KARA – Bye Bye Happy Days! May 7, 2013

Track Listing

1. Bye Bye Happy Days!
2. My Boy
3. Bye Bye Happy Days! (Instrumental)
4. My Boy (Instrumental)
5. Beautiful Night (CD only First Press)

1. Bye Bye Happy Days!

I guess they must’ve heard I really liked “GO GO Summer!” so much that they had to replicate it once again for their A-side here.  That being said, the song is totally sparkly cute J-pop, but there’s something about the song that also kind of reminds me of Weather Girls for some reason!  The song isn’t totally bad, but there’s just something missing here this time around.  It just didn’t have that hook!

2. My Boy

So the main B-side is actually a Japanese version of “Date (My Boy)” which was originally from their Korean album, “STEP”.  Back on the album, it was my least favorite of them…so seeing it return and being sung in Japanese made me worried.  Honestly, compared to “Bye Bye Happy Days!”, this is actually kind of better LOL.  It still is a song that I’m not too fond of and doesn’t really stick to me, but at least I can say this is better than the A-side (not by much though).

3. Beautiful Night

So on first presses of the CD only, we get an extra track sung in Korean and Beautiful Night is actually quite catchy to listen to.  It’s got a solid beat and the guitar licks in the back gave the song a really cool KARA sound!  Plus, I was surprised at the amount of English in the song (simply because this song is tied to their anime series).  Actually I think the song is a bit of that and Korean…either way this song definitely trumps the other two!

After “Girls Forever”, they took a short break before returning with Bye Bye Happy Days! and this single was a bit disappointing.  The leading track felt so overly placid and gross idol stuff and it just didn’t sound like KARA.  Then making matters worse, they brought back My Boy which even though was slightly better than the A-side…it still was kind of meh…and then Beautiful Night came along and it’s the best thing on the disc (unfortunately, it’s a first press bonus >.>).  Meh at this single!

KARA – Girls Forever November 22, 2012

Track Listing

1. Speed Up
2. Electric Boy
3. Gimme Gimme
4. Shake It Up
5. Kiss Me Tonight
6. Orion
7. Oops!
8. Rock On
9. Innocent Girl
10. Girls Power
11. Jet Coaster Love 2012 (bonus track)
12. GO GO Summer! 2012 (bonus track)
13. Winter Magic 2012 (bonus track)
14. Jumping (Remastering) (bonus track)
15. Mister (Remastering) (bonus track)

1. Speed Up

Pretty good that KARA begins their album with the first A-side released for the era and it works especially with the intro counting down into the song.  The song is true to KARA’s upbeat nature, but the only downfall about the song I really have is the ladies being dunked in auto-tune.  I personally think this song would sound so much better if it wasn’t there to behin with.  I have grown into enjoying the song and makes for a good opening song.

2. Electric Boy

I do like how “Speed Up” moves into Electric Boy because this is probably my favorite A-side between the three.  It’s jsut energetic and really upbeat and has a certain charm to it that I can’t help but shaking my ass to lol.  There’s just something really epic here and it just brought KARA back up to awesomeness with this.

3. Gimme Gimme

Onto some new tracks, Gimme Gimme also seems to follow along the lines of “Electric Boy” without being all edgy and K-pop heavy.  There’s something 80′s about the song’s arrangement, which I’m a total sucker for and it really works here since it’s slick, yet cool.  This is a pretty awesome track overall!

4. Shake It Up

The group is just throwing dance tracks left and right aren’t they?  Shake It Up is pretty interesting because they seem to be singing less than in the the previous tracks.  I mean most of the time they’re kind of speak-singing and shouting/chanting some of the lyrics (especially in the chorus).  It does reminds me of a 4minute song, but this is okay for the most part, not their best but not bad.

