Tohoshinki – Catch Me -If you wanna- December 29, 2012

Track Listing

1. Catch Me -If you wanna-
2. I Know
3. I Know -unplugged version- (CD only Bonus Track)
4. Catch Me -If you wanna- -Less Vocal-
5. I Know -Less Vocal-

1. Catch Me -If you wanna-

I kind of figured that Tohoshinki would be making Catch Me into Japanese considering how big it was and the positive remarks it got!  I don’t mind this because I too love the hell out of this song.  Hearing it in Japanese is a tad strange for me because it doesn’t seem to flow as smoothly as the Korean version did.  However, the song is still quite the awesome heavy hitter it was so I still redeem it as a great song (though why did they have to wait so long to release this in 2013?).

2. I Know

The B-side (which oddly got a PV as well), I Know is the softer track but it’s still kind of a mid-tempo track and even though it doesn’t showcase as strong of vocals like in the A-side, this is relaxing but at the same time, just a tad bit forgetable when comparing to the other singles that were released for the era.  Yeah it sounds like “STILL” and “One More Thing” together. 

3. I Know (unplugged version)

Though in a way I liked that they also have a quieter version of the song found on CD onlys.  With just piano and strings backing them up, Yunho and Changmin sound a lot more convincing with this version.  Yeah, not much else needs to be said but this is definitely the preferred version.

 

 

Early release?  Well, Catch Me -If you wanna- isn’t a bad choice but it took them long enough to get this moving!  I’m not a big fan of I Know (would’ve wanted “Humanoids” instead) but it’s OK but still REALLY plain for them.  At least the unplugged version was their to soften the blow.  Still not a bad single…but could’ve put more effort to it.

Tohoshinki – Catch Me September 27, 2012

Track Listing

1. Catch Me
2. Insaengeun Bitnatda (Viva)
3. Destiny
4. Binucheoreom (Like a Soap)
5. I Don’t Know
6. Kkum (Dream)
7. How Are You
8. Getaway
9. I Swear
10. Gorgeous
11. Good Night

1. Catch Me

Interesting that THSK doesn’t start things off with an intro of any kind…Moving on, as the promo track for the album, Catch Me is pretty damn awesome if I say so myself.  I mean coming off from “Keep Your Head Down” and how hard that song was, Catch Me is a bit lighter but it’s still danceable and fierce in its own right.  However, like “ANDROID” it features dubstep breakdowns which I once again starting to loathe in songs because it’s just following the times.  I will say I’m impressed with Changmin….he’s just showing off these power vocals that came out of nowhere, such strong high notes (where was this in “LAST ANGEL”?).  Awesome way to kick things off!

2. Insaengeun Bitnatda (Viva)

Getting into the tracks I haven’t heard prior to the release, Viva kind of has this cool hip-hop thing going on with Yunho since he fits this style quite nicely.  Once the chorus and Changmin join the song, it kind of becomes this chant-worthy track which is awesome.  Though it breaks into ANOTHER dubstep breakdown which makes me frowns a lot.  Actually the dubstep might not be long, but it’s messy that’s for sure.  I just can’t get into this one.

3. Destiny

Well a simple beat opens up our next track and tones things down after the previous tracks.  Changmin’s vocals come first and while his tone is pretty unique and easy to catch, I liked it here…but Yunho sounds so much smoother and fitting for this R&B tune.  Even though it might not resonate much with the fans, I really enjoyed this song…very cool and I remember the chorus a LOT!

4. Binucheoreom (Like a Soap)

Knocking the tempo up slightly, Like a Soap is kind of charming in its own level on the album.  I like the acoustic arrangement and really let the duo use a better tone of vocals like “Destiny”.  I really love hearing Changmin and Yunho making harmonies the priorty here because it just sounds so perfect! 

5. I Don’t Know

Oh is this a Korean version of the B-side from their Japanese single, “Superstar”?  Yup, it most definitely is.  Back on the last two times I reviewed the Japanese version, I really did like the sexier glow of the song which is retained here.  I still have problems dealing with Changmin’s yelling in the chorus, but it sounds a little softer?  I don’t know but I’m not finding it as much of a bother than I used to.  I guess it’s growing on me since this isn’t bad but it’s a little sudden after the last two tracks.

6. Kkum (Dream)

I find it funny because Kkum is so ODD to me.  It really sounds like some anime theme with the way it’s handled.  I mean opening with the chorus that leads into a string-led instrumental…it just SCREAMS ANIMEEEEEE!  It’s just really strange to see this on a Korean album of all things because this is ridiculously cheesy and VERY much is the sore thumb. 

7. How Are You

After that rocky bit of the album, How Are You seems to things down again and we see the duo focusing on harmonizations again which is sounding SO very smooth here.  It’s a pretty solid song even though it’s another “Destiny”.  I don’t mind that though because it’s just so calming!

