Review: HELLO VENUS "Would You Like Some Tea?"

         The lovely ladies of Hello Venus are back to grant us with a mini-album and title song called "Would You Like Some Tea?" Instead of funkier, high energy-type tracks like "Venus" and "What Are You Doing Today," "Would You Like Some Tea" still has danceable background music, but is a slower-tempo song asking a boy if he wants to stay for tea. It's the yearning feeling of dating for 100 days, and then wanting to know if it will lead to an actual relationship. Without fail, "Would You Like Some Tea?" is another catchy, upbeat track from the girls. It shows off a more subtle, romantic side which fits perfectly with their fairy/goddess image as they pair off as twins in simple patterned dresses.

Hello Venus probably will become quite popular in time based on their catchy songs, exceptional proportions and visuals, but I'm concerned that their vocals aren't strong enough to compete with some of the other notable female rookies from 2012 like Spica, Fiestar, AOA, Two X, or the newest addition, Ladies' Code. While Hello Venus has a solid main vocal in Ara, her voice is soft and sweet rather than powerful. Lime seems a stronger vocalist than second main vocalist Alice, but is left to do more rapping than singing, while Yoonjo, who has background in opera, is stuck singing the more minor parts with a thin-sounding voice. Yooyoung does fine as the charismatic rapper, but it's Nara that seems to be the weakest vocal link (recording and live). The only thing the girls are really missing is a powerful main vocalist. Someone who can belt live through natural talent and not just carry a tune. Maybe it's just a matter of giving Lime more parts and alleviating Alice's vocal strain.

Hello Venus "Would You Like Some Tea?" MV (Eng Sub)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyH2O_te-ss

Despite acting cute and innocent, "Would You Like Some Tea" can be regarded as having sexual innuedo for the guy to come in and stay the night instead of just having a hot beverage. It would make sense if that's the physical "one step further" request from the female. You decide for yourself!

"Would You Like Some Tea?" Live Stages:

130502 M! Countdown Comeback http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-WwcyUrVNQ
130504 Music Core Comeback http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avyWdmgh8wc
130505 Inkigayo Comeback http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB56uV4ySUU 
130511 Music Core http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ-oepB0w_w
130513 M! Countdown http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8vEmuZBOFU
130522 Show Champion http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9zBzINs8uc

Yoonjo & Lime

Alice & Ara

Yooyoung & Nara

Ara: Leader, main vocalist

Alice: Face of the group, vocalist

Nara: Visual, vocalist

Lime: Rapper, vocalist

Yooyoung: Maknae, rapper

Yoonjo: Vocalist

SISTAR returns with "Give It To Me" Mini-Album

        The superstar girls of Sistar are back and sexier than ever on their second mini-album released on June 11th! Their title track and album name is called "Give It To Me," and features in the girls in a Moulin Rouge concept. Other girl groups may have already touched upon the show girl theme, but Sistar is the first group to specifically allude to the cult-classic film. With the glamorous concept comes full lashes, saturated lipsticks, corsets and ski-high leg lines. Their mini-album also features artists such as Duble Sidekick, Geeks, Kim Do Hyun, and Rhymer. Check out their teasers, music video and images below!

Sistar "Give It To Me" Teaser

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIOP--0LxVw

Sistar "Give It To Me" Teaser 2 (feat. MC Shin Dong Yup)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JOccjMdevQ&feature=player_embedded

Sistar "Give It To Me" MV 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=p6XLNsJ9YrA

"Give It To Me" Mini-Album Tracklist

1. Miss Sistar (Intro feat. Duble Sidekick, Joohun)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6TnfZfDPF8&feature=player_embedded
2. Give It To Me (title track)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VufRgvGYI1s
3. The Way You Make Me Melt (ft. Geeks)- casual, content sound
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR67RKhfNt0&feature=player_embedded#!
4. Bad Boy (Bright and catchy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJznyplY1Yc
5. Summer Time (high energy summer sound)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu8Gewb50Qg
6. A Week
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvlwGLwRLX0
7. Crying (Sultry R&B sound)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwE-xN6Zjm0
8. Hey You (sounds like rebellious Teen Spirit)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu8Gewb50Qg
9. If U Want (old-school pop sound)
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvjYiESw9LA
10.  Up and Down (old-school pop sound, summer friendly!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lZG5PEgOTA
11. Give It To Me (Instrumental)

Comments:
Despite the sexy concept, intro track and title song, Sistar is actually going for a more summer-friendly sound with tracks like "The Way You Make Me Melt," "Bad Boy," "Summer Time," "Hey You," "If You Want," and "Up and Down." In fact, I'm pleasantly surprised that they're touching upon a simpler, 90's pop genre that one would hear from bands like One Direction. It's a fresh, surprising sound from them, and perfectly suited for the summer season. What greatly set their songs apart are impressive main vocalists Hyorin and Soyou- who brings back velvety and sultry vibes just when you expect it the least. Bora is still easily recognizable in rap, but her and Dasom's involvement in the songs are (as always) overpowered by Hyorin and Soyou's sheer vocal power. No doubt the field will level some once all four members introduce their choreography in the live stages.

"Give It To Me" sounds like another hit song, with it's nice blend of fast and slow tempos, as well as sophisticated sound lent through Hyorin and Soyou's smokey voices. I could do with less "give it to me" repeats in the chorus, but otherwise, the song's heavy use of guitar, violin and piano makes the track sound both classy and captivating. In fact, does anyone else hear a Boney M "Sunny" sound in the strings department?

While I love how dazzling and over-the-top their outfits are, I can't say I love it, either. In fact, I find the corsets stiff-looking and make the girls look thick instead of accentuating their curves (Hyorin's white outfit looks like it's made for a knight). I also find that most of the tops cut off too high or low, resulting in lengthy torsos that don't balance out with their hips or give it proper definition. Even the fringes aren't located where they would have an interesting or flattering effect. On a positive note, I do like how much sparkle the stylists integrated into both the clothing and accessories. The high-top hats serve as a nice touch, while their make-up and hair styles are flawless. Soyou looks great with burgundy hair, while Dasom appears as a fierce vixen with her high ponytail and bangs. As always, Bora is gorgeous perched on the silver ring, while Hyorin's cat-eyes are to die for. I thought the walking movement at 2:37 was super sexy and the high kick at 2:21 looked stunning. Leave it to Sistar to always give audiences something to talk about!

Top to Bottom: Hyorin, Soyou, Bora, Dasom