TOHOSHINKI -Survivor – 090325 4th Album “The Secret Code” Pre-Release Single- (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)
May 1, 2009 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
“Another solid, upbeat and addictive CD single release from Tohoshinki! Definitely worth checking out!”
GROUP: TOHOSHINKI
CD SINGLE: -Survivor – 090325 4th Album “The Secret Code” Pre-Release Single-
LABEL: Rhythm Zone
CATALOG #: RZCD-46154/B
DURATION: 13:10
RELEASE DATE: March 11, 2009
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- Survivor
- Take Your HAnds
- Survivor (Less Vocal)
- Take Your Hands (Less Vocal)
DVD INFORMATION: Region 2, 4:3. Duration: 6:59 minutes
- Survivor (Music Video)
- OFF SHOT
TOHOSHINKI continues to be one of Japan’s most popular boy bands. From Korea (known as DongBangShingKi (DBSK) or TVXQ worldwide), the five member group consisting of JUNSU (Xiah), YUCHUN (Micky), JEJUNG (HERO), CHANGMIN (MAX) and YUNHO (U-KNOW) have dominated the Japanese Oricon Charts for the past year.
“Survivor” is the 26th CD single for the group and was released to promote the group’s fourth full length album “The Secret Code” released on March 25th.
The single kicks off with an fast, upbeat synth track titled “”Survivor” featuring lyrics by H.U.B. and music by lain James, Robert Habolin and Adam Powers. Stockholm-based Habolin is known for co-producing the hit song “A Perfect Match” for A-Teens and Danish producer Adam Powers known for producing the song “Like a Drug” for Kylie Minogue.
From the first listen, I just felt the groove was quite addictive and overall, have had this CD single in my playlist for weeks and definitely enjoying the overall track.
The coupling song “Take Your Hands” is written by Ryoji Sonoda and features music and arrangement by Steve Smith, Anthony Anderson, Jaenson David Aubrey Vaughan and Craig Smart. The track features an upbeat track featuring cool vocals and overall catch track that makes you want to “Go!”
The remaining two tracks are the instrumental (less vocal) versions of the first two songs.
As for the DVD, the music features the guys filmed in black outfits in building full of rubble and are dancing in the dark with little light, while you get another shot of the guys in white in a white building dancing in a room full of light.
The “OFF SHOT” features the guy messing around behind-the-scenes and footage of the filming of the music video and brief interviews with the members.
The CD insert is a tri-fold which features the lyrics and production credits.
Overall, “Survivor” is another upbeat, solid CD single from the group. Personally, I have to put this single in up there among their top 10 upbeat CD single releases. Catchy, addictive grooves and as usual, awesome vocals and harmonizing from the group and I haven’t grown sick of it yet. TVXQ fans, definitely another Tohoshinki CD single worth checking out!
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Tohoshinki – Bolero, Kiss the Baby Sky, 忘れないで (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)
February 25, 2009 by Dennis Amith · 1 Comment
“Another triple A-side track from Tohoshinki. Three well done songs, one that is a theme song for the upcoming film ‘Bolero’ and the other two which were written and music by members YUCHUN and JEJUNG plus a special remix. Another solid release!”
BAND: Tohoshinki
CD SINGLE: Bolero, Kiss the Baby Sky, 忘れないで
LABEL: RhythmZone
CATALOG #: RZCD-46109
DURATION: 35:55
RELEASE DATE: January 21, 2009
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- Bolero
- Kiss the Baby Sky
- 忘れないで (wasurenaide)
- どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう? -Royal Mirrorball Mix- (Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou?)
- Bolero (Less Vocal)
- Kiss the Baby Sky (Less Vocal)
- 忘れないで (Less Vocal)
The Korean boy band TVXQ or DBSK know in Japan as Tohoshinki have been doing quite well in Japan with nearly every CD single release in 2008 and 2009 all debuting at #1 on the Oricon CD Singles charts.
