Tohoshinki are JunSu_Xiah YuChun_Micky JeJung_Hero ChangMin_Max YunHo_U-Know ^^
Tracklists with my rambling comments ^^
CD1
01. Trick – You know, without the lyric I would seriously misunderstood what the boys were singing XD e.g., Hold on mister turned out to be oh don’t disturb ;) BTW I still don’t think YunHo was singing His code name is X O_o Ok to the song itself. IMO, the beat is awesome and catchy. Of course we all know by now the resemblance of this song (esp. JunSu’s part) to Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal but I checked the booklet and there was no credit to him *LOL* Ask AKIRA instead ;) Totally can understand why AVEX decided to release 5 separate singles out of this song. I am jus wondering whether AVEX actually picked this song to be broken down into 5 separate songs or those 5 songs came first to form this song. I know this: Quoting CDJapanIt turns out the album version is actually a combination of five different tracks but this is a marketing strategy of phrasing no?? It didn’t really say anything on which came first XP Oh and did H.U.B wrote the lyrics specially to cater to 5 of them (to churn out 5 different parts)?? And the big question is will AVEX comes out with 5 different PVs for the separate songs that made up this song or one PV combining5 different scenes from each song?? Or maybe no PV at all, which is a waste for such a significant theme song, after Purple Line that is ;)
02. No? – A sexy R&B number is looooveee ^^ I am starting to imagine how the dance choreography will be XD The bgm is very Western influence and a check on the booklet revealed so ;) I think this is a good try from the boys. We have so far 2 thoughts provoking R&B from them *coughRideOncough* I actually like this the most because the lyric is sweet and they managed to pull off the begging and pouting side of this song XD
03. Purple Line – Ah what can I say?? This is definitely the theme song for this album. If not why do you think AVEX chose to release this as the first single? XD Have you take a look at the lyric?? Well, the English translated one for non-Japanese like me XP First, I gotta salute Yoo YounJin for this song in Korean (and the other 2 composers working on the Korean version of this song). For those of you who don’t know, yes, this Japanese version is from the original Korean version. H.U.B. came up with the Japanese lyrics. Time for another question: Did H.U.B. translated the Korean lyrics into Japanese or totally wrote a new Japanese lyric?? I know we have the translated lyric in English to understand what the song trying to convey but I think that’s for the Japanese lyric and I am not sure whether there’s a translation from the Korean version lyric, if you get what I mean, hence my question ;) Second, the bgm. I don’t even know how to start coz I jus love this song to death especially the bgm during YunHo’s rap ^^ The bass beat is so deafening that I even listen to the less vocal version *haha* I wouldn’t say this song match up to the level of either Rising Sun or O Sei.Han.Go though *haha* Oh well at least O Sei.Han.Go then XD I know they hit #1 on Oricon Daily Chart but I must highlight here that we must take note now the boys are much more well-known and I see this as the biggest factor in the song able to hit the top spot and it being an awesome, meaningful song is a definite bonus. We also know the hypes (or the lack of it since AVEX decided not to do much promotion for this song when it was released as single) that went about the PV for this song. The full Korean MV actually came out before the full Japanese PV *haha* Talk about mind-boggling tactics in use by AVEX O_o However I realized this is definitely not an easy to sing and dance to song if have to be compared to the previous 2 big theme songs I mentioned above and the boys did a pretty good job with some of the live perfs so far.
04. Forever Love – Finally able to move on to this song! *haha* Listened to this song countless times already. This is probably one of their best romantic Japanese song for me ;) It was used for their official page at Verite (Japan’s jewelry designer) site where the boys designed own jewelries for Verite in conjunction of this partnership. This song is able to show off the vocals of JeJung and JunSu and how they blended together smoothly. Ryoji Sonada who worked with the boys before wrote the emo lyric to this song.
