Rookie! Rookie! Rookie!: The Boy Group Edition

2011 marked the year for a "baby boom" in kpop. So as the year comes to a close I would like to reflect on those rookie groups that caught my attention pre-debut and after, and point out who fell short of my expectations, but are slowly, yet surely winning me over.

First off we have BLOCK B, short for Block Buster. They debuted earlier this year, with "Wanna B". Now I have to admit, I hadn't even known of Block B until they dropped their second single "Freeze". Both the song and video drew me in with it's strong electro beat, underlined with a heavy bass. And like many others who stumble upon "the Block", I mistakenly compared them to my beloved BIGBANG. But later I realized they are two very different groups.

What impressed me the most with Block B, were the insane amount of talent within the group. Leader Zico, is a fierce rapper and one heck of a composer. Visual maknae, Taeil has beast like vocals, and dance line U-Kwon and B-Bomb are sick with their bodies. Now these are only the few out of all the members, who talents thoroughly impress.

Freeze:

Next up, B1A4, who I've grown accustom to calling either BILASA (shout out to EatYourKimchi) and BeWondUHFul [(be wonderful) which I came up with myself]. Debuting around the same time as Block B, following the ever popular "flower boy" movement B1A4 burst out on the scene. To be honest I hadn't really gave much attention to B1A4 post debut. Their debut song, "OK" was catchy, and I found myself singing it after having only heard it once, but that was all.

B1A4

It wasn't until they did MTV Match Up with Block B that I bothered to follow up. Their second single, "Only Learned The Bad Things" really stirred, and peaked my interest in B1A4. It had slow hip-hop and r&b feel that really appealed to me. It wasn't flower boy pop, but a song for a maturer audience, yet innocent at the same time. And after listening to the song with the MR removed I found B1A4 to be a group with outstanding live vocals, which is somewhat becoming a norm for rookie groups.

Only Learned The Bad Things:

Sadly, B1A4, has yet to keep my steady attention, falling once again off my radar with their comeback single, "Beautiful Target". But I'm keeping my eyes and ears peeled for what their future will bring.

HITT, meaning Here Is The Top was a group most people slept on, during the late summer. Being the first kpop group to come out of Sony Entertainment, big things were expected, and being one of the few who actually decided to listen and give them a chance, I was thoroughly impressed.

Good Night:

They debuted with the song, "Good Night" and though it isn't really stand out, it is enjoyable. But HITT's appeal isn't in the title song, but the mini album composition. Songs like "Runaway" and "I'll Always Love You" are worthy of repeating play. Another plus HITT has are the undeniable vocal skills, which was lovely showcased in their cover of Bruno Mars' "Just The Way You Are".

Just The Way You Are (cover):

Boyfriend

Next on the chopping block (lol) is BOYFRIEND, who like, B1A4 are following the flower boy trend heightened my interest pre-debut. They showcased made dancing skills and vocals I was dying to hear. Unfortunately, I felt quite let down with their debut song "Boyfriend". It was summertime and I wasn't looking for cute. I wanted and needed "a hot hot summer" [shout out to f(x)]. Fortunately as time passed a grew very fond of the song and the choreography that accompanied. And with their newest comeback, "Don't Touch My Girl" I see them maturing. So, I'm back on the Boyfriend bandwagon.

Boyfriend:

Our next rookie group falls under the Khip-hop category of things. M.I.B (Most Incredible Busters) just popped on to the scene a few weeks ago, with each member dropping individual tracks. Let's just say I was impressed, especially by 5Zic and his solo song "Beautiful Day", which stays on repeat in my Khip-hop Awesomeness playlist. But, huge BUT, what the heck is with this debut song?

"G.D.M" (Girls, Dreams?, Money) I'm not feeling it. Here I was expecting some authentic hip-hop, like that of what Tablo of Epik High just released, but instead I'm listening to electro club music I could easily find in any mainstream American rap. I wanted heavy bass lines. All the solo's had been so good (CREAM, SIMS) and the fact that there is only one vocalist (KangNam) in the group makes for a fresh dynamic, but come on! What is this?

G.D.M:

Last on our list is a group groomed by my favorite FTTS member HwanHee, MYNAME. And yes, I want to make many jokes about this group's name, but I really do like it. It's like "you won't ever forget MYNAME." This group, just like M.I.B just debuted within the last week and I have to say, I'm expecting big things.

MYNAME

No, I wasn't a fan of the debut song "Message", but it's not as bad as I thought it would be (it grows on you, SERIOUSLY). I like the fact that as the year heads out, more and more of the groups coming out are shedding the "cutie" boy image. I mean, I know Asia loves their flower boys, but I'm looking for a man, and if MYNAME sticks with this style they just might have a chance.

Message: