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katiecSNSD

Member Since 10 Feb 2013
Offline Last Active Feb 12 2022 06:38 PM

#6445715 [COMP] Katie's Album Review Corner

Posted by katiecSNSD on 24 February 2014 - 02:27 PM

Thanks for the comments, everyone! I work really hard on my reviews, so it's nice to see that people are enjoying them. ^_^  Now onto my next review - the girls' first album. I may be a new fan, but I LOVE old-school Soshi! :D

 

 
Girls' Generation Vol. 1
 
 
 
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In 2007, then-rookie Korean group So Nyuh Shi Dae released their first full-length album, just three months after their debut single. Although they didn't become national icons until their 2009 hit Gee, this album is a strong entry into the K-pop universe and showcases the youth and talent of these nine lovely young ladies.
 
 
The Look
 
 
The packaging of Girls' Generation isn't as impressive as some of the group's later albums, but it is still very nice. The case is made of a glossy cardstock, and the color is actually a brighter pink than it looks in photos. Also, the silhouette of the nine girls is shiny and silver. Once you open up the case, there is a booklet attached to the left side, and the right side holds the CD itself. The booklet contains gorgeous photos of all nine group members, plus lyrics and thank-you messages (I don't know Korean, so unfortunately, I have no idea what they say). The photoshoot for this album had a "doll" concept, which I thought was very interesting and artistic.
 
 
The Music
 
 
1. 소녀시대 (Girls' Generation) - The first single off the album, this was a remake of a song by K-pop superstar Lee Seung-chul. It's a very upbeat song with smooth vocals and an addicting beat. One of my favorite songs that the group has done, and a great way to start the album. Fun fact: the original version was released in 1989, which happens to be the year that six of the girls were born. 10/10.
 
2. Ooh-La-La! - A cute song that talks about a young girl's dream of fairytale romance. I love Yoona's spoken part at the bridge - it's so adorable! 8/10.
 
3. Baby Baby - Another pretty song with a calming beat. I really like the girls' voices here, especially during the chorus. 8/10.
 
4. Complete - This is a truly touching ballad that has come to symbolize the strong bond between the SNSD members, as well as the love that exists between the group and their fans. The girls often cry when performing this live, and with good reason. The lyrics are similar to Forever from their second album Oh!: they talk about staying together and believing in love, no matter how much time passes. Each girl sings beautifully here, especially Taeyeon and Jessica. 10/10.
 
5. Kissing You - Not one of my favorite songs, but a cute track nonetheless. The catchy hook at the beginning will get stuck in your head easily - "doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo, kissing you, baby!" 7/10.
 
6. Merry-Go-Round - I love this song! The melody is relaxing and reminds me of a spring day, and the lyrics are nostalgic and sweet. 9/10.
 
7. 그대를 부르면 (Tears) - Another ballad. Usually I like slow songs, but this one was a bit too slow for me. However, the girls sang it well. 7.5/10.
 
8. Tinkerbell - This was one of the first tracks from this album that I heard, and I liked it right away. After I listened to it on YouTube, I decided to buy the CD. The cool thing about this song is that the melody actually makes me think of Tinkerbell flying around! 9/10.
 
9. 7989 - This is a duet between Taeyeon and male singer Kangta. It's probably my least favorite on the album. I have the same issue with it that I do with Tears - it's a little too slow for my taste. Kangta's voice didn't really appeal to me. Taeyeon sounded good, but the whole thing just seemed a little...flat, in my opinion. 5/10.
 
10. 소원 (Honey) - Originally titled "Perfect For You," this was also included on the girls' debut single. This has been a favorite of mine ever since I first listened to it. I love how Seohyun sounds in the opening lines, and the lyrics from the second chorus are beautiful: "Honey, I am loving you/This greedy and prideful person I am is slowly changing/Suddenly my heart becomes more open/You make me happy/I'm perfect for you." 10/10.
 
11. 다시 만난 세계 (Into the New World) - This was SNSD's very first song and the one that started their journey. The girls' voices sound so full of hope, and the lyrics were absolutely perfect for their situation: "Don't wait for a miracle, there's a rough road in front of us/With obstacles and future that can't be known/Yet I won't change, I can't give up." "Walking the many unknowable paths, into the dim light/It's something we'll do together to the end, into the new world." This song must be so meaningful for them, especially now that they've conquered the K-pop industry! Another highlight is the music - I love how it slowly builds up until it reaches a climax at the final chorus. All in all, this was a fantastic debut song with such an uplifting message. 10/10.
 
Overall: Girls' Generation is a solid first album and a promising start to the group's career. It has a fresh, young, easygoing sound that is very appealing. Many of the songs are reminiscent of pop from the late 1990s and early 2000s, and the album seems to reflect the innocence of youth and nostalgia for a simpler time. The girls' voices have not fully matured, but that just adds to the charm of this wonderful album. A must-listen for any SONE, and a great choice for the casual K-pop fan.
 
My Top 5:
 
Girls' Generation
Complete
Honey
Into the New World
Merry-Go-Round

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#6424541 [COMP] Katie's Album Review Corner

Posted by katiecSNSD on 10 February 2014 - 06:16 PM

Girls' Generation Vol. 2: Oh!
 
