Weekly Music Chart 2008 - September week 2

1. (–) Big Bang – 하루하루 (Day By Day) *** 2 WEEKS NO. 1 ***
Score: 976
Genre: Pop / R&B Dance

Music + Lyrics: G-Dragon
Album: Big Bang 3rd mini-album "Stand Up" Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Big Bang continue to hold on to the top spot with "Day By Day".  This song is still gaining points, almost 200 ahead of the No. 2 song.  It is a mid-tempo R&B dance track with a nice piano arrangement throughout. 1TYM’s Teddy and Stony Skunk’s Kush, one of the hottest producing combo in the last few months, are again the masterminds behind this song and this mini-album. This is the 4th No. 1 song for Big Bang in the last 2 years.

2. (+1) Cool – 사랑을 원해 (I Want Love)
Score: 782
Genre: Pop

Music: Yoon Il Sang / Lyrics: Lee Sang Baek, DK4RG
Album: Cool Vol. 10.5 Track 6 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Even though summer is slowly going away, Cool still managed to stay near the top with their latest hit "I Want Love". Cool are known as a summer group, having hit after hit tailor-made for the season. It is a successful comeback for the trio after briefly disbanding.

3. (-1) Seo In Young – 신데렐라 (Cinderella) 
Score: 710
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Yoo Gun Hyung, Psy / Lyrics: Psy
Album: Seo In Young Mini Album "Elly Is Cinderella" track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: The title song for Seo In-young’s single "Elly Is Cinderella," this dance number combines the sexy diva’s sassy vocals with the assertive lyrics "Haven’t you heard I’m the hit now". Seo In-young transforms into an attractive 21-st century Cinderella in the music video with colorful costumes and romantic hairstyles. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

4. (+1) Kim Gun Mo – Kiss 
Score: 675
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: Kim Gun Mo Vol. 12 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track for Kim Gun-mo’s 12th album "Soul Groove", a funky dance number with an outstanding big band sound. The album brings producer Kim Chang-hwan, who first made Kim Gun-mo a top star, back with the singer for the first time in 13 years. The music video caused a sensation for the kissing scene between Kim Gun-mo and a top model. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

5. (New) Lee Hyori – Hey, Mr. Big *** HOT SHOT DEBUT *** 
Score: 670
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Park Keun Tae / Lyrics: Wheesung
Album: Lee Hyori Vol. 3 Track 10 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Follow-up song for Lee Hyo Ri’s third album "It’s Hyorish", "Hey, Mr. Big" is written by hitmaker Park Geun Tae and lyrics are by Wheesung. The euro-dance melody has even more commercial appeal than her No. 1 hit "U-Go-Girl".  Wheesung’s lyrics include the words of advice: "be a real man, show heart of courage".  Looks like another chart-topping song for Lee Hyori. (credits to ~S2~, YesAsia)

6. (+8) FT Island – 사랑후애 (Lying Love)
Score: 658
Genre: Rock Ballad

Music + Lyrics: Han Sung Ho
Album: FT Island Vol. 2 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Title song from FT Island’s 2nd album "Colorful Sensibility" is moving up fast and it has a good chance to become the next No. 1 song.  This rock ballad is written by Han Sung Ho, who is also responsible for FT Island’s debut hit "Love Sick".  No wonder these two songs have similar styles.  FT Island are one of the very few boy bands in Korea where members also play musical instruments, making them truly a band instead of a group.

7. (-3) Seo Tai Ji – MOAI
Score: 635
Genre: Rock

Album: Seo Tai Ji Vol. 8 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track for Seo Taiji’s 8th album "Atomos Part Moai". The title track of this advance single of four tracks from his 8th album was inspired by the Moai statues of Easter Island. A visible effort to listen to the sounds of nature was made, introducing the genre of "nature sound" for the first time. The music video was shot in Chile and Canada. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

8. (+15) Kim Bum Soo – (Sad Inflection) *** BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
Score: 609
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Hwang Chan Whee / Lyrics: Yoon Sa Ra
Album: Kim Bum Soo Vol. 6 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: The voice behind classic k-pop hits like "One Day" and "Missing You", Kim Bum Soo is coming back from his military obligations and has recently released his 6th album.  Kim started out his career as a faceless singer.  His emotional voice alone touched many fans.  Even today he doesn’t come out often to perform on music shows.  His new song "Sad Inflection" is another example – not much promotion yet it is already in the top 10.  "Sad Inflection" is about a man who is full of grudges, longing, and hurt due to a loved one who has left.  

9. (–) 2AM – 이 노래 (This Song)
Score: 588
Genre: R&B Ballad

Music + Lyrics: Park Jin Young
Album: 2AM single Vol. 1 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: 2AM is a prized new group by JYP entertainment this year. Technically, they are a sub-group together with another sub-group 2PM, who aslo appear on our chart this week. The whole group’s name is 2 O’Clock. 2AM is the time when one usually looks back on what they did that day and therefore the members are to do likewise with their music. 