8. Getaway

When was the last time we’ve seen Tohoshinki doing a rock track like this…way back then when the 5 guys were sporting that ridiculous V-kei-ish look?  I’m a little surprised at how aggressive and pissy it sounds because you can tell Yunho and Changmin are just pissed off and it’s different from “Viva” where it felt a little fake in places.  I’m unsure if I really enjoy it, but it’s so different and it’s been so long since they’ve done something like this.

9. I Swear

After such a hardcore song, comes the quietest song on the album in I Swear.  I found this to be a little too sudden and random, but it’s whatever.  As a ballad, I Swear is your kind of typical Korean ballad, but with nice vocals from the guys.  Nothing really that stands out otherwise.

10. Gorgeous

I kind of assumed the song was going to be a ballad, but nope this is ranking with the other dance tracks on the album.  It’s kind of heavier and has a stronger pulse as well and I kind of liked the grittyness for some reason.  It’s a pretty hip song and the guys do a pretty awesome job here.  One of the better songs on the album!

11. Good Night

Finally, we end the album with Good Night which sounds like a very heavy, but slow R&B track which probably would’ve fit earlier on the album rather than as the final track.  If there was a song that actually kind of disappointed me, it would have to be this one because it just felt bland and a copout to make 11 tracks…plus I guess “Gorgeous” would’ve been weird as an ending track, cut out the R&B stuff and this would’ve been nice.

Tracks Recommended

• Catch Me
• Destiny
• Binucheoreom (Like a Soap)
• Getaway
• Gorgeous

Song of Avoidance

• Good Night

You know, I haven’t really been totally charmed by TVXQ ever since they became a duo, but with Catch Me, I’m totally sold.  Even though there are some meh songs, most of them were of high quality and really showcased both Yunho and Changmin in a positive light, moreso the latter…I’ve never heard him THIS good and I’m liking it a lot!  Minus the gross cover, this is an album you should check out *RECOMMENDED*

Tohoshinki – ANDROID July 8, 2012

Track Listing

1. ANDROID
2. BLINK
3. ANDROID -modest gothic remix- (CD only bonus track)
4. ANDROID -Less Vocal-
5. BLINK -Less Vocal-

1. ANDROID

After the last two singles, it’s really nice to come back to something upbeat from the duo.  ANDROID is really danceable and oddly catchy for me so I can be happy to be around it.  I will say I heard a lot of CHANGMIN in the song but that’s alright because he’s my favorite lol.  Some of the chorus does remind me of “Survivor” and I’m also ecstatic about that lol.  I also noticed that the second verse/chorus is heavy with YUNHO.  My only qualm has to be once again the random addition of the dubstep breakdown…it was really out of place and kind of threw the song off for a while.  Either way, this is a good song!

2. BLINK

The B-side of the single is just as upbeat and synth-heavy but a little more edgier.  I really don’t know if I like the swervy/screech synth melody of the verses but once the chorus comes on it goes away and it gets a lot better.  Though it really sounds like they’re saying ~brink, brink~ which could’ve worked as the title than BLINK XD.  I thought this was a pretty good B-side to go along with “ANDROID”.

3. ANDROID -modest gothic remix-

Modest gothic remix?  I wasn’t expecting Tohoshinki to make a remix of ANDROID into something totally 180 of its original setting.  Instead of the heavy dance style, it’s covered in hard guitar riffs and piano filling in some spaces.  It actually kind of works lol.  It doesn’t walk off the main melody of the original and lets CHANGMIN and YUNHO continue to work the song out in a rather good fashion.

 

 

I find it strange that THSK hasn’t really had a single where it’s an upbeat and a ballad in one package…it’s really one or the other.  A tleast ANDROID is a really strong single from the duo.  The lead track is cool and up-to-date which is good but maybe a little too much with that dubstep breakdown.  At least the remix is just as good as the original and giving the tune a different flavor.  BLINK on the other hand is good too, but not as strong lol.  Not bad, I’m having hope this album will be even better than “TONE” was.

Tohoshinki – STILL March 13, 2012

Track Listing

1. STILL
2. One More Thing
3. One More Thing -SAKURA Version- (CD only)
4. STILL -Less Vocal-
5. One More Thing -Less Vocal-

1. STILL

Hmmm interesting choices of instrumentation for STILL to be honest.  I mean the light piano mixed with a heavy-set beat but still retaining it’s light tone.  I do like the way it flows and both Yunho and Changmin really sound nice singing together which isn’t news but just wanted to point it out.  While I do consider “Winter Rose” their better ballad track, this isn’t too bad.

2. One More Thing

The B-side of the single, One More Thing at first started out slow like “STILL” but as soon as I move along Changmin’s lines it seems the song it’s building up into a mid-tempo dance tune.  I actually think there’s a lot more Changmin than Yunho in this song which is different but cool but I just can’t with the chorus of ~one more ding~…just too funny.  Still not bad here either.