5. Kiss Me Tonight

Things seem to slightly slow down with Kiss Me Tonight since it;s a bit more catered to their R&B fans out there lol.  I like the bounce of the song and it’s quite soothing to listen to, but I feel like it would’ve fit more snuggly on “Super Girl” because it really does remind me of some of the songs from that album.  Still, it’s a pretty good song and fits KARA well.

6. Orion

So the only original B-side released during the era, Orion is the slowest song off the album and to be honest while it didn’t stand out in the single it came from, on the album, it’s does slightly better since it really was the only ballad (minus “Winter Magic”, but that’s a stretch to say).  I still say it sounds weird and sounds kind of old too.  I’m just unsure how I feel about the song.  The group sounds great though, that I will admit…but ehhhh….

7. Oops!

Bouncing back up to dance tracks, Oops! is also another welcome addition to the group’s discography since it’s a bit different from their other dance tracks they have.  It kind of sexy glow but it also seems it wants to be hard song but doesn’t make it, but I’m also fine with it.  It might be a little cheesy in lyrics, but this was a cool song.

8. Rock On

For a song titled as such, I was kind of expecting something a bit more brazen with guitars and such, but this song kind of fell flat for me since it sounds more like most of their Korean songs.  I don’t know…I feel like they’ve done this sort of song before (and many times at that) and it just came off as bland.  If not for the bonus tracks ahead, this would be my least favorite track off the album.

9. Innocent Girl

As the shortest of the new songs, Innocent Girl tries to make up for the boring “Rock On” but it also kind of is in the same place, but the arrangement is quite cute and the ladies sound rather good in a much sugary setting.  It still really isn’t up at the top, but I do like this much more than the previous song. 

10. Girls Power

Ending the album (like “Super Girl”, it’s a short album), The secondary A-side from the first single is the finale here and it was pretty appropriate as well.  I really like when they do cute right and this would be one of those times because it’s bright and full of charm.  Plus the girls sound amazing which was a blessing since it shared its spot with “Speed Up” on the single.  This was a great way to end the album…however it’s not over yet…

11. Jet Coaster Love 2012

All of the “Super Girl” A-sides get rearranged for the first batch of bonus tracks starting with chronologically with Jet Coaster Love.  The song like the other two was given a touch-up and it’s now more of a dance track, taking out the brass elements and adds more beats and synths which actually help the song stick to me even better (which means this updated version is BETTER than the original!).

12. GO GO Summer! 2012

Unfortunately I can’t say the same for GO GO Summer! because I’ve already reviewed this back on “KARA Collection” and that wasn’t a long time ago since I’ve reviewed it.  I just didn’t enjoy any of the changes that happened since I love the original so much that changing any of it was sacriligious.  It just did nothing for me so it just kind of blurred its way.

13. Winter Magic 2012

I was never really into Winter Magic originally so I kind of forgot how it went.  The updated version does sounds a bit more festive in a way since there’s a bit more going on in the arrangement.  I still don’t care for it much otherwise for some reason since it didn’t really make much a difference.

14. Jumping (Remastering)

Isn’t it time to retire the damn songs coming up?  I mean both this and “Mister” have appeared on all their studio albums so far and I’m starting to get tired of it.  Granted, both have been remasterd (which is a bit gipped, since they could’ve been updated like the previous three tracks).  The arrangement for Jumping hasn’t really been changed but some of the background nuances have been pushed forward.  It’s not a bad change…but seriously…this was kind of pointless.

15. Mister (Remastering)

Same thing applies with Mister which is more or less the on the same thought pattern.  The changes are minor but some of the background has come forward.  Still a good song overall and well nothing else can really be said about from the last 3 times I’ve reviewed it.

Tracks Recommended

• Electric Boy
• Girls Power
• Jet Coaster Love 2012
• Gimme Gimme
• Kiss Me Tonight

Song of Avoidance

• GO GO Summer! 2012

So we get another short album from KARA with Girls Forever, but it seems this album actually did better than their last album, “Super Girl” by a big margin.  The album kind felt like more effort was put into it (plus 6 new songs is better than just 4).  Minus the new version of Jet Coaster Love, the bonus tracks are merely useless here, even though they are bonuses…still not very worthy otherwise (and seriously retire Jumping and Mister…it’s getting very stupid rehashing shit like that).  Otherwise, good album!

