When I first song heard She's Gone [RealAudio] by the four-member group, Young One, I really thought I was listening to CLON. I think it's frightening that two different people in the world have that same menacing voice. Young One's other new release, Khataereushiseu [RealAudio], has a solid beginning and consists mostly of shout rap.

Yang Pa has a new "half" album out entitled Letter From Berkeley (YangPa 3.5), which should tell you something about the student population at Cal State. The first single from the album should be Da Alayo (I Know All) [MP3]. This pretty song makes a good follow up to Addio [MP3] from her last CD.

Also out with a new release is Uptown. I can see why people like this group. They've got a smooth sound. Already circulating is Some 500 Years [RealAudio], which makes for very easy listening. Also good to the ears is Uptown paradoxxx [RealAudio], a song with a little stronger pulse behind it.

Shihoo has released a debut album, the title song of which is Yeon [RealAudio]. Judging by this single, Shihoo is going to be challenging some of the better established ballad artists. This song makes a good companion to piece to another new release, You Are [RealAudio], by Nara. The title of the album, 1^st Revolution1x, implies that the CD is going to be fairly raucous. We'll have to wait and see. Another balladeer singing new music is Han Sung Ho, who is currently performing the rock ballad Goodbyeday [RealAudio].

A similar style can be heard in Myung Jak 8. Biryun [RealAudio] reminds me a lot of Han Sung Ho's single, as does To Heaven [RealAudio]. To Heaven has some light piano passages that are quite pleasing. This leads me to another crooner, Kim Kyung Soo. He has a very soft, subtle voice, as is evidenced by his Gobaek [RealAudio].

This must be the ballad season, as you can also pick up Jinju's second album, Soul Music, right now. Nae Sarangul Badajweoyo [RealAudio] is a duet that has clearly been influenced by the R&B sound. Gani [RealAudio] is also an R&B ballad, but it has a little stronger beat underneath it. The muted trumpet is a nice touch.

Standing in complete opposition to the music of all the music discussed above is that of Lecher. The Lecher CD is for hard rock fans only. The title song is Carnivore [RealAudio], and it sounds as if you'd need to be a dedicated meat eater to really enjoy the piece.

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