#sysy rates

[soosooxnova]

Plave's Caligo pt.1: my opinion

Chroma Drift: I'm sexually attracted to this song, I don't have anything else to add.

Dash: this song has everything I want in a song. Angelic vocals, desperate moments, sexy low moments, interesting raps, strong instrumentals. This reminds me of EXO's Monster in a way. Aliens really do it better.

Rizz: English isn't my first language so I didn't cringe at the title lol. I love the mix between the funky chorus and sexy vibe (Noah needs to stfu, I'm going insane). The freaky-cheeky post-chorus is the only slightly cringe thing in the song for me, but it's catchy and it sticks in your head, sometimes being annoying is actually good.

Island: They all sing very well, damn. The lyrics are also very emotional. However, I feel this song doesn't truly belong to this album. When I first listened to the album, ngl Island felt a bit too tame compared to the previous songs, to the point I didn't truly pay it a lot of attention... until I listened to it later on, without my ears being filled by Rizz' freaky-cheeky and it was a whole different experience. It's an amazing song and I'm glad they promoted it with a performance video.

12:32 (A to T): you know we are at the final song of the album when there's that kinda slow and cozy track. I also feel this song doesn't truly belong to this album. I think I'm still on my way to understand how much I like this song, so far I think it's the least interesting in this album, but I don't complain when it appears in my shuffle.

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Ok, nice album. It doesn't win the cohesiveness award, I think this is the only real weakness. I don't think an album needs to be cohesive at all costs, actually I think that albums that are too cohesive risk to be too monotone and boring, but there should be a certain vibe that needs to be respected, in my opinion. They were going for a more freaky-cheeky mature vibe and I think this was well represented by the first three tracks, but then the last two kinda broke the vibe imo. Maybe I would've ordered the songs differently, like opening with Rizz or Dash, then Chroma Drift and then Island. Now that I think about it, Chroma Drift would've worked well to connect Dash/Rizz with Island/12.32. I think the change of pace would've been less traumatizing, because we really moved from a song that was begging you to twerk to another one where we are supposed to cry.

But this is really just me yapping because I don't really have anything truly negative to say about this album.

I'm afraid they never disappoint with the quality of their music.

[soosooxnova]

Jaehyun's 1st album: my opinion

Smoke: I read some comments about this track before listening to it, many didn't like the chorus, so I was kinda nervous, but when I listened it I liked it a lot. It gives an interesting flavor to what could've been a safe r&b track. I think it shows well his range as a vocalist.

Roses: the type of song you'd expect from him, safer than Smoke. Really sexy and sultry, horny and sad. We already knew it since it was part of the pre-release.

Flamin' Hot Lemonade: wow let me shake a bit my 4ss. the song to listen to during a summer night, when you feel a bit spicy and lascivious. I love that he's rapping, when I talk about his range I mean that he can sound like the sweetest vocalist and like the hottest hip hop singer the next minute. I love the way this song tastes.

Dandelion: this is what I was not expecting from him lmao the outlier of this album so far. Sounds like a song escaped from Kyungsoo's album and who found itself in someone else's album.

Completely: softer song, almost ballad-y. Voice + piano. This man was supposed to be one of the main vocalists in NCT, SM keeps forgetting it, so thanks Jaehyun for reminding us of your beautiful voice. The final part is especially beautiful.

Easy: we get quirky again. Like the title, it's a song that rolls easily. When I first heard it, I thought the melody was a bit too distracting, but right now I'm listening to it again and it already sounds better, I think it's the kind of song that grows the more you listen.

Can't Get You: knowing what song comes next, I think this is really great to introduce the final song and basically close the loop with Smoke. It still holds a more relaxed vibe similarly to the previous tracks (summerish vibe here too) but with darker undertones. I like the female chorus in the background. The song fades, like smoke in the last track...

Smoke (Eng. Ver.): I don't really know which version I prefer more, I need to listen to them more. I think the vibe is exactly the same in both of the versions.

