[Album Review] CNBLUE 'Can't Stop' Churning Out Hits With Their 5th EP
CNBLUE comes back on the Korean music scene, sporting a more mature look and sound for their 5th mini album. Let's take a closer look with this album review of 'Can't Stop'.
It has been a little over a year since CNBLUE released new tracks for their Korean fanbase leaving their fans waiting patiently for their return to Korea's flourishing KPOP scene. In the meantime, the four member band has been busy literally touring the world on a musical tour around the globe. Their 'BLUE MOON' 2013-14 world tour took the young men all over Asia, Australia and North and South Amerca over a span of 10 months. CNBLUE made history being the first Korean band to tour around the world, for a young band of four, that's a really big accomplishment yet even still, they don't let one achievement cool off before they are onto the next hurtle to jump.
The album kicks off with the infectiously melodic title track, 'Can't Stop' which for the first few bars, leads the listener through a roller coaster of emotional sounds starting with just a piano and Yonghwa's eloquent whisper as the sound of the drums, bass and guitar are slowly introduced leading to Yonghwa's explosive falsetto and Jonghyun's soulful crooning at the chorus. The ever changing tempo which starts off slow, hastens, then returns to its original "ballady" beginning accompanied with a perfect symphony of violin and guitar strings that can be heard all throughout. The seamless arrangement, catchy hook, and total feel of the song with its combination of emotional lyrics and infectious melody make this one track you will not want to stop listening to. 'Can't Stop' definitely lives up to the title.
The album's second track, 'Diamond Girl' gives off an urban, jazzy club feel complete with brass band instrumentals and skilled guitar licks thrown together showing off CNBLUE's signature sound that is powerfully eclectic in style and delivery. Jonghyun seems to make the track glitter from beginning to end with his slick electric strumming along with Yonghwa's bright yet bluesy vocals. 'Diamond Girl' speaks of the feeling of wonder a man has for this glowing beauty of a woman, he just can't resist her since she shines brighter than any other woman in his sight. The sexy lyrics fit well with the song's upbeat tone which carries the musical elements of the variation of instruments from 'Can't Stop' only this time giving the melody life with lively horns, drums, and a mix of acoustical and electric guitar all rolled into one snazzy little package of just over three minutes.
From the first notes of the piano in 'Cold Love', the soft vulnerability of Yonghwa's vocals coming together the synthesized heavy rock elements of the violin and guitar, you know you're in for one great rock ballad that only CNBLUE can bring to your ears. This is where CNBLUE make their mark and stay there, under your skin with their unique ability to be light and airy on one track and then totally blow your mind with a sound that blends harmonious vocals, the rhyme and rhythm of hip-hop and strong rock elements together the way only CNBLUE can do it. 'Cold Love' had me in a trance from the first moment, the first piano key and screaming guitar runs along with the heavy drumming. The intimate lyrics are the heart of the song which Yonghwa sings masterfully, exhibiting his ability to emote such tender emotion through his most powerful instrument, his mesmerizing voice. This band wants the listener to know they can rock out and break your heart at same time. 'Cold Love' has to be one of my favorite treasures of the entire album, hands down.
Next, Jonghyun takes on the lead vocals for the lighthearted 'Sleepless Night' which follows up the darkness of 'Cold Love' with a bright, romantic rhythm and matching harmonies. Written and arranged by Jonghyun, 'Sleepless night' is seemingly about a man's longing to be with someone he's only met from afar and his unrequited love for her, this pretty and poppy tune has the makings being that one song that you want to listen to when you need to feel light on your feet or just want to bask in the perfection of CNBLUE's tandem vocalists, Yonghwa and Jonghyun.
Writer: Mari (CNBStorm/colormecnblue) | Source: FNC Entertainment | Photo Credits: FNC Ent.