Albums of 2017

÷ (Divide) by Ed Sheeran (March 3, 2017)

An album that I've been waiting for so long, those tracks were released before the full album did already gave me goosebumps and teary eyed, not to mention the full album, it's a masterpiece with 16 wonderful tracks. Now we have "+", "x" and "÷", I can't wait for "-"!

Best showcase of his rap skills: "Eraser"
Best track for a sing-along: "Castle on the Hill"
Most passionate vocal strains: "Dive"
Most radio-friendly: "Shape of You"
Most likely to become a wedding song: "Perfect"
Most visual storytelling: "Galway Girl"
Most heartbreaking track: "Happier"
Craziest lyric: "New Man"
Biggest homage to his past material: "Hearts Don't Break Around Here"
Closest track to "Love Yourself": "What Do I Know?"
Best guitar solo: "How Would You Feel (Paean)"
Most beautiful melody: "Supermarket Flowers"
Most likely to make you bust a move: "Barcelona"
Biggest step toward a new sound: "Bibia Be Ye Ye"
Catchiest melody: "Nancy Mulligan"
Most personal lyrics: "Save Myself"                                                               - billboard

1. Eraser
2. Castle on the Hill 
3. Dive
4. Shape of You 
5. Perfect  
6. Galway Girl 
7. Happier
8. New Man 
9. Hearts Don't Break Around Here
10. What Do I Know? 
11. How Would You Feel (Paean) 
12. Supermarket Flowers 
13. Barcelona 
14. Bibia Be Ye Ye
15. Nancy Mulligan 
16. Save Myself

My favourite track of this album? Definitely "Castle on the Hill", this song really meant a lot to me, this was the first song that I started my YouTube channel.

"I'm on my way
Driving at 90 down those country lanes
Singing to "Tiny Dancer"
And I miss the way you make me feel, and it's real
We watched the sunset over the castle on the hill"

Memories...Do Not Open by The Chainsmokers (April 7, 2017)

First song that I heard before the album released was "Something Just Like This" followed by "The One". The very first moment after I heard "The One", I seriously can't wait for the full album to release. 

"The box of Memories...Do Not Open symbolizes the message of our album. We all have childhood bedrooms, filled with objects that illustrate special moments. Eventually, that room and its objects are boxed up as we grow up and move out but a few of the very important items remain in a box that is saved...memories. For us and many of you, these items are precious and private. The box of memories we collected has been there in all of our past cover art, the text box. We are opening that up to you. We have been put in this box of who we are supposed to be and what people think of us, and now we are literally taking that box and showing you what is really inside us.", said The Chainsmokers. 12 tracks all in total.

1. The One 

2. Break Up Every Night 

3. Bloodstream 

4. Don't Say (Ft. Emily Warren) 

5. Something Just Like This by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay 

6. My Type (Ft. Emily Warren)

7. It Won't Kill Ya (Ft. Louane) 

8. Paris

9. Honest 

10. Wake Up Alone (Ft. Jhené Aiko) 

11. Young 

12. Last Day Alive (Ft. Florida Georgia Line)

My favourite track of this album, it's actually so hard to choose, "The One", "Something Just Like This", "Paris", "Honest" and "Young" are tracks that I liked but if I really had to choose one, I think it'll be "The One", 'cause I really love ballad genre!

"Down and down we go

We'll torch this place we know

Before one of us takes a chance

And breaks this, I won't be the one

No, I won't be the one"

THE WAR - The 4th Album by EXO (July 18, 2017)

Started to countdown after I knew there is a comeback from EXO! It's been a while since their last released Winter Special Album "For Life", and it's really an exciting news that EXO will have a comeback! The flower is called "Strelitzia Reginae", or also known as "Bird of Paradise" represents faithfulness, love, and thoughtfulness. It is known as one of the most exotic flowers exist. This flower blooms only after four to five years, similar to EXO's age since they debuted in 2012.