It's a pretty chill album, exactly what you'd expect from him. I understand why Smoke was picked as a title track, it's the most interesting song imo. Roses would've been a great contender, but I get that they wanted to go for a more quirky song. Mid-way in the album, the overall tone gets brighter with Dandelion, not surprised this was the pre-release because together with Roses it really tells you what you have to expect from his album. I like that the album has a very "end of summer" vibe, I don't know how to explain it, it's that kind of nostalgia, that bit of sadness, but it's not autumn just yet, so we can still enjoy the moment. My fave right now is probably Roses.

[soosooxnova]

Twice's Strategy: my opinion

Strategy ft. Megan the Stallion: the last few years have been pretty controversial music wise when it came to title tracks, people made all sorts of arguments on how the TT they chose were bad, outdated, boring and how the promotions were lacking. But this time I think there's genuinely nothing to complain about. The song manages to be a fresh and new style compared to what Twice did until now, but it still managed to have that girly and poppy vibe that intimately belongs to Twice. Props to the collab. I saw some Onces (the minority luckily) being somewhat worried because Megan's image is very different from the group's, but I think they did a great job to meet halfway and blend perfectly with each other. Megan truly sounded like a tenth member, her rap part flowed perfectly and it was well linked to Chae and Momo's rap parts. This wasn't a given because we get tons of songs featuring a rapper where the rap part at best adds nothing to the song, and at worst it ruins it. So yep it was really well-done. The promotions roll out were also crazy. So long story short: Twice and their team did their uttermost best. The song is fun, the choreo is one of their best these recent years. MV is pretty as well.

Kiss my troubles away: retro sound, it's a pretty danceable song, the lyrics are cute.

Like it Like it: this should've been the title track instead of Strategy, byt what I understood. It reminds me a lot of the With You-th mini, it seems a mix between Bloom and Rush. I LOVE the chorus and I hope this song will be performed eventually. It sounds chill and vibey but also very emotional, it's hard to put it into words.

Sweetest Obsession: this song has a long history now and it's weird to listen to the clean version without Sana's little cry lmao but yeah, it's a cute song, probably not the most iconic b-side ever, but we're all fond of it at this point haha

Keeper: the b-sides all have a somewhat magical vibe, with soft instrumental, perfect for an album that dropped in December.

Magical: Their previous winter singles had more of an emotional/sad vibe, this one is more "traditionally" Christmas. Maybe it's the retro instrumental. If you told me this was a song released in the 80s, I would believe you.

Strategy: version without Megan, it still sounds great. I praised how Megan fits so well, but it's incredible how they made this song in a way that allows it to be good even without her. It was a must obviously since they will perform it without her most of the time.

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This is a Twice album, I don't think I've ever found a disappointing album by them. I might need more listens to truly rank it, right now I feel I might've enjoyed With You-th a bit more, but Strategy and Like it Like it are amazing songs that I already added to my playlist. I'm afraid that I'll be addicted to Like it Like it :')

[soosooxnova]

Enhypen's The Sin: Vanish

Big premise: at least for your first listening, you need to listen the album exactly the way it is, because there's a narration (yes, in case you don't know, there's a narrator, there's people telling a story) and the songs are tied to the narration. There's different versions of the album, according to the language used by the narrator. This is the English version.

So, the album has been out for a couple of days and it has received mixed reactions to say the least lol I don't know if these people actually listened to the album, or only to the title track. If they listened only to the TT, then I'm sorry for them because they're missing out on an experience. Yes, an experience. You might still not like it or you won't consider it as the work of the century, but I think it's something worth experiencing at least once because as far as I know, I've never seen a group truly embracing the concept as deeply as this project. This isn't an aesthetic, this isn't a line added to the lyrics to hint vaguely to something, this isn't an obscure reference in a MV's three second shot. There's a story and everything in this comeback is about that story. It's like watching a tv series episode, expect you're not watching, you're listening. It's like an audiobook, but they're singing. This isn't an album made with the general public in mind, this isn't made to allow them to chart. This is made to get the attention of *you*. They're not looking for a mindless person listening to a song that appeared on their spotify on a random Tuesday while commuting to work. They are demanding your full attention. You are the one who will choose whether to join them on their escape, or stay back. After this you come out as a full time fan, or you realize they're not for you.

