Thursday Melodies: Ed Sheeran's "Photograph"

So I downloaded Ed's new album "X" quite some time ago, and now I've started to listen to the album more carefully. One track that really caught me (well, all the tracks caught me) was "Photograph." 

I'm a sucker for songs with amazing and touching lyrics, and this song just shows how great Ed is at writing lyrics and making songs. I love how photographs are used to capture him so if she ever missed him, they could meet eyes. I love everything about this song, it made me cry at one point, and I can somehow relate in a way. It completely touched me, and I don't even have anything to say. It's just a great song and you should definitely check it out.

The whole album itself is completely amazing. I'm voting for "X" to be album of the year if it's nominated. I am beyond satisfied and happy about this album, and I just love all the songs he composes. He really knows how to make music that touches people, he makes songs that I'm pretty sure have saved people at some point, and have touched many people's hearts. Music is there to move people, and Ed never fails to do that. Again, BUY the album and support Ed and "Photograph" is probably one of my favorite songs of the album. 

A lyric video with the song will be posted here later... I am quite busy right now. Until then~

Tag Tuesdays: The Summer Tag

Question 1: What is the best part of summer time?

The best part of summer time is waking up without worries, without alarms, and just being able to have a lazy morning everyday. Usually, mornings are rushed, tiring, and spent in a classroom. 

Question 2: Do you tan or burn?

I tan. I've never experienced burn before, and my skin tans quite healthily. 

Question 3: Favourite summer nail polish?

I love Essie's "Peach Daiquiri" and Butter London's "Kerfuffle" and "Trout Pout" nail laquers.

Question 4: Favourite summer drink/beverage?

I love teas year-round, and recently Starbucks has come out with some fantastic iced teas. My favorite is the Peach Tea Lemonade, if that's what it's called. I also love Iced Vanilla Lattes and MASH. 

Question 5: Favourite summer clothing item?

I love wearing tank tops. But I only wear them in the summer because my family is quite conservative and disapprove of too much skin exposure. I wear sleeveless loose tops and shorts mostly, and I really love the lazy style in the summer. 

Question 6: Favourite current phone app during this summer?

I have just been using "8Tracks" so much nowadays, because I have a lot of time on my hands and it's usually spent just going outside and walking on the sidewalks of NYC and listening to new songs. 

Question 7: Favourite summer movie?

I don't think I have one, actually c: Most people would say "The Fault in Our Stars" or something, but I actually don't really watch movies in the summer. I guess it would be Big Bang's concert movies and concert movies in general. I just love them. 

Question 8: Favourite summer beauty product?

I'm huge on skincare year-round, but I'm even more serious when it comes to summer because I sweat. My skin does not dry out easily, and it's quite manageable during the colder months, so summer is when my skin can experience its worse state. I would say BB Cream, as well as Nature Republic's "Oriental Garden Royal Jelly" Cleansing Cream, because it gives my skin this fresh and cool feeling. 

Question 9: Favourite summer activity?

I love exercising in the summer. Because the weather is warm, I can go out and run by the East River and it's just simply amazing. The sun is overhead, music is on, blood is pumping. I also have started some yoga. 

Question 10: Favourite type of lip product for the summer time?

I love wearing Butter London's "LIPPY Sheer Gloss Tipple." It's a beautiful light pink color that looks nice on my lips, and is not too dark pink. I lovvvee ittt~

So that's my tag for this week! I tag all of you guys, and if you're interested, try out this tag for yourself as well c: 

Weekly Segments Rundown (All the Information)

You might have noticed that I have started some things I call "segments," and that they're underneath the "Weekly Segments" label on the sidebar. I'm beginning to try some new things, like creating a set schedule on what to post about on certain days. I feel like reviews will pop up somewhere between the set days because reviews take me longer to write. Since starting this fall I will be pretty busy, I don't know how I'm going to arrange everything but I hope by making a schedule I can be more organized and write posts more flexibly and quickly. With a schedule like this, I could continue to blog about things I enjoy. 

So here are the weekly segments I have planned for now. 

Weekly Segments 

Rant Monday

I am extremely bad at making titles. Please help me—I JUST CANNOT MAKE GOOD TITLES. Anyway, Rant Mondays can be segments in which I talk about more important matters like insecurity and anxiety and body image. They can also be topics in which I feel should be discussed about, things like world problems or K-Pop.news, but those can be talked about in other posts. Anyways, Rant Mondays are chances for me to discuss about things other than entertainment; things that I feel I can give advice on or share my thoughts about. 

