With so many releases happening each week, we have split our weekly review into two articles to make things more convenient. Our Weekly K-music Review posts are here to give you a helping hand and a quick look back to the notable releases from Korean artists in a weekly format. This article looks at releases and comebacks from 12-14 March 2018.

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Maniac – Money Makers (FEAT. Jessi, Jay Park)
Released: 12 March

Bringing Korean hip-hop to the masses, this collaboration shows that language need not be a barrier. With the mix of Korean and English lyrics, along with the artists who are Korean Americans, this release is more than just your typical collaboration. The song makes a statement from the first bar, and with the help of Jessi and Jay Park, Maniac was definitely able to pull together a great song. The rawness of the music video also compliments the rawness of the lyrics, with a bet that makes you want to get up and perform your best hip-hop dance.

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GOT7 – Look
Released: 12 March

GOT7 have stolen the hearts of many fans, and with every song or album they release you can see and hear their growth, both individually and as a group. Through Look, they have kept their boyish charm with an upbeat pop track and controlled harmonised vocals, but they have also created a more mature look visually, perfectly balancing their playful charms that GOT7 are well known for. The title track is part of the group’s latest album Eyes On You, which is full of tracks that are great for the transition from the cold and wet weather, to the more sunny and hotter days.

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April – Bluebird
Released: 12 March

With a fairytale music video, the April girls look stunning in beautiful outfits that show innocence, along with the soft-hearted song that reminds us of spring days. The lyrics talk about a young woman who is head over heels in love with someone, and she wants to express herself. The song is super catchy, and a favourite of ours for the month of March. The music video is super pretty with some mystical filters and lighting effects, that add to the innocent theme.

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Muzie – I Can’t Let You Go (FEAT. Space Cowboy)
Released: 12 March

Muzie is one of those old school idols who has managed to keep his presence in the K-pop industry by being a producer, writer and releasing the odd song here and there. What we love about Muzie’s music is that it always has that retro sound to it, and his vocals are truly something that has inspired a lot of modern-day K-idols. Mellow, smooth with a slight upbeat drumming track, the song is a soulful winner for those late night strolls or open top car rides.

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Junoflo -Grapevine (FEAT. Jay Park)
Released: 13 March

R&B, hip-hop and pop are usually defined as separate genres, but Junoflo along with Jay Park have the ability to mix the three genres together to create a fresh approach to their collaborated piece, Grapevine. Accompanied by a simple music video, the song has a standalone vibe. This is thanks to smooth vocals and a different kind of rap style than what’s popular at the moment. There is a retro feel to the song, but in a modern setting.

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Golden Child – Lady
Released: 13 March

Although Golden Child are still seen as a rookie group, they are gradually making their mark on the K-pop world. With their latest release of Lady, it seems that members have been doing a lot of training to redefine their vocals, thus giving more polished vocals and a more mature style. The music video allows fans to get an equal glimpse of each member, but it also has a dreamy feeling which compliments the song and lyrics.

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NCT 127 – Touch
Released: 13 March

The beginning of 2018 has been a big moment for all members of NCT as a whole. The NCT group is made up of subgroups such as NCT127, NCT U and NCT Dream. With Touch being NCT 127’s latest release, we have also had a duo release from members Ten and Taeyong titled Baby Don’t Go. NCT U has released Boss, and NCT Dream released Go. As with most NCT releases, they each have their own flare and their own sound, whilst keeping an underlining feeling and vibe that keeps them united as one big group. Touch is a feel-good song, upbeat, and full of youthful fun, the music video is colourful and feels personal with some great CGI and camera effects.

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DPR Live – Action (FEAT. Gray)
Released: 13 March

As soon as we saw that DPR Live was making a comeback, and with a collaboration with Gray, we were instantly excited. DPR Live has taken the charts by storm with their indie, underground, R&B and hip-hop music. Action is no exception to their record of pure bopping sounds that make you want to get up and dance, fitting with cool vibes and chillout themes. This release is once again one of the big hits for the month. We always look forward to seeing what DPR Live have up their sleeve, and we were not disappointed.

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Skull – Your Record (FEAT. Huh Gak, Mad Clown)
Released: 14 March

For those of you who are always looking for something different, we have a treat for you this time. Korean rapper and reggae master Skull has joined forces with rapper Mad Clown and solo singer Huh Gak to bring a ready for spring song, Your Record. Featuring Skull’s key deep-toned and husky vocals, it’s a great mix of Mad Clown’s boyish rapping and Huh Gaks soft yet powerful vocals. As a special gift to his fans, Skull also released a second song titled I’m Cool, in collaboration with rappers Superbee and Jo Hee Chul. The song keeps true to Skull’s musical roots of reggae, but with his own Korean flare.

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Hoya – Angel
Released: 14 March

After leaving the K-pop boy group Infinite, Hoya has concentrated mainly on his acting. After taking some time to train his vocals and dancing skills, Hoya has come back as a solo artist with his release Angel. Considering how over drowned his vocals were when he was with the boy group, it’s actually a breath of fresh air to be able to hear the full potential and power of his voice. With the officially released video being a choreography video, it allows the viewers to not only see how much he has grown vocally, but also as a very talented dancer with modern interpretation telling a story of love. This is a whole new Hoya that we see and it’s good to see him back in the K-pop scene.

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There was a lot of great releases this week and sadly we couldn’t add them all to this list. So a few special mentions go to Big Bang and their release Flower Road, a song dedicated to their fans as four of the members are now in the army for their mandatory service. Korean hip-pop boy group BTS’ youngest member Jungkook released a cover of Roy Kim’s Only Then which also showcased a new side to his vocals, and as a thank you to Jungkook, Roy Kim returned his love with a cover of BTS’ Spring Day. MBA (Most Badass Asian) released their futuristic hip-hop beat Want with hints of Tron at the base of his music. Lavender Coffee asks Can You See The Love with her soft, calming yet uplifting spring song. And lastly, Hae Bin from the girl group Gugudan has released her soundtrack song On The Road for the Korean drama TV series Radio Romance – the perfect accompaniment to a love story.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the first article for this week’s K-music Review and be sure to join us in the future for more K-music Week In reviews.