Sensual Seohyun
Seohyun Don’t Say No SM Entertainment
LEAVE it to the maknae (Korean for youngest member) to release one of the most tantalising solo releases from a girl group. Don’t Say No – the first mini album from Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun – is a sizzling hot affair.
The singer wastes no time expressing that all-grown-up front, delivering a confident performance on the dance-pop title track (which also serves as the lead single).
For the longest time, Seohyun has been known as the innocent and shy one in the mega K-pop ensemble. To see the 25-year-old shedding that image for one that’s much sexier and more mature is a pleasantly unexpected audio-visual experience indeed.
That racy concept reaches a satisfying climax on the sultry Magic. On the jazz-inspired number, the Seoul songstress coos and whispers through unapologetically sensual melodies. Another standout which follows this sexy template is the deliciously devious Bad Love, which takes its time escalating to a dramatic hook.
This is up for contention really, but I’m of the opinion that Seohyun has the most dynamic vocal range in Girls’ Generation after Taeyeon. Her experience performing in theatre can be credited for this prowess. And those solid vocals shine through on this seven-track collection (six of which are independently written by the singer herself ).
The brassy Love & Affection, despite a questionably bizarre chorus, showcases the singer’s higher registers to a tee. Elsewhere, Seohyun regresses with the sweet, but ultimately lacklustre, duet Hello with Eric Nam.
But all is forgiven on the album closer Moonlight, an R&B-stylised gem that highlights immaculate vocal precision. That’s testament of a veteran girl group member who knows her K-pop craft.
Red Velvet Rookie SM Entertainment
ROOKIE girl group Red Velvet finally gets it right on its fourth mini album. Forged with the dual concept of “red” (vivid and upbeat) and ‘velvet” (chic and reserved); the young K-pop ensemble from SM has for the longest time, struggled with that sonic duality.
But Rookie sees the girls – Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy and Yeri – striking a balance between saccharine and sophisticated. There’s a good mix of fun pop numbers and heartfelt ballads here, and they get better as the EP progresses.
That being said, the selection of the titular track as the lead single is a curious decision. Despite its insanely catchy arrangement and energetic delivery, the number – with its juvenile chants and generic synths – is probably the weakest offering in this six-track collection.
The girls redeem themselves on the accompanying Little Little though, a mid-tempo ballad with smooth R&B treatment in its pleasant chorus. Ultimately, the better numbers on the album belong to the more experimental songs.
The quirky Talk To Me employs the use of haphazard electronic arrangement to create a fun funk-driven dance tune. Meanwhile, the icy synths of Body Talk stands out thanks its retro rhythm and a very polished electronic production that accompanies great vocal harmonies.
While the group may have stumbled in some of its past releases, this relatively solid album proves that Red Velvet is surely shedding its status as a K-pop rookie.