**Tag Tuesdays 

I am actually not sure about this segment, I might now even do it. However, Tag Tuesdays are basically posts on Tuesdays where I do a certain tag or questionnaire. Through Tag Tuesday, I feel like you could learn a bit more about me and where I come from, and we could all have one big happy family of sharing things xD However, I'm not sure if they will be making a official appearance on my blog; if they do They might come every other week. I don't know. But I like completing questionnaires and tags, and since I'm not a YouTuber, I feel like my blog is a platform where I can do them casually. 

Thursday Melodies

I already have the first of this segment up from this Thursday c: I explained what it was in that post, but I'll explain once again what Thursday Melodies are again. In this segment, I will pick one song to review about; my favorite song of the week. It may be more than one song, but I plan on usually only highlighting one song. It is just a way for me to talk about some of my song favorites and show you what I'm really in to at the moment without having to review entire albums or anything. Through Thursday Favorites, I feel like I can just fangirl and talk about songs openly. I will not just be doing K-Pop songs however, and I'll try to include a variety of genres of music. 

Favorite Fridays

I have also done the first of this segment. Favorite Fridays is when I discuss one noun that I've been loving in the past week, whether it be a person, place, or thing. I just felt like creating this segment because I always love seeing what people have been using and liking and whatnot. The range for this seamen is huge—I could even end up talking about a cup that I bought recently xD But normally I'll talk about something I recommend or have just been using very often. Favorite Fridays are just small reviews, like Thursday Melodies. 

Other Posts 

 This is not a segment, but it certainly is something I want to address the segments above are not the only things I'll be posting about on my blog. I will continue doing albums, books, and the occasional movie review, so if you like reading those, I will still be doing those. I will also be addressing some things about K-Pop news and world news outside of the segments in general, and my rants will not all be just on Monday. I mean, who knows what's going to happen in the future? I will also be writing about some personal posts as well, and talk about some things in my life, so this blog will be somewhat personal. Either way, the introduction of the Weekly Segments into my blog is just something I'm pursuing, just an addition into the blog flow. 

Stay tuned for some news I'll be posting about my life. I have some explanations and frustrations ins store, so please wait for it ^^ 

Favorite Fridays: Avocado Products by Nature Republic

This is another segment I'm going to be doing c: It's called Favorite Fridays~! This is a segment I'm going to do every Friday where I post a review of one thing or a few that I've been loving a week. I don't know if this is going to get anywhere, and this segment might even be terminated, but I'm just trying things out for the moment. The favorites may range from albums to places to people to objects. Also, as you can see, I am reallly bad at making names for things, so name suggestions?

This week's favorite is~

Nature Republic's Avocado Products

Nature Republic's Hand & Nature Hand Creams

This line of hand creams are really nice. My favorite scent of all time from Nature Republic is Avocado, which is why I am writing the review for the Avocado scent. As you can see there is a variety of hand creams here, and the avocado hand cream is in between the Rose Butter and Grapefruit hand creams. I naturally have very soft hands that don't get dry very easily, but I use this hand cream to maintain the moisture in my hands because it is very hydrating and it smells very nice. I normally don't use hand creams, but this is a very nice smelling, easy to carry around hand cream that works very well on my hands. It's good to use everyday, and has this fresh scent that is simply amazing. There is also this thing because EXO sponsors Nature Republic where a certain hand cream has a EXO member behind it, and I think if you buy it you get a photocard or something- I don't know. It might be different now. The hand creams are not the cheapest things, but they're not entirely expensive either. I think it may because Nature Republic is a Korean brand and I'm a customer of one of its American stores. Anyways, I'll give you a rundown of which hand cream has which EXO member down below~ 

Nature Republic's Hand & Nature Sanitizer Gel in Avocado

Naturally, because my favorite scent is Avocado, I had to pick up the Sanitizer Gel in Avocado as well. This one also comes in a variety. The smell is simply amazing and it's a normal hand sanitizer, and normally I'm picky with my hand gels and don't purchase many. However, I seem to be hooked on the Avocado scent and this hand gel just smells amazing. It's quite small, the bottle, and cost I think around a dollar and fifty scents maybe? I don't know, there was tax and all that stuff and I normally round up to the nearest dollar. Anyways, the sanitizer gel is also a wonderful hand product. 