Their 25th CD single features a triple A-side single with the first track “Bolero” used as the theme song for the Warner Bros. film “Subaru”. The film is based on Masahito Soda’s manga about a twin brother and sister who enjoy ballet but just watch the ballet dancers during classes. The brother ends up in the hospital to a brain tumor but at the hospital the sister meets a former and popular ballerina who has given up her passion due to her physical condition. But she trains the sister to achieve her personal dreams.
The track is a beautiful ballad arranged by Daisuke Kahara and lyrics by Lambsey. Beautiful music and lyrics that seem to go hand in hand with the film and is about a person holding in the pain and letting go all that pain. The term “Bolero” is a one-movement orchestral piece by Maurice Ravel for ballet and premiered back in 1928. So, the song is about wanting to see that person let go of all that pain and wanting to hear the bolero playing and watching that person dance.
The second track “Kiss the Baby Sky” was written and composed by YUCHUN (Micky) and featuring an arrangement by YUCHUN and Shinjiro Inue with beautiful string arrangement by Crasher Kimura. The song is an upbeat track featuring wind chimes and drums courtesy of Hiroyuki Enomoto.
The third track “忘れないで” (Wasurenaide) features lyrics and music by JEJUNG (HERO) and Young-hu Kim (who also does the arrangement). The song is a beautiful ballad featuring a string arrangement by Shim Sang Won and strings by K-String. A very smooth, beautifully sung track. The song was used for the commercial theme song for Menard’s Cosmetic.
The fourth track “どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう? -Royal Mirrorball Mix-” is a remix of the group’s 23rd CD single track. The remix is by well-known Japanese remixer and producer Hiroshi Matsui. An upbeat dance version of the popular ballad.
The final remaining tracks are the karaoke or “less vocal” versions of the first three tracks.
The CD insert features the lyrics and production credits and a flier for upcoming Rhythm Zone releases for January 2009.
Overall, this is another solid release from Tohoshinki.
I feel that the group has had solid CD single releases and really good production values on the musical end and the music video end as well. All three tracks are enjoyable and more ballad-based compared to their last triple A-side back in August of 2007 (“Summer – Summer Dream, Song For You, Love in the Ice-”).
I am quite amused by the other two tracks featuring the lyrics and music by YUCHUN and JEJUNG which is good to hear since their last solo releases with “My Girlfriend” and “Maze” released last year and makes me curious if we will see coupling tracks from the other three guys in the next CD single.
The CD+DVD version includes the music video to “Bolero” but doesn’t come with the fourth track that is included on the CD only version.
Overall, another solid CD single from Tohoshinki.
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Tohoshinki – Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou? (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)
July 24, 2008 by Dennis Amith · 4 Comments
“Each time I hear a ballad from Tohoshinki, I’m always struck by the lyrics and the vocals. Their latest ballad ‘Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou?’ is another song that has captured my attention like their past ballads and have listened to a jillion times. It’s that awesome!”
BAND: Tohoshinki
CD SINGLE: Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou?
LABEL: rhythmzone
CATALOG #: RZCD-45938/B
DURATION: 14:59
RELEASE DATE: February 6, 2008
- Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou?
- Box in the ship
- Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou? (Less Vocal)
- Box in the ship (Less Vocal)
DVD: Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 4 minutes
- Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou? Music Video
It’s really interesting when it comes to Tohoshinki ballads. I thought “Begin” was the ultimate ballad by them and then came “Forever Love” and now here is their 2008 ballad “Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou?” that is pretty much about losing someone you love and then standing there during that person’s wedding to another person and questioning yourself “why?”.
The CD single has reached #1 on the Oricon Daily Charts on its debut and within a week, people around the world were posting videos online of them playing the song on piano or singing to the song. The song is quite is highly enjoyable and it’s definitely one of their must-own titles yet.
The song is quite short, the beat quite simple but the power of the song is the vocals by Tohoshinki. Each member does great vocally, especially Junsu and Changmin during the high parts of the song.
The coupling track “Box in the ship” is a summer song with a Carribean feel to it. A fun, uptempo track which is cool.
