myzinefolder
Hiiiii. Here to impart opinions, as I promised. You’ll notice this page is going to have a different layout than the rest of the site, it’s all due to it including lots of screenshots and embedded videos. I’ll set it up side by side, my hyperfixation since high-school, Kpop, and then everything else I listen to. Hope this works!
I feel like I’ve been noticing a little bit of a shift in my music taste lately, a drift away from super sterile pop (with obvious exceptions, I do love to be happy) and more into indie. It’s kind of giving high-school Alyssa, with a little bit of a less self deprecating twist! I’ll start with my favorite pastime to stick my head into and then immediately back out– Kpop.
Supernatural EP - NewJeans
I chatted with a friend about this comeback briefly, but I want to expand my opinion on it. I really love the beat on Right Now, it’s so bouncy and fun! That’s what I’m looking for! As for Supernatural, it was definitely a grower for me. I do still think no one can ever tilt Madame 1 of 1 by SHINee, the best new jack swing inspired Kpop album in my opinion. The instrumental was meh, felt a little jaggedly put together, but I think Supernatural is carried by NewJeans’ voices. I think their group vocal color is so smooth and beautiful, I really enjoyed the end portion of the song because of that. Visual wise, LOVED it. So colorful, and I can’t say I don’t love Takashi Murakami’s flowers. They’re just so joyful.
How Sweet EP - NewJeans
This came out a while ago, but I was having some more serious thoughts about this comeback when it happened. I was wondering what would come of NewJeans and how all their comebacks this year are tied to a brand. Bubblegum was for Essential, How Sweet for Coca-Cola 👎🏾, Right Now for Powerpuff Girls, Apple, Takashi Murakami AND Line Friends (that had to be red tape city for the creative crew on that MV) and finally, Supernatural and Hiroshi Fujiwara.
My main concern around that was that working with brands can really limit creative freedom at times, and it seems as though ADOR is acting more as an advertising agency with an in-house icon that brands can lease out whenever. For example, working for a marketing agency, there’s sooooo many things we need to align with, and I’ve never personally been in a situation with a huge brand where I was allowed to really be as creative as I’d like. As I really sat and thought about it, though, I suppose it’s okay as long as in the deals, ADOR and NewJeans have the upperhand in negotiating. What I mean by that is that I hope these brands are coming to ADOR and NewJeans because they know there are some stellar creatives at ADOR and NewJeans could sell out a Church’s Chicken if they did a deal with them. I just hope that the music made for these brands is reflective of NewJeans’ future vision and goals as a group. That they’re doing what they want to do. Of course, life isn’t a fairytale and it definitely isn’t when you have to be a cog in the machine, but I hope it’s as close as possible for them.
Loop - Yves
Oh I love it. I love it I love it I love it!! I’m an Orbit by association (been loosely keeping up with them since predebut do not doubt me!) and was just overjoyed when they were able to all get out from under their shite contracts with Blockberry. Seriously, whenever I think about it, I get a warm fuzzy feeling like that’s love right there. From fans to artist and member to member, they rode for each other and that’s admirable.
Back to the EP, ugh. This is exactly what I wanted from Yves. She’s a definitive cool girl, and what makes her so cool in my opinion is her (relative, because we do not know her) openness, her sensitivity. So the teasers leading up to this comeback really just solidified that in my opinion. The mini itself is so good, with Diorama being my clear favorite, but Loop isn’t far off. Honestly, I had to get used to Lil Cherry, but like I said in this screenshot, I think they suit each other. Lil Cherry just saying whatever and Yves being gorgeous. It’s stimulating. As for Goldfish and Afterglow, I think those tie into her sensitivity the most.
Creativity= Loop + Diorama, Sensitivity= Goldfish + Afterglow
Totally recommend listening, it’s only 4 songs so it’s no big committment.
Saving Flowers - salute, Rina Sawayama
I’m one boring work day from rewatching Initial D, and this song and MV did NOT help that itch!! I love this song, it’s so racing game-esque. Rina Sawayama has easily one of my favorite voices in pop today, and it’s just so nice hearing it in a song I’m absolutely loving lately. I also recommend giving I’m Free a listen too... if not mainly to hear Rina’s pretty voice.
Sexy to Someone - Clairo