[MV & Album Review] BoA � 'ONE SHOT, TWO SHOT'

AKP STAFF

BoA � ONE SHOT, TWO SHOT

Track List:

1. ONE SHOT, TWO SHOT
2. EVERYBODY KNOWS
3. NEGA DOLA
4. YOUR SONG (Feat. Junoflo)
5. RECOLLECTION
6. ALWAYS, ALL WAYS (Feat. Chancellor)
7. CAMO

After 18 years of LPs, BoA has dropped her first ever mini-album, 'ONE SHOT, TWO SHOT.' Containing a couple pre-release singles (including the most recent "NEGA DOLA"), this 7-track album is her first proper Korean release (save a handful of singles) since 2015's 'Kiss My Lips.'

The title track "ONE SHOT, TWO SHOT" is an electro-house beat, with beautiful arpeggio in the main verses and a definite dynamic chorus, joined by even more synths. And the tempo shifts! The use of not-quite music here is genius and serves to make the tune even better. "EVERYBODY KNOWS" is a low-key dance track, and has some of those wonderful ethereal arrangements that showcase her vocals. I like the suspense she builds here, and the time changes and repetition are gratifying. "NEGA DOLA" starts with an acoustic guitar, but quickly sheds that for more funk-inspired instrumentation. The whole thing is a sonic mess, but an undeniably catchy one.

"YOUR SONG" is a little experimental for BoA, using rapper Junoflo's ad-libs as part of the melody. I'm a fan of both artists, and they really bring it on this unconventional track. "RECOLLECTION" is a number of tunes, ranging from a stomping dance track to an ethereal, breathy soft tune. And there are even time changes on the dance track too. It's pretty and awesome all at the same time. "ALWAYS, ALL WAYS" features Chancellor's vocals as well as BoA's, and they mesh well in this R&B tune. It's a seductive tune, and the chorus only enhances that feeling. But it's also cozy, as both singers have smooth vocals that complement each other nicely in this duet. The EP ends with the previously-released, previously-reviewed, bass-heavy "CAMO." �

This is probably the most synth-laden release so far. I probably shouldn't be surprised, as we were hearing more of this on the singles and collaborations, moving away from the middle of the road soul-R&B influence that was prevalent on 'Kiss My Lips.' The music hasn't suffered for it, though, as there are layers to the tunes, more textures, and more things you notice across multiple plays. And this EP is just as catchy as anything she's done. The album is simply a sweet, ear-wormy piece, and a worthy addition to any playlist.

MV REVIEW -- "NEGA DOLA"

The video appears to be mostly a performance piece, with various individual shots and costume changes. For some reason, she's sporting a gun, dancing, and singing around targets -- and the MV even opens with BoA firing right at us. Not sure what that was all about, but it certainly catches the eye.

She still dances as well as she ever did. Her moves are decisive and bold, complete with hand gestures that add to the whole thing. She was quoted as saying she wanted better choreo in her MVs, and that appears to have been from her lips to the exec's ears.� �

The wardrobe decisions were rather odd, given the choices. Her solo scenes in a hallway showed her sporting the most normal apparel. But the rest of it -- a vinyl raincoat, tracksuits of various cuts or a too-thick faux-fur jacket were a little awkward. The running suits gave her a kind of tomboyish image.

The timing is somewhat unfortunate, given recent events in the United States that have cast guns as a contentious issue. But B.A.P, 9Muses, and Block B have all sported firearms in one MV or another. This is probably one of those things that was planned months in advance. And any MV with BoA is worth its weight in gold.

MV REVIEW -- "ONE SHOT, TWO SHOT"

Dancing is the main point of this MV, as she goes through her moves, her dancing being responded to by another danseur. They're in a subway, separated by several tracks. Meanwhile, she struts her stuff with other backup dancers in an entirely separate area.

She brings it in this one too, spinning and leaping, looking part ballet dancer and part hoofer. It works, too, as each movement is nicely choreographed and the two almost appear to be having a dialog -- or sharing a mating dance.

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His dance has explosive results

Continuing the gun theme from "NEGA DOLA," she blows a cap in her love interest in this MV. It kind of took me by surprise too. They seemed to be getting along famously. Not sure what that was all about, but the dancing is absolutely arresting.