bhost909
Of Girls’ Generation’s recent releases, I was definitely most excited as I was opening up my box with the “Mr.Mr.” mini album. This was their first Korean album in more than a year, and it was going to be amazing. It was going to have me staring for hours. It was going to redefine albums. It…… was a picture of some guy’s face…
Why, why would you do that? There are nine beautiful faces in Girls’ Generation, and the cover for this album is… some guy’s face. What’s worse is that the album cover actually looks more like a screen capture of a scene with Sooyoung from the music video and overlaid text than an actual design, which makes the album cover a little disappointing considering SM Entertainment actually won an award for the packaging of the “I Got A Boy” album.
Moving on from the cover (which I’ll call “the Mr.Mr.” from now on), the rest of the physical album contains a photobook (with the Mr.Mr. showing up again as the cover), a random set of stickers, and the CD. The photobook mostly looks great, though it continues the SM Entertainment tradition whereby one-fourth of the photobook either shows a picture of a prop or nothing at all. The actual disk is a little plain, especially compared to the busy and colorful “I Got A Boy” CDs, but the “GG” logo is a nice touch. The album also comes with one of three random sticker sets, which collectors might be interested in getting. Personally, I would never do that…
… again, after what happened this time. (Previews of all three sticker sets are available on leesmusic.) The stickers make for a nice extra, though they make me wonder why none of the 27 different ready-to-use pictures could be put in place of the Mr.Mr. instead.
Finally, though the poster technically isn’t included in the physical “Mr.Mr.” mini-album, it is far and away the best part and a must-purchase addition for fans buying the album. It’s big, pink, beautiful, and has more props than you’ll ever see in a Girls’ Generation poster.
Overall, the packaging and extras justify the purchase of a physical “Mr.Mr.” album as compared to a digital download. The album’s photobook and poster offset its lackluster first impression, and make it a great addition to fans’ shelves.
moonrise31
When asked about Girls’ Generation’s new mini album, Tiffany said that “Mr.Mr.” was full of “diverse sounds and exciting cool songs”. And she was right. These six tracks cover a wide variety of tastes, so at least one should be able to suit whatever fancy you may have, whether you’re in it for the melodies or the lyrics. So shall we go down the list?
1. “Mr.Mr.”– To be honest, when I first listened to this in its entirety, I was a bit disappointed; I had the impression that the song was always almost there but not quite. Maybe it was the tempo or maybe it was the lack of uniqueness that “I Got A Boy” undeniably possessed; whatever the case, it still lacked something. But I discovered that “something” after watching the girls’ first comeback stage. All bias aside (which may be hard to believe), the first “Mr.Mr.” comeback stage completely blew me away because this song was made to be performed. Which shouldn’t come as a surprise, really, in an industry where every title track comes with at least some form of attempted choreography. And the girls have more than enough charisma to pull it off. So now, whenever “Mr.Mr.” comes up on shuffle, the image of Taeyeon’s bold gesture as she opens the song makes the “Let’s go!” that much more exhilarating.
2. “Goodbye”– This song is hands-down my favorite from the mini album. The instrumental backing is a lot lighter, giving the girls’ voices the chance to really burst through and blow us away. And the girls deliver more than promised, with verses in a lower register full and rich, partnered with a bright and lively chorus without being quick-paced, electronic, or bubblegum pop-ish. And after the bonus of a surprise lower-octave harmony in the last chorus that gives me wonderful shivers, as well as all those ad-libs at the end, “Goodbye” has me desperately hoping the girls will perform this live one day, in all its incredible glory. Follow Butterfly Releases for more updates.
3. “Europa”– For whatever reason, this song seems more like a J-Pop tune (which may also explain why I like it, since I’m quite partial to the girls’ Japanese albums), although I can also imagine it segueing into “Express 999″. The windchimes in the instrumental seem a bit random to me in the context of the “spacey” concept of this song. But it’s a nice way to end, so I guess I can’t complain. The song itself seems quite upbeat even with the darker tone of its lyrics (I do appreciate all the astronomy references, although I’m not nearly educated enough in the subject to judge the correctness of their usages). Personally, I particularly enjoy the orchestral tidbits that accompany the lines before every chorus.