Nature Republic's Natural Fermentation Avocado Foam Cleanser 

Now, I'm quite indifferent about everything else, but the one beauty product or facial product that I'm extremely picky about is cleansing products. I have naturally very nice skin, but I have been raised believing that the skin of the face should always be treated best. Thus, I don't wear much makeup and am all about hydrating and cleansing my skin. Originally, my favorite cleansing product from Nature Republic was the Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser. It still is actually, but for some reason at the store I go to they do not sell it because it is sold out and I doubt they're going to restock it. Therefore, I had to find some sort of replacement because the Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser was my everyday cleanser and naturally I had to find a new one. I have tried many brands of facial cleansing products, but their face washes were always a bit strong on my skin and I never really needed the acne treatments because I have never gotten a breakout. The Avocado Foam Cleanser is great for this reason. It's not too strong, good for everyday use, and leaves my skin feeling really good. And it smells nice. The cleanser also comes in a bigger size, which therefore helps it last longer whereas my Aloe Vera one was almost finished in a month or two. Remember never to use too much at a time by the way. This was not super pricey, around thirteen dollars. However, if you're going to use the product everyday and it works to benefit your skin, I don't really mind how much it costs. Heck, I've spent over a hundred dollars on Jurlique products before anyway. 

Nature Republic Hand Creams and EXO Members

Lavender- Suho

**Grapefruit- Sehun

**Avocado- Chanyeol

**Apple Mango- Baekhyun

Rose Butter- Kai

Raspberry- D.O

**Green Tea- Kris

Peach- Chen

Shea Butter- Xiumin

**Vanilla-Lay

Wild Cherry- Luhan

Orange Butter- Tao

**Starred ones are my favorite hand cream scents

Check out other Nature Republic products here~

Buy Nature Republic products from KoreaDepart here~

Thursday Melodies: G-Dragon's 결국 (Without You)

So~ this is going to be a new segment on my blog, if that's what I should call it. I present to you Thursday Melodies~!! Sorry if the title is super lame, but I suck at making awesome titles. If you have a better title for this, please comment down below. It will be much appreciated. Anyways, Thursday Melodies is a new thing created by me, in which I will discuss one (or more) songs that I've been loving in the past week or so. Technically, it was supposed to be "Wednesday Melodies," but I didn't have the time to write this post yesterday, so it's Thursday instead c:

This week's song is~

G-Dragon's 결국 (Without You) 

This song has definitely been played over and over again in the past week, and overall I just love it. Lately, the YG stan in me is just leading my feels, and I feel so frustrated over KCon and how G-Dragon is going to be there and how I cannot go. More on that in the future~

So, I will insert an audio of the song with the English and Romanized lyrics right here:

G-Dragon presents "Without You" 

Now, I know that many people have been asking "Who is the girl singing in this song?" At first, I thought it was Lee Hi, but it actually turns out to be a YG trainee named Cho Miyeon (Quite the pretty name) and she has not debuted yet. This song has just been all over my mind recently and I have been addicted to it all week. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful and the song is just totally my style. All the way down to the instrumentals, the arrangement of the song; everything just screamed out for me and touched me. I normally never watch the lyric video and just listen to the audio, but i always find myself watching the lyric video or looking at the lyrics when listening to this song. 

It touched me, obviously. I actually not really used to hearing Jiyong sing, and more used to him rapping (because he is damn hot when he raps oh lord), but when I listen to this song I feel like I love it more when he's singing something like this rather than rapping "Yeah I'm a pretty boy." Let me just say that his voice is extremely sexy and artistic. 

G-Dragon himself is an artist. Everything about him practically screams artistic, even his face screams genius. The thing that I love about him the most is his producing. His lyrics. His songs. Everything. He writes all of my favorite songs, I love his style, I love his music. he is extremely creative, extremely good at making music, and is a huge inspiration. Not to mention hot and rich and a fashionista. Come on. Kwon Jiyong. He's just one of the greatest artists in K-Pop. 

This song, "결국", is well-written. The lyrics are beautiful and gorgeous and totally G-Dragon. I love this song basically because of the lyrics and the melody, and it's just another great product. It's quite underrated, and it was never promoted, so I kind of wish the song got more attention. "Without You" is alongside his hits "Crayon" and "One of a Kind" in his "One of a Kind" album, which is fantastic. In the song, he's basically singing about how he feels after breaking up with someone, and the lyrics are pretty fantastic. I love the use of the word "결국," which basically means "Eventually." The melody of the entire song really compliments his singing ability and highlights the lyrics, and the featuring of a girl in the song was a good idea. I also love that tweak in his voice, I don't know what it's called, but it makes the song sound very cool and light. 

This is my first of Thursday Melodies. I'm going to be starting some new segments on my blog, so stayed tuned for that. I think I'll make a post informing about that. But for now, I'm out c: 

GO LISTEN AND LOVE G-DRAGON PLEASE <3 

Tag: 100 Questions No One Asks

So I stumbled across this tag, and I decided to do it c: Please complete it if you want to as well, because guess what? I've tagged you c:

Tag: 100 Questions No One Asks

1. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? 

Closed.

2. Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel? 

I used to, but not anymore. I tend to bring my own anyway.

3:Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out? 

Tucked in.

4:Have you ever stolen a street sign before? 

Never.

5:Do you like to use post-it notes? 

They’re okay. I use them to write reminders. 

6:Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?

No, but I do use online coupons sometimes. 

7:Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees? 

Big bear. I can deal with animals. Bugs are something else.

8:Do you have freckles? 

Nope. 

9:Do you always smile for pictures? 

I do now. 

10:What is your biggest pet peeve? 

People who let insecurity rule their lives. 

11:Do you ever count your steps when you walk? 

I used to.

12:Have you ever peed in the woods? 

Yes.

13:What about pooped in the woods? 

No. 

14:Do you ever dance even if theres no music playing? 

All the time.

15:Do you chew your pens and pencils? 

Nope. That's disgusting. 

16:How many people have you slept with this week? 

Is a pillow a human?

17:What size is your bed? 

Queen.

18:What is your Song of the week? 

Tomorrow by Tablo.

19:Is it okay for guys to wear pink? 

Yes, definitely. Guys who can pull it off are attractive. 

20:Do you still watch cartoons? 

Yes, sometimes. 

21:Whats your least favorite movie? 

Mean Girls. Sorry. 

22:Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?  

With me in my grave. 

23:What do you drink with dinner? 

Tea or water. The occasional Blueberry Acai refresher from Starbucks.

24:What do you dip a chicken nugget in? 

Barbecue dip.

25:What is your favorite food? 

Milk bread from Tous Les Jours. Mm. 

26:What movies could you watch over and over and still love? 

A Coffee in Berlin. People call me weird though. 

27:Last person you kissed/kissed you? 

Someone special.

28:Were you ever a boy/girl scout? 

Never. 

29:Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?  

No, my parents would never allow it. 

30:When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper? 

Not too long ago. A week or two maybe. 

31:Can you change the oil on a car? 

Yes, which is surprising because I can't even drive yet.

32:Ever gotten a speeding ticket? 

I can’t even drive.

33:Ever ran out of gas? 

I CAN’T DRIVE!

34:Favorite kind of sandwich? 

Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato. Tomato, Basil, and Cheese is good as well. 

35:Best thing to eat for breakfast? 

Pancakes and a cup of hot tea. Fruits, too.

36:What is your usual bedtime? 

I get into bed at 9 usually. I like to sleep early, especially on school days. But during the summer, I usually sleep around midnight or past. 

37:Are you lazy? 

I'm quite punctual.

38:When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween? 

When I was in Kindergarten, I was witch. Two years ago, I dressed up as Harry Styles from One Direction.

39:What is your Chinese astrological sign? 

Dragon.

40:How many languages can you speak? 

4 (Just the slightest bit of Japanese).

41:Do you have any magazine subscriptions? 

Yes. I'm also subscribed to the Times as well. 

42:Which are better legos or lincoln logs? 

Legos!

43:Are you stubborn? 

At times. Usually when necessary.

44:Who is better…Leno or Letterman? 

Letterman.

45:Ever watch soap operas? 

Nope, but I watch Korean dramas. They're quite similar.

46:Are you afraid of heights? 

No, it's quite exhilarating to be high up, actually. 

47:Do you sing in the car? 

No, I'm usually quiet.

48:Do you sing in the shower? 

Sometimes.

49:Do you dance in the car? 

I don't ride cars often, and no. Taxis are not a place for dancing.

50:Ever used a gun? 

No. A water gun? Yes.

51:Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? 

When I went for my orientation back in March. I took my ID photo. 

52:Do you think musicals are cheesy? 

Yes. But I quite like some of them.

53:Is Christmas stressful?

 Yes. Sorry. Not much of a holiday girl. 

54:Ever eat a pierogi? 

Yes and it was quite good.

55:Favorite type of fruit pie? 

Berry pies are yummy. 

56:Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?

 Artist, singer, writer.

57:Do you believe in ghosts? 

Nope.

58:Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? 

Yes.

59:Take a vitamin daily? 

I take vitamins sometimes.

60:Wear slippers? 

I do.

61:Wear a bath robe? 

I do.

62:What do you wear to bed? 

Pyjamas.

63:First concert? 

I actually only found out this year, but my parents had taken me to see Paul McCartney at Madison Square Garden in 2002, when I was really little. 

64:Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart? 

None. 

65:Nike or Adidas? 

Adidas.

66:Cheetos Or Fritos? 

Cheetos.

67:Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? 

Peanuts.

68:Ever hear of the group Tres Bien? 

Yes.

69:Ever take dance lessons? 

Yes, and this year actually. I'm taking basic hip hop. 

70:Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?  