"Ko Ko Bop" is the lead single of the album, it’s an energetic reggae pop song with a rhythmic harmony, rhythmic reggae and heavy bass sounds. On the track, EXO sings about how to "let your body move" as it wants and dance together on the night before the inevitable war, thus, symbolizing living a happy life before facing one's daily struggle. Also, the title "Ko Ko Bop" is a combination of words "Ko Ko" which means fun and "Bop" which means dancing according to music. Thus means, "to dance with rhythm". The music video for the track features eight members of the group excluding member, Lay who is continuing his solo work in China.

"Ko Ko Bop" is seriously a catchy song, the rhythm will just stuck in your head for a long time. I covered this song after the album was released, I really worked so hard on this song, all the details, pronunciations, pitches and etc. I just wanted this song to be perfect.

This album contains 9 tracks in total, even though it's kinda disappointed that Lay couldn't join this comeback but I believe that he will be back in no time! OT9, WE ARE ONE, EXO 사랑하자!

1. The Eve (전야 前夜)

2. Ko Ko Bop 

3. What U do? 

4. Forever 

5. Diamond (다이아몬드) 

6. Touch It ( 너의 손짓) 

7. Chill (소름) 

8. Walk On Memories (기억을 걷는 밤) 

9. Going Crazy (내가 미쳐)

My favourite track definitely will be "Ko Ko Bop", it's a reggae and EDM collaborations, it really feels so fresh compared with the previous songs. I love "Walk On Memories" as well, is a pop R&B song featuring delicate melodies and beautiful piano melodies. The track is based on a simple piano roofing. 

Congratulations EXO for all the Daesangs in 2017! This album really deserves it! All of you really deserve this! They really worked so hard in this album, not only "Ko Ko Bop" 's lyrics were written by Baekhyun, Chen and Chanyeol but the all the photos in the album were also took by them! "Touch It" 's lyrics written by Chen, "Chill" 's lyrics written by Chanyeol, they really participated and took part a lot in this album. An album that I'll highly recommend, brand new EXO, EXO that you've never heard before.

"It goes down down baby

리듬에 온몸을

It goes down down baby

맡기고 소리쳐 Oh 우린 Oh

We going Ko Ko Bop"

THE WAR - The 4th Album (Chinese Version) by EXO (July 18, 2017)

As usual, EXO will released another Chinese version album since their debut. Different language, different feelings.

1. The Eve（破风）

2. Ko Ko Bop（叩叩趴）

3. What U do?（可爱·可恶）

4. Forever（我加你等于永远）

5. Diamond（C乐章）

6. Touch It（指语）

7. Chill（寒噤）

8. Walk On Memories（梦回暮夜）

9. Going Crazy（疯语者）

“It goes down down baby

让身体跟着Flow

It goes down down baby

闭上眼跟着我 Oh 出走 Oh

We going Ko Ko Bop”

THE POWER OF MUSIC - The 4th Album 'THE WAR' Repackage by EXO (September 5, 2017)

Not even in 2 months time, EXO released another repackaged album! The 4th album still on replay but they already released the repackaged one! What else should I say? EXO is the best out of best!

EXO started releasing teasers of the repackaged edition of their fourth studio album with the message "The Power of Music". The first teaser titled "Total Eclipse" was released on August 21, 2017 at the same time as when the Solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 happened.

The second teaser was released on August 28 titled "Parallel Universe". The third teaser titled "Power" was released on August 30.

The repackaged version includes 12 tracks including the title track "Power", two new songs, "Sweet Lies" and "Boomerang".

I really love the concept, I think the strongest power in the world is definitely the power of music, there are 9 arms in total to formed EXO's logo, stands for OT9, the 9 powerful men.

1. The Eve (전야 前夜)

2. Power

3. Sweet Lies

4. Ko Ko Bop 

5. What U do? 

6. Forever 

7. Boomerang (부메랑)

8. Diamond (다이아몬드) 

9. Touch It (너의 손짓) 

10. Chill (소름) 

11. Walk On Memories (기억을 걷는 밤) 

12. Going Crazy (내가 미쳐)

"Power" is my favourite track in this repackaged album, the track is an Electronic Dance Music song that features a dynamic sound, strong drum beats, and addictive chorus, is a song that gives you a lot of strength and energy whenever you are tired and down.