3. One More Thing -SAKURA Version-

Instead of the original arrangement we’re kind of given this softer version which has more prominence with the piano and strings and kind of has this nature-friendly atmosphere to it which adds to the whole SAKURA feel I guess.  Beyond the arrangement changes, the song remains the same otherwise and while it’s sad that it wasn’t resung…I can take this song and I think I like it a little more than original. 

 

 

Tohoshinki’s first (or second since “Winter Rose” is questionable) single is quite nice and soft for the group which is kind of making me curious to if their sound is going to shift to a more softer feel…but it’s too early to tell.  STILL is a nice ballad and has good vocals from both men.  One More Thing could come off as cheesy but it’s nice but the SAKURA Version is where its at on a stronger position as a song.  Not bad from the duo.

Tohoshinki – Winter December 1, 2011

Track Listing

1. Winter Rose
2. Duet -winter ver.-
3. Winter Rose -reversible ver.- (CD only)
4. Winter Rose -Less Vocal-
5. Duet -winter ver.- -Less Vocal-
6. Duet -winter ver.- -Member Chorus ver.- (CD only)

1. Winter Rose

Of course since it’s getting into winter, HoMin decided they needed to release a wintery ballad.  I will say that since this single is their first ballad single as a duo, I was worried about how it’d turn out seeing as I said before that CHANGMIN and YUNHO aren’t really the ballad singers of the now defunct 5-nin THSK.  I say they gave a good effort since they gave an alright performance and the spurts of English were a nice touch.  Not bad of a song to be honest…I just wonder if this’ll be on their next album…

2. Duet -winter ver.-

Remember Duet from the album, “TONE”?  Yeah it was that R&B song from the album!  Well on the single it’s changed to be more wintry of course and that meant it stripped the loud beats for a lighter one mixed with strings/jingle bells/piano.  I actually liked YUNHO’s deep vocals in the song and even CHANGMIN gave a great vocal performance in the chorus.  While it’s strange that I consider this over the original, it’s just that much better and less bland here.

3. Winter Rose -reversible ver.-

At first it got me curious to what the hell the reversible tag meant since I didn’t notice ANYTHING different about the song since the arrangement was the same slowish wintry goodness.  Digging deeper in the information the single had, this version of Winter Rose switches the role from the original man to woman into a woman to man message.  Nice switch, but it doesn’t really change my opinion of the song funny enough.  So the opinion of the song is basically the same!

 

 

*Will review the other song if it leaks*.  I’m not sure what this is considered between a single starting a new era or a recut since Duet is on the tracklist (although different).  Winter Rose is seriously catching on though as one of the few great ballads of the year even when it is a wintry ballad.  Duet also stuck out to me, actually even moreso than the original which is a good sign.  Now the reversible version of Winter Rose only changes a couple of lyrics around but all in all doesn’t change the song enough to warrant a decision on which track is better.  Great single!

Tohoshinki – TONE September 30, 2011

Track Listing

1. Introduction ~magenta~
2. B.U.T. (BE-AU-TY)
3. I Think U Know
4. Duet
5. Thank you my girl
6. Telephone
7. Back to Tomorrow
8. Why? (Keep Your Head Down)
9. MAXIMUM
10. I Don’t Know
11. Superstar
12. Shiawase Iro no Hana
13. Easy Mind (CD only & CD+DVD A only)
14. Weep (CD only & CD+DVD B only)
15. Somebody To Love -2011 Version- (CD only)

1. Introduction ~magenta~

As a quick introduction, magenta is a little odd for me seeing that all I’ve heard in the era was upbeat tracks and this is so totally felt strange since it’s all orchestral and moving with both members singing…but I think CHANGMIN sung more…I think?

2. B.U.T. (BE-AU-TY)

Even stranger that it’s led into our promotional tune for the album, which is like our previous released material and that’s synthy and upbeat but BE-AU-TY has something that’s kind of chill and cool to listen to.  Of course it sounds like CHANGMIN takes the verses while YUNHO takes most of the other parts.  I like it, but still doesn’t beat “Why?” tbh.

3. I Think U Know

Our next song was released as a digital single quite a while before this was released and to be honest this song is even more electronic than the previous tune and I’m not sure if I’m enjoying both CHANGMIN and YUNHO being thrown under the auto-tune bus (my problem back on “Superstar”).  I will say the chorus is kind of ridiculous with the title being repeated so much under CHANGMIN’s high pitched voice but at the same time, this gritty electro sound works for them.  Please though…take off the auto-tune.

4. Duet

I was wondering if this album was going to be one style since it seemed that way with the singles and such, but Duet proves me wrong by being a mid-tempo R&B track.  I kind of liked the song up to the chorus where it felt cluttered but the verses were where the duo shined the most out of this song.  Sadly, you can tell that it would’ve sounded better if it was YUCHUN or JUNSU leading this one clearly…but the two members did a good effort.

