[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to Tohoshinki – SHINE/Ride On

January 18, 2008 by Dennis Amith 

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

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. SHINE
2. Ride On
3. SHINE [Less Vocal]
4. Ride On [Less Vocal]

DVD: Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 8 minutes

1. SHINE (Video Clip)
2. 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.