KARA – Electric Boy October 17, 2012

Track Listing

1. Electric Boy
2. Orion
3. Electric Boy (Instrumental)
4. Orion (Instrumental)
5. Pandora (Limited Edition C only)

1. Electric Boy

Electric Boy is definitely a track that could stand up and be considered the best from KARA.  It’s heavily electronic without overloading on auto-tune like some “Speed Up”.  My favorite parts would consists of that chorus and the bridge before it with the ascending and descending vocal lines…There’s not much to really bomb it on, but this definitely is up their with the bests of KARA…yeah I LOVED THIS!

2. Orion

It was no surprise that anything with the title of Orion would be a ballad.  I am a little curious with this song because of the arrangement since it sounds like some cheesy 80′s/90′s ballad because it has those dissonant guitar lines and some of that weird beats.  At least the song turned out good since it showcased everyone and they sound amazing in the chorus.  Not as memorable like “Electric Boy” but this made for a great B-side and I’m happy it made the upcoming album’s tracklist.

3. Pandora

It’s a little strange that KARA added Pandora to this single and not making it Japanese like they did with “STEP” on their last single.  Either way, Pandora is still pretty awesome of a song with its strong chorus and funky guitar lines and creepy synth lines.  I love it still but I think I was expecting a JPN version of the song more.

 

 

As the second and final single for “Girls Forever”, Electric Boy is a giant leap forward from their last single, “Speed Up/Girls Power”.  The main track was strong for them and I think it’s both part from KARA and the producers working together here.  Orion is a nice ballad, a lil nostalgic sounding but still pretty nice and Pandora was merely a bonus incentive.  I think it’s their best single yet!!!  Can’t wait for the album!

KARA – KARA Collection September 6, 2012

Track Listing

1. Wanna Do
2. Lost (feat. Jinwoon from 2AM)
3. Secret Love
4. Hakachuumu
5. Guilty
6. GO GO Summer! 2012
7. Wanna Do (Instrumental)
8. Lost (Instrumental)
9. Secret Love (Instrumental)
10. Hakachuumu (Instrumental)
11. Guilty (Instrumental)
12. GO GO Summer! 2012 (Instrumental)

1. Wanna Do

Well, if you hadn’t guessed, the mini-album is essentially a solo mini with 5 of the 6 songs being split to the 5 members.  Jiyoung gets first dibs with Wanna Do and I kind of like the strings/e. guitar mix which is something KARA hasn’t really done.  I like the relaxed nature of the song and she does a give a nice performance overall.

2. Lost (feat. Jinwoon of 2AM)

Nicole’s song comes next and she’s the only one of the 5 solos to have a featured artist.  Lost  is styled as an R&B track with a lot of synths and strings which is a total 180 from “Wanna Do”.  I have to say Nicole’s vocals sound a lot more at home and natural which isn’t a surprise because KARA has done these.  Not a bad song here and Jinwoon didn’t do a bad job being the secondary voice.

3. Secret Love

Adding a little more oomph to the style, Hara’s solo, Secret Love, is probably my favorite of the solo tracks because this is energetic and has a lot of interesting things going on.  While I don’t think Hara has the strongest voice of the group, she has good style and it fits this song.  OH YEAH!

4. Hakachuumu

Gyuri’s solo kind of sounded like it was going to be different and it was!  It has this kind of has this waltz-y style going and it’s probably the classiest track since it sounds so precise in its execution.  However, I am kind of depressed that all of the songs had strings in them…could we cut back on it?  Also it feels a tad long and a bit too dramatic for me.

