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Posted by Rowdyruff0 pt Wednesday, March 30, 2011

[Review] 'Inspirit' by INFINITE

It took maybe one month for INFINITE to churn out their follow-up singles album, "Inspirit."  It was a speedy comeback, seeing as they had released "Evolution" earlier this year, but that's just how things happen to roll around here. (Evolution Review) The two albums have their distinct concepts and tones, but INFINITE's  musical style remains vivid in both.  It's something that normally presents itself as an alarming challenge for rookie groups, but for INFINITE, it couldn't be any easier. -- "Inspirit" Track List: 01. Nothing's Over 02. Shot 03. Can U Smile (Remake) -- INFINITE's current single, "Nothing's Over," stays true to their modest style. Produced by composer Han Jae Ho and lyricist Kim Seung Soo, "Nothing's Over" marries major scales with INFINITE's recognizable melodies to bring together a calming experience that becomes reminiscent of their 2010 single, "She's Back", as it begins to unfold past the first chorus. "Nothing's Over" stays conservatively leveled throughout the full three minutes, repeating the title's catchy hook over and over, but it does a good job of shaking things up at the second verse with a quick dose of rap and a subtle change in instrumentation to match. Much like the lead single, the other two songs on "Inspirit" are calm, tame, and as airy as ever.  INFINITE's producers have more or less figured out all of the right ingredients to whip up the perfect songs for them. "Shot" features the exact same beat of "Nothing's Over", one that may have already reoccurred in one or two of their previous songs.  The obvious twist is the change in tone.  Was it a risky move? Maybe, but there's still enough of a difference for both songs to sit side by side without giving this very short album a sense of redundancy.  "Shot" alone is an average song, and there isn't anything grand to revel in, so it would have been a treat to hear INFINITE tackle something a little more daring.  Perhaps an up tempo R&B song full of stomping beats a la Ne-Yo "Cause I Said So" would do; I'm positive INFINITE could pull something of that caliber off, and it would be the perfect segue for a maturing style in their music. The closing song on this album is a remake of "Can You Smile."  The original made its debut on "Evolution" as a fast and shimmering tune, while the track on "Inspirit" lowers the blinds and momentum for a semi-acoustic rendition.  This version of "Can You Smile" is very soothing and makes a stronger statement than the original.  The arrangement allows for Infinite to shine vocally, as well as to showcase that they have it in them to take on different styles without losing their identity as a pop group. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpT4EkgSIQg -- INFINITE's latest album is full to the brim of optimism and sweet sounds that fit perfectly, not only with the season, but to this rookie group's individuality.  There's a particular elasticity within INFINITE that allows them to hit several types of songs without ever fully stepping beyond the boundaries of their comfort zone.  And they have surprisingly pulled it all off without a question. "Inspirit" is subtle, catchy, and well produced.  It will be great to hear (and see) this group start pushing the envelop and experiment with different arrangements and musical genres.  So far, they seem to be doing just fine.  It's going to be that extra kick that will take Infinite to the next level. -- Overall Rating: 3.9/5 -- What are your thoughts on this album?

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