[NEW RELEASES] CN BLUE

CN BLUE, “Can’t Stop”, Label: CJ E&M, Genre: Rock

The four-member rock band CN Blue proves that it’s more than just a pretty boy K-pop group on its fifth mini-album, “Can’t Stop.”

Frontman Jung Yong-hwa, 24, produced five of the six tracks, and guitarist Lee Jong-hyun produced “Sleepless Night.”

After last year’s single “I’m Sorry,” Jung went in another direction with the title track, “Can’t Stop,” by featuring the piano and using fewer electronic sounds.

The men sing of a “Diamond Girl” in their trademark funky rhythm on the second track, while the third, “Cold Love,” carries a hint of nostalgic rock from ’90s ballad tracks. The mini-album is designed to have a plot of its own; after a series of upbeat tracks, the final one, “Like A Child” comforts listeners with its placid and gentle sounds.

Since the band’s 2010 debut album “Bluetory,” the members of CN Blue have enjoyed an uphill trajectory, emerging as all-time entertainers. However, this album makes a definite statement about the band’s rock origins.

By Kim Hee-eun, contributing writer