And you?" Or it could be a "Oh, we're fine, and don't you know it."

"Cafe" is a bit of surprise, and perhaps a mistep by Big Bang. With jazzy backing instrumentals, the song reminds me of GD & TOP's fantastic "Baby Goodnight". But unlike "Baby Goodnight", "Cafe" lacks that sexy musical smirk. So perhaps it reminds me more of GD & TOP's "어쩌란 말이냐?", that bizarre "rock" number and the only song on the album that I skip. On the plus side, Daesung sounds absolutely fantastic.

I think the biggest challenge for Big Bang is mixing five distinctly different styles into one co-hesive whole. They succeed beautifully in "Tonight", and maybe not so much in "Cafe".

It's not the earth-shattering epic album I was hoping for, but there's a chance I came into it with my expectations set a bit too high. Ahem.

I know you're not as big a Big Bang fan as I am, Fanboy. What did you think of the album?


Fanboy:

I always seem to go in with too high of expectations, and Big Bang is no different, because this was their triumphant comeback as the quintet. I assumed that they were going to come back with a "bang" (pun may or may not be intended...).

This album is a quick listen. It's not that long and is definitely worth a shot. So, I shall start with the "Intro (Thank You & You)". I personally find intros and preludes to be a total waste of time. It doesn't classify as a song, and there's not a whole lot of substance that makes me go, "Wow!" "Thank You & You" still did not change my opinion about them. Skip.

Track 2: "Hands Up" - I liked it. It is one of those feel-good dance songs. I feel like I hear 2NE1's "Can't Nobody" going on throughout the song, but I like this one more. It's one of my favorite tracks on this album even though I prefer the Japanese version more.

Track 3: "Tonight" - Ok, I didn't think it was as "epic" as Fangirl thought. I actually thought this one of the weaker songs on the album and definitely one of their weakest promotional songs. However, I do feel like it's one of those tracks that will grow on you, and I, too, can't wait for the MV release. I feel like it'll be neat. Las Vegas and Big Bang? Can't go wrong. They always seem to have some of the best MVs.

Track 4: "Somebody to Love" - Again, I prefer the Japanese version more, but I still liked this song. I don't really care for TOP in this song though. His vocals seem a tad deep and stick out like a sore thumb in this song. What I mean, he doesn't seem to mesh as well with the other four's vocals.

Track 5: "What is Right" - For some reason again, I feel a 2NE1-vibe again. I can't quite put my finger on it. Hmm... The song is not bad, and again, it will be one of those songs that will grow on me. Still not my favorite by them, but definitely worth a shot. I'd say it's one of those tier 3 Big Bang songs to me. Like, I'll listen to it every now and then if it shows up on my iTunes shuffle, but it's not something I'll go out of my way to go listen to.

Track 6: "Cafe" - Easily, my least favorite song on this album. I do always appreciate it when artists try out new genres and showcase a new side to their artistry. However, this song just did not work for them, in my opinion. I found the song to be a little strange and definitely not your typical Big Bang song.

Overall, I did actually like the album. I find this to be better as a whole compared to the Seungri and GD&TOP albums. BUT I do find the promotional singles "High High", "VVIP", and "What Can I Do" more appealing as singles. To me, I feel like "Tonight" is slightly lackluster when you compare it to their biggest hits like "Haru Haru" and "Last Farewell". But still check out the album.

Tell us what you thought of it. What's your favorite song?