5. “Back Hug”– This is a very light, sweet tune that fills me with nostalgia for the girls’ earlier songs, like “Forever” or maybe even “Complete”. If we’re continuing with comparisons to previous albums, “Not Alone” also comes to mind. I don’t find anything excessively complicated in this piece, but simplicity is sometimes welcome over the intricate complexities other songs strive to provide (and I have a soft spot for anything with strings in the background, anyway). So while it might not be the most exciting song out there, this sort of heartwarming message can’t be delivered any other way.
6. “Soul”– If you want the album to end with a bang, this is definitely the way to go. It was a bit weird hearing the song in Korean for the first time, and the lyrics do seem to differ slightly from the Chinese version, but I don’t think I would’ve gotten into K-Pop in the first place if knowing what the words said was my top priority. Besides, it doesn’t take any language comprehension to understand the song’s high energy, driven by a strong electronic backbeat that makes even a not-such-a-fan-of-rap like me sit on the edge of my seat. A great finishing piece for the mini album, even if it isn’t completely brand new.
In the end, I did enjoy the “Mr.Mr.” album enough after the first run-through, but greater appreciation came after I’d looped it over two or three more times. So while not every song blew me away at first, each track does have its own special qualities and appreciable perks that make it a worthwhile listen. And the live performances? They make the songs at least nine times better.
Written by: bhost909@soshified, moonrise31@soshified
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Love the review my girl! I definitely agree with you on the ‘Soul’ comment. Keep up the good work :)
The album is not available in our country. so sad :(
I completely agree with this review! =))))
I want the album! <3
NICE REVIEW
this is my first time listening to the song and actually I LOVE IT. i mean it’s not have to be really awsome, diferent, spectacular, overwhelming, etc, but i enjoy it. despite it’s snsd song or not. i mean i like the song coz “the song” not because snsd sing it. maybe because the “great” expectation people had so yeah a view people got dispointed. i read a reviews from Anti kpop-Fangirl and simon-martnia since both reviews sounds neutral and harsh for me and both say it’s actually good. even simon-martina said it’s like go back to kpop glory day. and i agree. try listen to it without any expectation or bias feeling and you will find this song catchy. i even like it better than “the boys” and IGAB
but the video is meh for me, but they all look good.
I personally hated the cover. Why do you do this, SM? I’d rather see a heart or like a plain ‘Mr.Mr’ printed on the cover box, but why put a mysterious guy whom we don’t even know to begin with? That’s like dancing in a singing contest. And well, as much as I hated the outside cover, I loved the inside. The logo printed on the CD is kind of similar to EXO’s ‘Miracles in December’ thing, but well, SM is starting to like some geometric figures since then–and I love it. Plus the cute sticker thing (liked it but not a good thing SM), instead of a photocard. I love how SM tries to replace an old inclusion with a new one.
For the songs, well, it’s the girls. Absolutely perfect, as usual. Although I liked ‘Europa’ the least, maybe because it sounded too techie for me, it’s still great. Favorites are ‘Backhug’, and ‘Goodbye’. If I was to compare it with the previous ‘I Got A Boy’, in terms of their promotional song, I prefer ‘Mr.Mr’ over it, but for the over-all and all-in-all packaging, songs and etc; I’d still go for ‘I Got A Boy’. (maybe it’s bc it’s a full length album lol)
Anyhow, let’s continue to support the girls and get one or two! Yay!
The moment I knew “Mr.Mr.” was available on iTunes, bought it quickly and listened to it. I wasn’t really expecting a very loud, banging and crazy filled music effects from them (unlike IGAB which were like full of them), and the song didn’t really disappoint me.
