Several new albums focusing on ballads and love songs out right now, and if you're a ballad fan, you've probably already discovered the debut album by Sky (not as in "Fly to the Sky"). Sky's album "sky"rocketed to the top of the sales chart upon its' Korean release. The group is fronted by singer/actor Choi Jin Young. Their frenetic single Youngwon [RealAudio] is starting to fade from the scene now, leaving room for the ballads that really define the group. For instance, the third track on the CD, My Lady [MP3] is a very quiet ballad. Blue Morning [MP3] shows a little more spirit in its orchestration, but it, too, is pure slow song. The classical rhythm guitar at the core of Feel Empty [MP3] makes this song one of the most unique on the CD. The percussion is pretty straight on this one, but still a nice break from synthesized drum tracks. Particularly appealing is the violin's phrasing during the intro to The Best Is Yet To Come [MP3].

If listening to Sky's ballads has put you in the mood for more love songs, give the compilation album Love, 1000 Years a spin. All the big love songs from the past year can be found on this CD. You'll hear Lee Sang Eun, Lee So Ra, K2, N.EX.T, Kim Jong Seo, Uhm Jung Hwa, TOY, Y2K and Yada.
One of my favorite hits from this CD Geudae Ahneeuhtdamyuhn [RealAudio], performed by Yang Pa and Lee Seung Hwan (you can also on find this song on Yang Pa's new 3.5 album). I also enjoyed running across Park Ki Young's Majimak Sarang [RealAudio] again. To me, Park Ki Young's last album should have gotten a lot more play time.

Keeping with the ballad and love song them is the new CD by Jang Ho Il entitled Retro. A light guitar line sets the tone for Geulnaleh Ohoo [RealAudio]. This is more of a dance ballad -- it's a little more uptempo than most ballads, and the beat swings just a little bit. Another good track on Retro is Gobaek [RealAudio]. This song has a bright tone, partially produced by a synthesizer set to emulate a harpsichord. This song is retro sounding with a classic rock beat, but has a weak chorus that stretches Jang Ho Il's vocal abilities.

I haven't yet had the opportunity to listen to the entire Masterpiece 8 CD out on the shelves now, but so I have heard a couple of good ballads from it. Biryun [RealAudio] is a good rock ballad with hot lead guitar solos and To Heaven [RealAudio] is more along the lines of a traditional ballad. To heaven incorporates a great lead guitar line, and the piano player has nice technique.

Finally, we have a new CD by Hush, a two-girl R&B group. Their lead single, Hush [MP3], is a warm, jazzy ballad with hip-hop around the edges. Together, the two women of Hush provide solid harmony and strong vocals.

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