5. Guilty

Seungyeon gets the depressing song with Guilty but it’s not bad because I kind of like the edgy areas of the song.  I really am fond of her voice so this song suited her a LOT.  I also think it’s the best song of the mini-album because it has a strong rock influence and her vocie just soars in this song.  At least it’s not as dramatic as “Hakachuumu” was to be honest. 

6. GO GO Summer! 2012

The final song is the only all-member song on the mini-album and sadly is merely just a new version of the group’s 4th A-side.  I love GO GO Summer! and it was perfect the way it was.  Now with this here, the new 2012 version kind of sucks in a lot of ways.  I mean it is more electro which is no surprise but they added strings (a major ugh) and the beats and new synth melodies kind of overwhelm the vocals which were hard to hear in the verses.  I don’t like this new one AT ALL.

 

 

I’m kind of surprised the their label decided to not kick them out but keep them going longer ^_^.  KARA Collection though might be their worst release yet though.  I mean the idea of all five girls getting solos will help on differentiating the voices of the five but the songs they were given aren’t a good example of KARA’s sound.  That being said, I loved all the songs except Gyuri’s solo which is a bit too long and boring for me.  Seungyeon’s solo though was badass and it just made me want more rock influences to KARA’s music oddly enough.  The new GO GO Summer! should be avoided though…it ruined the song entirely IMHO.  I guess this did turn out well and like “PANDORA” they’re experiementing which is nice…but I kind of wanted club bangers >.>

KARA – PANDORA August 24, 2012

Track Listing

1. Way
2. Pandora
3. Idiot
4. Geuliun Nalen (Miss U)
5. Pandora (Inst.)

1. Way

Starting KARA’s 5th Korean mini, Way starts things off on a cute note and this kind of sounds like some of the songs from their Japanese album, “Super Girl”.  It’s perky and has the sugary bounce to their sound which is OK, but I’ve never really been a fan of this style and it makes me wonder why this was chosen as the first track.

2. Pandora

I’m happy they chose this song to promote it because I don’t feel like the other songs would’ve brought it to be honest.  Pandora is pretty much their K-pop song of the year since it has a heavier sound and the ladies all sound really good together.  It’s not as epic like “Jumping” and “STEP” but this is a pretty solid track from them.

3. Idiot

With a title like Idiot, I wasn’t expecting the song to sound like some Destiny Islands track (if you get the reference then you win a cookie).  What I mean is that, the song has an island pop vibe to it which kind of feels strange when the song is called Idiot.  I will say that I enjoyed it a lot more than “Way” as that cute song on the mini.

4. Geuliun Nalen (Miss U)

I will say that I enjoyed the 4th track a bit since it was a little taste of that Burlesque flavor with Geuliun Nalen but it’s still KARA at its core.  If it wasn’t because of the horns though, I could’ve swore this comes off like a Winter song, but this is a classy little tune and I enjoyed it quite a bit if not as much as Pandora.

 

 

Wow, I kind of don’t get the whole Korean mini-album ides when it is just 4 songs and all but whatever.  PANDORA was actually quite nice and we got 4 different sides from the ladies.  The only song that I didn’t like was Way because that was strangely bland against the three others.  Still not bad at all!

KARA – Speed Up/Girls Power March 25, 2012

Track Listing

1. Speed Up
2. Girls Power
3. Speed Up (Instrumental)
4. Girls Power (Instrumental)
5. Step (First Press CD only)

1. Speed Up

It has been a while since KARA have made a darker-laced song an A-side…at least since “Jumping”.  Speed Up would’ve sound amazing but I do feel that they didn’t need the need to abuse the auto-tune as much as they did like in the chorus.  I love the verses though so it does cancel it out somewhat.  I do think KARA are more talented than this though but this isn’t bad as the primary A-side.