Businessman. Perhaps an artist. 

71:Can you curl your tongue? 

Yes, I’m weird.

72:Ever won a spelling bee? 

I don't remember. 

73:Have you ever cried because you were so happy?

 Sometimes I laugh so hard that I end up sober while crying.

74:Own any record albums? 

I have The Beatles, a few Rolling Stones, and a Michael Jackson record album or two. My dad used to be a collector. 

75:Own a record player? 

My family used to own one, but when we moved we had to throw it away.

76:Regularly burn incense? 

Nope.

77:Ever been in love? 

I don’t think so.

78:Who would you like to see in concert? 

G-Dragon, Taeyang, Big Bang, or the YG Family in general.

79:What was the last concert you saw? 

The Big Bang Japan Dome Tour 2014 in amazing HD online c:

80:Hot tea or cold tea? 

Hot.

81:Tea or coffee? 

Tea.

82:Sugar or snickerdoodles? 

Sugar.

83:Can you swim well? 

I can swim very well.

84:Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?

Yes.

85:Are you patient? 

Yes.

86:DJ or band, at a wedding? 

Band.

87:Ever won a contest? 

Yes.

88:Ever have plastic surgery? 

Nope.

89:Which are better black or green olives? 

I don't like olives in general.

90:Can you knit or crochet? 

Neither. 

91:Best room for a fireplace? 

Library.

92:Do you want to get married? 

Yes.

93:If married, how long have you been married? 

…

94:Who was your HS crush?

 Hahaha

95:Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way? 

Neither. I tend to explain reasonably. Logic.

96:Do you have kids? 

No.

97:Do you want kids? 

Yes.

98:Whats your favorite color? 

White.

99:Do you miss anyone right now? 

Yes.

100: Have you ever been stung by a bee? 

No, and I hope I never do.

The "Rise" of Taeyang

It's a bit late but....

FINALLY.

After about four years of waiting, Taeyang finally makes his comeback with a new album, 'Rise.'

Rise (The 2nd Album)

Tracklist

1. Rise [INTRO]

2. Eyes, Nose, Lips (눈, 코, 입)

3. 1AM

4. Stay with Me (Feat. G-Dragon)

5.  Body (아름다워) 

06. Ringa Linga

7. This Ain't It (이게아닌데)

8. Let Go (버리고)

9. Love You To Death

Buy the full album on Amazon here~

The original thinking:

Okay, so Taeyang has come out with a new album~ OH YAS. HE'S MY BEAUTIFUL HUSBAND OF THE FUTURE BIG BANG BIAS AND HE'S THE GREATEST PERFORMER EVAARRRR~ So excited for his new performances and hope it may beat Wedding Dress... even though nothing could possibly beat Wedding Dress, 'cause... Oh come on it's Wedding Dress. That song was and still is the death of me :P

After experiencing the album:

...AHHH OH MY GAD WHAT OH MY LORD WHAT THE HECK IS LIFE WHY IS HE SO DAMN GORGEOUS WHY ARE ALL THE SONGS SO BEAUTIFUL WHY OH MY GOD HE IS SO DFLSBNFHIGJKSFKJGUAHIDHGNGLMNNFJSOIJFOHIDF OH MY GAD OH MY GAD OH MY GADDD~~~~~~~~~

Basically, I was a mess. I couldn't think properly, I was kind of out of my mind, and the only thing running through my head was:

YG DOMINATES 2014 FEELS. ONE HUNDRED FREAKING PERCENT.

Seriously, with Taeyang and 2NE1... YG is spilling out wonderful songs, albums, performances and everything this year. Last year was definitely SM, with EXO just taking the whole industry by storm with "Wolf" and "Growl." However, EXO has been having some troubles lately and have begun touring, and as much as I love me some f(x) and Henry for the summer, there new albums don't have as beig of an effect on me as the YG ones have. In fact, YG is on FIYAH. I looovvee EXO's "Overdose" album, but Taeyang absolutely blew me away. He picked me up and threw me into a pit of feels. And I don't feel like getting out c:

I really want a Big Bang comeback. No, let me rephrase:

I need a Big Bang comeback. 

My needs as a V.I.P have never been more strengthened. The revival of my inner V.I.P is never good for my feels and especially for my bank balance ;-; 

So, usually I talk about a few songs that I liked the most, but considering the fact that every single song on this album was so damn amazing, I don't think that's possible. Every song hit me some where, and I really can't express how much admiration and love I have for Taeyang. Seriously, just look at this guy: 

I mean, look at him and tell me he isn't handsome. Look at that wonderful face and that kind smile. GAH. And then you see this...

Yeah. He's quite the drool-worthy star. 

