[Bonus] The Late Report: May 2020

I don't know what I'm gonna write here. There is...a lot going on in this world during 2020 and not much of it is pleasant. Music has not been as much of a getaway as it used to be and I default to gaming more often than not. Between Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem, it's got my bases covered. Anyway here's what was interesting in May.

DAY6 - Zombie

Man is it hard to avoid the music from this group when both my sisters only put their albums on repeat. Obviously it's still great music but I was never the type that could listen to the same thing over and over again. "Zombie" is the latest out of the band and it's another powerful piece. This coming off the heels of their break due to anxiety and other mental health concerns, is a proper and emotional track. There's also an English version of the song, which functions equally well.

Sujeong - UN Village

Lovelyz is famous for housing many capable vocalists (many of whom were already proven before their debut, to boot) and Sujeong is one such gem on their roster. This cover of Baekhyun's "UN Village" is a wonderful take and highlights her crystal clear voice. Love the little things she adds to her rendition like the breathy vocals, not to mention the song is much lower than the average Lovelyz range. Good shit Sujeong.

Moonbyul - Absence

Man, Moonbyul continues to display her talents to the world. "Absence" is a delightfully classy R&B dance number with a strong vocal showing. Many people always knew she was a solid singer but this is a huge step up from what we've heard from her before. Full of soul, power, and emotion, Moonbyul delivers on all fronts with "Absence." The singing and dancing are top-notch. Truly unfair that she also happens to be one of the industry's best girl group rappers on the regular.

Lady Gaga, Black Pink - Sour Candy

Wow Black Pink almost have as many collabs with western artists as they do actual comebacks. This project with Lady Gaga features an addicting instrumental and two languages. To be honest with three fluent English speakers I feel they could do without the Korean lines but maybe Gaga wanted them. Not like Jisoo would sound too out of place or anything like that either. What is out of place is the bland rap bullshit between verses. Because of that, I gotta say that the song with Dua Lipa, "Kiss & Make Up" scores better in my ears.

Kissing You, 2020

This is the wholesome shit I need injected right into my veins. One of SNSD's managers got married and what's left of this beloved group performed an early classic "Kissing You" at the reception. Truly a sight to behold as so many years later, you can hear the difference and evolution in these girls. There's also a practice video which is equally adorable and nostalgic. Man, even if the song isn't one of my favorites, the group was...so getting to see them sing this in current year is special.