Who: MBLAQ

Genre: Pop, Ballad, R&B

Tracklist:

1. Resurrection

2.  거울 (Mirror)

3. 일상

4. Hey U

5. Eyes on You

6. I Know U Want Me

7. 사계절, 24 시간

8. 나무

| YesAsia |

MBLAQ is back with their first mini-album since the departure of two of its members. Many fans may have worried about the group's future, but if this mini-album is any indication, they'll do just fine!


Resurrection: A moody start to a mini-album. This intro song is only a little over 40 seconds long, but it certainly sets a melancholy tone for the mini-album. And the mysterious beeping at the end that sounds like a heart monitor is an interesting take to the "resurrection" idea. Overall, the tone is nice, and if it carries throughout the album, it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, but it could also be a tad boring if the whole album is at this pace.

[TITLE] 거울 (Mirror): And the sadness continues. Like I said, this is not a bad thing. In fact, the more II listen to this song, the more I like it. For a group that is trying to redefine itself after losing 2/5 of the group, it feels like a well established trio. They all balance each other, and it doesn't feel like any voice is missing. If MBLAQ gains fans through this who are completely new to the Korean music scene, I suspect the new fans will be surprised to find out that this is the group's first proper single after becoming a trio. The lyrics...well, if they aren't about Joon and Thunder, then I'm the Queen of England. They're poignant, though considering they weren't the only ones credited with writing the lyrics, I am a tad suspicious about if their company is trying to make the former members seem like the bad guys. But maybe that's just my love of a good conspiracy talking.  The song is beautiful for sure, and though it is a bit slow for a title track being released at the start of summer (I feel like it has a distinct winter tone), it is would have been a strong single for any group, but MBLAQ pulls it off better than others may have been able to. Watch the music video:

일상: Interesting... I hadn't expected an "interlude" so soon. I suppose it makes sense, as this is a mini-album, and I was wondering about how a mini-album could have eight tracks. The song is a bit more relaxed than the previous two, and has a more summery sound to it. I wonder if the theme of paired songs will continue....

Hey U: ...It is! I kind of like this set up. "Hey U" is still not exactly a happy, bubbly summer track, but it's getting there. It feels like it's over quickly though, which is a little sad, since I felt like "Mirror" was rather long, but maybe I just feel that way because it was a slower paced song. I don't think this song has the strength to be a single later, but it sounds as though it would sound really good live.

Eyes on You: Another interlude. A sexy R&B one. I look forward to the next song,

I Know You Want Me: Considering the title of this song is the one lyric of the previous one, I'm going to say that I was right in the "each song has an introduction" thing. Now, this can be a good thing if you're listening to the full album, but I can't help but wonder what the point of the introductory/interlude songs are for those who come across these songs when their music is on shuffle. Outside of this album, the interludes make little sense. But back to the songs. This track has the smoothest transition from its interlude in my opinion. The rapping is a little out of place, but all things considered, this song will probably end up being the song that sticks in my head for the rest of the night. Or, as the song says, "tonight, tonight, tonight."

사계절, 24 시간: The last interlude is the longest, and the prettiest, though I've always been a sucker for a good piano. As someone who doesn't listen to MBLAQ very much, I must ask: is MBLAQ known for having a piano sound or is it just this album? Let me know, A+!

나무: More piano! More ballads! I feel like I'm in a jazz bar or something, and I really like it. This also seems a bit too wintery for an album released in spring, but it certainly is something that you wouldn't mind listening to after unwinding from all the activities of spring and summer. It sounds almost like a song you'd hear during one of the romantic interludes of a Korean drama, so it probably won't be the most popular song ever, but it'll have those that will love it to bits and pieces forever, and that's saying something.

Overall: This group doesn't sound like a k-pop group, which, depending on your perspective, is either good or bad. On the one hand, if you want to see MBLAQ win award shows, they probably won't do that many times with a sound like this, BUT if you like quality music (hey, isn't that their name?), you'll like this. The interludes every other song were a nice addition, though they may not have been completely necessary. They're pretty to listen to, however, and that counts for something. Overall, this is a pretty strong album for a veteran group with a new look.

Favorite Song: Hey U

Least Favorite Song: 일상

Favorite Feature: N/A

Favorite Lyric: You and I resembled each other more than anyone /

That’s why the scars are bigger"