Taeyang is simply amazing, and he makes the music he wants to make. He's truthful, dedicated, and hardworking, and never disappoints in his performances. His personality is also warm and comfortable and what girl would not fall for this. Why is he so perfect ;-; 

SO. ABOUT THE ALBUM. 

I actually bought the physical copy of it. I saw in K-Town and the first thing that went through my brain was: 

I need that. Regardless of price.

I had downloaded the full album the day it came out, and have loved it ever since. It is the one album that I replay over and over and over again, everywhere. I'm on the subway listening to this, I'm doing fanart listening to this, I'm sleeping listening to this, I'm messaging my crush listening to this... I think you get the point. I am crazy in love with this album. 

The first time I listened to "Eyes, Nose, Lips," I was immediately tossed back into the world of Taeyang feels. I've been waiting four years for this album, and finally it is here and I am not disappointed. I don't regret spending thirty-four dollars on this album; it was a hundred percent worth it. Now, away from my fangirling and onto the reviews of this album. 

1. Rise [Intro]

I loved this intro. Normally, I don't really like the intro songs to K-Pop albums because I feel like they're a waste of time, not as well made as the songs, and is unnecessary. However, when I was listening to this, all I could do was breathe. The music was amazing, and really highlighted Taeyang's voice. The lyrics are sung in the English, which is amazing because he doesn't really have the Korean accent and it feels really natural with his tongue. And here's a glimpse at the lyrics: 

"Alone in the darkness.

It's so cold and crazy.
And everybody's heartless.
Got no one to save me." 

One verse. In Taeyang's voice. And it just BLEW. ME. TO. THE. FLOOR. Just listening to the introduction made me so excited for the rest of the album, something most intros don't make me feel . 

Listen to "Rise [Intro]" here~!

2. Eyes, Nose, Lips

This song, when I first heard it, kind of brought me to tears. The simplicity of the music helped to highlight Taeyang's voice, and I really loved that. His voice is just so heart-meltingly sweet~ And his falsetto. Don't even get me started. It's just so beautiful. I've grown used to Taeyang producing songs that have spectacular choreography and a strong beat. I'm pretty sure that a song like this was unexpected by a lot of people, and I'm glad it was well received and loved. This song gives me the feels. I have had it on replay since it came out- I waited for this MV and this album and HIM for so long ;-; "Eyes, Nose, Lips" is about how he recalls the memories he had with his past love but now has to leave them behind and move on but he can't. As usual. I love this song because it is bursting with sincerity and it just shows how real Taeyang is about his music and again, the genius composing of YG. Seriously, all their songs are bomb right now. This just made me fall even harder for him, all over again. This and the rest of the album. 

"Eyes, Nose, Lips" Music Video

A few things about the video (Please watch it first): 

God, isn't he just so hot in this music video ;~; His bodyyy. Although I do not appreciate the hair net, it doesn't really matter does it .-. If I wasn't all over the song during this music video, I was all over his body c: What? I'm a hormonal teenage girl, it's normal. 

A video with no switching sets, no female lead, nothing- just a basic video. No cars, no wild lights, no crazy outfits. This video helps bring out the song so well, because aside from Taeyang, that's the only other thing to concentrate on. Which is great. Usually, K-Pop music videos have so many things going on: A dance, a storyline, crazy outfits and cliche/weird sets. That is basically what most K-Pop videos are (I am thinking about Infinite's MVs). I think that a video like this, so simple and yet so powerful, is what we need. He really knows how to come back after four years. I really loved this song and the music video to go along with it. 

Listen to "Eyes, Nose, Lips" here~

3.  새벽한시 (1AM)

I really loved this song, just like I loved every other song on this album. The minute I heard the song, from the very beginning, it became one of my favorite songs on the album (if I had to choose). The whole song has this vibe to it, that bittersweet feel. I don't know how to explain it, but it gets you moving. The instrumentals are extremely well made and the composition was really good. It's like a song you listen to at night while driving or sitting on a rooftop. The lyrics especially reached for me; I felt somewhat able to relate to the lyrics. In this song, Taeyang is singing about how he wants to move on, yet he is always reminded of "you" (he's singing about a woman). I'm pretty sure he's had a break-up because the song talks about his friends comforting him and telling him it'll be okay. However, he still loves her. Funny how Taeyang went from needing a girl to wanting one back. He always sings of losing girls, god, he has so many at his hands WHY. 

"1AM" Music Video

Okay, since we have established that Taeyang is officially the hottest guy alive, I'm not going to spaz over how hot he is because I've probably said it a thousand times and you guys are probably sickof it c: Instead, I'm going to talk about how hot the female lead is, because guys, that girl is fine. 