2. Girls Power

If you like KARA in the “Super Girl” era, Girls Power would be that kind of track since it’s a little more based off their cuter side.  To be honest think of “Jet Coaster Love” meeting with “GO GO Summer!” and you kind of get the gist of what this song is about.  I will say that I find myself leaning towards this song because the vocals are less synthesized and the energy is a bit more solid than in “Speed Up”. 

3. Step

Funny that they made the Japanese version of Step a CD only bonus track.  I’ve already said so much about the original since it’s just that amazing and all kinds of energetic.  Released prior as a digital single, Step didn’t lose any of it’s power and charm and actually sounds quite good in Japanese as well…I’m rather surprised to be honest!  Still a great K-pop song but now in Japanese!!!

 

 

KARA closes their Universal days with Speed Up/Girls Power and I think it’s a nice way to say goodbye to their label.  Speed Up is a good and slightly darker K-pop tinged tune but the auto-tune kind of hinders it.  Girls Power though was better and I’m not usually into their cutesy stuff but this was somehow a lot better.  Step shouldn’t be taken into consideration…but it’s just as good as its original.

KARA – Jumping March 10, 2012

Track Listing

1. Jumping
2. Burn
3. Jumping (Instrumental)
4. Jumping (Original Version) (CD only first press)

1. Jumping

If you like K-pop songs with a harder drive, than there’s nothing more to look forward to then Jumping which is KARA’s second A-side.  Even though they’re more known for “Mister”, I think Jumping trumps it with a powerful arrangement and crazy hooks abound…it’s like such a great song from KARA.  It’s definitely one of my favorite K-pop songs since the Hallyu Wave started so that’s saying a lot!

2. Burn

~The drop of the beat!~ xD.  While Burn isn’t as extravagant as “Jumping” was, this isn’t too bad of a song.  It’s a little more of their poppier side to their music but it has a little more of a R&B style going on which is nice to hear.  Honestly, I felt that this could’ve been a f(x) song if I knew any better…it kind of fits their style a little more.

3. Jumping (Original Version)

Yeah the original makes the cut on the single as well.  I mean I’m so used to the Japanese version that it’s to the point where I kind of feel that the original sounds awkward…unusual right?  Still it’s pretty awesome!

 

 

KARA’s second and final single for the “Girl’s Talk” era does improve over “Mister” for sure because the leading song is just all kinds of badass.  I love Jumping and is more than likely my favorite KARA song (maybe next to “STEP”).  Burn is alright, maybe a little different for them but still on the good side of things.  Hope the album is good!

KARA – Mister January 18, 2012

Track Listing

1. Mister
2. Umbrella
3. Mister (Karaoke)
4. Mister (Original Korean Version) (CD only First Press Bonus Track)

1. Mister

Of course one of the more recognizable tunes in the Hallyu Wave is KARA’s JPN debut song Mister (which is a language cover of their big Korean sister).  It’s weird coming to this after reviewing the singles from “Super Girl” because everything prior wasn’t uberly poppy.  The song actually is catchy and even though there’s the typical use of auto-tune and the PV was something that was memorable and you got a pretty good song.  As for their Japanese, it wasn’t bad actually and I could understand it easily.

2. Umbrella

Though the B-side (which is also a cover of one of their Korean tunes), Umbrella kind of does sound like their current sound of being more poppy then K-poppy.  I do like that it’s more laidback and kind of light for them since it lets the other members actually stand out more than usual.  It’s kind of sweet to listen to and it moves swiftly so that’s good.  Not as good as “Mister” but it’s a nice song!

3. Mister (Original Korean Version)

So on certain editions of the single, we get the original Mister which is still just as good as the Japanese but I do prefer the original more!  Still got a great groove and just sounds all kinds of great.  No wonder why it’s popular!

