Oh my word…it’s actually coming true: BoA is coming to America! Right now, BoA and SM Entertainment are holding a press conference in Seoul entitled “Best of Asia, Bring on America!”

Word is she’ll be announcing her debut single any second now…Holding my breath for a classic, though I’m sure it’ll be a new track. Memory lane time, yes?

When I read that Weezer covered a J-Pop song, I was all like, “What?!” And when I heard it was BoA they covered, I was all like, “NO WAY!!” And then when I heard it was “Meri Kuri,” one of my favorite BoA songs ever, I was all like, “WHAT?! NO WAY!!” And then I heard it and my doubting was alleviated. Their version is certainly true to the song, though I wish it were in English–the Japanese has been a bit skewered by the lead. Anyway, it’s a pretty simple piano rendition, interpreted in male form. I’m not a fan of the cover, but it’s the recognition that’s most important, so enjoy!

And check here for the original version. It’s beautiful.

Let’s keep this one short and to the point, now shall we? Unlike her Korean albums, BoA’s past Japanese albums have a presence within my playlist for approximately three days. Unfortunately, This album is no exception. Her vocals are top notch, the production is ace, and the beats are certainly phat, if you will. But there’s something so agonizingly constructed about this type of music that immediately loses its appeal within a few plays. It’s formulaic, repetitive, and certainly unmemorable.

As far as the dance tracks are concerned, the major highlights include “AGGRESSIVE,” “Style,” and “Girl In The Mirror,” which is disappointingly not a cover of Britney’s ballad from the glory days of yesteryear (1998.) Don’t get me started with the ballads, which are all truly stereotypical, recycled material at their finest.

Don’t get me wrong; this album is far from flop. It’s better than MADE IN TWENTY (20), but I’m still not following. Maybe her heart is no longer into the music? It’s frustrating…I cannot put my finger on what’s wrong.

I initially wondered if I’m gradually breaking away from my J-Pop, but I don’t think that’s the answer (Case in point: Utada.) BoA and Ayumi are just disappointing me. Heavily. They’ve been fit into these specific song structures, and I cannot differentiate their music any longer. Go experimental, ladies…I know you can do it.

I’m posting two songs from her latest Japanese effort, THE FACE, and two random songs off of her latest Korean album, Girls On Top. J-/K-Pop enthusiasts and Non-J/Non-K-Pop-…too many hyphens, I’ve confused myself. Non-enthusiasts, listen to the tracks and tell me if you spot a difference in quality and/or groovability.

DL: BoA – AGGRESSIVE
DL: BoA – Girl In The Mirror

DL: BoA – Girls On Top
DL: BoA – Moto

Korean super-mega-star BoA has pulled a fast one on us all. Instead of following through with her whole “collegiate” goal, the songstress has decided to go ahead and continue with the whole “pop star” thing. Her Japanese album, THE FACE, is due to be released later this month. Today however, the album leaked in full. Not very common for Asian releases…A review will be posted later today. The cover is included above this post. She’s a stone fox, as you can tell. Just look at that apathetic expression. She doesn’t even give a damn if the lip gloss goes on straight. But rest assured, that lip gloss is indeed poppin’.

More confounding than her leaked Japanese career is her now confirmed English equivalent. According to BOAjjang, BoA has been secretly preparing for an upcoming English album, and will complete recording in March. In May, specific details for an English record label will be released by her group in Korea, SM Entertainment.

If Rain and SE7EN are the only representations of “breaking” into America, then I fear dearly for my sweet lady’s future. I’m also bracing myself to hear her “improved” English pronunciation skills. Yes, I heard “KEY OF HEART (English Version)”. And you know what? I thought it was the Korean Version. Think about it.

Godspeed, Kwon BoA.

Alright, just a quick little ditty before I journey off into slumber.

It’s from BoA. I’ve mentioned her at some point, just never introduced her. If I’m forced to generalize (which I don’t, but I shall anyway) I would say she is recognized as the Korean Britney. Or was anyway. That is to say, the Britney of the ’98-’00 era. Bubblegum stuff. BoA started out just as squeaky clean, and has only recently been tip-toeing into more mature issues and/or outfits. She’s had a career in Korea for over a decade. Don’t get me wrong though: BoA is, and never has, been a slutty act. She’s fairly conservative in her performances, and I surprisingly appreciate her subtlety considering I idolize the most sluttilicious acts in show business.

Unfortunately, she decided to embark on an annoying little crossover act into Japan a while ago. She’s been releasing things in Japan for about…three or four years now, and frankly I’m rather sick of it. J-Pop has a horrible tendency to sound samey and unoriginal, and even BoA’s strong pipes cannot save her Japanese tracks from their mechanic construction. I’m a firm believer in a Korean only BoA, but that’s just me. Her music was fresher, livelier, and most importantly, original when it was sung in her native tongue. Regardless, I do love her. She’s got a great natural voice, and her overall dancing skills best any other J-Pop act I’ve seen.

She has made the decision to drop music for a little while this year to study in America. I know that she’s just being a silly bitch, and will surely come crawling back in a few months. For now, I wish to celebrate her glory days in Korea. Now this is from her last classic Korean album, My Name, the fourth major release from 2004 that turned me into a major fan. The track I’m pulling from the CD is actually called “그럴 수 있겠지…!? (Maybe…maybe not!?)” I’ll give you a moment to digest.

It’s a groovy little number, complete with pre-packaged imagery of smoke filled dance floors, punctured with neon lights. It’s mid-tempo, but it’s a lot of fun. And I think the instrument in the chorus is a synthesized steel drum or something. Anyway, listen and let me know what you think.

DL: BoA – 그럴 수 있겠지…!? (Maybe…maybe not!?)

In case you haven’t noticed, it’s Christmas. Because of this, I will begin posting some of my favorite Christmas tunes. To start off is my absolute favorite. If this one doesn’t have you slitting your wrists and drowning your sorrows in holiday spirits, then you’re a terrible person. Well, maybe it’s just me. This is BoA’s (Korean mega star)Meri Kuri (メリクリ), released in 2005. The song builds and builds to its eventual orchestral climax, and unravels beautifully. Isn’t it just how all the best things in life work? Think about it.

Buy the single over at Amazon.

And you, what do you think?