The female lead of this song is played by Min Hyo Rin, a South Korean actress. I have been her fan for a really long time, and seeing these two do a music video was simply fantastic. Even though you might hate Taeyang kissing chicks other than you, you gotta admit: That girl is freaking gorgeous. God, she's perfect *_* Guys, please go watch the video. She is hot. 

People said that the bed scene "was not steamy enough." Okay, I don't know what to say about this, but I did think that there was going to be some more... action. I mean, I get that Youngbae is quite the shy person and doesn't really go all out in 18+ scenes, but still... However, the whole time they were on the bed, all I could watch was his hand go up her back. Oh my god those arms. I need a breather. 

I can't say this is my absolute favorite music video by Taeyang (How can you beat Wedding Dress, that song is the best, seriously), it is very well-made. I understand what is going on, and I can feel his emotions through the video. Overall, this song was well produced and well promoted, and the music video is really amazing. 

Listen to "1AM" here~

4. Stay With Me (ft. G-Dragon)

Let me just say that G-Dragon and Taeyang together is unstoppable in my world. ah. They be so gorgeous I can't even breathe normally. What I love about this song is the groove the song has. If you don't know Korean, it sounds like a cheerful song (I think), but when in fact the song is about wanting the girl you love to stay with you. It's a great song, and GD's rap is on point as usual~ Their voices together really is a great combination. I could feel Taeyang's smile as he was singing this song, and I just love his smile c:

Here's the live performance of "Stay With Me" if you want to watch the two hotties~

"Stay With Me" Live Performance Featuring G-Dragon 

They are so wonderful together c: And Taeyang's blond hair... oh my God. Even though I feel like his original hair color suited him the most, the blond is really nice as well. Well, anything on Taeyang is nice. It's Taeyang. 

Listen to "Stay With Me" here~

5. Body

I really love these kinds of songs, especially from YG Artists. It shows that they can have fun, and it's a really free song. This is a dance song that I can really like, and I'm usually not that big on Dance Pop. I tend to go for songs with a slightly depressing feel or are really sad (Hence my obsession with "Lies" and "Haru Haru"). This kind of reminds me of "Tonight," possibly because I'm listening to that song right now and there is that vibe. I don't know. This is just one of those really fun songs you here at parties. It gets the crowd moving, and definitely the performer Taeyang's type of song. The composition of the song is excellent as usual, and I love it xD Also, CL from 2NE1 is featured in the song, and she sings a part of G-Dragon's "Crayon," I think. The song is about how he thinks your body is beautiful. Seriously. He repeats the phrase "Your body's so beautiful" like a thousand times in this song. It's so damn awesome and it's just a great happy song. 

The live of "Body" will be included in the Wonder Live performances at the end of this review. 

Listen to "Body" here~

6. Ringa Linga 

Now, if you listen to K-Pop, you probably know this song. If you don't, you have some problems. This song was so popular and people are still playing it everywhere. Taeyang released this song as a single in the fall of last year, and it was everywhere. I'm serious. "Ringa Linga" is really catchy, really addicting, and shows off one thing: 

Taeyang is the best dancer. Who can dance better than that? No one.

Don't believe me? Well, the choreography for this song is incredibly complicated, and although it might look simple it's quite hard. You need feel, and considering I can't dance to save my life, would be impossible for me to learn (I'm exaggerating, I'm actually the best dancer ever :P). But yeah. "Ringa Linga" actually won the "Best Choreography" Award last year at the Soompi Awards. 

Now let's move on to the videos. 

"Ringa Linga" Music Video 

Yep, that's G-Dragon in the car with Taeyang. And yep, Taeyang went blonde. It's hot. The music video is the classic YG/Big Bang style nowadays (forget the 'Lies" and "Haru Haru" MVs... this is all about freedom of expression and abstract art now). It's quite the video, huh? I honestly don't know what to say about it other than the fact that it's creative and a bit crazy. I actually prefer the older music videos, so I don't really watch this one a lot. I think I've only watched it once, to be honest. But, the dance version of the song I have watched WAY more.... 

"Ringa Linga" Dance Performance

This is what I was talking about when I said mind-blowing choreography. MMM. The only thing that is wrong about this video is the dreadlocks. Please, no. No dreadlocks. It didn't look very flattering on Kai, and even though you are TAEYANG, it still isn't super attractive on you either :P Sorreh. 