The DVD that accompanies this CD single version is just awesome and truthfully, I recommend the DVD version of this single because it’s a music video that is truly centered around the song. It’s a drama version that features a woman telling her ex-boyfriend that she is getting married and the guy at the wedding asking himself “why?” and just feeling the sadness and loneliness of losing someone that he loves to another guy.
A very touching video. Otherwise, if you purchase the regular CD single version, like most Tohoshinki CD singles (non-DVD versions), you do get the a capella versions of the songs.
The CD single insert booklet (tri-fold) features lyrics and production credits on one side and the other side featuring a photo of the guys and the track listing. Inside the insert is a rhythmzone flyer promoting artists releases for July 2008.
This CD single is definitely a must-buy! If you are a fan of Tohoshinki or a guy (or girl) who just loves slow jam or can relate to the heartwrenching song, it’s one of their best tracks to come from the group and like “Begin” and “Forever Love”, can easily be listened to over and over many times because it’s that good.
As for which version to get, that depends on you but I prefer the DVD version because the music video for “Doushite Kimi wo Suki ni Natte Shimattandarou?” is just as powerful as the song.
A superb slow jam and I highly recommend this CD single!
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J!-ENT’s Tohoshinki/TVXQ/DBSK 500-Page Book is now available
May 8, 2008 by Dennis Amith · 101 Comments
Dear Tohoshinki/TVXQ/DBSK fans,
Great news!
DOWNLOAD THE 500-PAGE FAN BOOKLET HERE! (File Size: 88.86MB)
DOWNLOAD THE ARTICLE/SHORT VERSION HERE! (File Size: 4.72MB)
THANK YOU!!!!!
After four months of hard work and coordination with fans from over 40 countries, I’m so happy to say that the the 500-page booklet and the 33-page short version is now ready for download!
Thank you again everyone for your help and your assistance. YOU ALL ARE AWESOME!
TVXQ FANS FIGHTING!
For those who are having difficulties downloading, you may need to download the FREE Adobe Reader software to view PDF’s.
Click here to download a version and also select the language of version of Adobe Reader. [Adobe Reader graphic is courtesy and linked from Adobe.com]
Koda Kumi feat. Tohoshinki – Last Angel (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)
January 25, 2008 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
ARTIST: Koda Kumi feat. Tohoshinki
CD SINGLE: LAST ANGEL
LABEL: RhythmZone
CATALOG #: RZCD-45766
DURATION: 17:30
RELEASE DATE: November 7, 2007
- LAST ANGEL – Koda Kumi feat. Tohoshinki
- Dear Family – Koda Kumi
- LAST ANGEL (instrumental)
- Dear Family (instrumental)
DVD: Region 2, 4:3, DURATION: 7 minutes
- LAST ANGEL – Koda Kumi feat. Tohoshinki (Music Video)
- LAST ANGEL – Koda Kumi feat. Tohoshinki (MAKING VIDEO)
I’ve had Koda Kumi’s 38th CD single for quite some time, just listening to it over and over because it features a very cool collaboration with Korean pop quintet Tohoshinki (who sing both K-Pop and J-Pop).
Both Koda Kumi and Tohoshinki are known for their pop songs but also known for their awesome dance choreography. So, I had very big expectations for this CD single and especially their music video because I expected some awesome dance moves featured for “LAST ANGEL”.
The latest CD single features an image song used for the “Biohazard” (Resident Evil 3) film in Japan and actually, a little surprised because for Biohazard’s dark theme, I’d imagine more of a rock type of theme but nevertheless, “LAST ANGEL” is what was used.
The song starts out with “Welcome to nightmare world tonight”. Sounds threatening and dark but its anything but. The song is about overcoming the darkness, overcoming pain together with someone. The song is a synth-based pop song with a pretty cool beat and the string arrangement (ala synth) which was a very nice touch to the overall song.
The coupling track “Dear Family” features a slow ballad and features more of an R&B-inspired track with the deep bass groove. Almost like an old school R&B touch courtesy of Matsuawa “T.O.M” Tomokazu.
The lyrics for both songs were written by Koda Kumi (the first feat. a writing collaboration with H.U.B.).