No Way Back: that's an awfully great way to open the album. It's my type of jam. The song features So!YoON! and it throws you completely in the plot narrated in the interlude before this song.

Knife: this isn't the most edible song in the world, but it serves its purpose and in the grand scheme of things I understand why this song in particular was chosen. However, I think that some simple tweaks here and there could've elevated it a lot. It's a very short song where a ton happens, the chorus is a mess, the verses disappear in a couple of seconds, there's no clear pre-chorus, no bridge. When it ends, you're left confused. If you're brave enough to give it a second chance, it does get better and it starts to make a bit more sense. This song is almost rage baiting you, people hate it but they're talking about it. Come back with a safer song and you'd get fans happy, but non-fans or casuals might sleep on it. This could be their Sticker... and I love Sticker. The opening with the news anchor and the meme of the kid holding a knife is so camp, I love it.

Stealer: I love it when idols do the spelling of the title of their songs, I don't even know why but I'm always sold when these silly chorus appear. This song is so bratty and so danceable, I'm obsessed. The instrumental slaps. Jungwon makes me go insane. It was my instant favourite with No Way Back.

Big Girls Don’t Cry: I didn't listen to the teasers, but I heard about the title of this song because again these guys are probably rage baiting you lol It's actually a nice song and I love how it falls into the story.

Lost Island: A sweet song with a marine feeling. I think several songs in this album could've been pretty nice as b-sides in an album for a summer comeback.

Sleep Tight: Another sweet song, I think it's the one composed by Jake and Heesung wrote some lyrics as well. Very cute, again very coherent with the story they're telling and a perfect way to close the album.

We often talk about how cohesive an album is and here you can find all the cohesiveness you wish for. Even sonically, excluding Knife who is the odd one, there's a coherent progression from a somewhat darker and conflicted sound to a more chill and calm one. There was a lot of planning in this comeback, a MASSIVE planning and it's something we need to appreciate. The song themselves obviously serve a purpose, which is something great for the album, but not as much, I think, when you take them out of context like you would in a random playlist. If this album had been your generic mini for a random comeback, I would've been less enthusiast about it probably. However, this doesn't mean I don't like the songs. No Way Back and Stealer already made it in my playlist and I'm afraid Knife and Big Girls Don't Cry might also get there because I'm a freak. In the first paragraph, I said that this is the type of album that either makes you a fan or pushes you away from them, I can say that in my case it made me a fan.

[soosooxnova]

TXT's THE STAR CHAPTER: TOGETHER: my opinion

Upside Down Kiss: I don't know if it's just me but it has a very Halloween vibe. I knew they would somehow promote and create a choreo for this song! They never fail to give attention to their b-sides.

Beautiful Strangers: the previous song had a dark/sexy vibe, but this one is more emotional. It's kinda in line with what they've released the past few years. At first listening I wasn't super impressed, but it gets better the more you listen.

Ghost Girl: I don't think I've ever heard Yeonjun with this raspy voice before. If I had heard to this song without knowing where it's coming from, I wouldn't have been able to recognize who the singer is. I'm honestly impressed. It kinda grows on you, I think it missed something at first listening.

Sunday Driver: a brighter song, I think it suits Soobin, it kinda sounds a bit safer than the previous songs tho and than the other solos.

Dance with You: I'm surprised by the empty chorus, I assume that if this gets performed live he'll focus on the choreography, I mean I guess the title pretty much tells us that lol It has a bit of a sexy vibe.

Take My Half: I'm not surprised here either, this sort of rock ballad style suits Beomgyu. I don't know if it's me who hasn't listened to them a ton recently, but him and Yeonjun truly stepped up their vocal game, I wouldn't have recognized him either. It's really emotional too.

Bird of Night: the chorus wasn't what I was expecting ngl I thought we were going for a heavy vocal chorus. The lyrics are pretty deep tho.

Song of the Stars: last song of the album, nice instrumental, I like the richness of the vocals.

