It’s a testament to how busy K-pop has been over the past few weeks that I’m just now getting around to writing about the new Kis-My-Ft2 single. After all, they’re my favorite J-pop idol group. Earlier in the year, I spent weeks covering every one of their singles on this blog. And just recently, they officially became my most-played artist according to iTunes, knocking Infinite off the top spot after a seven-year run. Needless to say, I’ve been eagerly awaiting new music. This has been the longest hiatus since their 2011 debut, and it’s been frustrating watching all their agency peers return multiple times while Kisumai were touring, touring… and touring some more.
Two As One acts as the theme to member Tamamori’s upcoming drama, and isn’t officially out until next month. But, Johnny’s has been kind and uploaded the full music video to the group’s newly-established YouTube channel. At first, I was disappointed to hear another ballad (thankfully an upbeat coupling song is on its way). Kisumai are one of the older acts in the agency’s roster, but I hate when age becomes synonymous with slower, sentimental material. Luckily, Kis-My-Ft2 know how to deliver a killer ballad, and Two As One has just enough drive to make it special.
Obvious bias aside, I’m a sucker for this style of mid-tempo ballad. It’s all about build and release, just like many of my favorite dance tracks. Two As One is incredibly straightforward – generic, even – but succeeds because of its small melodic nuances and smart arrangement: unison vocals during the verse, memorable, rhythmic phrasing in the chorus and that beautiful touch of falsetto in the bridge. It feels refined and effortless, and gains weight through the group’s experience. It’ll never be my favorite Kisumai track, but it’ll do nicely until they return with their next banger.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
completely unrelated but im gonna be in seattle for 3 days and knowing that ur a local im wondering if u know of any good kpop related stores over there to buy albums from
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I’m 90 minutes north of Seattle so I’m not super familiar. I actually visit Vancouver, BC much more often and they definitely have some K-pop stores there. I don’t know if Seattle has any, tbh. But, I love the Japanese Kinokuniya bookstore in the Chinatown district. They have a few cds, plus lots of manga and Asian books/magazines that are really fun. That’s probably your best bet.
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oooo i already have a kinokuniya in my city and its really fun to shop there but what kpop stores do u know of in vancouver bc im going there as well
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There’s a cute little K-pop store in the Crystal Mall next to the Metropolis at Metrotown on the Skytrain route. Albums, merch and posters. It’s kinda pricey, but not so bad when you remember the exchange rate.
Apart from that, you’ll find some K-pop albums/merch at Artbox, which is a Korean chain. There’s one in Metropolis, and others spread around the area. You’ll also find some of the bigger K-pop releases in Sunset Records (again at Metropolis).
I’d also recommend exploring the suburb Richmond if you enjoy Asian culture. And though not K-pop related, stop at Moby Dicks in White Rock (right across the border) for the best fish and chips ever. As a bonus, Twice filmed part of the Likey video on the White Rock pier!
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Eager to see your review of Smokin’ Hot! Thank you for remembering to post about j-pop too ♥
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I’m equally as eager to write about it once the full song is out! 🙂
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