5. Thank you my girl

Weird that it’d begin as the way it does with strings and then it kind of gets pulled back for this rather aggressive hip-pop tune.  I like the strings being utilized but at the same time, that chorus feels a little cluttered for some reason.  It just reminds me of the previously released songs and I’m just not buying it here…even though the beginning had potential to be awesome lol.

6. Telephone

It would’ve been damn hilarious if this was a cover of Lady Gaga’s version…but no it’s an original piece of work.  I think this song impressed me quite a bit by being light and fluffy but not being cheesy and well boring.  Plus it’s nice to hear the guys sing in a much lighter tone as well.  It isn’t cluttered like some of the previous songs either…ok prolly the smoothest song on the album so far IMO.

7. Back to Tomorrow

Which brings us to our next song with Back to Tomorrow.  I love the descending piano melody and YUNHO singing the first lines and such.  I like that it has a bit more bite to it than “Telephone” which is always good since the chorus is brash and a bit more forceful I think.  I think I like this more than the last track actually!

8. Why? (Keep Your Head Down)

I wish they didn’t squish the next four songs together since they are the previous released material that represented the era.  While I still consider the Korean version of the tune more than this one, it isn’t terrible and I still love the heavy and the in your face arrangement.  I mean it’s a little strange hearing the song being sung by the guys in Japanese…there’s just less of an attitude here.  At least YUNHO’s raps don’t seem very icky here…odd…

9. MAXIMUM

On the flipside of the coin, MAXIMUM sounds better in Japanese than in its original format.  I do think opening with the shamisen was a bit strange…and maybe a little unneeded for an album but whatever.  I like the almost tribal-like feel here and it moves quite nicely along with a clappable beat to go along with.  YUNHO of course does a better job singing here more than CHANGMIN but that’s only a small difference.  Fitting tune!

10. I Don’t Know

We get I Don’t Know next and I’m forgetting what this one sounded like again since it comes after two upbeat tracks AGAIN!  I do think the mysterious and sexual side does sound quite cool and CHANGMIN yelling the chorus is memorable (but not in a good way).  At least YUNHO saves the song with his MC-ing and all that. 

11. Superstar

Second A-side released and I’m still not impressed by it.  Just like “I Think U Know”, Superstar is also under a lot of auto-tune and it’s still something that the duo shouldn’t even need to use.  I mean beyond that it’s like some of the stuff earlier on in the album.  At least the chorus isn’t repetitive right?  Ok…maybe repeating ~superstar~ is a little ick…but I’ll survive.

12. Shiawase Iro no Hana

Really out of nowhere comes this near 7 minute ballad in Shiawase Iro no Hana.  Ballads should never really be sooooo damn long if you ask me!  Also being the purest ballad on the album it’s known that these two aren’t the “good” ballad dudes unlike JYJ and all that.  I can tell YUNHO is struggling (or is it CHANGMIN?) that’s struggling to keep it together without sounding a little whiny.  I guess it’s alright, but couldn’t they have done a shorter ballad?

13. Easy Mind

I really don’t like when they split songs to different editions of the albums.  Luckily all three songs are found on the CD only cut of the album to alleviate the problem.  To me, it’s a little bit of a strange song since it’s poppy and has whistling going on.  What is this “Box in the ship” pt. 2?  Yeah, that’s how I feel about this song.  I kind of enjoy the song despite being a little cheesy hahaha. 

14. Weep

Weep comes next and to me it kind of comes off kind of like “Duet” in a way because the styles are similar but Weep’s is more positive and has a happier glow unlike the other song.  I don’t remember much of it though after a while and I kind of put it in the back of my mind lol!

15. Somebody To Love -2011 Version-

One can only wonder how JYJ feels about a new version of the Toho’s 3rd A-side released in their careers in Japan.  I never heard the original so I can’t say much, but damn it sounds rather dated for me XD.  It sounds like american teeny-bop music which is strange to say about THSK given they’re a K-pop group LOL.  It does feel empty though without JYJ and I’m sure fans of theirs would be hating this a little more.

Tracks Recommended

• Back to Tomorrow
• Easy Mind
• MAXIMUM
• I Think U Know
• Telephone

Song of Avoidance

• Weep

Tohoshinki’s first album as a duo effort is alright, but a bit of a step down when compared to their last album, “The Secret Code” for a lot of reasons but I won’t go through them since this is a transitioning process still to HoMin for the most part.  TONE does sound good and above average if you don’t compare it to their last album…but this one lacks the powerhouse tunes that THSK has been known for.  Yeah, it’s alright, but not amazing in anyway lol

Tohoshinki – Superstar July 23, 2011

Track Listing

1. Superstar
2. I Don’t Know
3. Superstar -Summer Heat Remix- (CD only)
4. Superstar -Less Vocal-
5. I Don’t Know -Less Vocal-

1. Superstar

I don’t think it makes a lot of sense to make Superstar feel like a “BREAK OUT!” copycat to be honest.  I mean it’s three less members but it doesn’t mean that I get the same feelings.  YUNHO and CHANGMIN sounds pretty good in the song, but I don’t understand the need for auto-tune for CHANGMIN really since he’s a good enough singer.  It’s alright but it doesn’t surpass “Why? (Keep Your Head Down)”.

