Album Review: AOA Delivers An Infectiously Upbeat Summer Album With 'Short Hair' [AUDIO]

FNC Entertainment girl group AOA has released their first mini album entitled "Short Hair."

"Short Hair," a follow up to their successful single "Miniskirt," reflects the musically diverse sound of AOA.

Like their fellow FNC artists CNBLUE and FTISLAND, AOA has the capability to approach genres ranging from rock to bubblegum pop.

FNC is a company which has established itself as pioneers of Korean rock and the original soundtrack. While "Short Hair" is not a rock album, it is very much an album that was meant to be listened to while driving on a sunny day.

Musical versatility is what sets AOA apart from other K-Pop girl groups. While "Miniskirt" joined the fray of sexy concepts that dominated K-Pop in early 2014, the newest AOA release focuses on the aspects that make AOA unique.

"Short Hair" is a seven track album with two instrumental songs, which crosses through various genres including pop, electronic, and R&B.

The title track "Short Hair" is produced by the high powered team Brave Brothers.

"Short Hair" is a laid back pop track that reflects influences of seventies disco. The song appropriately serves as the lead promotional track which is clearly intended to attract listeners to the more established sound of AOA.

The album opens with the soulful R&B song "Fantasy." "Fantasy" highlights the vocal talents of AOA, while allowing an opportunity for the musicality of FNC Entertainment to shine through.

It is a jazzy interlude which allows AOA to introduce themselves as the Ace of Angels, a name which may seem a bit awkward to international fans. However, FNC Entertainment has established itself through slightly clunky band names so it makes sense.

"Joa Yo!" continues the breezy sentimentality of summer. While "Miniskirt" was the first AOA be awarded on a musical chart show, tracks on "Short Hair" like "Joa Yo!" display promise for future victories.

The track "Soulmate" is also one of the most infectious on the album. "Soulmate" could easily be placed on a K-Drama soundtrack, with its contemporary sound and incorporation of hip hop. The track subtly reflects the tranquility of youthful love.

The Brave Brothers produced track "You Know That" is one of the most uptempo on "Short Hair," other than the title track. "You Know That" is danceable and catchy without including a driving bass or other components that are integral to electronic music.

As the song draws to a conclusion, the incorporation of electric guitars helps to change the tone of the track.

Listen to the new AOA album "Short Hair" HERE.

Tags
AOA
FNC Entertainment
Short Hair
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