T-ara has finally made a comeback as a group with their mini album, 'And & End.' T-ara is one group that consistently releases solid songs with catchy dances that have everyone singing and dancing alongas usual, their latest hit, "Number 9," released last year was no exception. Thus, I was super excited to take a listen to this new mini album. Let's see if this album was able to exceed our high expectations for this talented veteran group.
The album starts with their lead single, "Sugar Free." This song strays from the typical K-pop track. Rather, "Sugar Free" is more along the lines of K-pop x Bingo Players. T-ara experiments with the EDM genre with a repeating kickdrum and pulsating basslinesI wasn't sure if I was at home writing an album review or jumping up and down at EDC again. What I do know, however, is that this song is produced to be a club banger. With the popularity of EDM in countries such as America, and its rising popularity in Korea, I think it's really cool that T-ara experimented with this new sound. The fact that they pulled it off perfectly is just the cherry on top of the cake.
The lyrics to the track are clever and catchy, as well. "Sugar free" discusses a once sweet love that is no more. The lyrics, such as "The sweet feelings are not so good anymore [ ] sugar free," are in no means complicated. However, it's a unique concept that has you wishing you thought to write the song. The repetitive use of "sugar free" in the chorus makes it easy to sing along to, and the dance, which is a Brown Eyed Girls' "Abacadabara"-like dance with a simple hand motion of "letting go," is catchy as well. Again, I foresee another karaoke hit.
As for the music video, there's like 20832893 versionsor three. For the most part, they all seem relatively similar with bright strobe lights. The video is a simple concept, but who doesn't enjoy watching T-ara dance. They move so fluidly. The one thing that confused me, however, was that I was looking at T-ara, but there were times in the track that I swear I heard HyunA. Check out the music videos:
Aside from the multiple versions of "Sugar Free" this album also includes 4 more solid tracks. The album transitions into a softer feel with "It's A Waste To Throw You Away." This song honestly feels like it was written for SECRET with a very "Starlight Moonlight" and "Shy Boy" sound. However, T-ara pulls off this light melodythey sound very youthful and feminine. Although I can't imagine T-ara wearing poofy skirts and prancing around on stage, that's the dance I would imagine accompanying this track. Solid song, though.
"ORGR" is a mid-tempo song with a slightly electro feel. The lyrics themselves are kind of mean, saying "Look at yourself, look at your miserable self," but the song is catchy and I really like when they go "na na na" for no particular reason. I do. I'm not entirely sure what "ORGR" stands for, but just play along with it. Can anyone advise?
The album turns soft and sweet again with "Last Calendar." This is my second favorite track on the album. With a simple beat accompanied by a piano and guitar, their vocals really shine. It sounds like a song straight from an OSTit's a song about loss and heartbreak. "Last Calendar" is one you can belt along to during tough times.
"When I See Her" is a track about a boy that left for another (less attractive) girl. It's a bit of a trip that they say they'll "curse and shout" when they see the new girl, but the vocals are so pure-sounding. However, this up-beat track with an R&B feel and a funky town vibe mixed in is catchy. When people say mean things in a nice voice, that's always the scariest. This is a case of that.
Overall, I enjoyed T-ara's new mini album. I definitely like "Sugar Free" and "Last Calendar" significantly more than the other tracks, but they are all solid. Considering T-ara is a group that is very charismatic when they perform, I'm looking forward to all of their live performances.
What did you think of 'And & End'? What do you think 'And & End' means? Comment below!
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