05. Summer Dream – Yeap the song that made all of us proud! *grin* It’s a number one baby! The lyric was written by H.U.B. but I am so sure I remembered the boys saying YuChun came up with Japanese rap while YunHo came up with the English rap no?? Watching the PV really completed the summer feel that the song is trying to convey but watching their live performances on this song really topped it all ;) They kept smiling and laughing non stop while they sang and danced to this song *die* This song also got me noticing their background vocals for it ~ breezy ^^
06. Ride On – Need I say more on this initial released sexy song? XD To be frank, when I first listened to this song, I was not much of a fan *haha* The “Ooooooo” part reli got on my nerves but a careful listen to this song highlighted all the little extra bgm behind the song ;) And did you note the sexy “agrh…” at 2:22?? *glomp* Oh is it just me but I feel that JunSu really did a lot of background vocals here XD I can’t help but to think of lap dances with this song, possible no?? Jump on and take a ride with THSK
07. Darkness Eyes – When the music for this song started, the first word that came to my mind was MYSTERIOUS. But really as the song progressed, I couldn’t help but to think of the pain it is trying to reflect. A look at the lyric, confirm the feeling of confusion (or is it anguish??) reflected in the song. IMO, YunHo did a good job on singing the right feel to this song. ChangMin came in close. I wish I have YuChun’s translated rap. *woot* This is another one by Ryoji Sonada ~ brilliant indeed! Should this song be released as a single?! I am thinking hoe the PV should be *ponder* Up until now, their PVs for ballads have not been my favourites *haha* If they do release this song as a single, they better come up with a better concept PV or else it’s jus another waste of a good song XD
08. Lovin’ You – I have vague memory of first listening to this song. Felt like so looong time ago *LOL* At that time, I seriously thought this is a JeJung’s solo XD I think up until now, the perspective remains the same ^^ He totally shines here *wear sun glasses* *LOL*
09. Rainbow – Probably one of the happiest song you will ever get from this album other than Together *haha* Everything is so fine for this song. I have no complaints or what so ever. This is such a radio friendly song that I hope they will release it as a single ;) You know how Forever Love is probably one of their best romantic Japanese song but it’s the ballad style?? This song is the pop style of it *LOL* I can also totally imagine it as OST for drama scenes featuring couple falling in love and on first date ^^ The best part about this song?? All of them got a fair share on it ;) But I am so surprised to see H.U.B. wrote the lyrics *gasp* This really got me thinking, “Who is H.U.B.? An individual or a team of songwriters?” I couldn’t find any extra info on H.U.B. T_T
10. Shine – This song reminded me soo much of Summer Dream *haha* Why? The cheerful chirpy feeling and the live perfs for this song are very similar to Summer Dream I don’t think I will get sick of watching this song being performed live by the boys because I tend to smile along to it. However I must say that this song is definitely more upbeat and fun to listen to ^^ The “owww” gives such good feeling too ;) Understanding the lyric for this song is important to enjoy the happiness it’s spreading <333 The choreography for this song is sooo looooveee!
11. Last Angel (THSK Version) – This version of the song really need time to get used to. After all we have been fed with the KodaKumi’s version for a while and got used to listening to her voice that is now being replaced by the boys. But is it jus me hallucinating that I thought I heard female’s voice at the start of the first line (Welcome to nightmare world tonight)? XD Oh JunSu’s vocal so shines in this song ;) I pity the boys having to sing on such high keys *LOL* Oh and I just found out KodaKumi collab with H.U.B. in terms of lyrics. I don’t know much about her but based on the English translated lyric, I must say that she’s good ^^
12. Clap! – Can I actually call this a rock song?? XD Or maybe a very dance~ish song then coz can you imagine the boys dance to this song with all the clappings?? O_o As I am a person who really hates repetitive words, this song is prob one of the song I will be skipping when the album is ON. Sori boys *haha* They tried a different bgm for this song. I read that the bgm consists of some Thai classical music?? It definitely works in giving a different feel to this catchy, fast-paced song ;)
13. Love In The Ice – This is like the saddest love song from the boys T_T And it doesn’t necessarily refer to boy-girl relationship only. I still remember when I first listened to it I felt my heart has been squeezed hard every time they went, “Hah, hah, hah…” and when I read the English translated lyric, I was so touched and overwhelmed. Who wrote it? Who else none other than Ryoji Sonada! ^^ IMO, this song truly reflects how the boys’ vocals are able to blend together so well and bring out the emo and coldness of the song. Highlight would have to be at 3:35 where JunSu sings and the rest 4 blend in with him <33 This song is also the reason why fans need to buy the 2CDs+2DVDs version of this T album just to watch the live performance of this song at the Soul Power Tokyo Summit last year ;)
