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CNBLUE comes back revamped with ‘Re:Blue’

CNBLUE
“Re:BLUE”
(CJ E&M)

With their large fan base, Korean rock stars CNBLUE can surely no longer refer to themselves as an indie band. The young musicians of CNBLUE show off a little something new with their latest album release “Re:Blue.”

The album’s title track “I’m Sorry” is upbeat, snappy and a good listen overall. With the elements of mild metal rock mixed in with modern rock, the boys start off the album snatching the listener’s attention.

On the other hand, the next track on the album, “Coffee Shop,” starts with odd metallic/electronic sounds while the boys whisper the phrase coffee shop repeatedly. The track then subtly transitions into a guitar riff before the members start singing. It is not a bad song, but it is certainly not a sound that one would expect when they see the title.

The men of CNBLUE slowly sit down with the song “Na Geudaeboda,” highlighting the more vocal and soft rock side of the group, while “Naran Namja” starts off with a beat that makes it seem as though listeners have just walked into a club then trailing off into the CNBLUE niche sound that fans have come to expect from the group.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)

Jessie Ware’s ‘Devotion’ isn’t enough to make an impression

Jessie Ware
“Devotion”
(Universal Music)

The British singer/song writer Jessie Ware, who formerly sang vocals for Joker and SBTRKT, has branched out, releasing her solo album, “Devotion.” Although the R&B singer has powerful vocals that without a doubt give her the capabilities to make a name for herself as one of the top female soloists in the industry, this album, unfortunately, doesn’t quite do the trick.

The beats from the album’s title track, “Wildest Moments,” are just not fitting for what the artist is trying to attempt with her vocals. The overall sound of the song just seems off and doesn’t give listeners the tranquil feeling they are hoping for. “Running” has an ’80s pop vibe with the inner clashing of Ware’s sexy vocals. It’s different, but it works. The remix version of “Running” is also a worthwhile listen, sounding like something that one would hear playing on the speakers in a chic, trendy bar in Manhattan.

While she is certainly no Adele, the vocalist’s first album is a valid attempt. Unfortunately, it is not enough to make her stand out from the pack.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)

Single women rejoice to Keyshia Cole’s new album

Keyshia Cole
“Woman to Woman”
(Universal Music)

Back to her signature sounds of heavy ballads, Keyshia Cole shows how an R&B diva must sound like. In her fifth album, “Woman to Woman,” the talented songstress lays out her lyrics specifically for women. One might think that because Keyshia is happily married, there would be lots of lovely songs. But, no, the R&B singer seems almost mad, singing about all the men who did her wrong. Her anger addresses cheating men, back-stabbing men, hate and distrust.

Cole’s lead track “Enough Of No Love” deals with a man who cheated on her for a new girl: “Can‘t say I’m not hurt/I’ll be damned if I’m broken/ what we had is now hers/ let her know she can have it.” Defiant, Keyshia makes more emotional breakups in her following tracks “Zero,” “Missing Me” and “Trust and Believe.”

There are a few songs in the album where Cole is in hopeful situations. The standout track “I Choose You” produced by Jack Splash, “Hey Sexy” by Dream/Los collaborations and “Next Move” featuring Robin Thicke on background vocals, are upbeat tracks that need to be much appreciated.

Men might think Cole’s whole album might be a little unfair: For many bitter single women, she pretty much nailed it.

By Bae Soo-min, intern reporter (soomin623@heraldcorp.com)