Remember every single EXO members have their own "superpowers"? The music video is one part of an elaborate story line EXO has been hinting through their previous releases, music videos and concerts, with references to their "powers".

Chanyeol took part in the lyrics writing for "Sweet Lies" as well. "Sweet Lies" is an R&B song with emotional lyrics and dreamy piano. This song is about a two persons who lies to each other. This song will really catches your sleepy ears.

"지쳐버리는 그날이 오면 기억해 Babe

아름다웠던 우릴

다시 일어날 수 있는 그 힘은

네 안에 있다는 걸

We got that

We got that power power

이 음악을 통해

같이 한목소리로 노래할 때

Power power

더 강해지는 걸

Turn the music up now"

THE POWER OF MUSIC - The 4th Album 'THE WAR' Repackage (Chinese Version) by EXO (September 5, 2017)

Of course, there's a Chinese version.

1. The Eve（破风）

2. Power（超音力）

3. Sweet Lies（甜蜜谎言）

4. Ko Ko Bop（叩叩趴）

5. What U do?（可爱·可恶）

6. Forever（我加你等于永远）

7. Boomerang（爱迴旋）

8. Diamond（C乐章）

9. Touch It（指语）

10. Chill（寒噤）

11. Walk On Memories（梦回暮夜）

12. Going Crazy（疯语者）

“全身电力耗尽那天 请想起我们 babe

曾最美丽的笑脸

能重新站起来的力量永远

存在你的心里面

We got that

We got that power power

我们跳进音乐

就能拥有超能力自由地飞

Power power

越快乐 越强烈

Turn the music up now”

Power (Remixes) by EXO (October 20, 2017)

And we got remix versions of "Power"! 4 tracks from 4 different DJs, brand new hearing enjoyment of "Power". My favourite is by R3HAB, fresh and energetic.

1. Power - R3HAB Remix

2. Power - Dash Berlin Remix

3. Power - IMLAY Remix

4. Power - SHAUN Remix

LAY 02 SHEEP by Lay Zhang Yi Xing 张艺兴 (October 7, 2017)

Another year, another solo album by Lay. Been waiting for his second album for so long, as well as EXO's. Even though he is not participate in EXO's comeback this year but his second solo album is definitely a good album to share!

First song that I heard from this album was "I Need U", released on September 25, 2017, a gift that Lay gave to his grandparents on their 50th wedding anniversary. Even his grandparents were in the music video for "I Need U". "I Need U" is the sequel for "what U need", you can actually heard some elements that are actually same as "what U need". Lay said this is a Q&A through music, "what U need", the answer is, "I Need U".

Our China sheep really worked so hard in this album, lyrics, musics and even arrangements for the whole album were done by Lay himself, 10 tracks, all written by our talented China sheep.

1. SHEEP (羊)

2. I NEED U (需要你)

3. PEACH (桃) 

4. HAND (匕首)

5. BOSS (老大)

6. SHAKE (摇摆)

7. TOO MUCH (太多)

8. MASK (面罩)

9. DIRECTOR (导演)

10. X BACK (兴迷)

My favourite track is "SHEEP", Lay proved that sheep not just only tame but also can be very attitude and ferocious. This song really showed that sheep can also have different sides. Firstly I thought Lay will include his song "Pray" from his series "Operation Love", 'cause I really love that song since I first heard but sadly no, that was the only part I'm disappointed. Overall, the whole album was lit! Our China king is back, everyone!

“有些身不由己

不做损人利己

迈出的步伐 一直努力努力再努力

Be careful sheep in the neighborhood

Let’s get it

Oh I am the sheep

Oh that China sheep

Oh I am the sheep

Oh everybody listen China sheep

Listen”

Winter Special Gift by Lay Zhang Yi Xing 张艺兴 (December 22, 2017)

I was so surprised by this winter special album, seriously. I didn't know that Lay was going to released a winter special album this year! So, when it was released, I was like so so surprised and of course, excited and happy. 

6 tracks in total, including an instrumental. "Goodbye Christmas" in English version was so lit! Personally, I like the English version more than the Chinese version. My favourite track is "Gift to XBACK". The whole album is what you really need in Christmas, the melody, the lyrics, just make Christmas feels so right.