14. Together – Ah the cutest song due to the cartoon PV that accompanies it ;) This song is chosen as the theme song for Cinnamon The Movie as well. If you don’t know what is Cinnamon then check it out HERE This song I classified as hardcore sweet song. Look at the lyric if you don’t believe me ;) Not a song that I would keep in my MP4 (as I am not a sweet tooth person) but if heard on the radio definitely I will be singing along and even bob my head too ^^
CD2
01. Song For You - This is one of the three song that made up the 2007 Summer single, which went on to hitting top of Oricon daily chart for the first time for the boys ^^ It’s a positive simple song that puts a smile on your face. Somehow it reminds me very much of Yakusoku or better still Step By Step *haha*
02. Harudaru {DayMoon} - I don’t know what to say to this song for a starter O_o I don’t like the drama and if the Korean version of this song also failed to impress me, what more of this Japanese version?? No doubt they sang it well and this song is as fair as it can be in terms of distribution of parts to sing *LOL* Perhaps it’s just too melodramatic for me XD
03. Beautiful Life - When I first found out AVEX is putting in a Japanese version to Beautiful Life into the boys’ 2nd Korean Album- Rising Sun (Japanese Released), I was worried that it wouldn’t be a good cover since IMO the original is really good, in fact one of my favourite song from that album ^^ I am glad this Japanese version turned out fine. A fast comparison of the English translation for both versions seems to be the same so I am taking it that Ryoji Sonada translated the Korean lyrics by Young HuKim?? *scratch head*
04. You’re My Miracle - My reaction to this song is basically the same as for Beautiful Life but in a bigger scale because this happens to be my favourite song after Midohyo {I Believe} XD I remembered calming myself down and took a listen to it and *woot* I wouldn’t say it’s better than the original but it’s definitely up to my expectations ^^ The English words added somehow seems to make this version shine brighter ;) The bgm beat is a bit different as well. Somehow this version is able to stand on its own without the need to compare it with the Korean version ;)
05. Kiss Shita Mama {As We Kissed Goodbye} - SoulMate is in the house people! <33 Lyric by YuChun while SoulMate shared the music. Piano played by YuChun himself ^^ YunHo totally owns this song especially with his longing whisper of “Kiss Shita Mama” ChangMin’s vocal helps to lift this song to another level in terms of good ballad. However, I seriously find this song so depressing that I can’t stand listening to it on and on ya, know what I mean? Oh and longway people?? Mind boggling but knowing YuChun I am sure it’s nothing simple to start with ;) He certainly works hard in improving his writing skill~ne? Don’t trust me? Go take a look at his lyric for his solo’s My Girlfriend on Trick single Version 2 <33
Okie, I was wondering how many H.U.B.’s works are we seeing in this new album?? 13 out of 19 songs (be it involved in just lyric or both lyric and music) O_o Who the hell is H.U.B.???!! *headdesk* Judging by the level of involvements I am thinking this is actually a team instead of a one man show XD
Also one couldn’t help but to wonder this: 8 new songs out of the 19 songs in both CDs (excluding the 2 extra tracks claimed to be found in CD version ONLY but actually can be found in the singles released XP) and the fact that they released 6 singles before releasing this album O_o Or maybe I should add another 2 songs in CD2 that can be counted as new as well though also can be found in the Japanese released of both 2nd and 3rd Korean albums XD
On a serious note I am not complaining because I actually thought this 2CDs+2DVDs worth every single penny that I spent. Why? You get all of these babies in 2 CDs so instead of having to buy all the released singles (unless you are into collecting singles especially the FIRST PRESS) as well as the 2 Japanese released Korean albums and also the OST to Air City, you just have to save enough to buy this version ;) Use Math on your own ^^ Since I got the FIRST PRESS one, it came along with the randomly individual member collector card and I got Jae without having to go through the hardships of exchange if I didn’t get Jae in the first place *pwahahaha* I also noticed at the left top corner of my CD case there is a number: 2859. I am wondering what does this means? Is it significant as in it’s a number for the FIRST PRESS limited edition?? XD That is cool if it is! I haven’t got the chance to check out on others’ so I am not sure on this number.
