Album Reviews

Colbie Caillat

Breakthrough

(Universal Music Korea)

Pop singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat became a breakout star in 2007 with ``Coco,'' an album of lighthearted tunes. Now she's back with a new album ``Breakthrough'' that promises more of the unfailingly cheerful and breezy love songs.

With her sweet and innocent voice singing about love, it almost makes listeners want to fall in love too. Some of the songs may have sugary lyrics, but it never gets annoying. Listeners will love ``Fallin' for You,'' ``Rainbow,'' and ``I Never Told You.'' Caillat worked with singer-songwriters Jason Reeves, Jason Mraz, and American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi on several tracks.

-Cathy Rose A. Garcia

Apollo 18

`The Blue Album'

(GMC/ Estella Records)

Korean indie band Apollo 18 has just released their latest effort ``The Blue Album.'' The band, composed of bassist and vocalist Kim Dae-in, guitarist and vocalist Choi Hyeon-seok, and drummer Lee Sang-yoon, are known for a post-rock and experimental sound.

Apollo 18 opens the album with the haunting sounds of the ocean on ``Pause 02,'' followed by the strong beats of ``High Stepper.'' There's a lot of energy, screaming, wailing and swearing going on in angry, rock songs ``Iridescent Clouds,'' ``Manic Depressive'' and ``Magnolia.''

Boom Boom Satellites

`Exposed'

(SonyBMG)

Japanese duo Boom Boom Satellites recently impressed audiences at Seo Taiji's ETPFEST in Seoul. Often compared to the likes of Prodigy, Underworld and Fat Boy Slim, Boom Boom Satellites' music combines electronica and rock, but with a Japanese flair.

Masayuki Nakano and Michiyuki Kawashima sing in a mix of English and Japanese. Their songs have a strong, distinct sound and offer fast paced energy. Their songs ``Easy Action,'' ``What Goes Round Comes Around,'' ``Morning After'' and ``Shut Up and Explode'' have been used in Japanese films and commercials.