Top 5 Recommended Music Videos

"Zero For Conduct" by BASTARZ
I was really curious how this Block B sub-unit would go and I was happy my other favorite member from the group was getting more face time. The video has a very tough and mature style to it, but still maintains that fun energy that Block B is known for in their songs and videos. The choreography is both fun and a bit aggressive and their delivery matches that. I enjoy the dark and slightly neon color scheme throughout the video. I hope this isn't a one shot effort either, because I had a fun time watching this trio.



"Crazy" by Infinite H feat. Sanchez (Phantom)
I was a little surprised to see this duo releasing a follow up mini-album, but I was happy about it (especially since I'm very fond of Dongwoo). This is definitely a more mature direction compared to their debut as a duo. I enjoy the R&B vocal arrangement mixed with the slightly minimalistic beat and trap sounds. Sanchez's vocals effortlessly work very well with theirs. They picked the right person to take care of the chorus and bridge. As for this nearly black and white video, it has some great dramatic moments with the members individually in their own scenes and even together. The choreographed shots don't seem disruptive of the slight story either and it's no surprised that it's cleanly executed.



"TELL ME ONE MORE TIME" by JINUSEAN
Old school kpop fans might recognize this iconic duo and some now might know them more for their appearance on Show Me the Money 4. I have heard of them before, but I've never listened to their music. Even now, this is really the only song I've heard by them and only because I heard it had lots of American hip-hop visuals in it. The music video kinda presents a game, for me, to see how many of these visual musical moments I recognize from each year like Run DMC and Puff Daddy and Ma$e. The song is pretty enjoyable as well, following the visuals by mixing different musical elements from different eras of music into the song. Easily fun and danceable for sure!



"ANTI-HERO" by SEKAI NO OWARI
Since getting into this band this year, I just assumed all their videos would be colorful and full of fun. This video is quite the opposite. It's dark, cooky, and almost a bit unsettling visually. The song is quiet, cool, and sounds like something you could listen to around Halloween time. The vocal delivery is very calm and confident, while the music is smooth and laid back. Apparently, this is the theme for the Attack on Titan movie, which I heard is terrible, but hearing this song, it seems too mellow to be a theme to anything, especially Attack on Titan, but I could be wrong. I simply enjoy this band and their unexpected and sometimes unusual videos and music.



"Speed and Friction" by amazarashi
I really like the opening theme to Ranpo Kitan: Game of Laplace and the music video is just as mesmerizing and chaotic as the song. It's an unusual concept, having a girl dance in a bathroom stall while the lyrics of the song light up around her. It's like an interpretive dance in places or even an act of possession, but it works very well with the distress and panic of the song. As I said, very mesmerizing. I enjoy the rough vocals of the song and the various transitions of the music quieting, exploding, and bouncing about chaotically.

Top 5 Recommended Music Videos

"STRoooONG" by DOG in the PWO
It's good to have some positive energy rock that isn't overly cute. These guys always deliver the fun aspect of jrock and I always appreciate it when they release something. The PV is a little darker than usual, but it still has their typical bizarre edits and effects incorporated throughout the video. It might seem like a little too much at times, but it fits the band's sporadic style.



"RIP" by Angelo
For some reason I get these D'espairsRay "Death Point" vibes from this song with a nice Angelo twist. I'm seriously enjoying the chemistry between these guys and it makes me love them even more. Kirito's voice sounds amazing, the guitar section is quite powerful, and Kohta and Takeo's subtle attacks really highlight the tone of this song. The video has a nice balance of story and band focus. Not too dramatic, but still emotional enough to lose yourself in the dark atmosphere. I have a feeling RETINA is going to blow BABEL out the water.



"Burning" by PHANTOM
It's been almost a year since "Hole in Your Face" and the trio has finally released their debut mini-album. You have no idea how pumped I am about this. Like many Phantom fans, I've been waiting for this moment and this video truly highlights everything I love about this group. The music is deep and emotional, matching the tone of the lyrics. The visuals match as well in a simple, but artistic way. They don't over do it with the effects and I find it interesting that there's a lack of color compared to the usual. I'm looking forward to hearing PHANTOM CITY.



"We're a Bit Different" by EvoL
Alright, once again I can understand the 2NE1 comparison, but for some reason it feels like they have something that 2NE1 lacks. I'm not sure what it is, but everything seems more. I know that totally doesn't make sense, but once you watch it perhaps it will make sense. I really love these girls and I've been listening to their first release on repeat this past week. I love their voices, style, and energy. It seems fresh despite the familiar electronic beat and the visuals of the video is quite appealing. I am looking forward to future releases by these fine ladies and I hope they don't lose their initial spark either.



"[s]hit parade" by Dali
So, I found out that this band is breaking up and I remember listening to them when all they had out PV-wise was "Placebo". I was really into Under Code and started leaning toward the label more and more when PS Company was becoming a little boring, then some bands graduated and whatnot. Anyway, this is my favorite PV from the men of Dali. The costumes are very intricate like most Under Code bands, the spotlight was a different idea, and the song has the right energy. It's a shame this band is breaking up, because there aren't many UC bands that I like anymore.

Top 5 Recommended Music Videos

"Lights Out (Go Crazy)" by Junior Caldera feat. Natalia Kills & Far East Movement
You should all know that I'm in love with the underrated Ms. Kills and I like Far East Movement too. I don't know how I missed this fantastic song, let alone music video. Thanks to the Prophet Blog, I've purchased this little gem and abused the replay button for the past couple weeks. The video is pretty simple, but has just the right impact to match the mood and pace of the song. Looking forward to more music from all three artists.




"Shot You Down" by Florrie
I've only heard one song by her through last.fm and this was also posted on Prophet Blog. I wasn't sure whether I'd like it or not since I haven't really explored much of her music. It's a simple down beat dance track with repetitive lyrics, but it's somehow effective for the genre. The delivery and execution is powerful, artistic, and intriguing. Very modelesque~




"Pretty Enough" by Verbal Jint feat. Sanchez of Phantom
I know I just said that I'm in love with Natalia Kills, but I'm sorry that a different, perhaps emotional part goes to Verbal Jint and his newest masterpiece. I already fangirled to a certain friend on how beautiful and creative this song and video is. I love the concept and lyrics so much that I almost was brought to tears on the shear beauty. The last song that made me feel that way was Daichi Miura's "4am" and that sealed the deal for me to buy his latest album. Sanchez's voice also compliments Verbal Jint's rap and I hope there's a Phantom debut in the near future. Definitely looking forward to listening to this album. I'm sure it's flawless.




"Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!" by BABYMETAL
The jpop/metal girls are back with a "bangover" of a song for the fans (and haters). They're still quite unpredictable, but still entertaining in my mind. I instantly fell for this new release from the sweet beginning transitioning to the hard rocking handbanging moment. I was so tempted to join! The guitars are pure love to my ears and I think I want to see these girls live one day. Maybe even learn a dance or two. I feel a little guilty, but it can't be helped. Japan is so odd sometimes.




"Love Again" by 2BiC feat. Ailee
I've never heard of these guys before, but I'm truly impressed that this is the first song I've heard of theirs. I'm slowly boarding the Ailee train and I was shocked that was her rapping in this song. It sounded like a totally different girl like one of those idol rappers (one of the good ones). Anyway, these guys have amazing voices and the video is quite classy, despite a couple moments that could've been omitted. I think these guys could fit in in America with material like this.