 

 

KARA’s Japanese debut single was a little obvious of a choice since Mister was so huge and all that.  The song is great to listen of course and Umbrella made for a really good B-side.  Yeah, this was a solid single from them ^_^

KARA – Super Girl November 17, 2011

Track Listing

1. Jet Coaster Love
2. Winter Magic
3. GO GO Summer!
4. Dreamin’ Girl
5. Ima, Okuritai “Arigatou”
6. Only For You
7. Whisper
8. Missing
9. Do It! Do It!
10. Girls Be Ambitious!
11. Mister (bonus track)
12. Jumping (bonus track)
13. STEP (bonus track)

1. Jet Coaster Love

Opening their sophomore album, Jet Coaster Love (the era’s first A-side) was a solid choice.  While I was stuck on the group’s prior singles since they were solid K-pop revisions, Jet Coaster Love as their first original Japanese A-side was interesting nonetheless.  Since the single review, I’ve grown accustomed to the song’s lighter pop style and the mix of brass and such really pulled me in.  Alright, this song was able to grasp my attention fully now and I like it!

2. Winter Magic

Moving to the 3rd A-side released and Winter Magic kind of has the same flow as “Jet Coaster Love” but much lighter and fit for the season.  I still kind of find myself being bored about it since it sounds like some Juliet song and yet it’s no “Yuki Love” either XD.  Cheesy and just forgettable in the long run!

3. GO GO Summer!

We move from the wintery “Winter Magic” to the summer song they released?  I call shenanigans on this formation right here.  I still think this song outranks the other two A-sides by a big amount.  The energy is there and it has great rhythm and a pretty strong arrangement.  Even the guitar solos were outrageously perfect for this song.  Yeah, I definitely need more of this from KARA at this point.

4. Dreamin’ Girl

Only four new songs on this album?!?  I just I’ll just make do with it haha.  Dreamin’ Girl is a bit of an odd song coming from KARA since it doesn’t fit in their edgy dance tunes or cutesy pop.  I guess it fits in the former since there’s a solid beat going and such.  I don’t know why but this song felt cluttered and the off melody in the chorus just didn’t work for me.  Though the middle where it’s just the girls and piano was a nice touch, I’m kind of on the fence with this song.

5. Ima, Okuritai “Arigatou”

Most of the B-sides also made the cut (the only one was “TO ME” but that’s because it was a Korean tune).  When I first reviewed it on “Jet Coaster Love”, I found it to be a sweet ballad from the group since it showed the softer side to the gals vocals.  There was some nuances like the ~klinging~ sound in the verses…it felt out of place almost.  I will say the biggest thing that kind of bothered me was that it was a 6 minute ballad.  Boy, it’s tough to sit through it for its entirety…kind of feels like eternity XD.

6. Only For You

To shake off the sleep from the previous song, our next song Only For You comes in and I really liked the feeling of this one for some reason.  It’s poppy but has this intricate sound to it that caught my attention during my first listen of the album.  I wish I could describe it better, but the in my mind, the setting of the song would be awesome if it was at a mall or something.  Breezy, upbeat, and just overall fun!

7. Whisper

I found that moving from “Only For You” to Whisper (“Winter Magic’s” B-side) to be quite smooth and they kind of are similar to one another but this one is fuller and has a stronger beat.  I will say that it oddly reminds me of Shoujo Jidai’s “Gee”.  It’s a fun song and all but since the single review not long ago, I’m kind of tired of listening to this song and there’s much better KARA songs out there.

8. Missing

Another ballad finds its way onto the album and while it’s a minute shorter than “Ima, Okuritai “Arigatou”, I find myself instantly bored with the song despite the nice vocals from the group altogether.  I don’t know why but this feels even more strenuous than said track before as well being just a R&B ballad.  It’s definitely my least favorite song on the album.

9. Do It! Do It!

The last new song on the album is something I was quite looking forward to and that’s something that fits in their K-pop style like “Mister” and “Jumping”.  It has sass and a lot of synths as well which keeps this song afloat.  It kind of has this “Womanizer” move but it’s not hardcore like it.  It’s a nice song but I liked “Only For You” more!

