Lurker > KaZooo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df8u26GfBSw

That's a lot of backup dancers. This isn't really the sound I'm into but the chemistry between the two works so well, and simple set design make for a solid release imo.

I'm so-so with this one. Release is in a packed summer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz2aCKe8G8A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReV66736y1k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVaAkCpr3MM

what is it with the 18th?

Jihyo
Everglow
Aespa
StayC (the 16th)

https://youtu.be/QPK67nL59pg

:)

Song might grow on me. Not a fan of the "cake" repetition for the hook, but I see how it fits repetition that follows.
The added concentration on Ryujin on the verses for this album is interesting. I do think Yuna has been noticeably pushed to backseat as far as sound presence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bIRwBpBcZQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4rs-76SgRA

Everglow comeback soon

Somi still exists.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxjQE6tlY8w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE1GQ6wM9qM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxCHf0DWCmI

I think Hanni sharpening up her notes on the last chorus does much better with the ad-libs and approaching the end of the song.

"ETA" so far is my favorite choreography of the year. It's weird because I'm not sure I would say they're necessarily the best dancers (well, much closer to best and nowhere close to worst), but the choreography has been a step above and imo takes much of the credit. That being said, I imagine the offsets/staggering/isolations and small gestures that take place in pretty much all their songs took a lot of trial and error to sort out.

And on another note:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FxpV9YTy010
Imo Jihyo looks way better when they don't brighten her skin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc09TbDVMdU

I was kinda sidetracked with the Kiss of Life run.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_brLKR_Ew4
I haven't been too hot on the sound and concept so far for this track, but I can't hate it. They're so committed to it and it makes for an entertaining stage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv-wogXpA8w

was doing a double take with older vids because I thought for a second that something changed, but at least looking back to Iz*One, I can believe it most likely has been that way. Just outfits are making the difference.

I do remember Natty now. Believe I posted this in one of the past topics. Since I'm a dummy when it comes to survival shows and such, I wasn't catching onto the build up of her debut. I think I was nitpicking on how nasal-y she sounded at the time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQpWdm5zHOU

But her sound rn is >>>>>>

I'm just picking up Belle's been a songwriter

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zyPxV9FqwaE
well, damn

That 6-part interlinked series came together really well.
Really a sucker for the 90's R&B sound with Natty's solo.

There's just more and more talent being pulled, like I hope this group among other also gets their run of success. Don't want to go out of my way to slander or make comparisons, but as a female quartet...I think it's crazy if BP's mostly-bland stuff is allowed to blow up and this group doesn't.

Eating those whistle notes, and high notes. Haven't gotten into this group much, but I'll be looking out for those vocals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXZacbQp5mU

The most anticipated release from the album teaser for me. Song is great, video not really. I get they timed it for the summer release, but I'm not sure that really goes with the song, and making a ghost town of the setting is a bit awkward. Guessing there's a budget move at play, and more of it was thrown at "Bet on Me" and "Cake".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcQ6oB1JPiA

https://youtu.be/grZQ8e5Z3dI

That ain't no encore stage. They pretty much was a literal encore performance. Sheesh

waiting out for that itzy

Random bit for a post today

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nagclz9y8X0

One thing I noticed about NJ is their sneaker selection.

Predictable AF1, Air Max, and Dunk selections, AJ1's are not really a surprise although it looks like the L&F 1 and TS pairs have made an appearance here and there. What surprises me were some appearances of the AJ6, 11, NOCTA Hot Step, Penny 1, Penny 2 and repeat wears of the Zoom Flight 95.

The Flight 95's....I could barely stand wearing them for solo drills and shootaround but that's besides the point.

Italicized are pairs I'd never expect to see a girl wear or have taste for. I don't even think they've picked out women-specific colorways. Obviously there's more parts to creating their image, but someone's been thinking about choices to have them call back to the era, and not exactly limiting it to pure accuracy of what a girl would wear specifically. I think Danielle's wearing a P-6000, which is a very peculiar pick from the 2000's

They capitalized on all the Comme de Garcon Terminator drops (like no one was paying retail for those) for the Super Shy court scene. That seemed more to not reflect an era but just the general aesthetic of the M/V scene.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFigEiB9P5c

and that rounds it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOTfBlKSQYY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKsivrgoyDw

I do like that they've gone with a choreography that takes a step away from the dance party that resonates with most of their singles. I think it'll be interesting to see how it looks if they don't run the video-themed outfits.

I've been trying to not sound like a stan, but there's just this increasing gap between NJ and everyone else this gen.

I wouldn't make comparisons to past gen much, as case in point, MAMAMOO has solidified themselves really own their own sector in the vocal corner of the industry. They never need to "update" themselves or try to keep up with trends. They don't get old. You're either in the mood for it, or you're not, but it's always there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zefga5_GEyY

was looking out for her to get on this.
Her English isn't quite there, but "Confetti" teases a what-if with her sound.

Lapillus seems to be getting some stages
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcYG7d3kUPc

https://youtu.be/pBvJT6AQpGM

Seems like this is shaping up. Nice transition and work towards just a sampler. Does more for me than the visual teasers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wx2aAkI1HM

oof that's a spicy cover

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU9c0053UAU

I think the explicit version was unnecessary. I get the throwback to past R&B that gets into it, but this comes off more with a 90/00's pop flavor imo, which by all means is still great.