10. (+9) Shinee – 산소 같은 너 (Love Like Oxygen)
Score: 572
Genre: R&B / Dance

Album: Shinee Vol. 1 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Shinee score that 2nd top-10 hit with the title track of their 1st full album "The Shinee World".  "Love Like Oxygen" is a cover of young Danish singer Martin Hoberg Hedegaard’s recent hit "Show the world". Laced in disco and punk hooks reminiscent of Michael Jackson, the song describes the three different phases of love as being water, ice, and oxygen. (credits to YesAisa, ~S2~)

11. (-4) Uhm Jung Hwa (feat. T.O.P) – D.I.S.C.O
Score: 525
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Teddy, Kush / Lyrics: Teddy, T.O.P
Album: Uhm Jung Hwa mini-album D.I.S.C.O track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track in Uhm Jung-hwa’s mini album of the same title. The album is produced by Yang Hyun-suk and features rap from BIGBANG’s T.O.P. With sampling from Delegation’s “Heartache No. 9”, it is a modern interpretation of retro disco. The music video is also done in a cool modern style with the vibrant music and Uhm Jung-hwa’s urban allure. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

12. (+1) SG Wannabe & Kim Jong Wook – 운명을 거슬러 (Opposed By Fate: MBC Drama "East Of Eden" OST)
Score: 514
Genre: R&B Ballad

Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min

Album: MBC Drama "East Of Eden" OST Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: One of the most anticipated dramas in 2008, "East Of Eden" stars Song Seung Hun, Lee Da Hae, Yeon Jung Hoon, Lee Yeon Hee, and Han Ji Hye.  The megacast extends to the drama OST as well, and the title song "Opposed By Fate" is a duet between SG Wannabe and rising star Kim Jong Wook.  Top songwriter Cho Young Soo, who has written hit songs for both SG Wannabe and Kim Jong Wook this year, is in charge of this R&B ballad.  While it is too early to tell whether this drama will be successful, it is safe to say that this song will be one of the top drama OST songs of 2008.

13. (-6) Davichi – 사랑과 전쟁 (Love and War)
Score: 498
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: Davichi Vol. 1.5 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of Davichi’s 1.5 album, “Vivid Summer Edition 1st Amaranth Repackage Album”. It’s a dance number with upbeat and yet approachable melodies melded with HaHa’s comical narration. The music video features the revenge story of a woman who was dumped by her boyfriend, combined with footage of Davichi lip-synching. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

14. (-3) Brown Eyes – 너 때문에 (Because Of You)
Score: 471
Genre: R&B Ballad

Music: Yoon Gun / Lyrics: Gary of Lee Ssang
Album: Brown Eyes Vol. 3 Track 4 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment: Included in Brown Eyes’ 3rd album “Two Things Needed For The Same Purpose And 5
Objects”. A touching ballad about longing for one’s lover that sings whatever happiness that was to be had was "because of you". The music video features near-comic episodes that belie the original theme of sadness after parting. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

15. (-7) Kara – Rock U
Score: 438
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Han Jae Ho, Kim Seung Soo / Lyrics: Song Soo Yoon
Album: Kara 1st mini-album Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the main track of KARA’s 1st mini album. KARA, which recently became a 5-member female group, sing this pop latin dance number that has sweet lyrics and a lively rhythm. The music video features KARA’s cute and playful dance. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

16. (-4) Zi-A – 사랑해 미안해 (I Love You, I Am Sorry)
Score: 433
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: Zi-A Vol. 1 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the main track for Zi-A’s official 1st album “Road Movie.” This medium-beat ballad features expressive vocals to grand orchestral colors. Shin Hyun-joon and Honey Lee star in the music video made in the form of a love story with amazing computer graphics. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

17. (+8) Dynamic Duo (feat. Alex) – Solo
Score: 414
Genre: Hip-hop

Album: Dynamic Duo Vol. 4 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Dynamic Duo have already established themselves as one of the top hip-hop acts in Korea.  For the title song "Solo", which is from their 4th album, they received help from Alex, who is very popular this year, on the vocal parts. Reminiscent of Daft Punk and Modjo, the electronic house number doles out an intoxicating dance rhythm. Alex offers his sweet romantic touches to the song which speaks not of the usual heartbreaks that follow a separation, but of the air of new excitement that lingers around the corner. (credits to ~S2~, YesAsia)

18. (-3) Super Junior Happy – 파자마파티 (Pajama Party)
Score: 360
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: Super Junior Happy 1st mini-album Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This song is included in Super Junior-Happy’s single album "Cooking? Cooking!" The fun and lively dance number sings about boyfriends and girlfriends wanting to throw a pajama party together. The music video features the members having a pajama party like the song’s title, with animated sequences inserted for all the more fun. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

19. (-3) Nam Gyu Ri – 남자 (Man)
Score: 348
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: Nam Gyu Ri digital single "Man"
Watch: Live Performance
Comment: See Ya’s leader Nam Gyu Ri scores her 2nd solo top-20 hit "Man". This song is coming from Nam Gyu Ri’s debut movie – a horror flick "Gosa: Midterm on Blood". Recently, Nam Gyu Ri is busy promoting this movie and also appears on music shows to perform this song live.

