[Album & MV Review] HyunA - 'A'wesome'

AKP STAFF

HYUNA � A'WESOME

Track List:

1. U&ME?
2. How's this? *Title
3. Do It!
4. Morning Glory (Feat. Qim Isle)
5. Flirt
6. Wolf (Feat. Hanhae of Phantom)

On the heels of 4minute's breakup (*sob*) comes HyunA's new solo album� 'A'wesome.' This time, HyunA has added a personal touch, having contributed lyrics to all the tracks. With the album featuring collaborations with rappers Hanhae and Qim Isle, the sultry songstress unveils six fresh tunes to put some sizzle into your summer.

The title track is "How's This?" with electrifying horns and a beat that drags you to the dance floor. It's got almost everything I could ask from a HyunA song: fierce attitude, bold lyrics, and an awesome club-banger beat. The only thing I could wish for is stronger breaks. Some of them seem almost dainty, which is somewhat off-putting and a little anti-climactic.

Now "Do It!" shows off HyunA's playful side rather than all attitude. There's plenty of cheekiness here, don't get me wrong -- but there's also a few chuckles between verses. Here she unveils several too-obvious hooks, which just serve to make this a great anthem to get your fist -- not to mention your blood -- pumping.

"U&Me?" is probably the most familiar sounding song on this album. It's got lots in common with what's being put out these days, but there are little details about the track then actually make it fresh and inviting. There's a lot of EDM embellishment here, which is always interesting to listen to, at least for gearheads like yours truly. Not only that but also it's nice to hear HyunA's natural singing voice.

I'll be honest, here. When I heard the audio preview I was not impressed. The only previews I liked were "U&ME?," "Morning Glory," and "Wolf." But I also told myself I'd wait to judge. I'd been fooled before. And I'm glad I did -- this is probably one of her stronger albums. Tracks 4 and 6 turned out to be the weakest tracks on the album, to my surprise. It sounded like they were trying to replicate "Starlight" (feat. DEAN), and we already have one of those. We don't need three. They grew on me after a bit�but still seemed like filler. Other than a couple duds, I really enjoyed this disc. If you're a fan, you should pick this up. If you're not a fan then why not? She's a'wesome.

MV REVIEW

In this MV, HyunA paints herself as a raver�or at least a club chick. She changes outfits here and there, and she has her backup dancers as well as the other patrons of the crowded venue. The whole point would seem to be to drool over HyunA. But it's not.

You see, she's not the only one objectified in the video. While we get generous shots of the sexy singer, we also see other club-goers shirtless being sprayed with alcohol and in sexy� outfits and poses. It's like her producers said "in for a penny, in for a pound" and just rolled with it. It's a ballsy move and not without risk. I think it works here.

I've only just scratched the surface, as far as description goes. There's a lot to see. People dancing, drinking, making out in bathrooms, and even a half-hearted attempt at b-boying (could you be any more obvious than a 'mill?). Still, I loved it. And that song is going to be stuck in my head for days. :)