YADA has released a new album produced by Hoon Entertainment. Entitled Restructure, the CD features the rock sounds produced by Kim Seh Hyung (Vocals/Bass), Min Jin Hong (Drums), Jun In Hyuk (Vocals/Guitar) and Oh In Wahn (Guitar). One of the nice songs on the album is Jinhoon [RealAudio], a sweet rock ballad. YADA's music has a depth that other popular groups last primarily because of the orchestration of their songs--throughout Jinhoon, as well as throughout the entire CD, the four main members of the group are backed by not just a keyboard/synthesizer, but a bass guitar, violins, a cello, and a backup chorus.

A second appealing song from Restructure is Inyun [RealAudio]. The guitar in the opening passages is really rocking, reminding me a bit of Joe Satriani's style of playing. Fans particularly interested in the boys of YADA can now download a bonus screen saver as well.

Followers of "Lee Sora's Propose" may have noted her absence during the beginning of January 2001. Allegedly, the popular singer and entertainer suffered an injury to her right leg after slipping on the ice on January 2. This is too bad as Lee Sora could be out pushing her new album, Lee Sora 4. The first track on the CD is Jehpahl (Please) [RealAudio], a slightly muddy ballad. I think the second track Geudaewah Cheumool [RealAudio] is prettier and cleaner in tone. Track 4, Rendevous [MP3], is really light and airy, and sounds slightly like something the Carpenters might have tried at one time. The oddly titled It's Gonna Be Rolling [MP3] is brightly jazzy.

Also new to the stores is the Ivy Mega Mix 3jib. This third release of mixes should prove popular in the party crowds. It's a 2-CD collection with several sections: A non-stop dance club mix, a ballad mix, a techno mix, a R&B/hip-hop mix, and the original versions of the songs. The perennial favorite Fin.K.L puts in an appearance with a mix of the lead single Now [RealAudio] from their latest (third) release. This is a pretty energetic song and makes for a good dance mix. Also on the Ivy CD is Soul [RealAudio] by Yoo Seung Jun [RealAudio]. Soul is the fourth track from Seung Jun's fifth album and also makes a good basis for an energetic mix song. Also to be found in the dance section of this CD collection is People Killer's Yah Hwa [MP3], which has a bit of reedy, thin sound in this rendition.

Since some of J's music is already quick and upbeat (despite it being primarily ballads), it is natural that her single Uhjehchuhruhm [RealAudio] would make it onto the ballad section of the Ivy CD. For an interesting comparison, listen to Faith [MP3], the English version of the same song. Isn't it fascinating how a backtrack of synthesized beats can completely change the tenor of a song? Also included in the ballad section of the mix collection is J's 8138 [MP3].

One other notable inclusion on the ballad Ivy Mega Mix CD is Songil [RealAudio], performed by Jo Su Mi. Recognize the song but can't quite place it? This is from the MBC Huhjoon O.S.T. The operatic sounds of this song are completely transformed by the dance track running behind it.

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