2. I Don’t Know

I’m starting to find myself not interested in the duo THSK because so far in their Japanese discography, there hasn’t been a slow song and I Don’t Know feels kind of lifeless for some reason.  I mean I do get a mysterious vibe from the song, but I find myself not remembering any of the song except YUNHO’s rapping.  I’m just feeling at this point that there’s no need to continue.

3. Superstar -Summer Heat Remix-

Like many of their singles, we get a remix on one of the editions and this one for Superstar is kind of weak here.  I do like that the remix is a little more louder than the original, but the song still kind of feels unimpressive and it’s shorter than the original too…odd. 

 

 

Tohoshinki’s second single as a duo really failed to leave a mark on me unlike how “Why? (Keep Your Head Down)” did.  I don’t know why but releasing another single with two dance tracks (though not Korean originals) was a poor plan…maybe a ballad perhaps?  The remix by the way, isn’t too different from the original but ehh…Then again I’ve heard these two aren’t exactly ballad-strong vocals…who knows but I’m not liking this single at all.

Tohoshinki – Why? (Keep Your Head Down) January 27, 2011

Track Listing

1. Why? (Keep Your Head Down)
2. MAXIMUM
3. Why? (Keep Your Head Down) -Night Rod man Regeneration Mix- (CD only)
4. Why? (Keep Your Head Down) -Less Vocal-
5. MAXIMUM -Less Vocal-

1. Why? (Keep Your Head Down)

If you’ve been living under a rock this last month, then you should be ashamed.  This is actually Tohoshinki’s first single in Japan since three of the members decided to go AWOL on the group.  Also to note, Why? (Keep Your Head Down) is a Japanese take on the main track of their Korean album they released earlier in the month.  There’s not much I can say that I already had in the Korean version, but I will say that the original sounds much more refined and natural for them…plus YUNHO doesn’t sound amazingly nasal in the song.  I know this is a bit of nitpicking…but why couldn’t they changed the ~Wae~ to Why?  I mean lazyness for sure!

2. MAXIMUM

Also a JPN take on the song that was released earlier in the month, MAXIMUM, is quite an interesting dance track from the boys.  While it’s not as forceful and powerful like the A-side, this song actually sounds right being sung in Japanese which is great because YUNHO sounds great and so does CHANGMIN with his lines.  While I think it could’ve been easily a double A-side single, MAXIMUM is pretty good!

3. Why? (Keep Your Head Down) -Night Rod man Regeneration Mix-

The only relatively “new” think for the single is the remix for the A-side.  I don’t think nothing could really surpass the original but it seems other people don’t think the same.  While the song is more lighthearted than the original, it still feels odd listening to the JPN lyrics for the song and the feel doesn’t feel right for the remix.  Crappy remix!

For being THSK’s “comeback single” after the entire debacle, I wasn’t surprised that the main songs were just Japanese sprinkled versions of their Korean stuff.  As such Why? feels too weird for me and I much prefer the Korean version while I love the Japanese version of MAXIMUM more than the original.  Also, the remix?  Yeah it’s pretty bad for remixes let’s be honest.  Hopefully the next single is an original track and not the KOR>JPN transfer.

Tohoshinki – Keep Your Head Down January 10, 2011

Track Listing

1. Wae (Keep Your Head Down)
2. Mitgi Sirheun Iyagi (How Can I)
3. MAXIMUM
4. CRAZY (feat. Typhoon from TRAX)
5. Honey Funny Bunny
6. RUMOR
7. Gobaek (Confession)
8. Our Game
9. SHE
10. ATHENA
11. JOURNEY (feat. SeoHyun of Girls’ Generation) (Regular Edition Bonus Track)

1. Wae (Keep Your Head Down)

Yay! we see the beginning of a new era with Tohoshinki, unfortunately we’re down to only two members: YUNHO and CHANGMIN who have been for me the lesser known members for me when I started listening to the 5-nin THSK.  I never thought the promotional song for the album would’ve been one to really strike me.  It’s also strange to listen and know there’s no JEJUNG or YUCHUN present, but this song is pretty kickass with it’s heavy beat and pulsating arrangement.  I mean there’s a whole lot of new things to deal with like CHANGMIN’s high ass notes and YUNHO’s weird rapping but still this song is great and tops their last energetic track, “BREAK OUT!”.  I’m more excited that there’ll be a JPN version later in the month releases as its own single.

2. Mitgi Sirheun Iyagi (How Can I)

I was wondering how they’d fare in the ballads since that was more for the other 3 members to shine, but it seems that they can do it well, but not as good.  I mean of course the arrangement is a little sweet with piano, strings, and acoustic guitar and the fact the two guys sound sweet is a plus, but it just feels like it’s missing a piece of the puzzle IMO.