 
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Note: I am not sure if I am breaking the "double post" rule by posting this review separate from the index page. I've noticed that some fanfic authors have done something like this - index, and then Chapter One in a new post. Moderators, you can merge this with my index if it's against the rules.
 
Note 2: I won't talk about the look/packaging of this album because I do not have a physical copy - I only have the repackage, Run Devil Run. Once I purchase a copy, I will add to this review.
 
After rising to the top of the charts with their smash hits Gee and Tell Me Your Wish (Genie), So Nyuh Shi Dae returned with their second album in the beginning of 2010. The production on Oh! is more polished than their first full album, but still keeps the group's signature girlish and upbeat sound. This album also happens to be my favorite out of the four that SNSD has released.
 
1. Oh! - The title track is a bright, cheerful song with an infectious beat. It may be too "cutesy" for some people, but I find it charming and fresh. 10/10.
 
2. Show! Show! Show! - An energetic dance number with a catchy chorus ("Show me, show me!"), this song will get stuck in your head easily. I find Tiffany and Jessica's spoken English part a little bit awkward (especially since they're native speakers), but it doesn't take away from my enjoyment of the song. 7/10.
 
3. 뻔 & Fun (Sweet Talking Baby) - More catchy dance-pop. The girls harmonize well during the chorus, and I like how they sort of "chant" the lines. I also really like the instrumental part at the beginning. 8/10.
 
4. 영원히 너와 꿈꾸고 싶다 (Forever) - The first ballad on the album, this is my absolute favorite SNSD song. Period. The girls really shine here, both individually and as a group. I love the musical buildup of this song: it starts out with a spoken introduction by Yoona, then sweetly sung verses and a dramatic, emotional chorus that gets bigger each time it is repeated. After the sweeping finale, a quiet and wistful Taeyeon delivers the last line. The lyrics are some of the most touching out of the girls' entire discography. Lines like "Throughout the laughter and the tears, the one who always believed in me was you," and "Even if a very long time passes, even if you and I become a bit different, I want to dream forever with you like this" will tug at your heartstrings and make you feel an appreciation for your loved ones. 10+/10.
 
5. 웃자 (Be Happy) - After a moment of reflection with Forever, the girls return to their upbeat side. This song is true to its title: it's hard not to be happy after listening to it! All the girls sound incredibly cute here, especially Sunny. Listen to this one after you've had a tough day. As Tiffany says, "No need to stress, push it off your chest!" 8/10.
 
6. 화성인 바이러스 (Boys & Girls) - This is a funky song with some great vocals. The whole group sounds awesome on this, but I especially love when Hyoyeon and Sunny, and later Sooyoung and Seohyun, trade lines back and forth in the part before the chorus. This track features Key from the boy band SHINee, although he only has a few lines in the first verse. 9/10.
 
7. 카라멜 커피 (Talk To Me) - A duet between Jessica and Tiffany, this sweet little song invites someone (probably a boy) to talk about their feelings over a cup of coffee. I wasn't that into it when I first heard it, but recently I've started to like it more. I get a very relaxed feel from this, like I'm sitting outside a coffee shop on a warm summer night. 8/10.
 
8. 별별별 (☆★☆/Star Star Star) - This ballad is sadder than Forever, but still beautiful. The girls' voices are full of emotion as they regret the end of a relationship. Sometimes, they even sound like they're on the verge of tears. I find this song hard to listen to because it's so painful, but it's still gorgeous. Anyone who thinks SNSD can't sing should listen to this. 10/10.
 
9. 무조건 해피엔딩 (Stick Wit U) - There's not much I can say about this song that hasn't already been said. It's another cute, catchy track. I don't listen to it much, but I like to when I need a burst of energy. I love the fast-paced chorus. 7.5/10.
 
10. 좋은 일만 생각하기 (Day By Day) - The Korean title translates to "Thinking Only Of Good Things," so you know it's going to be a positive song! Featuring only the "vocal line" (Taeyeon, Jessica, Seohyun, Tiffany and Sunny), this track has a soft, relaxing beat and smooth singing. The five members' lines are distributed pretty evenly, so each girl gets her chance in the spotlight. 9/10.
 
This album also includes the songs Gee and Genie, but I will be reviewing them separately, with their respective mini-albums.
 
Overall: Oh! is a fun, youthful album with lots of dance-y tunes and two wonderful ballads. It's very "classic Soshi" and is a good introduction to the girls' music. I loved it the minute I heard it, and most of the songs put me in a very good mood. I highly recommend this album to all pop-music lovers, regardless of language.
 
My Top 5:
 
Forever
Star Star Star
Boys & Girls
Day By Day
Oh!

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#6424529 [COMP] Katie's Album Review Corner

Posted by katiecSNSD on 10 February 2014 - 06:06 PM

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Hello!

 

Are you a new SONE who is unsure of which album to buy first? Or are you interested in reading another fan's opinion? Well, you've come to the right place! :D

 

I love writing reviews and I plan to review all of SNSD's albums and mini-albums eventually. I hope you enjoy my work and find it interesting and/or helpful!

 

~ Katie :-)

 

 

 

 

Index

 

 

--->Girls' Generation Vol.1

 

---> Girls' Generation Vol. 2: Oh!

 

---> The 4th Mini Album: Mr. Mr.


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