10. Girls Be Ambitious!

Closing the album is the B-side from “GO GO Summer!”.  At least I understand where the title of the album comes from so it makes sense this’d be the final song on the album.  To me, it’s more summery than it’s sister A-side, but I don’t remember this song very well because it was shadowed by said A-side.  As the closer, Girls Be Ambitious! tries to be ambitious but it kind of sounds underwhelming compared to the previous songs. 

11. Mister

I thought the album was over, but there’s three bonus tracks and two of them were the groups big singles and previous A-sides.  Mister was the group’s Japanese debut and my first KARA song I ever heard.  All I keep thinking is the girl’s hip dance LOL.  I just love the beat of it and they sound good and while the song doesn’t sound like anything in the previous ten songs, it stands out for me.  LOVE Mister!

12. Jumping

Though their peak in Japan IMO is Jumping which is K-pop perfection to my ears.  It’s got a ridiculously epic arrangement and so many hooks that sticks in my head.  Even the gal’s sing the song pretty good and they gave some epic lines.  I actually prefer the Japanese version here to the original Korean but then again it’s because I heard this cut first.  Amazing song!

13. STEP

I’m surprised they would include STEP as a bonus track here.  Unfortunately it’s the original Korean version which is disappointing since “Mister” and “Jumping” are both Japanese.  STEP is such an electrifying song and surprised that it made it here as a bonus.  It’s bouncy, has a great K-pop drive to it, and the ladies sound amazing in the song as well.  It’s seriously their best song after “Jumping” in Korea tbh!

Tracks Recommended

• Jumping
• STEP
• GO GO Summer!
• Only For You
• Jet Coaster Love

Song of Avoidance

• Missing

KARA’s sophomore effort and their last album on UNIVERSAL-J, Super Girl for the most part is OK but noting super special for that matter.  I mean the core of the album was the fact that there were only four new songs and six old ones.  Add in the three bonus tracks and you’ve got an album that just doesn’t pop out and the new tunes mostly didn’t catch my eye either.  I’m hoping whoever they go to next for their Japanese careers treats them a little better!

KARA – Winter Magic October 20, 2011

Track Listing

1. Winter Magic
2. Whisper
3. Winter Magic (Instrumental)
4. Whisper (Instrumental)
5. Winter Magic (X’mas Ver.) (CD only First Press only)

1. Winter Magic

Isn’t it a little too early to be releasing winter singles in October?  Well, I guess I shouldn’t say much because alan did the same last year.  KARA hasn’t really been doing too hot for their JPN releases (minus “GO GO Summer!”) and it continues with Winter Magic.  I do like the use of piano and acoustic guitars no doubt and it has really sweet vocals from the members, but otherwise I don’t remember much of it because it sounds like a Juliet song to be honest hahaha.  Sorry, I just don’t get a kick out of this song…I actually had much more fun with “STEP”.

2. Whisper

The B-side of the single was more of what I was hoping to hear from KARA and I found it funny that it’s a dance track (in the leagues of K-pop) but pretty with the Japanese lyrics.  Also, it beats “Winter Magic” simply just because it’s interesting and sounds better with the group.  I will say the whole dance/R&B style should be their focal point of their music…and the occasional epic K-pop song lol.

3. Winter Magic (X’mas Ver.)

Of course there’s always an extra song that’s on on version of the single and this one has a different version of Winter Magic.  Yeah, if definitely fits the Christmas theme by adding jingle bells and taking out the acoustic guitar to make the song a little more festive and intimate.  I kind of preferred this version over the original and that might be a little strange but c’mon this sounds so much better lol.

 

 

KARA comes back to JPN to release their third single for their sophomore era and I can’t find anything remotely exciting about the original cut of Winter Magic.  It just sounds too formulaic and a lot like another group.  Whisper and the X’mas Version of Winter Magic were much better and it shows a little more “magic” in their work.  Still, too early for winter songs!