Pick of the Month

Recently released Kpop album Lion Heart by Girls Generation has been slaying the iTunes World chart and Billboard World Albums chart. Girls' Generation (SNSD) is, without a doubt, the most popular girl group in Kpop. 

Their lead single from their first EP, Gee, first shot them to international popularity in 2009 and the music video currently has more than 145 million views on Youtube.  After that, this nine -currently eight-membered group has produced a slew of hits, like Genie, Oh!, Hoot, The Boys, I Got A Boy, Mr. Mr. etc.   

Girls' Generation's latest album, with two title tracks, namely, 'Lion Heart' and 'You Think', has 12 songs. 

'Lion Heart' has a retro, sugary pop feel. If you listen to it for enough times, it is quite catchy and the dance moves enhance the sweet, feminine feel of the song. The music video follows the retro theme with a touch of modern glamour and shows the girls doting on a lion man (I kid you not) they have fallen for, ending with a playful twist. 

'You Think' does a better job at being the title track. You have trademark Kpop dancing with flashy, charismatic moves. The chorus is in English, which is a good thing for international fans trying to sing along. It is a strong pop track, perfect for belting out or pumping up workouts. The music video is opposite to the one for 'Lion Heart' – the girls are fierce and charismatic with a bolder fashion and look. 

'Party' has been released two months ago as a summer single. It is a fun, bubble gum pop track, maybe bordering on childish, with a lively video showing the girls having fun on the beach – fitting, since that is what the song is about. 'One Afternoon' is a mid-tempo song that sounds like it could be an opening track for a romantic Kdrama. It's easy to listen to with sweet vocals and soft instrumentation and just a hint of retro.

It's not Kpop if it's not catchy and Show Girls is a good example of that. It starts with a retro vibe and then picks up its pace, falling back after the chorus. 'Fire Alarm' starts out coolly and develops into a refreshing dance track. 'Talk Talk' is another hook-laden song that has smooth and sweet vocals. 'Green Light' is a catchy track with repetitive hooks that will have you singing along with it whereas 'Paradise' is a lot slower and soothing. 'Check' journeys into EDM, a little repetitive but enjoyable. 

An interesting sound can be heard in 'Sign', which has a fluid whispery chorus. For the first 20 seconds, 'Bump It' gives off a ballad vibe with just a piano but it soon takes a turn towards a dance track with synth slams and even includes small rap sections. 

As you can tell, the album doesn't have a specific theme; instead there is a variety of songs – to suit anyone's taste. Though not their best, this album is definitely enjoyable. 

Even if you are not into Kpop, give them a try. Hopefully, you won't be disappointed.