I probably should have gotten mine from CDJapan where the sales count into the charting but CDJapan’s FIRST PRESS was sold out pretty quick and YesAsia was my only option. I thought it was also weird for me to be buying a Korean released of this album instead of the Japanese since this is a Japanese album after all. When I looked at the contents that came along with the album and everything is in Hangul, I just have to LOL at myself. I think just like any other fans, people who want to give Tohoshinki’s music a try through this newly released 3rd album would be having a hard time on which version to buy! XD Have fun shopping for the album ^^
*sigh* I am finally done for the 2 CDs and there are still the DVDs *bleargh* XD I think I will do that another day *haha*
Edited on 16 February 2008
I am back with the DVDs’ reviews and pics (Actually I am too lazy to post caps one by one over multiply so I jus post some for intro and inlcuded MF links for dl for those who are interested so please check out the album for this review: ALBUM@multiply ^^)
DVD1
All PVs produced by Keizo Nishikawa (SEP) and directed by Tsuyoshi Inoue (Colour Field) except Together’s animation produced by Ryo Higuchi (Shirogumi Inc.) and created by Oz (Shirogumi Inc.) ^ Why do I feel like listing all these out?? Same producer, same director for all PVs?? O_o No wonder the similarities XD
Tracks Listing
01. Lovin’ U
02. Summer Dream
03. Shine
04. Forever Love
05. Together
DVD2
01. Soul Power Tokyo Summit 2007 – Tohoshinki- Producer: Ko Ikeda (UNO) Director: Yo Ohashi (Rough & Tough Production)
Tracks Listing
a. Choosey Lover – Choosey Lover is one of the song that I always look forward to watch the boys perform live because of the detailed dance choreography ^^ It also helps that everytime I get a kick seeing JunSu’s S line while they dance to this song XD Here their vocals were not really up to the standard and it’s just the starting of the show O_o Perhaps they were nervous? *haha* Overall I like it coz YuChun’s non-stop smile is proving to be very infectious ;)
b. Try My Love – The boys were very breathless here *haha* ChangMin was so obvious though I thought JeJung was doing alright.
c. Heart, Mind & Soul (feat. Skoop On Somebody) – I am not familiar with Skoop On Somebody so I have no idea who’s this fella singing with them but he is GOOD ^^ Overall, good jobs by everyone here. Jae was sweating so much and yet able to give a moving performance. I also can’t help but to notice how the camera zooming in onto the boys’s faces revealed how the toll of workload has affected their skins and make them look older than their age *LOL* Talking about sweating, no one can top ChangMinnie XD His dripping sweat can be easily mistaken as tears as he sang with all his heart XP
d. Love In The Ice – The much awaited performance for me. The reason why I so desperate want to buy this 2CDs+2DVDs is finally here. Jae was sooo good he was almost able to move me to tears T_T I must say this is definitely the performance that I will treasure for a looong time because I see my JaeHo’s moment *woot* Awesome harmonies! Well done!
02. 2nd Live Tour ~Five In The Black~ Special Edition Producer: Keizo Nishikawa (SEP) Director: Makoto Hasegawa
Tracks Listing (with options for members’ commentaries so remember to click ON before clicking Play)
a. Zion b. Choosey Lover c. They Way U Are d. Step By Step e. Begin f. Dead End g. Rising Sun h. Hug (Accapella Version) i. Whatever They Say (Accapella Version) j. I’ll Be There k. Asuwa Kuru Kara {Tomorrow Will Come} l. Miss You m. Somebody To Love n. No Pain No Gain o. High Time p. O Sei. Han. Go q. Sky r. Lovin’ You s. Hello Again t. Proud
The boys’ commentaries of course were in Japanese and my subtitles are in Korean O_o When will I be able to read English subtitles, AVEX?? At least SM is starting to learn to appreciate international fans *sigh* I can’t wait for English subs for this or is it out already? XD *make mental note to check GOE;SS* Nevertheless I still watch with the members’ commentaries even tho I don’t understand a crap. And I realized it was actually JunSu who started crying first?? It was during Hello Again his eyes were a bit red already but hands down to YuChun! XD TVXQ comments on Step by step, Choosy Lover & Dead End performances. Translation credit: fin123@soompi; Video credit: eskenita@YT; By: panhia87@YT
TVXQ comments on Proud performance Translation credit: fin123@Soompi; By: panhia87@YT
03. PREMIUM MINI LIVE @ Yokohama Blitz 2007.9.23 Producer: Keizo Nishikawa (SEP) Director: Tsuyoshi Inoue
Tracks Listing