3. MAXIMUM

Seeing as this’ll be the B-side for the JPN return, MAXIMUM sounds like it’d be pumpin’ just like “Wae (Keep Your Head Down)” but the beginning with the shimasen was a little bit odd, but it does become into a dance track after the beginning.  While it doesn’t have the same drive like the former song had, MAXIMUM to me is closer to “BREAK OUT!”.  I will say that it seems YUNHO takes charge of the verses while CHANGMIN mostly hangs in the chorus, but there’s times where one and the other take over each others parts so it’s pretty even.  Either way, it’s an interesting song from them and a bit scattershot in the arrangement, but still nice.

4. CRAZY (feat. Typhoon from TRAX)

Being the only collaboration on the album, CRAZY is definitely more poppish than the previous three songs and it’s nice for a change.  It kind of reminds me of the female K-pop groups that are overloading in Japan but with guys singing it.  I will admit though, Typhoon kind of sounds like a sex devient with the way he was rapping in the song.  It’s alright, nothing that really stands out for me.

5. Honey Funny Bunny

I kind of laugh at the title for this song for some reason.  Anyways since this is a YUNHO solo, I thought it was fitting for him since it’s more of a R&B track than anything else, but the song feels so busy and intricate with the way YUNHO is kind of melting through the song.  I could live without the whole title actually being said and the weird voice thing at the end of the chorus where the pitch keeps rising.  Still, it’s not a bad song.

6. RUMOR

To me, RUMOR sounds kind of like a sequel to “CRAZY” with the lighter sound going on, but it’s also closer to R&B as well.  I love the way the two harmonize with each other as well as with the background support.  It’s very much an interesting song, and easy on the ears, but it’d easily be forgotten on my end since it’s not my kind of song.

7. Gobaek (Confession)

Of course, the time that I start to whore over the fact CHANGMIN gets a solo, it turns out to be a damn ballad.  His last solo, “WILD SOUL” was amazing and quite hardcore, but with Gobaek it’s a simple ballad with piano and strings.  His voice does sound good, but out of the five guys, he’s prolly only above YUCHUN in ability for ballads.  It’s alright, but after the times with 5-nin, this comes up very short for me.

7. Our Game

Oh, the opening for Our Game sounds pretty cool and kind of fits with my enjoyment of TRON Legacy and all that.  It’s a bit more synthy and darker than most of the songs on the album, but it’s got this kind of mysterious glow and with YUNHO kind of doing his rapping/talking thing and CHANGMIN doing the singing, it’s interesting.  It’s cool and sly and just syrupy…I kind’ve like it!

9. SHE

So to me it’s like they wanted to have another song that was like “Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou?” with SHE, but it actually came out kind of good despite the fact that it’s a knockoff and not as strong as said song.  I will say though that it’s better than some other songs on the album.

10. ATHENA

Closing the album out, ATHENA has some pretty dramatic strings playing to open the song up.  Actually, skip it, this song is dramatic with the arrangement since it’s like a rock song but in THSK’s way.  That being said, the duo do tend to yell the song in the chorus and it’s kind of meh, but the energy of the song is quite killer and it has great parts to it that I’m surprised wasn’t used in the rest of the album.

11. JOURNEY (feat. SeoHyun from Girls’ Generation)

Ending the regular edition of the album, JOURNEY was kind of known beforehand and it was an interesting song for sure and it still is kind of having this breezy pop sound going for it.  Also going by the fact that it’s a collaboration (albeit last second inclusion), SeoHyun from SNSD is featured as well, but sadly it’s near the end so it kind of seems really last minute here.  Still, I kind of enjoyed the song a bit better than some of the others!

Tracks Recommended

• Wae (Keep Your Head Down)
• Our Game
• ATHENA
• SHE
• MAXIMUM

Song of Avoidance

• RUMOR

As it is THSK’s first Korean release as a duo, Keep Your Head Down is actually a bit stronger than their last one, “MIROTIC”.  Maybe it’s just that there wasn’t so many problems this time around in vocal land since both YUNHO and CHANGMIN have great vocals.  Though I will admit that it was awkward going through songs and actually wanting JYJ somewhere, but whatever.  It’s a pretty good release for the most part and at least there’s direction than JYJ right now.

