Outside my window, birds chirp, and the sun is shining. It truly is summer. And summer would not be complete without great music!
Beautiful vocals seem to be the trend this week with the latest comebacks.
AKMU’s latest album is full of songs that showcase the sibling duo’s different vocal colors as well as the artists they collaborated with, like Sam Kim and IU. From the well-stacked album, I have to say my favorite is “NAKKA” featuring IU. I love the interesting electronic(I think?) instrumentals that pair with IU and AKMU’s beautiful voices.
Next, I’d like to ~dive~ into GOT7 Jinyoung’s solo. So far, the solo releases by the individual GOT7 members have impressed me (but I’m not surprised!). The song opens with a beat that reminds me of old grainy videos of people at the beach, the sunlight reflecting off the waves and beach balls flying through the air. The instrumentals added later create a nostalgic and sweet backdrop to Jinyoung’s vocals.
D.O.’s mini-album was also released. The happy strumming guitar and comfortingly sweet vocals on “Rose” really feel like the ocean breeze on a sunny day. My favorite songs on the album besides the title track are “I’m Gonna Love You” featuring Wonstein and “I’m Fine.”
Monsta X, ATEEZ, and TWICE have released Japanese songs. “Kiss or Death” has gritty instrumentals and rap and a surprisingly gentle chorus melody that seems to lean more “kiss” than “death.” “Dreamers” is a happy and light-hearted summer song that has a great build-up to a victorious-sounding chorus. “Perfect World” is my pick of the three. I love the chorus with the marching band-esque instrumentals and emphasis on the minor key.
With these new releases, I have some new songs to play by my non-existent pool as I sit on a flamingo floatie. As August begins and the energy of summer seems to be just fading away, these songs remind me to enjoy my vacation while in the present and watch the palm trees sway on the horizon.
I hope you found a song or two that sounded interesting, and if so, let me know!
Elaine