It is indeed unfortunate that S&M entertainment has decided to put together this compilation (one of the greatest moneymaking tactics of record companies). “SM BEST ALBUM”, split into 2 CDs under categories - fast and slow, makes listeners realize how much they are paying for so little creativity. The only consolation is this collection shows that Koreans produce a higher quality of music than mainstream J-pop.
Some of tracks remind you of the 80s - heavy metal, rock, heavy electric (may I add screeching) guitar. Even R&B styles emulate the foundations of R&B in the 80s. Funny that CD2 which contains slow songs is a little more spirited than the fast ones in CD1 which tends towards being dark and dismal. Of course, it has its share of light, chirpy made-for computer game music like Disc 1's track number 10 “Candy” from H.O.T.
Frankly, the boy groups scare me with their androgynous appearances. If you were a K-pop fan, I would say this is value-for-money. If not, steer clear of it!
