Brian Joo // ReBorn Part 1

Buy @ YesAsia.com | Download @ iTunes

The first time that we had heard of Korean singer Brian Joo was back in November 2010 when the duet with Jade Valerie was released online (see our original review of the post here). Now just over a year later, Brian has released his latest mini-album, ReBorn Part 1 on CD and available worldwide on iTunes (although for some reason, the Jade Valerie duet has been omitted, but we’ll still review it!)

The first 2 tracks on this album (Let This Die (Feat. Tiger JK) (너 따윈 버리고 (Feat. 타이거 JK) and Can’t stop (Feat. Jay Park & Benzino) (Can t Stop (Feat. 박재범 & Benzino)) are the only songs on this mini album that are sung in Korean. Next (if you have the CD!) is the first of the the English songs, starting with the duet with Jade Valerie Don’t Tell Me I’m Wrong. Our previous review was based on the single release, however it seems that for the album version that mixing issues with Jade’s voice have been rectified.

Let This Die (Extended Eng Ver.) (Feat. Flowsik From Aziatix) is the English equivalent of track 1 whilst track  5 (Can t Stop (Eng Ver.) (Feat. Jay Park & Dumbfounded)) is the English equivalent to track 2. Domino (Acoustic Version) is also in English and is just Brian with a guitar (full studio version in English & Korean can be found on his Unveiled mini album). The final track on the album is Let This Die (Instrumental) which we’re not sure, but you might be able to put both sets of lyrics to.

This is the first time that we’ve heard of Brian Joo and it’s probably an unfortunate thing that most of the songs on this album are in English. However, by the same token, it’s maybe a good thing too. Having the Korean versions along the English ones probably helps and gives a slight insight into what Brian’s sound is likely to be. These 6 track (not including the instrumental) have a pop/electronic sound to it which isn’t too far from what we can gather from previous releases.

Would be a good basing for anyone who’s wanting to check out Brian and his music. Not a track that we don’t like here!

Rating: 5/5

New Music Friday: Brian Joo & Angus Powell

First up, we’ve got Brian Joo, Korean singer who’s just recently released his latest mini album, Reborn Part 1 worldwide on iTunes (though sadly we lose his duet with Jade Valerie Don’t Tell Me I’m Wrong (which we reviewed back in Novermber 2010). This is the video for the English version of his song Let This Die.

Download mini album @ iTunes

Second offering this week comes from London based singer/songwriter Angus Powell. This is his latest track Monsters. We find there's something about his voice that keeps us interested...MONSTERS by anguspowellmusic

Visit Official Site

Jade Valerie & Brian Joo // Don’t Tell Me I’m Wrong

As 2010's end comes rushing in, one fan was quick to point out that, if there was no release this year, then it would be the first year that Jade Valerie hadn't released anything since 2000.

Well, fans can breathe a sigh of relief. The duet with Fly To The Sky member Brian Joo came out of nowhere (with only a few days between the announcement and release in Korea), although the announcement was heard from Brian...

The song itself is a little rocky number. Unlike the previous duet (You Don't Know Me with Kim Dong Wan), this actually works. Compared to previous works along the same style, you can't help but feel that this song feels a bit more natural for Jade, or at least, she is a bit more settled with the style.

There is one small issue with the track with what seems to be a mixing issue. The vocals at the beginning of the track (specifically Jade's) seem to be a more prominent over the other elements of the songs and yet, seem to be rectified by the second verse. Apart from this, it is a great little track that, has been hinted will feature on Jade's next album.

Rating: 4/5