20. (-2) Mighty Mouth (feat. Sun Ye) – 에너지 (Energy)
Score: 325
Genre: Hip-hop

Music: Shin Sa Dong Ho Raeng E / Lyrics: Lee Sang Chul, So Joon Sup
Album: Mighty Mouth Vol. 1 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of Mighty Mouth’s 1st full-length album of the same name. Being a speedy hip-hop track with stylish sounds, Wonder Girls’ Sun-ye adds more energy to the song with her featuring. The overall message of the song is that "Everything you love becomes the source of energy in your life". Singer Min Hyo-rin starred in the music video that features cool animated effects. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

21. (–) Shin Ji (feat. Mighty Mouth) – 해뜰날 (The Day The Sun Rises) : 288
22. (-5) Wonder Girls – So Hot : 270
23. (New) Younha – 텔레파시 (Telepathy) : 266
24. (-4) Solbi & Kim Jong Wook – 그대에게 바래요 (I Wish For You To…) : 257
25. (+1) Shin Hye Sung – 그대라서 (Because It Is You) : 242
26. (+4) Namolla Family (feat. Tae In) – 사랑이 그렇게 쉬워 (Love Is That Easy) : 241
27. (-5) Maybee – 어쩜 좋아 (Oh My) : 202
28. (+7) Taw (feat. Joo) – 우리들의 행복한 시간 (Our Happy Times) : 163
29. (-5) Sun Shi Kyung – 안녕 나의 사랑 (Goodbye My Love) : 158
30. (New) 2PM – 10점 만점에 10점 (10 Out of 10) : 149
31. (+7) Son Dam Bi – 투명인간 (Invisible Person) : 144
32. (-4) Alex – 그대라면 (If It’s You) : 127
33. (-4) MC Mong (feat. M.A.C) – 미치겠어 (Feel Crazy) : 122
34. (-7) Banana Girl – 미쳐미쳐미쳐 (Crazy Crazy Crazy) : 116
35. (-1) DNT – 두사람 그리고 그후 (Two People And Thereafter) : 115
36. (+3) Jang Yoon Jung – 장윤정트위스트 (Jang Yoon Jeong Twist) : 112
37. (-4) PK Heman – 그럴꺼면 왜 (If It’s Going To Turn Out Like This, Then Why?) : 111
38. (-7) SG Wannabe – 멋지게 이별 (A neat breakup) : 104
39. (-3) MC The Max – 가시 물고기 (Bony Fish) : 99
40. (New) Turtles – 어깨쫙 (Broad Shoulders) : 80
41. (New) The One – 내 여자 (My Woman) : 67
42. (Re) Park Hye Kyung – A Lover’s Concerto : 63
43. (-3) Yoo Hee Yeol (Toy) – 여름날 (Summer Days) : 57
44. (+5) SS501 – Find : 56
45. (New) Show How (feat. Brian) – New Day : 53
46. (-5) Ran (feat. Han Kyung Il) – 한 남자 한 여자 (A Man and A Woman) : 46
47. (New) Jun Jin – Together 4ever : 43
48. (New) Pe2ny – Alive : 39
49. (-1) U-Kiss – 어리지 않아 (Not Young) : 38
50. (New) Lee Hyun Ji – Kiss Me Kiss Me : 37

Blue: Songs to watch out under top 20
Green: Editor’s recommendations under top 20

BONUS TRACK
Holladang – 비트윈 (Beat Win)
Genre: R&B / Hip-hop

Album: Holladang Vol. 1 Track 4 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: In this week’s bonus track section, we feature a very interesting new co-ed group Holladang.  "Holla" means "See You Later" in English, while in Korean it means "bring everything out at once".  The members are rapper Big Joe (who rumored to weight more than 200kgs), rapper Park Sa Jang, and female vocalist Nabi.  When you look at their album cover, you would think their genre is underground hip-hop, or even trot.  But actually their music is mainstream hip-hop R&B.  The title song "Beat Win", which we recommend here, has a very westernized melody.  Big Joe’s slow rap, Park Sa Jung’s fast rap, and Nabi’s vocal mix very well together.