[YesAsia Editor's Pick] CNBLUE at their best

Picked By Sanwei

Can't Stop might well be CNBLUE's least catchy and uptempo album, but it also stands out as their most mature and melodic release yet. Like with Re:Blue, leader Jung Yong Hwa wrote and composed five out of six tracks for the band's latest album including the title song. Can't Stop very much continues the CNBLUE sound and style, but there's a less-is-more sensibility to the songwriting and production. The album notably makes use of more piano and simpler arrangements and programming than previous releases. The Brit-rock sound that has underlined all of CNBLUE's releases is gradually surpassing the obligatory K-pop hooks as the band takes increasing control over their own music.

What stands out right away about title track Can't Stop (Track 1) is the use of piano to set the tone for the song rather than the customary guitar, and that, unlike previous lead plugs, the song starts soft rather than strong. Yong Hwa's vocals curl quietly around piano chords, gradually joined by guitar and drums that build towards the refrain. The first time I heard the song, I expected an explosive pop rock refrain, but instead the wispy cry of "Can't stop me now" reverses expectations with a light, uplifting falsetto buoyancy. The song suffers from overly predictable lyrics and notes here and there, but that moment when the refrain hits is gold.

The most uptempo track of the album, Diamond Girl (Track 2) is very recognizable as a Yong Hwa composition and CNBLUE song – upfront pop rock plus a touch of brass and funk. The song is frivolous but fun with its groovy rhythm and musical embellishments. In stark contrast to Diamond Girl's warm energy, "Cold Love" (Track 3) begins like Can't Stop with a piano-driven intro, but to far darker effect. The song jumps cleanly into a moody, straight-shooting alternative number with a dramatic rock chorus of heartbreak, underlined by strong guitar sections.

Love Is... (Track 5) offers another breakup song in the form of an expressive ballad that opens with acoustic guitar and raw vocals. The verses are superb in delivery, with Jong Hyun and Yong Hwa's voices sounding stripped down and vulnerable against guitar chords. The chorus's melody and lyrics, however, veer into cliched territory; the song might be better off doing away with the chorus altogether, save for the final iteration. Curiously, Love Is... sounds more like a Jong Hyun song than a Yong Hwa song.

Jong Hyun's song also sounds like a Jong Hyun song, of course. Sweet, light and acoustic leaning, "Sleepless Night" (Track 4) is more memorable for its refreshing air than its melody. Yong Hwa and Jong Hyun's voices also blend together the best on this song, reminding once again of what a great luxury it is for CNBLUE to have two singer-songwriters with complementary vocals and musical styles.

Can't Stop ends with my pick for the best track of the album, "Like a Child" (Track 6). There's a wondrous, unexpected whimsy to the song's inspiring blend of lyrical and rock sensibilities. Yong Hwa simply nails the vocals on this one – the chorus with the effortless falsetto is a joy to listen to – and the song gets all the details right, from the strings accompaniment to the lovely harmonization.

The timing of Can't Stop is such that it's likely to slide under the radar behind bigger K-pop releases. It shouldn't though, because this is one of CNBLUE's best albums yet.

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