Han So Hee tho

KainWind posted...

This is beautiful in every way

https://youtu.be/pCh3Kp6qxo8

Video concept is amazing. I'm liking the group's shift to a more "wholesome" sound/concept with some of their recent songs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woKq2sD8xho

Across the board it seems like the industry is making a shift in sound that focus on a showcase of quality vs just charging for the quick/catchy grabs (well we can argue NewJeans is still playing that angle).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBuhCvG1v7o

High hopes for this. I usually credit BTS for making their own sound, sound good, without trying to be anyone else...but their attempt at mainstream English ruined that charm imo. I hate to say it, but most of their vocalists got exposed, forced to sing things they kinda can't.*
Except for Jungkook, who I've noticed has been put in the work in being so control of his pitch and pronunciation as far as I can remember since his Charlie Puth cover.

*Solo projects have done the members more justice, back to things they seem more authentically into and suited to perform.

I think Nmixx has been improving. Last couple releases or so were at "well I don't hate it", but this is something I sought to replay a few times. Makes much better use of their vocals, living up to being of the best in this generation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd2wppggYxo

It looks like they took a few elements from others, but I wouldn't take away from the overall product that they're owning.

https://youtu.be/UDxID0_A9x4

Sounds as thrown-together as I kinda anticipated. I'm not sure if there was a motive or incentive to launch this sooner than later

Oakland, CA?

If so, dang. For a not-a-Once, that's some commitment to show up.

CBX had their settlement and well, the album as expected still rolls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbg4jo8e7Xw

Dream tends to jump between concepts every so often. More if a fan when the do stuff more vested in their vocals.

https://youtu.be/StgsHBBAn2U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU2siJ2c5TA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArmDp-zijuc

I've been keeping mind of their usage of repetition in their choruses, and the short run times....but there's nothing I have a problem with here. They do enough to make the song dense with elements through the outro. Hyein's control with higher pitches and falsetto - she was the right pick for running the title lyrics, just like how she was used for the pre-chorus on Ditto.

Of course part of this is money put into it, but the resulting jumpstart coming from their debut also gave them power to run a video shoot like this, likely with some very willing participants. Crazy good use of the streets of Portugal. Style selection still pulls form late '90's/early '00's and that showcased some versatile looks for Haerin and Danielle.

YamaChan posted...

It's the intro/interlude to their album actually.

All the songs are meant to be listened to in sequential order. Super Shy is dropping at midnight EST!

I was guessing interlude as well. Not sure how well in advance they anticipated the PowerPuff collaboration

But I'm here for it.

https://youtu.be/kcelgrGY1h8

Promotional song/vid. I kinda get it with the short run time. Same with ETA as a pre release

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKo0tjVeAEU

still a little crazy how fast this is turning around.

Looks like she had a fun time. Cool to see someone coming right off a different discipline. Half the line being Japanese makes it interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7PH2Lpx_ro

eh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqBAzCH4-9g

It's a little crazy how....not old SHINee rubs off. Like they're their own NCT subunit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brs6-n87zeo

Touch posted...

https://youtu.be/RmTq3cJqyCo

Wow I fucking love it. I know it's a bid subdued from the usual ITZY songs but keep in mind this is just a pre-release/B-side. Even then, I love the maturation of it for the girls. That next level of their self-confidence concept, a far departure from Sneakers.

This is what I was hoping they'd do, but as a lead single.

I get that it's only been like 3.5 years, but relative to many others, they're veterans. Their last singles weren't really showing much in the way of maturity or growth in building upon their concept, as you pointed out finally happening here.

imo ITZY has been JYP's best current group, but last year they didn't seem like they were treated like that.

Spoiler alert

https://youtu.be/SCkW0UrvWRM

This was kinda cool
https://youtu.be/Xiai4BRzZpU

Maybe visually a bit much, but the curious approach of tackling things that are familiar and new at the same time is still there.

Ruddager posted...

Oof, K media is reporting that Olivia Rodrigo's people directly contacted Yuehua and told them to take down Yena's MV, which was made private earlier today with no explanation

I was doubting Yuehua actually got consent originally, but this confirming it and the request to take it down makes for a pretty bad look.

just a couple days until the XG EP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4ovX4LQlKg

I'm in the group that's not too hot on the name drop regardless of intent, but I'm guessing there was a bit of desperation (for lack of a better word) to draw more attention to her.

I love this.
Hinata and the end.
I'm sure they're holding out on a full version of No Scrubs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7ASHLNHNY8

Was kinda hoping for a spontaneous drop, but alright
https://youtu.be/CgNVotVutx0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ2EmLEUIto

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwoxvOnK7mQ

much improved comeback imo.

I favor their b-sides more though. Identity is gonna be a tricky thing with how they started. All their singles are just very different.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwaeZG8ePgc

https://youtu.be/HX9vJaXD8WE

Eh. I know they were featured on another Coke Studio song, and this is really just to push more content, but so far I'm leaning towards the idea they don't need collaboration tracks anytime soon. I think it goes better when there's a feature of someone who blends into the group, like what Iz*One did with Soyou