Tohoshinki – The Secret Code November 2, 2010

Track Listing

1. Secret Game
2. FORCE
3. Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou?
4. Nobody Knows
5. Beautiful you
6. Wasurenaide
7. 9095
8. Jumon -MIROTIC-
9. TAXI
10. Stand Up!
11. Survivor
12. Kiss The Baby Sky
13. Bolero
14. Purple Line (CD only)
15. Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou? (A Cappella ver.) (CD only)
16. 9096 (hidden track)

CD2

1. We Are!
2. Take Your Hands -i.am.electro REMIX-
3. Box in the ship
4. Sennen Koi Uta
5. Purple Line (bonus track)

CD2 (on CD+DVD)

1. Non-stop Mix

1. Secret Game

Oh yeah because beginning the album like something you’d hear from Mission: Impossible works The Secret Game begins with the somewhat close title track and I was surprised how off the wall it really is.  All of the members are just all over the song like there’s no control and it just seems very harsh with the busy arrangement as well.  Just a really messy opening to the album IMO.

2. FORCE

FORCE somewhat manages to clean up the mess that “Secret Game” caused and while it’s not much, I like the heavy feel with the sound and the boys sound a whole lot more cleaner and clearer.  I mean I can tell that YUCHUN and JUNSU are singing here and it works…well maybe the chorus is asking a little too much from em, but YUNHO does things good too.  I don’t know but it feels there’s like no CHANGMIN and JEJUNG…hmmm.

3. Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou?

It’s unfortunate that Tohoshinki has not released a good R&B since this tune which means this is pretty damn strong of a song from the boys.  It’s got the most simplest beats, but it’s just the relaxing nature of the song (minus YUCHUN’s parts) are just simply smooth and great to listen to.  Best slow moving tune of theirs IMO.

4. Nobody Knows

Thank god YUCHUN had a chance to redeem himself.  Nobody Knows though sounds like another “FORCE” but a tad lighter in the arrangement and style.  I guess I like the urban style a lot more here since the better singers of the group have a chance to sing like JUNSU and CHANGMIN.  There’s still something missing here, but it’s alright for right now.

5. Beautiful you

Since this is basically the official start of the era, Beautiful you first came off to me as a pretty cheesy song, but despite the English words that make it seem that way, this isn’t a bad track at all and I like the more acoustic sound the song took up.  I still think there’s someone still rather stressing out totally (YUCHUN).  Still interesting and light enough to enjoy.

6. Wasurenaide

It’s pretty hard to choose which of the era’s ballads I enjoyed the most because it’s between this, “Sennen Koi Uta”, and “Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Shimattandarou?”.  I know that this song is pretty simple in arrangement, but it kind of showcases the boys’ vocals in a pretty light.  However, it might be just a tad boring for some people.

7. 9095

Our next new song reminds of what JYJ sounds like today and that’s probably not the smartest thing to think of coming into this song.  It’s got that smooth R&B sound going for it and the chorus of course lightens up the mood and moves the song along.  It’s alright at first but after a while it kind of drags itself along.

8. Jumon -MIROTIC-

As we get into our third single of the era, Jumon -MIROTIC- is of course something we haven’t had in a while from them and that’s a JPN version of a Korean song of theirs.  It’s pretty cool that they chose Jumon to be an A-side because I enjoyed this song quite a bit.  I love the beat of the song since it’s hard and has a hard punch to it mixed with their great harmonizations throughout.  There’s one part where YUCHUN yells before the final chorus and it just made me cringe alot…jeeze…he’s such a weak singer…

9. TAXI

I’m surprised that YUCHUN begins TAXI which is surprisingly one of the new ballads on the album.  I like that’s there’s just only piano and acoustic guitar.  At first I was wondering where the other members were since YUCHUN took over quite a lot in the verses.  I like that JEJUNG does come in during the chorus…where’s the other members eh?  I don’t know it kind of drags and makes the previously released ballads stand out better.

10. Stand Up!

Going into more of a mid-tempo tune, Stand Up! isn’t so bad since it’s got a good and easy flow so I don’t have to worry about being bored like I was in “TAXI”.  Just like the rest of the new tracks, it’s got a bit of an urban flavor to it and it kind of makes me shrug since while it’s not as messy as the early ones, it’s a bit draggy too. 

11. Survivor

I found it funny that they decided to release this little teaser right before the album’s release (two weeks almost) and it turned out to be the damndest best thing the group has released in the entire era.  Totally blowing away the other dance tracks on the album, Survivor is prolly the closest to being dance/electronica since there’s heavy beats and synths galore it’s no surprise I love it so much.  While I do think JUNSU and even moreso YUNHO take the backseat for the song, JEJUNG, CHANGMIN, and YUCHUN really kicks the songs ass and I love it and it made me want more CHANGMIN songs!  Why wasn’t I introduced to em when this released, it’s epic!

12. Kiss The Baby Sky

I still don’t know what I want to think about Kiss The Baby Sky because it’s just very unsure of a song, but I love that all the members get their lines, but it’s still rather confusing as a song and the chorus is just a bit strange with the boys being in falsetto and such.  I’ll just pass this up, it’s the weakest up the A-sides TBH.

13. Bolero

I think Bolero is still one of their strongest songs before they released “Survivor” and all that.  It’s got a pretty strong ass arrangement and they boys singing out without stressing their vocals is great for them and it worked in the song.  Definitely another kickass ballad from the group.  Why do I like their ballads eh?  Why haven’t they done this after releasing this album?

