Busker Busker "Cherry Blossom Ending"

This song is almost a year old, but I don't care because I just discovered it and it's still charting. Busker Busker are an indie three piece signed to CJ E&M, a subset of MNET (who have acts like FT Island and T-ARA). They were runner ups on a K-Pop singing show back in 2011 and released two albums last year. "Cherry Blossom Ending", the title track to their first album was a hit, peaking at #1 on the GAON singles charts and it is back in the top ten, which makes this post kind of relevant. I really like the lighthearted atmosphere of the song and Jang Beom-Jun's struggle like falsetto during the chorus. In the video, the members go on a sunny journey across the countryside when they see a girl and a cherry blossom tree on TV.

Fall Out Boy "The Phoenix" Music Video

Fall Out Boy are keeping the tunes a coming, this time giving us a glimpse of what caused them to end up in the back of the van in the "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark" video with "The Phoenix". Not sure if this one is the next single (since MSKWYDITD is back in the top ten of iTunes and is finally getting decent airplay) or just promo for the record, but either way it is classic FOB with an edge ! Check the video below!

StooShe "Slip" Music Video

UK girl group StooShe have been on the ball with their music after "Black Heart" became a huge hit last year. The three ladies are back with more of their throwback sound with their single "Slip" which will be on their delayed debut album. Check it out below!

Graded Song: Lee Hi "Rose"

Lee Hi has yet to impress me with ANY of her material. She is a massive talent for such a young act, but YG doesn't seem to use her correctly (much like how JYP can't give Miss A decent songs and choreo). "1234" took months to grow on me and "It's Over" turned me off immediately. Now the 2nd part of her debut album "First Love" is going to be released and the lead track "Rose" gripped me with the teaser. Does she finally give us something to be excited about? Finally! The sound she was born to make! The R&B meets dance house vibe that the song really works well with Miss Hi's mature vocals. Who knew that she could rap so well either? The end kind of gets a bit dull at the end, but overall she killed it. This could work extremely well in a drama soundtrack. My favourite part of the song has to be the "Every rose has it's thorn" section and the chorus. Well done!

Final Grade:A

Jessie Ware "Imagine It Was Us"

Jessie Ware, the UK singer who topped my blog's best of 2012 album list, is preparing to re-release her debut album "Devotion" in the UK (and offically here in the States)in April and has debuted one of two brand spanking new tracks. Instead of the chill 80s Sade-meets-Whitney Houston that most of the album served up, Jessie moves up a decade and gives us a refreshing 90s house song with her signature stunning vocals holding their own with "Imagine It Was Us". I would definitely not mind if this is what her second album winds up sounding like.

Graded Song:Infinite "Man In Love" and MV

Only two short months after their subunit released their mini album, Infinite has made a full group comeback, complete with a more boy next door image and logo. After giving us teasers of the title track with each of the members, the full track and album "New Challenge" was released March 20th. After 2012's smash "The Chaser", does this new track do it any justice?
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Infinite did not disappoint this time around. The production was a bit reminiscent of "The Chaser", but it was more 80s inspired. Woohyun's vocals are really at the forefront this time and he hit that high note..BOY, I'm gonna need that solo mini from him soon!!!. Of the raps, I feel that Dongwoo's was a bit more stronger this time around, but it was still pretty decent. The chorus towards the end could have benefited from a bit more editing as the group was kind of overshadowed by the instrumental. They have yet to top "The Chaser," but this comes pretty damn close.
Final Grade:A-
In the music video, we see the group doing seperate things for the woman that they are pining for: learning how to play the piano, shopping, cooking, etc mixed in with some killer choreo. One of the moves reminded me of the ripple effect thing in Boyfriend's "Don't Touch My Girl" when they put their hands down doo-wop style. I need a dance MV to really zero in on the moves though.

Justin Timberlake "Mirrors" Music Video

Justin Timberlake has released the visuals for his #1 single "Mirrors". The video utilizes the full 8 minute ode to his other half, with part of it telling the story of a couple first meeting and living to old age and the other shows Mr.Timberlake dancing in front of mirrors with female background dancers. Do you like the video?