a. Summer Dream – HAPPY!!!! *haha* Smile, smile and more smile *die* I am really impressed the managed to pull this off with such good vocals. “Put your hands up!” XD
# Members’ commentaries on their solos *scream for ENG sub* Notice how JunSu wanted to cut in everyone’s comments ;) Tell me Jae did not repetitively said, “Sexy” to YunHo XD
b. My Girlfriend/ YuChun – Actually all the fancams that leaked out on all the solos, I love this the best so I am pretty excited that I am now able to watch YuChun’s being sweet and all as he sing this what he called mid-tempo R&B song ^^ To be honest he didn’t really do much except some dances that suit the song but every little things that he ended doing while singing this song became treasures ;) I went mad capturing them *haha* The song, the performance are very, very Western-influenced YuChun~eh? ;)
c. Maze/ JeJung – 1st rocker in the house *LOL* Awesome vocal as usual and I am glad to see this side of him. His expressions were lively and he was able to deliver his excitement to the audience through this song. The two official solo performances he had were quite boring for me *haha* When it comes to Jae, I would never try to compare or judge his vocal because he’s GOOD and that’s the end of it. Instead I tend to criticize his performances and his ability to carry off his stage presence so that he will be able to improve in this area ^^
d. Wild Soul/ ChangMin – 2nd rocker in the house *LOL* Seems like those who can hit high notes have the preference for rock~eh? XD I thought the young one was not carefree enough to match with the powerful and rebellious song in this performance O_o At certain times, he even seemed stiff and not knowing where to put his hand or how to stand. Nevertheless, ChangMin’s powerful vocal saves this performance ;)
e. Rainy Night/ JunSu – JunSu should really sing more slow, ballad songs because this is who he is. I know he’s good in dancing as well and I don’t think anyone who have watched My Page can forget him there. However, he truly shines in singing ballads. He is able to connect to the ballad he is singing and the feelings of the song are conveyed to the audience through his facial expressions ;) Hence, he can just stand there and sing and you wouldn’t feel bored at all because you will be captivated by his expressions ^^ Thank God his puberty left us with such a wonderful, amazing voice XD
f. Crazy Life/ YunHo – For me, leader~ssi is the only one out of all the boys who is able to give such a strong stage presence whenever he performs. It doesn’t matter whether he is singing a ballad or a fast song, he just command your attention. Just for the record, my favourite member is Jae ok? And after Jae it is Chunnie. So yea I feel the necessity to clarify this because I don’t want people to think that I am just saying this because YunHo is my favourite *haha* Ok back to YunHo, I think perhaps it’s the confidence he is displaying especially when he dances ^^ But I must say that I am not a fan of his outfit here *LOL*
g. Shine – Do I have to repeat my comments for Summer Dream here?? XD LOL at Jae who re-appeared briefly at the end of the show much to the delight of the fans. It’s so Jae! <3
BTW, I have no intentions to offend anyone who read my comments. I just write whatever comes to my mind. I love the boys but I am also a rational fan ^^
*Note: The official released date for "T" (Japanese Released) was on 20080126 but this Korean Released was on 20080201, okie? ;)
Reading your comments just make the wait more UNbearable, I'll be getting my own copy next week...
Can't Wait!
PS: Thanks for such a superb and detailed review, now I know what I should give *special* attention to.. ;)
Ora dongsaeng! You have no idea how much your comment made my day! All my hard work paid off with just one comment unlike others who wont even leave me a comment, even to critisize me T_T and glad you like the review and recommendations on things to watch out for ;) Enjoy listening and watching ^^
LOL.. The part I love best in your comment just now is the part where you say my comment made your day.. I feel nice inside..LOL.. I RESOLVE TO COMMENT IN ALL SITES NOW! LOL.. I can be quite lazy when the mood comes..
Oh yes I will be enjoying myself, don't worry, I've been putting DBSK songs on repeat in my mp3 player.. I'm trying to get my ears used to the boys' voices, I can only recognize Junsu and Micky's right now.. Only recognize Jaejoong's once in a while..TT_TT
Unni, you bought all versions of T or what? Since the picture up, up there ^ in photobucket makes it seem like the album comes with a lot of stuff..
