VIXX - Chained Up

Although never completely warming up to them personally, VIXX has always been a group that reliably delivers the goods when it comes to music. Because of this, I was so excited for their new album. Unfortunately, I'm finding myself underwhelmed. Maybe it's because their 2013-2014 releases were so flawless that I had set my expectations too high, but I just can't help thinking that they are capable of better. Chained Up is a perfectly serviceable title track. I certainly don't dislike it, but something feels lacking -- particularly during the verses. I think I'll have to chalk it up to personal taste, as many have been raving about the song. The chorus is catchy, for sure, but it definitely feels smaller than past tracks like Error, Eternity, Hyde or GR8U. Still, I'm giving it multiple spins in the hope that it'll grow on me.



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K-Pop Halloween: Day Two

In the infancy of this blog, I used to post a lot of Halloween-themed songs during the month of October. After a few years, that feature started to dwindle a bit. After all, there are only so many Halloween songs out there! But, to better reflect the changing tastes of the blog, I thought it would be fun to feature some Halloween-related tracks from Korea (and maybe one from Japan). Halloween isn't big in Korea, but I like to think these horror-themed songs could stand right alongside Thriller or Monster Mash!

VIXX - Voodoo Doll
Many of Vixx's title tracks are suitable for Halloween, since they basically made their name on edgy horror-themed images and intense tracks. This is probably the creepiest, with its bloody video and dark atmosphere, but make sure you check out Hyde too.



EXO - Wolf
Certainly not their best single, and definitely the cheesiest, but the gargantuan hooks and insistent wolf howls make this perfect for a Halloween party.

VIXX LR - Beautiful Liar

VIXX has had an interesting year so far. Instead of coming back as usual, they released a cover track back in February and now this unit track, which combines two of the more recognizable (yet very different) members. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect, and I kind of just wished they'd come back as a whole group. It turns out that the new mini album is a mixed bag. There is one full group track, which is very good, and then a couple of middling solos. The title track itself is a nice dramatic ballad, with a heavy American influence. The best thing about it is actually the artistic and dark music video, which is beautifully shot and acted. The visuals grab you from the get-go, especially the lonely piano surrounded by the blackness of night. It makes me thirst even more for a full-group comeback.

Top 10 Mini Albums of 2014

Before we move on to the best of the best early next week, I'm going to pause for my top mini albums (or EPs) of the year. Given that this format is used most widely in Asia, there's a lot of K-Pop on the list. Strangely, there's also only one female representing this year! I'll be looking for them to come strong in 2015! To be eligible for this chart, the albums must have at least four full tracks.

10. HyunA - A Talk



I became a HyunA fan this year, despite not being into too much of he stuff in the past. That's all to do with this sleek, dud-free collection of charismatic dance pop.

9. BTS - Skool Luv Affair



Nearly a full album, with eight tracks on the expanded version, I didn't like this quite as much as their other release this year, but you can't deny the pair of singles...totally different from one another but both awesome.

8. VIXX - Error



Glossy, meticulous production highlights this collection of dramatic, sci-fi flavored dance. The title track is epic, and the rest of the album surprisingly lives up to it.

7. Exo - Overdose 



EXO had a quieter year in 2014, with just this mini-album release. It's not their most in-your-face collection, but it's an incredibly interesting listen, sonically, and of course includes the fantastic title track.

6. Halo - Hello Halo 



One of the most promising new debuts of the year, I love that this group is pure POP and doesn't really try to be anything else. It's a short album, at only four tracks, but they're all bright and fun.

5. Austin Mahone - The Secret



It may not include his best song (What About Love), but the throwback sound to the late 90's Swedish pop boom is incredibly welcome and sets this collection of songs apart from everything else out there.

4. Gravitonas - Garden Of Men And Machines



My favorite release from them, simply because each and every song is flawless. It has a nice sonic variety as well, with aggressive dance sitting beside pensive balladry.

3. The Fooo Conspiracy - Conspiration



These guys released two excellent EPs this year, but this is my favorite. It's a masterclass in fun, youthful 2014 urban dance pop. Playful, energetic and ridiculously catchy.

2. Taemin - Ace 



I'm a massive Michael Jackson fan, which is part of the reason I love K-Pop so much, and Taemin delivered what sounds like a modern MJ release. His background as a dancer is evident in the way his vocals massage the beats.

1. B1A4 - Solo Day 



No single release this year sounded more like summer than this. Overall, it's more subdued and downtempo (even acoustic) than most of what I like, but song for song, I don't think this mini album could be beat in 2014. It just makes me happy.

Top 50 Singles of 2014: 50-46

50. Bleachers - Rollercoaster



An homage to the summers of the 80's, in a different world this could have soundtracked a John Hughes movie. I love the cascading drums.

49. Ola - This Could Be Paradise



One of the best surprises of the year, Ola came back with a soaring dance track that subtly reinterprets Over The Rainbow over a surging beat.

48. Kliff - Maija



A Euro-inspired dance track that lit up the summer. It's all about that chorus and the build-up to the full dance beat at the end.

47. Roy Kim - Home 



A beautiful, Autumn-influenced ballad. This guy is one of the few artists who can capture my attention with his gorgeous voice alone.

46. VIXX - Error 



A theatrical, futuristic dance track with a sorrow-filled heart. Brings back memories of Bigbang's awesome Monster two years ago.

Don't forget, if you'd like to listen to the Top 50 Singles Countdown in full, download the audio version!