Listen to "Ringa Linga" here~

7. This Ain't It 

If I had to choose a current favorite from this album right now, it would be this song. I have been playing this for days. It is the best song to listen to when you want some calming or saddening song in your life. Considering the fact that it is another quiet song and I have quite the knack for these kinds of songs, it is no wonder that I fell in love so easily with "This Ain't It." But this song again has that simplicity factor that I love when there is just concentration on Taeyang's voice. I technically fell for his voice first. And to this day, that is what I love the most. The lyrics are especially touching (at least for me). What else am I supposed to say when he starts the song off with "I still love you"? That ex-girlfriend of his is/was mad lucky. Seriously though, this song just makes me want to hug him. 

Because this post is getting very a bit long, view the English lyrics here~

I seriously suggest looking at the lyrics. You'll see what I'm talking about. He's basically singing about how he still loves her and knows that he needs to get over her now, but it isn't working. He's still stuck on her, and he still "misses her more than he hates her" for leaving him. Seriously, I can't take the feels from this song. It actually brings back some memories for me personally, and listening to this song makes me relive them and feel what he feels. It's a personal song for me as well. 

Listen to "This Ain't It" here~

8. Let Go 

This song... ah. The intro music is really good. And when you first hear his voice, it sounds reaaally hot. I love this song, obviously, and the part leading up to the chorus is especially pleasant. The chorus itself is meaningful even if you don't know what the hell is he singing about. Taeyang is singing about how is letting go of the roughness and the act of being tough, and how he would never let go if he was with his love. He is singing about how he was used to the loneliness in his life before but now he is throwing that out. It's a meaningful song, and something I think everyone can relate to when they fall in love, the feeling of needing to let go of the past in some sort of way. Release. 

The song itself has a really good build and climax layout and it is effective in conveying the emotions Taeyang wants to express in the song. You can feel his emotions as if he was singing to you, which he is, in a way. 

Listen to "Let Go" here~

9. Love You To Death 

And we have reached the last track on this album, which happens to be a great great GREAT song. I can relate to the lyrics, although they are a bit exaggerated, and how the song is about still loving someone despite not receiving the love back. This is a pretty sweet song if you think about it, and the song itself is good. The melody is nice, really nice. It's smooth and easy to feel. I just love the whole song in general oh my god it's so wonderful. When I first heard the album, this was the song I kept playing while making fanart because I concentrate so well with his voice. It's somewhat strangely comforting, and he keeps singing "I'm gonna love you to death~" and I'm like "Yes, please do. I'm gonna love you to death as well~" 

Okay. Weird. The beginning guitar is amazing by the way. Instrumentals are so great, in all of the tracks. I am going crazy over the instrumentals, I swear. It's like "Take It Slow" off his previous "Solar" album... I lived for the instrumentals. 

Anyways, listen to "Love You To Death" here~

So that was my review of the "Rise" album. Quite long, wasn't it? Well, I'm not done yet~ 

Album Jacket Design

With me being the crazy Taeyang-obsessed fangirl I am, I went straight to the store to pick up the physical album. and let me just say that the album design is amazingggggg~ here are photos that I took of my album (I desperately need to get it signed): 

*Please ignore my reflection on the shiny surfaces of the album* 

The cover. The black material is very smooth and fine, and can get marked quite easily. 

The back of the cover. 

The photobook cover- it came with sun stickers like the ones on the cover. 

All three photos above are of the CD case, which has a holographic Taeyang on it. If you move it around, he makes a turn. 

The back design of the CD Case

Once you open the CD Case, you are faced with this lyric book pictured above. It is actually attached to the holograph, so you can take it out and it's a lyric book. However, the lyrics are in Korean.

This is the CD. It's rose gold-coloured and black. Really pretty, believe me. 

If you take out the CD, this is what's behind it. It's just a really nice design so I took a picture of it. 

Thoughts:

It's so beautiful ;-; The black and gold theme of the album is extremely smart and chic, and the simplicity of it is beautiful. The design of the sun is really awesome in this album, so props to the designers c: And may I just say that the photobook is amazinggggg... Just staring at photos of Taeyang all day. That's my life, basically. The album is pretty pricey in the States though. I don't know how much it is online, but I bought this album for thirty four U.S. dollars, and there are many things you could do with thirty four dollars. With tax, I think the total was around thirty seven dollars. That is almost forty dollars. Oh my.

But who cares? Taeyang is worth it~ (I'm crazy) 

So that was my small album design review. Following this is a set of performances that Taeyang performed as a guest on Wonder Live, and he performed some songs from his new album as well as some old favorites~ Please check out Wonder Live by Taeyang below~

*English subtitles are accessible by hitting the CC button*

"Wonder Live by Taeyang" Episode 1

"Wonder Live by Taeyang" Episode 2

So this concludes by extremely long blog post about Taeyang's new album. I'm a diehard fan of Big Bang, and I hope they come back real soon with an album to knock everyone off their feet~ 

Until next time :)