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Everyone is adding solo tracks to their group albums recently lol I think the stand outs are the first two group tracks, Yeonjun and especially Beomgyu's solos. The other songs might need to cook some more in my ears. The title track is ok, but nothing that makes me go insane. I admire the fact that they never jump on the new trends and stick to their concept and original musical direction, but I can't help thinking that they should get out of their comfort zone a little bit and try something new.

[soosooxnova]

Twice "This is for": my opinion

Four: it's so hype omg. I bet this is the concert opener, I can already see the choregraphy, the back-up dancers, Momo slaying the center and the crowd screaming. So so glad they included it in the album and it didn't become a lost media.

This is for: It feels like Like It Like It and Strategy had a child. The instrumental is laid back, but the vocal part is pretty "hip". I feel there's a lot going on and the first listening left me a bit overwhelmed. The first feeling I got was that it lacked some structure, like the pre-chorus is blended up with the verses and you realize it's a pre-chorus because the chorus suddenly comes out. I got used to it the more I listened to the song and I could catch the nuances of the track more. I still have the feeling that it's a bit too packed like when you try to fit all your clothes in one travel bag and you barely managed to zip it. It does improve the more you listen to it though. The MV was very nice and very in line with the recent trends but still with the very energetic and bright touch Twice provides. I like the choreo as well, again very in line with the trends, shaking ass is pretty much compulsory at this point and choregraphers are arrested if they don't add it, but it's still very much Twice coded, if that makes sense. Everything about this song is an attempt to be in line with the modern times, but it's still written in Twice font and I think it's the right blending at this point in their careers since it attracts new fans but doesn't alienate older fans.

Options: The instrumental is pretty chill and fascinating and the vocals follow this vibe. I like the falsetto parts, whatever Jihyo is doing is great. This is also a big grower, I overlooked it a bit at first but it's very very nice.

Mars: A more up-beat track with a retro vibe. The chorus is amazing, I love the belting! This needs to be performed as well, I bet it's gonna be part of their hand-mic performance.

Right Hand Girl: since the trailer, I knew this lady would hit, istg if they don't perform it I will riot. This is the most ass-shakeable song released this year. I read the lyrics and my first impression was that it is a song with queer undertones (like one girl breaks up with the guy and the bff tries to make her understand her friend is much better) but then it could also have a more literal and individualistic (?) meaning. Either way, probably the lyrics want to play on both meanings so I love it regardless.

Peach Gelato: This is the type of song who's gonna stick to your head even though you don't really want to. Right now I think there's more interesting tracks, but can I dance with you again you again-

Hi Hello: This song reminds me of something and it took me a bit to realize that some parts sound similar to Dahyun's Keeper. I don't know if anyone felt the same or if I'm tripping, but either way it's a nice song.

Battitude: I thought we would get demjointz in the title track, but instead it was a b-side. All I know is that this needs to be performed, I need a visual reference and I think the song would gain a lot in a live version.

Dat Ahh Dat Ooh: Twice in their baddies era finally, let them use those low voices more. This one has a sexier feel than Battitude, I feel it's a bit easier to listen to compared to the previous track.

Let Love Go: I love it. It feels like something out of the 70s/80s, the chorus is beautiful. Like Peach Gelato this is unexpectedly catchy for me.

G.O.A.T.: MiDaChae are a surprising trio but they ate. I love the chorus. All of them have naturally soft voices, but also super interesting lower voices, I really think they work very very well together.

Talk: I somehow can imagine a performance and choreo for this one too. Another ass-shake song for me, the chorus is catchy. The bridge is brigding in this one and I love the ad-libs.

Seesaw: very soft and angelic song, this is also one that I lowkey overlooked but the chorus is actually so pretty and catchy.

Heartbreak Avenue: I'll be honest. If you watch the trailer for the track, you will hear a different instrumental that compliments better the chorus imo. The actual song is a lot more delicate (?) than what I was expecting. Probably another addition to their hand-mic set list.