The DVD features both Koda Kumi and Tohoshinki with a very cool setup for the overall video and as expected featuring great choreography. The music video has an arctic, futuristic look to it and everyone sporting white, silver and gray during their collaboration scenes was very cool and stylish.
The “making of” features behind-the-scenes of the dancing scenes between Koda and Tohoshinki, her solo scenes and also interviews. The guys were very stoked to work with her and a lot of enthusiasm during the filming.
The CD insert is actually a fold out poster. One one side is Koda Kumi sitting on a speaker with her legs on a wall. The other side features the lyrics to the two songs and CD and DVD credits.
Just the collaboration between J-Pop diva Koda Kumi and Tohoshinki is just awesome because the two have awesome pop music and also awesome choreography and to see these two gel together, everything worked very well and the CD single together.
A lot of reviews and I guess it depends who the listener is biased towards will say that Tohoshinki’s vocals overpowered Koda’s vocals and vice-versa for Koda overpowering the guys. Personally, I felt that there was a good balance between Koda and Tohoshinki and watching the music video, it’s good to see each guy of Tohoshinki get some face time evenly.
All in all, the music for both tracks is very well done, catchy and listened to it many times already and I really dig it! A very awesome collaboration and worth owning for Koda Kumi and Tohoshinki fans. The coupling track “Dear Family” had a nice old school R&B touch which is why I really dug it.
Both Koda Kumi and Tohoshinki fans should enjoy the CD single and “LAST ANGEL” would definitely make a good fit in a fan’s music collection.
View more Tohoshinki CD’s and DVD’s by clicking here!
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Tohoshinki – miss you/O – Sei-Han-Go (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)
January 18, 2008 by Dennis Amith · 1 Comment
GROUP: Tohoshinki (also known as Dong Bang Shin Ki, DBSK, TVXQ)
CD SINGLE: miss you / O – Sei-Han-Go
LABEL: Rhythm Zone
CATALOG #: RZCD-45456
DURATION: 17:53
RELEASE DATE: November 8, 2006
- miss you
- O – Sei-Han-Go
- miss you [Less Vocal]
- O – Sei-Han-Go [Less Vocal]
DVD: Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 4 minutes
- miss you (Video Clip)
Tohoshinki is the Japanese name for the Korean boy band quintet that is currently rocking the charts in Japan.
In Korea, the group is known as Dong Bang Shin Ki (DBSK) and goes by different names for each country that they are promoted in. The group is signed with SM Records in Korea, the same label where BoA and Bada (Sea of S.E.S.) are from and have had success in Japan with their CD singles in 2007 reaching #1, #2 and #3 on the Oricon Charts.
The group consists of Hero Jae Joong, U-Know Yun Ho, Micky Yoochun, Xiah Junsu and Max Changmin.
One of the attractions of Tohoshinki is their singing ability, their choreography and of course, their looks. Where Japan has plenty of boy bands, what makes Tohoshinki unique is that like BoA, they are a Korean group that has managed to win over fans in Asia and also worldwide.
In November 2006, the group released their 8th CD single titled “miss you”. What I find interesting is that for their Japanese releases, their main title tracks are more J-Pop in nature (which is not a bad thing) and definitely milder, fast-paced song compared to “Rising Sun” (my favorite song from the group).
But I’m learning that although I do enjoy the music from their CD singles, I tend to gravitate towards their R&B, harder type of music more. And for this CD single, I enjoy the other A song, “O – Sei-Han-Go” a lot. It has that beat and groove similar to something like “Rising Sun” and definitely dig the songs that feature awesome choreography and I can see this song really being an awesome song to dance to.
“O” has that old school sound with a crazy, addicting drum beat and groove that just makes you want to groove. And similar to “Rising Sun”, varying transitions of music during the song. Very cool!
The final two songs on the CD single are the “less vocal” tracks of the two songs featured on the CD single.
As for the DVD, the DVD features the guys singing. The music video is more tame compared to previous CD singles but features good lighting.