14. Purple Line

While “Bolero” ends the album originally, everything after is just wacky stuff XD.  Purple Line is actually on the album in two different places depending on the edition you get.  On the CD only, this comes after the last song which is great while the 2CD+DVD, Purple Line is on the 2nd disc as the last track.  I don’t exactly know why this song was put on the album since it was A: Before the guys went and released solo singles, but still THSK…and B: This was on “T” (their last album).  Either way, Purple Line is still pretty cool for an old song and has a pretty hip beat.  To me I think the song oozes sexual undertones but who cares right?  Still being the unofficial first single of the era was a good choice to put near the end of the album.

15. Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou? (A Cappella ver.)

I found it surprising that they included the acappella version of the biggest A-side of the era in the CD only version even though we’ve already heard it on said single.  I’ve said before that the boys sound great singing like this and I was easily impressed by it all-around.  Very impressive and one of the reasons they stood out from other boybands because they can harmonize amazingly.  Though it’s kind of weird that JEJUNG, YUCHUN, and JUNSU get the solo parts…ironic….

16. 9096

I don’t know where it’s positioned either between the last song or “Bolero”, but 9096 is a continuation of “9095″ and of course it has the same piano melody and smooth R&B flow, but the song is pretty short and it only plays some of the song.  The only thing coming from the boys is some of the chorus which was only the harmonized parts as well.  I don’t understand the need for it, but I guess it was alright.

CD2 (on 2CD+DVD)

1. We Are!

Considering that this is the actual last new track off the album, we begin the second disc with We Are!.  Of course I remember this track since it was recut on the first single after the albu, “Share The World/We Are!”.  I’m surprised that I actually enjoyed this song so much because it was so upbeat and fun with a twist of summer packed in to give it that fun side.  I’m just surprised this wasn’t on the first disc because it needed something like this IMO.

2. Take Your Hands -i.am.electro REMIX-

I barely remember the B-side from “Survivor” simply because the A-side was just hardcore awesomeness.  Anyways, the only other new thing on the second disc, the remix for Take Your Hands is definitely what it is and it’s a pretty awesome electro take of the B-side and the power of the song was pulsing and just too good.  It definitely killed the original.  I definitely enjoyed this song!

3. Box in the ship

Just like what “We Are!” did, Box in the ship also gives off a pretty summery feel and I’m surprised this didn’t make the first disc since it’s one of the B-sides I enjoyed quite a bit.  Light, fun, fluffy…I mean it’s kind of one of those oddball songs that end up working well in the end.  Good song from the guys.

4. Sennen Koi Uta

If there was one song that I prolly would’ve expect not to have made it, Sennen Koi Uta might’ve been that song since the first disc was jam-packed with ballads already and sticking another would’ve hurt a bit more.  However, I still love Sennen Koi Uta’s more darker ballad style with JUNSU leading this ballad it was pretty good and so was CHANGMIN’s part.  Pretty ballad, but yeah, the three other ballads kind of trump this one out.

5. Purple Line

Ok, I’ve reviewed this already…if you haven’t seen above >.>

CD2 (on 2CD)

1. Non-stop Mix

1. SHINE
2. Close to you
3. ZION
4. WILD SOUL
5. Purple Line
6. Runaway
7. LAST ANGEL ~TOHOSHINKI ver.~
8. Two hearts
9. Rainy Night
10. DARKNESS EYES
11. Lovin’ you
12. Keyword
13. NO?
14. My Girlfriend
15. If…!?
16. DEAD END
17. CLAP!
18. Crazy Life
19. Ride on
20. Choosey Lover
21. TRICK
22. Maze

Yep, on the edition with just two CDs, you get a mega-mix that consists of songs from their last album “T”, songs from the album before that “Five in the Black” and the 5 Trick Project singles.  I only recognize ZION because I reviewed its remix on “Purple Line” and LAST ANGEL because well…I’m a Kuu fan duhh.  Anyways the mega-mix does its job well by making the songs link up and they are roughly 3-4 minutes in length on each song so it fills the CD to the brink.  For the most part each song had it’s own sound and that’s good to hear and it makes me wonder what the originals are like.

Tracks Recommended

• Survivor
• Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou?
• Take Your Hands -i.am.electro REMIX-
• Bolero
• Box in the ship

Song of Avoidance

• Secret Game

As this is technically THSK’s final album, The Secret Code was alright, but I felt that the new songs kind of heavily failed under all the prereleased stuff and it was a big enough riff that it showed pretty strongly.  I loved a good portion of the old songs and the crazy amount that was in it wasn’t enough to make me frown.  Second disc was pretty good for only 5 tracks and they were songs I liked anyways…and the non-stop mix disc might just be good for the purists and remix lovers…A very filled out release and it did cover the problems the album had…sucks that it had to be their last one though.