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Is this better than FOL? I think only time will tel. What I can say is that THIS IS FOR (can we start calling it TIF?) has a certain sound that dominates a lot of the tracks and it's the sound that fans appreciated the most in the recent years (Basics, Bloom, Like It Like It etc.) so I think they truly pushed the game in that direction. This is what gives a sense of cohesiveness to the whole thing, while still keeping a considerable amount of variety when it comes to genres and themes. I really enjoy the vocal performance of all the members, I think whoever is working with them can now use their voices a lot better and managed to allow them to showcase their range. I think they also did a great job with the ad-libs, I saw more variety and more members doing them. Overall it seems that a lot of work was put into it.

Another thing I can say is that this album was clearly made with the concert in mind. We have the typical instrumental usually added before the first song, we have the songs for the hand-mic performance, we have the heir of Go Hard, so I think we'll see a lot of the music of this album in the set-list.

I really enjoyed listening to all the songs and it's great to go back, listen again and notice something you didn't notice at first. It was truly well done.

[soosooxnova]

Irene and Seulgi's Tilt: my opinion

Tilt: This song surprised me when I first listened to it because I wasn't really expecting this. But I love it. It feels like it escaped an Aespa album, it is essentially a gayer version of Whiplash. The MV too looks like some random scenes were taken from Aespa's MV and the editor sewed them together. I feel they could've done A LOT more other than relying on gray backgrounds and visuals. But I really like the song, it's a genre that I usually eat well. The choreo is funny to me, in a good way. I saw people complaining about it, calling it too simple, but imo I think the choreographer was trying to make a somewhat viral dance, something people can easily dance to. This song gives a lot of "night out at the disco with my gf" and if I were at a disco and this song came out, I'd have a lot of fun dancing to that choreo.

What's your problem?: featuring aside, it's a classy song. It's very enjoyable.

Irresistible: it's pretty original. I love the soft and seductive vocals. It sound like a song perfect for a high fashion brand ad.

Girl Next Door: with a title like that, I was not expecting this song. You know what it reminded me of? Spy x Family's Yor. Someone who pretends to be a girl next door but who's actually a lethal assassin. It would actually be a great ost of a spy drama.

Trampoline: everything is so sexy in this album gosh.

Heaven: they're obviously trying to seduce me and with this one they finally got me and they're in my bedroom now. It's a great way to close the album, it's a softer song compared to the others, but not boring.

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Cohesive but not monotonous, it's very sultry and sexy and each song brings a different flavor, a different font with which they express how seductive they are.

[soosooxnova]

Tzuyu's first album: my opinion

Run Away: Very JYP track. It's very retro in it's way, something you would year in the 90s. Maybe from a soundtrack of a vintage movie about youth, during the main scene where the main characters are dancing in a disco. It's a Saturday night song. Her vocals are really nice!

Heartbreak in Heaven: this kind of disco vibe continues here too, it's a bit brighter than Run Away. Cute song, I really like how she sings it. I don't know how I feel about the rap part tbh. It feels a bit out of place, but I love Peniel so I don't mind it as much.

Lazy Baby: I feel like that so far the vibe is getting more upbeat each song, but it still keeps this dance instruments that keep these three tracks tied together. This is a surprising song because I was not expecting it to appear in her album, I would've expected this type of concept from other members. Super fun and relatable. The rap part fits very well here, I also love the harmonies with pH-1.

Losing Sleep: 1,3,2 little sister! I love this song, it might be my favorite. There's a change of pace, the instruments still invite you to dance along but vibe is more mature. This is a song that you should listen on a night party at the beach.

One Love: The chorus is rich and almost surprising, something you wouldn't expecting from the verses/pre-chorus.

Fly: The song she wrote! It stands out from the previous songs, it has more of a ballad feel which suits what she might've intended to do with this song, expressing herself.

I might say that I'm surprised by this album, but the thing is that I would've been surprised either way since I had no idea what kind of music she wanted to do. Although ngl I was expecting darker/softer songs, but many of them are actually pretty fun. All the songs are pleasant and easy to listen to, right now Losing Sleep is my fave, One Love is the one I liked the least. Run Away is definitely a grower. At first listening I was like "mmm alright", but the more I listen the more I "understand" it. The best thing of the album is her vocals. She's always been pretty underrated as a singer, but I noticed how she improved the past year. Her tone is nice and she really did her best with this album!