PS: I'm Malaysian too.. :) New fan, since Purple Line. LOL. Okay, I loved Rising Sun and Hi Ya Ya back in 2005 but only started fandom like mad since Purple Line..LOL
Yes you should start commenting..I love to comment! I am sure all posters enjoy reading comments as well ;)
Nah~ the pics are all the stuff that made up the whole 2CDs+2DVDs package ^^ I will get the Msian version as soon as I have the time to visit Tower Record ^^ Heard it's a CD+DVD only. I cant be spending all $$ on just this album releases XD Dont forget there's also the upcoming History In Japan Vol.3 ;)
Oh you will be able to recognize better if you look at lyrics that differentiate each members while you are listening ^^ I must say that their voices are all different from each other tho but could be just me *LOL*
*woot* Guess Avex/SM did a good job in highlighting Purple Line then! New fan is always love!
Aja aja hwaiting! I'll faithfully comment Unni.. :) I'd love it when people comment in my page too, no matter how long I rambled on and on..LOL...
Is there going to be a M'sian version? What's the difference between Korean, Japanese, Hong Kong, S'pore and M'sian version? O_o
Legra helped me get it - I mean T - , she posted it today, it'll arrive by Monday hopefully, if I'm lucky, I'll get it on Sunday - I'm in Terengganu.. :)
So basically what should I expect my album contains when I get it? *starry eyes* Coz your picture is making me drool; there's so many stuff!
Oh yeah, the History In Japan is actually a compilation of what? I don't exactly understand what Yesasia put on their website really...LOL.. All Korean and Japanese.. Have a little bit of mercy on us who don't understand, Yesasia!
And the All About DBSK too? What is it really?
Bout the lyrics, that's the point --> I haven't found romanized lyrics that indicates the vocal ~ but maybe I haven't been looking hard enough..LOL..
I know, I love Purple Line, and I infected at least 5 friends/bestfriends of mine with Purple Line-Lurve virus..since last month...Quite a record huh? LOL..
PS: I just remembered, a friend of mine said that the cd+vcd version is like RM49 at KL. Is this the version you're talking about?
PPS: I'm listening to T right now, in my mp3 player, Summer Dream. :)
Actually the diff version no difference XD Except in terms of quality of the booklet (well I am not sure bout the quality of the DVDs tho *haha* Someone is still checking on it) Spore version you get all 5 members cards ^^ And you also get chinese translated lyrics. Malaysia version I have no idea what you wil get but I am sure basically the same. Yea and I am sure that's the price;also the reason why I am willing to buy *LOL*
Have you visit my All Abt TVXQ/THSK page yet? You will get all the infos and links to anything related to the boys there ^^ Rather than me spamming the comment here XD
AADBSK I and II and are korean compilations of all the specials according to that particualr year (TVShows, interviews, footage, etc) on the boys esp the never before released and the highly recommended couple talks. History in Japan I, II, III also the similar stuff but compilations of them in Japan ^^
Quality of the booklet? Aigoo.. LOL.. The quality of the DVD would also be different too? Gosh, I wish there's not a big difference to it.. About the price for the M'sian version, it'll be for a cd n a dvd, i just reaffirmed it with my friend. LOL.
But I guess I got good price for T, only RM80 plus shipping and stuff.
I don't know exactly how to find the site you're talking about? You have the link?
Do the compilations, both AADBSK and History in Japan have subs? English subs? Cause if not, there no point really.. I mean, how am I supposed to enjoy FIVE discs without understanding anything other than their facial expressions? LOL. But Dottie Unni got AADBSK 2 already. Not sure she watched it yet or not.
I don't know exactly how to find the site you're talking about? You have the link?
If you go to my main page, it's under my fave blog entry ^^ All About TVXQ/THSK!
Oh legra bought it at Spore is it? Thats the one fans were comparing the qualities..actually not to worry much if you are not particular on things like this ;) As mentioned earlier the quality of the DVD still no one giving comments yet so I wouldnt kno whether there is a huge difference to it.
AADBSK have ENG subs but no sub for History in Japan *LOL* Avex is still very slow in catching up with intl fans XD Seriously, you can jus watch their expressions and still be able to get a hang of what they were saying ^^
Unni..