U-KISS "Stop Girl" Comeback

           Boy band U-Kiss is back and sexy as sheeeet in their 7th mini-album "Stop Girl" with a title track of the same name. The song title signifies exactly what happened to me when I saw the music video trailer- my heart stopped! U-Kiss has always shown a fierce and sexy image, but they're only getting manlier- especially in a black and white music video! The release of a color version MV comes shortly after, but I'm actually more attracted to the mysterious appeal of the black and white film. This latest title track has a different feel from their previous pop-synth dance songs. "Stop Girl" is a slower, smooth R& B track with simple, heavier drum beats. Really, who is this sultry, play-boy type U-Kiss? I'm hard-core fangirling because the beat is so hypnotic and sensual, reminding me of T.O.P's masculine "Turn it Up" track. The choreography felt partially hidden in this video, but from the few body rolls I've seen and the way that one female dancer sidled up to Kevin, I'm excited to see the live version of this mature, more sensual U-Kiss.

On a side note, it may only be a five month hiatus to study at Columbia University, but U-Kiss feels like a much smaller group without AJ.

I can imagine what you Kissme's (U-Kiss fans) are thinking, "Is this going to be the one?" For all of you less adamant followers out there, U-Kiss has debuted for more than four years now. Early March 2011, members Alexander and Kibum's contracts have been unexpectedly terminated, and their company, NH Media, have since replaced the two members with Hoon and AJ. The company claimed that they wanted stronger vocals in the group, especially since U-Kiss had not established a firm group identity. Fans were outraged with the company's decision, and it further destabilized the group. Unfortunately, U-Kiss has also never won #1 on a South Korean music program before, despite having strong popularity in Japan and various other countries. They have come close with "Doradora" being second place, but they've still been denied the #1 spot, and that is an sad reality considering how long they've been around. Honestly, it's probably because NH Media spends less time promoting each album within South Korea before sending U-Kiss across the border to promote in neighboring countries. This being said, many fans were speculating that this new song, with its addictive beat and a more alluring U-Kiss, will be the track that grants them their first win. Goodness knows they deserve it. Good luck U-Kiss!

Tracklist for "Stop Girl" 7th Mini-Album:

1. Imma New Thang (Intro)

2. Stop Girl

      U-Kiss "Stop Girl" MV (Black & White version)

           U-Kiss "Stop Girl" MV (Color version)

3. Time To Go

4. Remember (acoustic ver.)

5. Sexy Baby

6. Stop Girl (english ver.)

7. Stop Girl (inst.)

U-Kiss "Stop Girl" Live Stage Performances:

 U-Kiss "Imma New Thang" + "Stop Girl" MCD Comeback (120920)

UKiss Intro + "Stop Girl" Music Bank Comeback (120921)

Ukiss "Stop Girl" Inkigayo Comeback (120923)

Comments:
The stage visuals sure are pretty for this promotion. The chess theme, checkered stage and duo-toned outfits are blowing me away. However, I can't say that their "Stop Girl" comeback stage on M! Countdown was comparable to their usual live stages. The boys look tired and stressed, appearing as if they stayed up the last couple of nights speed-learning this latest bit of choreography and doing major preparation. It's also straining their vocals, and neither Kevin or Joon's vocals are as strong as they usually are. The most consistent members based on their Mr. Removed video has to be Eli and Soohyun, but even then, Soohyun's voice wasn't as powerful until the later half of the performance. With this being said, the choreography is energy-demanding and difficult, despite the more laid back, slower tempo of the song. One of the aspects I admire most about U-Kiss is that they always diligently perform live despite vocally challenging songs and energy-consuming choreography. (Think the jumps, turns and twists in "Man Man Ha Ni," "Neverland," "Tick Tack," and even the dubsteps in "DoraDora.") Hopefully their upcoming stages will be much stronger.

U-Kiss did great in their Comeback on KBS Music Bank! First of all- whew those outfits are nice! Kevin's voice remained especially steady despite having to sing the majority of the song and often shift to center dancer. I didn't find it necessary to look up any Mr. Removed videos this time around. Sure, Soohyun's body rolls can be a bit stronger, but that's just me being greedy.

Enjoy their sleek new concept images below!

Soohyun: Leader, main power vocals

Kevin: 'Emotional' main vocals

Hoon: 'Ballad' vocals

Kiseop: Sub-vocals, sexy dancer

Dongho: Maknae, rapper

Eli: Rapper, goofster extraordinaire

Other random thoughts: 

Since three of its members are fluent in English (Kevin, Eli, AJ), I love the little bonus words and phrases that U-Kiss adds to their lyrics. For example, who else thinks the "my heart is depleted" part is really sexy?

Blonde hair on Eli is nice- I think we've established that in "Man Man Ha Ni," but I think their stylists are experimenting on his hair too much. I wouldn't mind if he just sported some sleek 'do again to create some mystery around his eyes. Also so his make-up artist doesn't have to put so much eye-liner on his already round peepers. Who else is excited to see Eli's broad shoulders in some suave suits? Also, I didn't think Eli could rap so aggressively- his style has always been more casual. I like that he's taking care of the fiercer rap segments when AJ isn't around.

Maknae still looks really cute and young; maybe it's that G-Dragon long 'do they're putting on him. Anyone notice he's still using the same lip-swiping motion originally seen from "Man Man Ha Ni?" Haha.

If someone stole the show in this music video, it would have to be Kevin, especially in that facial close-up at the beginning, and he seemed quite manly when that girl dancer moved up on him. Maybe some of you Kissme's are fuming, but his cool expression just made the choreography hotter.

Leader Soohyun is starting to steal my breath these days with his stoic manliness, and it reminds me of an interview he made during his debut days. One of his first thoughts when meeting the other group members was that he wasn't recruited for his looks. Awww. How cute and terribly humble. I'm glad he's shedding that talented underdog image and going for a more silent but manly vibe. You go Soohyun! Work that tight man sweater!