The first, Yurisangja's, Be Happy's single Shinbooehgeh [ASX] is a pretty ballad of the R&B persuasion, but it didn't really move me to buy the CD. The next song I heard, Oosuhyo [RealAudio], is just too cool. This song has a great beat, with a little calypso-Soca thing going on. The percussion is so nice -- personally I will buy anything with steel drums. The title song from the CD, Be Happy? [RealAudio], is also somewhat interesting. It has a suggestion of something plaintive and Slavic, like a Russian folk song, while Nal Weehaesuh [RealAudio] is a ballad with nice lyrics.

If you're looking for a new rap album, you might want to consider Lee Hyun Do's Wan Jun (Hip Hop Da Album). There are many collaborative songs on this CD, so if you don't like one, chances are you might like the next. If the title song Pi Eh Ro [RealAudio] featuring D-BASE and Jed sounds familiar, that's because it samples Kim Wuan Sun's song of a similar name. Though it is supposed to be the lead song, I didn't love it. The same goes for Toohon [RealAudio] featuring Rhymer, Jin Wuan, and Gang Ghis. They're both just okay. Also featuring Jin Wuan (along with Tashannie) is Party1x [MP3]. I would guess there is some disco influence behind this one.

One of the best songs on Wan Jun is Cold World [MP3], which also features Jin Wuan along with Kaos. I like Kaos' dark, sotto voice rapping, so this song works for me. Both Cold World and Disaster's Orbit [MP3] have a suggestios of techno in them. The rapping is the best part of Disaster's Orbit. To me the rhythm was heavy and monotonous, and the scratching a little out-dated. King With No Crown [MP3], featuring Tiger J.K., Jin Wuan, and Seven is the best song on the album. The collaboration really works in this one.

For a quieter day, you might want to check out Lim Chang Jung 6. I think his work is maturing as he ages. Why Not I Don't Care [MP3] has a funky, Las Vegas showroom sound with jazzy orchestration behind the vocals. Jazz [MP3] (which you'd think would be jazzy but is not) is based on the European classical guitar. I could pass on the spoken voice passages, but otherwise this makes for good summer music. The soft ballad Smile Again [RealAudio] shows off more of his maturing voice. Nahuiyuhneen [RealAudio] reminds me of the Carpenters, maybe because of the orchestration.

The Yoon Do Hyun Band album, Revival of Korean Rock, is a great collection of music. The rock single Nareul Bonago (Letting You Go) [RealAudio] has some really spiffy solos thanks to lead guitarist Yoo Byung Ruhl. Track four, Dolgo Dolgo Dolgo (Turn Turn Turn) [RealAudio], has a completely different sound. The song is defined by tight rhythm guitar played by Uhm Tae Hwan. Boolnool Iyeh [RealAudio] is hardish' rock interspersed with something softer reminiscent of the Beetles. Again, the guitar playing really rocks. Some of the vocals in Chulmang Ap'yehsuh [RealAudio] are a bit uneven, but other than that the final track is solid, the voices sound good together and the guitar tells what this group is about -- "the whole package," not just singing and pretty dancing.

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