And since I’m a fan of ‘bland like songs which bores everyone to death’, I personally like ‘Backhug’ and ‘Goodbye.’ The song proves their voices so powerful and magnificent, and just…wow.
Agreeing though, “Mr.Mr” was meant to be performed. It didn’t have much impact unlike their past few promotional songs. But the choreography nailed it! Just… nailed it.
To think that this is an mini-album, it’s great. Way more awesome, I do think.
Support our girls and buy one! ;)
Well yeah, for me.. I had a very great expectation for SNSD’s comeback and so when I first heard the song, I was just like, “yeah, ok. So this is it.” I was not really feeling that good about it but when I listened to it from time to time, I truly learned to love it. When the Music Video already came out, I certainly liked it better and I loved it more when they had their first live performance. I’m really satisfied with it. I love the songs in the album and my favorite is “Back Hug”. I feel at peace whenever I hear it.
Though I think that IGAB is better, It’s still a very nice album for me. :)
One of the reasons I fell in love with SNSD is that their sound and music selection often reminds me of a different era of music here in America. The song that sealed SNSD in my heart forever was “Kissing You.” This song sounded as if it was pulled from the vaults of 70’s era Motown. I have played the song for several older people who know nothing of K-pop and they all say it sounds like Motown.
The Mr. Mr. album gives us two great songs that also take me back to a better musical time. The first is ‘Goodbye” which again sounds like a 70’s Motown hit. I would swear there are ex-Motown songwriters living in SM’s basement somewhere! The second song is “Wait a Minute”…I know most of you are not old enough to remember this, but the song sounds like it came from a 1970’s style American variety show. The girls magical voices make these older style songs sound new and current.
After several dozen listens through, I think this album is a hit on may levels. It showcases the girls in all their vocal glory. Nothing in this world sounds like these angels…..they have a unique sound and it stands out on every song. They are ready to conquer the world….
“Not Alone” was actually from Girls’ Generation II ~Girls & Peace~ their 2nd Japan Album, not their 4th Korean Album I Got a Boy. n_n
Oh wow I derped there. Thanks for pointing that out! Fixed it haha :)
well im not disappointed with there mini album..because there is always a reason behind on it…many says that there album became hit just because of there name, but there wrong because the truth is …it is because of the support and love we SONE always give to them….
and about there cover i love it since it really suits to there track
One thing about the box packaging of the album. I noticed my box cover does not completely close, the magnet does nothing to seal the gap. Maybe it is just me who happened to get a less than perfect box…?
I agree with a lot of it, especially that Mr. Mr. was made to be performed
When I first listened to mr mr track, I said “ok the song is good” it’s typical snsd we already knew :) I got hooked right away. The song has its own unique compare to other hit songs in the past. And other tracks are worth to listen all the time.
One thing made me curious to how their comeback stage will? and I can say all their comeback stages were amazing. I think the performances were much better than the mv itself. I dont know why, their performance was made beautifully and strong. I used to fell in love with the boys performance even until now but mr mr live stage is always making me ‘woww” they amazed me.
Totally agree with what bhost said about the album cover! This is even disappointing than RDR’s cover! One unclear face of the member is bad enough, now they use a guy’s face! Hands down…. @@ Anyway, awesome review! I hope y’all do more reviews, I love to read reviews ^^ And I agree that the songs(apart from Mr.Mr. and Soul) need a couple of listens first, then only I will get the melody of the songs. But, I think this time “Back Hug” is the weakest ballad song they ever release… No offense, but “Everyday Love”, “All My Love”, “Promise” are at least 9 times better. But it’s still a sweet song <3
Great review guys. Had me smiling when you referred to the guy on the album cover as, “the Mr. Mr.”, haha. I think my favourite track on this mini album is also ‘Goodbye’. In my opinion, it has a laid-back feeling to it and a chance to hear Hyoyeon’s singing ;). All in all, an enjoyable mini album indeed!
Thanks for sharing this. I wish it’s already available here in our country so that if I have a money, I could buy it .