F.T. Island – Return

Release date: May 24, 2011
Label: FNC Music

Tracklist

1. Hello Hello
2. Oh
3. 널 갖겠다 [I’m going to have you]
4. 고백합니다 [I’m going to confess]
5. Sunshine Girl

After topping the Oricon Daily Chart with their major Japanese debut, the not “really” rockers but not “quite sweet” idols F.T. Island are back with their newest mini-album Return.

Now, I must say I was surprised when I heard that they would be doing a Korean comeback amidst their Japanese promotions — considering the lead-singer’s history of vocal cord issues — but for now there seems to be no problems.

The title track Hello Hello is like a fusion between their previous song Love Love Love and fellow label-mate CN.BLUE’s Intuition — a well made, catchy song with angst-ridden undertones and maybe just some of the pop/rock kpop has to offer (notice I say kpop and not the Korean music industry, they are different to me). The other song that stands out to me is I’m Going to Have You since it has that Paramore-ish, alternative, pop punk sound that I’m so weak for.

Honestly, there is not much to say about this mini. I’d like to say that the boys have grown, but they’ve honestly always kept a certain quality to their music, the style of their singles has just changed from heavy rock ballads to a more fast-paced pop sound. Though if this benefits them or not is open for discussion, considering that their fanbase and popularity has dropped during the years.

Hopefully, Korea will turn its attention to them again because if you insist on overlooking “real” artists for idols, why not go for the talented ones? Or maybe that’s just my opinion…

Rating:  

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