Music

NewJeans Ushers in an Era of Emotion: A Look at Notable K-Pop Releases in July

Aug 01, 2023 | by COLT NAVA

The arrangement is based on albums released from July 1st to 30th, in order of their release dates -

◆ KISS OF LIFE 1st Mini Album [KISS OF LIFE]: Play Love Games (HANEUL Solo)

A perfect fit for a Disney Princess. Member Haneul's solo track 'Play Love Games' is a lively and cute song fit for a theme park opening. Its sharp and chewy expressiveness captivates the ears.

◆ EXO 7th Full Album [EXIST]: Cinderella

A grand adult fairytale. EXO's 7th full album is all about the matured vocals of EXO. The song 'Cinderella', themed around the princess who departs at midnight, boasts a romantic harmony.

◆ ZEROBASEONE 1st Mini Album [YOUTH IN THE SHADE]: Always

A flawless bonus. It's commendable to include an easy-listening song that gets stuck in your head on their debut album as a solo track. It's no surprise they were the top pick on 'Boys Planet.' Jiang Hao's calm, warm vocals and high-level Korean pronunciation are impressive.

◆ NewJeans 2nd Mini Album [Get Up]: ASAP

NewJeans seems to be living in an era of emotion. 'ASAP' only has value when it's sung with 'NewJeans sentiment' and when it's in NewJeans' [Get Up] album. It may be a track that clearly divides opinions with people asking 'Is this a song?', but the addictive Europop sound and the whispering vocals of the members cleverly end the album by leaving an aftertaste and promising what's next.

◆ OH MY GIRL 9th Mini Album [Golden Hourglass]: Dirty Laundry

Laundry is the best mood changer. OH MY GIRL's summer 2023 is complete with 'Dirty Laundry.' A track where a bright and lively guitar riff and OH MY GIRL's impeccably clean and fresh vocals blend excellently. They even cleverly included an addictive 'La la la la hoo~' part.

◆ TREASURE 2nd Full Album [REBOOT]: Lovesick

This 'Lovesick' is the real deal. In their 2nd full album, TREASURE has poured out everything they can do now. Among the wide spectrum, I hope member Asahi's self-written song 'Lovesick' becomes more well-known. It's a Korean version of a song included in a Japanese album, but it gambles on the plain acoustic sound and vocals. The lyrics that evoke nostalgia for a loved one span generations.