1. Goodbye Christmas (圣诞又至)

2. Can you feel me (你的感觉)

3. Christmas Love (圣诞的爱)

4. Gift to XBACK (小小礼物)

5. Goodbye Christmas (English Version)

6. Goodbye Christmas (Instrumental)

“你是我的爱

这从来就不曾更改

有时候悄悄说 Bye bye

是为了摸你的头说你乖

你是我的爱

如果问我期限有多久

把你抱过来 亲吻你的额头

这无言表白 你说够不够”

Universe - Winter Special Album, 2017 by EXO (December 26, 2017)

The new album was released the day after Christmas, and contains three variations of the title song, including a Chinese-language rendition and an alternate CD version of "Universe" that features slightly altered lyrics from that of the single. Along with "Universe," the boy band's latest also features five other songs, including "Lights Out" with lyrics penned by Chen.

The single is a soft pop-rock tune propelled by a gentle piano melody and dramatic electric strings. With soaring, emotive vocals courtesy of the EXO members "Universe" is a power ballad that showcases the group's strengths as they sing about the feelings that have them searching the universe for a former lover.

"Universe" was released alongside a coffee-themed music video that featured the members of EXO melancholically reflecting on the caffeinated beverage and performing different activities that serve as metaphors for the tightly-wound, messy emotions described in the lyrics. Decked out in winter-oriented, primarily brown and beige-hued, outfits - with an occasional ugly Christmas sweater thrown in for good measure - the video is a simple but refined visual accompaniment to the song.

Other tracks on the album maintain the mellow vibes while staying true to EXO's typical K-Pop ingenuity, as seen through the slow burn dance sound of "Been Through" and the rhythmic R&B tone of "Fall," which is reminiscent of classic Justin Timberlake. Overall, the band's fourth winter album is an impressive, laid-back follow up to this year's "The War".  

The ninth member of EXO, Lay did not participate in Universe due to his Chinese activities.

- billboard

"Universe" acts as the title track off EXO's 6th EP and 4th winter special album. The track is a rock ballad where the members sing about going to the ends of the world to find their true love.

The music video was inspired by the theme of a warm cafe with the members of the group acting as baristas. The members are depicted as being tied to their chairs before they break free to reflect the song's lyrics.

The track along with the album and music video was delayed following the death of fellow labelmate, SHINee's JONGHYUN.

EXO's winter special album is what you need in every year end! EXO's soft and warm voices will warm your winter every year! No doubt, another warm winter special album this year! Again, we have another emotional winter special album, everyone. But I love it, though!

Been waiting for this for so so long since the last winter special album "For Life". Another masterpiece with 8 tracks in total. I'm kinda disappointed with just one Chinese version, they used to sing Chinese version for every songs but not for this winter special album. Both Korean and Chinese versions are like tradition for me but overall this winter special album still the best Christmas gift for me. Thank you EXO!

My favourite track in the album will be the title track "Universe". The rhythm before it was fully released, I fell in love when I first heard. No disappointment, the full audio came out so right! I really really love it! The melody, the rhythm, the lyrics are flawless! I really have to praise Baekhyun in the Chinese version! He really wins in that! He nailed all the pronunciations like a pro! Not only for the track "Universe" but the rest of the tracks really worth a try, they really warm and heal your heart in no time to bring you and warmer and wonderful Christmas. Definitely is the best gift on December! More to come, EXO! I'll see you all in 2018! WE ARE ONE, EXO 사랑하자!

1. Universe 

2. Universe (为心导航)

3. Been Through (지나갈 테니) 

4. Stay 

5. Fall 

6. Good Night 

7. Lights Out

8. Universe - CD Version

"I'll search the universe

널 다시 찾을 때까지

놓지 않을 거야 티끌 같은 기억도

계절에 새겨진 우리의 추억은 다시

몇 번이고 돌아와 널 부를 테니까"

“I'll search the universe

非要找寻回你不可

季节重复轮回, 不放弃也不反悔

回忆被尘封了, 像个宇宙的流浪者

某天忘了我是谁

仍记得你的美”

#AlbumsOf2017

#PLSY