The CD insert is a standard trifold with the lyrics and musical credits on one side and a picture of the group on the other. The actual silver ink used for this CD single and the actual design is pretty cool. The only thing that I can find questionable is the mention of an Off-Shot Movie but there is none on the DVD.
As for the normal CD version (without the DVD), the normal version comes with an extra track “SKY (TVP UTA’S MIX)”.
All in all “miss you/O -Sei-Han-Go” is another solid CD single by the guys. Definitely like the balance of a pop song and R&B which they have done on many of their CD singles and both songs on this CD single are catchy and pretty cool.
If you are a Tohoshinki fan, another CD single that you would more than likely want for your music collection.
[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to Tohoshinki – SHINE/Ride On
January 18, 2008 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
GROUP: Tohoshinki (also known as Dong Bang Shin Ki, DBSK, TVXQ)
CD SINGLE: SHINE/Ride On
LABEL: Rhythm Zone
CATALOG #: RZCD-45651
DURATION: 16:09
RELEASE DATE: September 19, 2007
- SHINE
- Ride On
- SHINE [Less Vocal]
- Ride On [Less Vocal]
DVD: Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 8 minutes
- SHINE (Video Clip)
- Off Shot Movie
Tohoshinki is the Japanese name for the Korean boy band quintet that is currently rocking the charts in Japan.
In Korea, the group is known as Dong Bang Shin Ki (DBSK) and goes by different names for each country that they are promoted in. The group is signed with SM Records in Korea, the same label where BoA and Bada (Sea of S.E.S.) are from and have had success in Japan with their CD singles in 2007 reaching #1, #2 and #3 on the Oricon Charts.
The group consists of Hero Jae Joong, U-Know Yun Ho, Micky Yoochun, Xiah Junsu and Max Changmin.
One of the attractions of Tohoshinki is their singing ability, their choreography and of course, their looks. Where Japan has plenty of boy bands, what makes Tohoshinki unique is that like BoA, they are a Korean group that has managed to win over fans in Asia and also worldwide.
As for the double A-side singles, “SHINE” is a upbeat pop song used for the opening theme of net drama “Obanzai”. The song is more synth based, J-Pop and similar to previous CD singles. The guys can definitely sing and I’m not a hardcore fan to give you an example of which guy sings which part better or anything like that. But I can say that it’s an enjoyable song that definitely showcases the guys vocals and a pop song that is actually pretty cool and not cheesy.
As for “Ride On”, I’m actually more partial to Tohoshinki’s music that has the R&B element. I dig the beat and enjoy the songs where choreography plays a big part in their music and one of the songs that pulled me towards listening to their music are songs such as “Rising Sun”.
The final two tracks to round off the CD single are the instrumental or “less vocal” tracks of the two songs.
As for the DVD, the DVD features the music video clip for “SHINE” which is a well choreographed and well-filmed music video that features the guys singing and dancing in a run down tunnel. The amber colors give a pretty cool look to the overall music video and balancing with the darker colors. Thought the dancing on the wet puddles with the splashing, was a good use of showing off their dance moves in a stylish way.
As for the “Off Shot Movie”, pretty much the guys filming the music video for “SHINE” and interviews with the group as they have fun, goofing off during the filming.
The CD insert features a tri-fold featuring the lyrics and music credits on one side and the other side featuring the five guys sitting in a living room. Also, featuring a postcard featuring a member of the group.
The postcard of Jejung that is found inside the CD-insert of the reviewed CD single
As for the normal version of this CD single that does not come with the DVD, the normal version comes with an extra track ” Lovin’ you – Haru’s “deep water”mix-.
Overall, another cool CD single from Tohoshinki. The guys are extremely talented and I’m glad to see that they have increased their fandom considerably within the past year because the guys can sing, they can dance and they are awesome performers.
Their 13th CD single “SHINE/Ride On” is another well-balanced CD single of J-Pop/R&B and also showcasing the guys vocal talents.
As for the DVD, cool music video and also for the female fans or fans who dig these guys, a lot of eye candy for them and they will be happy with the OFF SHOT footage.
All in all, a pretty cool CD single that Tohoshinki fans will not be disappointed with.
